Book Review: Bonhoeffer

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. By Eric Metaxas. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2010.

Eric Metaxas is an extremely gifted, enthusiastic, informed, and accessible author. Couple that with years of research on the subject and you have a wonderful contribution to the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Metaxas has provided an engaging, thoughtful, informative, and extensive (542 pages) work on Bonhoeffer’s life.

Apart from my previous love for history, interest in WWII, and great respect for Bonhoeffer, I thoroughly enjoyed discovering some things about him I did not know.

• I did not realize he was home-schooled for a time by his mother (YES!).
• I did not realize, as a German, he was on the right side of the “Jewish question” from the beginning.
• I did not realize he was a student of Adolf von Harnack, who was a chief proponent of liberalism. Harnack viewed the Scripture as merely historical texts deserving scrutiny. He came to deny the miraculous accounts of the NT and that the Gospel of John was canonical. (I knew this about Harnack) Bonhoeffer, was respected by him as a theology student, but Bonhoeffer winsomely and respectfully opposed him. (The two were extreme opposites yet held a mutual admiration. Bonhoeffer spoke at Harnack’s funeral!)
• I knew that Barth had an influence on Bonhoeffer’s theology, but I never knew to what degree and that Barth and Bonhoeffer were actually friends!
• I did not realize Bonhoeffer had so many key connections outside of Germany. He played a crucial role in informing the world and church of what was truly happening in Germany and that many Germans opposed Hitler and were ready to remove him.
• I knew Bonhoeffer played an important part in a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler, but I did not realize how involved he was nor did I realize it was the faltering “Valkyrie” plot that led to his arrest.
• I did not realize what an impact and witness he was for Christ while a prisoner, hoping for release but never knowing from minute to minute if he would be executed.
• I knew the Holocaust was horrifying, but reading the descriptions of what Bonhoeffer knew was taking place was still startling! (I hope it always will be!)

A few quotes that “grasped” me.

p. 69 - “The religion of Christ is not a tidbit after one’s bread; on the contrary, it is the bread or it is nothing. People should at least understand and concede this if they call themselves Christian.”

p.70 - he had been “grasped” by God; that God was leading him, and sometimes where he preferred not to go

p.81 - the “success” of the sermon is utterly dependent on the God who breaks through and “grasps” us, or we cannot be “grasped.”

p.83 - religion was a dead, man-made thing, and at the heart of Christianity was something else entirely—God himself, alive

p.85 - “Christianity preaches the infinite worth of that which is seemingly worthless and the infinite worthlessness of that which is seemingly so valued.”

p.495 - from prison to Maria - “there is an even holier angel than the one of pain, that is the one of joy in God”

p.514 said of Bonhoeffer from fellow inmate - “He was one of the very few men that I ever met to whom his God was real and ever close to him.”

p.517 - on his way to execution - “This is the end . . . For me the beginning of life.”

p.540 - “only the believer is obedient, and only he who obeys believes”

p.542 - “while in God confiding I cannot but rejoice”

There are some who have questioned Bonhoeffer’s ethics. Certainly when you learn more about his context, you understand his positions. For example, he knew of an instance where drunken Nazi soldiers gathered a group of Jews, beat them down, and trampled them to death—for fun, only to turn right around and gather another group!

From the time I read Bonhoeffer’s Cost of Discipleship, he has been a hero to me, but now more than ever. He held tenaciously to Scripture as God’s revelation to man. He held firm in his conviction that Christianity is a life, and that conviction led him to his death. He held firm to his faith and was ever caught up in the joy of Christ, right up to the gallows!

This is an impressive work on an impressive life. Reading Bonhoeffer makes me want to read more Bonhoeffer! When a biography leaves you feeling this way, it has achieved its goal and purpose!

Stops 2 and 3 on Book Release Tour!!!!!

On Friday, December 3, we have two great opportunities to share Unshakable Joy in Uneasy Times with our friends in KY! We will hold a special “book signing” session in 2 locations!

1. Dec 3. 10am-12pm. At “Spread the Word Christian Books.” N Lake Dr., Prestonsburg, KY.
2. Dec 3. 1:30-3:30pm. At “Master’s Miracle Christian Bookstore.” Mayo Tr., Paintsville, KY.

Stop by at either location to visit and pick up a signed copy of my new book! Just in time for Christmas!

I do hope to see you there!

*If you are unable to drop by one of these locations, copies of my new book can be purchased at www.amazon.com or www.crossbooks.com

"Talitha cumi" - Little girl, arise! (Part 3 of 3)

Part 3: Discipleship.

