January 19, 2005

Show Time

Amanda Witt has a review of the new book from Christian blogger Tod Bolsinger, the excellent Show Time: Living Down Hypocrisy By Living Out The Faith.

Sometimes we understand what we ought to do; we just don't do it. In Show Time: Living Down Hypocrisy by Living Out the Faith, Tod Bolsinger analyzes 2 Peter to help readers make the shift from knowing Christ's teachings to living them.

As the title suggests, this is a serious issue: We make it difficult for unbelievers to come to Christ when we don't live out Christ's commands. That's irresponsible, and it's not true faith--for faith is not, as Bolsinger puts it, a "get out of hell free card." Faith is "not something you have; it's something you do"--not by yourself, but with God's constant guidance and help, and with the help of fellow Christians.

All this is hard--and accurate--teaching. Bolsinger looks carefully at the scriptures, explains them when necessary with brief and painless Greek lessons, and applies them to everyday life through numerous entertaining or enlightening anecdotes ranging from frogs to suicidal friends. When he says Christ should permeate our lives, he means it.

Going to church isn't just about going to feel good about yourself or hanging out with friends or building altars to God...it's a lot more than that. Yes...you have to focus on growing yourself spiritually, but at the same time, you need to focus outward and help those in need.

It's my belief that a big part of a church's mission to seek out and help the poor, the downtrodden, the orphans and the widows. It doesn't matter if it's around the world or even down the street. It's a big part of a church's mission that many churches miss out on...and sometimes downright ignore. Perhaps they think that it should be the government's job? Guess what...it's not!