Book Review – All For Jesus

Winston Churchill once declared, “Study history, study history. In history lie all the secrets of statecraft.” The same may be said of church-craft as well. The study of Christ’s bride and her history will bring clarity and conviction in regards to the church’s present situation. All For Jesus, written by authors Robert L. Niklaus, John S. Sawin, and Samuel J. Stoesz, considers the work of God in the Christian and Missionary Alliance from 1873 until 1987. A wealth of knowledge from the past, ideas for today, and insight for the future is contained in this work.

The work is divided into four main sections which represent four periods in the history of The Christian and Missionary Alliance: Part One, Formulation, 1873-1881; Part Two, Formation, 1881-1912; Part Three, Redirection, 1912-1936; and Part Four, Acceleration 1936-1987. Highlights from each chapter in each of the four periods will be offered...

In the book’s Introduction, it is suggested that the reason for A. B. Simpson’s success, and the ensuing success of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, is primarily due to the gracious providence of God. The details that emerge over the following four sections give ample evidence of that truth. Truly, God deserves the glory for the work of the many godly men and women who helped propel this one-time alliance into the force for God’s kingdom that it has become.

Part One, entitled Formulation, deals with the pre-twentieth century years between 1873 and 1881. Beginning with the first chapter, The Louisville Experience, the authors begin a fairly detailed account of founder Simpson’s life and ministry. From 1873 until 1879 Simpson pastored in Louisville where ecumenicism and evangelism became two of his appreciated qualities. Just short of six years of ministry in Kentucky, Simpson would take a new direction.

Chapter Two provides a flashback into the earlier years of Simpson’s life in southwestern Ontario where he decided to pursue the ministry and where he met his wife, Margaret. He pastored in Hamilton, Ontario for eight years before leaving for Louisville.

Chapter 2 foundation years 1843 to 1873 Simpson grew up in southwestern Ontario as part of a strict religious family he had a crisis of health and a crisis of faith he decided to pursue the ministry – Simpson met his wife Margaret and became a successful preacher at Knox Presbyterian church in Hamilton after eight years of ministry he decides to leave Hamilton for Louisville

Chapter Three, The New York Pastorate, deals with the years he would move and work in New York City. This period, from 1879 through 1881, Simpson emphasized evangelism; evangelism in North America and a passion for evangelism to the ends of the earth. These years saw Simpson begin a missionary magazine, become convinced of divine healing, experience healing himself, and commit to see the gospel shared overseas. Part One finishes with Simpson resigning his pulpit in New York.

Part Two, chapters Four through Seven, leads the reader through the turn of the century and encompasses the years between 1881 and 1912. It titles the chapters The Gospel Tabernacle; The Two Alliances; The Missionary Explosion; and Changes, Crises, and Convictions.

Chapter Four regards Simpson’s endeavours at the Gospel Tabernacle where many of The Christian and Missionary Alliance’s long-running initiatives would begin. With the creation of this church also came the creation of evangelistic tent meetings, small group gatherings, a healing home, a missionary training college, a convention, and an orphanage. This work could not be locally contained, and it spilled over the border into Canada.

The Two Alliances, chapter Five, deals with four years beginning with 1886. It details the initiation of the two alliances which would later be joined to generate The Christian and Missionary Alliance. The Evangelical Missionary Alliance would be an organization focused on obedience to the Great Commission and in Simpson’s eyes, would speed up the day of the Lord’s return. The Christian Alliance would be a parent organization that would support the missionary effort. It would operate in North America, and give testimony to certain truths while encouraging like-minded believers to put truth into action and was to be a fellowship, and not a denomination.

The end of the nineteenth century is covered in Chapter Six. At this time, three churches identified officially with the Christian alliance: one in New York, one in Toronto, and one in Peterborough. These early churches would spearhead a missionary movement that would contribute to the provision of and for fifty-four missionaries in 1891 and thousands more in the years to come.

The final chapter of Part Two discusses the amalgamation of the two alliances in 1897, introduced in Chapter Six. It describes the continued growth of the fellowship in North America which was a result of, among other things, the steady advance of evangelism at home. Similarly, missionary work around the world continued to expand with missionaries penetrating Asian and South American countries. The charismatic movement, with its divisive teaching on tongues, was another issue the fellowship of growing churches had to deal with.

Part Three, labelled Redirection by the authors, deals with the early twentieth century and includes both World War 1 and the Great Depression. The next three chapters pertain to the working of God and God’s people in the years leading up to World War II.

The eighth chapter’s title indicates coming changes: Question of Succession. These years, 1912-1919 would see a new president take over for patriarch A. B. Simpson and would also see the passing of the man of God. World War I would impact the movement financially, resulting in a shortage of funds for the training institutes at home. However, work in the missionary fields forged ahead as churches committed to resourcing missionary work despite shortages. Paul Rader, arguably the Alliance’s greatest promoter, would become vice-president and the president after Simpson.

The years from 1919 to 1926 are summarized in Chapter Nine. President Rader would begin many new and different evangelistic strategies including the Tabernacle Strategy which saw cheap building quickly erected in order to hold evangelistic outreach. Rader was a controversial leader who was replaced by Frederic Senft when the former resigned.

Chapter 9 19-26

The years of the Great Depression saw another change in leadership with Harry Shuman becoming president at the death of Shuman. As with all institutions during this era, the depression caused financial distress for the Alliance. Once again, however, almost in denial of the reality, the Alliance’s work oversea continued even in light of the cash-strapped situation in North America. Shuman would lead the fellowship through these tumultuous years with an eye for the future. This chapter finishes Part Three.

With a nod to the world around it, Part Four is entitled Acceleration and encompasses the pre-war years, beginning in 1937, and finishes in the year 1987. Chapters Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen deal with an era of great change and great opportunity for The Christian and Missionary Alliance.

Before the second Great War, the Alliance’s jubilee celebration would occur in 1937. Chapter Eight details a fellowship of believers committed to seeing the gospel spread to the corners of the earth through evangelism. This commitment would be sorely tested in the coming years of conflict. Missionary endeavours and workers would experience, as a result of World War II, persecutions and martyrdoms, trials and tribulations, imprisonments and expulsions. Despite the varied difficulties, the work of the Alliance continued and was quickly restarted where it stopped in the years after the war. President Shuman, well into his seventies, would step down from his position as president in 1954.

