I recently heard on a podcast that the city of Antakya in Turkey has been virtually destroyed in the earthquakes that have devastated that area in recent months. This city is known to many as Antioch, an important city in the advancement of the gospel. In Acts 11:26 we read that it was there in Antioch that believers were first called Christians. The name stuck and today there are over 2 billion people that call themselves Christians!
As you can imagine, over time, the way that people identify as being Christian has evolved and changed. For some, that means attending church on Sunday. For others it is a part of their tradition or upbringing. For the early believers, the ones we read about it the New Testament, it was a radical way of life that often meant persecution and martyrdom. In America that is a hard thing for us to grasp. So, what does it actually mean to be a follower of Christ? What are the beliefs of one who professes Christianity?
They Turned the World Upside Down and Another Gospel are two books that take a good look at what I would call Historic Christianity vs Progressive Christianity. In They Turned the World Upside Down, Charles Martin explores the lives of the first disciples and the gospel that they embraced to the point of being willing to die for it. They led lives of such radical obedience to God that the impact was intense and far-reaching. Martin is a storyteller and I love the way that his book beautifully describes faith in Jesus Christ as personal, transformative and bold. He emphasizes studying God's Word, following the Holy Spirit, and complete obedience to Jesus as Lord.
In Another Gospel, Alisa Childers tells her own story of encountering and wrestling with the ideals of Progressive Christianity. Her journey is eye-opening and brings to light an alarming trend in America toward a brand of Christianity that re-interprets Scripture and promotes an alternate view of sin and truth. I appreciate Childers candidness in sharing her story and she seems to have really done her research. I gained a lot of insight into Progressive Christianity and reading this book led me to dig deeper into scripture and examine my own Christian beliefs.
Both books are great if you are looking to examine your faith and really, truly know what you believe about the Gospel. As an added bonus, both authors read their own book for the audio format. I love it when a book is read by the author! There is an added element of authenticity! As always, reach out for discussion!
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