Gettin' to the church on time

Actually I didn’t. I was 15 minutes late, but I still was able to hear John Stott speak at a special service held by my church, Redeemer. (Most of my posts are frivolous and just me venting, but I’ll write a nice post today.) For those who don’t know who he is, Stott is a premier Christian author (I’ve never directly read his stuff that I remember, but I know he’s well-regarded, and is referred to in many other things I’ve read about faith). He’s still going strong (if not slow, shuffling toward the podium) at 85, and still has all his faculties. When he lost his place during the sermon momentarily, he pointed out that he’s 85, and will continue to talk aimlessly until he finds his place again. That made me crack up. Not just because it was charming, but because everything sounds funnier when it’s said in a British accent and coming from an little, old, white-haired man.

While basic, Stott’s sermon was inspiring, at the very least, because it served as a reminder that one can always talk to God if one wants to. He’s not some ethereal old man hovering on clouds that you can only reach through ceremonial rituals. Plus, it was inspiring to see people like Stott, who devote their lives to ministry, still going strong until the day they are called home (like Billy Graham). I just hope I can shuffle around like that when I’m 85.

Here’s more on John Stott.

Here’s a story about Redeemer Presbyterian Church from 2 weeks ago in the NYT.