I have to be honest, this weighs heavier on me than evangelizing my children.

Now that Talitha professes belief in Christ, she is to live out her remaining days in reckless abandon to Him! She is to grow, mature, and flourish in the faith and fruit of the Spirit. She is to deepen in affection for Christ endlessly. These things do not just happen. The Lord uses means to effect these glorious ends. Just as the Lord uses water to grow a tree, He uses secondary, external means to grow us in the faith.

As her father, it is now incumbent upon me to provide her with the tools necessary for her new life in Christ! It is an awesome, delightful responsibility. One for which I surely need direction, wisdom, encouragement, and help. There are a few things though I know that I want to provide for her growth in the Lord.

First, I’m not going to change anything at all I employed in evangelizing her! I believe to evangelize is to disciple and to disciple is to evangelize! Therefore, several things that I need to do are already in place. The only difference now is that I approach my teaching and application time with her from a new angle. I move from “this is what you need in Christ” to “this is how you love Christ; this is how you live in Christ.”

1. Family Worship - There is no better expression of faith in Christ than to worship Christ. As I lead in our family worship, I want to stress that it is an act of adoring and loving and following our Savior!
2. Catechism - This will continue to be my primary tool for teaching and training. When she is finished, she will know 138 biblical truths so clearly as to be able to explain them to others!
3. Bed Time and Family Worship Prayer - Now my daughter will hear me pray aloud for her sanctification as I did for her regeneration! I will pray for her in very specific ways so that she understands Christianity is to be lived out practically, day to day, in all of life. It is not just a component of our lives, Christ IS our life! Repentance and faith are not one time events but rather repentance is to be frequent because we sin frequently and faith is to ongoing and growing.
4. Daily, fervent Prayer - I will pray even more earnestly that she will never grow comfortable but will pursue a radical life of obedience for the glory of God. I pray my children will outlive and outshine me in terms of the faith!
5. Daily, living Example - My daily walk is more important now than ever! Now that she has followed me in the faith, will my walk prove the faith to be real? There is NO WAY I can give up or walk away now. I must live for the Lord with more zeal than ever!

Second, there are a few other means of discipleship I wish to incorporate for my daughter.

1. Targeted Discipleship - By this I mean that I plan to take a few minutes to teach Talitha specifics of the Christian faith. I began by explaining and emphasizing the importance of her new birthday! In the words of Jesus in John 3, she has been born again! Next, we are going to slowly work through the significance of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism. I want her to clearly understand both of these before she practices them so that she personally captures the meaning of how these portray what Christ has done for her. Then I plan to write out a special teaching book for her. Each page will explain in simple language the great biblical salvation terminology. I want her to know and treasure all that God has done for her in Christ. In other words, I plan to keep preaching the Gospel to her!
2. Nurturing the Disciplines - My wife and I are helping her establish a personal time of worship with the Lord. She has started reading her Bible each day and excerpts from my devotional as well. She is an avid reader anyway, and that helps tremendously! Part of teaching her the disciplines is showing them to her in my life. She knows what I’m doing when she wakes up early and I am sitting in my chair reading. She knows what I am doing when she wakes up and I am not home but at the lake trail walking.
3. Fostering Worship - I want to help Talitha understand and appreciate the facets of corporate worship. I want to explain how essential it is to gather with other believers. I want to explain the vital role that preaching/teaching the Word plays in a believer’s life. I want her to experience faith in action, in community! I want her to fellowship with others who share her faith! Furthermore, I want to help her realize that worship is not just a Sunday morning activity, but rather it is a way of life!
4. Applying the Faith - I do not want Talitha to fall into the trap of compartmentalizing her faith. I want to train her, help her, example before her, and teach her that faith in Christ is not part of her multifaceted life. Christianity is her life! It is what puts all the other parts into their proper place, priority, and perspective!

Now that she professes the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, the work REALLY begins! So often parents mistakenly conclude, “Now that my child has received Christ, I need to concentrate on my other children.” Not so moms and dads! The truth is that when the momentary work of leading your children to Christ has ended, the lifetime work of discipling them in the faith begins! Now that we helped lead her to the faith, it is the weighty joy of her parents to guide her in the faith!

