Finding Your Voice-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I’ve been working on finishing up a great new book on Dietrich Bonhoeffer that came out last year. The book is fairly large (608 pages). It was written by Eric Metaxes and is titled Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and is very well written. I have read bits and pieces of Bonhoeffer’s works throughout the years, but have never read a biography about him. I’ve been wanting to know more of his story than the little pieces I have always heard about (like his role in trying to assassinate Hitler), and this book has been perfect in providing this. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was a influential Christian in Germany during  the 1930’s and 1940’s.

As I’ve been thinking more about the topic of finding your voice I have been greatly encouraged by the way Bonhoeffer chose to speak up against one of the most violent men in the history of our world. Bonhoeffer’s opposition towards Hitler during his era was rare as most people (pastors included) chose to not speak up against the evil Hitler represented. Bonhoeffer was willing to risk his life to speak out against Hitler by encouraging other Christians to stand firm in their faith, even in the midst of evil.

My prayer is that as I grow in my relationship with Christ and become more the man He created me to be I will also learn to speak up for truth. I hope I will be willing to speak out against injustice and fight against evil, even if it causes great loss. My hope is that you too will find your voice and stand up in defense of the Christian faith, proclaiming loudly the goodness of our God in all areas of life.

What kind of missionary will you be?

Last week at church they played this video during the worship service. I thought it was very well done and was encouraging in how it suggest Christians should live. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Updates Soon

Sorry I haven't posted anything new recently, but I have been super busy with school. I am currently sitting in the library at Denver Seminary working on a 16 page Inductive Bible Study paper on 1 Peter 4:1-11. I have a couple of blog post I have been working on which I will hopefully post sometime next week. For now I will leave you with the passage in 1 Peter my paper is on and a picture of my desk in the library. God bless.

1 Peter 4:1-11 (New International Version, ©2011)

Living for God

 ¹ Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. ² As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. ³For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. ⁴ They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. ⁵ But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. ⁷ The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.