Book Review: "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God"

You can purchase this book here by clicking this link: "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God"      

          The evangelical church has had a strain on her in understanding evangelism and the sovereignty of God for centuries. This strain has caused endless numbers of debates, as well denominational splits. However, J.I.. Packer offers biblical insights through the subjects of God’s sovereignty and evangelism. He does this by faithfully exposing and expositing Scripture to prove his argument for both topics. Packer helps his readers better understand both topics with a simple, yet balanced approach in arguing for their compatibility.

            The proper understanding of God’s sovereignty and evangelism can be understood in the fact that they complement each other. Despite popular views of the 21^st century church, which believes that these two biblical subjects contradict one another, Packer offers a well-rounded and biblical argument that God's sovereignty and evangelism are friends. Packer’s understanding of these topics is that God’s sovereignty undergirds evangelism. He admits, “If we would be biblical in our outlook, we have to make room in our minds for the thoughts of divine sovereignty and of human responsibility to stand side by side” (92). Packer’s understanding is balanced in the light and truth given in Scripture.

            In addition, Packer is careful not to be a fatalist in his approach by placing more emphasis on God’s sovereignty than man’s responsibility throughout the book. Since God is sovereign over all His creation, He is also sovereign over the means of man’s salvation, namely the evangelization of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the only way that sinners will come to repentance and faith-- by the hearing of the gospel. Therefore, the gospel must be proclaimed while trusting in God’s sovereignty to bring sinners to Him.

            Packer argues his position by stating two main thoughts. First, he notes, “The sovereignty of God in grace does not affect anything that we have said about the nature and duty of evangelism” (95). God’s sovereignty does not forfeit believer’s responsibility to evangelize the lost, nor for man to repent and believe the gospel. The argument, which is offered to God’s sovereignty, is often if God is sovereign and He has His elect, then why share the gospel with anyone? Packer opposes this thought vehemently by saying, “But nobody will be saved who does not call on the name of the Lord, and certain things must happen before anyone can do this” (96). Thus, the implication is that the gospel must be proclaimed in order for one to call upon the Lord.

            Secondly, Packer states, “The sovereignty of God in grace gives us our only hope of success in evangelism” (104). The only reason why one can evangelize with the hope of sinners coming to faith is because God is sovereign over salvation. Packer points out, “The sovereignty of God in grace is the one thing that prevents evangelism pointless” (104). The truth of this statement can be summed up this way: if God does not regenerate sinners, no one will be saved. God’s sovereignty is needed in order to bring about life to dead and lifeless sinners.

            Packer offers brilliant, well-balanced, and biblical arguments for his position. Many would find God’s sovereignty and evangelism to be a paradox. However, when it comes to “man’s responsibility to the Creator, it is a reality, as much as God’s sovereignty is a reality” (28). In chapter one and two, Packer deals with God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. Unlike some who argue that God cannot be 100% sovereign and that man cannot be 100% responsible, Packer shows that both exist in light of Scripture. He points out, “It is God who brings men and women under the sound of the gospel, and it is God who brings them to faith in Christ” (32).

            Moreover, Packer’s approach to these subjects are rooted and grounded in Holy Scripture. God’s Word is where he teaches his readers and proves his arguments. As he states, it is clear that God’s Word teaches both His sovereignty and his mission mindedness. Staying balanced in God’s Word is how he is free from falling over to one side or the other. Holding firm to the proper understanding of Scripture will keep one from being a hyper-Calvinist or a hyper-Arminian. Packer illustrates these truths beautifully by referring to the men of God, such as the disciples, the Apostle Paul, and Jesus, who believed in the sovereignty of God and were very evangelistic.

Packer’s position and defense of his arguments are articulated clearly throughout book. One can sense the passion that Packer has in trying to get his point across. His passion is demonstrated when he writes about God’s sovereignty in preaching/communicating the gospel. He draws readers in by showing the precision of communicating the gospel under God’s sovereignty. He describes it this way, “To teach the gospel is first responsibility; to reduce it to its simplest essentials, to analyze it point by point…to show how each part of the message links up with the rest” (51). Thus, Packer does a splendid job in outlining all of the different ways God’s sovereignty and evangelism complement each other in and through the communication of the gospel.

For some, the relationship between God’s sovereignty and evangelism can be paralyzing. This is a very serious and often sad place to find oneself. The truths of God’s Word are balanced as revealed in His Son Jesus Christ. Genesis 1:1 sets the stage of God’s sovereignty when Moses writes, “In the beginning, God… ” This truth states that in the very beginning, it was God. That is it. From there, we learn more of the attributes of who God is when we are told, “He created the heavens the earth.” What God declares to His creation in the first verse of the Bible is that He is sovereign.