Chapter Twelve deals with the presidency of Harry Turner who would oversee the Alliance through the years in which North American church growth would become a major emphasis. President Nathan Bailey, elected in 1960, would see this trend continue. He would also see the emergence of A. W. Tozer, an Alliance man whose influence would rival that of founder A. B. Simpson, primarily through his writing and preaching. Missionary work came under increasing pressure, usually due to regime changes in countries where work was already present. Countries such as Zaire, Indonesia, Guinea, and Viet Nam would be areas of concern for Alliance missionaries. And, in 1974, The Christian and Missionary Alliance would become the denomination that most people considered them to be.

The final years dealt with in this book, 1975 through 1987, are covered in Chapter Thirteen. This chapter reports of the forming of the Alliance World Fellowship and the benefits this brought to worldwide fellowship of Alliance churches. It also discusses the formation of the non-profit relief agency CAMA Services which delivered aid to people in need across the globe. This period saw continued growth in North American congregations as well as developing churches in the urban explosion that continues to this day. In 1978, The Canadian contingent chose to become autonomous thereby paving the way for the creation of The Canadian Christian and Missionary Alliance.

This book was very interesting and equally informative. Having this insight in The Christian and Missionary Alliance cannot help but make one better suited to work in and with the institutions and individuals of this worldwide fellowship. The lessons reach beyond just this denomination, but help one appreciate and grow in one’s outlook and understanding of the global church. 

Two Thousand and Fourteen’s Top Book

Before I tell you my choice for top book of 2014, let me share with you a couple of honourable mentions.

Honourable Mentions:

Books from the Building Healthy Churches series:

• Church Elders: How to Shepherd God's People Like Jesus by Jeramie Rinne 
• Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God by Bobby Jamieson
• Expositional Preaching: How We Speak God's Word Today by David Helm
• Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus by J. Mack Stiles

I found these books extremely helpful. They are concise, well-written, and deal with subject matter that I find particularly important. The various authors are clearly passionate about their particular topic. And their passion is matched by their competency. Get your hands on all the books from this series and you will not be disappointed.

A Brief Theology of Sport by Lincoln Harvey:

Another short and well-written book on a topic that is dear to my heart. This read was eye-opening and heart-filling for a one-time athlete wannabe theologian like myself. I really appreciate the authors approach and hope this book encourages more discussion on this topic.

The Deliberate Church by Mark Dever and Paul Alexander:

I really appreciate Mark Dever and his ministry with 9Marks. This books articulates a philosophy of ministry that reflects much of what I think church should be about. I’m greatly encouraged having read this book.

Books on preaching from the Old Testament:

• Jesus on Every Page by David Murray
• Is Jesus in the Old Testament? by Ian M. Duguid
• Joshua: No Falling Words by Dale Ralph Davis

I the summer of 2014, I had my first opportunity to preach a series from the Old Testament. I was thoroughly stretched by the task, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. These three books were invaluable to me and left a lasting impression. Whether you preach or not, these were great reads.

The English Language’s master wordsmith:

• The Tempest by William Shakespeare
• King Lear by William Shakespeare
• Othello by William Shakespeare
• Henry V by William Shakespeare
• Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare
• The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
• As You Like It by William Shakespeare
• Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

As your eyes return to their normal position, having rolled back into your skull, and after you pick yourself up from the fetal position that bad memories from highschool English class forced you in to, let me suggest to you that Shakespeare is indeed one of the greats. And, if you’re willing, reading a play or two just might leave you pleasantly surprised. I’m looking forward to more of these in 2015.

The Ortlunds and my top two books of 2014:

• Edwards on the Christian Life by Dane Ortlund
• The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Jesus by Ray Ortlund

This is called keeping it in the family. I cannot say enough about these two books by Ray Ortlund and his son Dane. The Gospel is a heart-warming and soul-stirring look at the gospel and the impact it can have on a church, on the church’s members, and on those the church comes in contact with. Not much more than 100 pages, this book is nevertheless a heavyweight. Readable and memorable, The Gospel left me convicted and convinced; convicted by my lack of gospel-ness and convinced that the gospel can overcome that very shortcoming. Ray writes about the gospel in such a way that Jesus indeed looks beautiful. Get this book. Read it. And then pass it on. Edwards on the Christian Life was a book that I anticipated reading when I first heard it would be added to the Theologians on the Christian Life series. When I finally got my hands on it my expectations were resoundingly surpassed. What a book! If Jonathan Edwards is the theological juggernaut that people suggest – and I believe he is, and if we all should be reading him – and I believe we should, than I cannot think of a better place

to start than this gem. I am no Edwards expert, but I have read several of his “must read” volumes and Dane Ortlund’s book brought much clarity to my understanding of this great theologian and his teaching. And yet, this book would be very accessible and encouraging to those who have never read Edwards. I think I spent as much time writing in the margins and underlining passages as I did actually reading the book. Dane’s style is a pleasure to read and he left me wanting to read more of Edwards. These are two great books for 2014. Now, if I had to choose between the two, I’d tip my hat to the younger of the two Ortlunds. And I'm quite certain Ortlund the elder would approve of that decision. But I suggest you get a copy of both books and let the Ortlunds and their books edify.

A Year’s Worth of Reading

I try, for sundry reasons, to annually record and report what the past year held for me in terms of reading. Of these many reasons, two are very significant to me. First, it is my way of holding myself to account. I want to be a reader…a literary person as C. S. Lewis would say. Keeping track of the pages I have turned and the volumes I have finished is a way for me to take stock of my reading. Secondly, I hope it is an encouragement to you. An encouragement to read more, and to read more often.

I read less this year than I have in the past few. The main reason for less reading and less books was more preaching and more preparing to preach. I preached far more in 2014 than I anticipated. And this preaching took a toll on my free time and was a regular intellectual withdraw that left the mental reserves lower than they might have been otherwise. Note, however, that this was a trade I gladly made and one I would gladly make again. But between duties at home, duties in the classroom, and duties at the church, I just didn’t read like I had in years past.

Nevertheless, I still flipped plenty of pages and find myself contentedly reminiscing over the list of books I share below.

