Book Review: The Power of Christian Contentment by Andrew Davis

We live in a world where we see people have more and more than what we have. Whether it is the neighbor next door or someone we follow on social media, we become covetous and want what they go. We become discontent with what we have. In the church, pastors can become discontent when they see churches in their city growing and they are struggling to get people through the door. Can Christians be content in this world where are prone to be discontent? The obvious answer to that question is yes. Andrew Davis has written a book to help Christians understand contentment and why it is important, called The Power of Christian Contentment, which he draws inspiration from the classic, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs

Davis teaches what Paul taught on contentment from Philippians 4, where he wrote:

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13).

If anyone knew how to be content, it was the Apostle Paul, who has been beaten, left for dead, shipwrecked, and under house arrest, which was the case as he wrote to the Philippian church.

Contentment is basically accepting what God has given us in the season of life we are in. Perhaps, it is facing financial difficulties or a terrible disease. Maybe it is a rebellious child or a church on the verse of collapse. The Bible teaches that God gives us what we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), therefore, we should be content with what we have and what were given, which is easier said than done.

Davis continues with how Christ taught us contentment which was through His life and ministry. One area Davis addressed was Christ's atonement. Christ paid the way for sinners to come to God. In this world, we are looking for ways to get to God and all of them do not include Christ. Jesus is the one Way to get to the Father and we have to be content with that knowing God has given us the way for us to be right with Him.

Finally, Davis addresses the practical ways Christians can get contentment. The first thing is to have new life in Christ. For us to be content, Jesus needs to be the first priority of our life. We need to be in the Word. The Bible teaches us contentment such as the verses we have already mentioned. Prayer is another where we ask God to help us be content. We need to practice not complaining, which I will confess is a tough one for me. God has given us what we need in this life and we should be grateful while not complaining about whatever is happening in this season of life.

Contentment is not an easy issue to address and I wish it was easier said than done. With our selfie filled world, we can grow discontent in a second. With access to our bank accounts faster than what the previous generation had, we can become very bitter. I am delighted that Davis wrote a book for such a time as this because we need to be reminded of the importance of contentment in this life.

Thanks Baker Books for letting me review this book.

Book Review: Revitalize by Andrew Davis

When a new pastor comes into a church, there comes a time when the pastor casts the vision for the direction of the church. A lot of times it will reflect the ministry of the pastor. Other times, it is help the church become a more Biblically, healthy church that is engaged in making disciples. Andrew Davis led his church, First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, in a time where they were an unhealthy church into a thriving, healthy church. He tells his story and how others should lead their church to become a healthy church in his book, Revitalize: Biblical Keys To Helping Your Church Come Alive Again.

Davis begins the book by using the example from the seven churches in Revelation that every church needs to be revitalized. He states that the church needs revitalization since the beginning of church history. The phrase "semper reformanda" means always reforming. The church should always be in a period of reformation even in our day. Davis states that a church that stops reforming will die.

Some of you maybe wondering what is revitalization. Davis says that revitalization "occurs when God restores a once healthy church, helping it to change course from its recent decline toward spiritual disease and death...Revitalize is a word that God speaks to the dry bones of a dead church or the weak, helpless form of a dying church...every revitalization of the church from dying or dead is an act of the sovereign God of the universe who speaks the powerful, life-giving word to the church: 'Live!' or 'Be revitalized!'" Revitalizing a church should be an act of God who uses the leaders to where God wants the church to go.

Davis shares his story of how God used him to lead FBC Durham, NC that use to be a seeker sensitive church, into a church that is healthy, where the Bible is preached more faithfully than prior to Davis coming to the church. He talks about preaching the Bible expositionally to establishing a plurality of elders which most Baptist churches seem to don't understand. He also talks about be a courageous in leading change and to be patient.

Church revitalization is important because we see where the American churches are heading. Some are wanting to reflect the culture while others are refusing to make any changes because they like the way things are. If you are a pastor, elder, or a leader in the church, let me encourage you to pick up Davis's book. It will be worth your time.

Thanks Baker Publishing Group for letting me review this book.