At the same time, His sovereignty is proven by His creation of everything else (Gen.1:1). The psalmist confirms this by writing, “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases “ (Ps.115:3). God is not only sovereign in creation, but also in salvation. He gives life, both physical and spiritual, as He wills. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome about God’s sovereignty in salvation when he wrote, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” (Rom.9:13). “And does not the potter have the right over the clay?” (Rom.9:21). If one would do a thorough study in biblical theology with the aide of the Holy Spirit, they too, would arrive at the proper understanding of God’s sovereignty found within the Bible.

Moreover, God’s sovereignty is never forced upon anyone. After the Fall in the Garden of Eden, man became spiritually separated from God. Therefore, God chose to provide a sacrifice for Adam and Eve to bring them back into a right standing before Him. Hence, the sacrifice of an animal and “the Lord God made for Adam and his wife garments of skins and clothed them” (Gen.3:21). Notice it was God taking the initiative to act on man’s behalf. What one sees after the Fall of man is that God is mission minded. He has a heart in pursuing and loving His creation to the point that He redeems them back to Himself through the sacrifice that He provides.

God’s sovereignty and evangelism can be clearly seen throughout the revelation of Scripture, even in the death of Jesus Christ, as Luke writes, “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan [God’s sovereignty], and foreknowledge of God, you [man’s responsibility] killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23). God’s divine sovereignty never overrides man’s responsibility neither in repentance, faith, nor evangelism. On the day of Pentecost, Peter  proclaims the sovereignty of God, man’s responsibility in crucifying Christ, and calls them to repent and believe the gospel. If the Apostles had a proper understanding of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility in evangelism, so should Christians.

When it comes to God’s divine sovereignty and evangelism, the essential task is to realize that they are friends. Having a proper understanding of these truths will fuel the flame of evangelism and the sharing of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For one to believe that nothing happens or does not happen outside of the will of God allows them to freely plant and water gospel seeds. The ability to do this is found in the truth that it is God and Him alone who gives the increase. This takes the pressure off of the one evangelizing by not having to perform, manipulate, or practice unbiblical tactics in trying to get someone converted. However, having a proper understanding and balance in God’s sovereignty and evangelism gives the Christian assurance that they are in the will of God by having a healthy stress between the two.

"The Worse of All Sinners"

            Growing up my immediate family were not Christians. My mother was raised in a Catholic home in the suburbs of Chicago, while my stepfather was raised in the Bible belt in north Alabama. His extended family were Freewill Baptists. After marrying, my stepfather and moving to north Alabama, my mother started attending this Freewill Baptist church. Although she attended periodically, he never did, nor was serving or worshiping God a reality in my family’s life. However, regardless if they attended or not, they made sure that I got a ride on the church bus or a family member would pick me up so that I could attend church.

            I attended church off and on for several years leading up to my youth. It was at this time that I began experimenting with drugs and alcohol. The curiosity of girls was fueled by drugs and alcohol. It seemed that the more alcohol and drugs I had, the more attractive I seemed to females. More females led to more drugs and alcohol, unitl one day, I woke up and found myself a twenty-one year old drunk, cocaine addict, who had dropped out of high school and junior college with nowhere to live. I was homeless, jobless, and hopeless. Or at least, so I thought.

            A friend who I attended high school with had come to the Lord and was serving as youth minister at the local First Baptist church. He had come to the place where I was living, and he began to share with me what Christ had done in his life. He had been where I was currently, or at least close to it. And now he was sober, had a job, and even a car. I thought if Jesus did this for him, He might do it for me. However, Michael did not talk about all the material blessings he had, but the spiritual blessings he received through Jesus Christ. He spoke about how he had broken God’s law, he deserved to be judged, but that Jesus Christ came and died for not only his sins, but also for mine. He then shared with me that I too could be forgiven of all my sins by trusting in what Jesus had done for me by faith.

            However, I was not prepared to make such a commitment. I mean, heck, I was the worst sinner of all. Little did I know that Jesus died for the worst sinners of all. As time passed by, Michael invited me to attend church with him. I declined at first, but by the end of the week, I was so discouraged and depressed that I needed something. I had tried everything under the sun for happiness, but I always came away empty. I attended church with him for two weeks. After the second Sunday, I don’t remember what the preacher preached on, but I knew that I needed Jesus.