“Lord, help us please! We are entirely dependent upon You! What comfort we take in knowing that ultimately it is not these means or her parents that will keep her and grow her; it is You! You have saved, You will sanctify, and one day You will glorify. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

"Talitha cumi" - Little girl, arise! (Part 2 of 3)

Part 1 of this series was a delighted father sharing with friends and family the story of his daughter’s conversion to Christ! (Talitha was also excited to share her story!!!) It was a joy to share this news and rejoice together in the grace of the Lord. Parts 2 and 3 are meant to be helpful, I hope, to parents.

Part 2: How Summer and I were intentionally involved in evangelizing our daughter.

It has been our conviction from the beginning that we should be the primary disciple-makers of our children. God has entrusted them to our care, and the greatest way we can possibly care for them is to do so spiritually. We are BY NO STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION perfect in this area! We often fail miserably as parents, and even sometimes, as godly parents! We recognize our need to learn more, grow more, and apply more in presenting and living the Gospel at home! We want to read the best books on nurturing a godly home. We want to follow the best examples of nurturing a godly home. We want to put biblical instruction at the heart of our home. We have a long way to go, but we are striving. Below are some of the fundamental ways we as parents are directly, intentionally, purposefully involved in leading our own children to Christ.

1. Family Worship. At least twice a week, our family takes time to worship the Lord together after dinner. (Yes, we eat together around the table, not around the TV, or worse, separated in different rooms!) Our worship is very simple. I lead out in catechizing our children (more on this later). Second, we sing a Gospel song together, a mixture of excellent hymns and songs. Third, we read through children’s Bibles, a chapter at a time. This has been a great way to keep their attention because they can look at the pictures, and Talitha reads with us. Fourth, we pray together. During our prayer time, we incorporate thanksgiving, prayer for daily needs, friends, and family, and missions. This takes about 30 minutes. The best 30 minutes of the day!

*We have just finished reading through The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm, and I highly recommend it.

2. Catechism. The primary teaching tool for us has been using a children’s catechism. You can print out a copy here. Using the Q & A method, the child eventually memorizes all the key doctrines of the Bible. It is an excellent means not only for children, but for adults as well. Talitha and Haddon are both doing well, and as a seven and four year old, they know way more theology and biblical terminology than most adults who have been in church all their lives! We keep hammering away at the questions we have studied previously, and when they can say them all by memory we move on to the next question. When we first study a new question, I take the time to fully explain it to them on their level. Talitha has memorized 81 questions so far, and Haddon has memorized 26. I am extremely proud of them!

*The real value of using a catechism is not in the memorization but in the application. As we live day to day, opportunities arise where I can remind Talitha and Haddon of what we learned in the catechism and how it applies to life. For example, learning about sin, faith, and repentance have been excellent teaching tools during times of correction.

3. Bed time Prayer and Family Worship Prayer. I put my kids to bed as often as I can, and I pray over them every time! I pray the same prayer over each one every time. I pray the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you...,” which is essentially a prayer for salvation. Also, when Summer and I pray during our Family Worship, we pray specifically for the Lord to save our children! We call their name out to the Lord, and they hear us pray for their salvation and that they would live radical lives for the glory of God.

4. Daily, fervent prayer. Family Worship and bed time are not the only times I pray for the salvation of my children. I pray, eagerly pray, for their salvation every time I pray for them!

5. Daily, living Example. By far, the hardest one on the list! To hold family worship, to train your children, to pray, all these require discipline, effort, and work. They are not easy, but they are far more easy than living out the Gospel in real time, in real life! I pray about my example. I strive to be an example. I fail often at being at example. However, when I fail, I confess, I apologize, and I do whatever is necessary to make things right! By the way, I am probably living the Gospel more when I fail and admit it, confess it, and repent than when I think I have got it all together!

*Our Gospel message as parents cannot simply be what comes out of our mouths! Children will see straight through us! The words of Truth, the words of Life come alive for them when they observe living, breathing, struggling illustrations right in front of them every single day! No one, I repeat, no one has more opportunity to display the Gospel before our children than we do! Living a life that says, “I love Jesus above all things!” is the most powerful, fruitful Gospel witness!

Parents, don’t leave the evangelizing of your own children to their Sunday School teachers and Student Minister! Their work should serve to support the work we have already established at home. When our children hear the Gospel at church, it should sound familiar, not strange. When they see a true disciple sold out for the Lord, that person should remind them of Dad and Mom! We may, and surely will, drop the ball in other areas of parenting and family life, but let it not be said that we dropped the ball on the most vital parental responsibility (and joy) of all!

"Talitha cumi" - Little girl, arise! (Part 1 of 3)

This is THE most exciting blog I have EVER posted!!!!!!!!!