The first list, in no particular order, are the non-fiction books I greedily grappled with last year. A substantial amount of my reading was either preaching related or ordination related. There are a lot of good ones below, most of which I would gladly recommend. Again, here they are in no particular order:

Edwards on the Christian Life by Dane Ortlund

A Brief Theology of Sport by Lincoln Harvey

Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright

Shakespeare's Hamlet by Leland Ryke

The Self Life and the Christ Life by A. B. Simpson

The Fourfold Gospel by A. B. Simpson

The Cross of Christ by A. B. Simpson

Church Elders: How to Shepherd God's People Like Jesus by Jeramie Rinne

Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God by Bobby Jamieson

Expositional Preaching: How We Speak God's Word Today by David Helm

Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus by J. Mack Stiles

The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ by Ray Ortlund

The Cross and Christian Ministry by D. A. Carson

The Deliberate Church by Mark Dever and Paul Alexander

Joshua: No Falling Words by Dale Ralph Davis

God in the Whirlwind by David Wells

Five Points by John Piper

Victorious Christian Living by Alan Redpath

Jesus on Every Page by David Murray

Is Jesus in the Old Testament? By Ian M. Duguid

Preaching the Word - Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon by R. Kent Hughes

Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung

The Final Days of Jesus by Andreas Kostenberger and Justin Taylor

It Is Well by Mark Dever and Michael Lawrence

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

PNTC - The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon by Douglas Moo

The Godly Man's Picture by Thomas Watson

Gospel-Centered Teaching by Trevin Wax

Creature of the Word by Chandler, Geiger, and Patterson

What’s Your Worldview by James Anderson

How People Change by Lane and Tripp

Death by Living by N. D. Wilson

Though I do not read near as much fiction, I still found time to read several of the Bard’s plays as well as a couple novels by McCarthy and Faulkner. I had set the goal to read a Shakespearean play a month, but fell short as you can see:

The Tempest by William Shakespeare

King Lear by William Shakespeare

Othello by William Shakespeare

Henry V by William Shakespeare

Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

As You Like It by William Shakespeare

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Child of God by Cormac McCarthy

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

Overall, I consider it a gracious gift of God that I have both the opportunity to read books and the availability of books to read. I’m looking forward to another year with my nose buried in a bunch of books.

Book Review: Evangelism by J. Mack Stiles

Book Review - Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus by J. Mack Stiles

Few words give rise to more fear and trepidation among Christian as the word evangelism. Fear of sharing one’s faith, or fear of making an unattractive gospel presentation, is common in churches. The irony of a word associated with “good news” eliciting so much angst makes one wonder if we have veered off the track somewhere. Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus addresses the topic of evangelism and its author, J. Mack Stiles, clearly understands the problematic nature of this topic and the need for clear, biblical teaching on it.

The overarching purpose of this book is hinted at when one consider the series it is a part of: the Crossway Books published 9Marks Building Healthy Churches series. Evangelism is a book that addresses the need for biblical evangelism as an integral component of a healthy church.

More specifically, Stiles writes about “biblical evangelism” (17), and “more than that, [the book is] also about developing a culture of evangelism” (18). The author is concerned about teaching the reader what biblical evangelism is and he believes that it includes implementing and encouraging a culture of evangelism within the church. Stiles further expounds on this issue with teaching on healthy evangelistic platforms as well as “basic principles that shape the actual practice of sharing our faith” (19).

Chapter one concerns itself with important definitions of evangelism, the gospel, and biblical conversion. These definitions provide the foundation for the rest of the author’s discussion of this topic. Evangelism, “teaching the gospel with the aim to persuade” (26), is thoroughly explained. Teaching the gospel–“the joyful message from God that leads to salvation” (33)–is the means of evangelism. And, the goal is biblical conversion which occurs when we “repent, place genuine faith in Jesus, and walk with him” (38).

Chapter two’s content is made obvious with its title: A Culture of Evangelism. Stiles initiates this discussion with a polemic against both programmatic evangelism and pragmatic evangelism. The antidote for these unbiblical methods of sharing the faith is an approach that the author sees as “communal and personal: a culture of evangelism” (47). In the chapter we read that a culture of evangelism, though hard to succinctly and exhaustively define, is a culture that: is motivated by love for Jesus and his gospel (48), is confident in the gospel (49), understands the danger of entertainment (50), sees people clearly (51), pulls together as one (53), has people teaching one another (53), models evangelism (55), celebrates when people share their faith (56), knows how to affirm and celebrate new life (57), does ministry even when it is risky and dangerous (58), and understands that the church is the chosen and best method of evangelism (60).

The importance of the church as God’s plan for evangelism is the sole concern of chapter three. Stiles seeks clarity for the reader by defining the church and arguing that the church is “God’s great plan for evangelism” (100) and the way we can best implement God’s great plan is by developing and nurturing a culture of evangelism in Christ’s body. In fact, Stiles argues that all churches have a culture of evangelism and that the difference from church to church is in the health of that culture. This chapter deals with evangelism at the corporate level.

Chapter four considers the individual Christian within a healthy culture of evangelism. Stiles indicates that believers must be “intentional evangelists” (79) with the context of a church’s evangelistic culture. Stiles elucidates how individual Christians become intentional evangelists: by preparing our hearts, mind, and feet (84); by understanding a gospel-shaped way of life (88); by slaying our assumptions (90); by perceiving evangelism as a discipline (94); by praying (96); by giving leadership in evangelism (97).

Finally, in chapter five Stiles addresses the actual sharing of our faith. The author purports the best instructions we receive on sharing our faith come through the New Testaments illustration of Christians as ambassadors. Stiles indicates the significance of conversations and displays what these might look like. He instructs that an ambassador must be bold, clear, and deliver the message while trusting Christ for the response. Stiles finishes with a call for ambassadors to not lose heart.

On a practical level, I found Stiles’ book edifying, enriching, and encouraging with both myself and the church in mind. His faith-filled optimism and clear biblical teaching is both informative at the head level and motivating at the heart level. His practical wisdom won from real-life experiences was also helpful.

I have noticed a greater awareness in my life for opportunities to share the gospel and find myself less apprehensive than I once was. For those two reasons alone I am thankful for this book. This book is an easy-to-read and hard-to-put-down volume on evangelism that will benefit both leaders and members of churches.

Book Review: Church Elders: How to Shepherd People Like Jesus by Jaramie Rinne

Much time, money, and energy is expended in North America by well-intentioned people who desire to live a healthy lifestyle. Many spend their hours, hard-earned cash, and strength, while eating healthy foods, so as to reach and maintain one lofty goal: health. Church Elders: How to Shepherd People Like Jesus is a book that is also concerned with health. However, author Jeramie Rinne is not concerned so much with healthy individuals, but rather with healthy churches. This book’s inclusion in the 9Marks Building Healthy Churches series, published by Crossway books, make the book’s purpose obvious. The book’s title makes it clear that the author believes church elders are part of what makes a church healthy.

