by Asbury Seminary Prof and world NT scholar Ben Witherington. It is a good read and is helpful in bringing into focus some elements of the anti institutional movement in the church we are experiencing. His review is a bit scathing but there is certainly some real good stuff in it.

The reveiw (which is lengthy but worth it) is found here: http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2008/06/pagan-christianty-by-george-barna-and.html

Labels: Book Review, sacraments

Sacraments are actually pretty cool. Here is some reasons why:

1) You can see them. Symbols speak to the heart.

2) They are matter. God likes matter, He became it. Jesus took mud and spit and healed a blind man. Paul's handkerchief...I could go on. The point is this...God can use matter to convey His grace.

3) They are not magic wands. This is especially important when it comes to a sacrament like baptism. Gotta have faith. Gotta repent. And if you were baptized as a child you gotta make it your own.

4) They are Biblical. Just ask Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Francis, Edwards...need I go on?

Now...how do we get kids to appreciate them...

1) They are mystery. It is fine not to have all the answers. We just know that God uses them and is present in them.

2) Share stories with them about God displaying His power through the sacraments.

3) Be creative in having them experience them. Nobody shows up a church and is a pro at liturgy. Change the form (not the faith) and put it in terms that they can understand...can experience...can revere.

Labels: sacraments