5 Evangelism Tips at We Are Soma
Earlier this year God woke me up from my sleep and asked me questions about evangelism. Questions like, “How many people did you share the gospel with this past year? How many people did you invite to gatherings? Why?” It was one of those gracious conversations that made me realize I was not evangelizing primarily because of my selfishness. I am too selfish to regularly tell people the best news in the world. I felt relieved that this could change and I am growing in evangelism. Here are 5 things God is teaching me about evangelism
But these Internet communities too often aren’t about healing. Not really. They funnel all of these triggers into one place, providing an opportunity for us to direct all of our rage, anger, and malice at what we have deemed to be rightful and deserving targets. These places of supposed healing become places of malice and mockery.
A Public Statement Concerning Sexual Abuse in the Church of Jesus Christ
In the hope that a time is coming when Christian leaders respond to all sexual abuse with outrage and courage, we offer this confession and declare the Good News of Jesus on behalf of the abused, ignored and forgotten.
16 Ways I Blew My Marriage | When my wife tells me I should read something like this, I listen. We don't agree with everything, but it's pretty good.
I don’t have marriage advice to give, but I have plenty of “keep your marriage from ending” advice (two equivocally different things), and that might be almost as good.
Thornbury's Mission to Revive Carl F.H. Henry
“I want to make Carl Henry cool again,” Thornbury exclaims in the introduction. Given that we can recognize Henry’s thoughts almost everywhere we look these days, such an aspiration is not terribly ridiculous. I would love to see the book cover in many a coffeehouse in the coming days, and would love even more to see Henry himself return as a staple of theological conversations. He was a giant whose legacy deserves to be recovered. As the new president of the King’s College, Thornbury is well positioned to do just that.
I've been given the opportunity to follow up my review of Dr. Timothy Keller's Counterfeit Gods (buy) with a review of Generous Justice. Thanks to Dutton for the book. It's another great addition to his works: The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, and the long-ago written Ministries of Mercy. Dr. Keller is pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. If you haven't yet, you should check out my Tim Keller Resources page.
A lot has been said in recent years of orthodoxy & (or vs) orthopraxy. We have become a people who know the Book but don't "do" what the Book tells us to do. We aren't being changed. We are better on paper than we are in practice.
And we don't take correction well. It takes a distinct voice to speak in a way we can hear, to lift the conversation above misunderstanding and reactionary responses. I believe Tim Keller is one of those voices and has accomplished that goal. He's done it before. For example, in The Reason for God he elevates the conversation with skeptics. I've read and encouraged others to read his Introduction there a number of times because it changes the conversation, it raises it "to the level of disagreement." Brilliant stuff. I think Keller does that again here on a polarizing topic: Justice.
"Scars" from old battles are hard to overcome. Theological conservatives, like me, tend to react against issues beloved by theological liberals, like social justice. And the more justice issues are brought up, the more likely (typically) theological conservatives will be leery of an author. But, and all man-love aside, Tim Keller in Generous Justice has done something I consider remarkable. He has cut through the thicket on justice to show us a clearing. It's a breath of fresh air among stuck arguments and stuffy minds.
Here's how Keller sets up his argument from the introduction...
Elaine Scarry of Harvard has written a fascinating little book called On Beauty and Being Just. Her thesis is that the experience of beauty makes us less self-centered and more open to justice. I have observed over the decades that when people see the beauty of God's grace in Christ, it leads them powerfully toward justice.
Through dealing with several Old & New Testament passages, including word studies made simple (not just a scholarly work), Keller writes deep enough for the scholar and simple enough for the layperson. He shows himself well-read in both historic Christianity and modern cultural scholarship. Several times I found myself finding the endnotes for more info on an author or book I've never heard of and want to check out.
