Religion Saves by Mark Driscoll

I guess I've been living under a rock, because I'd never even heard of Mark Driscoll until my friend Lisa reviewed Death by Love: Letters from the Cross (I can't find Lisa's link...sorry!). Who knew Driscoll is so controverisal? I certainly did not, and was eager to read his newest release, Religion Saves + Nine Other Misconceptions.

I have to admit, I haven't had time to finish the book. It's not a quick, easy easy read. Driscoll tackles the topics of birth control, humor, grace, predestination, and dating - among others - in what I understand has become his trademark bold and blunt style. I can definitely understand why he's causing such a stir among well-known Christians. To be perfectly honest, I was shocked by Driscoll's candor.

Driscoll uses a great deal of Scripture to support his responses to the most popular questions asked by his own congregation. Given the subject matter and the recent criticism leveled at Driscoll's stance on some issues, I feel I need to read with my Bible in hand so as not to be swayed by Driscoll, his supporters or his critics. Rather, I want to rely on the whole counsel of God.

Religion Saves has caused me to think deeper, ponder Scripture more carefully, and examine my own beliefs. That alone makes it a book worth reading.

Interested in what others are saying about this book? Click here to read more.

Around the House: July

Enjoying:

~Curling up under the covers with Rebecca. I'm reading it for the Classics Bookclub on August 4th. (Join us, won't you?). Last night, the creepy Mrs. Danvers gave me chills. I don't usually read Gothic fiction, but this book got me started.

~Some gorgeous summer weather lately. Temps have been bearable, and humidity has been low. That's my kind of July!

~Fresh grown tomatoes and cucumbers from our garden. My thumb is most definitely black, but I married a regular Farmer Jack (and I didn't even mean to rhyme!).

Looking forward to:

~Teaching the youth tomorrow night. Our youth director has started a series based on John MacArthur's book Twelve Ordinary Men. I'm teaching on Andrew, who has taught me a great deal.

~Meeting Lisa this weekend. There was NO WAY I was letting that girl get within two hours of me and NOT arrange a MIRL! I'm thinking it will involve lots of laughter and Starbucks.

~Some changes in my service to the Lord. R and I are both teaching Sr. High Youth Sunday School (he, the boys; me, the girls) starting in September. I'm also feeling drawn to a former ministry, and looking forward to a new opportunity. More to come on that later.

Thinking about:

~Making some changes (big and small) around the house. Having to completely gut our bathroom and closet has given me the itch to do more, as the budget will allow.

~How desperately my life needs more organization, yet how unmotivated I am to do anything about it right now.

~The big, huge, enormous apology I owe to the Seeking Him Together Bible Study group for letting things slide lately. I'm seriously hanging my head in shame.

~My cute man on the sofa...so I'm outta here!

Breaking the Silence

How was your trip?

For the past 12 days, I've been fielding some variation of this question.

For the past 12 days, I've had a difficult time finding the answer.

I've spoken so little of my journey to Peru that people might wonder if it meant anything to me at all. In truth, those 10 days of my life meant more than just about anything I've ever experienced. I feel a little of how I imagine Mary did after Jesus was born. While others around her were glorifying and praising God, Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19, ESV). Not that I've come close to giving birth to the Savior, but I did spend nearly a year preparing for this mission trip. I looked forward to it, talked about it practically non-stop, and prayed about the work God would accomplish in and through me.

And now it's done.

And there are no words that can possibly explain how God has changed my life irrevocably.

And yet somehow I will try.