Following Jesus to a God-focused faith. Find the meaning of your life in the life of Jesus. The author is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Stanley, NC. This book is divided into two parts, God's journey to us, and Our faithful response. It follows Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday with a chapter on each. In one section he analyzes his own preaching, "Did I say what needed saying? Did I preach the Gospel?" After all this he humbly concludes, "I need the touch of Jesus before I can even begin to offer Jesus to others." This is good advice indeed, and we should all heed everyday.
Some may be disturbed to see a quote from Charles Wesley and Pope Pius XI on the same page. Some may also take exception to his mention of Pope Pius XI inaguration of the Feast of Christ as King as the same truth as the Barmen Declaration of Karl Barth.
This book is definitely written from a Methodist perspective, as one would expect from a Methodist minister. This book was dedicated to his father with an honest description of his life, warts and all, but still credits him for what he has become.
Each chapter ends with an Affirmation and, A Confession, and A Discipleship Task, more of a call to action. Some of my Calvinist brothers may structure as a bit ritualistic and limiting, but I think there is something to be learned from this book. The life that Jesus lived on this earth has a lot to teach us, and a book that helps us to practically live out our lives is always helpful.
Definitions of the word origins of Advent, Lent, Epiphany, and Holy Week are included, and why each one has that name. Some may take exception with the ritual aspect, but I see nothing wrong with special emphasis on certain times of the year, as long as sincere worship is encouraged.
Published by Navpress. www.navpress.com
I have been provided with a complimentary copy of this book for review.
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