Dr Wayne Grudem was one of the speakers at the recent Acts 29 Boot Camp in Raleigh. Fortunately, I got assigned to be his aide for the duration of the conference. Many years ago I read ‘Systematic Theology’ and it was my first introduction to Christian doctrine. His seminal work answered many questions I had formulated over a long period of time on what the bible said on issues such as the Holy Spirit, Inerrancy of Scripture, and Hell.
Perhaps most influential for me was Part 6: The Doctrine of Church. In particular, the chapter on Church Government and the argument for plurality of elders and congregational government.
Two things struck me most intently from my time with Dr Grudem:
- When he revealed the results of missing quiet time with the Lord for him were pride, selfishness, needing praise, lacking love, irritability, uneasiness, no peace, & self reliance.
- The moment during Q&A in Track 2 where he stopped to pray for one man who was earnestly pursuing humility. It was a very powerful Spirit-led moment and not many dry eyes in the room afterwards.
So, it was a privilege to help Dr Grudem and I got to see a man who knows and loves doctrine, truth and theology, and is joyful, cheerful, and compassionate. As a gesture of his thanks he signed a copy of his book for me with the following verse:
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God – Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31
