Think of one or two Christians who have impacted your life deeply. What were some favourite stories/moments that come to mind when you think of them?
I've never met them face to face. He has passed away years before I even heard of his name. From his photograph though, I know he had a goatee and wore unfashionable, knee-high stockings which were so un- cool. His testimony is one of redeeming time through the written word. He's none other than the founder of L'Abri, "Saint" Francis
Schaeffer.
So this is not an ideal tale of how a Christian community looks like. But hopefully, it's a story of how God could use people to impact lives in ways we didn't plan.
Our encounter was like a plot taken from the novel "Sophie's World." I was working at Evangel Bookstore during college holidays, a perfectly valid excuse to stay away from boring hometown. The tasks I hated most were wiping the shelves and gift wrapping. But the fringe benefit was not bad. I get to borrow a book, on the condition that it's returned in pristine condition. It was Jacob, the burly guy with a moustache, who suggested that I read his trilogy by Schaeffer with a rave review. Martin and Rodney, two other Evangel book connoisseurs, gave their thumbs up so I obliviously fell right
in. It was like a flea being led out of the rabbit's fur and looked into the eyes of the Magician who pulled the rabbit out of the hat.
Or if you like, like Neo being extracted out of the Matrix, and rehabilitated by Trinity.
Frankly, my fragile brain struggled to understand big words like "true truth", "upper story leap of faith" or "how do you know what you know is true is true?" But after a little perseverance, I come away with a few lessons gleaned and a few habits that stuck on.
1) Christianity is more than a religion or personal experience.
It's the only way of looking at the world that does not make nonsense of our human existence and the world around us.
2) If the biblical worldview fits reality, then Christians of all people ought to be people of depth in our relationships and enjoyment of creation – arts, music, ecology etc.
3) Once in a while, choose to read something tougher than what you can presently handle. Max Lucado is good as inspirational appetizer but for main course, go for a meatier diet.
4) Treat unbelievers' questions with empathy and integrity. Schaeffer sometimes wept with seekers. Once a woman dared not ask him questions for fear that it sounded stupid but when she picked up the courage, he paused for a long while and said it's a worthy
question before commenting briefly.
5) The gospel is not only true for me, it's "true truth". God is there and He is not silent so we can know Him truly, though not exhaustively.
Jacob, Rodney and Martin never knew what impact their recommendation would have on my life… Books are spiritual dynamites. Plant a few sticks as birthday gifts or Christmas presents and watch the fireworks. It is tithe well spent.
PS: Wanna know more abt ST Francis?
www.rationalpi.com/theshelter
www.covenantseminary.edu/fsi/default.asp
www.francis-schaeffer.com/
I've never met them face to face. He has passed away years before I even heard of his name. From his photograph though, I know he had a goatee and wore unfashionable, knee-high stockings which were so un- cool. His testimony is one of redeeming time through the written word. He's none other than the founder of L'Abri, "Saint" Francis
Schaeffer.
So this is not an ideal tale of how a Christian community looks like. But hopefully, it's a story of how God could use people to impact lives in ways we didn't plan.
Our encounter was like a plot taken from the novel "Sophie's World." I was working at Evangel Bookstore during college holidays, a perfectly valid excuse to stay away from boring hometown. The tasks I hated most were wiping the shelves and gift wrapping. But the fringe benefit was not bad. I get to borrow a book, on the condition that it's returned in pristine condition. It was Jacob, the burly guy with a moustache, who suggested that I read his trilogy by Schaeffer with a rave review. Martin and Rodney, two other Evangel book connoisseurs, gave their thumbs up so I obliviously fell right
in. It was like a flea being led out of the rabbit's fur and looked into the eyes of the Magician who pulled the rabbit out of the hat.
Or if you like, like Neo being extracted out of the Matrix, and rehabilitated by Trinity.
Frankly, my fragile brain struggled to understand big words like "true truth", "upper story leap of faith" or "how do you know what you know is true is true?" But after a little perseverance, I come away with a few lessons gleaned and a few habits that stuck on.
1) Christianity is more than a religion or personal experience.
It's the only way of looking at the world that does not make nonsense of our human existence and the world around us.
2) If the biblical worldview fits reality, then Christians of all people ought to be people of depth in our relationships and enjoyment of creation – arts, music, ecology etc.
3) Once in a while, choose to read something tougher than what you can presently handle. Max Lucado is good as inspirational appetizer but for main course, go for a meatier diet.
4) Treat unbelievers' questions with empathy and integrity. Schaeffer sometimes wept with seekers. Once a woman dared not ask him questions for fear that it sounded stupid but when she picked up the courage, he paused for a long while and said it's a worthy
question before commenting briefly.
5) The gospel is not only true for me, it's "true truth". God is there and He is not silent so we can know Him truly, though not exhaustively.
Jacob, Rodney and Martin never knew what impact their recommendation would have on my life… Books are spiritual dynamites. Plant a few sticks as birthday gifts or Christmas presents and watch the fireworks. It is tithe well spent.
PS: Wanna know more abt ST Francis?
www.rationalpi.com/theshelter
www.covenantseminary.edu/fsi/default.asp
www.francis-schaeffer.com/
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