Friday, March 22, 2013

Humble Orthodoxy by Joshua Harris



About the Book:

We don’t get to choose between humility and orthodoxy. We need both.
Orthodoxy, for the faithful, evokes what’s cherished and beautiful and eternal. Yet in our day, orthodoxy is too often wielded like a weapon, used to bludgeon others with differing points of view. The word has become associated with behavior like argumentative, annoying, and arrogant.

It’s time for God’s people to demonstrate both right thinking and right attitudes. We are called to embrace and defend biblical truth. But that truth includes repeated commands to love our neighbor, love our enemy, and be clothed in gentleness and respect.

In Humble Orthodoxy, bestselling author Joshua Harris examines New Testament teachings about the calling of believers to a love-infused courage that ignores foolish controversies, patiently endures evil, and champions truth with generosity of spirit. Without this kind of humility, Harris asserts, we become like the Pharisees—right in our doctrine, but ultimately destroying the cause of truth with our pride.

My Thoughts:

This is one of those books that makes me wish I was independently wealthy, because I'd by cases and cases of copies and hand them out to every person who claims faith in Christ.  This brief book could change the church for the better if we'd allow it to sink into our hearts.

Basically, Joshua tells us we don't have to be jerks with the truth.  We either are afraid to stand on Biblical principles for fear of offending or not be in tune with popular culture or we stand on them and look down on the pitiful people who just don't 'get it'.

It is essential that we stand firm on the teachings of Jesus, His Word.  But it is also essential that we remember that we only understand those teachings because of Him.  We can only live out those teachings because of Him.  And we only reap the benefits of those teachings because of Him.

This is a very quick read, but I encourage you to savor the words.  Let them soak into your soul.  Hear the message of "Humble Orthodoxy", and put it into practice.  The world is looking for people who truly know what they believe, and for people who truly love as Jesus loved.

Joshua Harris teaches us how we can do both, and stand unashamed before our God one day.  His description of Heaven was amazing and made me want to SHOUT for joy at the freedom I felt just thinking about it all!

Joshua also packs the book with Scripture, focusing on Paul's letters to Timothy, as well as stories from the Old Testament about Josiah, Moses and others.  He shines fresh light on familiar stories and draws much needed truths out for today's believers.

This might be one of the most important books you read this year, so don't miss out.  I received a copy of "Humble Orthodoxy" from Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

"Humble Orthodoxy" is more than highly recommended: it is essential reading for today's believer.  The book is available in stores now...pick up a copy or two, and read it with a friend.  Then live it out and let's change the world.

Happy Reading!

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