More specifically, Rinne believes that a proper understanding of biblical church leadership among both the leadership and the congregation will promote vitality in the local church. Thus, Rinne provides a “concise, biblical job description for elders” which is “an easy-to-read, inspiring summary of the elder task” (15). The author hopes to instruct the church on biblical eldership, instill a desire in men to pursue the office of elder, and inspire any men whom God may be calling to vocational eldership to consider this great privilege in ernest.

The author, Jeramie Rinne, is the Senior Pastor of South Shore Baptist Church and studied church eldership when he became a full-time pastor (elder). He graduated from Wheaton College in 1993 with a B.A. Bible and Ancient Languages and followed this degree with a Master’s of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in 1996. Rinne’s passion for church leaders and congregations is apparent in the pages of this book.

In chapter one, the author initiates his attempt to provide a proper understanding of eldership, which will lead to healthy churches, by listing six qualifications of elders. These qualifications are gathered from the New Testament. Rinne invites the reader to consider the following marks of an elder: the desire to be an elder (1 Tim. 3:1, 1 Pet. 5:2), godly character (1 Tim. 3:2-3, Titus 1:7-8), the ability to teach (1 Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:9), leading one’s own family well (1 Tim 3:4-5), being male (1 Tim 2:12, Eph. 5:22-6:4), and being an established believer (1 Tim. 3:6).

Chapter two describes the overarching responsibilities of elders with the job description of “shepherding church members toward greater Christ-like maturity” (102). Elders have as their goal seeing the image of Jesus in their congregation and understanding the means to this end being investment in their lives. Thus, elders are more like shepherds and less like trustees.

The emphasis of chapter 3 centers on sound teaching; elders accomplish their tasks through teaching the Word. The author recognizes there are many different scenarios in which teaching occurs–from one-on-one discipling to small group leadership to preaching to the congregation–but he insists that biblical teaching is integral to shepherding God’s people.

Rinne uses the fourth chapter to expound on another duty of elders/shepherds: tracking down stray members/sheep. While explaining the duty of searching for lost sheep, the author also describes five different types of strayers: sinning sheep, wandering sheep, limping sheep, fighting sheep, and biting sheep. With each of these types of people he includes some ideas for how the church elder might help.

Lead Without Lording, the title of the fifth chapter, indicates the direction the author moves. Rinne wrestles with two ideas that are often in tension. The first, confident leadership, often seems to clash with the second, gentleness. According to the author, an elder should lead confidently but with being a bully, without being arrogant, and without domineering. In fact, a “Jesus-shaped humility gives [the elders] a moral authority to which the church willingly defers” (103-4).

Chapter six introduces the issue of polity: a church is to be lead by a plurality of elders. The life of the elders is a mirrored microcosm of the life of the church. The author demonstrates the plurality of eldership present in the early church with a brief survey. He follows this up with a brief apologetic for multiple elders.

Much of the preceding chapters are about doing eldership; chapter seven is about being an elder. Rinne calls elders to model maturity. Elders should live lives that the church can imitate and should encourage congregants to do so. God uses elders who have a “well-tended life” (105). Eldership is not for those who have finally arrived, but rather it is a call to a deeper and more profound imitation of Christ.

The importance of prayer is the focus of the eighth chapter. The author produces arguments for the necessity of prayer and also includes what a “prayer-soaked elder ministry” (113) should look like. This includes public prayer, presbyter prayer (praying at elders meetings), personal prayer (praying with members), and private prayer. In praying for their sheep, elders are joining with the Great Shepherd, Jesus, who is currently praying for his people (Heb. 7:25).

In concluding this book, Rinne reminds the elder and potential elder the eternal ramifications of being an elder. On a serious note, the author warns the reader that an elder will give an account for his stewardship of this office: elders will “answer to the Groom for how [they] treat his bride” (122). Secondly, the author reminds the reader that there is an unfading reward for those who faithfully shepherd God’s flock.

Church Elders is a book that challenges me on a very personal level. As someone who has been in that office and continues to aspire to that office, I found ample opportunities in the pages of the book to question my own character and calling. In particular, the love a shepherd has for his sheep and the sacrifices he is prepared to make for them, as they are compellingly presented in the book, cause me to re-evaluate my own life in light of what biblical eldership is.

On a practical note, this book offers many helpful suggestions on the day-to-day aspects of being an elder. It offers ideas that the author has formulated from his experience leading the church. The suggestions are powerful because they are attainable and they come with a persuasive, urgent plea from the author. The author is serious about this topic and his gravity is coupled with a great joy. Both the seriousness of the calling and the enjoyment of the office as expressed by the author are contagious. I found this very edifying.

Finally, this book strengthened many philosophical positions that I already held. I hold to a view of church leadership that is very close to the one espoused by the author. The book did not challenge my beliefs, but rather bulwarked them.

Church Elders strength is its content and its conciseness. The book is very accessible and very readable. It is relatively short in length and the style is informal. That being said, its message is very important and the author covers a surprisingly significant amount of material considering the size of the volume.

From The Gospel by Ray Ortlund

80 Tweetable Quotes from Evangelism by J. Mack Stiles

Here is another collection of Tweetable quoted from another book in Crossway/9Marks' series called Building Healthy Churches. This one, Evangelism by J. Mack Stiles, was simply excellent. This was a much needed and timely read for me. This process of collecting Tweetables is a great way for me to review a book and quickly remind myself what it was all about. I hope these are useful for you as well. Enjoy.

