So, I just finished reading this awesome book called Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell. Only 177 pages, it's a quick read, but it's also packed with an amazing amount truth and insight. I was in such a state reading this book, because he shares so much knowledge that I couldn't wait to turn the pages and devour it all; yet some of the things he writes and the analogies he makes are so profound that I wanted to linger and savor them.I once heard Rob Bell speak in person (at a Youth Specialties conference in Sacramento several years ago). I remember being captivated by his message and his passion then, and I bought the audio tape recording of it so I could take it home and let my husband listen to it too.
Rob is a pastor near Grand Rapids, Michigan. For our new small group we've been watching his series of videos called Nooma. They're basically object lessons, where he's giving a message and doing something at the same time. Like planting trees, or starting a fire, or eating in a diner. They're incredibly powerful messages, and generate wonderful discussions. I love how he makes his audience think, without feeding you his own conclusions. He makes you look inside your heart and points you to Jesus for your answers.
It completely changes how I think about events that happened in the Bible when I find out the ancient Jewish customs or the cultural background behind Christ's words, or the disciples' actions. It's so refreshing to listen to him explain these things, and think to myself, "Oh, now that makes sense to me!" It makes me want to go back and read those passages over again with my new eyes.
I'm definitely going to read Velvet Elvis again soon, but I might have to get a second so I can highlight it and make notes. Go and do likewise! You won't be disappointed.
Just in case you're not convinced yet, here's a little excerpt from Movement Six: NEW (page 146). The second statement may seem to be a little controversial, but keep reading:
"Heaven is full of forgiven people God loves, whom Jesus died for.
"Hell is full of forgiven people God loves, whom Jesus died for.
"The difference is how we choose to live, which story we choose to live in, which version of reality we trust.
"Ours or God's.
"When we choose God's vision of who we are, we are living as God made us to live. We are living in the flow of how we are going to live forever. This is the life of heaven, here and now. And as we live this life, in harmony with God's intentions for us, the life of heaven becomes more and more present in our lives. Heaven comes to earth."
