We come now to mark # 5, The faithful pastor strengthens Christ’s church through male discipleship.
This in response to 2 Tim 2:2. “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Wise pastors realize they are NOT immortal; they acknowledge life is but a vapor. Thus, they mentor and disciple other men (note 2 Tim 2). They are not only interested in this generation but the ones to come. Faithful pastors also realize they are NOT omnipresent. They can not be everywhere, all the time. This often is a source of pastoral frustration (I have so many people who need me at once). Thus they raise up other men to help lead and shepherd the flock. They duplicate themselves. In other words, every Paul has a Timothy and a Titus. By God’s design, men are called to lead (in the church & in there homes). The faithful pastor strengthens Christ’s church through male discipleship. I know many of you men could testify of how God has used Pastor Flatt to help strengthen your faith. Faithful pastors pour their time and resources into other faithful men (as SBTS says), “for the truth, for the family, for the church, for the glory of God.”
This 6th Mark is crucial: The Faithful pastor loves his sheep (Phil. 2:20; 1 Pet. 5:2; 1 Thess. 2:7-11).
The faithful pastor is more than a great preacher; that may be his chief task, but it’s certainly not his only task. The faithful pastor is a loving shepherd (1 Peter 5:2). He’s deeply involved in the lives of his people: He marries your children, and buries your loved ones. He rejoices with you when you’re happy, & he counsels you when you’re hurting. He visits you in the hospital before those major surgeries & He calls on you after those newborn babies are delivered. He gently corrects you when you need admonishing & he prays with you when you need some loving. This is why the faithful pastor is likened to a nursing mother (in 1 Thess. 2:7) and a loving father (in 1 Thess. 2:11). Ministers, study the ministry model of Paul while he served the church in Thessalonica. Read Baxter’s “The Reformed Pastor.” The faithful pastor loves his sheep. For this blogs sake I will try and move quickly through these next marks.
The 7th mark of a faithful minister is this: The Faithful pastor is a warrior for the Truth (Phil. 1:16; Jude 3; 1 Tim 6:12).
According to Jude 3 every Christian is suppose to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3); clearly pastors must lead the way! 1 Timothy 6:12 calls on ministers to, “Fight the good fight of the faith.” It would be ignorant to not admit the church is under assault and is involved in spiritual warfare. The gospel is constantly coming under fire from outside the church and from within it. There is nothing more precious to the church then the glorious gospel of God. Pastor’s can not go about their entire ministries tip toeing through the tulips in the spirit of Robert Schuller & Joel Osteen. Not when there’s an ongoing war going on against God’s revelation. Sometimes the faithful pastor puts on his battle armor, as he preserves this objective body of nonnegotiable truth.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
The Faithful Pastor (Pt. 3)
The faithful pastor also (# 3), Declares the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:18-27).
This of course was the hallmark of the Apostle Paul’s ministry (while in Ephesus). Notice what Paul said in his farewell address in Acts 20:18-20, And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house…”Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God (vv. 26-27).”
I submit to you that this is a model worthy of imitation. Biblical exposition is a wonderful way to declare to your people everything that is profitable under the sun. Take your people through the Scriptures. Unleash God’s truth “one verse at a time.” Joe Flatt’s commitment to biblical expository-preaching has helped him follow in the footsteps of Paul (and many of the great preachers of the past)…
Joe Flatt’s verse by verse journey through Scripture has helped our congregation answer some very difficult questions: How should the church to be governed: Elder-rule, Deacon-rule, or Congregational rule? If God is sovereign, then why is their so much pain & suffering in this world? How do you explain hurricane Katrina or 9-11 or the Beslan, Russia tragedy? In what manner is the atonement of Christ- Limited? Could an infinitely loving God really condemn people to hell? How can human responsibility and divine sovereignty co-exist? Is it possible for one to have assurance of his/her salvation? Can I know with certainty where I will go after I die? What does the Bible say about the role(s) of men and women in the church & in the home?
Friends you know the answers to all of these questions, in large part due to the faithful expository ministry of Pastor Flatt. This is some of the wonderful fruit that comes from this type of dedicated ministry.…Even when proclaiming God’s message made him unpopular. “He did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God!”
(Mark #4) The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family (Ephesians 5; 1 Tim. 3:4; 1 Pet. 3:7; Col 3:19).
The man of God, models Eph 5 (“Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church”). His marriage is such, that others seek to imitate it. Single girls ask God to provide them a husband who loves the Lord like there pastor. Single guys want to have this type of marriage one day. Young couples go to him for premarital counseling. The faithful pastor’s wife is his greatest human treasure & his children are his most precious earthly possessions. He manages his own household well (1 Tim 3:4). Though he is normally busy serving the church, he doesn’t neglect his own family. He is involved in his kid’s lives. His children and grandchildren experience his gentle care and his wife knows his most tender affection. Pastor has been Judy’s “covenant-companion” now for 38 years. They have 5 adult children and 3 grandchildren. The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family.
This of course was the hallmark of the Apostle Paul’s ministry (while in Ephesus). Notice what Paul said in his farewell address in Acts 20:18-20, And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house…”Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God (vv. 26-27).”
I submit to you that this is a model worthy of imitation. Biblical exposition is a wonderful way to declare to your people everything that is profitable under the sun. Take your people through the Scriptures. Unleash God’s truth “one verse at a time.” Joe Flatt’s commitment to biblical expository-preaching has helped him follow in the footsteps of Paul (and many of the great preachers of the past)…
Joe Flatt’s verse by verse journey through Scripture has helped our congregation answer some very difficult questions: How should the church to be governed: Elder-rule, Deacon-rule, or Congregational rule? If God is sovereign, then why is their so much pain & suffering in this world? How do you explain hurricane Katrina or 9-11 or the Beslan, Russia tragedy? In what manner is the atonement of Christ- Limited? Could an infinitely loving God really condemn people to hell? How can human responsibility and divine sovereignty co-exist? Is it possible for one to have assurance of his/her salvation? Can I know with certainty where I will go after I die? What does the Bible say about the role(s) of men and women in the church & in the home?
Friends you know the answers to all of these questions, in large part due to the faithful expository ministry of Pastor Flatt. This is some of the wonderful fruit that comes from this type of dedicated ministry.…Even when proclaiming God’s message made him unpopular. “He did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God!”
(Mark #4) The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family (Ephesians 5; 1 Tim. 3:4; 1 Pet. 3:7; Col 3:19).
The man of God, models Eph 5 (“Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church”). His marriage is such, that others seek to imitate it. Single girls ask God to provide them a husband who loves the Lord like there pastor. Single guys want to have this type of marriage one day. Young couples go to him for premarital counseling. The faithful pastor’s wife is his greatest human treasure & his children are his most precious earthly possessions. He manages his own household well (1 Tim 3:4). Though he is normally busy serving the church, he doesn’t neglect his own family. He is involved in his kid’s lives. His children and grandchildren experience his gentle care and his wife knows his most tender affection. Pastor has been Judy’s “covenant-companion” now for 38 years. They have 5 adult children and 3 grandchildren. The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family.
Monday, November 13, 2006
A Bear's fan in Peyton Manning country
It is not easy being a Bear's fan living in Indianapolis; especially when the COLTS are 9-0. Peyton Manning (PM) is almost worshiped here (a very popular baby boy's name in this state i might add). I am not a Manning (family) fan but i can not deny that in the regular season he is the best QB in the game (notice i said "in the regular season"). Tom Brady is obv. the best QB in the playoffs and I hope Rex Grossman may add his name in this list in the near future.
I am happy Lovie Smith did not make a Democrat decision in regards to Rex Grossman. Many non-fans wanted Lovie to bench Rex simply because he has had 2 really bad games (among 7 good games). I reference the Democrat's only because that is what many people in there party are saying we should do in Iraq, (cut and run because we have had some big set backs along the way). Now again, i decided not to enter into a full blown debate as to 1. Whether the current war in Iraq was/is a good idea, can be justified, etc; 2. What the Bible has to say about war (is there such a thing a just war?); etc.
All that to say, Lovie Smith is my COACH OF THE YEAR. He has made some great overall decisions this season which has contributed to the Bear's 9-0 start (8-1 start, i forgot we actually lost to Miami).
Loyalty is a wonderful trait so if the Lord should move you to another state don't abandon your favorite team(s).
Caleb K
PS. Monday is my new "off" day which gives me time to post silly things like this from time to time.
Not many people are interested in my more serious theological blogs anyways. :)
I am happy Lovie Smith did not make a Democrat decision in regards to Rex Grossman. Many non-fans wanted Lovie to bench Rex simply because he has had 2 really bad games (among 7 good games). I reference the Democrat's only because that is what many people in there party are saying we should do in Iraq, (cut and run because we have had some big set backs along the way). Now again, i decided not to enter into a full blown debate as to 1. Whether the current war in Iraq was/is a good idea, can be justified, etc; 2. What the Bible has to say about war (is there such a thing a just war?); etc.
All that to say, Lovie Smith is my COACH OF THE YEAR. He has made some great overall decisions this season which has contributed to the Bear's 9-0 start (8-1 start, i forgot we actually lost to Miami).
Loyalty is a wonderful trait so if the Lord should move you to another state don't abandon your favorite team(s).
Caleb K
PS. Monday is my new "off" day which gives me time to post silly things like this from time to time.
Not many people are interested in my more serious theological blogs anyways. :)
Friday, November 10, 2006
Peace & Terrorism
Many Christians do not realize the Church is at war. Satan is a genius when it comes to sending in wolves in sheep's clothing or disguising himself as an angel of light. This is one of the reasons why i am so glad i get the opportunity to study and preach through the book of Jude at First Baptist Church (from time to time).
I ran across this article today from foxnews.com, "Al Qaeda in Iraq's purported leader vowed on Friday that his fighters would never rest until they have reached Jerusalem and blown up the White House.
In the audio tape made available on a militant web site, a man introduced as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir said Al Qaeda has 12,000 fighters at the ready in Iraq.
"We will not rest from our Jihad until we are under the olive trees of Rumieh and we have blown up the filthiest house -- which is called the White House," al-Muhajir said.
The "olive trees of Rumieh" appeared to be a reference to the Mount of Olive in Jerusalem, or Christendom in general as a continuation of the Roman empire.
Also known as Abu Ayyub al-Masri, al-Muhajir became the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed by the U.S. military in June.
Terrorists are clear about their objective: to destroy democracy, Christians, Jews, etc.
But do not forget in the spiritual realm the Bible is clear about Satan's objectives as well: to destroy the truth, distort the gospel, divide the Church, etc, etc.
This blog goes out to those who continue to contend earnestly for this non-negotiable body of objective truth (spiritual warriors).
This blog also goes out today to those soliders who are risking their lives to defeat another enemy (our freedom fighters).
I ran across this article today from foxnews.com, "Al Qaeda in Iraq's purported leader vowed on Friday that his fighters would never rest until they have reached Jerusalem and blown up the White House.
In the audio tape made available on a militant web site, a man introduced as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir said Al Qaeda has 12,000 fighters at the ready in Iraq.
"We will not rest from our Jihad until we are under the olive trees of Rumieh and we have blown up the filthiest house -- which is called the White House," al-Muhajir said.
The "olive trees of Rumieh" appeared to be a reference to the Mount of Olive in Jerusalem, or Christendom in general as a continuation of the Roman empire.
Also known as Abu Ayyub al-Masri, al-Muhajir became the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed by the U.S. military in June.
Terrorists are clear about their objective: to destroy democracy, Christians, Jews, etc.
But do not forget in the spiritual realm the Bible is clear about Satan's objectives as well: to destroy the truth, distort the gospel, divide the Church, etc, etc.
This blog goes out to those who continue to contend earnestly for this non-negotiable body of objective truth (spiritual warriors).
This blog also goes out today to those soliders who are risking their lives to defeat another enemy (our freedom fighters).
10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor (Pt. 2)
I want us to look to God’s Word and uncover “10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor.” God’s opinion is really the only voice that matters, right? We need to ask then: What characteristics does God value in a Pastor? What “Marks” separate faithful shepherds from all the rest? What does God reward and what type of marks does he value? These 10 “Marks” will not be an exhaustive list, but I trust it’s a biblical list.
Mark #1: The faithful pastor knows His Maker.
Said another way, the faithful pastor has an intimate relationship with His Savior. The qualifications for elders are clearly laid out for us in Titus 1 and in 1 Tim 3. This mark is not mentioned in these texts, but I do believe it’s assumed. For godly character is never formed in a box. Personal holiness is not gained apart from personal exposure to the Knowledge of the Holy. It was the burning bush and the 10 plagues that helped Moses better understand Who it was he was working for! I hope you understand this point.
The faithful pastor walks humbly with His God (Micah 6:8). He has a personal relationship with the God of the universe. His life is marked by prayer because he is humbly dependant on God (Acts 6:4). Daily, he communions with God and he lives to know God more intimately each day (see JI Packer’s ‘Knowing God’).
AW Tozier put it this way, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Do you want to know whether or not your Pastor has intimate knowledge of the Creator? Then listen to his theology proper! Does He have a high view of God and a proper view of man? Does his preaching EXALT the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ? Listen to your pastor’s theology proper. Pastor Flatt’s God-centered sermons tell us a great deal about His knowledge of God. Don’t underestimate the importance of this first mark! Later in his classic book, Tozier correctly notes that, “The first step down for any church is taken when it surrenders its high opinion of GOD.” Mark #1: The faithful pastor knows His Maker.
Mark #2: The faithful pastor accurately & consistently preaches the Word! (2 Tim 2:15, 2 Tim 4:1-5)
There are NO substitutes for God’s Word! God has disclosed Himself to us in one book, and in one book alone! The Bible alone makes us wise unto salvation & it alone is sufficient to sanctify (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The faithful pastor believes this and thus feeds His people wholesome food! He, like the good Shepherd, leads his people into green pastures (to feed). Jesus told Peter three times to ‘Feed his sheep’ in John 21:17.
Would you respect a mother who constantly feeds her children junk food, even when she has a refrigerator full of delicious & nutritious foods? I hope not!! I have a major sweet tooth. I appreciate dots and juju fruits and chocolate milk more than the average Joe. But one can not receive constant nourishment by eating junk food. Then why do so many today applaud those ear tickling preachers, who simply expand there peoples (already) massive egos? Why do people flock to churches where all they receive is spiritual junk food? For the life of me I don’t get this. Nothing has become more fashionable then to be a shallow, evangelical, principlizer when it comes to preaching God’s Book.
Which is why 2 Timothy 4:1-5 is so crucial. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
This is why men pleasers don’t make good preachers! You need to be willing to bring God’s message whether or not it is fashionable to do so or not. Biblical preaching may not gain a huge crowd but it will most definitely build up Christ’s church! Strauch says it like this, “The Christian community is created by the Spirit’s use of God’s Word (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18). There is a famine in the land when it comes to solid expositional preaching (see Steve Lawson’s wonderful book)! Only those who preach weekly understand the immense challenge it is to accurately and consistently bring God’s message each Sunday! Your only as good as your last sermon and your last sermon is never good enough. Why? Because we’re dealing with God’s holy revelation. Every single Monday a preacher has to start from scratch. It’s like writing a new dissertation, every single week of one’s life. BUT for the faithful minister there’s ONLY one option.
2 Timothy 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. It’s about cutting the Word straight every time the preacher preaches! The word on the street I hear is, “If you want in-depth Bible exposition, check out First Baptist Church of Carmel!” 32 years of diligence brings about this reputation! That is something us younger pastors should strive for. So (#1) The faithful pastor knows His Maker & (#2) The faithful pastor also accurately & consistently preaches the Word. To be continued…
Mark #1: The faithful pastor knows His Maker.
Said another way, the faithful pastor has an intimate relationship with His Savior. The qualifications for elders are clearly laid out for us in Titus 1 and in 1 Tim 3. This mark is not mentioned in these texts, but I do believe it’s assumed. For godly character is never formed in a box. Personal holiness is not gained apart from personal exposure to the Knowledge of the Holy. It was the burning bush and the 10 plagues that helped Moses better understand Who it was he was working for! I hope you understand this point.
