Jesus – a Theography, by Len Sweet & Frank Viola

Other than in John’s gospel, have you ever read a book about the life of Christ that roots His existence in eternity? So much is written about His last week, but can the events leading up to the cross, the resurrection, and ascension ever be grasped apart from His eternal context? Can we truly appreciate Jesus of Nazareth without knowing Him as the Creator God?

I have asked that to underscore the fact that this is not ‘just’ another book about Christ. Sweet and Viola are the dynamic duo who presented us with ‘Jesus Manifesto’. If that treatise deepened your walk with Jesus, you’ll be more enriched by this new volume as it digs far deeper into the metaphors and symbols of the One we cherish as both Savior and Lord. In sixteen chapters this Sweet and Viola begin their story before time, lead us through time, and finally help us see beyond time. They pull together His whole story in a manner, if we really grasp its full significance, that ought to seriously reshape our worldview and thus the way we live each day. Enjoy.

I Am A Follower, by Leonard Sweet

This is a timely, essential read. I’ve been so challenged by this book that I have recommended it as our February Book Discussion on Wednesday evenings. It is not only well-written, but Len Sweet has courageously addressed a long overdue core issue within Christianity. As with his previous books, Sweet has called the church to task. We have been majoring in everything except Jesus. We’ve wandered the earthly realm far too long as a ‘Headless’ body.

Sweet has appropriately organized his book in four sections, the structure underscoring the message: vece, via, verita, vita. Chock full of delicious quotes and delightful stories, he invites the reader to realign his or her faith under Christ, to move from believing in the church, believing in our beliefs, to believing and following Jesus. Our beliefs and practices aren’t there to lead us to themselves, but to Him – the way, the truth, and the life.

Each section ends with ‘interactives’ – thought-provoking questions designed not only for the reader, but also for group discussion. Why has the church majored in a leadership rather than a follower culture? Has our contemporary church erased all notions on how to serve? Have we striven for that which is the antithesis of the gospel? Have we emulated the ways of the secular rather than the spiritual? What would the church look like if we returned to ‘followership’ rather than persisting with our ‘leadership’ model? Have we largely obscured the gospel of Jesus Christ because of our penchant to be more ‘American’ than Christian? Have we structured ourselves against discipleship?

Sweet has called the church to accountability.

The Seraph Seal, by Sweet & Wagner

What a great book! Sweet & Wagner wove together an intriguing, thought provoking story. I enjoyed the realistic development of each  character, the increasingly inviting pace of the unfolding story, and the mind-challenging complexities of the hauntingly real conspiracy. This book seems designed to rekindle any lagging interest in biblical prophecy or at least will inspire the apocalyptic aficionado to re-imagine John’s Revelation.

The setting is placed in the year 2048 when all kinds of mayhem arrives at its predicted and predictable point of convergence. The issues facing the world are dangerously massive and the individuals – both protagonist and antagonist – exhibit all the expected characteristics of hero and villain. Each segment of the book is pleasantly short, offering needed glimpses into the a diverse array of influences without bogging down the reader into any one particular subplot.

This is a fast read, yet if you like details there is an abundance to bring pause. I found The Seraph Seal to be difficult to put down.  Enjoy!

Jesus Manifesto, by Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola

I’ve read several books written by both authors.  They were good, informative, uplifting even.  Curiously, this collaborative book touched me in ways neither author has in any of their previous works.  This book truly resonated deeply within my soul.  In fact, as I’ve mentioned to several friends, if I could have written a book, this would have been it.  It really captured the heart of what I, as a preacher, have tried to share. Thankfully I don’t need to write what has now already been so eloquently written.  

The church was designed to be the messenger, the vehicle, through which Jesus – His Life, our true Light – is seen and read and experienced. He is the Head of the church, His ‘body’.  Sadly, the church has been running around for centuries with its ‘Head’ cut off.  However even ‘usefully’ active, a ‘headless’ body is always a ‘dead’ body.  The church has gotten the proverbial cart before the horse.  It has ‘used’ Jesus to promote itself.  Yet, apart from Him it is only a secular institution masquerading as His ‘beloved’.  The church, as the authors wrote, seems to like itself more than it likes Jesus.

So, how do we get our Head screwed on right again?  The authors, in this book, lead the way. First acknowledge the problem as real. Second, let Jesus’ life be the core of who you are – not for merely a slice of your life on Sunday, but 24/7.  Third, this does not mean knowing more about Jesus, but knowing Him personally, inwardly.

Need coaching on how to really make this work?  Get their book.  Read their book.  Share this book in groups.  Ask the Lord to give you the courage to take seriously the high calling we have in Christ. 

Don’t get distracted by pseudo-Christianity.  Genuine Christianity is, and will always be, all about Jesus.  Present your whole existence as a living sacrifice to Him. Let Christ be seen through the uniqueness of who you are.

“He died to take Himself out of heaven and deposit Himself in you.” (p. 170).  Let it be so.