            After service that morning, Michael and I were in the parking lot of the church where he explained the gospel further and I was overcome by my sin against God. It was there that I told Michael I needed, no, I wanted Christ to save me. As I look back at that moment, I received Christ as my Savior. I was a mere babe in Christ who needed to be discipled. The following week I was obedient in following the Lord in believer’s baptism. The only problem was that I was not discipled and failed to grow in the Lord.         However, God in His grace not only saved me, but sealed me by His Holy Spirit. The Lord brought other men in my life who sacrificially poured their lives into me. It was during this time that I began to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. I had a holy hunger for the things of God and even found myself desiring to teach God’s Word. I began to truly understand the grace of God in the salvation of sinners and God’s desire to save sinners through the proclamation of the gospel. It was during this time that God began to prepare my heart to surrender my life to Him by serving Him in vocational ministry.

            God’s amazing grace reached down in the miry pit and breathed new life into me. Whereby, I began to have desire to love and follow Him by being obedient to His Word. No matter where you are or how bad you think you are, God is able to rescue you too. Do you desire to be freed from your sin and guilt? Turn from your sin and look unto Jesus and be saved.

A book review on "Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions"

Buy it here: "Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions"

Koukl, Gregory. Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Grand            Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. pp.206.

      In Christianity today there is an influx of confusion and contradiction about the message and methods in evangelism. Evangelism is the proclaiming of good news of Jesus Christ, whereby Christian share their faith in Jesus with others. One must know the good news before it can be proclaimed to others. However, knowing the gospel also implies that one is able to argue or at least defend the “faith that was once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Koukl provides thought provoking questions to help others think through their views, while at the same time “placing a stone in their shoes” (38).

            The author, Greg Koukl, is not a novice when it comes to proclaiming and defending the gospel of Jesus Christ. Koukl has an earned Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Talbot School of Theology and a Masters in Christian Apologetics from Simon Greenleaf University. He serves as adjunct professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University. Koukl is the founder and president of the apologetic ministry Stand to Reason where he helps others think through their understanding of truth. He has spoken on over 50 university campuses, debated some the greatest thinkers of all time, and has written a number of books on Christian apologetics.

            The defense of the Christian faith is something many evangelicals shy away from at best or just do not think about at worse. In the book Koukl divides it into two main divisions. In part one called the “Game Plan” the author gives the practical ways of engaging others in conversation. Part two he shows in a real life way of breaking down misconception and straw man arguments. Many who call themselves Christians know and have experienced just enough to call themselves Christians. This type of nominal Christianity has caused believers to rarely consider sharing or defending their faith. Koukl helps breakthrough this type of slothful thinking among his readers by offering a game plan for sharing one’s faith. He does this by helping readers to think, confront, and address others of their worldview or religious beliefs.

            In Koukl’s book Tatics he helps the believer approach others with a sense of confidence by breaking down their arguments in a non-offensive way. Koukl’s approach gives hope for the newest or seasoned Christian with the tools needed in identifying a starting point. For the Christian who is seasoned in their faith, Tactics offers new insights on how to witness for Christ by asking questions like, “What do you mean by that” (49)? Koukl’s philosophy helps the Christian relax when he explains, “Understanding God’s central role in the process removes a tremendous burden” (41).

            Koukl’s tactic stems from Hugh Hewitt’s book, In, But Not Of, when he says, “Christians should engage in asking at least a dozen questions in a conversation” (47). By asking questions the Christian can demonstrate to the other person several things. Asking questions show the other persons concern for their point of view, beliefs, and it helps them better understand where they are coming from. This tactic allows the question asker to remain in the driver seat, while at the same time getting information needed to make the quick connection to Jesus. Asking questions helps one not only better understand the other person’s point of view, but it also helps not misrepresent their view.

            In chapters three and four the author explains, “arguments are like a simple house, a roof supported by walls” (60). The next question he proposes is, “How did you come to that conclusion?” After finding out what the person is thinking now, one finds out how they have come to that conclusion. The author explains, “many people have never thought through their views and don’t know why they hold them” (61-62). By asking questions it opens the door for further understanding, as that person explains why they believe their particular view. However, this may or may not be helpful. The reasoning behind it is it may cause the other person to shut down the conversation. Nonetheless, it is an excellent way in getting deeper into their understanding.

            These questions are offered as great starters in opening the door for spiritual conversations. Questions like these also allow for advancement of spiritual dialogue without seeming pushy. Koukl concerns himself with not being pushy or either party getting mad. There will be very much advancement with the truth of the gospel if either side get upset or anger. For that reason, these questions and methods should be memorized, meditated upon, and practice as often as one can. The author points out, “that role-play your ideas-and potential rejoinders from the other side- and do this out loud” (103).

