Wayne Grudem has been a teacher, mentor and friend to many for many years. Thankfully, I have been one of the many and for many years.

Recently Wayne has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s: I Have Parkinson’s and I Am at Peace

Many claim that theology is cold, dead, academic and does not address real-life needs of people. However, to the contrary, theology is foundational to all of life in general, and the specific real-life needs we experience of life, both joys and sorrows, both rejoicing and weeping. Wayne’s response is evidence of good fruit being produced by good theology.

In the providence of God, Wayne has influenced many people in the EFCA through his many years of teaching at TEDS (1981-2001) and through his many publications, especially his excellent Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. (The transition from TEDS to Phoenix Seminary was undertaken as a way to serve Margaret, his wife, who suffers from fibromyalgia, which was made worse by the cold Chicago winters. You can read the account of this story here.)

In our EFCA Doctrinal Survey conducted in 2013, our final question was the following: “Who are some of the pastoral/theological writers that you find particularly helpful or who have had the greatest impact on your thinking?” One of the names at the top of the list was Wayne Grudem.

Wayne lists some projects he would like to complete, if the Lord wills. He concludes his disclosure with these words:

I would appreciate your prayers for the projects I mentioned above, and for continuing good medical care, and also, if the Lord wills, for partial or full healing, whether through medicine or through his miraculous intervention.

I am at peace.

This is the peace the angels announced at Jesus’ birth (Lk. 2:14). This is the peace Jesus promised (Jn. 14:27), in the midst of tribulation, since he has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). This is the peace Jesus accomplished and pronounced (Jn. 20:19, 26). This is the peace experienced through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).

Peace In the Midst of Tribulation was the focus of our Advent Devotional. This is the message, meaning and significance of Christmas.

This Christmas season, remember to pray for Wayne and Margaret.