1. “Usually the wrong ideas [of evangelism] are based on marketing principles or on human understanding about how to argue someone into the kingdom.” (18)
2. “Much of our problem with evangelism is that we don’t have a big enough view of the church.” (19)
3. “I believe that God loves the world and has a wonderful plan for evangelism: his church.” (19)
4. “There is much room for humility when it comes to evangelism.” (23)
5. “There is no formula that dictates how god must work in evangelism.” (23)
6. “I…will take people practising evangelism as best they can over those who forgo evangelism until they have the perfect practice.” (23)
7. “…the Bible never uses results to guide or justify evangelistic practice.” (24)
8. “…when we set out to practice evangelism, we must start with biblical foundations.” (24)
9. “We must look to [biblical foundations] to shape, guard, and inform how we share our faith rather than looking for a way to gain maximum impact.” (24)
10. “Sadly, what often informs our evangelistic practices is the world…business…self-help section…rather than Scripture.” (25)
11. “…people trade biblical principles for worldly desires and our evangelistic practices get twisted.” (25)
12. “Evangelism is teaching the gospel with the aim to persuade.” (26)
13. “…many churches offer a costless, comfortable, and benefit-giving “gospel” that is found nowhere in Scripture.” (28)
14. “Jesus was engaging, but he never entertained…” (28)
15. History of modern evangelism: “The high-pressure sales job has been replaced by the soft sell of self-help.” (28)
16. “First, there is no evangelism without words.” (29)
17. “J. I. Packer…says that Paul’s method of evangelism was primarily a teaching method.” (30)
18. “Great things happen when we can teach the gospel.” (30)
19. “Being able to teach the gospel benefits our spiritual lives as it makes sure we are living according to gospel themes.” (30)
20. “If you do not know how to teach the gospel, you may not truly understand it.” (30)
21. “…remember that the gospel must be taught before someone can become a Christian.” (31)
22. “We make the gospel too small by thinking it only “gets us saved,” that it is a sort of fire insurance…” (32)”
23. “…the gospel becomes both the door of salvation and the pattern for life.” (32)
24. “Additions to the gospel, however good or good-hearted, corrupt the gospel.” (33)
25. “The hope in evangelism is that we so steep ourselves in gospel truth and gospel living…that the gospel can’t help but come out of us.” (34)
26. “…we don’t just lay out gospel facts academically or haphazardly. We have an aim or direction in our gospel teaching.” (35)
27. “…no one is born a Christian…all Christians are converts.” (36)
28. “…just as we cannot produce conversion, neither can we produce genuine faith.” (37)
29. “We aren’t persuaded in a biblical sense unless we repent, place genuine faith in Jesus, and walk with him.” (38)
30. “Unbiblical evangelism is a method of assisted suicide for a church…” (39)
31. “…if you ask most normal people what hinders their evangelism, the vast majority will tell you it’s fear.” (42)
32. “Evangelize with believing friends who will pull you along.” (42)
33. “…since I believe in the church as the engine of evangelism, we need to develop cultures of evangelism in our local churches…” (42)
34. “It just makes sense to share our faith alongside friends.” (43)
35. “…usually when we think of evangelism in community, we think of evangelistic programs, which is not the same.” (43)
36. As opposed to evangelistic programs, “most people come to faith through… [familiar] Christians intentionally talking about the gospel.” (45)
37. “A strict diet of evangelistic programs produces malnourished evangelism.” (46)
38. “…programs can often make us feel as if we’ve done evangelism, when we haven’t.” (46)
39. “I yearn for a culture of evangelism that never trades confidence n the gospel for confidence in techniques, personalities, or entertainment gimmicks.” (49)
40. “In a culture of evangelism, we don’t mistake entertainment for ministry, or ministry for entertainment.” (51)
41. “We need a culture of evangelism that never sacrifices to the idolatry of entertainment…” (51)
42. “When Paul says that we should see people through the eyes of Christ, he means for us to have a gospel view of people.” (52)
43. “…in a culture of evangelism, most of all we’re mindful of what people can become: new creations in Christ…” (53)
44. “…I long for a culture that remembers what people can become through the gospel.” (53)
45. “I would happily trade all the pizzazz of stunning speakers, mind-blowing music, and…popular…pageants for a culture of evangelism…” (55)
46. “In a culture of evangelism, people carefully teach one another how to share their faith in a biblical way.” (55)
47. “The practice of celebrating evangelistic efforts is…hugely important in developing a culture of evangelism.” (57)
48. “I yearn to be in a church where even evangelistic attempts are championed.” (57)
49. “Even if an evangelistic effort doesn’t lead to a gospel conversation, evangelistic failure is better than not trying evangelism at all.” (57)
50. “I long for a culture of evangelism that is risky in the sense that we’re confronting culture.” (59)
51. “I long for a church that understands that it…is the chosen and best method of evangelism.” (60)
52. “I long for a church that disarms with love, not entertainment…” (60)
53. “I long for a church that…lives out countercultural confidence in the power of the gospel.” (60)
54. “…if you are part of a healthy church that has a culture of evangelism, you are part of the greatest way of evangelism ever known.” (63)
55. “…a culture of evangelism is grassroots, not top-down.” (65)
56. “In a culture of evangelism, people understand the main task of the church is to be the church.” (65)
57. “The question is not, “Do we have a culture of evangelism?” but “Is our culture of evangelism sick or healthy?”” (67)
58. “Every Christian should know what makes a church a church.” (70)
59. “In a culture of evangelism, people who love Jesus work together as instruments in the grand symphony of God’s work.” (81)
60. “…in a maturing culture of evangelism, people trust God to do something bigger than what they see with physical eyes.” (81)
61. “Sometimes we unwittingly motivate congregations with blunt instruments such as guilt.” (85)
62. “[Churches] must use their gatherings to regularly rehearse and think through the gospel…” (85)
63. “It is easy to go from a welcoming church to become a church that jettisons the gospel in its desire to be “friendly.”” (87)
64. “Unfortunately, many churches fall into…heresy when their main concern becomes the non-Christian rather than fidelity to the gospel.” (87)
65. “The quickest route to heresy and error is “relevant” evangelism.” (87)
66. “Good-hearted motivations that try to shape the church for the needs of man and not the glory of god are the death of biblical churches.” (87)
67. “…churches are called to concentrate on God, while individuals are called to be sensitive to seekers.” (87)
68. “…trying to live a moral life is impossible. Living a gospel life is a gift from God.” (89)
69. “If we live gospel-centered lives, we will find ourselves sharing the gospel.” (90)
70. “If you are bored with the gospel, you need to take a deep look at the sin of your heart.” (91)
71. “…if the gospel does not resonate in your heart, check and see that you are truly converted.” (91)
72. “We don’t know whom God is calling to himself. Praying for others keeps us mindful of that.” (96)
73. “Besides teaching and modeling, one of the most important things leaders can do is just talk about evangelism.” (97)
74. “We must deliver the message regardless of the discomfort produced, effort required, and shame endured.” (101)
75. “Ambassadors exist to deliver messages.” (101)
76. “It’s my sense that boldness is the most needed element for evangelism for the Christian community.” (106)
77. “The Bible calls us to remember those who have been brave and faithful, and to follow their example.” (107)
78. “…I’m convinced that sharing our faith, regardless of the response, is a key to spiritual health for the individual and for the community.” (112)
79. “Evangelism is bigger than what we see.” (114)
80. “Sometimes God lets us see tired people transformed into people filled with light. That’s a glorious thing…” (114)

70 Tweetable Quotes from Ortlund's The Gospel

 
I thoroughly enjoyed and was edified by Ray Ortlund's book The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ. I have amassed a hockey-sock full of Tweetable quotes from the book. Enjoy!

