Review of Washed and Waiting by Wesley Hill

Homosexuality is a hot-button issue within the church.  The issue is not one that is between the church and the world; as in the church says its wrong the world says its evil.  There are many that seemingly love Jesus that make arguments that homosexuality is an okay option for a believing Christian.  And there are certainly those that take the position that homosexuality is wrong and they do so in anger and pride. 

For those like me, that feel the biblical position on homosexuality is that it is sinful, one thing that is often lost in the middle of discussing homosexuality and battling legislation is that real people are fighting real sin.  If we truly believe that homosexuality is sinful then we have to truly believe that the only remedy is the gospel (not legislation or simply saying STOP IT!). 

Summary

Wesley Hill writes Washed and Waiting from the perspective of someone in the middle of the struggle.  He believes that homosexuality is sinful but yet he still struggles with homosexual desires.  As it says on the front cover, “he advocates neither unqualified ‘healing’ for those who struggle nor accommodation to temptation, but rather faithfulness in the midst of brokenness.” 

From the midst of this brokenness Wesley hopes to equip struggling Christians on the frontline of three main battles.  The first is to fully understand the gospel’s call on his life and how this confronts his homosexual desire and empower him to obey Christ in the midst of it.  The second battle is loneliness.  And the last battle is to battle the shame and guilt that accompanies this brokenness. 

The books three chapters are centered around these three battles.  Interspersed between these are mini-biographies of those that have fought the fight (homosexuality), two of whom have and finished the race.  These people are  Henri Nouwen, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and Wesley himself.  (Honestly, I’m not sure that Nouwen and Hopkins add much to the discussion; but they certainly are not bad chapters).

This book is not meant to be a defense of Hill’s position.  It is simply as Hill described meant to help people in their struggle.  He wants to help people who struggle with same-sex desire to cling to Jesus in the midst of this brokenness. 

Interaction

So, how in the world do I interact with this book?  Honestly the book rebuked me, encouraged me, and rocked me to the core.  So I’m struggling with how to faithfully interact with this book.

First, I will say that unless you read this book knowing that Wesley’s struggle is YOUR struggle you will not get it.  This book isn’t fundamentally about homosexuality.  It’s really a book about how a sinner can simultaneously be a saint.  It’s a book about clinging to the faithfulness of Jesus in the midst of our own unfaithfulness, idolatry, and brokenness.  It is about being afflicted with the gospel.

Secondly, the most unique thing about this book is Hill’s pleading with the church to help in healing this brokenness.  This is refreshing.  Often the relationship between church and homosexuality is either “accept me without change” or “change before we accept you”.  Hill writes above the fray on this.  To him the church is the answer to loneliness that comes from his struggle. 

Hill’s statement here is worth chewing on:

“…the New Testament views the church—rather than marriage—as the primary place where human love is best expressed and experienced” (111)

I love how throughout this book he places our struggle with sin in the larger story that is lived out in the context of the church.  Beautiful. 

Thirdly, Hill’s view of sanctification is positive and refreshing.  He rightly understands that struggling against sin is not a mark of unfaithfulness but faithfulness.  His view is perhaps best summed up in this paragraph:

The Bible calls the Christian struggle against sin faith (Hebrews 12:3-4; 10:37-39).  It calls the Christian fight against impure cravings holiness (Romans 6:12-13, 22).  So I am trying to appropriate these biblical descriptions for myself.  I am learning to look at my daily wrestling with disordered desires and call it trust.  I am learning to look at my battle to keep from giving in to my temptations and call it sanctification.  I am learning to see that my flawed, imperfect, yet never-giving up faithfulness is precisely the spiritual fruit that God will praise me for on the last day, to the ultimate honor of Jesus Christ.

