|
March 24, 2005
Set Apart
Set Apart: Calling a Worldly Church to a Godly Life – R. Kent Hughes
There are lots of books on the market that tell us what the Church should look like, which direction she should be going, and the methods that will get her there. Among Christians the debate continues: Should the Church appeal to the lost by being culturally relevant? Should she be attractive to unbelievers? If yes, what is the point at which she is too relevant or attractive? If no, has she gone far enough? Or too far?
Scripture makes it clear that the Church is to be set apart from the world. Of course, this means different things to different people. So, someone needs to clarify what “set apart” means. R. Kent Hughes has done that in this book.
Though we speak of an invisible church, it is made up of visible people. The ideas, lifestyles and decisions that people face will speak volumes about
the influence the church has in society. For example, if someone claims to be a believer, attends the local church, but is a frequent shopper at “Triple-X Movies ‘R’ Us”, the church loses credibility. To an unbeliever, there is no difference between a believer and themselves.
In this book, Hughes lays out several areas where believers can be set apart in their communities. He takes a look at various topics such as Materialism, Hedonism, Violence, Voyeurism, Sexual Conduct, Modesty, Pluralism and others. Included are two appendices entitled “The Gospel – Old and New”, which is a presentation of the Gospel from both Old and New Testaments, and “Internet Safety”. This final appendix is a list of resources for guarding your mind and heart, such as movie review websites, Internet filters, and some internet safety tips.
Lest you think this is a book cataloguing all the things we can’t do, think again. Hughes clearly presents the idea that when our minds are focused on Christ and the Word is dwelling richly within us, we are constantly saying “yes” to Christ, and we will have no pleasure in the things he warns against. This “unending Yes” is presented in the last chapter of the book. Read ‘em & Reap!
Buy it!
Print this review
Adobe Acrobat required
|
|
