Wed 4 Oct 2006
I just finished reading Erwin McManus’ book The Barbarian Way. I don’t know a whole lot about McManus, but his writing in this book is life changing. All that I’ve ever felt or desired since becoming a Christian is talked about in this book. That we as believers are not called to a civilized religion, but to a life of untamed faith and adventure with God. We are called to live a life of radical faith that can’t be contained. Only when we live this Barbarian Way can we fully experience what it means to follow Christ. This is my heartbeat. My desire is to live full throttle for my Savior.
Below are a few quotes that we all need to read and apply to our lives.
“God would never choose for us safety at the cost of significance. God created you so that your life would count, not so that you could count the days of your life.” p.45
“The original call of Jesus was so simple, so clean, so clear: “Follow Me.” He wants us to surrender our lives to Him and follow Him into the unknown. And if that means a life of suffering, hardship, and disappointment, it will be worth it…” p.49
“A world without God can’t wait for us to choose the safe path.” p.53
“When you join the barbarian tribe, you begin to live your life with your eyes and your heart wide open. When the Spirit of God envelops your soul, your spirit comes alive, and everything changes for you. You are no longer the same. And to those who cannot see the invisible, to those who refuse to believe it exists, the path you choose, the life you live, may lead them to conclude that you are not simply different but insane. People who are fully alive look out of their minds to those who simply exist.” p. 69
“Sometimes it’s easier to believe in a love you can touch than a love that is real.” p. 72
“If you are a follower of Christ and you have allowed yourself to be domesticated, you have lost the power of who you are and who God intends for you to be. You were not created to be normal…Asleep within you is a barbarian, a savage to all who love the prim and proper. You must got to the primal place and enter the presence of the Most High God, for there you will be changed by His presence. Let Him unleash the untamed faith within you.” p. 82
“From the first step taken to follow Jesus, we are out of step with the rest of the world…You are a stranger to them, and alien among them, a nomadic wanderer who, while refusing to be rooted in this life, seems to somehow enjoy this life most.” p. 93
“Two thousand years ago God started a revolt against the religion He started. So don’t ever put it past God to cause a groundswell movement against churches and Christian institutions that bear His name. If He was willing to turn Judaism upside down, don’t think for a moment our institutions are safe from a divine revolt.” p. 114
“Civilized people measure one another by their robes and signet rings. The barbarians measure only heart and actions.” p. 133
These are just a few thoughts from this book. If your heart is full of these truths, I encourage you to go out and get this book. You just might find yourself doing something crazy for Jesus.
October 4th, 2006 at 6:08 pm
Definitely reading this book.
October 5th, 2006 at 12:45 am
The reason that this book has touched your heart is because this book (or at least the comments you have posted) describe your life perfectly. You have lived “the barbarian life” for years and have certainly followed Jesus’ demand, “Follow me.”
I, too, have to read this book to gain more insight into my son.
All my love and prayers, forever,
Mom
October 5th, 2006 at 9:24 am
Wow! I just finished reading about your trip and I have chills running up my back just hearing what God is doing. WOW!
And these quotes are going on my webpage…this is amazing, I am reading this book.
Recently I’m reading Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby (Bible study) and its really got me thinking about how I interpret what is God’s will. I’m also trying to conquer Knowing God by JI Packer, but in Spanish:)
God is doing great things here as well. I am seeing major growth spiritually in the maids Bible study I lead. Recently I talked to my brother back home who asked me “how do you break out of the mold of thinking that God doesn’t do big things, because that’s what we’re being taught in church here in the US.” I told him he needs to take a mission trip and watch God work in amazingly huge ways where people believe in a radical God who does the impossible. Reading your blog reminds me of this even more, how amazing God is. Thank you for faithfully writing it is really encouraging to the rest of us.
Take care,
Bethany from Latin America!
October 5th, 2006 at 9:59 pm
Nathan,
That’s definitely a book I want to read. I hope you’re doing well and know that you’re in my prayers daily. And I have some more “information” for you, so I’ll get that to you as soon as I can. Miss you very much!
Willing to Follow,
Jenni