I Just finished reading "Six Hours One Friday" by Max Lucado. I was really impressed, this was a great read. I have not gotten into the study guide yet but I plan to. I know Max is Church of Christ. Has anyone else read this book? What did you think? How about his other books?
Max Lucado
Discussion in 'Books & Publications Forum' started by North Carolina Tentmaker, Jul 7, 2004.
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I have not found his books to be very deep theologically. But I have found them to be quite good for light and productive Christian reading.
You might find this article interesting -
An Unusual Church of Christ
Lucado has been making some controversial changes
By Cindy Crosby
Max Lucado's emphasis on second chances is prompting changes at his church—not least shortening its name from Oak Hills Church of Christ to Oak Hills Church.
"Some people find the name of 'Church of Christ' to be an insurmountable barrier," Lucado writes in the church's new vision statement. "Scripture urges us to remove cultural hindrances while remaining scripturally true." The name change is part of a bigger plan to become a multi-site church—one church, many campuses—in the next eight to ten years.
In addition, Oak Hills is one of a handful of Church of Christ congregations that include musical instruments in their Sunday evening services, as well as at "20-to-30 something" morning services, which Oak Hills holds in its fellowship hall. The three Sunday morning services in the main worship center will remain a cappella.
Most Church of Christ congregations have used only a cappella worship music throughout their history. The denomination, first recognized in 1906, is the most conservative of the three Restorationist streams (the other two being the Disciples of Christ and the Christian Churches). Other distinctives include an emphasis on New Testament Christianity, congregational independence, weekly observance of the Lord's Supper, and the necessity of baptism for salvation. Lucado, like many Church of Christ ministers, no longer believes that last teaching.
The recent changes at Oak Hills have drawn mixed reviews in the denomination. Some believe Lucado is compromising the denomination's distinctives, even though they understand his motives.
Such changes are rare in the Church of Christ, says Charles Siburt, associate dean at Abilene Christian University, where Lucado earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees. "I can only think of a handful who have done so," Siburt says. "While most leaders in Churches of Christ do recognize that some of our churches consider their Church of Christ identity as an unnecessary obstacle to their ultimate priorities, we cannot help but feel a sense of loss when a Church of Christ chooses another identity—whatever the reason."
The president of Abilene Christian University, Dr. Royce Money, says he and Lucado are good friends, and he respects Lucado. "To understand Max, one must realize that he has the heart of a missionary. He will do whatever he thinks will reach the most people for Christ," Money says. "I personally regret that his church leaders have decided to change their name and worship format, but I understand their right to do so as an autonomous congregation of God's people."
- www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/003/36.62.html -
Thanks Ken, I did not know that about the name change at Oak Hills although I had heard he used instruments.
Yes I would agree, it was not particularly deep theologically, but it is the simple truth of the gospel that is often the most amazing to me. I love the way Max tells stories that mix Biblical events and modern day. Of course they are fictional but they can be moving and inspirational as well. It reminds me a little of that Cosmic Christmas book that was popular a few years ago. Does anyone remember that one? -
OK, I just went and looked up Cosmic Christmas, guess what, Max Lucado wrote that one also. I had forgotten. I thought six hours was the first book of his I had read. No wonder they seemed similar to me.
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I have enjoyed reading several of his books.
Not a theology text necessarily, but a very fresh look at truth. And great exposition of Bible stories. -
Years ago, I saw him in person in San Antonio. This year, I saw him a couple times on TBN, yes I watch it sometimes! He has become quite a Christian communicator. I've read most of his books and find then very edifying.