David Shelton Blog

REVIEW OF BATTERSON'S PRIMAL

I was fortunate enough to receive an early copy of Mark Batterson's newest book, Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity. In return, I was asked to provide a review of the book and post it by December 22.

You will notice that it is December 22. You may be thinking I pushed the deadline because of simple procrastination - either reading the book or writing the review. You may be thinking I got too busy in the midst of the Christmas season. You would be wrong.

I am pushing the deadline because of how much I have enjoyed reading it. My original plan was to make it a quick read, post my review, and fulfill my obligation. About halfway into the first chapter, I realized my plan was not going to work for two reasons. First, I was extremely intrigued and interested in what I was reading. Batterson's writing is very personal and full of great illustrations and analogies. Second, I was having to stop and ponder what I was reading. After each chapter I have had to do a little soul searching (appropriately just was is implied in the subtitle).

There have been many books that have purported to call Christians back to the basics. Most focus on a set of actions that eventually lead back to legalism and a religion of routines. Primal is a different kind of call back to the basics. The focus is not on actions, but on our attitudes, our outlooks, our perspectives, and our whole way of thinking about Christianity.

As a preacher, I am drawn to Batterson's great use of personal stories and illustrations. The book comes across as a conversation between reader and author. There are also numerous quotes worthy remembering and sharing with others. I wholeheartedly encourage you to put Primal on your Must Read List for 2010.

ADVENT PONDERINGS - DECEMBER 1

Jeremiah 33:6 Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth. (NASB)

 

As I am writing this devotional, I am watching the New Orleans Saints football game. I love the city of New Orleans. I always enjoyed going there for my classes and seminar at the Seminary. After Hurricane Katrina, it was heartbreaking to drive through the city. There was devastation everywhere. But there was hope – many promises and plans had been made to help the city rebuild. The last time I was in New Orleans, much of the city was still in terrible shape. The promises and plans have not materialized. It is no wonder they love their Saints – it is one bright spot in the midst of much dreariness.

 

The world was in darkness. The world was full of despair. The world was full of desolation. There had been promises made to make things better. Those promises had been broken. There had been plans to fix things. Those plans failed. The world was burdened by sin and its consequences. Then a child was born in Bethlehem and He brought hope – real hope – lasting hope. He would bring spiritual health and healing. He would bring peace – not from outward circumstances but from internal peace. He would speak truth and point men back to God.

ADVENT PONDERINGS - NOVEMBER 29

John 1:9  There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. (NASB)

 

Every pastor dreads it happening on Sunday morning. It is not oversleeping and missing the service – though that would be catastrophic. It is not losing his voice. It is not forgetting his sermon outlin – a good preacher can always wing it. It is not failing to make an important announcement. Every pastor’s fear is sitting on the platform with mismatched socks. This can occur in one of two ways. It can be having socks of two different colors. It can also be having socks that are a different color from the suit being worn.

 

More often than not, having mismatched socks results from one key factor – poor lighting. In a poorly lit closet it is hard to tell black from blue. Then you get out into a brightly lit auditorium and see the differences. The light tells the true story.

 

Jesus came to be the light. He came to show things as they really are – not how we supposed them to be. He came to show that sin is really bad. He came to show that God really does love us.

ADVENT PONDERINGS - NOVEMBER 27

John 1:5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (NASB)

 

Last week I returned from a twelve day mission trip to Ukraine. Someone(s) from the church were very kind and put up a “Welcome Home” banner. I was honored and very grateful for the thoughtfulness. However, I almost missed the banner the first time I drove up the church driveway. As I approached the driveway, a bus was in the process of turning around. I was watching the bus and barely saw the sign out of the corner of my eye. I had to go around the driveway to see it again. It can be easy to miss what is plainly in front of us.

 

Many people missed the significance of that first Christmas. Even though many of the details were accurately predicted in the Old Testament, they failed to make the connection. Sadly, many people today continue to miss the significance of Christmas. We are distracted by many other things. We can fail to pay full attention to what really matters – God loved us enough to send His Son into the world.

