The Open Secret

I was told by several people that I needed to read the Open Secret by Leslie Newbigin. So with elevate 06 concluded, I am finding that I have a little bit more time to focus on some reading and studying. Which is a good thing. I'm only done with the second chapter of this book, and I was already challenged. Newbigin is talking about the authority of mission. Who's authority are we acting under? Of course the answer to that should be Jesus. If it isn't Jesus then you should really go back and check your priorities. But with our answer comes another question -- "Well, who is Jesus?" Newbigin states --"The answering of the question is the work of Christian witness through all the centuries and all the cultures until the day comes when all nations confess him Lord." I think some times we get off track when we are talking about mission and purpose and vision of a ministry or church or even individuals. We have these great lofty statements that sound churchy. But really we are living in a world that knows less and less about Jesus. Our primary mission should be answering that question, "Who is Jesus?" I think more than giving sermons on annointing, or worship, or family, or work, etc. we should spend more time answering the question, "Who is Jesus?" Who is this guy and why is he so important? If we know who Jesus is in our own lives, then we need to be sure that we are telling others what we know about him. People ask me all the time about my wife, and I have no problem talking about her. But whate about the people who are going to ask who is this Jesus? Can you answer? That's our mission, that's the mission of the church, to answer that one question. All the other stuff is secondary.