Some of my favorite sections are on biblical passages I'm very familiar with but Keller explains in a fresh way, such as his explanations of gleaning, tithing and Jubilee in chapter 2. Keller argues with these concepts that, "God's concern for the poor is so strong that he gave Israel a host of laws that, if practiced, would have virtually eliminated any permanent underclass" (p 27). I have not encountered a discussion on business and profit like this before (p 30). I believe it will shake the rich up and, Lord-willing, lead them toward justice. Keller reveals how profoundly American (and worldly) we are, yet he uses thoughtful, biblical argument to open our eyes.
Then Keller discusses Jesus and "your neighbor" in chapters 3 and 4. His explanation of The Good Samaritan in chapter 4 is rich. Just as he makes Luke 15 and "The Prodigal Son" come alive in The Prodigal God, he continues to surprise us at our own dullness as he reveals the *sparkle* of familiar stories. In this instance he does it both through exposition of biblical texts as well as the liberal use of the writings of Jonathan Edwards. Keller works through the objections he's received to teaching love for neighbor and the answers he's seen from Edwards. His use of Edwards is compelling. Then Keller does what too many fail to do with The Good Samaritan, which is bring Jesus directly to bear. Instead of teaching the parable merely as the great example of how to love neighbor, he goes one step further.
Jesus is the Great Samaritan to whom the Good Samaritan points.
Before you can give this neighbor-love, you need to receive it. Only if you see that you have been saved graciously boy someone who owes you the opposite will you go out into the world looking to help absolutely anyone in need. (p 77)
Keller then discusses the motivation for doing justice, treasuring human beings because they are creations of the Almighty. It's how we show God respect, by seeing His image in people. He mentions our redemption as motivation. Keller says, "If you look down at the poor and stay aloof from their suffering, you have not really understood or experienced God's grace" (p 96). "If you are not just, you've not truly been justified by faith" (p 99). How can someone who has experienced justification not respond by doing justice? When you understand the gospel, you see the poor and realize you are looking into a mirror. There can be no superiority or indifference when you get God's grace toward you.
Biblical background and motivations in mind, Keller gets practical in chapter 6. He says it should be our constant thought, to look for ways to do justice. We should ponder it. We should have "sustained reflection" on issues and places of justice. He considers big justice needs and areas. He discusses education and social capital, the need for business owners to be neighbors, racial reconciliation, and more. But then he does zero in on what everyday, neighborhood Christians can do. He mentions the mission of London City Mission as "the same person, going to the same people, regularly, to become their friend for Jesus's sake" (p 143). I love that. Keller does well to bring all our efforts, individually and organizationally, to bear on a community needing justice. "While the institutional church should do relief inside and around its community, the 'organic' church should be doing development and social reform" (p 146).
Keller also considers justice in the world of ideas, the public square. Keller's proposal: "Christians' work for justice should be characterized by both humble cooperation and respectful provocation" (p 158). I'm particularly encouraged by Keller's understanding of being distinctly Christian even when working in cooperation with others...
Christians should identify themselves as believer as they seek justice, welcoming and treating all who work beside them as equals. Believers should let their co-workers know of how the gospel is motivating them, yet also...they should appeal to common values as much as possible. (p 161)
Keller avoids pitfalls on both liberal and conservative sides by encouraging bold Christian work for justice while embracing a cooperation with others for the good of the oppressed. Yet he says Christians should "at the same time be respectfully provocative with them, arguing that their models of justice are reductionistic and incomplete" (p 164).
I love the way Keller ends Generous Justice. A chapter on "Peace, Beauty, and Justice." He ends where he started, remember the quote from Elaine Scarry above. Here Keller focuses on "shalom" or "harmonious peace." He refers to the "interwovenness" of rightly related human beings into community. He describes shalom as "flourishing in every dimension -- physical, emotional, social, and spiritual" (p174). Keller considers shalom and justice...
In general, to 'do justice' means to live in a way that generates a strong community where human beings can flourish. Specifically, however, to 'do justice' means to go to places where the fabric of shalom has broken down, where the weaker members of societies are falling through the fabric, and to repair it. This happens when we concentrate on and meet the needs of the poor.
