Word of the Week: Tribute

Last week I learned of the death of an influential professor of mine, Dr. RC Sproul. I’m including the tribute I gave to him on Facebook. In mentioning him, I’m encouraging you to read his material or listen to his lectures. RC was passionate about teaching people theology who were normal church members. His book Chosen by God is the go to text to explain our church’s understanding of predestination. The tribute on the Washington Post website by Russ Pulliam is a good overview of his life. Here is my tribute to this influential theologian:

Dr. RC Sproul taught systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS while I was there. I learned a lot from him. My churches have all been strengthened by his teaching, and by its impact on me. Two memories are important to me. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I felt about him at first. He was already something of a celebrity, and was brash and sometimes struck me as rude. He was not a southerner! All that changed for me in a class when he stopped his lecture ... to address a student’s struggle with assurance of salvation. He asked a series of questions to help the student see the evidence of sincere faith in Jesus in his own life. A class full of us waited for class to continue while this interaction went on. I was deeply moved because I shared the same fears as the other student. Even more importantly to me, I started passing on Dr. Sproul’s tapes designed for laypersons. Dad benefitted from Dr. Sproul’s tape ministry. He learned so much of the Christian theology which his own pastors struggled to believe and thus never taught. Thus, my dad grew in his faith in the closing years of his life. As Dad faced his grim cancer diagnosis, his mature faith gave him solid hopes right up to the end. So, I mourn with hope that was encouraged by Dr. Sproul, and with thanksgiving for his teaching.

With that, I say to all, Merry Christmas and Happy New year!