I Will: Nine Traits of the Outwardly Focused Christian by Thom Rainer was sent to me for free as a result of some book reviews that I have done on my blog. I’ve read several of Thom Rainer’s books in recent years and always walk away from his words encouraged and challenged to live out my faith. Rainer has served as a banker, a Sunday School teacher, a pastor, and now the president and CEO of LifeWay Resources…a huge ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention. I enjoy following him and his three sons on twitter as they live out their faith in a variety of ministry roles. He is also a HUGE Bama fan…that’s another great reason to follow him!
I Will is a great manifesto for Christians who desire to live out true Christian community. Rainer lists nine traits of the outwardly focused Christian…
2. I Will Worship with Others
3. I Will Grow Together with Others
4. I Will Serve
5. I Will Go
6. I Will Give Generously
7. I Will Not Be a Church Dropout
8. I Will Avoid the Traps of Churchianity
9. I Will Make a Difference
- Instead of saying “I want,” consider saying “I will.”
- It’s really basic. It’s a matter of learning what the Bible says about being a part of the body of Christ. It’s about hearing His voice through His Word. And when Christ asks you to serve Him and others in His church, you should have one joyous response. “I Will.”
- If you have a right, biblically directed attitude, you will experience joy in church membership.
- Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
- Membership in the body of Christ, the church, is a gift from God.
- Why do you think church members are less committed to their churches today than they were several years ago?
- True worship flows from the heart in recognition and response to the magnificence of Christ, and because of an understanding of the grace found solely in the gospel. Embracing these truths through the practical experience of daily living is imperative in our relationship with God.
- But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:23-24
- It is time for a corporate worship revolution. It’s time to make that moment of gathered believers a priority in our lives. It’s time to stop making worship attendance an optional activity.
- Simply stated, ministry is more likely to take place with people who know each other well. And the primary way we can know other church members well is to be in a group together.
- We must serve instead of demanding our way.
- Do you really believe that Christ is the only way of salvation? Do your actions reflect your beliefs? Are you constantly and urgently going and sharing your faith in words and deed?
- For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”