Mark Buchanan (2)Recensioni

"The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath" by Mark Buchanan is a profound exploration of the concept of Sabbath and its transformative power. Buchanan weaves together theology, personal anecdotes, and practical insights to guide readers toward a deeper understanding of rest and its spiritual significance.

The author delves into the fast-paced, modern world and addresses the urgency of finding true rest amidst the chaos. His eloquent prose and thoughtful reflections make a compelling case for embracing the Sabbath as a sacred space for rejuvenation and connection with the divine.

What I find particularly commendable is Buchanan's ability to blend theological depth with a practical approach. He doesn't just advocate for Sabbath in theory; he provides tangible ways for readers to incorporate rest into their lives. His emphasis on the holistic nature of rest, encompassing not just physical but also emotional and spiritual dimensions, resonates well.

Buchanan's writing style is engaging, and his sincerity shines through as he shares personal experiences and struggles with rest. It adds authenticity to his message, making the book relatable to a broad audience. Moreover, his respect for the Sabbath as a gift from God and a means of restoring the soul aligns well with your theological background.

Overall, "The Rest of God" is a thought-provoking and enriching read, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and embrace the rest that God intends for our well-being. It's a book that transcends denominational boundaries, offering universal insights into the profound significance of Sabbath rest in our lives.

When a writer is transparent about the mystery and mess that accompany the spiritual journey I'm drawn in. Even better, Buchanan presents his ideas with thoughtful prose -- the sort of writing that seems effortless but really requires skill and heaps of work.

"[T]here is a self-satisfaction that, rightfully embraced, is the opposite of pride." 152

From the chapter "Where the Stones Sing"

After describing a walk on the beach: "All this God makes for the sheer joy of making tings, most of it for HIs eyes only, and then goes off and makes something else."

"One of the strongest evidences that we are not resting in God or risking much for God is the lowly state of the arts among Christians."

"Let's talk about trying too hard. Christians are generally driven by a desire to edify. We want what we do to have a meaning, a moral, a message. ... Our poems teach, our paintings proclaim, our stories make points. To a certain extent, this is good. But just walking from the front door to the sidewalk, I get the impression that God isn't overburdened with the same impulse. He just likes making things...like an eccentric inventor who creates for the sheer quirky joy of it..."

Found this author today (2022 0610 fr 23 cest). I'm curious if this is pastoral or technical (restoring saturday). The word Sabbath looks to be misused for Sunday.
Lost from whom.


https://lccn.loc.gov/2005010012
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One of my favorite books, worth re-reading once a year. Extremely well written with life changing and needed ideas about rest, and that God designed us to need rest, thinking it so important that it was a part of the 10 commandments, just like not murdering.

How Mark Buchanan has written six books before Your Church Is too Safe (2012, Zondervan) and I have not read any of them is a mystery to me. Buchanan is a Pastor (New Life Community Baptist Church, Duncan, British Columbia, Canada) first—and that fact shines through. These are not the words of an academic in an ivory tower; they are the heart-cry of a shepherd of God’s flock.

Buchanan has one purpose for this book: He wants the church to reflect the Kingdom. He simply wants Christians to be Christians. That is all. Allow me to share a passage from the very beginning of the book. I apologize in advance for the length of the quote.

"Should the church be relevant to the world?

"We’ve spilled a lot of ink over that question. We’ve exchanged many words, both exhotatory and accusatory, trying to resolve it. It vexes us sorely. There are those who decry the church’s stodginess, its veneration of old wineskins, its adherence to outmoded cultural forms. They seek a church that nimbly adapts to the world’s music and dress and causes. And there are those who lament the church’s trendiness, its fetish for new wineskins, its pursuit of faddish cultural novelties. They seek a church gloriously indifferent to the world’s latest fashions.

