Blog
Do Not Rush
Even as someone who's grown up in conservative Presbyterianism and memorized parts of the Westminster Standards as a child (and loves these documents to this day), I find the "Well, So-and-so isn't really Reformed--let's not dole out the precious R-word too quickly now" mildly nauseating. But there are some good and wise pieces of advice sprinkled throughout this interview with Derek Thomas and Carl Trueman, such as Carl's response to what a young man should do when he is wondering if he is called to preach:
Do not rush. When you are in your twenties, a year can seem a long time but it is not really so. Paul clearly assumes most people in church leadership positions will be older – family men, men established in their communities, men who have a track record of godliness and spiritual reliability. So go and receive the appropriate ministerial training but do not necessarily assume you should then go straight into a pastorate. I am taking on my first pastorate this year, aged 45 with 28 years of being a Christian, a decade of secular work experience, a decade of teaching at seminary, a marriage of nearly 22 years, two more or less adult children and service on two kirk sessions behind me. I hardly feel qualified now. I could not have done it aged twenty-five!And this, about persevering in life and ministry (also from Carl):
For me, my marriage has been key. A faithful, down-to-earth wife who does not believe the propaganda I tend to spread about myself is a gift beyond price. If you have one, listen to what she says. You will not regret it.HT: Lydia Brownback
Your Immediate and Endless Happiness
“Come now, and let us reason together.”--Charles Spurgeon, All of Grace, p. 24
The Lord himself invites you to a conference concerning your immediate and endless happiness, and He would not have done this if He did not mean well toward you.
Do not refuse the Lord Jesus who knocks at your door; for He knocks with a hand which was nailed to the tree for such as you are. Since His only and sole object is your good, incline your ear and come to Him. Hearken diligently, and let the good word sink into your soul.
Why not?
What if I Make a Wrong Major Life Decision?
Winston Smith, at CCEF. Love these guys. Sane, gospel-rich wisdom.
Don't Seek Repentance: Seek Christ
In April 1983 Jack Miller wrote to a young woman, responding to her concerns as to whether she is truly repentant, a real Christian. Here is the opening to Jack's letter.
Dear Elise,--The Heart of a Servant Leader: Letters from Jack Miller (P&R, 2004), 244-45
Thank you for your recent letter concerning your desire to know whether you have had a God-centered repentance. So set aside any fears that I might be unwilling to take time to help you. Perhaps I can help you if you will recognize that all I can do is be a small finger pointing to a large Christ. But if you trust yourself to Him be confident He is not only willing to help you but has the power to help you.
What do you need to know? . . . When you turn to Christ, you don't have a repentance apart from Christ, you just have Christ. Therefore don't seek repentance or faith as such but seek Christ. When you have Christ you have repentance and faith. Beware of seeking an experience of repentance; just seek an experience of Christ.
The Devil can be pretty tricky. He doesn't mind you thinking much about repentance and faith if you do not think about Jesus Christ. . . . Seek Christ, and relate to Christ as a loving Savior and Lord who wants to invite you to know him.