Primal by Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson is one of the current crop of young and innovative pastors who are not only seeing the Kingdom grow where they serve, but are also helping other churches by writing books to equip, enlighten, and encourage. As pastor of NCC in Washington DC, he has seen God grow a congregation from 25 to several thousand over the past few years. NCC is making an impact there, and around the world as they reach out on mission. Mark has written two other books - "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" and "Wild Goose Chase".

Primal contains everything that readers have grown to expect from Mark.

There's a clear focus and articulation of what he wants to achieve with the book. There are lots of references from other disciplines, particularly science and medicine. And there are stories about people and how God has worked in their lives. If I have a beef with Mark, it's that he shares more of the references than he needs too. Yes, it's fascinating stuff - how the brain works, how much blood the body pumps,etc. But the material he's sharing is better. Having to slow down and digest the scientific tidbits hurts the flow. But I'll tell you this - I wouldn't ever play trivia against Mark. :)

That's not to say that anything about Primal is trivial. His call for a new reformation centered on love for God is right on track. The way he gets the reader to that conclusion winds through chapters that pose challenges to the heart, soul, and mind. He does it in a vibrant and accessible way. I can see this book providing great discussion for small groups and real value for personal spiritual growth.

There have been quite a few books this year I have recommended to people in my church. It's late in the year now, but Primal has to get added to the list. I managed to get a copy free from the publisher so I could review it, but go buy a copy. It's worth the bucks and the time.

If Your Bible Study Seems Dry...

Life in the 21st century races by. The devices we count on to keep us connected succeed in separating us at times from what we need the most - the refreshing time spent with the Holy Spirit in silence. Over and over again we read about the ancients meditating on God's Word. Today we celebrate speed readers.

I like what Mark Batterson wrote this week:

Reading results in one-dimensional knowledge.
Meditating results in two-dimensional revelation.
Obedience results in three-dimensional faith.

In our haste, sometimes we leave out the vital time spent in walking around with the Spirit and digesting the truth of God's Word. I know in my case I have always felt more in command of the material on Sunday if I allowed the text time to "percolate" within my soul.

So if your Bible study seems dry, take time and let it "soak in the Spirit."

- David

Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson

Click here to go to Amazon to purchase a copy.

There are very few books I can say that I will always have around somewhere in my library or where I know I can find it. Few books rise to that level for me. There are a lot of books that are helpful, some that are inspiring, and occasionally one comes across that is all three. Wild Goose Chase is all that.

Batterson takes the reader into a whirlwind of self examination from the point of view of a Christianity that is not safe, but to paraphrase C.S. Lewis - but it is good. He deconstructs what many people see Christianity is - a train station you wait at on your way to heaven - an exposes a risk filled, passion driven, raw and adventure filled life.

Other writers have gone there, Erwin McManus' "Chasing Daylight" for example. But while I found McManus' prose to be difficult at times, Batterson is accessible. This is not a book for pastors to hoard, but one that can plant Holy Spirit seeds of another way of living in hearts of any believer willing to read and listen.

Mark has also created a website Chasethegoose.com where visitors can learn more and get information on how to find a set of life goals that would honor God and give them the life worth living. Excerpts of the book are also available. Tell me what you like about the book and its message. I'll randomize the comments and award one of the commenters a copy of Wild Goose Chase.

Highly recommended for personal reflection, for small group use, or as the basis of a sermon series. "Wild Goose Chase" gets five cats. :)

Going on a "Wild Goose Chase"

Just received two copies of Wild Goose Chase, the new book from Mark Batterson. After reading his first book "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day", I am sure that as that one was, "Wild Goose Chase" will be challenging. Mark has begun posting excerpts on his blog. I'm going to review the book in the next couple of days and will be giving away a copy of the book to a commenter on that review or other "Wild Goose" posts.

What is most lacking in the church of Jesus Christ is not education or resources. Keep learning, but we are educated way beyond the level of our obedience. And keep giving, but we do not lack the resources to alleviate poverty or fight injustice or spread the gospel. We are the most resourced church in the most resourced country the world has ever known. You what is most lacking? Good old-fashioned guts.

The will of God is not an insurance plan. It's a daring plan. And more often than not, the will of God will involve a decision that seems unsafe or insane. Dare I suggest that the twenty-first century church needs more daring people with daring plans?

In the words of a daring twentieth century missionary, C.T. Studd: "Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell."

The church needs more Studds! And you can quote me on that.

I'd buy the book just for this quote alone "we are educated way beyond the level of our obedience."

Amen!