I inherited a large tool chest from my dad. He had been a tool salesman, so it was packed with goodies. I had always loved working on cars and other things as a kid. So I knew that tool chest well and relished everything in it. Almost. A couple of items defied understanding. One of them had a long t-handle and a swiveling head with teeth like a vise grip. Several times I considered tossing it to make space for real tools. The head flopped too much to grasp anything. Besides, I had a box full of pliers and sockets to tighten or loosen anything I could ever imagine.
A few years later, I laid on my back cramped under a new kitchen sink. I had replaced the sink and now needed to install the faucets. Getting to those crazy nuts underneath was testing my sanctification. First one tool then another. All were either too long, too wide or too clumsy to get through that tight space around the faucet nuts. As I stared in frustration, wondering if anything would work, I remembered the strange tool shoved into the recesses of the chest. The long t-handle slipped through that tight space. The funky swiveling head aligned perfectly with the nuts. Those vise grip teeth eliminated any slippage. Five minutes later the faucet was flowing perfectly with no leaks. I had discovered the joy of a basin wrench. Once I saw the wrench in its proper context, I realized its value.
This issue of Dedicated addresses several contexts for ministry. Like a basin wrench, facets of our ministry must be seen in their proper context. Dr. Annette Harrison compares biblical metaphors for sin with their usage in contemporary context. She helps us to become better translators of biblical truth on sin to our changing culture.
Dr. Sam Baker shares his research on spiritual types. His work reminds Christian leaders that believers and churches have spiritual personality types. Churches, schools and families have developed patterns that serve as the primary means of growing in the Lord. His conclusions encourage us to insure our patterns of discipleship minister to the whole Christian.
Our reviews also help clarify contexts of current issues in biblical studies and in cross-cultural ministry. Dr. Gary Derickson reviews Interpreting the General Letters by Herbert Bateman and Five Views on the Historical Adam. Dr. Kent Kersey reviews another of Zondervan’s Counterpoint Series in Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy. Dr. Annette Harrison reviews Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.
