This afternoon we'll be releasing a video where we asked that question to three prominent pastors: John Piper, Richard Coekin and Tim Keller. It's a searching question, because it reveals where we are really up to in our Christian walk. Christianity, first and foremost is about a love relationship with Jesus Christ. We only love him, because he first loved us.
But sometimes, we find that love for Christ supplanted by things that are good, wholesome and Christian in themselves, but which are not central to an authentic Christian walk. I asked the question to our whole staff at The Good Book Company in the UK and USA. Here are some of their replies:
Alison Mitchell - Commissioning Editor: "I've had a number of conversations with people about forgiveness recently. It's great to be able to explain that, when Jesus died on the cross, he completely finished his work. There was nothing more for him to do – and nothing that we can or need to do either – he has completely paid the price for our forgiveness. That's thrilling!"
Angela Essato - Administrator: Jesus loves my heart even though he knows my heart. What a sweetness!
James Burstow - Marketing Director: I've been reading 1 Corinthians recently and have been struck how even after 2000 years and even in the face of such incredible advances in technology, philosophy etc, the gospel of Jesus remains not just relevant, but the ONLY hope for my life and for the lives of all mankind. It is blowing my mind that the sacrifice of Jesus all those years ago can have had such an incredible impact - not just for the whole world, but for the whole of history. It is timeless. As I look at my kids and wonder how the world will change during their lifetime (I am not hopeful I'm afraid) I take great comfort that Christ will still be who they need and will be sufficient for them, whatever they face long after I am gone.
Emily Robertson - Promotions Manager: I am thrilled by Jesus' unfaltering love for me. By loving me while I was still far from him he's changed everything because I would never have loved Him first. And a love like that gives me confidence that however much I mess up I'm not beyond His reach.
Matt Endres - Administrator: I am thrilled that my hope to persevere in the faith is not built on my effort. Instead, my hope to persevere in the faith is built on Jesus preserving me by His grace.
And finally from me:
Tim Thornborough - Creative Director: I am just loving the way that the Lord was able to answer all those hostile questions that were thrown at him - and not just answer them, but turn them back to reveal the poverty of their thinking and spiritual life, while at the same time doing it in such a gracious and loving way. At a time when Christians are under increasingly hostile attack from the world, I long for the wisdom and spirit of the Lord Jesus to inhabit his people as they respond.
Tune in this afternoon to see what Piper, Coekin and Keller have to say!
Tim Thornborough is the founder and Publishing Director of The Good Book Company. He is series editor of Explore Bible-reading notes, the author of The Very Best Bible Stories series, and has contributed to many books published by The Good Book Company and others. Tim is married to Kathy and has three adult daughters.
