Mark Conner Spirituality

Prayer and Fasting (June 2013) – Day 12

FastToday's theme is JESUS CHRIST.

Read Colossians 2.

* Pray for a fresh revelation of Christ in your
own life (Col.2:1-10). Pray that you would know Him better and more intimately – that you would know his heart and mind. Jesus calls us to be his friends.

* Pray that God would expose any idols in your
life – things that have come between you and God as your ultimate priority in
life. Pray that your heart would love God more than anything else and that you would find your deepest joy and meaning in Him.

* Pray that Jesus’ name will be exalted and held
in honour in our city (Acts 19:17). Pray for favour for the churches and the there will continue to be freedom to share the good news about Jesus Christ. 

Mark Conner Spirituality, Theology

Freedom in Christ

FreeJesus ministry had three major components
(Luke 4:14-5:26): Teaching, healing and setting people free from spiritual
bondage. Jesus confronted demonic powers and freed people from their influence
(Luke 4:31-37, 41). The early church carried on the ministry of Jesus as the
apostles focused on these same three areas of ministry (Acts 5:12-16). We
should do the same – go about doing good, teaching, healing, and helping people
find freedom from the work of the enemy. The result will be many people being
set free and added to the kingdom of God.

Christians cannot be “demon possessed”, as
God owns us. However, demons can influence Christians both in the form of
various attacks (oppression, affliction, torment, etc) and if we give them a
“foothold” through various access points (see Eph.4:26-27). Paul tells us not
to give place to the devil, which means it’s obviously possible. If we give
place to the devil, we can give demonic spirits the opportunity to have a
negative influence on aspects of our lives. At times people have to be loosed
or set free from this kind of demonic involvement.

Four Possible “Access Points” for Demonic
Influence:

1. Lack of Forgiveness – Hurts are unhealed wounds from the past that may come from things
such as abuse, rejection and unresolved conflicts. Unless we forgive those who
have hurt us, we can open ourselves up to spiritual “torment” (Mt.18:34-35.
Eph.4:27).

2. Involvement in the Occult – Involvement in things such as the occult and false religion can open us
up to the influence of the evil one and therefore need to be renounced (Deut.18:9-14.
Acts 19:18-20).

3. Negative Generational
Influences – The affect of sins from previous
generations can influence us if they are not renounced (Ex.20:5-6. Neh.1:6. John
9:2. 2 Cor.5:17). This does not take away personal responsibility and we can
begin a new godly generation through appropriating the work of Jesus on the
cross.

4. Unrepentant Sin – Unless we confess and turn from our sin (“repent”), it can give the
enemy an opportunity to take advantage of us (Eph.2:1-2. Prov.28:13. Luke 22:3.
Acts 5:1-6. 1 John 1:9-10).

Thankfully, full victory over every work of
the enemy is available to us in Christ (Jas.4:7. Rom.16:20. 1 Pet.5:8-9. 1 John
4:4). Jesus Christ came to set us free from every chain and bondage (Luke
4:16-21. John 3:32, 36. 2Cor.3:17. Acts 10:38).

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you think there is too much or too little emphasis on the demonic by churches today?

2. Do you know of anyone that has
been influenced by demons?

3. Paul warns us not to give the
devil a “foothold” (Eph.4:27). Consider the four possible “access points” to the
enemy shared in this message and consider any others .

4. In many ways, demons are
like flies in that they’re attracted to wounds and garbage. Instead of just
swatting at the flies and causing quite a commotion, it is wiser and more
effective to help bring healing to the wound and to remove any garbage that may
be attracting them. Dealing with symptoms without getting to the root cause
will not be helpful. Spend some time reflecting on this “word picture” and the
balanced approach it implies in this area of ministry.  Prayer ministry is not as an isolated or
stand-alone ministry that is the cure-all for everything, but part of a wider
approach to ministering wholeness to people’s lives.

5. Below are the prayers that
we said publicly as a congregation. Read them out loud them and maybe have some time
praying over them again and applying personally as appropriate. The objective is to deal with anything in our
lives that may be hindering our walk with God and thereby give no opportunity
for the devil to negatively influence us (John 10:10). Obviously, this must be
an ongoing action and not just a one-off event (read Eph.6:10-18. 2Cor.2:11).