"We tote out Jesus’ warning to be in the world but not of it, but then have endless and exhausting debates about what constitutes which. We have those who think the kingdom’s come because we’ve preserved ancient songs and starchy vestments and Latin-strewn liturgies, and we have those who think it’s come because we smoke Cuban cigars and drink Belgian beer and treat Starbucks as sacred space. If I wear torn jeans and a ratty T-shirt to church, am I of the world or in it? If our church worships to hip-hop music, which preposition are we falling under, in or of? If our liturgy hasn’t changed since 1633 or 1952, or 1979, is that because we refuse to be of this world, or because we’re failing to be in it?

"And now I will resolve the matter for all time.

"It doesn’t matter. The kingdom is not about any of this. The kingdom of God is not about eating or drinking or music styles or how up-to-date or out-of-date we are.

"The kingdom of God is a republic of love. Not the sentimental or sensual thing the world calls love but the 1 Corinthians 13 kind; fierce, wild, huge, feisty, pure. The unbounded extravagance at the heart of the heart of God. This love is the song God sings over us, and calls us to sing loudly. What makes the church both a mystery and a magnet to the world is when we love in this way, God’s way."

Some of you may be thinking this is just another book about how if we would just be more loving (meaning accepting of wrong or sin) the church would be a place that is “safe” for unbelievers—and weak, immature believers—to feel comfortable. You could not be further from the truth. Buchanan is not afraid to point out wrong actions, attitudes, and behaviors. But Christians of every theological stripe ought to be able to agree that all we are in Christ, indeed our very existence and salvation, is due first and foremost to God’s extravagant love for us. If you have any questions about this, I refer you to John 3:16.

So Buchanan wants the church to look more like the Kingdom. Who doesn’t! Be warned: if you are looking for a how-to book, you will likely be disappointed. There are no “5 Steps to Loving the World” or “8 Keys to Being More Like Jesus”. That is because reflecting the Kingdom, discipleship, is not a simple, clean, step-by-step process. It is ministry, and like a good friend of mine says, “Ministry is messy.”

What Buchanan does offer is a number of biblical principles and a collection of stories from his own experience in the church he has the privilege to pastor. It is enough. Your Church Is too Safe is an incredibly encouraging look at the journey of the church becoming more like the bride of Christ she already is.

If that were all I had to say about this book, it would be enough; but I want to add one more thing. It is a very well-written book. Mark Buchanan is a really good writer. His prose is so vivid and picturesque. The book was a joy to read.

This is a book I would unreservedly recommend for any pastor or church leader. Additionally, most any church member would benefit from it.

Thoughts?

[The Rest of God] by [[Mark Buchanan]] is perhaps the best book I've read on Sabbath keeping--and I've read a lot, having kept Sabbath for all 43 years of my Christian walk.

Mr. Buchanan, a pastor, doesn't get bogged down in do's and don'ts--rather he focuses on the wonderful benefits of Sabbath keeping and how much we need a break, a rest from our usual work. He relates how, despite being a pastor, he didn't keep any kind of Sabbath for years. He eventually got so sick he had to take a break, a Sabbatical from his pastorate. He found that humbling and educational for the benefits of the Sabbath. I found his candor and humility about his errors to be refreshing and made his case far stronger.

I recommend this book for any Christian who wishes to draw closer to God and doesn't currently observe any day of rest. It also is educational for any person of another faith who is curious about Christian Sabbath keeping.

One last point: although whether a Christian Sabbath should be celebrated on Saturday or Sunday is a divisive point, Mr. Buchanan completely bypasses the issue, focusing rather on the spirit and intent of the Sabbath--time devoted to God, every week.

One of my top 5 books.

The Holy Wild: Trusting in the Character of God
by Canadian author, Mark A. Buchanan

A book of challenging thought, provoking reflection and contemplation. Take your time savouring the new and unique flavours captured in expositions of the Good Samaritan, Shabbat ‘rest’, ‘faithlessness’, etc. Time well spent and well rewarded.