The faithful pastor walks humbly with His God (Micah 6:8). He has a personal relationship with the God of the universe. His life is marked by prayer because he is humbly dependant on God (Acts 6:4). Daily, he communions with God and he lives to know God more intimately each day (see JI Packer’s ‘Knowing God’).
AW Tozier put it this way, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Do you want to know whether or not your Pastor has intimate knowledge of the Creator? Then listen to his theology proper! Does He have a high view of God and a proper view of man? Does his preaching EXALT the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ? Listen to your pastor’s theology proper. Pastor Flatt’s God-centered sermons tell us a great deal about His knowledge of God. Don’t underestimate the importance of this first mark! Later in his classic book, Tozier correctly notes that, “The first step down for any church is taken when it surrenders its high opinion of GOD.” Mark #1: The faithful pastor knows His Maker.
Mark #2: The faithful pastor accurately & consistently preaches the Word! (2 Tim 2:15, 2 Tim 4:1-5)
There are NO substitutes for God’s Word! God has disclosed Himself to us in one book, and in one book alone! The Bible alone makes us wise unto salvation & it alone is sufficient to sanctify (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The faithful pastor believes this and thus feeds His people wholesome food! He, like the good Shepherd, leads his people into green pastures (to feed). Jesus told Peter three times to ‘Feed his sheep’ in John 21:17.
Would you respect a mother who constantly feeds her children junk food, even when she has a refrigerator full of delicious & nutritious foods? I hope not!! I have a major sweet tooth. I appreciate dots and juju fruits and chocolate milk more than the average Joe. But one can not receive constant nourishment by eating junk food. Then why do so many today applaud those ear tickling preachers, who simply expand there peoples (already) massive egos? Why do people flock to churches where all they receive is spiritual junk food? For the life of me I don’t get this. Nothing has become more fashionable then to be a shallow, evangelical, principlizer when it comes to preaching God’s Book.
Which is why 2 Timothy 4:1-5 is so crucial. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
This is why men pleasers don’t make good preachers! You need to be willing to bring God’s message whether or not it is fashionable to do so or not. Biblical preaching may not gain a huge crowd but it will most definitely build up Christ’s church! Strauch says it like this, “The Christian community is created by the Spirit’s use of God’s Word (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18). There is a famine in the land when it comes to solid expositional preaching (see Steve Lawson’s wonderful book)! Only those who preach weekly understand the immense challenge it is to accurately and consistently bring God’s message each Sunday! Your only as good as your last sermon and your last sermon is never good enough. Why? Because we’re dealing with God’s holy revelation. Every single Monday a preacher has to start from scratch. It’s like writing a new dissertation, every single week of one’s life. BUT for the faithful minister there’s ONLY one option.
2 Timothy 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. It’s about cutting the Word straight every time the preacher preaches! The word on the street I hear is, “If you want in-depth Bible exposition, check out First Baptist Church of Carmel!” 32 years of diligence brings about this reputation! That is something us younger pastors should strive for. So (#1) The faithful pastor knows His Maker & (#2) The faithful pastor also accurately & consistently preaches the Word. To be continued…
Thursday, November 09, 2006
10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor (Pt. 1)
I consider myself a very blessed man. As a young pastor I have many reasons to count my blessings. God ordained that I would be raised in a Christian home where my father was both a faithful shepherd and mentor (he’s also a pastor). I spent many of my formidable years at (as Al Mohler calls it) “the Grace Community Church” under pastor/teacher John MacArthur. I was also able to earn degrees at the Master’s College and Seminary. In addition to these things, during the past 7 years I have been personally mentored by three giants in the faith: Pastor Jerry Wragg, Pastor Carey Hardy, and Pastor Joe Flatt. One can not overstate that importance of a godly mentor in a young man’s life and on a young man’s ministry.
I am currently serving at First Baptist Church (FBC) in Carmel, Indiana. Our senior pastor has been in full-time ministry for over 35 years now and more impressive he’s been at FBC for the past 32+ years. Recently I asked him a number of questions regarding his expository preaching ministry. I am going to post his answers on this blog in the next few weeks. Before I do that I want to share with you a recent sermon I preached (11/5) in honor of this man’s faithful ministry.
Joe Flatt was just given the “Pastor of the Year” award from Baptist Bible College/Seminary. Our church also wanted to thank him for 32 years of God-honoring ministry. I hope this sermon will help introduce him to you as well as provide a litmus test for all of us who serve the Lord in FT ministry. May all who come behind us find us faithful!
10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
The Scriptures tell us to give honor to whom honor is due (Rom 13:7). More specifically, the Bible teaches us that the flock of God should ‘appreciate’ and ‘show limitless respect’ for the man of God. Isn’t that what 1 Thess 5:12-13 clearly requests? Those ministers who labor to the point of exhaustion on behalf of their congregations; Those who work like this: should be known, cared for, and deeply cherished… Sometimes we forget there are many different ways in which we bring glory to God. One of the ways we glorify God is by esteeming faithful Pastors.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 says this appreciation needs to be clothed in agape love. Like children who cover their dolls in baby clothing so we the congregation of God should cover our respect for our pastor(s) in agape love.
Similarly, 1 Peter 4:8 commands us to, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” This context of course is for the entire church to obey. All of us need to love one another in this manner. Agape Love covers both wrong-doings and short-comings. 32 years of God-honoring ministry will inevitably include a few mistakes. Pastor Flatt (being the humble man that he is) would be the first to admit this reality to you. Both Pastor Flatt and I adhere to the priesthood of all believers but we firmly deny the concept of papal infallibility. We are not here tonight venerating a new saint or worshiping a human being.
But we do acknowledge that the Scriptures teach us that faithful pastors (they themselves) are gifts from the Lord to the Church (Ephesians 4:11). Thus it is proper to honor them for their steadfastness and commitment. Yet, “the best of men, are still men at best!”
With that said by way of introduction, It is most appropriate to identify evidences of grace in the life of our pastor and to praise God for “there” faithfulness to us.
One of the highest callings and most demanding jobs in the entire world is to faithfully lead Christ’s Church. It is all consuming and requires a life’s work. Ministry is a great privilege but it also requires great responsibility.
(i) “Ministry” means constantly shepherding people; (and all people, are sinners).
Pastor’s shepherd sheep; and sheep, by nature: bite, kick, spit, go wayward, and sometimes even rebel. Shepherding spiritual matters of the heart is no easy task. It is actually an impossible job without outside assistance (from the Holy Spirit). When I applied for personal life insurance a few years ago, my tester informed me that the pastorate is a high risk job in regards to stress. I say now just a couple years later, “go figure!”
(ii) “Ministry” means constantly dealing with yourself; (and every pastor has his own struggles and battles). Every pastor has to fight indwelling sin in his own life (Romans 7). Every pastor has to deal with his own finiteness and short-comings.
Did you know that all pastors are Reformed? Better said, all pastors are in the process of “being Reformed!” We better not forget this. Not only do Pastors constantly deal with the sins of others, they also have to fight their own inadequacies. I am daily made aware of this in my own life and ministry and it is a constant source of frustration.
Finally, (iii) “Ministry” also means constantly dealing with matters of eternal importance.
The quotable John Piper put it this way, “The preacher's mantle is soaked with the blood of Jesus and singed with the fire of hell." Dear friends, does it get any weightier then this? The pastor’s lifework involves matters of eternal importance. Heaven & hell; wrath & forgiveness; condemnation & grace; these are the themes that control a pastor’s ministry.
In addition to this, Hebrews 13:17 says, Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. There is a seriousness and a weight to this calling. Every pastor/elder will stand before God and “give an account” for the manner in which they cared for there congregations soul(s). Perhaps this is one of the reasons why “the Colonial” is often sober-minded. I think HE understands what’s at stake. For time sake we must move on.
I want us to look now to God’s Word and uncover “10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor.” God’s opinion is really the only voice that matters, right? We need to ask then: What characteristics does God value in a Pastor? What “Marks” separate faithful shepherds from all the rest? These Marks will not be an exhaustive list, but I trust it’s a biblical list.
I think you’ll be reminded tonight that we’ve been blessed to have this servant of the Lord, faithfully ministering to our body for over 32 years! I hope this sermon will motivate you first and foremost to praise God. That you’ll leave this place worshiping and praising Him for His unwavering covenant faithfulness; As well as deepen your appreciation for God’s faithful servant (pastor Joe Flatt).
I am currently serving at First Baptist Church (FBC) in Carmel, Indiana. Our senior pastor has been in full-time ministry for over 35 years now and more impressive he’s been at FBC for the past 32+ years. Recently I asked him a number of questions regarding his expository preaching ministry. I am going to post his answers on this blog in the next few weeks. Before I do that I want to share with you a recent sermon I preached (11/5) in honor of this man’s faithful ministry.
Joe Flatt was just given the “Pastor of the Year” award from Baptist Bible College/Seminary. Our church also wanted to thank him for 32 years of God-honoring ministry. I hope this sermon will help introduce him to you as well as provide a litmus test for all of us who serve the Lord in FT ministry. May all who come behind us find us faithful!
10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
The Scriptures tell us to give honor to whom honor is due (Rom 13:7). More specifically, the Bible teaches us that the flock of God should ‘appreciate’ and ‘show limitless respect’ for the man of God. Isn’t that what 1 Thess 5:12-13 clearly requests? Those ministers who labor to the point of exhaustion on behalf of their congregations; Those who work like this: should be known, cared for, and deeply cherished… Sometimes we forget there are many different ways in which we bring glory to God. One of the ways we glorify God is by esteeming faithful Pastors.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 says this appreciation needs to be clothed in agape love. Like children who cover their dolls in baby clothing so we the congregation of God should cover our respect for our pastor(s) in agape love.
Similarly, 1 Peter 4:8 commands us to, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” This context of course is for the entire church to obey. All of us need to love one another in this manner. Agape Love covers both wrong-doings and short-comings. 32 years of God-honoring ministry will inevitably include a few mistakes. Pastor Flatt (being the humble man that he is) would be the first to admit this reality to you. Both Pastor Flatt and I adhere to the priesthood of all believers but we firmly deny the concept of papal infallibility. We are not here tonight venerating a new saint or worshiping a human being.
But we do acknowledge that the Scriptures teach us that faithful pastors (they themselves) are gifts from the Lord to the Church (Ephesians 4:11). Thus it is proper to honor them for their steadfastness and commitment. Yet, “the best of men, are still men at best!”
With that said by way of introduction, It is most appropriate to identify evidences of grace in the life of our pastor and to praise God for “there” faithfulness to us.
One of the highest callings and most demanding jobs in the entire world is to faithfully lead Christ’s Church. It is all consuming and requires a life’s work. Ministry is a great privilege but it also requires great responsibility.
(i) “Ministry” means constantly shepherding people; (and all people, are sinners).
Pastor’s shepherd sheep; and sheep, by nature: bite, kick, spit, go wayward, and sometimes even rebel. Shepherding spiritual matters of the heart is no easy task. It is actually an impossible job without outside assistance (from the Holy Spirit). When I applied for personal life insurance a few years ago, my tester informed me that the pastorate is a high risk job in regards to stress. I say now just a couple years later, “go figure!”
(ii) “Ministry” means constantly dealing with yourself; (and every pastor has his own struggles and battles). Every pastor has to fight indwelling sin in his own life (Romans 7). Every pastor has to deal with his own finiteness and short-comings.
Did you know that all pastors are Reformed? Better said, all pastors are in the process of “being Reformed!” We better not forget this. Not only do Pastors constantly deal with the sins of others, they also have to fight their own inadequacies. I am daily made aware of this in my own life and ministry and it is a constant source of frustration.
Finally, (iii) “Ministry” also means constantly dealing with matters of eternal importance.
The quotable John Piper put it this way, “The preacher's mantle is soaked with the blood of Jesus and singed with the fire of hell." Dear friends, does it get any weightier then this? The pastor’s lifework involves matters of eternal importance. Heaven & hell; wrath & forgiveness; condemnation & grace; these are the themes that control a pastor’s ministry.
In addition to this, Hebrews 13:17 says, Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. There is a seriousness and a weight to this calling. Every pastor/elder will stand before God and “give an account” for the manner in which they cared for there congregations soul(s). Perhaps this is one of the reasons why “the Colonial” is often sober-minded. I think HE understands what’s at stake. For time sake we must move on.
I want us to look now to God’s Word and uncover “10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor.” God’s opinion is really the only voice that matters, right? We need to ask then: What characteristics does God value in a Pastor? What “Marks” separate faithful shepherds from all the rest? These Marks will not be an exhaustive list, but I trust it’s a biblical list.
I think you’ll be reminded tonight that we’ve been blessed to have this servant of the Lord, faithfully ministering to our body for over 32 years! I hope this sermon will motivate you first and foremost to praise God. That you’ll leave this place worshiping and praising Him for His unwavering covenant faithfulness; As well as deepen your appreciation for God’s faithful servant (pastor Joe Flatt).
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Frustration
I am thankful the Lord is sovereign; no matter what happens on any election date. God is in control (Rom 8:28ff). I do believe we should take advantage of the privileges we have in this free country (voting, etc). My wife and I prayed yesterday that the nation would elect men who would be just and fair (and perhaps even uphold Biblical morality). I do not know if that happened yesterday but i am not sweating it, since like i said above, God is in complete control. (Yes, sometimes i need to remind myself of this truth alot).
I am frustrated though that Donald Rumsfeld resigned TODAY. (You can ask my wife) I've been asking for this very thing for the past few weeks. Rumsfeld should have resigned BEFORE the elections, NOT after them. They GOP could have given the dog a bone if you will... They would have saved (more than likely) a few seats in the house and preserved there senate majority.
This is not to argue that the war in Iraq is either right or wrong (that is not the point of this blog); I am arguing that President Bush should have humbly admitted that things have not been easy over there. Things have not gone as planned (or as predicted). Rumsfeld resignation would have shown some humility which i think was needed in order to save this election.
My old Greek teacher use to always say, "Just remember, God is neither a Democrat or a Republican." He is right. God's future Kingdom reign will be like nothing we've ever seen. I can not wait for that day! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
I am frustrated though that Donald Rumsfeld resigned TODAY. (You can ask my wife) I've been asking for this very thing for the past few weeks. Rumsfeld should have resigned BEFORE the elections, NOT after them. They GOP could have given the dog a bone if you will... They would have saved (more than likely) a few seats in the house and preserved there senate majority.
This is not to argue that the war in Iraq is either right or wrong (that is not the point of this blog); I am arguing that President Bush should have humbly admitted that things have not been easy over there. Things have not gone as planned (or as predicted). Rumsfeld resignation would have shown some humility which i think was needed in order to save this election.
My old Greek teacher use to always say, "Just remember, God is neither a Democrat or a Republican." He is right. God's future Kingdom reign will be like nothing we've ever seen. I can not wait for that day! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
Reading???
Reading??
What are you currently reading?
I like to re-post this blog from time to time to find out what my readers are reading...Much of my "pleasure reading" takes place at home after the work day. So what are you currently reading (outside the Bible)? How have you enjoyed those books? What did you learn? etc. Please let me know your thoughts and recommendations!
Books I am currently reading or ones I recently finished:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (Done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (Done)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (Done)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 19)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (Done)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (CH 11)
7. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (CH 9)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (done)
9. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (not much progress yet)
10. Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch) (rereading; currently on CH 2)
11. How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher) (CH 4)
12. Numerous Jude commentaries (check out the new Pillar commentary)
13. Expository Preaching With Word Pictures: With Illustrations from the Sermons of Thomas Watson (by Jack Hughes)
What are you currently reading?
I like to re-post this blog from time to time to find out what my readers are reading...Much of my "pleasure reading" takes place at home after the work day. So what are you currently reading (outside the Bible)? How have you enjoyed those books? What did you learn? etc. Please let me know your thoughts and recommendations!