I need that perspective.  And that is really the final thing for me to interact with.  I am not certain how this book would help one struggling with same-sex attraction, because I don’t.  But I do struggle with sin that is just as offensive to God.  And I minister to people that struggle with a multitude of sins.  I minister to people that have same-sex attraction.  So how does this book help me minister?  In one regard it really doesn’t have a ton of unique things to say about ministering to people with same-sex attraction.  You have to read between the lines to pick that up.  But at the end of the day you come to learn that what a homosexual person (or a believer struggling with homosexual desire) needs is the same thing you need; namely, Jesus Christ and every implication of His glorious gospel. 

One final thing that is worthy of mention**.  Many have been upset that Hill uses the term gay Christian or homosexual Christian.  I understand their concern.  In fact I probably would encourage him not to use it.  But this book is so much more than a linguistics exercise.  If you are worried about his views of justification, sanctification, and identity in Christ then make certain those concerns are coming from the book itself and not Hill’s use of this term.  He defends his use of the term—and even though I don’t find it wise, he does.

At the end of the day this is not a book about what do you label someone that has faith in Jesus, has homosexual desire, and lives celibate in response.  This book is about the simple truth that there exists people that have faith in Jesus, sin that isn’t compatible, and a fight for holiness in response. 

I am recommending this book for a number of people.  Those that have these struggles.  Pastors.  Parents with homosexual children.  And honestly anyone that wants to see an example and learn from someone that is clinging to Jesus in the midst of brokenness.  It’s only 160 pages and it is a very engaging read. 

You can buy it from Amazon for only 10.14

Just Stop IT!

There are actually some times when this may be good counseling.  Of course it would need to be firmly supported by a decent season of gospel teaching.  So that the encouragement to STOP IT! is something that stems from the gospel.  In other words Jesus redeemed you from sin now stop living in it! 

But there are also other times when this is horrible counseling.  And it has left a good number of people hurt in its wake.  I think especially of two hot button issues within the church today; homosexuality and depression.  Consider depression.  How do you tell someone whose mind is broken to “STOP IT”?  In order to have the power to STOP IT I need my brain to function normally.  That takes time and a ton of gospel work.  The same thing goes with homosexual desires.  (Consider Wesley Hill’s book as a resource for this). 

Lord, give me the grace to trust in the power of the gospel.  Without Your grace my sense of urgency (helping people, helping myself) will quickly turn into impatience.  Help me to see that often gospel work takes time to root out idols and replace them with Christ.  Forgive me for times when I have counseled people to STOP IT when all they really needed was a partner.  Forgive me also for times when I’ve been cowardly and refused to believe in the power of the gospel.  Forgive me for times when I should have said STOP IT, but instead I cowered.  Thank you that people’s health and the furtherance of your kingdom does not depend on me “getting it” and ministering perfectly.  Thanks for your grace.

Review of The Expository Genius of John Calvin by Steven Lawson

John Calvin. 

What came to mind when you read those words?  Do you think of a heretic that burned people at the stake?  Is he a hard-edged egotistical maniac that sat in an ivory tower writing theology books?  Or perhaps you think of him as your theological hero.  Some may even think maybe he’s a guy that sells jeans and cologne.  Regardless of the John Calvin you think you know Steve Lawson has made the argument, and numerous others with him, that Calvin should fundamentally be thought of as a pastor and a preacher. 

That is why Lawson has written this book, The Expository Genius of John Calvin .  Lawson wants us to consider Calvin the Preacher and the way he went about the sacred task of declaring Christ to men through the preached Word.  But he does not merely want us to admire Calvin; Lawson wants us to emulate him.  As his stated goal proclaims:

The goal here is not to take a sentimental journey—the hour is too desperate for such a triviality. Rather, the aim of this book is to raise the bar for a new generation of expositors.  The method is to see what a commitment to biblical preaching looks like by examining the work of a man who was sold out to this sacred duty.  (xii)

Lawson offers eight chapters on the preaching of Calvin that is filled with 32 distinctives.  Lawson begins with a brief biography and then covers everything from the preparation of the minister, the message itself, the delivery of the sermon, and the conclusion of the sermon.  Through we read from Calvin himself and are also introduced to a good amount of Calvin’s sermons. 