ADVENT PONDERINGS - November 26

1 Corinthians 1:7 So that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (NASB)

 

The hardest class I ever took was Calculus. I did not have to take Calculus for my degree, but I signed up for it anyway. I knew I was in trouble during the first class when the professor filled up two chalk boards to prove that 2 + 2 may not necessarily equal 4. I spent the next fifteen weeks in a state of confusion. I could not grasp it. I sought out help but nothing worked. Then something happened. The week before the final exam, I had an “Aha” moment. It finally clicked. I aced the final exam and raised my grade to a solid “D.”

 

I would have been in trouble without that moment of revelation. There was a time when mankind was in a tough situation. We were lost. There was nothing we could do to change the situation. We could look for others to help, but they could not. Then God went to work. He revealed the solution through His Son Jesus. Christmas is about the greatest “Aha” moment in history.

Advent Ponderings - November 25

Romans 13:11  And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. (NASB)

 

The citizens of Nazareth saw her on a regular basis. They knew the story – and it was quite a story. She was pregnant. In fact at this point she was in her eighth month. She was clearly pregnant and resolutely maintained she was still a virgin. And to make matters worse, her husband-to-be Joseph backed her story and was determined to marry her. So everybody winked and nodded. They knew. Or they though they knew.

 

They had no idea the drama that was really being played out in front of their eyes. They had no idea this supposedly illegitimate child was actually the son of God. This subject of their gossip would become the source of their eternal salvation. With the same lips that spoke words of scandal, they prayed for salvation. They had no idea the subject of the first would be the source of the latter.

UKRAINE: DAY ELEVEN (The Real Day Eleven)

Today has been a time to visit with our hosts, the Vasilenko family. We slept little while longer this morning. This had a lighter breakfast of oatmeal and yogurt. Then Bob Jordan, Victor Vasilenko, and I had a long conversation about the continuation of the process. I am excited about the ideas Victor has for the college's future. I am honored that I will get to play a part in that future - more information on that in the days and weeks to come.

After our conversation we went walk through some of Chernihiv. We made a stop at a local souvenir shop where we have made many purchases in the past. Then we walked down to their version of a mall. It is a three story structure. It seemed to me that most of the clothing stores were high-end. This could explain the size of the open markets. We then walked back to the souvenir shop to make another purchase followed by a stop had a supermarket. My friend Bob was very kind to me. He knew my stomach has been a little unsettled today and he purchased me another Coca-Cola. It helped greatly.

Lunch was nearly ready upon our return. We had red borscht followed by a form of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Dessert was ice cream. After the lunch, we had our usually exchanging of gifts. I was given a table cloth and napkins that can be used for Christmas. The girls were very excited to receive the I-pod shuffles. We also gave our interpreter, Victor S, a gift. He received his own I-pod shuffle which I had loaded with Gaither music. He has listened to music the rest of the day.

The rest of the afternoon was spent packing, resting, and tying up loose ends. Two former students dropped by to wish us well and bring gifts. Our last meal together was a dish similar to our beef tips and rice. Dessert was fruit in a cream sauce.

We have tried to rest some this evening. Bob and Victor S are asleep now. We will be picked up around 1 a.m. (4 p.m. in Atlanta) and driven to Kiev. I will arrive home just over twenty-fours from then. The next time I write it will be from my own living room.

We have been blessed to be on this trip. I have appreciated the opportunity to share some of it with you. In the days ahead you will hear and see more about the week and about the things that are ahead with the college.

Blessings.

