I am excited about a Book Study that we will begin at the end of the month of May. While I was away at a Pastor's Conference, the thought of starting a book study began to form. As a pastor, I am blessed to be able to read and study. One of the priorities of a pastor is to "continue to study and learn" so I can better equip and teach the people whom God has put underneath my care. So, I am constantly striving to learn more and to read good books that will help me to better understand our Great God and His perfect Word! So, I am blessed to be given time to read - most jobs do not allow you to read. My job actually has time "built in" for me to read and learn (and I am so thankful!!). Often while I am reading, I am hit with the thought of how I would love for our church congregation to be able to read some of this great material that I am learning. So, the idea of a book study was born out of the desire to pass much of this great information on to more people. So, at the end of May we are beginning a book study that I hope is the first among many!
Our first book study is by author Chris Brauns called "Unpacking Forgiveness". This book is an attempt by the author to give biblical answers to complex questions and deep wounds. While the name Chris Brauns may be new to you (it was to me)...I have found his writings to be clear, practical and most importantly they are biblically sound. Chris Brauns is senior pastor at the Congregational Christian Church in Illinois. He earned his MBA from Northern Iowa University, MDiv from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and DMin from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
The book begins with a Pop Quiz on the subject of forgiveness. Last week, we placed these questions in our church bulletin and this coming week we will give the answers according to the book. In case you didn't get it OR you do not attend our church, here is the quiz (plus a couple of questions that I have included):
THE FORGIVENESS QUIZ - QUESTIONS (TRUE OR FALSE)
1. Where deep wounds between people are concerned, forgivness can be unpacked in a moment.
2. Personal happiness and joy can legitimatly motivate people to live out what the Bible teaches and how it should take place.
3. Most Christian pastors and counselors agree about what forgiveness is and how it should take place.
4. Forgiveness occurs properly only when certain conditions are met.
5. Jesus said little about how people should resolve interpersonal conflict.
6. A willingness to forgive is a test of whether or not a person will go to heaven when he or she dies.
7. Good people get to the bottom of all their disagreements.
8. There are times when it is wrong to forgive.
9. Sometimes it is necessary for us to forgive God.
10. God forgives everyone for everything.
I hope that taking this quiz will motivate you to be apart of this study or to purchase this book and study it on your own. It is well worth your time and may be a great help to you (and to others whom you influence) on the very difficult subject of forgiveness!!