How can we do that? The only way to reweave and strengthen the fabric is by weaving yourself into it. (p 177)
But Keller doesn't paint us as the hero. We do justice "because serving the poor honors and pleases God, and honoring and pleasing God is a delight to you in and of itself" (p 183). Loving and seeking justice means hard work. It's painful and people are difficult to love. But Keller says, "Don't shrink, says the Lord, from spending yourself on the broken, the hurting, and the needy. I'm good for it" (p 185).
Keller has written the best sort of book. He deals with something that has and can divide us, and does it winsomely. He does it biblically and theologically. He does it convincingly and compellingly. I finished Generous Justice desiring to see the hurting and oppressed with new eyes, a new generosity, and a new desire for shalom.
This book is suited to many audiences. It can be read and understood by the average Christian and the more learned. I think it will be quite helpful for Christians involved in the leadership of business or government. Those responsible for much will be challenged to do it different, do it justly. And yet those with the simplest of lives and in the smallest of places will see in this book the profound, eternal purpose of God as they seek justice where they live. What a great gift a book like this is!
I highly recommend Generous Justice, though I'm sure I haven't done the book justice (pun intended). There are a few books I know will be a constant reference for the remainder of my life, and this is one of them. Go get it.
Purchase Generous Justice | Christianity Today interview with Tim Keller | Other reviews: Chuck Huckaby | 9 Marks | Brian Hedges
Tim Keller's new book, Generous Justice, will be released this October. From the publisher...
It is commonly thought in our secular culture that the Bible is one of the great hindrances to doing justice. In Generous Justice, Timothy Keller illuminates a life of justice empowered by an experience of grace: a generous, gracious justice.
Generous Justice is a book for believers who find the Bible a trustworthy guide, as well as for those who suspect that Christianity is a regressive influence in the world.
Keller calls upon life-long Christians to deepen their faith by understanding that justice for the poor and marginalized is central to the Scripture’s message and challenges skeptics to recognize that the Bible is actually the basis for the modern understanding of justice.
(via JT)
Check out the REN3W Campaign from Redeemer, & this beautiful, artistic intro (go full screen)...
It's a Keller-centered day here at Reformissionary. The new issue of Themelios is out (also PDF) which includes "The Gospel and the Poor" by Timothy Keller. This was originally a paper presented at The Gospel Coalition's Pastors' Colloquium last summer.
--> Via Jim Hamilton, who also has an article with a very Baptist title. :)
Update: I also noticed a glowing review of Culture Making by Andy Crouch in this issue.
Al Mohler on "Anne Lamott and Her Evangelical Audience."
WELCOME to my Tim Keller Resources page.
Dr. Timothy Keller is Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. This is a list of every Keller sermon, article, book, audiobook, DVD, Bible Study, and any other resource I can find. If you don't find something here you can also look into items tagged "Tim Keller" on the Reformissionary site in case I put up an individual post about a resource and failed to list it here. Feel free to link this post to help get these resources out. Find a dead link? Email me so I can keep this resource page up to date.
KEY LINKS
BOOKS
BOOKS with Tim Keller contributions...
Audio Resources from Dr. Keller...
More resources on Dr. Keller's books...
- Newsweek article: "The Smart Shepherd"
- Christianity Today interview: Tim Keller Reasons With America: The New York Pastor explains why he's taking his ministry model on the road
- Ed Stetzer interviews Tim Keller about The Reason for God and more
- Books & Culture review
- The Reason for God Sermons:The Trouble with Christianity...
- Exclusivity: How an there be just one true religion?
- Suffering: If God is good, why is there so much evil in the world?
- Absolutism: Don't we all have to find truth for ourselves
- Injustice: Hasn't Christianity been an instrument for oppression?
- Hell: Isn't the God of Christianity an angry Judge?
- Doubt: What should I do with my doubts?
- Literalism: Isn't the Bible historically unreliable and regressive?
