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Yesterday, I (and a few thousand other bloggers) reviewed Donald Miller’s new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years—and my friends at Thomas Nelson have generously provided one copy to give away to you.
Want to win a copy? Here’s how you can do it:
- Add your name and email to the Google Doc form or use the form below:
- Tell me a story—Leave a comment telling me why you’d like to read this book. The more entertaining the better.
It’s that simple.
The winner will be selected at random and notified via email to arrange mailing. The winner will also be welcome to review A Million Miles in a Thousand Years for publication here should he or she wish.
The contest closes on Saturday at midnight (EDT), so enter before it’s too late!
Title: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Author: Donald Miller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Donald Miller frustrates me.
He is an incredibly gifted writer. His self-effacing style is charming and engaging; truly, he turns self-deprecation into an art form. It’s rare when you find someone who is not afraid to portray themselves as a bit of a doofus. He understands how to make jokes that are actually funny in print, as well or better than in spoken word.
Yet, I find myself wanting to like his books more than I do. And this is no less true with Miller’s latest book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Donald Miller wants a better story. While co-writing the script for Blue Like Jazz: The Movie, Miller realizes that he’s led a purposeless existence. He’s single, he’s lazy, he’s just kind of… there. So, he sets out on the journey to live a life of purpose… mostly because he wants a good story to tell when he meets God. He worries that after he tells God his story, because he doesn’t have much to show for it, “God will probably sit there looking at me, wondering what to talk about next” (p. 4).
There is much to enjoy in this book. Miller’s response to cousin Carol’s questions about her father’s death is a highlight. He responds initially with an attempt at comfort that goes nowhere. Later that night, he pictured his uncle in heaven, “sitting at a table and there was a celebration. There was dancing and bottles of wine, and there was music. I could see him at a wedding, and I realized that’s what I should have told Carol, that her dad was at a wedding” (p. 38). This is a great image of what heaven will be like, drawing on the imagery of Revelation, and, legitimately, a great response to the question. Read the rest of this entry »
The bulk of last week was devoted to creating a definition of the Church. After looking at church discipline within the community of disciples, leadership and preaching, and serving & the sacraments, we’ve gotten to this definition:
A Church is a community of disciples led by biblically qualified men who preach and teach God’s Word, who are equipped to do ministry, using their spiritual gifts for the benefit of others; who regularly practice the sacraments of communion and baptism; who practice church discipline as guided by the teaching of Scripture, under the authority of Jesus Christ.
While this is an adequate definition, there’s one thing missing—Prayer.
And the Church is to pray unceasingly.
First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us that we are to, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
It is the will of God that we rejoice always, in all circumstances. To give thanks in all circumstances. And so we pray in all circumstances; we “pray without ceasing,” as Paul wrote.
So what does that look like? Read the rest of this entry »
Ray Ortland: My church or the Kingdom?
Pastor Ray Ortland responds to those who believe their passion is for the Kingdom and not for the church. His point is that while it sounds very noble, it’s ultimately destructive:
Suppose I said, “My passion isn’t to build up my marriage. My passion is for Marriage. I want the institution of Marriage to be revered again. I’ll work for that. I’ll pray for that. I’ll sacrifice for that. But don’t expect me to hunker down in the humble daily realities of building a great marriage with my wife Jani. I’m aiming at something grander.”
If I said that, would you think, “Wow, Ray is so committed”? Or would you wonder if I had lost my mind?
If you care about the Kingdom, be the kind of person who can be counted on in your own church. Join your church, pray for your church, tithe to your church, participate in your church every Sunday with wholehearted passion.
We build great churches the same way we build great marriages — real commitment that makes a positive difference every day.
HT JT
Derek Thomas: Falling in Love with the Church–again
Over at Reformation 21, Derek Thomas writes on why he believes it’s wrong to not love the church and right to love to be a part of her:
Something is terribly wrong when professing Christians do not identify with the church and love being a part of her. Something is wrong when professing Christians fail to be passionate about every aspect of the church and long to invest themselves in her, taking all that the church represents and does to heart. Listen, for example, to the way Paul instructs the Ephesians: “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:25-27).
HT Challies
In case you missed it: Defining the Church
I’ve spent the bulk of this week working on a definition of the church over the course of three posts:
Where two or three are gathered, addressing church discipline within a community of disciples
God likes Leaders and Preaching, on the authority structure put in place by God
Serving and Celebrating Jesus, looking at how we use our gifts to serve one another and glorify Jesus, and the practice of communion and baptism
The Puritan emphasises the spirituality of worship; the Anglican emphasises the formal aspect of worship, and is more interested in the mechanics of worship. The Puritan is interested in fellowship, the Anglican is more individualistic. The gathered church is at the heart of the Puritan idea – the fellowship; the Anglican is more individualistic. Puritans believed also in the ferreting out of sin and a rigid church discipline; the Anglican tends to be content with an outward conformity.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors, p. 257 (as quoted in H. Rondel Rumburg, William Bridge: The Puritan of the Congregational Way, p. 26)
Over the last couple days, I’ve been working on a definition of the church. After looking at church discipline and leadership within a community of believers, we’ve come to the following definition:
A Church is a community of disciples led by biblically qualified men who preach and teach God’s Word, who practice church discipline as guided by the teaching of Scripture, under the authority of Jesus Christ.
Now there are still a couple of significant gaps in this definition, that we’ll address today:
Serving (exercising gifts), The Sacraments (Baptism and Communion).
Reading 1 Peter, I came across this passage:
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Pet 4:7-11).
