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Obtainable Wisdom - Page 2
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Obtainable Wisdom
Foreword
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Foreword: By Rev Gil Cann


Obtainable Wisdom is not an ‘optional extra’.  It is crucial reading if we are to extract the maximum benefit, for the sake of God’s Kingdom, from its companion volume ‘Heaven’s Answer to Earth’s Dilemma’.  The latter is not simply a book to be skimmed, enjoyed and put on the shelf.  It demands action!  The first step toward such action is to reflect upon the writer’s conclusions.  The second is to think about what it means for us to respond to his challenges – in real life.

Western Christians, in particular, are not noted for their enthusiasm about thinking – we would rather listen to speakers and sing!  Similarly, we tend to be in favor of change in principle but not in practice – like the man who said ‘I’m all in favor of change as long as everything stays the same!’ Consequently, we need help. This readers study guide, Obtainable Wisdom, provides just the help we need. It helps us dig deeper – to consider what being God’s people in the 21st Century really means.

Furthermore, it helps us frame the questions we need to ask. Many Christians today, confused by our rapidly changing culture, are not sure what the crucial questions are.  They tend to ask secondary rather than primary questions. Obtainable Wisdom helps us go beyond superficial tweaking and fine-tuning the same old responses.  These are not nearly enough in these days of unprecedented competition, opposition and increasing ‘alternatives’ to our Christian faith.

This guide also helps us to ask the questions we may have been too afraid to ask, or similarly, the questions we have felt ought not to be asked.  The fact is that our situation today is so challenging that no question should be ‘off-limits’.  The issues of the kingdom are too important for such taboos. Importantly, Obtainable Wisdom helps you ask the questions, which, deep down, you have always wanted to ask but have never had the opportunity to do so.  A study guide that helps us in all these ways is of enormous value.  Make every reflection and question count to the max!

There are various ‘kinds’ of theology – including biblical theology, systematic theology and historical theology.  This book is most definitely applied theology!  It is not simply calling for new styles or methods – or some kind of ‘add-on’ to existing conventional practice.  It is much, much more than that.  It’s about radical application.  That is why this Obtainable Wisdom is an indispensable help at this time in the kingdom plan.

We often hear the statement – ‘if you’ve read the book you must see the movie!’  To the best of my knowledge the author doesn’t have a movie in mind.  But he is looking for a move-ment; a movement of God’s people unlike anything seen since New Testament times.  This guide is given to help you become part of that movement – not a struggling minority on the defensive, but a frail, yet powerful movement on the offensive.  The author sees God’s people ‘lighting up the world’ and demonstrating a kingdom counter-culture in huge contrast to the world as we know it.

This guide is produced with both individual and group study in mind.  Both will be extremely fruitful, but there is a great deal to be gained from reflecting on the issues raised here in groups, for at least two reasons.
  • Firstly, self-assessment can be too subjective, both positively and negatively. We each need the more objective assessment of others who know us well.  We need both their encouragement and their honest estimate of whether or not there is evidence in our lives that we are ‘seeking God’s kingdom first’; and if not, we need their observations on how we might do so more authentically.
  • Secondly, some of the challenges raised here are so ‘frightening’ from a human or western perspective, that we need others to hold them before us so that we don’t dodge around them.  We will need their encouragement to be obedient and courageous.
All of this is the very essence of what Jesus said He wants us to do – which is to ‘make disciples’ of ourselves and of others.  In the light of that, this book of ‘applied theology’ could not be more important.


Rev. Gill Cann
Minister-at-large
Australian Evangelical Alliance,
Editor of ‘Working Together’ magazine, Australia
Heaven's Answer to Earth's Dilemma
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