- The Reason for God Videos: Keller discusses The Reason for God - At Google - At Berkeley - Roundtable with WTS Faculty - Keller @ UChicago: Part 1, Part 2 - Keller at UPenn: The Reason for God - Keller at UPenn: Q&A
Redeemer Presbyterian Church store has sermons, studies & other resources available for purchase.
- Lloyd-Jones on the Problem of Preaching (2011)
- Lloyd-Jones on the Permanence of Preaching (2011)
- Lloyd-Jones on the Primacy of Preaching (2011)
- Lloyd-Jones on the Efficacy of Preaching Today (2011)
- Lloyd-Jones on the Practice of Real Preaching (2011)
- Lloyd-Jones on Preaching & The Gospel Part 1 (2011)
- Lloyd-Jones on Preaching & The Gospel Part 2 (2011)
- Lloyd-Jones on Preaching & The Gospel Part 3 (2011)
Keller on Sept. 11, 2001
AUDIO/VIDEO
KEY AUDIO/VIDEO
KEY FREE Sermons
The Gospel Coalition 2011 - NEW!
Lausanne 2010
NYC Dwell Conference
REN3W Sermons
Global Cities Initiative (2009)
Newfrontiers
Urban Plant Life Conference in London
Gospel Coalition
Reform & Resurge (2006)
Covenant Seminary | Conferences 2004
The Gathering 2005
Evangelists Conference UK
City Life Church: Boston
The Furious Love of Jesus - Jn 11:32-44 (Download | Stream)
Praying Our Tears - Ps 39:12-13, 126, 1-6 (Download | Stream)
Praying Our Fears - Ps 3:1-8, Gen 15:1-8 (Download | Stream)
DESIRING GOD CONFERENCE
REDEEMER CENTER for FAITH & WORK (Website)
Principles for Action - interview
Entrepreneurship Forum: March 2007
REDEEMER VISION CAMPAIGN (Website)
Audio, Study Guides
"A Season of Covenant Renewal"
(original links page & introduction to this 12 part series)
The Prodigal Sons - Luke 15:1-2, 11-32
(study guide)
Christ Our Life - Col 3:1-14
(study guide)
The Gospel - Isaiah 53:4-11, 54:1-5, 11-14
(study guide) (Vision paper: The Gospel - The Key to Change)
The City: We Have a Strong City - Isaiah 25:6-26:6
(study guide) (Vision paper: The City - Why We Are Here)
Community: Better than Sons and Daughters - Isaiah 56:1-8
(study guide) (Vision paper: Buildings for Community)
Witness: While He May Be Found - Isaiah 55:1-7, 57:14-21
(study guide) (Vision paper: Why New Churches?)
Justice: Break Every Yoke - Isaiah 58:1-14
(study guide) (Vision paper: Ministry Balance)
Culture: The Riches of the Nations Will Come - Isaiah 60:4-14, 19-22
(study guide) (Vision paper: Christians & Culture)
The Gospel and Your Wealth - Malachi 3:8-10, 4:1-2
(study guide) (Vision paper: Money & Christian Worldview)
The Gospel and Yourself - Isaiah 6:1-13
(study guide)
The Gospel and the World - 1 Peter 2:4-17
(study guide)
The Gospel and Experience - John 2:1-10
(study guide)
Vision Campaign Papers:
The Gospel: Key to Change
The City: Why We're Here
Buildings for Community
Why New Churches?
The Fullness of Ministry
Christians and Culture
Money and Christian Worldview
Various Sermons...
Various Audio...
ABOUT TIMOTHY KELLER & REDEEMER
OTHER RESOURCE PAGES
"Bush, Blair Work on Plan for African Aid"...
President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Tuesday they were working on a plan to eliminate all debt of developing African countries deemed to be on a path to reform.
Those nations "should not be burdened with mountains of debt," Bush said with Blair at his side.
Is The ONE Campaign working?