Some time back I alerted readers that I was seeking to finish writing a book by the end of the month of November. Well here in my office as I look at the clock it is 11:25 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 and I am pleased to say that with the deadline I set myself only 35 minutes away, the writing content of the book is now finished! Praise the Lord!
Here’s the contents page:
FOREWARD BY JOHN HENDRYX
A WORD TO THE READER
THE PLACE TO START: AMAZED BY COMMON GRACE
A SURPRISING JOURNEY
WHAT ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD? (PART 1)
WHAT ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD? (PART 2)
WHAT ABOUT FREE WILL?
WHAT ABOUT GOD’S FOREKNOWLEDGE?
WHAT ABOUT JOHN 3:16?
WHAT ABOUT 2 PETER 3:9?
WHAT ABOUT 1 TIMOTHY 2:4?
WHAT ABOUT MATTHEW 23:37?
WHAT ABOUT 1 TIMOTHY 4:10?
WHAT ABOUT JOHN 12:32?
WHAT ABOUT REPROBATION?
WHAT ABOUT LOST LOVED ONES?
WHAT ABOUT PRAYER AND EVANGELISM?
AS THE KING’S HERALD
SOME RECOMMENDED READING
What happens next?
I will submit the draft of the book to a couple of proof readers to look for spelling errors and such like; then once that is done, I will submit the book to the publisher. God willing, a short foreward by John Hendryx will then be written and bada boom bada bing – it should be available within the next couple of weeks.
I was going to write a lengthy introductory chapter talking about what the book is all about, who it is written for and who will gain the most from it. In the end I just wrote this:
Question: WHY THIS BOOK?
Answer: For the glory of God
Question: WHO IS THIS BOOK WRITTEN FOR?
Answer: Christians who believe the Bible is the word of God and who wish to gain a biblical understanding of God’s electing grace in Christ.
Question: WHO WILL GAIN MOST FROM THE BOOK?
Answer: Those who are willing to test and examine their traditions and hold them up to the light of Scripture, the sole infallible rule of faith for the people of God.
This is not an easy process at times, more for emotional rather than intellectual reasons. Many of us have been told things by highly respected people in their lives (such as the person who led us to Christ, or a revered pastor or Bible teacher, or a father or mother in the faith) which, upon analysis, may not in fact be true. Sometimes, to actually test such statements can feel like an act of betrayal on our part. Yet, it is vital for all who desire to be led by the Spirit of truth to yield to Him leading rather than maintain an emotional allegiance to what many call “theological love lines.”
Question: WHAT IS THE POINT OF THE BOOK?
Answer: That each Christian who reads it will enjoy more of their blessed inheritance in Christ, knowing the Father’s love, grace and mercy in ways they might never have known before.
Interested?
Read on…
Two people have read excerpts from the book and at various times, both have indicated that they were moved to tears. Tears, because God touched them very deeply during the reading. How encouraging this was to me. I am praying that God will touch many people as they ineract with the content.
This book has been born out of a lot of mental and heartfelt wrestling with the Scriptures over many years. Only the Lord knows the depth of my own personal struggle to come to see the truths I write about, yet it has been the most grace filled and loved filled journey of my lifetime – a rediscovery of the God who went looking for His wayward sheep. My prayer is that God will use it in any way He wishes to cause many of God’s precious people to be edified in their faith.
Thanks so much for all your prayers. May God use this little book like he did the small smooth stone in the sling of a young man named David and fell the giant called “tradition” in many hearts and minds.