1. Let's not assume that our churches are faithful to the gospel. Let's examine whether they are (17).
2. So the test of a gospel-centered church is its doctrine on paper plus its culture in practice ... (18).
3. Nothing is gained by merely repackaging the church in forms more attractive to outsiders (18).
4. We possess, in the gospel alone, God's wonder-working resources for the display of Christ among us (19).
5. Any church ... that falls short of the gospel of Christ in either doctrine or culture will inevitably collapse ... (19).
6. Gospel doctrine creates gospel culture. The doctrine of grace creates a culture of grace (21).
7. We need strength from beyond ourselves, because it's hard to hold on to gospel doctrine (22).
8. This is the massive love of God-the Son leaving nothing of the Father's glory unexpressed, leaving nothing of our need unfilled (31).
9. I want to be really forgiven of my real sins by a real Savior (34).
10. God's final category for you is not your goodness versus your badness, but your union with Christ versus your distance from Christ (34).
11. If you don't believe your way into Jesus Christ, you will perish (35).
12. The doctrine of grace creates a culture of grace where good things happen to bad people (39).
13. Gospel doctrine and gospel culture do not coexist by lucky chance (39).
14. Being part of church frees us from a vague idealism and gives us traction for real gospel advance ... (40).
15. Obviously, we pay a price to give our lives to a real community (40).
16. We didn't ruin God's plan; we are his plan, his eternal plan to love the undeserving, for the display of his glory alone (40).
17. There is nothing degrading in Christ. nothing we need to worry about or filter out (44).
18. How can we hope to be true to Christ if we look away from the Bible's stark portrayal of our natural corruption (44)?
19. The real holiness Christ creates is beautiful (47).
20. A gospel-defined church is a prophetic sign that points beyond itself (51).
21. Despair is an intellectual and social sin. It denies gospel doctrine and destroys gospel culture (55).
22. Fixing broken things is the way of God (56).
23. There is nothing petty and small about a church when it believes this massive and noble gospel (62).
24. ... the hope of the gospel makes us cheerfully defiant toward every disappointment ... (62).
25. ... the hope of the gospel and the triumph of our Savior make us cheerfully defiant even toward our own sin and failures (63).
26. ... the beauty of human relationships, is the first thing that outsiders are likely to notice when they enter a church (66).
27. A church should offer the world ... a counterculture, a living embodiment of the gospel (67).
28. ... we must not import into our church families today the failed patterns of our earthly families in the past (70).
29. The household of God must offer a clear and lovely alternative to the madness of this world (71).
30. The family of God is where people should find lots of gospel, lots of safety, and lots of time (72).
31. The goal is not to make the church safe for sin; it's to make it safe for confession and repentance (73).
32. We must not allow anything in our churches to compete with the high visibility of the gospel (75).
33. A church can offer living and palpable proof that the gospel makes a real difference for real people living in the real world (76).
34. As a pillar and buttress of the truth, our churches are God's Plan A for world redemption, and he has no Plan B (76).
35. We either proudly believe we are too good to be judged, or we proudly believe we are too bad to be saved (79).
36. We lose sight of him quickly, don't we? We all need frequent exposures to his overruling good news (82).
37. A gospel culture is harder to lay hold of than gospel doctrine (82).
38. And when a whole church luxuriates in Christ alone, that church embodies a gospel culture (83).
39. Exalting ourselves always diminishes his visibility (83).
40. The false safety of self is an enduring problem for us Christians (85).
41. ... it is possible for us to unsay by our practical church culture what we say in our official church doctrine (88).
42. It is possible to hold to the gospel as a theory even as we lose it as a reality (88).
43. Right gospel doctrine + anti-gospel culture = a denial of the gospel (88).
44. We can sincerely love the doctrine of God's grace and, at the same time, unwittingly nullify that grace (89).
45. We must also ask, is our church culture clearly aligned with that gospel doctrine (89)?
46. The gospel gives us more than a place to stand; it also leads us into a path to follow (89).
47. A gospel culture is not easy. But it is possible (91).
48. Going forward with The Lord means that the future will be both more thrilling and more
49. It is the strong scent of Christ that people detect when our churches are filled with the gospel (94).
50. Whatever people might thin of us, God savors us as we lift up Jesus Christ crucified (95).
51. Throughout the Bible, God's pleasure comes to a focal point at the cross of Christ (95).
52. And the clearer our churches are about Christ, the more polarizing we will be (95).
53. But the one thing the gospel never does is nothing (96).
54. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ refuses to be held at arm's length with critical detachment (96).
55. No one judges the gospel. It judges all, and it saves some (96).
56. ... no one is static. No one is not responding to the gospel (98).
57. ... we must never be deflected from faithfulness to Christ because of human rejection (98).
58. Eternal consequences hang in the balance in every gathering of the church, every Bible study, every personal conversation, every blog post (99).
59. Faithfulness makes enemies on earth. But faithfulness also has a Friend and advocate on high ... (102).
60. Every one of us is always five minutes away from moral and ministry disaster (103).
61. If our purposes rise no higher than what we can attain by our own organizing and thinking, then we should change our churches into community centers (105).
62. The gospel never advances without someone paying a price (107).
63. The greatness of Christ creates courage in us (108).
64. Trust him that, with every false treasure you surrender, he will  more than bless you with true spiritual riches (108).
65. But if the leaders are courageous for Christ, their church will be too (109).
66. The beauty of love is the crown of a well-taught church (111).
67. This is who Christ is. He will always be to us an endless sea of sweetness (111).
68. Love is Christ's authorized way for us to be convincing (112).
69. If we fail to love one another in ways so striking that we actually start looking like Jesus, then the world has the right to judge that we know nothing of him (113).
70. A heart aloof from God grows aloof from others (117).