            In the last section of the book chapters 7-14, the author gives practical ways of listening for flaws in others arguments. He offers various types of arguments, like “taking off the roof” technique that can be used in discussing others views. Most of the techniques used are self-destructive in their own nature, like the self-refuting argument or the self-destructive argument. The techniques in and of themselves work themselves by simply listening to the other talk and seek out the flaw in their view. Another flaw Koukl points out is the internal contradictive argument, which “view shows that it can believed, but not acted on or promoted” (129), it simple contradicts itself internally. As an example he uses the statement, “It’s wrong to say people are wrong” (129). In the last section, the author offers a number of examples to show how these flaws can be detected and responded to.

            The author is correct in stating, “those who represent Christ as ambassadors” (24). As ambassadors of Christ there must be a common knowledge of who Christ is and what Christ has done. However, knowledge not applied is no good at all. Therefore, ambassadors of Christ must apply the knowledge they received. This is known as wisdom. Koukl argues wisdom is being able to discuss one’s conviction without either becoming angry. However, not all discussions revolving around others opinions will lead to an anger free discussion.

            Koukl’s theology is well articulated and very well balanced. He desires for his readers to be at ease in these techniques he teaches them. One way he does this is by reminding them of God’s sovereignty and His care during their encounter. He reminds the necessity of Christ working in salvation when he says, “There is a particular work of God that is necessary to bring someone into the kingdom. Second, when present, this work cannot fail to accomplish its goal” (36). These truths help and encourage the reader to know at the end of the conversation there is no losing. Another solid statement he makes is when he writes, “Without God’s work, nothing else works, but with God’s work many things work” (36). Again, the author’s solid understanding of God’s sovereign grace in salvation is a great reminder to the reader when practicing these techniques.

            The last section of the book seemed to be a little too technical, as well as intellectual. For the new Christian or one who has never heard of theistic evolution, infanticide, and or reductios they would have a hard time understanding his examples. This section would be somewhat complicated for them to read. The readers would be well served if the author could have used these examples along with a definition of unfamiliar words.

            Overall, the book accomplished what the author set out to do. And that was to instruct, teach, and share some basic techniques in discussing one’s Christian conviction. He accomplishes this by showing how one can open a spiritual conversation by merely asking questions. Not only can one find out information, but he can also learn how they arrived at their point of view. This can all be done without either sides getting angry if done correctly. The author’s demeanor, graciousness, and spiritual care for those he is speaking to be evident throughout the book.

            Christians who read this book will be better equipped in discussing their faith with others. This book would be a great read for pastors, elders, deacons, Sunday School leaders, seasoned saints, as well as new believers. However, it needs to be said some of the terminology in the book may be difficult for some to clearly understand. Therefore, the end of the book may not be as helpful as the beginning.

             

                        

“The Will of God for Your Life”

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

           It is hard to believe November is already here. Fall is in full swing with chili and soup simmering on our stoves, and the holiday season is right around the corner. This time of the year is really my favorite time of the year, and at the same time, my least favorite time of the year. How can that be? Let me explain.

            As Thanksgiving and Christmas approaches, there is electricity and excitement in the air. The anticipation of being with family that we normally do not get to see on a regular basis, favorite meals being prepared, and fellowship with others seem to be the norm for this time of year. This time of the year can be a great blessing as we think about the goodness of our God in each of our lives, especially as we gather together with friends and family. Spending time and enjoying meals together can be a tremendous joy and God-honoring if done in the right spirit.

            However, what I often find is a spirit of resentment and burden. It doesn’t take long to see that when you are in your local store trying to buy the last minute trimmings for Thanksgiving. We overbook our schedules, which leads to stress and anxiety, which leads to a spirit of murmuring and griping, which leads to sin. The Apostle Paul tells the church at Thessalonica that this is not God’s will for your life. God’s will for the believer’s life is to be one of “joy, prayer, and giving thanks in all circumstances.” Joyfulness, praying, and giving thanks is God’s will for your life and my life as we approach a busy time of the year.

            Therefore, as some prepare to travel, shop, cook, and spend time with family, be sure that you slow down to “rejoice in the Lord… pray without ceasing… and give thanks to God,” for without Him, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy this time of year. I guess what I am saying is don’t be like the person I heard last who said, “I’ll be so glad when this [Thanksgiving & Christmas] is all over.” Rather, enjoy the bountiful blessings of the Lord. And most of all, rest safe and secure in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work upon the cross.

For that is truly a reason to give thanks.

Blessings,

Pastor Chad