Books I am currently reading or ones I recently finished:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (Done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (Done)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (Done)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 19)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (Done)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (CH 11)
7. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (CH 9)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (done)
9. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (not much progress yet)
10. Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch) (rereading; currently on CH 2)
11. How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher) (CH 4)
12. Numerous Jude commentaries (check out the new Pillar commentary)
13. Expository Preaching With Word Pictures: With Illustrations from the Sermons of Thomas Watson (by Jack Hughes)
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Dr. Phil on the Emerging Church
I am a huge fan of this blog: http://teampyro.blogspot.com/
Phil Johnson is one of my favorite blog writers and I think you will enjoy this post. It is great food for thought regarding Rob Bell and Mark Driscoll.
"Perhaps you are one of those who thinks I have been too hard or too shrill in my criticisms of "the Emerging Church." In all honesty, the more I have been exposed to the various streams of the movement, and the more closely I have examined the agglomeration of trends and ways of thinking that make Emerging-style "ministry" distinctive, the more I want to distance myself from everything "Emerging." If any ostensibly-Christian movement since late-nineteenth-century modernism was more deserving of a shrill warning, I can't imagine what it would be.
Here is a lie writ large: "Postmodern Ministry Takes Us Back to The Bible." I invite you to follow that link; read the page; notice the sound file linked at the bottom of the page; and give it a careful listen.
It's a sermon by Rob Bell. David Posthuma introduces the message with this hopeful claim: "I present this teaching for one purpose alone . . . to illustrate how radically different postmodern Biblical facilitation is from the Seeker-Sensitive Topical Talk model so prevalent within our churches today."
OK. I'll grant that Bell's message is completely and radically different from anything you would hear in a seeker-sensitive context. But Posthuma's blogpost seems to imply that Bell's sermon proves Emerging-style ministry is somehow more "biblical" than seeker-sensitive worship.
Hardly. Bell's message is not only unbiblical; it's anti-Christian. He takes a bit of drivel he apparently learned from a yoga instructor somewhere, badly rephrases in quasi-biblical terminology, and spends 36 minutes doing "exposition" on a breathing exercise.
The result is not merely trivial: it's flat-out heretical. And in more ways than I care to enumerate.
I'll give one brief example, though. Here's a sample of what Bell does with the gospel: "You can't get enough points to get in with the Big Guy. You can't do enough good deeds and then God will like you. One of the things the Spirit does is remind us that we belong. Period. Just exactly as we are. You are loved by God."
Bell's syncretized amateur yoga exercise is not Christianity by any stretch of the definition. I'll go further: if this is what Bell really believes, he himself is no Christian.
The message actually proves that the stream of Emerging religion represented by Rob Bell hasn't a clue or a care about basic biblical truth. It's nothing but an experiment with the deconstruction of Christianity.
On a side note, but a related subject I thought in the interests of balance, after hearing that sermon by Bell, I ought to listen to a sermon from the "conservative" side of the Emerging movement. So I listened to this one by Mark Driscoll. I wish I hadn't. Driscoll's smutty language and preoccupation with all things lowbrow are inappropriate, unbecoming, and dishonoring to Christ. I completely agree that many Christians fail to appreciate the true humanity of Jesus. But it's not necessary to get vulgar in order to communicate the truth about His humanity.
This is the first time I have ever posted anything critical of Driscoll. I have appreciated his defense of the atonement and his willingness to confront the neo-liberalism of other Emerging leaders honestly. But I don't think his perpetually coarse language in the pulpit and his apparent preoccupation with off-color terms and ribald subject matter are merely minor flaws in an otherwise healthy ministry. It is a serious shortcoming.
No, it's actually worse than that, because it blatantly violates the clear principle of Ephesians 5:3-4. It is shameful (v. 12) and therefore a reproach. It's characteristic of the old man and one of the fleshly behaviors we are expressly commanded to put aside (Colossians 3:8). Scripture even seems to indicate that unwholesome language signals an impure mind (Matthew 12:34). And yet this seems to be a deliberate, calculated, and persistent practice of Driscoll's. It is practically the chief trademark of his style.
That's troubling, and even more troubling when I see young Christians and older believers who ought to know better mimicking the practice. If this is the direction even the very best Emerging-style ministry is headed, it's not a trend any Christian ought to find encouraging, much less one we should follow." BY Phil Johnson
Check out http://teampyro.blogspot.com/ if you'd like to interact with Phil or read all the comments in context.
Phil Johnson is one of my favorite blog writers and I think you will enjoy this post. It is great food for thought regarding Rob Bell and Mark Driscoll.
"Perhaps you are one of those who thinks I have been too hard or too shrill in my criticisms of "the Emerging Church." In all honesty, the more I have been exposed to the various streams of the movement, and the more closely I have examined the agglomeration of trends and ways of thinking that make Emerging-style "ministry" distinctive, the more I want to distance myself from everything "Emerging." If any ostensibly-Christian movement since late-nineteenth-century modernism was more deserving of a shrill warning, I can't imagine what it would be.
Here is a lie writ large: "Postmodern Ministry Takes Us Back to The Bible." I invite you to follow that link; read the page; notice the sound file linked at the bottom of the page; and give it a careful listen.
It's a sermon by Rob Bell. David Posthuma introduces the message with this hopeful claim: "I present this teaching for one purpose alone . . . to illustrate how radically different postmodern Biblical facilitation is from the Seeker-Sensitive Topical Talk model so prevalent within our churches today."
OK. I'll grant that Bell's message is completely and radically different from anything you would hear in a seeker-sensitive context. But Posthuma's blogpost seems to imply that Bell's sermon proves Emerging-style ministry is somehow more "biblical" than seeker-sensitive worship.
Hardly. Bell's message is not only unbiblical; it's anti-Christian. He takes a bit of drivel he apparently learned from a yoga instructor somewhere, badly rephrases in quasi-biblical terminology, and spends 36 minutes doing "exposition" on a breathing exercise.
The result is not merely trivial: it's flat-out heretical. And in more ways than I care to enumerate.
I'll give one brief example, though. Here's a sample of what Bell does with the gospel: "You can't get enough points to get in with the Big Guy. You can't do enough good deeds and then God will like you. One of the things the Spirit does is remind us that we belong. Period. Just exactly as we are. You are loved by God."
Bell's syncretized amateur yoga exercise is not Christianity by any stretch of the definition. I'll go further: if this is what Bell really believes, he himself is no Christian.
The message actually proves that the stream of Emerging religion represented by Rob Bell hasn't a clue or a care about basic biblical truth. It's nothing but an experiment with the deconstruction of Christianity.
On a side note, but a related subject I thought in the interests of balance, after hearing that sermon by Bell, I ought to listen to a sermon from the "conservative" side of the Emerging movement. So I listened to this one by Mark Driscoll. I wish I hadn't. Driscoll's smutty language and preoccupation with all things lowbrow are inappropriate, unbecoming, and dishonoring to Christ. I completely agree that many Christians fail to appreciate the true humanity of Jesus. But it's not necessary to get vulgar in order to communicate the truth about His humanity.
This is the first time I have ever posted anything critical of Driscoll. I have appreciated his defense of the atonement and his willingness to confront the neo-liberalism of other Emerging leaders honestly. But I don't think his perpetually coarse language in the pulpit and his apparent preoccupation with off-color terms and ribald subject matter are merely minor flaws in an otherwise healthy ministry. It is a serious shortcoming.
No, it's actually worse than that, because it blatantly violates the clear principle of Ephesians 5:3-4. It is shameful (v. 12) and therefore a reproach. It's characteristic of the old man and one of the fleshly behaviors we are expressly commanded to put aside (Colossians 3:8). Scripture even seems to indicate that unwholesome language signals an impure mind (Matthew 12:34). And yet this seems to be a deliberate, calculated, and persistent practice of Driscoll's. It is practically the chief trademark of his style.
That's troubling, and even more troubling when I see young Christians and older believers who ought to know better mimicking the practice. If this is the direction even the very best Emerging-style ministry is headed, it's not a trend any Christian ought to find encouraging, much less one we should follow." BY Phil Johnson
Check out http://teampyro.blogspot.com/ if you'd like to interact with Phil or read all the comments in context.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
On Vacation
I am on vacation now with my wife and family. We are visiting my parents and brother in WA. The Pacific NW is very beautiful. God's creation is really awesome (esp. when you visit spots like Seattle).
I have a bad cold but other than that am really enjoying this time off. I hope everything is going well in Carmel. We miss our church family/friends but are grateful for this opportunity to spend some time with our rents. This was my father's first time meeting Evelyn. She is now 5 months old and is getting a little more perfect each day (perhaps Weslyian theology of sanctification is correct)! :) Just kidding of course.
Hope you all are having a great week!
I have a bad cold but other than that am really enjoying this time off. I hope everything is going well in Carmel. We miss our church family/friends but are grateful for this opportunity to spend some time with our rents. This was my father's first time meeting Evelyn. She is now 5 months old and is getting a little more perfect each day (perhaps Weslyian theology of sanctification is correct)! :) Just kidding of course.
Hope you all are having a great week!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Da Bears are back in town!
On 9-11-06 i posted the following,
I've been a Bears fan since 1982 (my first childhood photograph w/Bears clothing on) and I've stuck with them these 26 years. I was born in WI so you understand this never made me a popular guy around the house. My dad and older brother are both huge Packer fans. My little brother is a Houston Oilers fan (now the Tenn. Titans) which makes things interesting.
Moving from CA to IN has been great. One of the things that has been annoying is getting use to being on E.S.T. Monday night games start at 8:30pm or later so I'm in bed before the start of the third quarter.
People at our church are serious Colts fans! We live only 25 minutes from the RCA Dome. As you can imagine Peyton is a very popular baby name out here.
EVEN COLTS FANS REALIZE THE BEARS ARE THE BETTER TEAM (AT LEAST FOR NOW).
I'll take Rex and the Bear's D over Peyton Manning and Colt's O anyday!!!!
I've been a Bears fan since 1982 (my first childhood photograph w/Bears clothing on) and I've stuck with them these 26 years. I was born in WI so you understand this never made me a popular guy around the house. My dad and older brother are both huge Packer fans. My little brother is a Houston Oilers fan (now the Tenn. Titans) which makes things interesting.
Moving from CA to IN has been great. One of the things that has been annoying is getting use to being on E.S.T. Monday night games start at 8:30pm or later so I'm in bed before the start of the third quarter.
People at our church are serious Colts fans! We live only 25 minutes from the RCA Dome. As you can imagine Peyton is a very popular baby name out here.
EVEN COLTS FANS REALIZE THE BEARS ARE THE BETTER TEAM (AT LEAST FOR NOW).
I'll take Rex and the Bear's D over Peyton Manning and Colt's O anyday!!!!
Too busy to post here or anywhere
Not many people read this blog anyways.... I know that because i have not recieved any comments from anyone saying "hey Caleb! Why aren't you blogging." That's ok because everyone and their grandma has a blog these days AND their are much better one's to be reading then mine!
I have had the opportunity to preach through Jude 5, Jude 6, and Jude 7 on Sunday morning. If you are interested in what i said the mp3s are at www.fbccarmel.com
I also preached a special sermon on Is 53:10 (God's pleasure in crushing His Son) during our PM communion service. I did a small sermon for a funeral last Monday (from John 14:1-6) for some dear friends at my church (the Carrs). I also attended much of the NANC National conference.
In addition to these things are my duties as a youth pastor; putting together the FIRE regional pastors conference (which is Oct 16-18th at our church); and all the other things that need to happen (our Sr. Pastor has been on vacation the past 3 weeks).
My wife and baby daughter are in NY visiting some family right now. I taught an evangelism class this morning for our Upward Basketball coaches (Upward basketball is around the corner and this year i am coaching as well as continuing my role as League Commissioner). I've been teaching through a series on Pride & Humility in our new young marrieds/families/singles class. I'm using Mack's book, Scott's pamphlet, and Mahaney's short book. Good Stuff!
Please keep me in your prayers! God's grace is truly sufficient.
Caleb
I have had the opportunity to preach through Jude 5, Jude 6, and Jude 7 on Sunday morning. If you are interested in what i said the mp3s are at www.fbccarmel.com
I also preached a special sermon on Is 53:10 (God's pleasure in crushing His Son) during our PM communion service. I did a small sermon for a funeral last Monday (from John 14:1-6) for some dear friends at my church (the Carrs). I also attended much of the NANC National conference.
In addition to these things are my duties as a youth pastor; putting together the FIRE regional pastors conference (which is Oct 16-18th at our church); and all the other things that need to happen (our Sr. Pastor has been on vacation the past 3 weeks).
My wife and baby daughter are in NY visiting some family right now. I taught an evangelism class this morning for our Upward Basketball coaches (Upward basketball is around the corner and this year i am coaching as well as continuing my role as League Commissioner). I've been teaching through a series on Pride & Humility in our new young marrieds/families/singles class. I'm using Mack's book, Scott's pamphlet, and Mahaney's short book. Good Stuff!
Please keep me in your prayers! God's grace is truly sufficient.
Caleb
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
One world religion???
I am not predicting per say that post-modernism is def. going to usher in the reign of Anti-Christ and the one world religion.....BUT this type of oneness speech is VERY common today.
The 'holy father' recently said this, "I hope that in several occasions during the visit ... my deep respect for great religions, in particular for Muslims — who worship the one God and with whom we are engaged in defending and promoting together social justice, moral values, peace and freedom for all men — has emerged clearly."
Talk about compromising for the sake of superficial unity and peace (and at the expense of gospel truth, Acts 4:12).
Shame on Evangelicals for watering down the gospel and for doing this type of thing ourselves on so many different occasions.
That's why one pastor's book is so spot on: "Why ONE way? Defending an Exclusive claim in an Inclusive world."
The 'holy father' recently said this, "I hope that in several occasions during the visit ... my deep respect for great religions, in particular for Muslims — who worship the one God and with whom we are engaged in defending and promoting together social justice, moral values, peace and freedom for all men — has emerged clearly."
Talk about compromising for the sake of superficial unity and peace (and at the expense of gospel truth, Acts 4:12).
Shame on Evangelicals for watering down the gospel and for doing this type of thing ourselves on so many different occasions.
That's why one pastor's book is so spot on: "Why ONE way? Defending an Exclusive claim in an Inclusive world."
Thursday, September 14, 2006
R.C. Sproul on.......
From the blog at http://fide-o.blogspot.com,
Jason Robertson writes:
Today, I am attending “The Cross of Christ: Redemption Accomplished” Conference in Anaheim, California with R.C. Sproul and Ligon Duncan.
Last night I got a chance to spend some time with Dr. Sproul and talk about eschatology. I mentioned to him that I felt like in his book “The Last Days According to Jesus” that he really didn’t let his readers know which eschatological camp he was in: Premil, Postmil, or Amil. He laughed heartily and replied, “That’s right, because I don’t actually know. I see valid points in all of them and weaknesses, too.”
R.C. made sure that I knew that he was a partial preterist who viewed this age in a very positive way. He talked about how the church in the West is filled with apostasy and liberalism but in other parts of the world the church is doing great. When he spoke of these matters he sounded like an Amillennialist. But he said that when it came to Romans chapter 11 that he agreed with Charles Hodge and believed that there was something in the future specially for the ethnic Jews of Israel. His view of Romans 11 was similar to Historical Premil. He then apologized to me for being confused. Now that was humbling. If it were not for Dr. Sproul quite possibly I could still be an Arminian – so don’t apologize to me, Dr. Sproul. In fact, to confess that some theology confuses you encourages me and reminds me that we all approach the Bible from the same place – a place of desperate need for God’s wisdom!
The service last night was a Q&A session with Dr. Sproul. Here are some of the answers he gave. There were more questions than what I have listed below and, of course, Dr. Sproul’s answers were longer than what I have given below. But I thought you may enjoy this abridged version.
Q – How do you feel about current supernatural works of the Holy Spirit?
