Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Book Review: Passing Through by Jeremy Walker

The book of 1 Peter was written to elect exiles scattered across the known world. Peter writes later in the book that we are sojourners and exiles (1 Peter 2:9), which is even more true in our day and time. I remember one pastor telling his congregation that we are just passing through this life on earth until God calls us home.

Jesus in His high priestly prayer in John 17 asks the Father to not take them from the world. A Christian does not automatically leave this earth, they continue the journey with all it's joys and pain. In light of the Supreme Court that happened two weeks ago, Christians need to be reminded more than ever that this world is not our home, but we are on a journey toward a better home.

In his latest book, Passing Through, Jeremy Walker talks about Christians relating to the world on their pilgrim journey. This is a fallen world we live but Christians do have a relationship with it. Walker talks about what the Bible means when it talks about the world. Jesus is our model regarding to our model in relationship to the world where he is was in the world but was not of the world. This is the call for every Christian to be in the world not of the world.

Walker continues mentioning that we have to know our enemy which is not flesh and blood but spiritual. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Ephesians 2 tells us the devil is the ruler of this world which is why we are called not to be friend the world which is hatred toward God (see 1 John 2:15 and James 4:4).

The rest of the book deals pursuing God's mission, which is to make disciples, as well comfort the suffering. Walker talks about having joy in this world even though it is a fallen one by praising God for every good gift which comes from Him (James 1:17). For Christians living in the 21st century, this is a book that all believers in Christ must read. As we see ourselves as the moral minority, this book will not only equip it's readers, but also encourage them.

Thanks Reformation Heritage Books for letting me review this book.

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