Time to Learn
I was at our Seminary’s yearly banquet last night and had a chance to hear Dr. Erwin Lutzer speak - author and pastor at Moody in Chicago. He challenged us to “regain our ground” in North America (for he could speak for the Canadians as well, because that is where was born and raised) emphasizing five points (notes taken last night thanks to my trusty Palm Pilot - it was supposed to be a night OFF from school and lectures!):
1. Choose the right battle.
- emphasize the uniqueness of Jesus Christ
- we as denominations have lost sight of this in the mire of other issues, theological and otherwise
2. Use the right weapons.
- (in response to “tourist attraction” at Wittenberg Castle where supposedly Luther “threw the inkwell at the devil”) Luther actually said “I fought the devil with ink”
- we have spiritual weapons and gifts the Lord has given us with which to fight the spiritual battle
3. Pay the right price.
- have a willingness to suffer for cause of the Gospel
- we have lost sight of suffering in North America
- Jesus didn’t change the world by miracles but through suffering
4. Show the right attitude. (Phil 2)
- we’re too busy tacking our agenda to the cross
- humility in how we live
- if we ever find ourselves being interviewed or speaking in a mixed public forum (where there will be non-Christians), we must remember our composure, not showing anger or malice, rather humility and the lovingkindness of Jesus Christ
5. Choose right perspective.
- don’t have to win all the battles today
Can you believe that we need such admonition today? We do and we need speakers and preachers like Dr. Lutzer to be saying more of this!!! Thank you to those of you in this distribution list who DO put on your armor and stand! (Ephesians 6:13).