UKRAINE: DAY ELEVEN

This is our second Sunday in Ukraine. I awoke a little early after a poor night's sleep. I had a major back spasm and was uncomfortable the rest of the night. Good thing the coffee here is very strong. One cup is more than you need most mornings. Breakfast saw the return of the omelets stuffed corn, mushrooms, and onions

I preached at Bethany church in the morning services. I love the music there. They do a lot of it. They have some beautiful voices including Pastor Victor's daughter, Ginia. They asked me to sing this time and I agreed only if Victor would play the guitar. So he did and I did. I preached my favorite sermon from the story of Zacchaeus. It was well received.

We returned to the apartment for lunch. We had to wait for Bob for lunch. He was a Central (First) and they had a business meeting after the service. Lunch started with clear borscht. It was followed with a fish dish (kind of like au gratin) and mashed potatoes. Dessert saw the return of blinchiki.

About the blinchiki, Bob Jordan was a pain. He likes them a little brown. He gave me a plate, then saw they were browner than his and made me switch. He allowed Valya to put more on his plate because they were good and brown. When he could not eat them all, he put half of them on my plate. Then we were both miserable. Thanks, Bob!

In the afternoon, Bob studiously worked on his evening sermon. I also used my time wisely and slept for about two hours. I could do this since I had been asked to preach the sermon from last Sunday at the church on the Boulevard. I had a hard time waking up, but Valya fixed me a cup of coffee. It may be very late before I go to sleep.

Preached tonight at Boulevard church. It was my first time there. I enjoyed it very much. They project their songs on the wall as well as sermon outlines - all though I did not do this and was not prepared. They used an accordion to lead worship. It was very good. They spared me their normal questioning period - I guess because I was new.

Now I am back at the apartment and waiting on supper. Bob and the 2 Victors just returned from their service at Bethany. It has been a great day. Can't wait to see what is for supper.

UKRAINE: DAY NINE (Part 3)

After our final meal at the college, we took another taxi ride back to the apartment. This is the road the college/church is on. The taxi ride was indeed an exciting experience. In fact it was a cheap thrill ride since it coast less than $2 for good five mile trip. I also learned that certain languages really are universal.  

The second view is one commonly seen from a taxi or vehicle. But I must point out that this is a side street. The main roads are loaded with cars with no apparent line assignments or speed limits. I would hate to come to Ukraine, rent a car, and try to drive. Although would get to use your horn a great deal

The afternoon was spent resting and working on sermons for tomorrow. I also managed to sneak in a little nap. I had to rest up for supper. Supper was baked chicken with potatoes. Dessert was one of my favorites here - homemade waffle cones filled with a peanut butter mixture. I ate more than one. Okay, I ate a lot more than one.

After supper, we had a long discussion about music - especially Ukrainian rock music. Victor and Valya's two daughters share some music videos with us. I liked the sound. Of course I could not understand the words. Like many American artists, the singers intentionally sounded like the needed a cough drop or some other form of relief. Turns out Ukrainian parents have the same regard for their children's music as Americans often do.

After we fired up ESPN360 on Victor's computer and introduced him to American football. He did a pretty good job of grasping the basic concepts. We watched most of the Virginia Tech-Maryland game. Now I am going back and forth between others.

Getting time to go to bed. A big day of preaching comes with the sunrise. Good night from Chernihiv.

UKRAINE: DAY NINE (Part 2)

After Bob Jordan finished giving his exam - and for the first time my tests were easier than his - it was time to close time with the students. This is always a bittersweet, but it was even more emotional this year. This is the last time we will be with this class They will finish their work this spring and receive their diplomas in June. I must tell you that Bob has a particularly strong connection with the students. He has taught them four times. I am honored to serve with him and to call him my brother and my friend.

Every time we visit the college and the students present us with gifts. The college gave me a beautiful plate with a Christmas picture on it. It is a wonderful gift, but I was awed at the gift from the students. They took the class portrait taken yesterday and put them on plate. I will never be able to look at that plate and not think of these students. I will see it and pray for them. God is going to use them on the highways and in the byways of Chernihiv Oblast to build His kingdom.

After our closing time, we had our final meal at the college.