My new book, Beyond Evangelical, released a week ago. I want to thank all of you who purchased it.
So far, the feedback has been extremely encouraging. I’m glad I made the decision to write and publish it.
Many of you haven’t picked up your copy yet. Someone suggested that some of you may think that the book just repeats previous blog posts. This isn’t the case.
While it contains my entire “beyond evangelical” series, it also includes new chapters that you will not find anywhere else. And to my mind, they are some of the best and most important chapters I’ve written for the book.
In addition, the book cites and quotes large excerpts from Scot McKnight, Roger Olson, N.T. Wright, Mark Noll, Alister McGrath, and many other influential evangelical Christians. Those quotes are worth the price of the book and links to the full articles are included as well.
So the book is a powerful resource, putting loads of related content together in one small space.
If you’re a serious Christian, you can’t afford to be ignorant on what’s happening in Christianity today, and what God appears to be doing among Bible-believing, Jesus-following Christians.
It’s exciting, it’s scary, and it’s fascinating all at the same time.
If you like this blog at all, you’ll definitely enjoy the book. You can think of the book as the souvenir for this blog.
That said, the following is one of my favorite stories from the life of Charles Spurgeon and D.L. Moody. It’s a very short excerpt from Chapter 8 of Beyond Evangelical. That chapter is entitled “Sinning Differently Than Others.”
–
Allegedly, Charles Spurgeon invited D.L. Moody to speak at an event he hosted.
Moody accepted and preached the entire time about the evils of tobacco, and why the Lord doesn’t want Christians to smoke.
Spurgeon, a cigar smoker, was surprised at what seemed to be a cheap shot leveled by Moody, using the pulpit to condemn a fellow minister.
When Moody finished preaching, Spurgeon walked up to the podium and said, “Mr. Moody, I’ll put down my cigars when you put down your fork.”
Moody was overweight.
“Christians get very angry toward other Christians who sin differently than they do.”
~ Philip Yancey
When all else fails Grace abounds in the fullness of Christ Jesus
Classic!
The story makes a great point. I’ve seen many relationships (and I’ve done it too) lost to an attitude of “if you would do _______________ then I would do _________________”?
So true, so true! I have been guilty of this myself. Thanks again Frank for writing Beyond Evangelical!
What a funny story, but while laughing a place in my heart knew how serious this problem is for all of us. Humor is usually built upon a solid reality. Thank you very much, Frank. I hope all who read this post see the depth of your words.
Great story. The world would be a better place if we can trust the Spirit to convict others instead of us being spiritual police. I do believe that the spirit will lead us at times to correct someone, but it will be out from His leading and it would be wrapped in love.
How to Correct Another Believer: http://frankviola.org/2012/05/21/howtocorrectanother/
Glad to see that the current spate of finger-pointing among the members of God’s family is an honored tradition.
That is too funny, but oh so unfortunately true!