A – I feel good about the Holy Spirit miraculously doing His work of bringing men to salvation… But concerning miracles as defined theologically I am a cessationist…. Miracles in Scripture were used by God to verify and authenticate agents of revelation and to verify the divinity of Christ… God is not doing such miracles today.
Q – Are Arminians saved?
A – The real question is whether they are safe… Saved? Most are, barely… really the debate between Calvinists and Arminians is an intramural debate among Christians.
Q – Why is tension between Reformed Christians and Conservative Evangelical over the doctrine of predestination?
A – There has been tension in nearly every century for 2000 years so we shouldn’t be alarmed… The good news is Conservative Evangelicals believe that there is a biblical doctrine of predestination. The issue is what is the definition… Some are upset with this doctrine because it seems to cancel human free will and it seems to make God unfair and unloving… Arminians never get charged with their gospel making God look unrighteous. But Paul knew that his definition of predestination would bring that charge, so he anticipates the charge in Romans 9 by asking, “Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!”
Q – Is Israel still an entity in God’s plan or has Israel been replaced by God?
A – Yes… but Dispensationalism is flat out wrong!
Q – How do you feel about last nights game between Pittsburg and Miami?
A – It reconfirmed the grace of God.
Q – The church is always under attack, but what do you see as the most dangerous?
A – Hostility of the secular culture and those who want to use the power of the state to mute and marginalize the church… the secularization of worship… but always the greatest enemy of the church is not from without but within, the false teachers.
Jason Robertson writes:
Today, I am attending “The Cross of Christ: Redemption Accomplished” Conference in Anaheim, California with R.C. Sproul and Ligon Duncan.
Last night I got a chance to spend some time with Dr. Sproul and talk about eschatology. I mentioned to him that I felt like in his book “The Last Days According to Jesus” that he really didn’t let his readers know which eschatological camp he was in: Premil, Postmil, or Amil. He laughed heartily and replied, “That’s right, because I don’t actually know. I see valid points in all of them and weaknesses, too.”
R.C. made sure that I knew that he was a partial preterist who viewed this age in a very positive way. He talked about how the church in the West is filled with apostasy and liberalism but in other parts of the world the church is doing great. When he spoke of these matters he sounded like an Amillennialist. But he said that when it came to Romans chapter 11 that he agreed with Charles Hodge and believed that there was something in the future specially for the ethnic Jews of Israel. His view of Romans 11 was similar to Historical Premil. He then apologized to me for being confused. Now that was humbling. If it were not for Dr. Sproul quite possibly I could still be an Arminian – so don’t apologize to me, Dr. Sproul. In fact, to confess that some theology confuses you encourages me and reminds me that we all approach the Bible from the same place – a place of desperate need for God’s wisdom!
The service last night was a Q&A session with Dr. Sproul. Here are some of the answers he gave. There were more questions than what I have listed below and, of course, Dr. Sproul’s answers were longer than what I have given below. But I thought you may enjoy this abridged version.
Q – How do you feel about current supernatural works of the Holy Spirit?
A – I feel good about the Holy Spirit miraculously doing His work of bringing men to salvation… But concerning miracles as defined theologically I am a cessationist…. Miracles in Scripture were used by God to verify and authenticate agents of revelation and to verify the divinity of Christ… God is not doing such miracles today.
Q – Are Arminians saved?
A – The real question is whether they are safe… Saved? Most are, barely… really the debate between Calvinists and Arminians is an intramural debate among Christians.
Q – Why is tension between Reformed Christians and Conservative Evangelical over the doctrine of predestination?
A – There has been tension in nearly every century for 2000 years so we shouldn’t be alarmed… The good news is Conservative Evangelicals believe that there is a biblical doctrine of predestination. The issue is what is the definition… Some are upset with this doctrine because it seems to cancel human free will and it seems to make God unfair and unloving… Arminians never get charged with their gospel making God look unrighteous. But Paul knew that his definition of predestination would bring that charge, so he anticipates the charge in Romans 9 by asking, “Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!”
Q – Is Israel still an entity in God’s plan or has Israel been replaced by God?
A – Yes… but Dispensationalism is flat out wrong!
Q – How do you feel about last nights game between Pittsburg and Miami?
A – It reconfirmed the grace of God.
Q – The church is always under attack, but what do you see as the most dangerous?
A – Hostility of the secular culture and those who want to use the power of the state to mute and marginalize the church… the secularization of worship… but always the greatest enemy of the church is not from without but within, the false teachers.
Hollywood strongly pushing for gay marriage
Fox News article..."It's hard to imagine where society would be without Brad Pitt. And to think, mankind survived thousands of years without our hero.
By now you've probably read that Pitt said he would not marry Angelina Jolie, with whom he has three children, until "everybody who wants to be married can do so legally." At least that's what he reportedly said in an Esquire magazine interview due out this month. And while I'm sure he's received lots of accolades from a lot of his Hollywood pals, the statement, if it was not taken out of context, is ridiculous. Think about it — even if you're gay and you cannot legally wed in your home state, it's ludicrous if Pitt thinks he's doing a public service by making such a hypocritical play.
What, was his wedding to Jennifer Aniston just another publicity stunt, or did he not hold the first Mrs. Pitt up to the same standards as he does Ms. Jolie? Do you think the next time Pitt is offered a ride across the country on some studio's private jet he'll decline, stating, "I'll take the ride when every person in America can afford such luxury," or "for the good of the environment, I will fly commercial"? On his next big movie contract, do you think he'll refuse the big money and say, "I'll take that ridiculous amount of money for my job playing make believe, when more deserving people like doctors, scientists, firefighters, police officers and members of our armed forces are compensated just as much for the important work that they do." Hah! The next time his 10-percent-off-the-top agent takes him to Spago for lunch, do you think he'll decline, or better yet, invite along a busload of kids who could never afford such fine dining to join them? Highly unlikely.
Do you think the next time Oprah Winfrey invites him on the show, Brad will share the stage and the national platform where he usually shills for his next flick with a gay couple who wants to get married but can't, so that they can share their story with the Oprah viewers and as a result, Congress and the Supreme Court might revisit the issue? Huh? And lose the promotional time? I don't think so. Pitt's statement is just another example of how delusional "celebrities" are today, and I use that term loosely. Hey Brad, make a movie people want to see. Better yet, how about an acting lesson?
Maybe in between her worthy charity work and her United Nations duties, Angelina can teach you how to act. She's awesome at it, frankly. Pitt may not believe in the concept of marriage — this week. But if the right script came along from the right screenwriter, for a film with the right director attached, for a studio willing to pay the right price, in a movie that will be released at the right time (i.e. Oscar time), there's no doubt in my mind that Pitt would put his heart and soul into playing the perfect husband, the perfect father and the perfect conventional family man ... if the price is right. He'll call it acting, but it's typical Hollywood hypocrisy at its finest. And oh yeah, Whitney Houston is divorcing Bobby Brown. Surprised? Yeah, surprised it took so long."
This taken from foxnews.com
By now you've probably read that Pitt said he would not marry Angelina Jolie, with whom he has three children, until "everybody who wants to be married can do so legally." At least that's what he reportedly said in an Esquire magazine interview due out this month. And while I'm sure he's received lots of accolades from a lot of his Hollywood pals, the statement, if it was not taken out of context, is ridiculous. Think about it — even if you're gay and you cannot legally wed in your home state, it's ludicrous if Pitt thinks he's doing a public service by making such a hypocritical play.
What, was his wedding to Jennifer Aniston just another publicity stunt, or did he not hold the first Mrs. Pitt up to the same standards as he does Ms. Jolie? Do you think the next time Pitt is offered a ride across the country on some studio's private jet he'll decline, stating, "I'll take the ride when every person in America can afford such luxury," or "for the good of the environment, I will fly commercial"? On his next big movie contract, do you think he'll refuse the big money and say, "I'll take that ridiculous amount of money for my job playing make believe, when more deserving people like doctors, scientists, firefighters, police officers and members of our armed forces are compensated just as much for the important work that they do." Hah! The next time his 10-percent-off-the-top agent takes him to Spago for lunch, do you think he'll decline, or better yet, invite along a busload of kids who could never afford such fine dining to join them? Highly unlikely.
Do you think the next time Oprah Winfrey invites him on the show, Brad will share the stage and the national platform where he usually shills for his next flick with a gay couple who wants to get married but can't, so that they can share their story with the Oprah viewers and as a result, Congress and the Supreme Court might revisit the issue? Huh? And lose the promotional time? I don't think so. Pitt's statement is just another example of how delusional "celebrities" are today, and I use that term loosely. Hey Brad, make a movie people want to see. Better yet, how about an acting lesson?
Maybe in between her worthy charity work and her United Nations duties, Angelina can teach you how to act. She's awesome at it, frankly. Pitt may not believe in the concept of marriage — this week. But if the right script came along from the right screenwriter, for a film with the right director attached, for a studio willing to pay the right price, in a movie that will be released at the right time (i.e. Oscar time), there's no doubt in my mind that Pitt would put his heart and soul into playing the perfect husband, the perfect father and the perfect conventional family man ... if the price is right. He'll call it acting, but it's typical Hollywood hypocrisy at its finest. And oh yeah, Whitney Houston is divorcing Bobby Brown. Surprised? Yeah, surprised it took so long."
This taken from foxnews.com
Monday, September 11, 2006
Are you ready for some football?
NFL: Go Bears!
So how did your Sunday go yesterday? My wife and I had a great day of worship combined with a wonderful day of football. Now typically i reserve my posts for serious matters (theology, doctrine, church matters) but from my TMS experience i know many of you men love the NFL (so a few posts now and again on trivial matters is probably appropriate).
I've been a Bears fan since 1982 (my first childhood photograph w/Bears clothing on) and I've stuck with them these 26 years. I was born in WI so you understand this never made me a popular guy around the house. My dad and older brother are both huge Packer fans. My little brother is a Houston Oilers fan (now the Tenn. Titans) which makes things interesting.
Moving from CA to IN has been great. One of the things that has been annoying is getting use to being on E.S.T. Monday night games start at 8:30pm or later so I'm in bed before the start of the third quarter.
People at our church are serious Colts fans! We live only 25 minutes from the RCA Dome. As you can imagine Peyton is a very popular baby name out here. I've rambled on long enough so I will ask one last time: How was your Sunday?
Keep on keeping on,
Caleb
So how did your Sunday go yesterday? My wife and I had a great day of worship combined with a wonderful day of football. Now typically i reserve my posts for serious matters (theology, doctrine, church matters) but from my TMS experience i know many of you men love the NFL (so a few posts now and again on trivial matters is probably appropriate).
I've been a Bears fan since 1982 (my first childhood photograph w/Bears clothing on) and I've stuck with them these 26 years. I was born in WI so you understand this never made me a popular guy around the house. My dad and older brother are both huge Packer fans. My little brother is a Houston Oilers fan (now the Tenn. Titans) which makes things interesting.
Moving from CA to IN has been great. One of the things that has been annoying is getting use to being on E.S.T. Monday night games start at 8:30pm or later so I'm in bed before the start of the third quarter.
People at our church are serious Colts fans! We live only 25 minutes from the RCA Dome. As you can imagine Peyton is a very popular baby name out here. I've rambled on long enough so I will ask one last time: How was your Sunday?
Keep on keeping on,
Caleb
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
http://www.sfpulpit.com/
What Does This Verse Mean “to Me”?
(By John MacArthur)
Check their site out http://www.sfpulpit.com/ It goes along with my series on basic bible interpretation.
"That’s a fashionable concern, judging from the trends in devotional booklets, home Bible study discussions, Sunday-school literature, and most popular preaching.
The question of what Scripture means has taken a back seat to the issue of what it means “to me.”
The difference may seem insignificant at first. Nevertheless, our obsession with the Scripture’s applicability reflects a fundamental weakness. We have adopted practicality as the ultimate judge of the worth of God’s Word. We bury ourselves in passages that overtly relate to daily living, and ignore those that don’t.
Early in my ministry, I made a conscious commitment to biblical preaching. My first priority has always been to answer the question, “What does this passage mean?” After I’ve explained as clearly and accurately as possible the meaning of God’s Word, then I exhort people to obey and apply it to their own lives.
The Bible speaks for itself to the human heart; it is not my role as a preacher to try to tailor the message. That’s why I preach my way through entire books of the Bible, dealing carefully with each verse and phrase–even though that occasionally means spending time in passages that don’t readily lend themselves to anecdotal or motivational messages.
I am grateful to the Lord for the way He has used this expository approach in our church and in the lives of our radio listeners.
But now and then someone tells me frankly that my preaching needs to be less doctrinal and more practical.
Practical application is vital. I don’t want to minimize its importance. But the distinction between doctrinal and practical truth is artificial; doctrine is practical! In fact, nothing is more practical than sound doctrine.
Too many Christians view doctrine as heady and theoretical. They have dismissed doctrinal passages as unimportant, divisive, threatening, or simply impractical. A best-selling Christian book I just read warns readers to be on guard against preachers whose emphasis is on interpreting Scripture rather than applying it.
Wait a minute. Is that wise counsel? No it is not.
There is no danger of irrelevant doctrine; the real threat is an undoctrinal attempt at relevance. Application not based on solid interpretation has led Christians into all kinds of confusion.
No discipline is more sorely needed in the contemporary church than expositional biblical teaching. Too many have bought the lie that doctrine is something abstract and threatening, unrelated to daily life.
It is in vogue to substitute psychology and spoon-fed application for doctrinal substance, while demeaning theological and expositional ministry.
But the pastor who turns away from preaching sound doctrine abdicates the primary responsibility of an elder: “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).
Practical insights, gimmicks, and illustrations mean little if they’re not attached to divine principles. There’s no basis for godly behavior apart from the truth of God’s Word.
There are only three options: We teach truth, error, or nothing at all.
Before the preacher asks anyone to perform a certain duty, he must first deal with doctrine. He must develop his message around theological themes and draw out the principles of the texts. Then the truth can be applied.
Romans provides the clearest biblical example. Paul didn’t give any exhortation until he had given eleven chapters of theology.
He scaled incredible heights of truth, culminating in 11:33-36: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
Then in chapter 12, he turned immediately to the practical consequences of the doctrine of the first 11 chapters. No passage in Scripture captures the Christian’s responsibility to the truth more clearly than Romans 12:1-2. There, building on eleven chapters of profound doctrine, Paul calls each believer to a supreme act of spiritual worship–giving oneself as a living sacrifice. Doctrine gives rise to dedication to Christ, the greatest practical act. And the remainder of the book of Romans goes on to explain the many practical outworkings of one’s dedication to Christ.
Paul followed the same pattern in Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians. The doctrinal message came first. Upon that foundation he built the practical application, making the logical connection with the word therefore (Rom. 12:1; Gal. 5:1; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 2:1) or then (Col. 3:1; 1 Thess. 4:1).
True doctrine transforms behavior as it is woven into the fabric of everyday life. But it must be understood if it is to have its impact. The real challenge of the ministry is to dispense the truth clearly and accurately. Practical application comes easily by comparison.
No believer can apply truth he doesn’t know. Those who don’t understand what the Bible really says about marriage, divorce, family, child-rearing, discipline, money, debt, work, service to Christ, eternal rewards, helping the poor, caring for widows, respecting government, and other teachings won’t be able to apply it.
Those who don’t know what the Bible teaches about salvation cannot be saved. Those who don’t know what the Bible teaches about holiness are incapable of dealing with sin. Thus they are unable to live fully to their own blessedness and God’s glory.
The nucleus of all that is truly practical is sown up in the teaching of Scripture. We don’t make the Bible relevant; it is inherently so, simply because it is God’s Word. And after all, how can anything God says be irrelevant?"
(By John MacArthur)
Check their site out http://www.sfpulpit.com/ It goes along with my series on basic bible interpretation.
"That’s a fashionable concern, judging from the trends in devotional booklets, home Bible study discussions, Sunday-school literature, and most popular preaching.
The question of what Scripture means has taken a back seat to the issue of what it means “to me.”