Intentionality and Growth

The impetus for this post came with a picture that Crossway Books posted on their Twitter account (@CrosswayBooks). Here it is:

God is gracious and may cause us to grow in spite of ourselves. He is loving and kind and understands our frailty. But generally speaking, I do not think we are supposed to stand idly by and wait for God to do something in terms of our spiritual development unbeknownst to us. We should not anticipate growth in godliness to be a matter of happenstance.

Rather, as the picture above suggests, Christlikeness does not happen by accident. There is no accidentally getting closer to God. There is rarely unintentional and inadvertent sanctification. Christian maturity is not a function of passivity. If we are not intentional about discipleship in our own lives, it is either not going to happen at all or it will happen to such a minute degree that it will be hardy noticeable.

This picture also reminded of a quote from a book I am currently reading called God in the Whirlwind. The author, David Wells, suggest "we need to carve out space for ourselves in which we can daily attend to God’s Word, to study it, mark it, learn it, and inwardly digest its truth." The key word in this quotation is "carve." Carving suggest intentionality. It's cutting, but it's purposeful cutting. And it also indicates pain. It might hurt a little to carve out time for God.

But the pain is worth it. And it won't happen by accident.

The Gospel as the foundation for family religion - Whitefield

George Whitefield preached a sermon from the text in Joshua-Joshua 24:15-where we get the familiar saying "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The sermon's title is The Great Duty of Family Religion and Whitefield's three main points are as follows:

I. First, That it is the duty of every governor of a family to take care, that not only he himself, but also that those committed to his charge, “serve the Lord.”
II. Secondly, I shall endeavor to show after what manner a governor and his household ought to serve the Lord. And,
III. Thirdly, I shall offer some motives, in order to excite all governors, with their respective households, to serve the Lord in the manner that shall be recommended.

At the sermon's conclusion,Whitfield makes it clear that it is the gospel, the cross, the person and work of Jesus Christ that is the foundation for all his exhortation to the heads of families concerning their leadership in having their families "serve the Lord." He writes,

And that there may be always such a heart in you, let me exhort all governors of families, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, often to reflect on the inestimable worth of their own souls, and the infinite ransom, even the precious blood of Jesus Christ, which has been paid down for them. Remember, I beseech you to remember, that you are fallen creatures; that you are by nature lost and estranged from God; and that you can never be restored to your primitive happiness, till by being born again of the Holy Ghost, you arrive at your primitive state of purity, have the image of God restamped upon your souls, and are thereby made meet to be partakers of the inheritance with the saints in light.

In encouraging his listeners to reflect on the gospel, finding power and desire to obey, Whitfield writes further,

Do, I say, but seriously and frequently reflect on, and act as persons that believe such important truths, and you will no more neglect your family's spiritual welfare than your own. No, the love of God, which will then be shed abroad in your hearts, will constrain you to do your utmost to preserve them: and the deep sense of God's free grace in Christ Jesus, (which you will then have) in calling you, will excite you to do your utmost to save others, especially those of your own household.

For Whitfield, the power and motivation for leading families in their relationship with God is closely, inextricably, connected to the glorious gospel.

God the All

From The Valley of Vision:

I know that thou art the author and finisher of faith,
that the whole work of redemption is thine alone,
that every good work or thought found in me is the effect of thy power and grace,
that thy sole motive in working in me to

will and to do is for thy good pleasure.
O God, it is amazing that men can talk so much about man's creaturely power and goodness,
when, if thou didst not hold us back every moment,
we should be devils incarnate.
This, by bitter experience, thou hast taught me concerning myself.

Worship Wednesday

Sorry it's been a while. Liquid+computer+puppy=no blogging!

From the Valley of Vision.

Beale and the beast - 666

Though G. K. Beale's book, We Become What We Worship, is not a commentary of Revelation, as a biblical theology focusing on idol worship it does, of necessity, deal with the apocalyptic writing of John. Beale deals with the mark of the beast-the number 666-over a few pages. As Beale is a writer of a commentary on Revelation, I was interested to hear his take on this issue.

Beale writes, "[r]egardless of whatever precise historical identifications could be given of the unbeliever's mark, the primary focus is on spiritual identification with the satanic beast" (261). Beale insists that the number 666 is not "some literal number of someone's name" (261) due to the fact that the saints have Christ's and God's name written on their foreheads. The saints' forehead identification is, according to Beale, clearly a spiritual reality and therefore the beastly mark must be as well.

Beale clarifies, " the triple six is intended as a contrast with the divine sevens throughout the book and signifies incompleteness and imperfection" (261). Those who are marked with the number of the beast are those who have identified themselves with the beast; they have aligned their thoughts and desires with the sinful, beast-like, epitome of incompleteness and imperfection.

Beale concludes:

Thus the number in revelation 13:18 is that of incomplete humanity apart from Christ. The beast is the supreme representative of unregenerate humanity, separated from God and unable to achieve divine likeness but always trying ... The triple sixes emphasize that the beast and his followers fall short of God's creative purposes for humanity." (261)

From Victorious Christian Living by Alan Redpath:

Merciful and gracious - God and Rahab

As I work through some final edits of the sermon I, God willing, will preach this Sunday I am arrested by some of the details. I'll be preaching from the second chapter on Joshua which, if you remember, is primarily about the Canaanite harlot Rahab.

Rahab helps two spies that Joshua had sent into Jericho as the Israelites prepared to begin the conquest of Canaan. In light of her help in their mission-in fact, she saved their lives as well as their mission-Rahab requests that her and her family be shown mercy. Mercy is sympathy or compassion that motivates into helpful action. Rahab is looking for some sympathy and some saving.

Since chapter one of Joshua makes it clear that the conquest of the Promised Land was ultimately God's battle, her petition is ultimately directed to Yahweh; will God be merciful to Rahab and not destroy her.

Not killing Rahab would be merciful. But God, as is His practice with His enemies, goes beyond being merciful to Rahab and is utterly gracious to her. God's grace is His sovereign and unmerited favour. God, through the Israelites, goes beyond just not killing Rahab and her family; he adopts them into his own covenant people. In the sixth chapter of Joshua we learn that Rahab and her kin are incorporated into God's family. Stunning!

And sobering.

