Ancient Paths Volume One

Recently my friend Keith and I were discussing Jesus’ knack of asking questions. Even when He was asked questions He would often respond with another question. Jesus knew full well that a truth discovered has far greater impact than one that is merely told. He always knew the right thing to say to draw people out and deal with a God who was far bigger, more present, and more awesome than pat answers, tired dogma, and lifeless morality.

Through the years Jesus has used books to answer my question and to give me the right questions to ask. Not surprisingly I have been encouraged, provoked, challenged, convicted, and cherished. The books seemed to come at just the time. As the Scriptures say “they shall all be taught of God”.

The last few months I have had this whispering in my heart to re-read some of those books to revisit those themes that have been so pivotal in my journey with Christ.

If the me of 23 years old were to meet the me now at 53 my earlier self would most likely deem me a heretic. This is as it should be though. If I indeed I have a relationship with a living God as I get to know Him my understanding of Him should grow and change.

However what has not changed is the impact these books have had on me. To re-read them is like reading old love letters. My heart warms again and I remember the love of God revealed in those works. Far from mere sentimentality, this process is a means to prevent or correct spiritual drifting. Jeremiah said stand at the crossroads and ask for the ancient paths and walk in them. Sound wisdom.

Here is a list of the first few. I call this volume 1.

Knowing God-by J.I. Packer-this was perhaps the biggest influence early in my walk with Christ.

How Should We Then Live; True Spirituality; He is There and He is Not Silent- all by Francis Schaeffer- how the modern church has forgotten his profound wisdom. I will start with True Spirituality.

Normal Christian Life- by Watchman Nee-this should be required reading for all Christians. Contains perhaps the best exposition of Romans 5-6 ever.

The Jesus I Never Knew; What’s So Amazing About Grace- by Philip Yancey- of all the authors I have read, Yancey and C.S. Lewis have had the biggest impact. I constantly read them and I am nourished, challenged, etc..

Sacred Romance; and Waking The Dead-both by John Eldredge- I cannot thank God enough for Eldredge. God has used his works to restore to me the joy of my salvation and the true heart of the gospel.

Authentic Christianity- by Ray Stedman- as a young Christian I often wondered why the church in Bible was so different than what I was seeing around me. God used Ray Stedman to answer that question.

Mere Christianity-by C.S. Lewis-I “discovered” Lewis of all places in a high school literature book. I figured he was going to slam Christianity! I remember vividly saying out loud “you mean Christians can think!” I cannot say enough about C.S. Lewis.