David Pawson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Pawson
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| Born | 25 February 1930 Northeast England |
| Died | 21 May 2020 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | International bible expositor, theologian, pastor, previously chaplain |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Durham University Cambridge University |
| Genre | Christian apologetics, Evangelist |
| Subject | Bible study (Christian) |
John David Pawson (born February 25, 1930 – died May 21, 2020) was a well-known Christian leader, writer, and Bible teacher from the United Kingdom. He was known for explaining the Bible in a clear and simple way.
Biography: David Pawson's Life Story
Early Life and Calling
David Pawson came from a family with a long history of farmers and Methodist preachers. His father, Henry Cecil Pawson, was a professor at Durham University. David grew up wanting to be a farmer. But after studying agriculture at Durham University, he felt that God was calling him to work full-time in Christian ministry.
He then went to Cambridge University to study theology, which is the study of religious faith. After his studies, he became a chaplain in the Royal Air Force. A chaplain is a religious leader who serves in the military. He worked as a chaplain for three years, including time in Aden.
Becoming a Pastor
After leaving the Royal Air Force, David Pawson became a Methodist minister. However, he started to disagree with the practice of infant baptism, where babies are baptized. He felt that baptism should be a choice made by someone who understands their faith. Because of this, he decided to leave the Methodist church.
Soon after, he became the pastor of Gold Hill Baptist Church in Buckinghamshire. Later, he became the pastor of Guildford Baptist Church. He helped design the church building, which was called 'Millmead'. Here, he became known as a great Bible teacher. He made teaching tapes for people who were sick or elderly in his church. These tapes became very popular around the world. Under his leadership, Millmead became one of the biggest Baptist churches in the United Kingdom.
Worldwide Teaching Ministry
In 1979, David Pawson left Millmead to travel the world and teach the Bible. He held seminars for church leaders in many countries, including Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and the United States. Millions of copies of his teachings were shared in over 120 countries.
He was known for teaching with great energy and clarity. He always stayed true to the words of the Bible. His detailed explanations of each book of the Bible were published and recorded as Unlocking the Bible. These teachings are available on CDs, DVDs, and online.
David Pawson passed away on May 21, 2020, at the age of 90.
David Pawson's Teachings
David Pawson wrote many books where he shared his understanding of the Bible. Here are some of his key teachings:
The Normal Christian Birth
In his book The Normal Christian Birth, Pawson explained what he believed was the biblical way to become a Christian. He said it was more than just saying a "Sinner's Prayer". He taught that becoming a Christian involves four main steps:
- Turning away from sin (repentance)
- Believing in Jesus
- Being baptized in water
- Receiving the Holy Spirit
He believed this was the "normal Christian birth" described in the Bible.
Leadership is Male
In Leadership is Male, David Pawson taught that God intended men to take on leadership roles. He encouraged men to take responsibility in their families and in the church. He believed that men should follow the Bible's example of manhood.
The Road to Hell
In The Road to Hell, Pawson discussed the idea of hell. He taught that people who go to hell experience eternal suffering. He believed this traditional view was strongly supported by the Bible.
Unlocking the Bible
Unlocking the Bible is a book where Pawson goes through every book of the Bible. He believed that the best way to understand the Bible is to study it one book at a time. He explained the background, purpose, meaning, and importance of each Bible book. This book came from his many talks and studies.
When Jesus Returns
In When Jesus Returns, Pawson looked at different ideas about when Jesus will come back to Earth. He believed that Jesus will return physically and powerfully to rule the world from Jerusalem. He also taught that the return of Jewish people to their homeland is a fulfillment of Bible prophecies. He believed that prophecies about Israel are specifically for Israel, not for the church.
Jesus Baptises in One Holy Spirit
In this book, Pawson talked about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. He taught that receiving the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from believing in Jesus or being baptized in water. He believed that when someone is baptized in the Spirit, they might receive special abilities called spiritual gifts, like prophecy or speaking in tongues.
The Challenge of Islam to Christians
In The Challenge of Islam to Christians, Pawson discussed the growth of Islam in Western countries. He explained what Islam is and argued that Christians and Muslims cannot fully agree because of their different beliefs about Jesus. He suggested that Christians should respond by making their own faith stronger and purer.
Once Saved, Always Saved?
In Once Saved, Always Saved?, Pawson questioned the idea that once a person believes in Jesus, they will always go to heaven, no matter what they do later. He used the Bible to show that Christians need to keep believing and following Jesus throughout their lives. He emphasized the need to continue in faith.
Word and Spirit Together
In Word and Spirit Together, Pawson encouraged Christians who focus on the Bible (Evangelicals) and those who focus on the Holy Spirit's gifts (Charismatics) to work together. He believed that spiritual gifts are still for today, but they should be used based on a strong understanding of the Bible. He wanted both groups to learn from each other.
Defending Christian Zionism
In Defending Christian Zionism, Pawson argued that Christians should support the country of Israel. He believed that the return of Jewish people to the Holy Land is a fulfillment of Bible prophecies. He also taught that prophecies about Israel in the Bible are meant for Israel itself, not for the church.
Bible Commentaries
David Pawson also wrote many commentaries, which are detailed studies of specific books of the Bible. These commentaries came from his sermons and teachings to his church in the 1960s and 1970s. This series covers almost all the books of the New Testament and some books from the Old Testament.
Works
David Pawson was a very productive writer and teacher. He wrote more than 80 books. He also created over 300 teaching videos and more than 1500 audio recordings of his lessons.