Prayers of Freedom

Salvation
– “Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me so much
that you sent Jesus to die for my sin. Please forgive me for everything I have
done wrong. Fill me with your Spirit, Make me your child. I will live for you.
I will serve you all the days of my life. And when my life is over, I know I
will spend eternity with you. Amen.”

Forgiveness
– “Father God, I
admit that other people have hurt me through their words and actions. Today I
choose to let go of all anger, bitterness and resentment. Thank you for
forgiving me. By an act of my will, I now choose to forgive those who have hurt
or offended me and I let go of any desire to hurt them back. Help me to show
them the love and mercy you have shown me. Amen.”

The
Occult – “Heavenly Father, I renounce all
involvement in the occult, in various cults or in false religion. I renounce
any group, practice or belief that does not glorify Jesus. I confess Jesus
Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I claim the release and freedom promised by
Jesus Christ. The past is dealt with. My future is assured. Today, I will enjoy
the abundant life that is available to me in Christ. Thank you for your
righteousness, your peace and your joy. Amen.”

Negative
Generational Influences – “Father God, I confess and renounce every sin that my parents or my
ancestors may have committed which has influenced my life, and I ask for
forgiveness and cleansing. In the name of Jesus I break every curse or sinful
tendency that may have been passed on to me from my family or previous
generations. I am now ‘in Christ’ and I have begun a new generation. I thank
you that Jesus took every curse for me on the cross of Calvary. He died and
then rose again so that I might be completely set free. Amen.”

Unrepentant
Sin – “Heavenly
Father, I repent of every sin, wrong action or attitude. Thank you that every
sin is completely forgiven and thoroughly cleansed by the blood of Jesus. I now
choose to forgive myself for the things you have forgiven me for. I turn from
my sin. Give me discernment to recognise temptation when it comes and the
strength to resist it. I now declare that Satan has no
foothold in my life. I am free in Christ! Help me to live in that freedom. Amen.” 

May we walk in the freedom Jesus won for us two thousand years ago! 

Mark Conner Spirituality

Experiencing God

Experience_icon_transparentOur mission as a church is to “raise up fervent followers of Jesus Christ who will reach out and impact communities, cities and nations for the kingdom of God.” A “fervent follower” is someone who experiences God, engages with others, equips themselves and others, and expresses their life purpose. This is all about being and making disciples – something that God is doing all around the world. As we continue to rally together around this focus and align our efforts toward it, God will bless us beyond our expectation.

Experiencing God

Whenever Paul communicated with the churches he oversaw, one of his priorities was encouraging them in their relationship with God. He wanted them to continue to grow in their experience of God so that they would know God more and more as time went on (see Col.1:9-10 as an example). This is a journey that takes place over time (much like any friendship or a marriage) through communication and shared experiences. 

What's your story? What has been your experience of God? Maybe it occurred while out looking at creation, through an answered prayer, while using your gifts to serve others, during a time of reflection, through taking a step of faith, or even as a result of having had to endure difficult circumstances. In today’s message, we want to have a look at four common ways that people experience God.

1. The Scriptures

God speaks to us through His Word. The Scriptures are inspired by God, showing us what God is like, helping us to understand the story of redemption, and giving us God’s intentions for our lives (see 2 Tim.3:16-17). As we come regularly to the written word, the living Word, who is Jesus, will speak to us and reveal Himself to us through His Spirit (Matt.4:4. Luke 24:27, 32). Research, such as the REVEAL survey, has shown that a frequent connection with God through the Bible is one of the major catalysts for spiritual growth and experience with God for a follower of Christ.

2. Prophecy

God speaks not only through his Word but also through people. Of course, words through other people are not infallible and need to be tested (1 Thess.5:19-22). Prophecy is simply a bubbling up of a Spirit-inspired word or prompting for someone else. Paul encourages all believers to seek to prophesy (see 1 Cor.14:1-4) and clearly tells us that it’s purpose is for encouragement (to build up), exhortation (to stir up) and comfort (to hold or to bind up). Be naturally spiritual when sharing a word with someone (no need for old King James language!) and avoid directional prophecies (telling people what to do). Its intention should be as more of a confirmation of what God is already doing. Our motive is always to be for the benefit of others, motivated by genuine love, which is above all gifts (1 Cor.13).

