Chuck Colson's new book, The Faith, is an excellent call to all in the church to take seriously the importance of knowing what we believe, why we believe it in order to know why it makes such a big difference for us and the world.
The world has changed. We are told that there is no longer an "objective truth," only several subjective truths, none of which can be said to be ultimate. The larger institutional church has seen this subjectivism introduced into its theology. Now, we are told, God speaks in a new way, old "dogma" is criticized and a new age has dawned. Now, we are told, it doesn't matter what you believe, just believe it strongly and you'll be fine. After all (this LIE continues) all paths lead to God.
This lie that is being proclaimed by many, could not come at worse time for the Church. Colson says "most Christians do not understand what they believe, why they believe it, and why it matters. How can a Christianity that is not understood be practiced? And how can it [our Faith] be presented in its true character as peace, freedom and joy? How are skeptics to understand Christianity's positive aspects?" I might add, and how can the world come to know that God is loving and forgiving, if we don't even know what the faith is, let alone practice it?
The challenge is enormous and it begins with each of us. The Bible is God's infallible, inspired Word. It is where the objective truth of God's righteousness is found. Reading the Bible is an important part of any disciple's life. Not just reading it on Sunday either, but reading it daily, systematically and prayerfully. In God's Word is found Truth. In God's Word is found Hope. In God's Word is found transformation from a world lived according to a person's individual agenda [sin] to a life lived according to God's agenda.
Colson concludes his book reminding his readers that Christians are too often wrongly described by the media and others as trying to "impose" our faith on others. This could not be more off base. Instead "Christianity does not seek to impose, it proposes. The Gospel is the great proposal: Come to the wedding feast, one and all; black, white, rich, poor, East, West, Muslim, Jew, Christian- all are welcome. God turns no man or woman away, not one. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Father brings us into His Kingodm. This is the promise He holds out to individuals and nations alike, a Kingdom no of eating and drinking or of marching armies and clashing swords, but a Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy forever in the Holy Spirit."
What a privilege it is to live during this time. Let us take the mantle of Truth, live into it ourselves, and proclaim that to the world that Jesus lives! He lives!!

It's been several days since I travelled to the Fellowship of the Woodlands to attend the annual Leadership Summit. This summit is put on by the Willowcreek Association of Churches, of which COTHA is a member. The association partners churches who are dedicated to living into the Great Commission to make disciples. The summit is always a highlight of my leadership formation each year.
I was expecting something good again this year but instead I was simply blown away by the giftedness of the teaching and the examples of Godly leadership exhibited by the "faculty." The teachings were anointed as I found myself being profoundly challenged to ask God to "bring it on!" The bar was set high at this conference and I pray that I will seek to make it over that bar and become an even better leader, seeking to do the impossible. With God, the impossible becomes the possible.
I was also moved to see how many other leaders were gathered for this summit. We were part of group connected by satellite with others around the country and around the globe. Knowing that God is moving in His church in such a profound way is inspiring.
We were represented by many of our leaders from COTHA and I know I wasn't the only one inspired. My prayer is that God will take us deeper this year as we seek to become a "Great Church"... or as someone said at our leadership luncheon this past Sunday, a "Phenomenal Church!"