David Platt | frontiers books | 218 pages | €4.99
Are there still Christians in the world today who suffer from hunger, persecution, or even torture? Are there still Christians anywhere who lack the most basic necessities for daily life? And do we even see them as our brothers and sisters? Do we perhaps even bear a responsibility before God toward them?
Yes, such people exist, and they long for brothers and sisters to come from somewhere to support them in their distress. But Christians in affluent countries are so preoccupied with their extravagant lifestyles that they have neither the time nor the interest to grapple with such matters. The author of this book poses these uncomfortable questions to himself and to everyone who calls themselves a follower of Christ. These questions are extremely real and should not leave us Christians indifferent.
Anyone who reads this book with an open heart will undoubtedly be shaken by it. We become accustomed to certain ways of thinking and living and rarely consider whether all of this still aligns with God's plan. Yet Jesus often confronts us with very drastic demands when He speaks about discipleship: "And whoever does not take up their cross" (cf. Mt 10:32-39). It is crucial that we, too, continually examine our way of life and see whether we are still living in accordance with Christ's will. May God help us to recognize His will and to be ready to do what He has commanded us.
Ernst Fischer
Municipality of Molbergen