This week I'm giving away THREE copies of Mark Batterson's book, All In. Mark serves as the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Recognized as “one of America’s 25 most innovative churches,” NCC is one church with seven locations. Mark’s blog and webcast also reach a virtual congregation around the world. Mark is the author of several bestselling books, including New York Times Bestseller - The Circle Maker and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. Mark holds a doctorate degree from Regent University and lives on Capitol Hill with this wife, Lora, and their three children.
I recently had the chance to ask Mark a few questions about his book:
Margaret: What sparked the idea for All In?
Mark: We did a sermon series at National Community Church a few years ago titled All In. I think it ranks as one of the most impactful series we've ever done! So many people made the decision to go all in with God. So the title comes from that series, and some of the content as well. I've described this book as my "sucker-punch" because it's a pretty hard-hitting theme.
It's certainly written in a motivation tone, but I don't pull any punches.
Either Jesus is Lord of all or He isn't Lord at all. I really believe that our greatest regret at the end of our lives will be whatever we didn't give back to God. So the book is a call to full surrender. The good news is this : if you don't hold out on God, God won't hold out on you.
What do you hope will happen in the reader's heart and mind after they finish with the book?
I think most people in most churches think they are following Jesus, but the reality is that they've invited Jesus to follow them. I call it the inverted gospel. And I hope reader's make the decision to go all in with Jesus because that's when the true adventure begins. Each chapter highlights an "all in" moment in Scripture, and I share lots of personal stories as well. I just don't think destiny is a mystery. It comes down to our decisions--defining decisions and daily decisions. I don't think All In is a book to be read. It's a decision to be made. And the good news is: you are only one decision away from a totally different life.
What were the biggest challenges or struggles during the writing process?
Writing is a labor of love, with an emphasis on labor! Every authentic writer grapples with the subject matter they are writing about. And this book is no exception. In 2012, the word "consecration" is something God started to speak to me about. I certainly have a lot more to learn on the subject, but this book is what the Lord has taught me. Joshua 3:5 says, "Consecrate yourselves to the Lord, for tomorrow He will do amazing things among you." I think we want to do amazing things for God, but that isn't our job. That's God's job. Our job is consecration. And if we do our job, God will do His! So writing this book was really a process of consecration for me.
What's the greatest compliment you've received on the book?
I'm thrilled with the early reviews. I think it's challenging readers to take a long hard look at their level of commitment to Christ. And if I can help reader's surrender more of their time, talent, and treasure to God, mission accomplished. I think the greatest compliments have been from those who thought they were all in, but the book has helped them identify some risks they need to take, some sacrifices they need to make.
Check out the trailer for, All In.
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To win ONE of THREE copies of All In, enter a comment on the original post at MargaretFeinberg.com. Winners will be selected and announced on Friday.
How would you be encouraged by reading ALL IN?
The post Are You All In? (Giveaway and an Interview with @MarkBatterson) @Zondervan appeared first on Margaret Feinberg.