Peter says in this passage that each true believer has received a gift from God—a spiritual gift. This gift (or gifts) are given for the purpose of serving one another, and by extension our communities, so that God would be glorified. None of us is given whatever gift we have to boast in that gift and hoard it for ourselves.
We are to do what we do to the glory of God, by His power and authority. Whether it’s music, writing, speaking, hospitality, greeting, intercessory prayer, encouragement… Whatever you’re passionate about, whatever you’re great at, in whatever way God’s gifted you, that is to be used to benefit others. Read the rest of this entry »
Yesterday I started working on a definition of the church. After working through a popular passage that’s gained a popular understanding as being about fellowship, we came to the following partial definition:
A church is a community of disciples who practice church discipline, guided by the teaching of Scripture, under the authority of Jesus Christ.
Because it’s incomplete, let’s take a look at another couple aspects that will flesh out this definition:
Leadership and Preaching.
Leadership is not popular—and yet a lot of people kind of want to be one. A great many of us (including yours truly) have authority issues… unless we’re the folks in authority. There are also other folks who simply refuse to submit to any authority whatsoever; who want a “flat” church where ever opinion is equally valid and valuable and no one can really hold you accountable for any sin.
But did you know God really likes leaders? He likes authority in His Church, shepherding His people into holiness.
And He gave them to us as a gift.
Check out Ephesians 4:11-14: Read the rest of this entry »
How would you define a church?
There are a lot of ways that people try to define the church, but one of the most common today has been in reference to Matthew 18:20:
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
This verse has kind of taken on an interesting meaning over the years. As I alluded to a moment ago, these days it’s most common application is as a definition for fellowship with other believers—which for some is the all encompassing definition of the church. Were this the case, it could be safely argued that two Christians going out for a beer & chicken wings and having a conversation about their personal reading is “church.”
However, this is not the case.
While it’s true that where two or three are gathered, Christ is with them… it’s not a definition of “church.”
It is, however, an aspect of church discipline.
A crucial element of being a church, however you define it, is the practice of church discipline; meaning that we do not excuse ongoing, unrepentant sin in the lives of fellow believers. Read the rest of this entry »
Picking up on some themes from my last post, I’ve been thinking about the idea of “lone wolf” Christians; folks who live the “it’s just me and Jesus” mantra.
The folks who like Jesus—but they don’t like His Church.
In thinking about it, I see the appeal to some degree.
I’m not someone who particularly enjoys spending a great deal of time in groups of people. I get drained easily. I get frustrated with other people when they don’t get it, whatever “it” happens to be.
But I look at it and what really tempts me most about it is…
It appeals to my sense of pride.
Something I’ve been continuing to learn about me is that I’m an extremely prideful person. I generally prefer to think that I’m the smartest kid on the block, and am tempted to think that I don’t need to listen to the counsel of others.
And every time I start getting into those patterns, I get a swift kick in the behind.
That is why I believe Jesus calls all of His people to be a part of His Church. From my own experience, when I’m disconnected from others, I begin acting as though the world revolves around me and I become my own functional savior.
And it’s ridiculous when I do this, because I’m a laughable “god.”
Being part of the local expression of His church, flaws and all, reminds me that it’s not just about me and my “needs” (which usually are just preferences). That there are men who are much wiser and more mature in the faith than I, to whom I would do well to listen. Indeed, Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” That there are also people who can benefit from the few experiences I’ve had as a believer, as I humble myself to actually serve them and not see them as a source of frustration.
But if I were to go it alone, I’d miss out on a crucial part of the Christian life.
And that, to me, is tragic.
Questions to consider:
If you are one who prefers to go it alone—if you like Jesus, but not His Church—how has this impacted your spiritual life? In lone-wolfing it, in what ways have you grown more like Christ?
What prevents you from joyfully being a part of a local church?
The last couple of weeks have been a bit hectic in the Armstrong house. A very enjoyable trip to Grand Bend with my in-laws over the Labor Day weekend, followed by a visit to my Dad the following Sunday for our annual family birthday (my Dad, sister, niece and I have birthdays within a couple weeks of each other—it can make celebrating a bit overwhelming).
Because of all the traveling, there was one thing we were unable to do: Go to our local church and worship together with the people there. As much fun and valuable as our time with our relatives was, we were missing a very important part of our lives.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
This time reminded us just how much we love going to church (the institution) to be part of the church (the body of Christ). I know that there’s a lot of folks out there who might lose their minds even reading that statement, but we have to remember: The church is both Christ’s body and Christ’s institution.
He will build the institution who is His body and His bride.
So we, the body of believers, come together to worship God the Father through God the Son by the power of God the Holy Spirit, through the reading of Scripture, the preaching of the Bible (by a biblically-qualified male elder), the singing of songs…
There’s something incredibly powerful in it, if you’re a Christian. Something beautiful, even.
And it’s something completely different from any other interaction and activity in our lives. It’s not something that happens when I’m at the office of my Christian workplace talking about Jesus with my coworkers. It’s not something that happens when I’m having lunch or coffee with one of the guys I mentor.
It’s something that only happens when the larger congregation comes together, to worship God together.
It’s a preview of heaven.
And why would anyone who is a Christian want to neglect that?
Why would any of us willingly desire to disconnect ourselves from the very thing that is meant to stir us to love and good works? To encourage each other as we wait patiently for Christ’s return—when the preview ends and the new heaven and the new earth begin and we join the wedding supper of the Lamb?
I look forward to that day.
In the meantime, I will enjoy the preview.
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