Continue reading “Experiencing God” →

Mark Conner Theology

Your Friend, the Holy Spirit

The Gospel of John records many of Jesus’ last words spoken not long before his and crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. During this time, Jesus spoke frequently about the fact that he would be leaving his disciples but that another One just like him, the Holy Spirit, would come in his place (see John 14:15-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Instead of simply being with them, the Holy Spirit would live within them, filling them and empowering them to live as disciples of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is a person, not just a force, power or influence. God has revealed himself as one God existing in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – equal as persons yet different in their role and ministry. We need to know each person of the Godhead in an intimate way so that the fullness of God can touch our lives.

Jesus called the Holy Spirit the parakletos, a Greek word that is very rich and complex. It essentially means “one who is called to stand alongside in order to help or assist”. In English, this name is translated into words such as Advocate, Comforter, Helper or Friend. We can’t live the Christian life by ourselves. We need the help of the Holy Spirit. We are “born again” through the Spirit (John 3:5-8). But this is just the beginning. There is now a new life to be lived “in the Spirit”. We are to be filled with the Spirit and led by the Spirit. We are to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit – His nature and character. We are to be empowered by the Spirit both to overcome the enemy and be witnesses to the life that is in Jesus Christ. So there is much to learn as we begin to grow from “babies” to become mature “sons and daughters of God”.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Later on, the apostle Paul further defined the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When writing to Timothy he said, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:6-7. NIV).” Here we see that the Holy Spirit comes into our lives to do four things for us:

1. Break the power of FEAR in our life. Fear will limit us and hinder us from fulfilling our God-given destiny. That’s why whenever God shows up his first words are often “Fear not!” Fear, timidity, insecurity and inferiority have to be broken. God wants to put a confidence, an assurance and a faith inside of us. Believe that you are who God says you are and you can do what He says you can do.

2. Give us the POWER and ability to do the will of God. The Greek word for “power” is dunamis and it means supernatural ability or strength. It is a power that equips us to do the works of God – to make our service effective; a power that provides grace and strength in difficult times; a power that releases gifts to help us minister to others; and a power that imparts passion, fervency and enthusiasm into our spirits.

Continue reading “Your Friend, the Holy Spirit” →

Mark Conner Theology

Healing Today

HealThis weekend at CityLife, we spoke on the subject of healing and then took time to pray for people. We were encouraged by the many testimonies of healing that took place in each of our church gatherings and we pray for God to continue to work in the lives of everyone needing healing.

When it comes to healing, we must begin with an accurate understanding of God’s character and
nature. The Bible teaches us that, when it comes to our need, God knows (Prov.15:11.
Ps.139:1-10), God cares (Ex.34:6-7. 1 Pet.5:7), God is able to
help (Jer.32:17, 27. Mt.19:26) and God is willing to help (Mt.8:2). In
response to this, there are three different camps in the Christian community:
(1) “God knows, cares and is able but is not willing.  This is not the time or the age;” (2) “God
knows, cares and is able and always willing to heal you. If you’re sick and
you’re not well, if you have a physical need and you’re not healed it’s because
you lack faith. It’s always God’s will to heal and so there is something wrong
with you if you aren’t;” (3) “God knows, cares and is able and is willing
unless he has a higher purpose.”

The first camp (called
“Cessationists”) are strongly Biblical, but keep God in a box, in that they
don’t believe that God still heals or does miracles today. The second camp
(extreme “faith” teaching) has the strength of faith but the weakness of always
putting God in a box to move a certain way without exception. The third camp
has the strength of “balance” but must avoid a fatalistic attitude of “whatever
will be, will be”. Our responsibility is to pray and ask God to heal and help
us (Jas.5:13-16), then to trust God with the outcome.

I love the authenticity of the biblical authors who not only tell us the inspiring stories of miracles and healing, but also of others who experienced extended times of sickness and who were not healed instantly or at all, despite being people of faith and obedience to God's commands (see Job 2:7-8. 2 Kings 13:14. Gal.4:13-14. Phil.2:25-27. 1 Tim.5:23. 2 Tim.4:20. Heb.11:32-40). I love the attitude of the three Hebrew children who when faced with the fiery furnace declared that God was able to deliver them, that he would deliver them, but even if not, they would not bow down to an idol (Dan.3:17-18). In the same way, I believe we should declare that God is able to heal, that he will heal, but even if not, we will still trust him. Without an "if not" in our theology, we seek to put God in a human-made box, eliminating the paradox and mystery that life is made up of, and we can easily  take inappropriate discouragement or guilt upon ourselves OR project it on others, as Job's friends did.

