Yesterday, on July 27 one of the most influential men in my preaching and Christian life went to be with the Lord. I only got to meet John Stott one time in person. That took place at Beeson Divinity School in the late 1980s, but through his writing I have been touched and shaped over and over again. Yesterday when news came, ironically by twitter, that John R. W. Stott had died, I felt as if I had lost a dear friend.
When I was a very young Christian someone gave me a copy of his book Basic Christianity. I cannot count the number of times that I have given that book away, recommended it, or taught it in various settings. It impacted me and gave me a foundation like no other book at that time. I still keep copies on hand to give to people because in my opinion it is yet to be bettered by anyone as a basic introduction to basic Christian doctrine.
Two other books of his had a profound effect on me. His Men Mad New, an exposition of Romans chapters 5-8, not only instructed me on the power of the gospel, but also taught me what really good expository preaching was like! The other one that had great influence on me was The Cross of Christ, perhaps the finest teaching on the work of Christ and atonement that can be found.
I did not agree with Stott on everything (for example his view of annihilationism for the lost), but that does not diminish the ministry that this man had in my life. I was so very happy that my wife and oldest daughter had the opportunity to sit under his teaching in one of his last lecture series before total retirement.
I grieve that John Stott’s pulpit and pen ministry has come to an end . . . but I rejoice that yesterday, about about 10:15am Eastern time, John heard from his Lord, “enter in to your rest, my good and faithful servant!” Soli Deo Gloria!!
Filed under: Dead yet they speak, Reformation, The Gospel, Theology | Leave a comment »
Here I Stand . . . I Can Do Nothing Else 