Book of the Week: Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God

This week’s book of the week is J. I. Packer’s classic, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God.  This book was based off on some lectures by Packer concerning how believers should reconcile free will and election (both two prevalent biblical concepts that seem to be warring against one another).  In actuality, these two concepts go together well even if we can’t fathom how.  Spurgeon was once asked how does he reconcile free will and election and he stated, “I never reconcile friends.”

This is a great read full of a lot of good insights.

Top 5 Thoughts:

  1. Packer’s attempt to reconcile Arminians and Calvinists was well-received. Both groups have more in common than are readily admitted, and Packer was wise to remind both groups of the common kinship before delving into his subject (14).
  2. Packer reminded that the Christian’s job is to proclaim, but it is God’s responsibility to save (27).
  3. Versus focusing too heavily on one doctrine, Packer emphasized that the Christian should passionately hold to both the doctrine of divine sovereignty and human responsibility (35).
  4. Packer made sure he did not portray evangelism as simply the transfer of information devoid of love (52).
  5. Packer commends evangelists not to neglect the urgency of the mission even in light of a high view of God’s sovereignty (98).

3 thoughts on “Book of the Week: Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God”

  1. Oh man! I have to get my hands oh a copy! How long has this been in print? I think I may have heard of it before… Is Charles Spurgeon refferanced in the book, or did you just blog that? Not that it matters, Im just the curious sort…Haha! =-)Hey, if you get a chance gimme some feedback on my newest note! Im a feedback junk

  2. Oh man! I have to get my hands oh a copy! How long has this been in print? I think I may have heard of it before… Is Charles Spurgeon refferanced in the book, or did you just blog that? Not that it matters, Im just the curious sort…Haha! =-)Hey, if you get a chance gimme some feedback on my newest note! Im a feedback junky. lol

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