I was captivated by unusual insights into our own natures such as:
“The pleasure of treasure hunting is a quirk of instinct. God wired us for this, that the simple act of searching out hidden things --- would stir our deepest blood... to risk, to dare...”

“..be holy..to be whole..healthy to the marrow, without the sour breath of envy, the..stunting in our limbs that greed or suspicion causes. Free. Unburdened by those many things that, promising to fulfil us, only betray us.”

Instructional endnotes and references to works used in research, support and aid further personal review.

Definition: Frederick Buechner's definition of call; where your deep joy and the world's deep need meet. In all true calls, deep calls to deep. Our first and deepest call is to know Christ and be conformed to him. All specific calls derive from and are anchored in this greater one. Topo often we rush to the specific call without being firmly established in the deper one, and end up disappointed, not fulfilled.

Jesus' revolutionary reversal puts transformation within reach. Anytime a man or woman brings their life into the light, God is at work. When we speak truth, it should be so grace-soaked it's hard to reject. Our grace should be so truth-soaked, it's hard to accept.

Satan hates people. His main trick is to get otherwise godly, committed people to ignore what God wants in order to advance what they want. Almost always, that never involves a cross. It never involves dying to self.

Even when life disturbs, disfigures, or destroys, God whispers, If you do what is right, it will go well with you.

Jesus weeps in a world where God's glory is the least, the last, and the most unlikely of our concerns.

A look at ways to do Sabbath without making it legalistic. Buchanan discusses the way we look at work and busyness, as well as time,stating that “under God’s economy, nothing really changes until our minds do. Transformation is the fruit of a changed outlook. First our minds are renewed and then we are transformed. And then everything is different, even if it stays the same. God is more interested in changing your thinking than in changing your circumstances” (32-33). This book is not a prescription for Sabbath, for in it, Buchanan argues against the legalism of religion. However, it does make suggestions about what can be included while practicing Sabbath, with chapters in the book covering playing, restoring, feasting, listening, remembering, reflecting and anticipating. He submits, as Sabbath’s golden rule, the following: “Cease from what is necessary. Embrace that which gives life,” based on the fact that Jesus Himself broke the rules of Sabbath in order to give life (129).

A book to be read slowly and savored. The chapter on God's Holiness, The Presence of Ruin- great stuff.

The number one sin of the church in America is that its Pastors and leaders are not on their knees crying out to God.

Many of us see the Christian life as a guarantee of health, wealth and ease. The only problem with this line of thinking is the Bible! God has much bigger things in mind for His people. In Mark Buchanan's book, "Your God is Too Safe", he urges us to live for God – to move from the safe, impersonal doldrums of Christianity in what he refers to as "the Borderlands" to a deeply intimate relationship with God where He dwells in the "Holy Wild". Buchanan guides us on a journey to discover who God really is and how He desires us to live our lives – not stuck on the edges of His kingdom, but in the middle of the greatest adventure ever known.

Buchanan is one of the most gifted speakers and writers I've encountered. God has wonderfully gifted him with the ability to cut the bible open, and lay its contents bare. He's made me feel like I've never read the passage he's talking about before, and after sitting with his teaching in insight, I doubt I'll ever read them the same way again. In the Rest of God, Mark is aiming at the heart of the crisis of our culture of busyness and restlessness. Buchanan reminds us that the Sabbath was made for man, and that God's desire that we have and live lives with his peace and rest and joy is too easily forgotten.

Buchanan is one of the most gifted speakers and writers I've encountered. God has wonderfully gifted him with the ability to cut the bible open, and lay its contents bare. He's made me feel like I've never read the passage he's talking about before, and after sitting with his teaching in insight, I doubt I'll ever read them the same way again. God's gifts to his people are so rich and beautiful - thank you Mark, for letting yours shine forth.

The book is designed to encourage us to have a long term outlook on life where we realize that this world is not all there is. So that we will be less obsessed with earthly concerns and more able to see things from God's standpoint.