If you pick up this book thinking that Calvin is a cold dictator, a distant theologian, or a passionless teacher you will be surprised that you do not know the Calvin that stood in the Genevan pulpit.  Calvin modeled what Lloyd-Jones called theology on fire in his preaching.  Truly there is much to learn from Calvin.

I do think that occasionally Lawson will overstate his case.  At the end of each chapter it seems as if he puts Calvin on a pedestal and then asks, “where is Calvin today”.  The closing of every chapter seems to follow a formula.  Calvin was X, we desperately need X today, so be X. 

I understand that Lawson is attempting to use the life of Calvin to motivate preachers today to emulate him—and Calvin’s preaching is certainly worthy of emulation.  But at times it seems like Lawson is saying nobody today is doing X and this is why the church stinks—so maybe if you start doing X things will get better.  I assume this is not his intention or his heart.  But I simply find this a dangerous approach to encouraging men in ministry.  We don’t need another John Calvin.  We need people to be who God has called them to be in the generation God has called us to.  Follow Calvin, yes.  But God isn’t calling you to be the next John Calvin.  He’s calling you to be a you that is utterly transformed by the gospel. 

Even with that being said this book is very beneficial.  You can ignore a few of the overstatements and learn from Lawson and Calvin.  He is right we need faithful expositors in our day just as Calvin was in his.  I guess I’m just more optimistic that God is and has risen up many gospel-centered expository preachers in our day.  Men that exude much of these 32 distinctives whether they’ve even heard of John Calvin. 

I am not going to encourage every preacher to go out and buy this book.  But I would certainly say that it is worthy of adding to your library.  Those that love church history (preacher or not) will appreciate learning about Calvin the preacher.  Those going into ministry could learn a ton from this work.  Those in ministry could learn a ton.  Actually the greatest thing this book offers is presenting Calvin as the preacher he truly was.  Many could think they are preaching like Calvin but they are boring “exegetes” that aren’t even engaging in expository preaching.  We all could learn from someone like John Calvin to stoke the fire of the gospel in our preaching ministries.   

I received The Expository Genius of John Calvin free from Reformation Trust in exchange for a review.  But you’ll have to buy it for 10 bucks .

Why I’m Not Doing a Series of Devotions on Revelation Even Though A Good Number Wanted Me To…

One of the things I want to do is use my writing ministry more in my ministry here at Jasper.  So, to this end I hope to start writing daily (maybe somewhat daily) devotionals going through a particular place in Scripture.  A few people (some on Facebook others in person) suggested that I go through Revelation.  At this particular time I am not and here is why:

Mostly it is because, I can almost guarantee that I have a different view of Revelation (eschatology) than 90% of our members.  That’s okay.  I’m not afraid of having a different view, nor am I embarrassed of my view.  But I do think that eschatology (end times) for some is a hot button issue.  So I will briefly share my view of the end times (without much explanation) and then close with why I am going to start these devotions at another place in Scripture. 

-My core belief on eschatology is that Jesus wins, and fully redeems the church He bought with His blood.  That’s the story. 

-I don’t believe the church is secretly raptured before a seven year period of tribulation.  Nor do I believe the church is raptured half way through, or any other time.  I believe in the second coming, but not a secret rapture of the church.  Here is a brief explanation of this position…

-I could probably sum up what I don’t believe by saying I disagree with the Left Behind books, though I think they are well written fiction.  I disagree with Hal Lindsey though I do like his mustache. 

-I don’t think the Middle East is the center of Bible prophecy.  I am not what is called a dispensationalist.  I do think that there may be a great conversion of Jewish people, but I don’t think that God has a special plan for ethnic Israel and a special plan for spiritual Israel. 

-I don’t think you should read Revelation as an end times manual.  So, if I did a study on it you would continue to hear me say day after day “Christ is the conquering King, that is what this text is about”.  And that wouldn’t be a bad thing but I can do that from other texts that aren’t as loaded with controversy. 

-In line with this fundamentally Revelation is not a “revelation of the end times” it is “the revelation of Jesus Christ”.  Yes it may be about “the things that will soon take place” but at the center of the story is the conquering King Jesus and not the Tribulation Force.

