Life is a journey.
This is, I know, neither the most original or the most incisive statement you have ever heard on the subject of life, but nevertheless it is true--life really is a journey.
Mapping the Christian Life is a book that traces the Christian life journey useing the Psalms of Degrees (Psalms 120-134) as a guide, following the trail through five significant stages.
1. The Seeker--The beginning of our journey with God, as we pass through unbelief to disillusionment to faith. Along the way, we must answer the question--Can I trust God?
2. The Servant-- Finally, comes the "great reversal" when we come to realize that we exist for God's sake, not He for ours. Then the question becomes--How can I serve God?
3. The Settler--Once we know our place and direction in life, we now face the difficult job of living it, da by day, step by step, in the face of opposition. The question then becomes--How do I build God's Kingdom in the face of opposition?
4. The Sorrower--Eventually, something happens which shakes our life and our faith to the core of our being. All our earlier plans must be set aside, all our certainties become uncertain, and we are left to ask--How do I hang on?
5. The Saint--I God lets us live so long, one final question will wait us at the end of all our labors--How do I go from doing to being?
Mapping the Christian Life follows that journey from beginning to end. Along the way, it offers advice on how the church can help its members navigate the currents and shoals and come to a successful conclusion at whatever stage we find ourselves traversing.
Mapping the Christian Life is available through Amazon.com, RevPress, or from the author. Dr. Bill Fleming.
Dr. Fleming is available for speaking engagements and book signings. He can be reached through this website or online at bfleming@nlts.edu.