Who is Terry Virgo?

Wikipedia gives the following bio for Terry Virgo:

“Terry Virgo is the leader of the Newfrontiers Charismatic Evangelical Christian movement. Born and raised in Brighton on the English South Coast Virgo started a small church movement which has grown into an international group of churches in 29 nations. He is well known for his teaching on the doctrine of grace and is a leading Reformed Charismatic. He teaches a complementarian view of gender relationships. Many charismatics who believe in modern day apostolic ministry recognize him as an apostle.”

Yes, a surprising combination: a reformed apostle and a charismatic complementarian. Maybe even more surprising are the following connections:

Terry Virgo likes Mark Driscoll. In his words:

“Though his unconventional style is mildly shocking to the ears of this particular English preacher, who can no longer claim to be in his middle years, Mark Driscoll, coming clearly through my iPod in this last week, has been a huge blessing.

As I walked to my office, in hopefully not a vain attempt to lose a few pounds, my spirit was soaring as I heard his outstanding commitment to preaching Christ. His Biblical perspective was magnificent. Verse after verse insisted first on Christ’s humanity and then on His deity. How wonderful to hear preaching so centred in Christ albeit with fascinating contemporary asides. How rarely one hears sermons so exclusively about Jesus and simply talking about Him, focusing on Him, glorying in Him and feeding my soul.”

He has reviewed Bill Johnson's book When Heaven Invades Earth and gives the following qualified endorsement:

“In spite of some very serious theological howlers (e.g. Jesus ‘laid his divinity aside’) and some questionable interpretations of Scripture, this is nevertheless a provocative book that will stir all who want to be constantly provoked to be channels of the Holy Spirit’s miraculous power.

His robust faith and remarkable reports of healings and miracles are inspirational and genuinely motivational.”

He has had his own book, God's Lavish Grace, endorsed by Sovereign Grace Ministries CJ Mahaney:

"For anyone struggling to understand and enjoy God's grace, this book will prove to be immediately and immensely helpful."

This next year, Terry Virgo will preach with pastor and author John Piper and New Testament scholar D.A. Carson in Wales at New Word Alive 2008.

I personally recommend his excellent 4 part series on Romans. My wife and I listened to it on our way to her parents for Thanksgiving and it is powerful. It is liberating and saturated with the identity of the Christian in Christ. You can listen to it and more at his personal website.

The Idol Factory

Taking my cue from Nate Downey, we all have idols in our hearts and we need to seek them out and crush them. Not only does, as Mr. Downey mentioned, Mr. Patrick and Mr. Driscoll go after issues of idolatry in the human heart, but Mr. CJ Mahaney hits it well in a 3 part series called "The Idol Factory" (scroll down for individual downloads). I can remember listening to these years ago and being quite affected, but like anything after time I easily forget and become unaffected by my idolatry. How I often forget the apostle of love's poignant reminder "Keep yourself from idols." These sermons by all 3 gentlemen should be a means of following apostle John's reminder.

You should make time to listen to these, but if you don't here is the handout CJ provides.

How to Weaken Pride and Cultivate Humility - CJ Mahaney

As I walked out of the office today my colleague, friend, and brother in Christ, Nate, peaked in my car, glanced at the book on the passenger seat and said "How's humility going for you?" I responded with, "The book is good." He chuckled and said, "Good response." He probably chuckled because he knows I need some serious humility in my life. Don't we all! Well, here are some suggestions for the weakening of pride and the cultivating of humility that CJ Mahaney provides in his book Humility: True Greatness:

Always:
1. Reflect on the wonder of the cross of Christ.

As each day begins:
2. Begin your day by acknowledging your dependence upon God and your need for God.
3. Begin your day expressing gratefulness to God.
4. Practice the spiritual disciplines--prayer, study of God's Word, worship. Do this consistently each day and at the day's outset, if possible.
5. Seize your commute time to memorize and meditate on Scripture.
6. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

As each day ends:
7. At the end of the day, transfer the glory to God.
8. Before going to sleep, receive this gift of sleep from God and acknowledge His purpose for sleep.

For special focus:
9. Study the attributes of God.
10. Study the doctrines of grace.
11. Study the doctrine of sin.
12. Play as much golf as possible.
13. Laugh often, and laugh often at yourself.

Throughout your days and weeks:
14. Identify evidences of grace in others.
15. Encourage and serve others each and every day.
16. Invite and pursue correction.
17. Respond humbly to trials.

(p. 171-172)