Comments on: Book Recommendation – Chuck Smith: A Memoir of Grace

By: baby blog » Blog Archive » Linkathon 2009: The year in links, part 2 (plus Linkathon 12/30)

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:51:18 +0000

[...] Corby Stephens recommends the new biography on Chuck Smith. [...]

By: Corby

Corby — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:11:15 +0000

Yeah, that was funny. At first I was like, “That’s not like Tommy” but then I figured it wasn’t you because of the email.

By: Tommy O'Keefe

Tommy O'Keefe — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:08:25 +0000

Woah. Was just gonna say you did a great review when I noticed someone has my name. Crazy.

By: Tommy

Tommy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:46:18 +0000

Corby – Thank you for clarifying that and your apology. I am looking forward to reading this book soon to learn more about Chuck’s wonderful journey with Jesus. God bless you.

By: Corby

Corby — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:21 +0000

Tommy – I was not attempting to make an assessment of the Foursquare denomination in any way. I was simply relaying the impression Chuck gave of it during his time with it. That is, in essence, how Chuck described his own experience, and it was not my intention to communicate that as reality or otherwise. If ti came across as my judgment or perception of FSQ then I apologize. That was not my intention.

By: Tommy

Tommy — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:35:14 +0000

I think to say that Chuck was “…brought up and educated in a goal-oriented, legalistic denomination, God’s grace was a concept but not a reality.” Is unfair assessment of the Foursquare denomination in its entirity. Yes, he did encounter leaders who were “goal oriented” (noise, noses and nickles) and that did discourage him greatly at his last pastorate.

However, if you look back in the early years of CC you will find that Chuck brought to the pulpits of CC his Foursquare, LIFE Bible college professors Dr. VanCleave and Dr. Duffield to minister the Word many times. He also has participated with Dr. Hayford at local Foursquare pastors conferences and a few years ago preached at the Oxnard Foursquare church where he and his family worshiped. I think to give the impression that entire denomination is legalistic and doesn’t teach and apply Biblical grace is unwarranted.

I have talked to many FSQ leaders about how God used Chuck and how they wished they had been more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and wished things were done differently back then – but God had his plan and praise God, there has been wonderful relationship in Christ between both Foursquare and Chuck Smith.

By: Missy Murray

Missy Murray — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:41:09 +0000

God’s word plus God’s grace equaled personal relationship with the living God. It was at this point that God really started to use Chuck. It’s a pattern every believe is supposed to experience. …. that is good…I am so thankful for Chucks example!

This is what changed my life…when the Lord showed me his grace while being in his word….

Thank you for your review … it has to come highly regarded…before I want to invest time so thank you for your review.

By: Virginia Snape

Virginia Snape — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:52:17 +0000

Oh yeah… I hear you. Sometimes though, it would be nice to know the plan wouldn’t it?

By: Corby

Corby — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:26:47 +0000

No problem. Something else he observes is that people, saved or unsaved, tend to judge God based on the moment. If things are going well, God is good. If things are going bad, where is God? God doesn’t change. We need to take a step back an look at the big picture. Like Joseph, circumstances change. God has a plan. But His goodness and righteousness never changes.

By: Virginia Snape

Virginia Snape — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:19:44 +0000

You know what??? I really needed to read the bit where it says…
The theme of the book is this very simple concept; everything in life prepares us for something else. Nothing happens that God doesn’t have in mind in order to be used later in our lives.

I am going through quite a bit at the moment and can’t see the forest for the trees. So… when I read that I was very encouraged. Thanks Corby.