There is no inherent connection between the following quotes except that I’ve been chewing on all of them for a little more than a week, so enjoy the spread of citations.
This first quote by an unknown Celtic crusader was shared with me by one28 student, Ian Frye since he knew I was preparing to preach John 10:22-39.
Derision is the refuge of threatened ignorance.
The second quote is by J.I. Packer from an essay titled, “‘Keswick’ and the Reformed Doctrine of Sanctification,” quoted in David Wells’ book, Above All Earthly Powers. I thought this one was unsparing and spot on:
Pelagianism is the natural heresy of zealous Christians who are not interested in theology.
Then finally by Oswald Sanders in his book, Spiritual Leadership:
Fatigue is the price of leadership. Mediocrity is the result of never getting tired.
In other words, leadership will be mediocre if it is not fatiguing.
Though these three quotes are in no particular order nor are they essentially related to each other. But perhaps if I were to make an amalgamated application it would be something like: it is worth being tired to not be ignorant in theology. Feel free to leave your own combo-conclusion in the comments.
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How about this…
GBC Rules for “Spot the Pelagian”
Step 1: Find someone between services
Step 2: Ask, how are you doing?
I’m a bit tired, but doing good. (buzz) I’m fine, how are you? yawn (buzz) Just great, thanks. (ding ding)
Step 3: Ask a pointed question - “You know, something seemed kindof off about John’s sermon this morning. What did you think?”
Well, [insert deep theological issue here] (buzz) I didn’t notice anything strange - let’s go over here and talk about what’s on your mind. (buzz) Well, [angry tirade] (ding ding)
Congratulations, you’ve found your Pelagian!
The third quote from Oswald Sanders is great. No wonder when you take the easy route things do not come out the best. And when you try and do things right and the best way they always seem to take longer than expected. And no wonder it takes such a long and tiring time to disciple students. We want them to be perfect like Christ is and there is nothing mediocre about that. Remind me of this quote when I start getting lazy and whining about things being too hard and tiring.
This is the conclusion I’ve come to over the past few months:
If Ministry isn’t messy, it isn’t ministry.
That’s my golden egg of the day.
Here are the ways to spot a Calvinist:
1). Look for the person reading his or her Bible in-between services.
2). Ask them how they are doing.
3). If they reply, “I’m doing well because of the grace of God and His sovereignty in electing me before the foundation of the World to be annointed with His Holy Spirit, being made alive together with Christ because I was once dead in my sins, for which He fully atoned for me on the cross, which will allow me to continue in the faith until He calls me home…”
You have found a CALVINIST!