The Bible teaches
that God’s will for our life, generally speaking, is “health” (See Ex.15:26;
23:25. Ps.103:1-3; 107:17-20. Prov.4:20-22. Is.53:4-5. Mt.8:16-17. 1 Pet.2:24).
God’s provision is complete. He has done all that we need for life and
godliness. He has made provision for our wholeness – spirit, soul and body. God
desires health and wholeness for each one of us, as we walk in obedience to
Him, so we can fulfil our life purpose.

However, like
salvation, good health is not automatic. There are things we need to do to
position ourselves to have the greatest possibility of good health. We need to
have faith in God as our healer (Hos.4:6. Jn.8:32. Heb.11:6), obey his commands
(Dt.28:58-60), maintain a healthy diet (Ex.16. 1Tim.4:4-5. Lev.11. Dt.14),
exercise, rest and relax regularly (1Tim.4:8. Mt.11:28-30) and deal quickly
with negative emotions (Eph.4:27-31. 1Cor.11:28-31. Mt.5:23-24).

There is no set pattern
or formula in the Bible for healing. For instance, blind Bartemaus called out
to Jesus and Jesus simply spoke to him and he was healed (Mk.10:46-52). Another
blind man was not instantly healed. Jesus took mud and saliva, mixed it
together and put it on his eye. As he went his way and did what he was told
(“go and wash in the pool of Siloam”), he was healed. God’s healing power and
anointing fell on a natural substance and flowed through it (Jn.9:1-12).

We can conclude
that, “The pathway of healing that God has for you may be different from the
one he has for someone else though you may have similar health problems.” Also,
“At times God’s healing is spontaneous and instantaneous. Other times healing
is a process and requires patience and perseverance as our healing is gradually
manifested.” It could be an instant answer to prayer, a radical change of diet,
a change of lifestyle or even a medical operation. If you are sick, pray for
God’s direction, believe God’s promises to you from His Word, have others pray
for you and talk to a reputable doctor.

Praying for Healing

All believers are
called to pray for the sick. Here are some principles (not formulas) for
praying for the sick.

1. Ask questions about the person’s need. Ask, “Where does it hurt?” or “What do
you want me to pray for?” This is not a medical interview in which we probe for
medical history or technical details. It simply helps us to know what the need
is and how we should pray. Even Jesus never made assumptions about what a
person wanted from him. To a blind man he said, “What do you want me to do for
you?” (Mk.10:46-52). Other questions might include “Are you in pain right
now?”, “How long have you had this?” or “Have you seen a doctor or specialist
and if so, what did they say?”

2. Try to discern any root cause of the
sickness. This next step
is to clarify the root of the person’s problem. It asks, “Why does this person
have this condition?” This determines the type of prayer needed to bring
healing. We must also look beyond the natural surface reasons and be open to
God giving us revelation through the word of wisdom, word of knowledge or the
discerning of spirits. Symptoms in one area of our lives may be caused by
problems in other areas. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and insights.
Of course, don’t go overboard and try to probe to deep unnecessarily.

3. Choose an appropriate prayer. This step answers the question, “What kind
of prayer is needed to help this person?” We must seek to know God’s specific
will in the situation. This is the source of our confidence (1 Jn. 5:14-15).
There are two basic types of prayer:

a. Prayer directed toward
God (intercession). Intercessory prayer involves you going between them and God
out of deep concern for the person. We stand before God and ask for the
person’s healing. Prayers should be simple and straightforward – “Lord, I ask
you to heal John of this condition.” In some cases, you may want to get the
person to pray for themselves. This is especially important in areas of
unforgiveness and bitterness.

b. Prayer directed to a
condition or sickness based on words from God (command). Jesus often used the
authoritative word when healing people (Mk.9:25). We have been given power to
break bondages and release God’s blessing (Matt. 16:19). We can declare or
announce the truth of God’s Word. For example, you might pray, “I break the
power of this condition in the name of Jesus.” Prayers like this are usually
very short yet effective.

4. Pray in faith. Pray in faith, believing that something
is going to happen when you pray for them – physically (immediately or
gradually), emotionally (strength, comfort, joy) and spiritually (close to God,
trust). Have an attitude of faith, hope and love. Lay hands on them (don’t push
or lay your hands heavily on anyone), pray and possibly anoint them with oil
(James 5:14 and Mk.6:13). Be sensitive to the person and the Holy Spirit. Be
aware of your hand motions, tone of voice and volume of speech. Don’t do
anything that would distract the person being prayed for or others nearby.