-I’m either a historic premillenialist or an amillenialist.  If you know what that means good.  If not, don’t worry about it. 

Okay those are a few of my general eschatological views.  So why am I not going to do a series (at least now) on my interpretation of Revelation?  Because it would cause more trouble than what it is worth.  What I mean is that I can proclaim to you the message of Revelation (as I understand it) from a ton of other places that are not loaded with controversy. 

Yes, Revelation is essential to Scripture.  And, no I’m not refusing to teach the entire Word of God.  I’m just saying that I’d rather start somewhere else…

If you have any questions, or want more explanation on these views, then feel free to leave a comment or email me at mike@fbjasper.org

Please…Don’t Ignore Me!!!

Are you paying attention to this article?  I sure hope you are.  I mean I REALLY hope that you read this an pay attention.  Not because I particularly care about you, and not even because I really care about Jesus.  I hope you read this article because it helps me to bow to my idol: His name is attention.

I could maybe blame other people for this “good desire” gone bad.  Maybe I developed this really strong desire because I found myself miserably alone and ignored in grade school.  Maybe it has something to do with my family of origin.  I could mention quite a few other excuses as well.  But they aren’t legit.  I’m not fundamentally a victim.  I’m more an aggressive idolater than I am a victim.  I want attention.  And I quite often want it more than God.

My idolatry is as old as the Garden.  Adam and Eve had God’s attention.  But they wanted more.  They didn’t want grace-centered attention.  They didn’t want Creature-creator attention.  They wanted God-like attention.  Fundamentally, they wanted to be God and receive glory as He does.  So they exchanged the glory of God for that which is created.  And in the process they exchanged the good attention of God for an inauthentic, shame-filled, mock attention--where they hide from God and only show him what they want Him to see. 

My heart cries out something similar, “Please, don’t ignore me!”  And it affects everything I do.  My humor is muddied by this idol.  If it will get me a laugh (attention) then holiness is secondary.  My preaching and writing is often driven by this idol.  That’s why I beat myself up after every sermon.  Or why I wait after every post to see who is reading.  This is one reason I study so hard.  Why I write so much, and sadly sometimes it is why I preach.

It’s painful to admit to myself that my mandate is often, “so live and so study and so serve and so preach and so write that Mike Leake be the only boast of this generation” when the mandate in my office reads, “so live and so study and so serve and so preach and so write that Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen God, be the only boast of this generation”.

And you know what happens when I’m not the only boast of this generation?  Do you know what happens when I feel ignored?  Anger, depression, shame, etc.  I sin on top of sin.

But it’s even worse when I do have attention.  My attention morphs into pride, misplaced joy, and idol worship.  And rightly enough it never satisfies (because only God can satisfy) so I hunger for more attention even in the midst of basking in it.  And then soon enough even when I get the attention I so passionately long for I get depressed because I know two things:  it’s not real and it won’t last. 
I’m not a helpless victim.  I’m an idolater and it has left me barren.

But hold on!  That is NOT fundamentally my identity.  I am NOT an idolater.  I have been redeemed by Jesus Christ.  This is part of the process of holiness.  He is ripping this barren and empty idol out of my life and out of my heart.

This holiness IS VERY PAINFUL!  I’m seeing my very identity being mauled, ripped, torn, mocked, and ultimately I’m watching the thing I have built my life around come crashing down.  That hurts.
But as He is ripping this foolish idolatry out of my heart He is satisfying my every longing with Himself.  I’m not sure what comes first.  Does He increase my joy in Him and therefore I let go of idols easier?  Or does He just rip out the idol and slowly in its place replace it with cruciform love?  I don’t really care.  All I know is that He is wounding me, injuring me, and tearing me into pieces but at the same time He is healing, restoring, and building me up in Christ.

So I’m making war.  Painful war on the flesh.  I’m making war to be satisfied in Jesus and Him alone and not to feed my idolatrous desire to have the attention of others.

This is the wonderful Christian life…