Mark Buchanan likes to tell stories in his books. This book is no exception. His stories are often about people he knows but he also uses a lot of illusions, often from movies which make the book enjoyable and easy to read.

The book brings a fresh perspective on life on earth. When we know that this is not all there is, it helps when the things we must do are repetitive, uninspiring and pointless. Yet we remember that God is at work.½

Buchanan looks at various aspects of the Sabbath and how it applies to us today. The world has often glorified the workaholic whereas there is an increasing body of scientific evidence to suggest we actually get more done when we take regular breaks. Buchanan points out that it takes faith to rest. We temporarily let go of our responsibilities which reminds us that we are not in charge of running the universe. It reminds us that there are so many things we cannot control and that God can manage without us.

Buchanan also looks at the Bible's instruction to cease work one day a week. The Bible does not define in much detail the word, "work". Perhaps in the culture it was written there was no need to explain it but in our world the word "work" means different things to different people. For some gardening is work, for others it is leisure. For some sport is work, for others it is leisure. For some reading is work, for me it is leisure.

Jesus is our example. He took regular breaks. He never appeared rushed or hassled. He was not pressed into doing what other people expected (Mark 1:36-38). He brought health and wholeness on the Sabbath.

So what does one actually do when one takes a Sabbath rest? Buchanan advice is: "Stop doing what you ought to do. There are six days to do what you ought. … Cease from what is necessary. Embrace that which gives life."

The title is a bit of a reminder of the J.B. Phillips book, "Your God is too small" where Phillips was expounding the idea that our view or perception of God was way too small. In this book Buchanan is saying our perception of God has become way too comfortable. We concentrate on all the comforting aspects of God's character and forget the aspects that we find confronting.

Mark begins the book by explaining how after he had been a Christian for a few years he got bored with Christianity. He was going through the outward routines of Christianity but there was no joy or life in it. The first part of the book looks at the things that causes this to happen.

The second part of the book looks at what the Christian life should be like when we live it like God intended. How to develop the practice of knowing that we are constantly in God's presence. How spiritual disciplines shouldn't make us weary but rather make us more alive and more joyful.

I enjoy the way Mark Buchanan uses stories to bring new insights to old truths.

Mark Buchanan likes to use stories to make his point. Some of the stories are about things that have happened to him, others are about people he knows. He also uses illustrations, often from movies which make the book enjoyable and easy to read.

Each chapter is mostly complete in itself so you can pick and choose what chapters you would like to read and in what order. My favourite story is the one he begins the book with about a female snake in their basement. They manage to remove her but not before she had laid eggs. Consequently Mark and his family kept finding baby snakes and they were never quite sure if they found them all. After this they never felt comfortable about sleeping in the basement, I mean, supposing there was still a baby snake, grown into an adult snake, lurking somewhere in the dark … So even on the hottest nights, they could never retreat to the coolness of the basement because they never quite trusted the bed. Of course, the bed had not changed it was still as sturdy and reliable as before. But now they were never quite sure whether they were safe from snakes. Mark goes on to say that often this is how we feel about God we are never quite sure if we can really trust Him, can we really put the full weight of our belief in Him? In a nutshell the book is about this issue, trusting in the character of God, rather than God's actions or inactions.

I also really enjoyed the way Mark tells the story of the Good Samaritan and manages to bring out aspects of the story that I had never seen before which is quite amazing considering the number of times I've read it.

Finally in another story Mark relates the tale of a women whose husband left her for another women after many years of apparently happy married life. She said this, "In the first year or so after he left, there were many things I thought of doing – selfish, sinful things. But you know what kept me from doing them? Thinking that one day I will stand before God in heaven and to explain to God why living for Him, by His strength wasn't enough."

A good read.

I have read the introduction and I'm loving it!! So much to speak to my overwhelmed, almost done with graduate school but still pushing though, spirit.

Ah, this was ok. If you're drawn to books like Wild at Heart, this one is far better, but not Buchanan's best.½