Is This All There Is?
Another Day Along the Way
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
"Is this all there is?"
When he asked me that question, the man was not thinking about the food on his plate, the money in his account, or the people who know his name. Those words came in response to a sermon spoken by a famous preacher. After listening and listening and listening, he asked, "Is this all there is?"
I wanted to debate, confronting him with questions about why such powerful truth did not seem like enough to him. I wanted to argue, proving my case to him with a packed dose of apologetics. I wanted to state doctrine, convincing this man of theology.
But I didn't. I responded to his question with a question. I asked, "What more do you want."
His answer told me much. I asked more questions; he offered more honesty, confessions, confusion, hurt, desire.
Instead of going for more inquiry, I asked a different question: "Is it okay if I pray for you since I still believe God hears and answers? I just want Him to help you grasp truth and I think that is what you want, too."
He answered, "Yes."
What about you? What about those who know you, those who want to know God, and those who know about Sunday morning church services but still crave a relationship with their Maker? What about us all? What more do we want?
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Powerful Statement: Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.
(1 Peter 3:15, The Message)
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
"Is this all there is?"
When he asked me that question, the man was not thinking about the food on his plate, the money in his account, or the people who know his name. Those words came in response to a sermon spoken by a famous preacher. After listening and listening and listening, he asked, "Is this all there is?"
I wanted to debate, confronting him with questions about why such powerful truth did not seem like enough to him. I wanted to argue, proving my case to him with a packed dose of apologetics. I wanted to state doctrine, convincing this man of theology.
But I didn't. I responded to his question with a question. I asked, "What more do you want."
His answer told me much. I asked more questions; he offered more honesty, confessions, confusion, hurt, desire.
Instead of going for more inquiry, I asked a different question: "Is it okay if I pray for you since I still believe God hears and answers? I just want Him to help you grasp truth and I think that is what you want, too."
He answered, "Yes."
What about you? What about those who know you, those who want to know God, and those who know about Sunday morning church services but still crave a relationship with their Maker? What about us all? What more do we want?
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Powerful Statement: Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.
(1 Peter 3:15, The Message)
16 Comments:
Thanks for listening to that person. I am trying to be better at listening.
Chris... WOW!!!! You looked nice at the wedding.... Wish I could have talked to you.........You must be real busy now.......................................................................................................................................
I asked myself that same question 33 yrs ago. After a search of 2 yrs on my own, which led me nowhere I met someone who knew what I was asking and gave me the answer. . . He led me to Christ.
My life has been a continuing discovery of who HE is and has given many opportunities to share with others the great wonders and mercy of God through Jesus Christ. Anyone asking this question is really asking for a manifestation of the Son of God. The blessing is in the asking. F. Long
cool not having to deal with all the fools at evangel huh... Careful who you tell this stuff to now BIG TIME......
You know what.. I love you, but I'm no fool. You have a past bro, just like me.. You used to like the ladies, Right preacher.. I( know a few women that say that Chris,,,,, He is just so sweet. Get off your perfect high hourse man!!!!! Do you know how many of your friends have told me how happy you are now without Evangel??? Did you not say that holy man.. Oh yea. you tell this to frail women clinging on to anything that spews from your mouth... Reality check time sir!!!!!!!!! You SIN like everyone else,,,, Don't kid yuourself.
Yes, I am happy in my new career. Yes, I do miss the people of Evangel very much; they were and are dear friends to me. Yes, I am a sinner.
Wpw, sounds to me like that other anonymous is either very jealous, very angry or very hurt. Maybe a combination of all three. And he or she says they love Chris. I'm glad I don't have secret admirers like that. But the beauty of the blog is that you don't have to leave your name. It would take courage to do that.
Chris Maxwell and "high horse". Those are two words I never thought I would see together. As a member of Evangel for many years (and still counting) there were many times I wished he would have mounted that horse and rode over a few people who took advantage of him, his family, his kindness and his unfailing unconditional love for everyone he met. But that wasn't and isn't Pastor Chris. As a sinner myself who also has a past (don't we all?), I thank God for Pastor Chris who is the reason I am still a follower of Christ today.
As one of those "frail women" (hah!) who clings to everything that spews from his mouth, I take offense to someone saying that Chris is telling people he is so happy without Evangel. It is not the people he is happy to be without, it is the responsibilities that being the good shepherd he was (and still is)that took so much of his time and his attention away from his family. His former congregation misses him more than words can express.
My experience has been that what we project onto others is always a reflection of what's in our own hearts. I feel very sorry for the angry anonymous person, especially since his bitterness will destroy him and, if he has one, his family if he doesn't let it go.
sounds like Mr. Annonymous needs a little "reality check" of his own! Love? Bro? I don't think so. if you have an "axe to grind", pick up the phone or board a plane. all of YOUR spewing is drivin' ME insane!
Maybe they forgot your last quote:
Powerful Statement: Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.
(1 Peter 3:15, The Message)
Very good. Do not let that other stuff bother you. What you wrote is just what we all need.
Nice words. Thanks. Do a great job speaking at the convention.
On this election night, I want to encourage you to keep on keeping on. God is enough, our all-in-all, all we need. Every time I sat in the Evangel sanctuary, I felt like God was using you to tell me exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. You couldn't possibly have known but HE did! All WE have to do is keep our eyes on Him and the faults and sins of others and ourselves melt away into insignificance. Let him without sin cast the first stone...
Hi all! I really like this great site!
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