Divine Intention: How God's Work in the Early Church Empoweres Us Today

by Larry Shallenberger

Unfortunately, we Christians have not fully lived up to our part of the bargain. Rather than worshipping and working effectively together in community, we have become disconnected groups of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 078144389X
• ISBN13: 9780781443890
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Honor Books
• Length: 197 Pages
• Weight: 0.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Practical Conversation About the State of the Church Today

It's no secret we're living in the greatest time of change the secular world and Christianity has ever seen. Technology has rendered many things obsolete, cultural values are spilling over borders everywhere, mixing with thoughts, ideas, and perspectives previously thought incompatible, and the Church - the representative body of Christ - is likewise convulsing in the throes of growth and change. On one side contemporary, cultural, perhaps even post-modern Christianity clamors to be heard over the din of programs, three-point sermons and Legalism - calling for a more feeling, experiential, relevant and out-reach oriented Christian life - and on the other side stands the fundamental, orthodox vanguard of the "old school", preaching loudly against heresy, liberalism, and weak Scriptural founding. What should the church be? Should it be for Christians only and the edification of the saints; should it be an instrument of evangelism, executing the Great Commission, or can it be both? In the middle are people such as you and I; perhaps raised in quiet, happy, harmonious churches, now disillusioned with fallen pastors, rigid congregations, and the didactic struggle that tugs at all sides of the church. Is it worth it? Is the church worth saving? Larry Shallenberger's Divine Intention takes aim at this particular quandary. Part fictional, part devotional, it looks at the state of the church today - where we are, and where we have to go from here. It examines the early Christian church of Acts, and holds it up as a mirror to contemporary churches. It studies the controversial figures of Paul and other apostles, and muses - are we as Christians and churches worthy of being compared to those early Christians, or have we strayed too far into structures and forms that are function oriented only, and not God-breathed and God-filled? Perhaps the best strength of Divine Intention is its conversational nature, which touches on a true weakness in Christianity today - because we are so fragmented along denominational, ideological, and traditional lines, there is no thoughtful, intellectual, spiritual give and take conversation taking place among Christians. Divine Intention doesn't pretend to have all the answers, but it's not designed that way; it's crafted as a mirror to expose what's on the inside - denominational hang-ups, preferences, and presumptions all - and see how it matches up with those first people Christ commanded to "go forth". It's designed to start the conversation, as well as point in the direction of what such a "Godly" conversation should look like. Divine Intention also has a lot to say about discovering God's will in our lives, and how this too is a conversation: not a bullet-point list of "What God Wants On Your Itinerary this Year". He directs us instead to conversing with God on an intimate, prayerful level, living a life of obedience as we should to discover what God's will holds for us. Larry Shallenberger doesn't have all the ans

Excellent

Shallenberger's personal style captivates the reader from page one. Finally an Acts II book without a judgmental or know-it-all attitude that shows the Father's love for His people, no matter who they are. Thank you Larry for giving me a smooth read that reminded me of the love of Christ.

Divine Intention: How God's Work in the Early Church Empowers Us Today

Larry Shallenberger's Divine Intention has wonderfully challenged me in my personal journey. I believe that God works in a way similar to the proverb:"when the student is ready the teacher will appear." I was the student and I was so ready for this book. In his introduction Larry says, "Christian character seems little more than a veneer of politeness used to lubricate the social exchanges that occur before and after services." He had caught my attention and interest, though I wondered if this would be another of "what's wrong with" books about the church. As Larry continued in his introduction relating his background, my heart was pricked. I too related as one who grew up in the church and still retained good memories and the hope that what I have experienced as an adult "full-time ministry" person was not all God had intended. Further on I read, "This book you are holding is for those who love the church but have been deeply disappointed by it." I have not been disappointed by the practical insights presented in the historical context of the first century Larry brings from the Book of Acts. Each chapter, able to stand alone, built a renewed desire to hear from God anew and continue my journey. The conversation tone allowed me to imagine that I was in a dialogue with Larry. Often the very question that arose in my mind was addressed in the following paragraphs. I appreciated the non-formulaic approach and the pointing out a path to progress on rather than pushing a particular agenda. At the end of the introduction Larry wrote, "My prayer is that this book will be evaluated not on the number of interesting facts unearthed regarding the first century church, but on its ability to spark small personal reformation in the quality of our love for God and our love for others." Larry in my heart your prayer has been answered.

Ruined an otherwise wonderful weekend

Larry asked me to read his book and tell him what I thought. So I pulled it out one Saturday morning, figuring I'd skim it before settling into my "to-do" list for the day. Couldn't do it. There's no "skimming" this book; it pulls you in, snagging your attention, sneaking up on you behind your churchy pretense. Well, at least MY churchy pretense. If you've ever wondered what happened to that passion you felt as a new Christian, or counted the typos in the worship bulletin because you can't quite get enthused about yet another Sunday sermon, this book's for you. You don't have to stay stuck, or feel like an outsider. But don't ask to borrow my copy; I plan to give it a few months and read it again. But not on a Saturday.

Creative and insightful

Larry Shallenberger's book on the nature, purpose, and power of the body of Christ in the world is artfully written. Shallenberger weaves fiction with true personal insight as he follows a small group of friends through monthly hangouts at local restaurants and coffee shops. The friends dig into each others' lives and Shallenberger draws out the important points, linking them to Scriptural truth in a way that is both enlightening and easy to understand. If you're a believer interested in the link between "then" and "now" in the Church, Divine Intention: How God's Work in the Early Church Empowers Us Today is recommended reading.