Lost and Found is the first book by Ed Stetzer that I’ve read. I’m a big fan of Ed’s work, both for Lifeway and as a leading missiologist. He is (was?) on the board of the Acts 29 Network and has spoken at many of their events. I was pretty excited to read this book based on all of that.

I have to say, I was a little disappointed. Much of the book was data about what the younger unchurched like and don’t like and the case studies of churches who are “reaching the lost” were nothing new, at least for me. This, like Young, Restless, and Reformed, are good books to bring people up-to-speed, but for people who are already reading lots about being “missional”, this book may not be very helpful.

Quotes

Establishing Depth in churches (p 103)

• Teach the entire Bible, even the difficult setions.
• Foster discussion in Bible study and teaching.
• Addres tough topics and answer difficult questions.
• Do not be afraid to say, “I don’t know!”
• Empower everyone to look for answers.
• Place a priority on Scripture memorization.
• Distrubite the responsibility of spiritual growth to both leaders and learners.
• Provide opportunities to learn about worldview and other religions.
• Make apologetics a priority.
• Provide exegetical Bible teaching.
• Sing theologically sound music.
• Promote life application to Scripture.
• Establish climates of honesty and openness.
• Provide multipel Bible Study options per week.
• Encourage examination.
• Pray.

However, our opportunity as Christ followers goes far beyond any physical acts or humanitarian relief. We have something that not only addresses physical needs, but it addresses our spiritual and emotional needs as well. We have the writte, spoken, andliving gospel. Jesus Christ is the hope of the world! This is something we cannot lost sight of in our efforts regarding social responsibility. If it were not for His atoning work on the cross, this world would be empty and void of what so many are despareately seeking. Put simply, concepts of grace and mercy would be obsolete if it were not for our Savior who originally modeled them. (p 114)

Jesus made an impact while He was on earth, and others followed Him to do the same. He led a movement to change lives and change the world. And this One, the only One who is fully God and fully man, did it by leading with transparency.

In part, transparency has to do with being open and honest, but it is more than that. It involves being open and honest with a purpose – a purpose that is redemptive and developmental, a purpose that allows the light to shine through who you really are so that others are impacted in positive ways. (p 210)

I received a copy of Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists at the Magnifying God converence at University Reformed Church in East Lansing. The book is a very easy read and an enjoyable one. I knew many of the stories from reading blogs, but it was still an entertaining read. 

Quotes

Humanly speaking, God’s sovereignty seems to threaten human responsibility. But Scripture affirms both truths. Even when we don’t understand, we can thank God that he does not limit himself according to our understanding. God gives Christians all the motivation they need to share their faith. We evangelize for God and his glory, out of love for our neighbors. We have confidence because there is no greater evangelist than the Holy Spirit (page 88)

At its best, Calvinish makes a differnece. Transcendence doesn’t just give Christians an excuse to sing songs that mention “glory” in ever other verse. The transcendent God inspires fear and trembling. He demands holiness, but not without offering his Son as a sacrifice for our sings and sending his Holy Spirit to comfort us. Scripture refuses to condone any response but humility. 

As it did for the apostle Paul, humility should engender action. God goes before us. What greater comfort in evangelism could there be, what greater hope for social justice?