Ask E. Stanley Jones – Twenty First Century Questions
Have you ever experienced being so blessed by the life and witness of a person from your past that you just wish you could have that person present? I mean present, not only for your own benefit, but also for the benefit of your family and friends. This is the way I feel about E. Stanley Jones.
It makes me feel awkward to be saying this, because I never knew E. Stanley Jones as a personal friend. However, I have been greatly influenced by his life and ministry. Back in the 1960’s I heard him preach at Asbury Theological Seminary where I studied for my first year of theology in preparing for the ordained Christian ministry through the United Methodist Church. Several other times I had the privilege of being in his presence in local churches where he led groups of lay and clergy in Ashram faith growth experiences. His many books designed for daily devotionals have been very helpful to me. Therefore, I miss not being able to experience his presence, his prayer life, his theological mind, and his spirit. Therefore, recently I have been reading his book, “In Christ” which was published by Abingdon Press in 1961, the year after I heard him at Asbury Seminary. Spending time with his book has been refreshing for me. Reading this book as a guide for devotional life, not only has helped me to experience God more personally, but I also find that E. Stanley Jones’ practical Biblical theology just renews my excitement about living daily as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