5. Check for any improvement or change. As you’re praying, watch to see what is
happening in the person. Ask further questions to see what God is doing and if
there has been any change. Ask them how they are feeling or if anything has
happened. Pray again if necessary. Some people get completely better, others
show considerable improvement, others some improvement and others none at all. Not
all healing is instantaneous (see Mark 8:22-26; 5:8). Even Jesus prayed twice
for a blind man to be healed. Jesus’ promise to believers is that the sick will
get well or “recover” (Mk.16:19). At times this may be gradually. When people
are not healed, reassure them that God loves them and encourage them to seek
more prayer. Divine healing is sometimes a process.

Through God’s love
and wisdom, we can be used to bring tremendous blessing to people’s lives.

Sample Reflection Questions:

1. Consider the different Christian “camps” that exist in this area of healing. Do you know
someone in each camp? Describe them and how they approach the area of sickness.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each position? Which perspective seems
to be the most biblical? How we should relate to others who see differently
than us?

2. Read
through the Scriptures above on healing. Have any of these been
a source of strength or encouragement to you during times of sickness?

3. Reflect on the concept of seeking God to discover your “pathway to healing”.

4. What has been your experience of being prayed for healing by
someone else (positive or negative)?What about you praying for someone else who was sick (positive or negative)?

5. What
are some of the fears we may have in praying for sick people? How can we
overcome these? How should we respond when healing is prayed for and nothing
happens?

6. Pray for anyone you know who is sick, that they would experience God's healing.

Mark Conner Bible

Insights from Isaiah 30

WatersOne of my favourite Bible verses of late is from the prophet Isaiah:

Isaiah 30:15-18. This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’ But the only swiftness you are going to see is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you! One of them will chase a thousand of you. Five of them will make all of you flee. You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.” So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.

The only way to be saved (a) is to:

1. Return to the Lord. You have gone other ways (roads) and towards other things as the source of your life, joy and wisdom. Now come back to God as your one true love and the focus of your life. 

2. Rest in God. Stop striving and struggling, allowing anxiety and pressure to get the better of you. God is in control. He has all the wisdom, power and love you need. Find a sense of peace IN HIM, even in the midst of the storm and your unanswered questions. 

(a) Saved. The verb (Hebrew yasha‘) means removing an object from a dangerous situation or the state of being delivered from distress. In some contexts, it has added associations to a loving relationship with God. The related noun (Hebrew yeshu‘ah) refers to the salvation that the verb enacts.

Where does strength come from?

1. Quietness. Learn to be still. Stop being in such a hurry and frantically running around after so many things. Be still and know that I am God. Center yourself on GOD! Life is not about noise but about an inner depth. 

2. Confidence. Out of quietness will come confidence, which leads to strength (energy). Confidence is knowing that God is in control, that He will use you to carry out his purposes, and that in Him you have all you need. As Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (makes me equal to the task at hand)." 

Once you have this inner quietness and confidence, you will find an amazing strength that sustains and empowers you for everything God has called you to be and do. 

This is God's intention and purpose. This is what he desires for your life. Yet, how often we seek help from 'Egypt' which represents the world and any person or place other than God. Egypt, with all its wisdom, power and style, does not know God. 

What is our first course of action when we are in need? Do we look to ourselves, other people (even Christian people – peers, friends and work associates), books, or to the world? OR do we look to God and His Word? If we do the former, we will only experience failure and defeat. What seems to be efficient ('swift') will actually be ineffective (a 1,000 losing to 1!). 

What is the result of all of this?

The Lord must wait for us to come to Him. Only then can he show me his love and compassion (b). He is a faithful God – true to himself and to his Word (promises). 

(b) Compassion. This Hebrew verb means to have a feeling of strong affection for someone, usually based on a prior relationship. The word has a special focus on mercy or pity toward a person in difficult circumstances. It is often characterized as unconditional love. 

When we wait for His help, we are blessed (c)! 

(c) Blessed. Hebrew 'ashrey: happy, blessed. This word points to a heightened state or condition of joy and rejoicing, implying very favorable circumstances and enjoyment. It may be implied that it is a state to be envied or highly desired.

