Sleepless in Tulsa
Last night was sleepless. Combination of allergies and a brain that would not shut down thinking about the issues that have been on my mind in the past few weeks. I was sneezing quite a bit so rather than keep my wife awake I got out of bed and went into my office.
Discovering New Allies
I have a backlog of books that I need/want to read. I pulled one out of the carousel on my credenza, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
, edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem. I am glad I did. I read just the preface; I was blown away. It was if the men that wrote the preface, J. Ligon Duncan and Randy Stinson had been reading my journal. They were directly dealing with two of the issues with which I have been struggling. Further, their positions were nearly word for word what I have written and struggled with in the past months and years. For example:
Sometimes I feel alone in the battle in which the Lord has placed me. There are times it feels like I am the only one – obviously this is wrong – that is continually harping on the primacy of the Word of God for believers. I cringe when someone tells me that they are “studying” a book by Rick Warren (nothing against Rick, I like him) or some other Christian author in their “Bible” study. Really? As good as some of those books are, they are not inspired.
Reading these scholars take and express the identical position was like a breath of fresh air. I needed the fellowship; the encouragement. This morning I tracked down both of their email addresses and sent them thank you notes.
It is good when men are in unity, Psalm 133:1. It was really good last night.
Last night was sleepless. Combination of allergies and a brain that would not shut down thinking about the issues that have been on my mind in the past few weeks. I was sneezing quite a bit so rather than keep my wife awake I got out of bed and went into my office.
Discovering New Allies
I have a backlog of books that I need/want to read. I pulled one out of the carousel on my credenza, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
, edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem. I am glad I did. I read just the preface; I was blown away. It was if the men that wrote the preface, J. Ligon Duncan and Randy Stinson had been reading my journal. They were directly dealing with two of the issues with which I have been struggling. Further, their positions were nearly word for word what I have written and struggled with in the past months and years. For example:We are reminded here of Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus and his exhortation to hold fast the Word and deal decisively with those who undermine it. All too often, however, we are enticed by worldly substitutes. When facing hardship, we are apt to seek a friend before turning to the Psalms. When tempted to doubt God’s provision, we turn to human leaders before going to the words of Jesus. When angry, we seek someone who will justify us rather than the wisdom of Proverbs. Within us all is the tendency to turn to the uninspired books of men ahead of the inspired Book of God. (page xii)Grateful for the Kindred Spirits
Sometimes I feel alone in the battle in which the Lord has placed me. There are times it feels like I am the only one – obviously this is wrong – that is continually harping on the primacy of the Word of God for believers. I cringe when someone tells me that they are “studying” a book by Rick Warren (nothing against Rick, I like him) or some other Christian author in their “Bible” study. Really? As good as some of those books are, they are not inspired.
Reading these scholars take and express the identical position was like a breath of fresh air. I needed the fellowship; the encouragement. This morning I tracked down both of their email addresses and sent them thank you notes.
It is good when men are in unity, Psalm 133:1. It was really good last night.
WOW !!! ...I HAVE VERY SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH RICK WARREN THAT GUY HAS THROWN US TO THE WOLVES .. HE IS A PARTNER WITH ISLAM ... THAT GUY IS A FALSE PROPHET BIG TIME ...I HOPE THAT SOME ONE LOOKS A LITTLE DEEPER AT HIS TEACHINGS !!!
ReplyDeleteWhat have you read that Rick wrote or said that leads you to believe that? I have some experience with him. I know that the enemy lies about Christian leaders and manipulates stories about them. He may have done what you said, but I have not seen any direct evidence that would support what has been written about him.
DeleteI have seen this kind of character assassination before. The enemy is clever. He will do all that he can to discredit those who are making a difference for the Lord.
I have found in my nearly five and a half decades of seeking to serve God that encouragement is not in over supply. We seem to be a lot better at criticizing one another than helping one another along. And I've not helped that imbalance as much as I wish I'd had. Lately, however, I've been trying to do better but I wish it came more naturally.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike, for your unshakable passion to hold the Word of God high and yet make it accessible to the rest of us. I know you are accomplishing more than you see.