In Mark 5:41, Jesus raises a little girl from the dead with the words of command in Aramaic, “Talitha cumi,” which as Mark explains, means, “Little girl, arise.” “Talitha” means “little girl.” As far as my wife and I were concerned, there was no doubt or hesitation as to the name of our “little girl” when we found out we were going to have a daughter. (There was some debate on her middle name, but that is another story!)

Talitha Summer Owens was born on September 26, 2003. Immediately, two things occurred. First, she became “Daddy’s little girl.” Second, just as the little girl in Mark 5 heard Jesus say “Talitha, arise,” we began praying for the day when Jesus would call out to our little girl, “Talitha, arise!” We began preparing her and anxiously awaiting the day that the Lord would call her from death in trespasses and sins to new life in Christ!

Talitha Summer Owens was born again on November 12, 2010! Summer and I had the awesome opportunity to watch the initiation, progression, and consummation of her new life unfold!!!!!!!!!

There were several indicators along the way that help my wife and I discern the Lord’s work in her heart.

First, she initiated Gospel conversations and would not let them go! Her probing questions began on Wednesday during homeschool. She wanted to know what it meant to have a new heart, and she wanted one. Then she asked me about a new heart and being saved on Wed, Thu, and Fri nights. Each time, I either explained the concepts or read Scripture with her. I would then ask her questions to make sure she understood our conversation, her situation before the Lord as a sinner, and the Lord’s provision for her salvation.

Second, she, totally on her own initiative, began to pray and ask the Lord for a new heart! As her parents, those were awesome words to hear! (That she wanted a new heart and was asking for one, by the way, is the best indication that God was indeed giving her a new heart!)

Third, friday evening as I put her to bed, she would simply not be satisfied until she knew she was saved. Once again, we went over sin, salvation, and the Savior. She prayed to Jesus, and then I led her in prayer. She cried, we hugged, and she was now satisfied! It was incredible!

Fourth, my wife and I have observed immediate fruit. All day Saturday she repeated over and over, “I am so happy!” Overflowing joy is a fruit of salvation. Also, she wanted to tell family and friends. So we began to make phone calls and she has constantly told others wherever we go.

What a joy it has been for us to sit back and watch the Lord at work in her heart, her new heart! Jesus called, “Talitha cumi,” and she did!

Hallelujah!

Milk Cows for Pastors in Tanzania!!

The photos you see are four Tanzanian pastors with their new milk cows that were purchased after our mission in Tiriki, Kenya. (Also, a couple pictures of the church in Tiriki.) These pastors represent Search And See Tanzania. The milk cows provide milk and some income for these pastors and their families.

1. Pastor Phillip Chacha. Pastor at Sirari, Tanzania. Phillip has a wife and eight children. His cow was purchased by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Ft. Inn, SC, and Alina Kovtun is his sponsor.
2. Pastor Bosco Mukirya. Pastor at Sirari, Tanzania. Bosco has a wife and eight children. His cow was purchased by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Ft. Inn, SC, and Alina Kovtun is his sponsor.
3. Pastor Geoffrey Pyuizza. Pastor at Tarime, Tanzania. Geoffrey has a wife and six children. His cow was purchased by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Ft. Inn, SC, and he awaits a sponsor.
4. Pastor David Kuzuka. Pastor at Kanisari, Tanzania. David has a wife and five children. His cow was purchased by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Ft. Inn, SC, and he awaits a sponsor.

*Thus far we have received sufficient funds to purchase 9 cows. Only 6 more to complete our goal!!

**Also, we have sponsored 5 pastors so far. Only 10 more to complete our goal!!

If you would be interested in purchasing a cow ($400) or sponsoring a pastor ($60/month), please send your donation to Search And See, PO Box 1304, Paintsville, KY 41240, designated “Kenya Pastor.”

Milk Cows for Pastors in Kenya!

The photos you see are three Kenyan pastors with their new milk cows that were paid for during our mission in Tiriki. These milk cows provide milk and some income for these pastors and their families.

1. Pastor Whittman Musiikhu. Assistant Pastor to Pastor John, Search And See church, Sigongo, Tiriki. Whittman has a wife and one child. He is also involved in orphan care at a nearby location. Whittman’s cow was purchased by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Ft. Inn, SC. He is sponsored by Center Grove Baptist Church, Ahoskie, NC.
2. Pastor Garrison Aluriola Musiikhu. Pastor at preaching point Musasa. Garrison has a wife and daughter, named Summer! Garrison’a cow was purchased by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Ft. Inn, SC, and he is sponsored by Center Grove Baptist Church, Ahoskie, NC.
3. Pastor Caleb Makokha. Pastor at preaching point Kabras. Caleb has a wife and three children. His cow was purchased by Center Grove Baptist Church, Ahoskie, NC, and Center Grove is also his sponsor.