The difference may seem insignificant at first. Nevertheless, our obsession with the Scripture’s applicability reflects a fundamental weakness. We have adopted practicality as the ultimate judge of the worth of God’s Word. We bury ourselves in passages that overtly relate to daily living, and ignore those that don’t.
Early in my ministry, I made a conscious commitment to biblical preaching. My first priority has always been to answer the question, “What does this passage mean?” After I’ve explained as clearly and accurately as possible the meaning of God’s Word, then I exhort people to obey and apply it to their own lives.
The Bible speaks for itself to the human heart; it is not my role as a preacher to try to tailor the message. That’s why I preach my way through entire books of the Bible, dealing carefully with each verse and phrase–even though that occasionally means spending time in passages that don’t readily lend themselves to anecdotal or motivational messages.
I am grateful to the Lord for the way He has used this expository approach in our church and in the lives of our radio listeners.
But now and then someone tells me frankly that my preaching needs to be less doctrinal and more practical.
Practical application is vital. I don’t want to minimize its importance. But the distinction between doctrinal and practical truth is artificial; doctrine is practical! In fact, nothing is more practical than sound doctrine.
Too many Christians view doctrine as heady and theoretical. They have dismissed doctrinal passages as unimportant, divisive, threatening, or simply impractical. A best-selling Christian book I just read warns readers to be on guard against preachers whose emphasis is on interpreting Scripture rather than applying it.
Wait a minute. Is that wise counsel? No it is not.
There is no danger of irrelevant doctrine; the real threat is an undoctrinal attempt at relevance. Application not based on solid interpretation has led Christians into all kinds of confusion.
No discipline is more sorely needed in the contemporary church than expositional biblical teaching. Too many have bought the lie that doctrine is something abstract and threatening, unrelated to daily life.
It is in vogue to substitute psychology and spoon-fed application for doctrinal substance, while demeaning theological and expositional ministry.
But the pastor who turns away from preaching sound doctrine abdicates the primary responsibility of an elder: “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).
Practical insights, gimmicks, and illustrations mean little if they’re not attached to divine principles. There’s no basis for godly behavior apart from the truth of God’s Word.
There are only three options: We teach truth, error, or nothing at all.
Before the preacher asks anyone to perform a certain duty, he must first deal with doctrine. He must develop his message around theological themes and draw out the principles of the texts. Then the truth can be applied.
Romans provides the clearest biblical example. Paul didn’t give any exhortation until he had given eleven chapters of theology.
He scaled incredible heights of truth, culminating in 11:33-36: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
Then in chapter 12, he turned immediately to the practical consequences of the doctrine of the first 11 chapters. No passage in Scripture captures the Christian’s responsibility to the truth more clearly than Romans 12:1-2. There, building on eleven chapters of profound doctrine, Paul calls each believer to a supreme act of spiritual worship–giving oneself as a living sacrifice. Doctrine gives rise to dedication to Christ, the greatest practical act. And the remainder of the book of Romans goes on to explain the many practical outworkings of one’s dedication to Christ.
Paul followed the same pattern in Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians. The doctrinal message came first. Upon that foundation he built the practical application, making the logical connection with the word therefore (Rom. 12:1; Gal. 5:1; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 2:1) or then (Col. 3:1; 1 Thess. 4:1).
True doctrine transforms behavior as it is woven into the fabric of everyday life. But it must be understood if it is to have its impact. The real challenge of the ministry is to dispense the truth clearly and accurately. Practical application comes easily by comparison.
No believer can apply truth he doesn’t know. Those who don’t understand what the Bible really says about marriage, divorce, family, child-rearing, discipline, money, debt, work, service to Christ, eternal rewards, helping the poor, caring for widows, respecting government, and other teachings won’t be able to apply it.
Those who don’t know what the Bible teaches about salvation cannot be saved. Those who don’t know what the Bible teaches about holiness are incapable of dealing with sin. Thus they are unable to live fully to their own blessedness and God’s glory.
The nucleus of all that is truly practical is sown up in the teaching of Scripture. We don’t make the Bible relevant; it is inherently so, simply because it is God’s Word. And after all, how can anything God says be irrelevant?"
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The dangers of SIN
I am reading through Dever's "The Message of the Old Testament" and came across this powerful quote:
"Sin looks good only in the dark. It looks best when it is barely considered, quickly indulged, and never reflected upon. So bring it into the light of thought, reflection, prayer, and especially of God's Word."
How true!
"Sin looks good only in the dark. It looks best when it is barely considered, quickly indulged, and never reflected upon. So bring it into the light of thought, reflection, prayer, and especially of God's Word."
How true!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
2007 Conferences
National Conferences
February 16-19 - Resolved (Long Beach, CA) is a ministry of Grace Community Church and targets primarily College-age students and young adult Christians. Keynote speakers at this year's conference include John MacArthur, John Piper, C.J. Mahaney, Rick Holland and Steve Lawson.
March 7-11 - The Shepherd's Conference (Sun Valley, CA) is a ministry of Grace Community Church. It is geared towards pastors and includes both general sessions and seminars. General session speakers include John MacArthur, John Piper, Steve Lawson, Albert Mohler, Ligon Duncan and Mark Dever. Seminars are led by pastors and elders of Grace Community Church and professors from The Master's College and Seminary.
March 15-17 - Contending for the Truth - Ligonier Ministries National Conference (Orlando, FL) is the national conference for Ligonier Ministries. This year's speakers will be John MacArthur, Albert Mohler, John Piper, R.C. Sproul and Ravi Zacharias. R.C. Sproul Jr. will be a special guest. This conference is targeted at a general audience.
May 7-9 - The Basics (Pastor's Conference) (Cleveland, OH) is a ministry of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and is targeted at pastors. The list of keynote speakers includes Alistair Begg and others.
May 26-29 - New Attitude (Louisville, KY) is the annual conference of New Attitude. This year's theme has yet to be announced. The primary audience for this conference is single young adults. Featured speakers include John Piper and Josh Harris. Further well-known speakers will be announced in the near future. The conference includes both general sessions and seminars.
June 26-29 - Southern Baptist Founders Conference (Owasso, OK) is a ministry of Founders Ministries and is targeted towards a general audience. This year's theme is "God's Truth Abideth Still: Confronting Post-Modernism."
October 2007 - Desiring God National Conference (Minneapolis, MN) is the annual national conference of Desiring God. At this time details have not been released.
Fall/Winter 2007 - Alpha & Omega Conference is a ministry of Alpha & Omega Ministries. It is targeted towards a general audience. It typically features a debate involving James White as well as sessions led by Dr. White and other keynote speakers.
Regional Conferences
Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology (Sacramento, CA) is a ministry of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and is intended for a general audience. Speakers includes Donald Carson, Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, Albert Mohler, Richard Phillips, Philip Ryken and R. C. Sproul. The conference is held four times: Sacramento, CA March 2-4, 2007; Jackson, MS March 23-25, 2007; Grand Rapids, MI April 20-22, 2007; and Philadelphia, PA April 27-29, 2007.
February 16-19 - Resolved (Long Beach, CA) is a ministry of Grace Community Church and targets primarily College-age students and young adult Christians. Keynote speakers at this year's conference include John MacArthur, John Piper, C.J. Mahaney, Rick Holland and Steve Lawson.
March 7-11 - The Shepherd's Conference (Sun Valley, CA) is a ministry of Grace Community Church. It is geared towards pastors and includes both general sessions and seminars. General session speakers include John MacArthur, John Piper, Steve Lawson, Albert Mohler, Ligon Duncan and Mark Dever. Seminars are led by pastors and elders of Grace Community Church and professors from The Master's College and Seminary.
March 15-17 - Contending for the Truth - Ligonier Ministries National Conference (Orlando, FL) is the national conference for Ligonier Ministries. This year's speakers will be John MacArthur, Albert Mohler, John Piper, R.C. Sproul and Ravi Zacharias. R.C. Sproul Jr. will be a special guest. This conference is targeted at a general audience.
May 7-9 - The Basics (Pastor's Conference) (Cleveland, OH) is a ministry of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and is targeted at pastors. The list of keynote speakers includes Alistair Begg and others.
May 26-29 - New Attitude (Louisville, KY) is the annual conference of New Attitude. This year's theme has yet to be announced. The primary audience for this conference is single young adults. Featured speakers include John Piper and Josh Harris. Further well-known speakers will be announced in the near future. The conference includes both general sessions and seminars.
June 26-29 - Southern Baptist Founders Conference (Owasso, OK) is a ministry of Founders Ministries and is targeted towards a general audience. This year's theme is "God's Truth Abideth Still: Confronting Post-Modernism."
October 2007 - Desiring God National Conference (Minneapolis, MN) is the annual national conference of Desiring God. At this time details have not been released.
Fall/Winter 2007 - Alpha & Omega Conference is a ministry of Alpha & Omega Ministries. It is targeted towards a general audience. It typically features a debate involving James White as well as sessions led by Dr. White and other keynote speakers.
Regional Conferences
Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology (Sacramento, CA) is a ministry of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and is intended for a general audience. Speakers includes Donald Carson, Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, Albert Mohler, Richard Phillips, Philip Ryken and R. C. Sproul. The conference is held four times: Sacramento, CA March 2-4, 2007; Jackson, MS March 23-25, 2007; Grand Rapids, MI April 20-22, 2007; and Philadelphia, PA April 27-29, 2007.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
The "It's not for me to say" dodge (by Dan Phillips)
(check out teampyroblogspot.com)
Billy Graham.
N.T. Wright.
What do they have in common?
"Not much," you'd think. Okay, they both talk funny. But that's it.
Popular conceptions have the former as the straight-shooting, simple "The Bible says" evangelist, and the latter as the sophisticated, well-spoken, ultra-scholarly academic clergyman.
Well, here's something "Rev. Graham said in a recent Newsweek interview with Jon Meacham:
A unifying theme of Graham's new thinking is humility. He is sure and certain of his faith in Jesus as the way to salvation. When asked whether he believes heaven will be closed to good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or secular people, though, Graham says: "Those are decisions only the Lord will make. It would be foolish for me to speculate on who will be there and who won't ... I don't want to speculate about all that. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have."
Nor is this the only time Graham has expressed such notions—and worse. Now here's something Right Hon. "Rev." Dr. Wright said in an interview:
Q So we won't all be saved?
A According to the New Testament there is a real possibility…
Q No according to you … I want you to tell me.
A … I'm sorry - I'm a Christian theologian - therefore the New Testament is where I must start. And yes I'm affirming this. That there is a real possibility of loss but just at the point where we think the New Testament is going to say 'Bang - there it is. We're going to tell you who's in, who's out,' there are hints and vague suggestions, that actually yes, there will be those who will look God in the face and say 'Sorry that's not for me and I'm going to go the other way,' and that God will ratify that decision, because we are human beings with the dignity of making those decisions - that there are many others who are being drawn towards the light, many others who are being wooed into the love of God. And that it's not up to me to say exactly where that line is drawn on a page. I do believe that there is a real possibility and actuality of final loss, but that immortality is this strange, new gift. It's not that, as Plato said, we've all got an immortal soul and we're all just going to carry on. No, that's not the Christian belief. The Christian belief is that God promises this as a fresh gift to be received gratefully....
At this point, everyone knows what I'm going to say. Right? Some are already really angry about it, and already know how they're going to blister the comments section. Well, don't be so sure.
Both of the interviews contain other statements by both men that range from good to very good. And I don't, by these two interview, judge the entire ministry or career of either men. (Though, candidly, it's awfully hard to have read Iain Murray's excellent but depressing Evangelicalism Divided and not see Graham's remarks as further points along a decades-long path. But I digress.)
And do I object to either man saying "I can't guess every aspect of God's judgment in every case"—if that's what they're saying? Absolutely not. I've often said, and with great sincerity, that I couldn't be happier that those decisions are not mine to make. I couldn't be happier that they are God's provenance alone (Psalm 50:6; John 5:22).
Here's my problem: it's the "It's not for me to say" dodge. What's that? It's where someone asks you point-blank—
· "So if someone lives a good life, gives to charity, and never hurts a fly—will he go to Hell forever when he dies, just because he didn't believe in Jesus?"
· "So what about good, moral Jews, or Moslems, or Buddhists, who live good lives, are just and kind and loving—they go to Hell if they're not Christians?"
· "So what about folks who never hear the Gospel, but they're not like headhunters or rapists. They go to Hell forever?"
· "My mother wasn't a Christian, but she was a really good mother and loved me. Is she in Hell?"
Maybe they're sincere questions. Maybe they're trick-questions. Often they're trick-questions, feints, ploys. The questioner thinks it's a slam-dunk damning question, guar-on-teed to make you and your whole Jesus-thing look foolish and mean and stupid. He can't even imagine you giving him a straight-up answer. And you feel the pressure. You know how you'll look and sound if you fall into his trap. So... you have the temptation to hedge. You have the urge to just wiggle a little, just apply an itty-bitty touch of verbal lubricant, and slip the noose you think is hanging in front of you.
Now, one would hope that if someone has put himself forward, and thrust himself into the spotlight as a spokesman for Christianity—as, say, Billy Graham, and N. T. Wright, and Joel Osteen, and T. D. Jakes have done—one would hope, I say, that they'd be ready not to dodge the hard ones.
But it sure looks to me like Graham and Wright have given in to the temptation. They punted, where God spoke plainly. Billy Graham certainly gave his interviewer that impression. Here's what Meacham writes, in hardy praise of Billy Graham:
But more recent years have given him something he had little of in his decades of global evangelism: time to think both more deeply and more broadly. As he has grown older, Graham has come to an appreciation of complexity and a gentleness of spirit that sets him apart from many other high-profile figures in America's popular religious milieu—including, judging from their public remarks, his own son Franklin Graham, and men such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson.
Others relish the battlefield; Graham now prizes peace. He is a man of unwavering faith who refuses to be judgmental; a steady social conservative in private who actually does hate the sin but loves the sinner; a resolute Christian who declines to render absolute verdicts about who will get into heaven and who will not....
You give answers like this because you want to be liked. You want to be everybody's friend. You want to be admired by all. You don't want to be mocked and scorned. You want to be well-thought-of. By men. And you've forgotten how deadly that motivation is (Proverbs 29:25; Luke 6:26; James 4:4). My sputtering readers are still sputtering. "So... so what are you saying?! You're ready to say who's going to Heaven, and who's going to Hell?"
Well—of course I am. Aren't you?
In fact, I'm not just "ready"—I'm obliged. At worst, it would be craven, rebellious, cowering unbelief to know my Lord's standard of judgment, and not to affirm it.
Beyond that, it would be loveless, and would paint me with the blood of my hearers, whose admiration and applause I would win at the cost of their souls (Proverbs 24:11-12; Ezekiel 3:18; 33:8; Acts 20:26-27).
Now, I'm not ready nor able to read off a list of names, and I'm not prepared to predict the end of every specific circumstance. But here is what I am ready to do:
I'm ready to tell my questioner that all—all natural-born sons of Adam, without exception—have sinned, fall short of the glory of God, are without excuse, and can justly demand nothing of God but His eternal wrath and the fires of Hell (Romans 1:20; 3:9-20, 23).
I'm ready to tell my questioner that, whatever excuse he may try to apply to a tribesman who never hears the Gospel, it will not work for him, nor anyone else within hearing (Matthew 11:22, 24; Luke 12:47; John 15:22).
I am ready to tell my questioner that the only hope God holds out is personal, conscious faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), through faith in whom alone we can find forgiveness and reconciliation to God by grace alone (Ephesians 2:4ff.).
I am ready to tell my questioner that his hearing of the word of the Gospel from me serves to heighten his guilt before God if he rejects it, if he refuses to repent and believe in Christ (Luke 12:47; John 3:36; 12:48; Romans 2:4-5).
I am ready to tell my questioner that what the Bible says, it isn't saying to the other guy; it's saying it to him, and to me —and besides, he won't do the other guy any good by going to Hell with him.
No, it isn't for me to say—but it is for God to say, and it is for me to affirm what He has said, boldly and plainly.