This is how God has acted towards us. He has shown us mercy which motivated his gracious action in saving us from destruction and adopting us into His family. And He did this in the work of Jesus Christ.

Praise the merciful and gracious Sovereign God!

A looming question from Joshua

One of the questions that needs to be answered from the book of Joshua, and I believe can be answered satisfactorily, is the question that seeks to understand and explain why God ordered the destruction of the seven tribes of Canaan.

This post will not attempt a complete answer, but will give a partial explanation.

One of the reasons this wiping out of the inhabitants of Canaan by the Promised Land bound Israelites is delivered in this quote from Alan Redpath's book on Joshua called Victorious Christian Living:

But I would have you observe that they faced not only conflict but victory. God had a purpose for that land. What was it? This-a little babe in a manger at Bethlehem, Christ the Son of God "on a cross at Calvary, one hundred and twenty people in an upper room and the Holy Ghost falling on them. Bethlehem, Calvary, Pentecost: the incamation of the Son of God, the judgment of the sin of humanity heaped on Him, the life of the Son of God incarnate in the the believer; all thin was God's master plan for the salvation of a fallen race. And nothing, I say nothing, on earth or in hell should ever stand in the way of the plan of God. The iniquity of the people was full. Now God begins to act.

Certainly, this is not a complete answer, but it is part of the answer.

God was preparing the redemption of mankind in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. And this was going to take place in Canaan. And though there are many more facets to the explanation, God's plan of redemption is definitely an important one.

Redpath goes on to say, "The purpose of God for every man and woman is Bethlehem, Calvary, Pentecost, and everything that stands in the way of God's fulfillment of His plan must be conquered."

Always

From a sermon we read at men's prayer this morning:

Too big for God to use

God's Charge to Joshua from the first chapter of Joshua:

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Alan Redpath's comments on this passage from Victorious Christian Living: Studies in the Book of Joshua:

Most of us, God forgive us, are too big for God to use. We are too full of our own schemes and of our own way of doing things. God has to humble us and break us and empty us. So low, indeed, must God make us that we need every word of encouragement from heaven to enable us to take on the job and dare to go forward in the will of God. The world speaks about the survival of the fittest, but God gives power to the faint and He gives might to those who have no strength. He perfects His strength in weakness; He uses the things that are not to bring to nought the things that are.

Let me not be too big for God to use me; I'd rather be weak and have his encouragement "Be strong and courageous!"

Worship Wednesday

Not Because of Righteousness

Below I've quoted  Deuteronomy 9 in its entirety.  In the previous chapters Moses unpacked God's providence in looking after the Israelites over the past forty years. He supplied mana for them, ensured that their clothes were kept in good shape, and brought forth water from rocks just to name a few. The tone of chapter 8 seems like the Israelites are taking this stuff for granted, as if they somehow have something to do with it, earning it. Moses address this a little before dropping the hammer in chapter 9! Imagine being the Israelites standing before Moses listening to this address. They're told, maybe some of them for the first time, that they're no good! They take credit for things that aren't of their own doing, they whine and moan, have zero patience, and push God to his breaking point a few times (thank Moses for interceding!). Moses puts Israel in her rightful place, our rightful place; face down in the dirt pleading for mercy wondering what happens next. I hope that through reading this text you would see your face in the crowd looking up at Moses, listening to how wicked you are and how undeserving you are of any good thing that God provides. Moses mediated for Israel, saving them from the wrath of God that they deserved. We're subject to that same wrath, but we have a mediator too. You haven't done anything to merit God's favour but he displayed it in the face of Jesus Christ nonetheless!

9 “Hear, O Israel: you are to cross over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, cities great and fortified up to heaven, 2 a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?’ 3 Know therefore today that he who goes over before you as a consuming fire is the Lord your God. He will destroy them and subdue them before you. So you shall drive them out and make them perish quickly, as the Lord has promised you.

4 “Do not say in your heart, after the Lord your God has thrust them out before you, ‘It is because of my righteousness that the Lord has brought me in to possess this land,’ whereas it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is driving them out before you. 5 Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

6 “Know, therefore, that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people. 7 Remember and do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day you came out of the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord. 8 Even at Horeb you provoked the Lord to wrath, and the Lord was so angry with you that he was ready to destroy you. 9 When I went up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the Lord made with you, I remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water. 10 And the Lord gave me the two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them were all the words that the Lord had spoken with you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly. 11 And at the end of forty days and forty nights the Lord gave me the two tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant. 12 Then the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, go down quickly from here, for your people whom you have brought from Egypt have acted corruptly. They have turned aside quickly out of the way that I commanded them; they have made themselves a metal image.’

13 “Furthermore, the Lord said to me, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stubborn people. 14 Let me alone, that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. And I will make of you a nation mightier and greater than they.’ 15 So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire. And the two tablets of the covenant were in my two hands. 16 And I looked, and behold, you had sinned against the Lord your God. You had made yourselves a golden calf. You had turned aside quickly from the way that the Lord had commanded you. 17 So I took hold of the two tablets and threw them out of my two hands and broke them before your eyes. 18 Then I lay prostrate before the Lord as before, forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all the sin that you had committed, in doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord to provoke him to anger. 19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure that the Lord bore against you, so that he was ready to destroy you. But the Lord listened to me that time also. 20 And the Lord was so angry with Aaron that he was ready to destroy him. And I prayed for Aaron also at the same time. 21 Then I took the sinful thing, the calf that you had made, and burned it with fire and crushed it, grinding it very small, until it was as fine as dust. And I threw the dust of it into the brook that ran down from the mountain.

22 “At Taberah also, and at Massah and at Kibroth-hattaavah you provoked the Lord to wrath. 23 And when the Lord sent you from Kadesh-barnea, saying, ‘Go up and take possession of the land that I have given you,’ then you rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God and did not believe him or obey his voice. 24 You have been rebellious against the Lord from the day that I knew you.

25 “So I lay prostrate before the Lord for these forty days and forty nights, because the Lord had said he would destroy you. 26 And I prayed to the Lord, ‘O Lord God, do not destroy your people and your heritage, whom you have redeemed through your greatness, whom you have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 27 Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Do not regard the stubbornness of this people, or their wickedness or their sin, 28 lest the land from which you brought us say, “Because the Lord was not able to bring them into the land that he promised them, and because he hated them, he has brought them out to put them to death in the wilderness.” 29 For they are your people and your heritage, whom you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm.’