So let me get this out in the open right now — Pastor Cordeiro has gotten some heat for being a “prosperity” preacher. In other words, some have contested that he preaches that the more “faithful” you are than the more “blessed” (monetarily) you will be. Some have even thought that the back cover (read below) alludes to this money-centered preaching. To briefly respond, Pastor Cordeiro says that if you have your eyes fixed on Jesus than everything else “falls into place.” He doesn’t say what place, he just says it will fall into its (proper) place. Now, if you want to think worldly, that probably implies some financial reward. On the other hand, if you want to think other-world (Yes, I’m talking Kingdom of God), than I’d say Pastor Cordeiro does not step beyond his theological boundaries. He is just saying that we have tainted our perspective of Christ and in turn we have muddled up the way we view, or perceive, everything else. If we would open our eyes to see Christ, pure and simple, than we would see Christ as King and not ourselves as King. Everything would be put right where it goes, right in its proper place … right at the foot of the cross.
Pick up your copy at Amazon.com or Berean.com.
I’m done babbling. That was mainly for all those folks who are giving this book a bad reputation. If you’re tired of the 22 steps to a perfect marriage and the rollercoaster faith empowered by conference after conference (or the hope that you’ll find another good sermon as you flip through the Podcast list), than you will resonate with Cordeiro. Cordeiro isn’t looking to bandage your faith up. Rather, he wants to open up your heart a bit and see who/what you serve and how you respond when you’re tested. You’ve heard it said that Jesus is a different person to different people and I think Cordeiro would say that that should not be the case. Cordeiro helps us to see Christ as King. Who we should openly and humbly serve.
This book is good for folks who are tired of the purpose driven faith or are tired of dropping like stars because so-and-so did not stir their heart in the faith any longer. This is about getting back to when you first believed. When your eyes were first opened. When you saw Christ just for Christ, like the Scriptures proclaim.
Back Cover Reads: Do you ever feel like you’re being pulled in a million different directions? Like you’re overwhelmed with various programs and ministries, or with studying the steps to good parenting or the best ways to share Jesus with your neighbors?
These are all good things but even good things can sometimes take us away from our number one responsibility — knowing Jesus better.
Wayne Cordeiro shares how to focus on the one who matters most and take part in the joy and fulfillment that he brings. But he also teaches how this leads to selflessness, a true love for others and effective ministry. It will in fact change the way you see the world around you. When you focus on Christ everything else falls into place.
You’re relationships.
You’re job.
You’re church.
You’re mission.
It’s all placed in the hands of Jesus, pure and simple.
Pick up your copy at Amazon.com or Berean.com.
*This book was free from Bethany House (www.bethanyhouse.com) with my promise to post an unbiased review.
