Yes put Gods word first but God has given us teachers for the equipping of the saints (Eph). Ephesians seems to be a book you need to read, for your negative view on books.
These days I open air once a month, but there was a time when I did it every week as I was living closer to downtown. But I have to disagree with your view on evangelism. One needs to preach the word to the lost and street evangelism is the way to go. Do it with a church or do it on your own. My church does not do street evangelism but believes only in "results type evangelism in visitation" and I believe God brings the converts and its not about getting people to join my church, but about preaching repentance in true obedience (Mk 16). My church would never do street evangelism, because they are only interested in people joining their church. One on the streets can come to Christ and go to a Calvary Chapel and my church would consider them a failure but I would consider it a blessing as they got saved!!!!
First and foremost, I do not have a negative view on books. Quite the contrary. My home and workshop are actually filled to overflowing with books. Our bedroom is a library with barely enough room to get to the bed. In one corner there is a stack of books that reaches the ceiling because I don't have room for another bookcase. Most of those books have been read, at least once, and many have been read multiple times. To make it quite clear, I've been collecting books, on subjects of interest for more than 50 years. When interests in certain subjects has waned, I've given the applicable books away. Over the years, probably have given away as many as I still have stuffed everywhere.
It is because of my lifelong interest in books, that I give you the advise that I do regarding them. I've done exactly what you are doing now. Much to my regret in some cases. There comes a time to stop reading MORE books and go to work. Outside there is a shop full of woodworking machinery along with I don't know how many books on that subject. With every machine out there, there comes a time to put down the books and flip the switch on the piece of equipement. To actually make some sawdust instead of just reading more and about making sawdust. There comes a time, when electing to read more books is counterproductive. Instead of making sawdust, reading more books was just an excuse not to roll up my sleeves and do the work the machine was designed to help accomplish. I don't need to read book after book on routers, while the router, itself is idle and collecting dust.
Nor do I need to read another book on removing rust using electrolysis. The system is setup. The system works. When I'm sitting and ah read'n NOTHING is being accomplished. I'm putting more interest in what others say about rust removal than actually putting in the effort to restore those cruddy skillets to a useful life.
I see that in myself, when it happens. I see that in you, according to your posts, as well. It is something that neither of us should be proud of saying and doing.
What is stopping you from going to a park, a street corner, or wherever you preach far more frequently than just once a month? If you have the passion, that you claim,
nothing should be stopping you. If God has called you to this mission, you don't need anything except Him. You don't need endorsement from your church. You don't need opinions from countless authors. You don't need to spend hours, hours and more hours reading about doing what He has called you to do. You, hopefully, have already read His Instruction book. You, hopefully, already are seeking His guidance through the Holy Spirit.
I'm just a "retired" layman, yet, yesterday I spent approximately 6 hours away from home, in His service. Shortly, will begin repeating the same again today. Plus this evening will be attending a special service at another church in my community. Every Wednesday is a full day with morning Bible study, work on plumbing in the Fellowship Hall (this week), followed in the evening with choir practice and another Bible study.
I'm not trying to pat myself on the back with these words. Instead trying to show you that there comes a point in time when reading anything other than God's word is far secondary to doing the work He has called us to do. My calling is different from yours, but the same principle applies. This morning I can choose to read one of those books, previously mentioned, or actually go out and do the work that needs to be done, in His name.
It's your choice. Use the time God has made available to you to read the Bible,
plus those 10 more books you mentioned. Or use the time those 10 books will take, to find an open air spot and actually do what He has called you to do.
Bluntly, worship those books or worship and honor Him via actually doing what He's called you to do.
Brother, I'm trying desperately to get you to avoid the mistakes that I've made. It doesn't matter what opinion John Piper or anyone else expresses. What matters is whether this day you can help bring another lost soul to Christ. It's for sure that isn't likely to happen, if you're sitting in a chair reading a book.
In closing, I have deep regrets, now, over the time, that I lost when I could have been in His service, instead of having my nose in a book. :tear: Just don't want another brother to shed tears later in life for what might have been.
Edit: Just re-read your post. I don't know where you got the idea that I'm opposed to your calling. Far from it. How many more times do I have to say, pick up your tools and do the work that God has called you to do? IMO, that sure isn't opposition, no matter how you chose to phrase it.