And honestly: suppose I ever get too sophisticated, or too educated, or too popular (bwahhhh hahahaha), or too feeble to be willing to say that much, just that plainly. In that case, please, someone—gently, firmly, love God, and love souls, and love me enough tell me to stop talking where people can hear me. Give me something else to do, where I won't obscure the Gospel issues, and bring damage to the cause of Christ.
Billy Graham.
N.T. Wright.
What do they have in common?
"Not much," you'd think. Okay, they both talk funny. But that's it.
Popular conceptions have the former as the straight-shooting, simple "The Bible says" evangelist, and the latter as the sophisticated, well-spoken, ultra-scholarly academic clergyman.
Well, here's something "Rev. Graham said in a recent Newsweek interview with Jon Meacham:
A unifying theme of Graham's new thinking is humility. He is sure and certain of his faith in Jesus as the way to salvation. When asked whether he believes heaven will be closed to good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or secular people, though, Graham says: "Those are decisions only the Lord will make. It would be foolish for me to speculate on who will be there and who won't ... I don't want to speculate about all that. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have."
Nor is this the only time Graham has expressed such notions—and worse. Now here's something Right Hon. "Rev." Dr. Wright said in an interview:
Q So we won't all be saved?
A According to the New Testament there is a real possibility…
Q No according to you … I want you to tell me.
A … I'm sorry - I'm a Christian theologian - therefore the New Testament is where I must start. And yes I'm affirming this. That there is a real possibility of loss but just at the point where we think the New Testament is going to say 'Bang - there it is. We're going to tell you who's in, who's out,' there are hints and vague suggestions, that actually yes, there will be those who will look God in the face and say 'Sorry that's not for me and I'm going to go the other way,' and that God will ratify that decision, because we are human beings with the dignity of making those decisions - that there are many others who are being drawn towards the light, many others who are being wooed into the love of God. And that it's not up to me to say exactly where that line is drawn on a page. I do believe that there is a real possibility and actuality of final loss, but that immortality is this strange, new gift. It's not that, as Plato said, we've all got an immortal soul and we're all just going to carry on. No, that's not the Christian belief. The Christian belief is that God promises this as a fresh gift to be received gratefully....
At this point, everyone knows what I'm going to say. Right? Some are already really angry about it, and already know how they're going to blister the comments section. Well, don't be so sure.
Both of the interviews contain other statements by both men that range from good to very good. And I don't, by these two interview, judge the entire ministry or career of either men. (Though, candidly, it's awfully hard to have read Iain Murray's excellent but depressing Evangelicalism Divided and not see Graham's remarks as further points along a decades-long path. But I digress.)
And do I object to either man saying "I can't guess every aspect of God's judgment in every case"—if that's what they're saying? Absolutely not. I've often said, and with great sincerity, that I couldn't be happier that those decisions are not mine to make. I couldn't be happier that they are God's provenance alone (Psalm 50:6; John 5:22).
Here's my problem: it's the "It's not for me to say" dodge. What's that? It's where someone asks you point-blank—
· "So if someone lives a good life, gives to charity, and never hurts a fly—will he go to Hell forever when he dies, just because he didn't believe in Jesus?"
· "So what about good, moral Jews, or Moslems, or Buddhists, who live good lives, are just and kind and loving—they go to Hell if they're not Christians?"
· "So what about folks who never hear the Gospel, but they're not like headhunters or rapists. They go to Hell forever?"
· "My mother wasn't a Christian, but she was a really good mother and loved me. Is she in Hell?"
Maybe they're sincere questions. Maybe they're trick-questions. Often they're trick-questions, feints, ploys. The questioner thinks it's a slam-dunk damning question, guar-on-teed to make you and your whole Jesus-thing look foolish and mean and stupid. He can't even imagine you giving him a straight-up answer. And you feel the pressure. You know how you'll look and sound if you fall into his trap. So... you have the temptation to hedge. You have the urge to just wiggle a little, just apply an itty-bitty touch of verbal lubricant, and slip the noose you think is hanging in front of you.
Now, one would hope that if someone has put himself forward, and thrust himself into the spotlight as a spokesman for Christianity—as, say, Billy Graham, and N. T. Wright, and Joel Osteen, and T. D. Jakes have done—one would hope, I say, that they'd be ready not to dodge the hard ones.
But it sure looks to me like Graham and Wright have given in to the temptation. They punted, where God spoke plainly. Billy Graham certainly gave his interviewer that impression. Here's what Meacham writes, in hardy praise of Billy Graham:
But more recent years have given him something he had little of in his decades of global evangelism: time to think both more deeply and more broadly. As he has grown older, Graham has come to an appreciation of complexity and a gentleness of spirit that sets him apart from many other high-profile figures in America's popular religious milieu—including, judging from their public remarks, his own son Franklin Graham, and men such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson.
Others relish the battlefield; Graham now prizes peace. He is a man of unwavering faith who refuses to be judgmental; a steady social conservative in private who actually does hate the sin but loves the sinner; a resolute Christian who declines to render absolute verdicts about who will get into heaven and who will not....
You give answers like this because you want to be liked. You want to be everybody's friend. You want to be admired by all. You don't want to be mocked and scorned. You want to be well-thought-of. By men. And you've forgotten how deadly that motivation is (Proverbs 29:25; Luke 6:26; James 4:4). My sputtering readers are still sputtering. "So... so what are you saying?! You're ready to say who's going to Heaven, and who's going to Hell?"
Well—of course I am. Aren't you?
In fact, I'm not just "ready"—I'm obliged. At worst, it would be craven, rebellious, cowering unbelief to know my Lord's standard of judgment, and not to affirm it.
Beyond that, it would be loveless, and would paint me with the blood of my hearers, whose admiration and applause I would win at the cost of their souls (Proverbs 24:11-12; Ezekiel 3:18; 33:8; Acts 20:26-27).
Now, I'm not ready nor able to read off a list of names, and I'm not prepared to predict the end of every specific circumstance. But here is what I am ready to do:
I'm ready to tell my questioner that all—all natural-born sons of Adam, without exception—have sinned, fall short of the glory of God, are without excuse, and can justly demand nothing of God but His eternal wrath and the fires of Hell (Romans 1:20; 3:9-20, 23).
I'm ready to tell my questioner that, whatever excuse he may try to apply to a tribesman who never hears the Gospel, it will not work for him, nor anyone else within hearing (Matthew 11:22, 24; Luke 12:47; John 15:22).
I am ready to tell my questioner that the only hope God holds out is personal, conscious faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), through faith in whom alone we can find forgiveness and reconciliation to God by grace alone (Ephesians 2:4ff.).
I am ready to tell my questioner that his hearing of the word of the Gospel from me serves to heighten his guilt before God if he rejects it, if he refuses to repent and believe in Christ (Luke 12:47; John 3:36; 12:48; Romans 2:4-5).
I am ready to tell my questioner that what the Bible says, it isn't saying to the other guy; it's saying it to him, and to me —and besides, he won't do the other guy any good by going to Hell with him.
No, it isn't for me to say—but it is for God to say, and it is for me to affirm what He has said, boldly and plainly.
And honestly: suppose I ever get too sophisticated, or too educated, or too popular (bwahhhh hahahaha), or too feeble to be willing to say that much, just that plainly. In that case, please, someone—gently, firmly, love God, and love souls, and love me enough tell me to stop talking where people can hear me. Give me something else to do, where I won't obscure the Gospel issues, and bring damage to the cause of Christ.
You know you are NOT reformed if....
I ran across this today at http://jollyblogger.typepad.com/jollyblogger/2006/08/riddleblog_the_.html
You know you are not Reformed if
. . . you think the Apostles Creed is the guy who fought Rocky in Rocky I.
. . . you think the Canons of Dort are like the Guns of Navarrone.
. . . you think Ursinus is a nasal condition.
. . . you think Arminians are the people who run convenience stores.
. . . you think the Belgic Confession was from WWII war crimes trials.
. . . you think “popery” in the church makes it smell flowery.
. . . you think the psalter goes with the pepper shaker.
. . . you think unconditional election is a practice of communist dictatorships.
. . . the only “kirk” you know is from Star Trek.
. . . you think the Three Forms of Unity are health, wealth, and happiness.
. . . you think “catechism” and “dogma” relate to pets.
. . . you think Post Tenebras Lux is a breakfast cereal (it’s actually the motto of post-Reformation Geneva).
BY: Kim Riddlebarger
You know you are not Reformed if
. . . you think the Apostles Creed is the guy who fought Rocky in Rocky I.
. . . you think the Canons of Dort are like the Guns of Navarrone.
. . . you think Ursinus is a nasal condition.
. . . you think Arminians are the people who run convenience stores.
. . . you think the Belgic Confession was from WWII war crimes trials.
. . . you think “popery” in the church makes it smell flowery.
. . . you think the psalter goes with the pepper shaker.
. . . you think unconditional election is a practice of communist dictatorships.
. . . the only “kirk” you know is from Star Trek.
. . . you think the Three Forms of Unity are health, wealth, and happiness.
. . . you think “catechism” and “dogma” relate to pets.
. . . you think Post Tenebras Lux is a breakfast cereal (it’s actually the motto of post-Reformation Geneva).
BY: Kim Riddlebarger
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Encouragement from an unlikely source
Mark Driscoll recently wrote, "By way of preface, I will simply say to all the young preachers that preaching is like driving a clutch; it takes a long time to do well if you live through the practice. In high school I was the student body president who did a lot of public speaking to large groups. In college I got my B.A. in Speech, and following college I spent some years as a co-host for a national radio show while also teaching a college group twice weekly in a multi-ethnic church. So, I began Mars Hill Church ten years ago at the age of twenty-five thinking I could step in and preach just fine, only to discover that it was the hardest thing I had ever done. The difficulty of coming up with fresh insights combined with the difficulty of finding my own voice and speaking with clarity, candor, and confidence, not to mention some comedy, took hundreds of sermons to even begin to overcome regularly."
Though the "cussing preacher" is not my role-model for ministry (or preaching) he does offer some insightful thoughts in his most recent blog.
Seeing i have preached fewer than 15 sermons in my life combined with the fact that he said he takes lots of practice and hundreds of sermons before you really get comfortable in the pulpit is definitely a source of encouragment to me.
Though the "cussing preacher" is not my role-model for ministry (or preaching) he does offer some insightful thoughts in his most recent blog.
Seeing i have preached fewer than 15 sermons in my life combined with the fact that he said he takes lots of practice and hundreds of sermons before you really get comfortable in the pulpit is definitely a source of encouragment to me.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Why I love the Dr. (PT 3).
Iain Murray knew Lloyd-Jones very well (they met in the early 1950’s). Murray wrote a wonderful two-volume biography on the good Dr shortly after his death. Murray wrote the following about Pastor Lloyd-Jones; “A lion in the pulpit, he was a lamb out of it, easily approached by anyone, and he must have spent as much time helping individuals as he did in his pulpit ministry.” This is the balance all pastors wish to have. One can be viewed as a lion while preaching God’s Word but as a gentle lamb when counseling, visiting, or discipling.
Murray noted, “Any moderation of fundamental truth in order to gain influence was anathema to him. Here he was stern and unbending. Yet he stressed love as an imperative for all witness, and on secondary issues no one was a stronger believer in the need for Christian unity.” As a pastor’s church grows larger the temptation to compromise grows as well. Mega-churches in my surrounding area (Faith Baptist and College Park) by God’s grace, MUST resist this subtle temptation.
Murray finally adds, “Lloyd-Jones was a Calvinist not simply in belief but through and through. He saw man-centeredness…as the root of modern evangelical weakness.” Nothing humbles man more than a healthy dose of biblical preaching (which of course will include the doctrines of grace).
Maurice Roberts said this of the Dr. “There was an authority in his words and in his whole bearing. It was a combination of both natural and spiritual gifts, blended into sanctified and deeply humble life.” Humility is difficult enough when you’re an oridinary Joe like me. Roberts added, “He was Reformed and also had a passion for the salvation of sinners. He was intensely intellectual and theological but also possessed a burning soul, aflame with the urgency of the gospel of Christ.” Lloyd-Jones’ biblical understanding of divine sovereignty drove him to be a soul-winner (like Spurgeon and Whitefield before him).
Murray noted, “Any moderation of fundamental truth in order to gain influence was anathema to him. Here he was stern and unbending. Yet he stressed love as an imperative for all witness, and on secondary issues no one was a stronger believer in the need for Christian unity.” As a pastor’s church grows larger the temptation to compromise grows as well. Mega-churches in my surrounding area (Faith Baptist and College Park) by God’s grace, MUST resist this subtle temptation.
Murray finally adds, “Lloyd-Jones was a Calvinist not simply in belief but through and through. He saw man-centeredness…as the root of modern evangelical weakness.” Nothing humbles man more than a healthy dose of biblical preaching (which of course will include the doctrines of grace).
Maurice Roberts said this of the Dr. “There was an authority in his words and in his whole bearing. It was a combination of both natural and spiritual gifts, blended into sanctified and deeply humble life.” Humility is difficult enough when you’re an oridinary Joe like me. Roberts added, “He was Reformed and also had a passion for the salvation of sinners. He was intensely intellectual and theological but also possessed a burning soul, aflame with the urgency of the gospel of Christ.” Lloyd-Jones’ biblical understanding of divine sovereignty drove him to be a soul-winner (like Spurgeon and Whitefield before him).
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Why i love the Doctor (part 2)
One of the books that i really enjoyed reading while I was still in college was going through part one of Iain Murray's 2-volume biography on David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. This massive tome is food for the Christian soul. Christian biographies are helpful and instructive for a variety of reasons (it is not the purpose of this post to go into those things). John Piper's recent series (the swans are not silent) are great resources. Everything Iain H. Murray writes tends to be golden as well.
The Banner of Truth magazine recently put out an issue celebrating the spiritual legacy of Dr. Lloyd-Jones. Brian Hedges noted how Lloyd-Jones labored and battled for true Evangelical unity. This is a major issue in our day and age as well. ECT, Promise Keepers, and other ecumenical attempts to foster Christian unity have fallen way short of the biblical standard. During Lloyd-Jones day, "the beliefs which defined one as being Christian were minimized, if not lost; doctrine was being sacrificed on the alter of unity. Lloyd-Jones was grieved at this situation and feared the gospel would be increasingly more and more eclipsed in future years." Hedges points out how Lloyd-Jones sought to avoid two extremes. "He wanted to avoid both the shackles of sectarianism, which majored on minor issues (such as church government, mode of baptism, views on prophecy, etc.) and the precipice of ecumenism, which sought unityh at the expense of the gospel." Lloyd-Jones had strong convictions on secondary matters (issues like tongues, mode of baptism, etc) but he did not make those things the litmus test for Christian fellowship and unity. This is a matter i am increasingly trying to learn as i grow in spiritual maturity.
Jones summarized his convictions this way, "Let us labor for unity, by all means, but let us be sure that we unify around truth: the truth of the gospel."
Together for the Gospel
The Banner of Truth magazine recently put out an issue celebrating the spiritual legacy of Dr. Lloyd-Jones. Brian Hedges noted how Lloyd-Jones labored and battled for true Evangelical unity. This is a major issue in our day and age as well. ECT, Promise Keepers, and other ecumenical attempts to foster Christian unity have fallen way short of the biblical standard. During Lloyd-Jones day, "the beliefs which defined one as being Christian were minimized, if not lost; doctrine was being sacrificed on the alter of unity. Lloyd-Jones was grieved at this situation and feared the gospel would be increasingly more and more eclipsed in future years." Hedges points out how Lloyd-Jones sought to avoid two extremes. "He wanted to avoid both the shackles of sectarianism, which majored on minor issues (such as church government, mode of baptism, views on prophecy, etc.) and the precipice of ecumenism, which sought unityh at the expense of the gospel." Lloyd-Jones had strong convictions on secondary matters (issues like tongues, mode of baptism, etc) but he did not make those things the litmus test for Christian fellowship and unity. This is a matter i am increasingly trying to learn as i grow in spiritual maturity.
