"The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment is a truly important work-one that should be required reading not only for church leaders, but for all sober-minded laypeople as well."

John MacArthur (From the Foreword)

"If you were more discerning you’d probably buy this book. If you do read this book, you will be! This book on discernment is simple, clear, well-written and well-illustrated...

Mark Dever

Welcome to the online home of Tim Challies, blogger, author and web designer. My first book, "The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment," is now available everywhere.

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02/02/06
Comments (5)

C.J. Mahaney - He's Irritating and He's Not Humble

C.J. Mahaney is not humble. It must be true because one of his close friends, Mark Dever, said so. Strangely, he said so in his endorsement of one of C.J.’s books. Here is the complete text which I have taken from just inside the cover of Humility: “C.J. Mahaney is not a humble man. At least, that’s what he’ll tell you. And that’s one reason he’s so well qualified to write this book. I’ve read it. I’ve seen humility in his life - and in the lives of those he’s taught. If you’re fighting pride - like I am - you should read it, too. And if you’re not fighting pride, you really need to read it!”

C.J. Mahaney not humble, but there is more! He is also irritating. Again, one of his good friends shares this secret, this time in Albert Mohler’s foreword to the new book Living The Cross Centered Life. “I must also be honest with you. C.J. can be irritating at times. He tends to be very honest about sin and very clear about the fact that we can do nothing at all to deserve our salvation. This is a book that will humble the proud. Then again, that’s the power of the cross…”

Now that two of three of the other members of the Together for the Gospel have zinged Mahaney, I’d suggest that it is Ligon Duncan’s turn. I will wait patiently to see what he will share about his friend C.J. I great enjoy watching the interaction between this group of friends and am glad that they have allowed us a glimpse into their relationship through their new blog.

C.J. Mahaney - He's Irritating and He's Not Humble

Comments (5) »


1. mike garner
February 2, 2006
9:33 AM

Lol

I bought the book used and the seller never sent it! I hope to read it soon.

And btw … the bible also says “there is no God.” Of course the larger context begins with … the fool says in his heart….”

-mike


2. mikbry24
February 2, 2006
12:40 PM

I hadn’t even put the two together! That’s funny. Mahaney is (newly) one of my favorites as is Sovereign Grace Ministries as a whole. As a matter of fact I wrote them back today to tell them what a blessing they’ve been to me and to keep on keeping on with what they are doing. I’m also thankful for the “Together for the Gospel” Blog and, since it is so close, I look forward to attending the conference in April in Louisville, Kentucky. It would be great to see some of you there!

Mike


3. Agent Tim
February 2, 2006
5:18 PM

I’m waiting along with you, Tim! That’s too funny.


4. Matt C.
February 3, 2006
9:53 AM

I never thought I would hear a respected Reformed/Presby. pastor and author actually say:

“Finally, who do you like in the Super Bowl? … ‘cause sometimes no. 3 has to kick it back out to no. 1 for the trey from a suburban zipcode.”

And here is CJ’s return volley, in response to “What books are you presently reading?” from Ligon Duncan:

Who’s Afraid of the Holy Spirit? Edited by Daniel Wallace and James Sawyer (When I first saw the title of this book I thought this might be a book about you guys but it’s not).

Zing.


5. Scott W. Somerville
February 6, 2006
4:45 PM

I have the enormous privilege of attending Covenant Life Church, where CJ served as Senior Pastor for many years, and I have been irritated—in a wonderful way—by his humility and/or lack thereof.

Here’s what I’ve observed in watching CJ: in every conversation that he has with every person, he does his best to make sure the other person doesn’t go away with too HIGH an opinion of CJ or too LOW an opinion of Jesus.


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