What is NEEDED:

1. More time spent waiting, resting and being still before God (being – relationship). Learn to be silent and spend time simply basking in God's presence.

2. Less time spent in striving, busyness and anxiety (doing – tasks). We are not in control. 

3. More focus on drawing wisdom, strength and vision (direction) from God and his Word, not from other sources (who should only be confirmation and amplification, not our source). 

4. More time receiving and enjoying God's love (unconditional), compassion (strong affection, mercy, pity) and faithfulness. Only as we come to Him, is he enabled to reveal this to us. While we are busy elsewhere, he waits …

How often we run to broken cisterns that cannot hold water and neglect the Lord, who is the fountain of living water. JESUS is that river that we thirst for. We can go in as deep as we want. It's up to us. Come in deeper. There are waters to swim in.  

Mark Conner General Interest, Spirituality

Like an Eagle …

EagleDuring my sabbatical last year, I saw an eagle on at least five different occasions. The first time was a huge wedge-tailed eagle that flew near the tree tops not far from our house while we were on a walk. The others I saw while travelling in various places. Eagles are so beautiful and majestic to watch, flying in an almost effortless fashion. 

To me the eagle represents God calling me to a higher life, resting in him, soaring on the wings of the Spirit, seeing life from his perspective, and riding far above the winds of adversity.  

What are some other lessons we can learn from the eagle?

1. As we wait on the Lord, we can exchange our weakness for his strength (Is.40:31). Be still and know that I am God. Let God's Spirit be the wind beneath your wings. Stop striving and struggling, flapping your wings in panic or self-effort. Let go and let God. 

2. We can soar above every wind of adversity and through any storm that comes against you. Spread your wings and take flight. 

3. God will carry us to a place of safety on eagles wings (Ex.19:4).

4. Eagles build their nests in tall trees or on high cliffs (Job 39:27). Come up higher. Get above the clutter and din of this old world. See things from God's perspective. Live with wisdom and insight. 

5. Eagles have incredible eyesight to see accurately from great distances. We have been called to have this breadth of prophetic perspective and depth of insight. 

6. God stirs our nest in order to teach us to fly (Deut.32:11). Is he moving you out of my comfort zone at this time?

There are four things that are amazing and hard to understand, one of which is an eagle gliding through the sky (Prov.30:18-19).

Mark Conner Books, Spirituality

Rob Bell’s Book: “What We Talk About When We Talk about God.”

BellRob Bell's latest book is called What We Talk About When we Talk About God. 

Mark Galli, editor of Christianity Today, has recently reviewed the book and offers these insightful thoughts …

As far as I can tell, any classic, middle-of-the-road Christian can offer a hearty "Amen" to a great deal of Rob Bell's theology.

The former pastor of Mars Hill Church believes God exists and can be experienced and yet cannot be contained by rational explanations. He affirms the divinity and humanity of Christ, as well as the Resurrection. He believes the Spirit is active in our lives and in the world. He believes the Bible is authoritative at some level—that is, he always tries to understand his life in light of his reading of the Bible. He is indignant about self-righteousness and injustice, and contrary to popular opinion, he actually believes in a judgment: He says people who abuse and exploit others and creation will not participate in the glorious restoration of heaven on earth. Yes, he holds out hope that perhaps everyone will someday be saved, but in one sense, so do many evangelicals. Even God is said to wish that no one should perish.

So unlike some of my other fellow believers, I cannot say, "Farewell, Rob Bell." Instead, I think of him as my brother in Christ.

This may surprise readers who believe I wrote God Wins to refute Bell's controversial theology. Only in part, though that part is not insignificant. I mostly stumble over his epistemology—his understanding of how we come to know what is true, and by what method we determine how to live authentic lives. As I argued in the book, this is precisely my concern about evangelical faith as a whole. The thesis in my book and in this essay is that in this respect, Rob Bell is not only an evangelical, but an evangelical's evangelical, the evangelical par excellence.

The thesis in my book and in this essay is that in this respect, Rob Bell is not only an evangelical, but an evangelical's evangelical.

This is admittedly a sweeping and dramatic assertion, which cannot be worked out in the course of an essay. But let me sketch in broad terms what I mean. I'll use Bell's latest book as the primary example—not because it is unusual, but precisely because it so perfectly represents what's going on in large segments of Christianity today.

Read the rest of the article here, in which he offers a challenge to followers of Christ to focus on living a life of love, not just a life of experience.