Relevance (C.J. Mahaney Chimes in)

C.J. Mahaney at Together for the Gospel chimes in on relevance in culture! Check it out!

Here are a few points…from a quote he used of Ray Ortlund, Jr. (Trinity Journal 18, NS, no. 2, Spring 1997).

“First, a biblical preacher critiques his methods, his forms of contextualization, his adaptations to culture, his style, not primarily by the standard of culture but by the superior standard of the gospel itself.... The message of the Cross must discipline and control us—indeed, limit us—even though that puts us at a disadvantage in winning an audience."

"For him [Paul] theology reigned supreme in every aspect of his ministry. Theology for him, energized him, cheered him, emboldened him. It was his ministerial fountain of youth. One wonders how far we may drift from Pauline ministry and still retain a plausible claim to biblical authenticity in our work.”

Here are few quotes from Mahaney…

“We must do more than nod our heads as we read, we must make application to our pastoral ministry in very specific ways.”

“Are there more books on your desk from the business section of Barnes and Noble than there are the great works of Calvin, Edwards, Owen and Spurgeon? Let us not be numbered among those for whom "theology...sits lightly on their practice of ministry" or pastors who are "exacting in their methodology, but vague in their theology."

“…by following the example of Paul, let "theology reign supreme" with the message of "Jesus Christ and him crucified." May this be the "the controlling center" of our preaching content, the structures and practices of our church and our evangelistic strategy. Then, and only then, will the church be truly relevant to our culture.”

Wow!