TRUTHFUL
CONVERSATIONS

Jerry Jenkins has written a book entitled, “As Good as She Imagined.” The book is about Christina-Taylor Green, the nine year old girl who was killed in the shooting that wounded U.S. Representative Gabby Gifford. Jerry co-wrote the book with Christina-Taylor’s mother, Roxanna, and he and Roxanna were interviewed this morning (2/3) on Morning Joe on MSNBC.

The interview is honest and sometimes difficult. I was moved by Roxanna’s faith and deeply appreciated Jerry’s response about the hope we have in Christ in tough times.  He didn’t down play the hurt or the senseless nature of her death, but spoke with quiet confidence about the difference that faith makes. Jerry and I have become friends (OK, I hung out with him at a writing conference and we have exchanged a few phone calls and emails. By Nashville name dropping standards that practically makes us family…) Anyway, I have a profound respect for Jerry’s commitment to the arts (writing and movies) in the service of the gospel.

Watch the interview online - It’s worth a few minutes of your time.

I am asked a lot about what books I am reading and usually I am reading three or four at a time.  I’m reading, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain.  (By the way, I am an introvert. Does that surprise you? More on that in another blog). I am reading a collection of short stories by Don DeLillo and You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman.

One that I have just finished is by Scot McKnight entitled, The King Jesus Gospel. Scot is a professor of religious studies at North Park University and has become a good friend to me over the past few years. He is a very dedicated scholar and prolific author of many books on New Testament subjects.

The King Jesus Gospel is written to confront a problem within the evangelical church. According to McKnight, we have been preaching a shortened version of the gospel that has ended up shaping an entire culture. This misunderstood gospel is also deconstructing the church in North America.

McKnight makes the case that, in our effort to win converts, we have shortened the gospel to an overly simple “plan of salvation.” People are given three or four steps to take, three or four sentences to repeat and this is what passes for conversion these days.

What is left out is the rest of the story. The story is of how God promises Abraham that through Him, all the world will be blessed. Of how Israel, chosen people of God, were heirs to these promises and how Christ is the culmination of all God promised to His people.  This grand story is of how God has worked across history, coming to its glorious climax in the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And how, still keeping His promises, God will continue His work until, at the time of Christ’s return, all of creation will be restored to God’s original vision.

By preaching this small gospel, Christians have been allowed and even encouraged, to live small lives. Their faith becomes something that’s just between them and Jesus. We lose sight that, in Christ, we are part of a big and glorious story God is writing across history. We don’t understand we are part of the grand finale of history. We end up just thankful God rescued us never fully understanding that God intends to rescue every one. Once rescued, we are then part of the rescue team. What gives us hope against so much despair? The Big Story of Jesus!

Our churches begin to shrink in the scope of their ministry and vision. The early church took on the Roman Empire. The church in 21st North America no longer believes it has the power or the authority to address the demonic systems of our culture that enslave people and destroy lives. Why? We have been preaching and living a little gospel.

I found McKnight’s book to be challenging to my own preaching and thinking. I have been guilty of preaching this “little gospel” because, well, it’s how I make my living. I have rethought some things and I am committed to living the Big Story of Jesus, Promise of God, Conqueror of Death, and the King whose kingdom will never end. God is writing a big story and we’re all invited to be part of it.  So, find your place and live large—pray large, preach large, serve large — as anyone in a big story must.

Pick up McKnight’s book. It a small one, but it’s got a big message.

And check out Scot’s blog too…

Charles Lyons pastors Armitage Baptist Church in a tough area of Chicago. He is deeply committed to reaching that city for Christ. I met him a few years ago when we were beginning our missions partnership in Chicago, and I have been following him since.  I found that this article challenged me to think about the people I was “running by” during my day. Check it out…

“No Barrier” by Charles Lyons

Think about it. Who do you run by during your day that you might be prompted to speak to?

Hebrews 1:5 – 2:18