As a pastor, church planter, evangelist, and denominational leader, Shane Pruit has seen and heard from Christians in all walks of life and stages of maturity. Along the way, he's learned that some things Christians say and believe are flat wrong. In his book 9 Common Lies Christians Believe, with wit and grace he disabuses his readers of notions that they may have been holding on to.
Each chapter introduces one of the nine ideas, discusses the impact these ideas have on the way we live and believe, and offers a right way of thinking about each flawed idea. For example, how many times have you heard, when someone passes away, "God gained another angel." A nice sentiment (I guess), but Pruitt points out that angels and humans are different by nature, and that "it's actually better for you to be human than to be an angel." When someone dies, a better note of comfort is that "God does not gain another angel. Rather, God calls another worshipper to come home."
In another encouraging chapter, Pruitt challenges the notion that some people never change. He writes, "No one is too far gone. There is no human still alive who is outside the possible reach of God's forgiving and transforming grace." I need this reminder all the time. It's easy for me to dismiss people without remembering that everyone is in need of a savior and the the power of the gospel can transform even the most hardened sinner (or annoying neighbor).
As Pruitt runs through his list of nine lies, there are probably some that you never have believed. I would bet there are some that you have, unconsciously if not consciously. And I'm certain that people sitting in the pews around you each week embrace some of these. With love and a pastor's heart, Pruitt points us in the right direction, reminding us to be sure that what we believe is in line with scripture.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
No comments:
Post a Comment