Pastor George’s Tribute to R.C. Sproul

isaacgreeneUncategorized7 Comments

“No one gave me a greater sense of the glory of God than R.C. Sproul”

I was first exposed to the ministry of R.C. Sproul over 20 years ago. He had a different style than the preachers I was used to listening to on the radio. I could tell he was not speaking behind a pulpit but behind a lectern. His words were not directed towards the pew but towards the classroom. He used theological terms that were repeated, defined, and spelled out in chalk. No other radio program I knew of regularly featured the scratch of a chalkboard. I was back in school again.

It took me a few programs to get used to the format but once I did, I was riveted. I would schedule my lunch breaks around the “Renewing Your Mind” broadcast and search for the program if I was on the road away from home. He didn’t have to raise his voice or bang on a podium to get my attention. He spoke with such conviction that even a whisper communicated deep passion about God.

He spoke of God’s holiness in a way that made me tremble. He taught Church History in a way that made departed saints my old friends. He introduced the Reformation in a way that drew me into the battle for the gospel. He opened the Scriptures in a way that swept away confusion and brought clarity. He explained Systematic Theology in a way that filled me with love for the God who revealed truth. No one gave me a greater sense of the glory of God than R.C. Sproul. I remember being so overwhelmed by a series that he taught on the glory of God, that it felt as if I would fly into God’s very presence. When I shared this story with R.C. he said, “Don’t stop. Fly! Fly!” On Thursday, December 14, 2017 it was R.C. Sproul, who flew into the presence of God.

I join with hundreds of thousands of Christians across the globe who mourn the death of a man who has been the face of Reformed Theology for half a century. I once heard R.C. Sproul say that the death of his friend and co-laborer James Montgomery Boice was a judgment on evangelicalism. I wonder if the same can be said about his own passing.

Join me in praying for the family of R.C. Sproul, Ligonier Ministries, and the thousands of people who have lost a clear voice and a faithful leader.

Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

In Christ Alone,
George Lawson

7 Comments on “Pastor George’s Tribute to R.C. Sproul”

  1. Thanks for that tribute. It brought me much comfort in a time of grief. God used R.C.’s faithful teaching to transform my mind and heart, especially regarding the study of theology. We have lost a faithful voice in evangelicalism and he will be greatly missed.

  2. I, first, saw Dr. Sproul during a video-taped Sunday School class at the Aisquith Presbyterian Church, around ’93. I was amazed to see and hear a Christian theologian being as sound, lucid, yet as personal as he was. By the following year, I was receiving the monthly Tabletalk magazine series. I have read them everyday, since then. Also, I’ve been to confernces in Florida and Philadelphia sitting under his teaching. He has been greatly used of God to help me comprehend, as much as possible, the sovereignty of God.

  3. I, very much, appreciate your comments re Dr.Sproul, pastor Lawson.

    I, first, saw Dr. Sproul during a video-taped Sunday School class at the Aisquith Presbyterian Church, around ’93. I was amazed to see and hear a Christian theologian being as sound, lucid, yet as personal as he was. By the following year, I was receiving the monthly Tabletalk magazine series. I have read them everyday, since then. Also, I’ve been to confernces in Florida and Philadelphia sitting under his teaching. He has been greatly used of God to help me comprehend, as much as possible, the sovereignty of God.

  4. I couldn’t agree more George! I am so thankful that he was one of the first teachers that I was exposed to as a Christian. His books on the Holiness and character of God were critical in my early learning and continue to be a foundation for me.

    The godly legacy left by this man is truly a testament to the power and beauty of the Word of God.

    I pray that his ministry will flourish beyond his passing.

  5. Thank you for your thoughtful expressions for a brother in Christ. R.C.’s voice and resources are welcomed members of our household.

    On a different matter: does BBC have plans to plant a church in York, PA?

    Sincerely,
    JK

    1. Hi Jack!
      Thanks for your comments and for your question about BBC planting a church in York. We do not have any plans at this time to plant a church in the York area. But I can recommend a like-minded church in that area:

      Calvary Bible Church
      125 Calvary Church Road
      Wrightsville, PA 17368
      Pastor Rodney Pearce
      http://www.calvarybibleyork.com

      They are part of the Grace Advance Mid-Atlantic (GAMA) fellowship that BBC is also part of. If you would like to learn more about GAMA, here is the website: http://www.graceadvancema.org/about/

      Blessings to your brother!

      In Christ,
      Matt Feldi

  6. Hi Matt,
    I just read your reply. Thank you for the Church reference and the Association! I will review both and then go enjoy the fellowship of believers.
    Blessings to you too brother!
    Jack

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