*Thus far we have received sufficient funds to purchase 9 cows. Only 6 more to complete our goal!!

**Also, we have sponsored 5 pastors so far. Only 10 more to complete our goal!!

If you would be interested in purchasing a cow ($400) or sponsoring a pastor ($60/month), please send your donation to Search And See, PO Box 1304, Paintsville, KY 41240, designated “Kenya Pastor.”

Available on Amazon!!

Yes - exciting news - just in time for Christmas!!! Unshakable Joy in Uneasy Times is now available for purchase at www.amazon.com! Just search "Wil Owens." You can also purchase copies at www.crossbooks.com. Click "bookstore" and search "Wil Owens." Hope it is a great blessing and joy to read!

November Update, 2010 - Search And See Ministries

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I pray this update finds you well and rejoicing in the grace of God! October was an incredible month of ministry, and it is a tremendous joy to share these praises with you.

1. Kenya Mission Trip. Oct 2-14. 17 years after my first visit to Tiriki, 17 returned to dedicate a house of worship to the Lord! We held VBS, a pastor’s school for 15 pastors, and men and women’s Bible studies. We operated a medical clinic, visited door to door, held an outdoor crusade, and worshipped with the saints! It was an incredible trip!
2. Kenya Project. As a result of our trip we are praying to sponsor each of the 15 pastors with a milk cow and $60/month sponsorship.* These gifts will be used to provide daily needs for them and their families so that they can freely minister. Thus far, we have purchased 9 cows and sponsored 3 pastors!!!!!! More people and churches have pledged to purchase cows and sponsor pastors. As soon as we receive the funds, we will report it. We are very close to reaching our goal. Praise the Lord!
3. Mission Trip 2011 - Myanmar and India. Sometime in Oct 2011 we will travel to Myanmar and India to visit two of our dear partners, Emmanuel Kalay and Hopegivers International. During this trip we will take part in a seminary graduation, a pastor’s conference, teaching Bible college students, loving orphans, encouraging the saints, and sharing the Gospel. Cost - 3,000.00. First deposit, Feb 1 - $500. Dates will be set soon after Jan 1.
4. Unshakable Joy in Uneasy Times Released!!!!! Copies are now available at amazon.com and crossbooks.com!!! Just search “Wil Owens.” Hopefully we will have more “Book Release Stops” soon.
5. Sermon Ministry. 321 sermons to 24 States and 14 Countries. Also, we continue to air two sermons each week in Liberia! Praise the Lord!
6. Personal Update. My family and I were able to spend a week with my extended family in Tenn. We had a wonderful time. I also had the honor and privilege of preaching at FBC, Matthews, NC on Sunday, Nov 7. This is an exciting, growing fellowship, and it was indeed a joy to worship with them. We are continuing to seek the Lord’s will concerning His next assignment for us. Please remember us in prayer.

The Lord’s richest blessings be upon you!

Wil Owens

Galatians 2:20

* If you would be interested in sponsoring a pastor for $60/month and/or purchasing a milk cow for $400, you may send your donation to Search And See, PO Box 1304, Paintsville, KY 41240. When we receive your donation, we will send you a photo and bio of the pastor you are helping.

On the Tendency to Criticize, and the Need to Protect, Our Pastors

It's as if Calvin looked ahead from the 16th C and foresaw the woes of ministers in the 21st C! Or, is it rather that this particular trial is true for all pastors in all generations who firmly stand upon the Word? After all, Calvin was first and foremost a pastor, not a theologian (most people unfamiliar with him don't realize this)!

A word for pastors. When under the scrutinizing avalanche of negative criticism, remember the target is not actually you but the message you uphold! Faithfulness to God and to the ministry is not to compromise in order to satisfy but to lovingly affirm the Truth. In the end, it is the most pastoral thing you can do for your congregants even if they initially totally reject it and you!

A word for laymen. Remember that for every genuine affirmation your pastor receives, he faces a hundred criticisms and a thousand are launched behind his back. If he stands on the Word, stand with him! Stand visibly and vocally and personally with him. If he is standing for Truth and you are standing with him, then you are standing in the right place!

Hear Calvin's wisdom.

On the Tendency to Criticize, and the Need to Protect, Our Pastors