Prepare for this Sunday’s message

This Sunday in our Traditional Worship Service, Dr. Randy Mickler will begin a six-part series discussing “The Shack”, a very popular Christian fiction book.  This series will cover many of the themes from the book including grief, anger, redemption, Heaven and foregiveness.  Don’t miss this powerful series for an in-depth look at how God is using this novel to show us His love.

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  1. I have read the book. Can’t wait to hear the sermons!

    Comment by Ben M. Hornsby — August 13, 2008 #

  2. I started reading “The Shack” yesterday. Just met Papa and the T……… Can’t wait for Randy’s series.

    Comment by Ron Pizel — August 13, 2008 #

  3. Grief, anger, redemption, and forgiveness…..I can’t wait to hear this series. It sounds like I will learn something each week. Looking forward to Sunday!

    Comment by Natalie McNeel — August 13, 2008 #

  4. I read this book about a month ago…I think it is amazing,although fiction it brings God’s love and understanding so very close

    Comment by Connie Church — August 13, 2008 #

  5. Since “The Shack” purportedly distorts the Christian religion and beliefs in places, it will be interesting to see how Randy pulls the value from this book while still keeping us on the righteous Christian path. Could we do it ourselves if left alone to read the book? That is the danger, I think.

    Comment by G. Hoyt Wagner — August 13, 2008 #

  6. This book is one man’s encounter with God who seeks us all in different ways, and has the marvelous power to know just how we will best receive Him. Thank you, Randy, for your insight into this writing.

    Comment by Becki Credille — August 13, 2008 #

  7. This is an awesome book! You can’t put it down. Inspired by grief in the author’s life and how he deals with it. Can hardly wait to see how Paster Randy explains it all!

    Comment by Sherry Macdonald — August 14, 2008 #

  8. Having lost our 18 year old son about a year and a half ago, my husband Don and I were a bit apprehensive about reading the book. However, both of us read it and while finding it quite emotional, we also found it very healing as well. We are anxious to hear Randy’s sermons on the messages delivered in the book.

    Comment by Debbie Cross — August 14, 2008 #

  9. Well I’m missing out! I got my copy yesterday (available at the MB Bookstore) and I can’t wait to get started. Thanks for the recommendation!

    Comment by Kathy Householder — August 14, 2008 #

  10. While I’m sure this novel is well written and would be entertaining to read, the author’s comments in churches around the country show a twisted view of the Trinity. I can’t really say it better than Hank does:

    http://www.equip.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=muI1LaMNJrE&b=2616123&ct=5545421

    If we’re going to highlight this book in both worship services, I hope Randy and Vaughn are careful to point out the dangers of viewing the nature of God differently than it is presented in Scripture.

    Comment by Kevin Combs — August 14, 2008 #

  11. this is awesome! God displayed as the all good God. Evil is in this world because of us. Powerful message to live by each day.

    Comment by Mary Ann Ryan — August 14, 2008 #

  12. Wow. I am shocked that some want to criticize the book and Randy’s interpretation through this sermon series. I am in relationship with dozens who have read this book and found God’s voice through it. If one wants to judge that or criticize that, well, you may want to read the book again. Or, more importantly, you may want to read Scripture again. I suggest starting with John 3:17 (in my opinion, the most overlooked passage in the Bible).

    Excellent book. Excellent sermon series. I thank God for his voice through both.

    Comment by Dan DeLamater — August 30, 2008 #

  13. Dan, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the forum. For our benefit, could you please point out where the book or Randy’s interpretation of it has been criticized? I haven’t seen a comment that wasn’t presented in a loving and winsome manner. I find your comments about judgement a bit puzzling, and frankly, ironic. I’m glad you enjoyed the book and the sermon series, and I thank God for it, as He often uses the imperfect for His purposes. Best, Kevin

    Comment by Kevin Combs — September 2, 2008 #

  14. Hi all,

    Great work of fiction. IMHO (and untheologically trained opinion) I find the book an excellent expression of a portion of God’s love and grace in our lives. If I took it as a gospel canon I would be being too precise. The book takes great license in putting words and form to an infinite and triune God, but at its heart, the book expresses a love store for our times and answers some of the hardest heart questions of our modern age. God’s answer to all our questions and problems is, “I LOVE YOU!” This book paraphases that as saying that God “…is especially fond…” of each of us. The finite of the printed work will never capture this infinite love and the call for us to live in community with Him.

    I do caution new believers in reading this book as it could easily lead to idolatry by creating a vision of God that is too small for our true heavenly father.

    That said, I believe in reading where God leads us. There are many materials in this world that can lead a person astray, but I think this book describes a love that outweighs the risk of misunderstanding.

    God Bless!
    – Roger.

    Comment by Roger Barnette — September 3, 2008 #

  15. Kevin:

    Have you read the book?

    Comment by Richard Hollenshead — September 6, 2008 #

  16. Kevin, Thanks for your note and the question for clarification. The criticisms that I referred to was in your post dated 8/14, including the link that you provided as the better summary.

    Please know that I was certainly not commenting belligerently. That was not my intent, anyway. But quotes like “…a twisted view of the Trinity”, “…a sad commentary on Christian discernment”, and “If you haven’t read the Shack, don’t” are a bit more than “loving and winsome” in my opinion.

    The story told in The Shack is obviously fiction. And it obviously paints Yahweh, His Son, and The Holy Spirit in a small box so that we may see a glimpse of them as the Trinity. But it does so not to limit Him. In my opinion, it does so with the hope that we will be challenged by this small portrait thus encouraged to learn more. It provides to us a basis to understand some of the nature of God in hopes that we might then learn more about this love. And it challenges some of the ‘religion’ that we have instituted in the nearly 2000 years since Christ’s death. Of course, in every point of discussion, we should certainly refer to Scripture for any clarification.

    I agree with you that loving criticism is healthy. Discussions like this - and more so study club discussions of The Shack (and other wonderful books) - are even better. These are forums that we might share in relationship with others. We might also learn from God through others. Better yet, we might even challenge our own narrow view of Yahweh. But to call the story and lecture series “twisted” and to recommend those who have not read it to avoid it undermines the ability for these things to occur.

    These things are all in my humble opinion.

    Many blessings, Dan

    Comment by Dan DeLamater — September 6, 2008 #

  17. Dan, To clarify, I did not call the story or the lecture series “twisted”. I said, “the author’s comments in churches around the country show a twisted view of the Trinity.” He is using the influence from a very successful novel to spread some pretty disturbing views. Perhaps my post was not clear enough on that point. Best to you and yours, Kevin

    Comment by Kevin Combs — September 17, 2008 #

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