March
2010
From
the Pastor’s Study…
Have you ever yearned
for a spiritual mentor – one who in many ways has had a
spiritual journey similar to your own? One who knows
somewhat of what it feels like to experience some of the
different dimensions of being a follower of Christ? One
with whom you can feel a special kinship because the
journey is similar, and yet a mentor who has already passed
through some of those difficult and troubled waters that
you are now facing, and can thus show you how to find your
way?
The author of the book of Hebrews reminds us that we have a
number of people in the Bible that we may look to for
encouragement. Chapter eleven lists quite a number of these
and then in Chapter twelve, the author reminds us that “we
are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (12:1),
which should then encourage us to “run with endurance the
race that is set before us.” This, of course, includes
“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith.”
We can most certainly be “mentored” by the faithful witness
of that “cloud of witnesses,” those who have gone before
us. Biographies of Christians are a wonderful means of
receiving needed encouragement, renewed strength, deeper
wisdom, and helpful direction through the witness of their
lives.
While many biographies exist, I would like to recommend to
you a series of books authored by John Piper in a series he
calls, “The Swans Are Not Silent” (Crossway Books). The
books come from biographical messages given by Piper at the
annual Bethlehem Conference for Pastors delivered at the
church he pastors in Minneapolis, MN. Here, Piper gives a
biographical accounting and a relating of the invaluable
lessons one can learn from these influential Christians.
Look at the titles and you will see:
-
The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God’s Triumphant Grace in the Lives of Augustine, Martin Luther and John Calvin (Book One)
-
The Hidden Smile of God: The Fruit of Affliction in the Lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd (Book Two)
-
The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce (Book Three)
-
Contending for Our All: Defending Truth and Treasuring Christ in the Lives of Athanasius, John Owen, and J. Gresham Machen (Book Four)
-
Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ: The Cost of Bringing the Gospel to the Nations in the Lives of William Tyndale, Adoniram Judson, and John Paton (Book Five)
I have often referred to the statement from Hebrews regarding our sanctuary and stained glass windows. But dear friends, our legacy is rich, the witnesses are many, and they mentor us even today!
On the Journey with You,
Bill Maxwell