Pyromaniac turns 52

PyroManiac: Blogspotting Bonus

Happy birthday to PJ! Didn’t know that PJ was actually that old, he looks a lot younger in person.

I first met Mr. Johnson when he visited my old church Community Bible Church. I thought he was kind of arrogant when he first spoke, but man he handled the word of God crisply and really encouraged me. He was, however, very clever and had humorous wit (especially his quotes of the 10-commandments from the ebonic bible) that broke that arrogant impression I had of him. At the time I believe I was a college student in the late 90′s.

I then attended my first shepherd’s conference in 2001 and remember seeing Phil Johnson there.. as usual too intimidated to say hi.

Later I remember Phil visiting our local bible college, Grace School of Theology and Ministry in Pleasant Hill, CA. He spoke about life as a vapor from James. I remember it was post-9/11 since he made references to the twin-towers being attached.

Those three encounters revealed his heart for the gospel by his fidelity for truth. In addition to that I later discovered his web presence with the spurgeon archive, hall of church history, and now swordandtrowel — all of which has caused me to lend my ear to his writings and teaching. I’m sure my story is not unique as many of you have probably heard of PJ though similar means. Either way, PJ is a cool guy and to me a very clear voice in the Evangelical world.

For example his introduction to post-modernism is worth listening to. He gives a historical progression of how we arrived at this post-modern era. He encourages us to hold fast to the objective and authoritative Word of God. He is convinced that the outflow of PM thought is where we have theologies like Open Theism and the Emmergent Church.

All that to say, “Keep it up Phil and happy belated birthday!”