[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B00HUCPX5S” cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-v2SMY7HL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”douloschristo-20″ width=”107″]Page 2: Barry Jones – Dwell: Life with God For the World
The real fruit of the book came for me in the middle section (chapters 5-9) in which Jones inspects specific spiritual disciplines. I am a proponent of the spiritual disciplines, and think that part of our struggle in the church today is that as a whole we have neglected these disciplines for too long. That being said, one of my struggles regarding the disciplines comes in my understanding of them. It has been explained, and I believe (intellectually), that the Holy Spirit is the one who transforms us. Yet, I have often found myself attempting to transform myself, often using the disciplines, such as fasting, to force this transformation. Jones reiterates what I have learned before writing, “These practices are not the means by which we transform ourselves, but the ‘means of grace,’ the means by which we pay attention to the Spirit’s presence and open ourselves up to the Spirit’s transformative work.” (emphasis added, 26) While I have heard this idea countless times in the past, the reminder is helpful. Additionally, I found the emphasized words especially helpful.
As he explains the practice of the spiritual disciplines, Jones also reveals the way in which they help to accomplish the vision of God. I also appreciate the way in which Jones was hyper-practical in his explanation of the disciplines, giving concrete biblical suggestions for the practice of the disciplines in our present American culture. I specifically found his suggestion of a technology free Sabbath practice challenging, yet encouraging, and look forward to doing this with my family and enjoying the fruit. Jones does a phenomenal job presenting both the spiritual and mission effects of the disciplines.
In the last chapter Jones wraps everything together, reminding us that the Christian life is not done solo. Not only do we participate in the Christian life with others in our faith communities, but also the social circles that we in which we live and work. Jones writes, “a life with God for the world—must take seriously the ways we inhabit the particularities of time and place.” (195). We must be with others, Christians and otherwise if we are to be successful at the Christian life.
Barry Jones has challenged me and encouraged me. He helped me to have a clearer vision of the Jesus following life, and helped to explain the disciplines in a way that keeps practicality, spirituality, and missionality all in mind. And he reminds us that we do not live on an island. We live as Christians in the world, a world that we are to reach for God. This book would be great for using with a group of new Christians, to help introduce them to the life we are called to live. It is also great for long time Christians that need to be reminded of our spiritual missionality. Jones did a great job of bringing the pendulum back to the middle in the spiritual-missional debate.
C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
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