I have just read the TFTG's, Preaching the Cross, this book came out of their conference last year. I am familiar with most of the authors and contributors with the exception of C. J. Mahaney. Yet it was C.J's contribution that blew me away. What I do know about C.J. Mahaney is that he is a bible centred bald preacher, sounds good to me! :) He is a charismatic but is passionate about the word, he is also a Calvinist which probably means he is a mild charismatic.
Anyway, his chapter is called 'The Pastor's Priorities: Watch your Life and Doctrine'
He majors on life because doctrine is dealt with by the other contributors. The chapter has a feel of C. H Spurgeon's The ministers self watch, this is deliberate as Mahaney acknowledges Spurgeon's influence. He points out that many ministers of conservative evangelical churches do love doctrine and love to read, he tells the amusing story of a stampede as ministers rush to get their hands on free material. He argues that ministers (and Theology students, often watch their doctrine but are less likely to watch their life. C. J warns of the dangers of not watching our life at this point I was enjoying the chapter but started to ask the question, how do we watch our life?? Mahaney then went in to self deception, how we can deceive ourselves regarding our sin. He points out that as Calvinists we can acknowledge in general that we along with everyone else on the planet are utterly sinful and needs our sins forgiven in Christ. What is harder and embarrassing to us is our own personal sin. He meets up with elders/other pastors to confess his sins on a regular basis, they all hold each other accountable questioning one another. He acknowledges that this is difficult, that brothers who you hold to be wise and discerning, when they see something in you that you don't will suddenly become fools in your eyes as you try to deceive yourself. He also said to give your wife a gift ask her what three areas she would like to see you grow in, in your relationship with Christ because no-body knows your sinfulness better than her. When I finished reading this chapter I started to pray, saying I knew that I do sin in general but I didn't know what specifics. Very quickly several specifics came into my mind as the Lord laid them on me. I was then able to confess them to God and later to tell Joy my wife about them. This was a refreshing exercise and I would encourage everyone to watch their life!
God Bless
Stephen <><
6 comments:
Stephen. Thanks for this - it's challenging stuff. Perhaps we ought to start an Accountability Buddies Programme at HTC next semester? Perhaps we ought to get the Student Rep to suggest that the tutor system take some of this stuff on board? D <><
Thanks David, certainly we should get into the habit of being accountable before we begin in ministry. It might be an idea to start it at the College.
Hey Guys,
Yes i agree i think that is a good idea. I have been blessed having Stephen to discuss with over the last year and many other may get the same. Especially the first years coming into the miinistry a buddy may be a great thing we could do to help them. What do you guys think? Worth starting, i will pray about it, i look forward to hearing back from you.
Dan
Hey Guys, i have been praying about this and was thinking. Why dont we try to get every first year a buddy. If someone is open learning or distance learning then get another student of the same to buddy. On site e.g i would meet with my buddy once every two weeks or something to chat over a coffee to see they are okay etc. Yes i know the details are all over the place but the ifdea of everyone having someone to talk to is great and especially first year student?
Okay what o you think?
I really should spell check first!!
sounds like a neat idea. Ask Mike what he thinks when you see him next.
God Bless
Stephen
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