Jones summarized his convictions this way, "Let us labor for unity, by all means, but let us be sure that we unify around truth: the truth of the gospel."
Together for the Gospel
Why I love the Dr. (Lloyd-Jones) part 1
One of the Christian heroes I have on my pastoral walls is the good Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Lloyd-Jones was a great preacher and a stalwart leader during an age of theological compromise. When J.I. Packer (author of "Knowing God") first heard Lloyd-Jones preach in 1948, he said "the Doctor's preaching came to him 'with the force of electric shock, bring to at least one of his listeners more of a sense of God than any other man.'" Brian Hedges recently wrote, that "Lloyd-Jones restored Spirit-anointed expository preaching." His sermons can still be heard today. My first Lloyd-Jones sermon experience was listening to him preach on the phrase "BUT GOD" from Eph 2:4. Lloyd-Jones was deep (really deep), very theological, but at the same time crystal clear. As a young preacher these are some of my goals when preaching an expository sermon. You want to go deep (as MacArthur notes, "to take people up to heights of praises you have to dig down deep..") yet at the same time you have to remain clear and concise. That is easier said than done. Lloyd-Jones' sermons are still available in print form (Eph; Acts, Romans, etc), and via. tape (check out the Lloyd-Jones Trust). These are helpful resources if you want to grow in your understanding of the biblical text and esp. if you want to deepen your love for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Reading??
What are you currently reading?
Much of my "pleasure reading" takes place at home after the work day. So what are you currently reading (outside the Bible)? How have you enjoyed those books? What did you learn? etc. Please let me know your thoughts and recommendations!
Books I am currently reading or ones I have just finished:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (almost done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (just finished)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (FINISHED)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 18)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (FINISHED)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (CH 5)
7. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (in progress)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (in progress)
9. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (just started)
Much of my "pleasure reading" takes place at home after the work day. So what are you currently reading (outside the Bible)? How have you enjoyed those books? What did you learn? etc. Please let me know your thoughts and recommendations!
Books I am currently reading or ones I have just finished:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (almost done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (just finished)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (FINISHED)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 18)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (FINISHED)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (CH 5)
7. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (in progress)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (in progress)
9. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (just started)
Monday, August 07, 2006
Humility (part 3)
Being a faithful pastor requires many different skills (see 1 and 2 Timothy). Feeding the sheep through the ministry of the Word is obviously a very essential aspect of pastoral ministry. Discipleship and counseling are essential ministries that go along with this “Word ministry.”
I had the privilege of counseling a couple the past 3 or 4 months through our FBC counseling ministries. For obvious reasons I am not going to share any of the private counseling details with any of you; but suffice to say my experience was pure joy. The couple (I had the privilege of meeting with) were my parent’s age and they taught me so very much. Their willingness to receive God’s Word and act on it (even if the mouth piece was half their age) was a demonstration of tremendous humility (see James 1:21-24). They were so eager to respond to the Word that it brought about conviction in my own heart. Do I always respond this way to God’s Word? Am I willing to respond to the Bible even if the person sharing it with me is younger than I am or not as spiritually mature? If they are faithfully representing GOD's Word then i have no choice but to respond humbly. These are great lessons for me to think about in light of my “humility” book reading.
I had the privilege of counseling a couple the past 3 or 4 months through our FBC counseling ministries. For obvious reasons I am not going to share any of the private counseling details with any of you; but suffice to say my experience was pure joy. The couple (I had the privilege of meeting with) were my parent’s age and they taught me so very much. Their willingness to receive God’s Word and act on it (even if the mouth piece was half their age) was a demonstration of tremendous humility (see James 1:21-24). They were so eager to respond to the Word that it brought about conviction in my own heart. Do I always respond this way to God’s Word? Am I willing to respond to the Bible even if the person sharing it with me is younger than I am or not as spiritually mature? If they are faithfully representing GOD's Word then i have no choice but to respond humbly. These are great lessons for me to think about in light of my “humility” book reading.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Al Mohler bio
My friend at monergism.com gave me permission to post these on my blog site. They are very interesting.
Biographical Sketch
R. Albert Mohler, Jr. (born 1960) is an Southern Baptist, evangelical Calvinist. He presently serves as the ninth President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has been a member of the board of James Dobson's Focus on the Family since August 31, 2004.[1] He is married to the former Mary Kahler. They have two children named Katie and Christopher.
Early Life and Education
Mohler is a native of Lakeland in central Florida. As a child he attended Lake Yale, a Florida Baptist campground. During his Lakeland years he attended Southside Baptist Church.
Mohler attended college at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Florida as a Faculty Scholar. He then received a B. A. from Samford University, a private, coeducational Baptist-affiliated college in Birmingham, Alabama. His graduate degrees, a Master of Divinity and Ph.D. in "Systematic and Historical Theology," were conferred by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, also known as Southern Seminary.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Southern Seminary)
Mohler joined the staff of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky in 1983 as Coordinator of Foundation Support. In 1987 he became Director of Capital Funding, a post he held until 1989. While still a student he served as assistant to then-President Roy Honeycutt.
In February 1993, Mohler was appointed President of the Seminary by conservatives on that institution's board of trustees, succeeding Roy Honeycutt. The seminary soon saw a wholesale shift towards conservative theology (characterised by Mohler as a move toward "confessional fidelity") and a rapid exodus (both voluntary and compulsory) of more than 60 percent of the faculty. Diana Garland the dean of a unit of the Seminary, the Carver School of Church Social Work, was fired over a conflict with Mohler. The Carver School was eventually dissolved as the new administration judged social work to be out of keeping with biblical doctrine. In 1999, nearly a million dollars of its endowment were returned to the Women's Missionary Union in accordance with the terms of an undisclosed settlement.
One departing faculty member, G. Wade Rowatt, referred to the new regime as "a Baptist version of the Taliban." (Mohler shakes up Southern Baptists)
Other, more conservative Baptist leaders were elated: Paige Patterson, another Southern Baptist Convention seminary president, said Mohler's leadership “will mean that they recover their evangelical emphasis there” and that Mohler's Presidency meant that “the worst of the problems” were over: “Al Mohler has the brains of Erasmus and the courage of Luther.”
The move to conservativism also proved much more appealing to those in the Southern Baptist Convention as enrollment has multiplied several times over since Mohler took office. The seminary is now one of the most endowed and largest seminaries world-wide.
The "Conservative Resurgence"
Mohler was also instrumental in the mid-1990's restructuring of the Southern Baptist Convention, which saw the Convention shift from a mixture of moderate and conservative voices to a solidly conservative base.
He was involved in the drafting of the controversial 2000 revision of the Baptist Faith and Message, which added an exhortation to wives to "submit graciously" to their husbands, and removed a clause referring to Jesus Christ as the standard by which the Bible is to be interpreted.
A deadline was set for foreign missionaries to confirm their allegiance to the Baptist Faith and Message in written form. Those who did not were dismissed or resigned. Although adherance to and respect for the creed had been a matter of course historically, this marked the first time that a signed written statement of fealty was mandated in the form of an ultimatum.
Media and Editorial Work
Mohler served as editor of The Christian Index the biweekly newsletter of the Georgia Baptist Convention. From 1985 to 1993 he was Associate Editor of the bi-monthly Preaching Magazine.
Mohler served on the Advisory Council for the 2001 English Standard Version of the Bible (ESV.)
Starting July 29, 2003 and continuing to the present (November 2005), Mohler blogged on CrossWalk.com, a web site maintained by Salem Web Network of Chesterfield, VA.
He presently is heard on a nationally syndicated radio talk show, The Albert Mohler Program, and also maintains a web site, www.albertmohler.com.
Professed Theology
Some references state that Mohler was initially liberal in his theology, particularly during his years as a seminarian, prior to the rise of the conservative movement within the Southern Baptist denomination. One source states that Mohler experienced a conservative epiphany growing from conversations with Carl F. H. Henry, whose essays Mohler later edited. (Realms of Faith: Christian Authors Database at propadeutic.com)
Shortly after his term as President began, Mohler drafted a policy (which was ratified by the trustees) that the Seminary would only hire professors who believed that the Bible prohibits the ordination of women as preachers. Some women already in teaching positions at the Seminary, or who served outside the Seminary in a missionary capacity, were stripped of their posts.
Theologically, Mohler respresents conservative fundamentalist Christianity. He opposes the role of women in preaching roles, opposes abortion, and believes that homosexual acts are sinful.
Mohler's Views on Other Religions
Mohler is on record as rejecting the notion that any other means of salvation exists besides conversion to Christianity, and his soteriology, or theory of salvation, is Calvinistic in the sense that Mohler states that he believes that human salvation is a gift from God, and cannot be earned by human action. He has publicly advanced this position with respect to Judaism, Islam, and Catholicism.
Islam
In the months after the events of September 11, 2001, when broad sectors of the religious community were organizing interfaith prayer services in an effort to improve Christian-Islamic relations, Mohler derided Islam in a sermon delivered to seminary students on October 17, 2001, using phrases such as "kills the soul," "lies about God," and "presents a false gospel."
I'm no specialist in Islamic theology. I'll let those who are debate whether or not there is that kind of militancy and warrior culture within Islamic theology. But I want to say as a Christian theologian, the biggest problem with Islamic theology is that it kills the soul.
The bigger problem with Islam is not that there are those who will kill the body in its name, but that it lies about God [and] presents a false gospel, an un-gospel...These are difficult things to say. This is not polite.
Catholicism
"I believe that the Roman church is a false church and it teaches a false gospel...and indeed, I believe that the pope himself holds a false and unbiblical office."-- (R. Albert Mohler, Jr., on Larry King Live, March 2000)
Mohler has made strongly anti-Catholic statements, but at the same time maintains that much of Catholic doctrine is compatible with his views. In spite of his public criticism of the Catholic Church, Mohler claims in his official biography to have studied at St. Meinrad School of Theology [10] (a few hours drive from the Seminary of which he is President.)
Media Appearances
Mohler appeared on MSNBC's Donahue on August 20, 2002. The subject was Christian evangelization of Jews. The show's host along with members of both Catholic and Jewish clergy squared off against Mohler's insistance that salvation lies exclusively in the acceptance of Christ.
On April 15, 2003, Mohler granted an interview published in Time Magazine. The subject was the issue of evangelization of Iraqi Muslims in the form of proselytizing Christian aid groups.
On December 18, 2004, Mohler debated retired Episcopal bishop John Shelby Spong on Faith Under Fire, a program hosted by Lee Strobel and appearing on PAX, a Christian television network. The subject was the historicity and truthfulness of the Bible.
Criticism of Pat Robertson
Responding to Pat Robertson's remarks advocating the assassination of Hugo Chávez, the president of Venezuela, Mohler said:
With unmistakable clarity and an apparent lack of self-consciousness, [Mr.] Robertson simply called for an assassination, presumably to be undertaken by U.S. military forces in violation of U.S. law," the reverend doctor said. "In so doing he gave the Venezuelan leader a propaganda gold mine, embarrassed the Bush administration, and left millions of viewers perplexed and troubled. More importantly, he brought shame to the cause of Christ. This is the kind of outrageous statement that makes evangelism all the more difficult. Missing from the entire context is the Christian understanding that violence can never be blessed as a good, but may only be employed under circumstances that would justify the limited use of lethal force in order to prevent even greater violence.
Quotes
"An institution has to decide, and it’s not just an option, it’s a responsibility, how much diversity can be tolerated."
"When a denomination begins to consider doctrine divisive, theology troublesome, and convictions inconvenient, consider that denomination on its way to a well-deserved death." (Southern Baptist Convention meeting, July 1995)
Biographical Sketch
R. Albert Mohler, Jr. (born 1960) is an Southern Baptist, evangelical Calvinist. He presently serves as the ninth President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has been a member of the board of James Dobson's Focus on the Family since August 31, 2004.[1] He is married to the former Mary Kahler. They have two children named Katie and Christopher.
Early Life and Education
Mohler is a native of Lakeland in central Florida. As a child he attended Lake Yale, a Florida Baptist campground. During his Lakeland years he attended Southside Baptist Church.
Mohler attended college at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Florida as a Faculty Scholar. He then received a B. A. from Samford University, a private, coeducational Baptist-affiliated college in Birmingham, Alabama. His graduate degrees, a Master of Divinity and Ph.D. in "Systematic and Historical Theology," were conferred by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, also known as Southern Seminary.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Southern Seminary)
Mohler joined the staff of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky in 1983 as Coordinator of Foundation Support. In 1987 he became Director of Capital Funding, a post he held until 1989. While still a student he served as assistant to then-President Roy Honeycutt.
In February 1993, Mohler was appointed President of the Seminary by conservatives on that institution's board of trustees, succeeding Roy Honeycutt. The seminary soon saw a wholesale shift towards conservative theology (characterised by Mohler as a move toward "confessional fidelity") and a rapid exodus (both voluntary and compulsory) of more than 60 percent of the faculty. Diana Garland the dean of a unit of the Seminary, the Carver School of Church Social Work, was fired over a conflict with Mohler. The Carver School was eventually dissolved as the new administration judged social work to be out of keeping with biblical doctrine. In 1999, nearly a million dollars of its endowment were returned to the Women's Missionary Union in accordance with the terms of an undisclosed settlement.
One departing faculty member, G. Wade Rowatt, referred to the new regime as "a Baptist version of the Taliban." (Mohler shakes up Southern Baptists)
Other, more conservative Baptist leaders were elated: Paige Patterson, another Southern Baptist Convention seminary president, said Mohler's leadership “will mean that they recover their evangelical emphasis there” and that Mohler's Presidency meant that “the worst of the problems” were over: “Al Mohler has the brains of Erasmus and the courage of Luther.”
The move to conservativism also proved much more appealing to those in the Southern Baptist Convention as enrollment has multiplied several times over since Mohler took office. The seminary is now one of the most endowed and largest seminaries world-wide.
The "Conservative Resurgence"
Mohler was also instrumental in the mid-1990's restructuring of the Southern Baptist Convention, which saw the Convention shift from a mixture of moderate and conservative voices to a solidly conservative base.
He was involved in the drafting of the controversial 2000 revision of the Baptist Faith and Message, which added an exhortation to wives to "submit graciously" to their husbands, and removed a clause referring to Jesus Christ as the standard by which the Bible is to be interpreted.
A deadline was set for foreign missionaries to confirm their allegiance to the Baptist Faith and Message in written form. Those who did not were dismissed or resigned. Although adherance to and respect for the creed had been a matter of course historically, this marked the first time that a signed written statement of fealty was mandated in the form of an ultimatum.
Media and Editorial Work
Mohler served as editor of The Christian Index the biweekly newsletter of the Georgia Baptist Convention. From 1985 to 1993 he was Associate Editor of the bi-monthly Preaching Magazine.
Mohler served on the Advisory Council for the 2001 English Standard Version of the Bible (ESV.)
Starting July 29, 2003 and continuing to the present (November 2005), Mohler blogged on CrossWalk.com, a web site maintained by Salem Web Network of Chesterfield, VA.
He presently is heard on a nationally syndicated radio talk show, The Albert Mohler Program, and also maintains a web site, www.albertmohler.com.
Professed Theology
Some references state that Mohler was initially liberal in his theology, particularly during his years as a seminarian, prior to the rise of the conservative movement within the Southern Baptist denomination. One source states that Mohler experienced a conservative epiphany growing from conversations with Carl F. H. Henry, whose essays Mohler later edited. (Realms of Faith: Christian Authors Database at propadeutic.com)
Shortly after his term as President began, Mohler drafted a policy (which was ratified by the trustees) that the Seminary would only hire professors who believed that the Bible prohibits the ordination of women as preachers. Some women already in teaching positions at the Seminary, or who served outside the Seminary in a missionary capacity, were stripped of their posts.
Theologically, Mohler respresents conservative fundamentalist Christianity. He opposes the role of women in preaching roles, opposes abortion, and believes that homosexual acts are sinful.
