As your read through Chapter One this week I would advise you to listen to
Keller’s sermon Exclusivity: How can there be just one religion? It follows along the chapter mostly, but does add some content (it runs about 40 minutes).

Keller has titled the last section of the chapter (page 18) “Christianity Can Save the World.” He states: “Christianity has within itself remarkable power to explain and expunge the divisive tendencies within the human heart.”

Apart from our Lord’s return, how do you see this playing out? What would be our role in this ’saving’ of the world? Is this a mandate of the church?

My schedule has been disrupted this week so I am uncertain as to when I will have internet access. The ball is in your court. Discuss amongst yourselves!

Question two of the Penguin reader’s guide mentions some quotes from Keller in the Intro about doubt. He thinks that doubt has an important function and should be discarded only after much consideration. He also say that “Every doubt…is based on a leap of faith.” The implication is that doubt is a form of faith.

Do you agree or disagree? What definition of faith is Keller using? What is the place of doubt in a believer’s life? Do you have personal experience with doubt that you would be willing to share? Is the doubt of believers different from nonbelievers in some way? These are just a few questions that come to mind. You might have other questions that need answers.

Take some time to think about these questions, and any others you might want to list in the comments below. It might be helpful to write out your thoughts before coming to class. Since ‘faith’ is an essential element what it means to be a Christian we need to be certain that we have a biblical understanding of it.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

randy

I was most encouraged by the attendance at Sunday School this morning. It was also good that a newcomer to the class was comfortable enough to share her thoughts with the class. As we get further along into the book I believe the opportunity for dialog will increase, and as we interact with one another our understanding as well as our ability to converse with those outside the faith will improve.

I hope that the critical comments on the ‘ministries’ of those outside of orthodox Christianity were not seen as mean spirited and against the man. It is entirely appropriate to critique a person’s work, especially when it is done in public. It is even more important when it involves the gospel of Jesus Christ where the eternal destinies of those involved are at risk. All this is to be done in gentleness, meekness, and humility. I think in these matters one can feel with Paul when he asks who is sufficient for these things. Thanks be to God for His Spirit and His Word.

One of the topics that we need more time with is the word ‘faith’ and the many different ways the word is used today. We need to be clear on what we mean when we use the word.  We also must be attentive to what others are thinking when they hear the word.  It is likely that others are not thinking about faith in a reformed manner, and if we converse using the same words but not the same meanings we have little hope of anything productive coming out of our dialog.

If you weren’t in class this morning that is not a problem. You can enter into this experiment anytime. It is also not necessary be a class attendee to comment. All are welcome and encouraged to register and comment.  If you have questions you can reach me by email by clicking on ‘email randy’ on the side column.  We look forward to hearing from you.

randy