quote of the day: Dickson on Scripture Abuse

The problem is: God's word does not quite put it that way, and attempts to argue otherwise usually involve stretching biblical passages beyond their plain meaning. I used to do it myself in both sermons and (I am embarrassed to say) in my first book. The motivation was honourable - I wanted more Christians to be more involved in the work of the gospel - but as with so many other issues, a worthy goal does not give me permission to handle the scripture poorly. We are involved in God's mission, and so we must allow his word to shape our part in it. The slogan "Every Christian an evangelist" has a noble purpose, but it is not a biblical way of speaking.

John Dickson, The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission, p24