Mohler's Views on Other Religions
Mohler is on record as rejecting the notion that any other means of salvation exists besides conversion to Christianity, and his soteriology, or theory of salvation, is Calvinistic in the sense that Mohler states that he believes that human salvation is a gift from God, and cannot be earned by human action. He has publicly advanced this position with respect to Judaism, Islam, and Catholicism.
Islam
In the months after the events of September 11, 2001, when broad sectors of the religious community were organizing interfaith prayer services in an effort to improve Christian-Islamic relations, Mohler derided Islam in a sermon delivered to seminary students on October 17, 2001, using phrases such as "kills the soul," "lies about God," and "presents a false gospel."
I'm no specialist in Islamic theology. I'll let those who are debate whether or not there is that kind of militancy and warrior culture within Islamic theology. But I want to say as a Christian theologian, the biggest problem with Islamic theology is that it kills the soul.
The bigger problem with Islam is not that there are those who will kill the body in its name, but that it lies about God [and] presents a false gospel, an un-gospel...These are difficult things to say. This is not polite.
Catholicism
"I believe that the Roman church is a false church and it teaches a false gospel...and indeed, I believe that the pope himself holds a false and unbiblical office."-- (R. Albert Mohler, Jr., on Larry King Live, March 2000)
Mohler has made strongly anti-Catholic statements, but at the same time maintains that much of Catholic doctrine is compatible with his views. In spite of his public criticism of the Catholic Church, Mohler claims in his official biography to have studied at St. Meinrad School of Theology [10] (a few hours drive from the Seminary of which he is President.)
Media Appearances
Mohler appeared on MSNBC's Donahue on August 20, 2002. The subject was Christian evangelization of Jews. The show's host along with members of both Catholic and Jewish clergy squared off against Mohler's insistance that salvation lies exclusively in the acceptance of Christ.
On April 15, 2003, Mohler granted an interview published in Time Magazine. The subject was the issue of evangelization of Iraqi Muslims in the form of proselytizing Christian aid groups.
On December 18, 2004, Mohler debated retired Episcopal bishop John Shelby Spong on Faith Under Fire, a program hosted by Lee Strobel and appearing on PAX, a Christian television network. The subject was the historicity and truthfulness of the Bible.
Criticism of Pat Robertson
Responding to Pat Robertson's remarks advocating the assassination of Hugo Chávez, the president of Venezuela, Mohler said:
With unmistakable clarity and an apparent lack of self-consciousness, [Mr.] Robertson simply called for an assassination, presumably to be undertaken by U.S. military forces in violation of U.S. law," the reverend doctor said. "In so doing he gave the Venezuelan leader a propaganda gold mine, embarrassed the Bush administration, and left millions of viewers perplexed and troubled. More importantly, he brought shame to the cause of Christ. This is the kind of outrageous statement that makes evangelism all the more difficult. Missing from the entire context is the Christian understanding that violence can never be blessed as a good, but may only be employed under circumstances that would justify the limited use of lethal force in order to prevent even greater violence.
Quotes
"An institution has to decide, and it’s not just an option, it’s a responsibility, how much diversity can be tolerated."
"When a denomination begins to consider doctrine divisive, theology troublesome, and convictions inconvenient, consider that denomination on its way to a well-deserved death." (Southern Baptist Convention meeting, July 1995)
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Discouragement and Being Overly-Critical (part 2)
An excellent section I read in C.J. Mahaney’s newest book, “Humility: True Greatness” is a great follow up to my last post.
He writes, “Are you frequently critical of others? Do you look at those around you to find one blemish after another? This proud tendency is a deeply rooted habit of many of us who have sown seeds of self-exaltation over the years.”
Mahaney then suggests how we can cultivate biblical humility by “identifying evidences of grace in other people. This means actively looking for ways that God is at work in the lives of other people; pp 97-98).
As Christians, we should be people known for encouragement not discouragement. When I am not cultivating humility in my heart I can find weaknesses in peoples lives more often then evidences of grace. When my daughter grows older I don’t want her to think of me as “Mr. Negative” or “Mr. Critical.” Forgive me everyone because I know I need to grow in this area.
It’s so easy to find fault in others, to not believe the best about them, to be critical and discouraging. I am grateful for this book by Mahaney that has been convicting the socks of me. Now the hard part: mortification and sanctification!
He writes, “Are you frequently critical of others? Do you look at those around you to find one blemish after another? This proud tendency is a deeply rooted habit of many of us who have sown seeds of self-exaltation over the years.”
Mahaney then suggests how we can cultivate biblical humility by “identifying evidences of grace in other people. This means actively looking for ways that God is at work in the lives of other people; pp 97-98).
As Christians, we should be people known for encouragement not discouragement. When I am not cultivating humility in my heart I can find weaknesses in peoples lives more often then evidences of grace. When my daughter grows older I don’t want her to think of me as “Mr. Negative” or “Mr. Critical.” Forgive me everyone because I know I need to grow in this area.
It’s so easy to find fault in others, to not believe the best about them, to be critical and discouraging. I am grateful for this book by Mahaney that has been convicting the socks of me. Now the hard part: mortification and sanctification!
Am I exercising discernment or am I being judgmental?
I have been reading through portions of Dave Swavely’s book, “Who are you to judge? The Dangers of Judging and Legalism,” for an upcoming lesson in our youth group. Their have been sections in this book which I have not fully agreed with (especially his conclusions in Appendix A); but all in all it has been a convicting book. The principles in this book have caused me to think about my own life quite a bit.
The Bible tells us to use discernment. We are not to be naïve or unwise in the Christian life. There are times when biblical love will need to discriminate or even call one to repentance. Yet in my own life, sometimes I classify my sinful judgments as biblical discernment or something nobler. Clearly the Bible warns us against sinful judging (Matt. 7; Romans 14:10, 13; James 4:11-12). To help apply this truth Swavely offers up a few Biblical principles for everyone to consider:
1. Is this opinion based firmly on Scripture, or on my ideas and preferences?
Personal convictions are fine but I need to be careful not to impose these on others in a sinful way.
2. Does the formation of this opinion include any judgments about the person’s thoughts or motives?
This is the area I am most guilty in. I don’t think the best about someone and thus show a deficiency in biblical love. Swavely writes, “We simply cannot know for sure what people are thinking or desiring, unless they tell us.” The book reminded me that someone’s motives may be right, even when what they say is wrong. Later he writes, “Even when you are evaluating someone’s actions, which is a legitimate practice, be careful not to allow opinions or implications about motives to creep in as well.”
3. Am I missing any facts that are necessary for an accurate evaluation?
Proverbs 18:13 and 18:17 speak to this issue very well. Sometimes I am way to quick in my rush to judgment. Have i taken someones word on something without first talking to that person? Have i done everything i could to get the facts straight and to hear both sides of the story?
4. How would I want this person to think of me if the roles were reversed?
Ouch! This is something I don’t think about nearly enough (Matt. 7:12; Luke 6:31). Dave writes, “If you are not careful to avoid sinful judgments and eager to think the best about others. You will find yourself under suspicion by others.”
5. How can I show the grace of the cross to this person? (Eph 4:32)
Could love overlook this offense? Is it necessary to bring this issue up? These are some of the questions I need to ask myself before moving forward on something.
This process is all about cross-examining your judgments before you deliver a negative verdict. Sometimes what I call “discernment” is in fact “a judgmental attitude” which is not pleasing to the Lord. These 5 questions should help protect me from being overly judgmental. By God’s grace I will continue to grow in this area and I trust you will as well.
The Bible tells us to use discernment. We are not to be naïve or unwise in the Christian life. There are times when biblical love will need to discriminate or even call one to repentance. Yet in my own life, sometimes I classify my sinful judgments as biblical discernment or something nobler. Clearly the Bible warns us against sinful judging (Matt. 7; Romans 14:10, 13; James 4:11-12). To help apply this truth Swavely offers up a few Biblical principles for everyone to consider:
1. Is this opinion based firmly on Scripture, or on my ideas and preferences?
Personal convictions are fine but I need to be careful not to impose these on others in a sinful way.
2. Does the formation of this opinion include any judgments about the person’s thoughts or motives?
This is the area I am most guilty in. I don’t think the best about someone and thus show a deficiency in biblical love. Swavely writes, “We simply cannot know for sure what people are thinking or desiring, unless they tell us.” The book reminded me that someone’s motives may be right, even when what they say is wrong. Later he writes, “Even when you are evaluating someone’s actions, which is a legitimate practice, be careful not to allow opinions or implications about motives to creep in as well.”
3. Am I missing any facts that are necessary for an accurate evaluation?
Proverbs 18:13 and 18:17 speak to this issue very well. Sometimes I am way to quick in my rush to judgment. Have i taken someones word on something without first talking to that person? Have i done everything i could to get the facts straight and to hear both sides of the story?
4. How would I want this person to think of me if the roles were reversed?
Ouch! This is something I don’t think about nearly enough (Matt. 7:12; Luke 6:31). Dave writes, “If you are not careful to avoid sinful judgments and eager to think the best about others. You will find yourself under suspicion by others.”
5. How can I show the grace of the cross to this person? (Eph 4:32)
Could love overlook this offense? Is it necessary to bring this issue up? These are some of the questions I need to ask myself before moving forward on something.
This process is all about cross-examining your judgments before you deliver a negative verdict. Sometimes what I call “discernment” is in fact “a judgmental attitude” which is not pleasing to the Lord. These 5 questions should help protect me from being overly judgmental. By God’s grace I will continue to grow in this area and I trust you will as well.
Monday, July 31, 2006
The New Perspective (part 4)
We conclude our lecture (#3) By comparing all these teachings with HOLY SCRIPTURE, God’s infallible, unchanging Word. God's Word is what truly matters. We have to put everything through the grid of Scripture. Thus, we must ask answer a few important questions. Have either of these camps accurately understood the gospel of grace?
The gospel answers three of life’s most important questions:
1. How can unjust sinners become just in the sight of a holy God?
2. How can I be made right with this God?
3. How can God save anyone w/o violating His very character (holiness, justice, and wrath)?
Let’s look at 4 important truths from the Biblical witness.
#1. The Bible clearly teaches us that the Judaism of Jesus’ day (and Paul’s) represented Legalism, pride, and human self-effort.
On this point, Tom Wright could not be any more wrong. Paul anathematizes the Judaizers because they were preaching a “false gospel” (see Gal. 1).One pastor has observed that, “There are really only 2 religions in the world today:
(1) The false religions of human achievement
(2) (&) The true religion of Divine accomplishment.”
Stephen Charnock adds, “It is the disease of the human nature, since its corruption, to hope for eternal life by the tenor of the covenant of works.” Salvation by works is not inherently a Jewish problem. It's been a problem for all us. We simply do not understand how holy God truly is (see Dr. Sproul's book on "the Holiness of God"). The religion of the Pharisees and most of the first-century Jews had corrupted the Old Testament teachings on grace & faith. They turned salvation into faith by "human achievement". There are many Scripture that support this understanding...Check out: Luke 18:9-14; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 4:3-6; Romans 9:30-32; Romans 10:3; or Romans 11:6.
Listen to how Paul summarizes the religion of Judaism in Romans 10:3, "For not knowing about God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God."
Paul’s personal testimony in Philippians 3:8-10 proves my point; If anyone where to be admitted into God's heaven through religious works, Paul would be the ideal candidate (see the first part of Phil. 3). He was so zealous over his beliefs that he killed those who parted from his understanding of the Law.
He wrote, "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish (literally, “dung”) in order that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection."
The righteousness Paul gained was “alien righteousness” and the way Paul obtained this perfect righteousness was through faith in Christ (Phil 3:9, Rom 10:4).
The Judaizers tried to establish merit through their religiosity. They desperately wanted to contribute something to their salvation...The Bible clearly teaches us that the Judaism of Jesus’ day (and Paul’s) represented Legalism, pride, and human self-effort.
Which leads us to #2:
The New Perspective's interpretation of the phrase “works of the law” is inconsistent with the entire context of Galatians 2 and Romans 3.
Time does not allow me to do an in-depth exposition of either Galatians 2 or Romans 3.
For now, just take note of the following general observations from Galatians 1 & 2:
a) In Gal. those who were abusing the Law were the problem (the Judaizers). As one Greek scholar notes, “It is not an issue of admitting Gentiles into the faith, but of the Judaizers themselves not being in the faith.” They were misusing or abusing the Law of God.
b) The Judaizers in Galatians were clearly teaching a false gospel (see Ch 1).
c) The context of Galatians 2 is about justification not sanctification.
d) In Galatians the “works of the law” are placed in opposition to saving “faith” in this text. Galatians 2:16 says, “Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified”.
e) This passage is all about how one gets saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone! Dr. Bill Barrick summarizes my observations well, “Indeed, ‘(the) works of the law’ can neither save nor sanctify (Romans 6:12-14). For the believer, faith produces good works, not the reverse (Eph. 2:8-10).”
#3. Justification by faith alone was taught well before Calvin & Luther by Augustine, the apostle Paul, the Lord Jesus Christ, and Moses.
The Reformers did not invent "Sola Fide;" They simply rediscovered it during a very dark period in church history.
If you don’t agree with me on point #3, then please read the book of Genesis, the Gospels, the epistle of Romans and Galatians. -->The gospel msg. has always been consistent: We’re saved by grace through faith alone.
Iain Murray adds this insightful thought, “The gospel is not, ‘Do this and live,’ but, ‘Receive Christ and His righteousness.’ It is salvation for believers, not workers; for the ungodly, not the righteous, and by Christ’s obedience not our own.” (Read Titus 3:5-7).
Notice what Moses taught in Genesis 15 (Abraham believed God and what?)
Check out what Jesus taught in Luke 18:9-14
Observe what Paul taught in Romans 1-10
This is what A.W. Tozer meant when he wrote, “Nothing is new that matters and nothing that matters can be modernized, the old way is the true way and there is no new way.” Justification by faith alone was taught well before Calvin & Luther; by Augustine, the apostle Paul, the Lord Jesus Christ, and Moses.
Δ We come now to our final point, #4 which deals with the Biblical teaching on justification. Δ
The R.C. Council of Trent views justification as a process! Catholics and NP proponents wrongly merge justification and sanctification together. The Council of Trent issued this explicit denial of sola fide: “If anyone says that by faith alone the sinner is justified, so as to mean that nothing else is required to cooperate in order to obtain the grace of justification…let him be anathema.” NP advocates believe justification is more about ecclesiology than soteriology (see my previous notes for more detailed comments on this issue).
But the Bible teaches us that Justification is:
I. A judicial act of God (note: Luke 18:14; Romans 4:3-9; Genesis 15:6).
R.C. Sproul says we first have to answer the question, “Are we justified by a process by which we become actually just or are we justified by a declarative act by which we are counted or reckoned to be just by God?” The great Sovereign Judge of the universe declares sinners righteous (that’s biblical justification). MacArthur adds, “Sanctification is (thus) a result, not a prerequisite.” Jesus promised immediate salvation to believers (John 5:24). When God opens our eyes to embrace the gospel, in that moment, we are declared righteous before (a) Holy God! This is some amazing truth. In Luke 18:14, Jesus said the repentant tax-collector “went down to his house justified.” Salvation was instantaneous. Jesus told the repentant thief of the cross, “Today, you will be w/me in Paradise.” That one word must have been heavenly, "TODAY, Today, Today, you shall be with me in Paradise."
The Scriptures teach that justification is a judicial act of God! It is a declarative act by which we are reckoned to be just by God. Luther put it this way, "At the same time just and sinner."
II. The Bible also teaches that justification is by faith alone (Hab. 2:4; Romans 4:4-9, Eph 2:8, Phil 3:8-9). Faith is the instrumental cause of our justification.
The old acrostic sums this up, Forsaking All I Trust Him (F.A.I.T.H.). Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly teaches, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Justification is by faith alone and faith itself is a gracious gift from God!
III. The Bible also declares that justification is made possible only through the life and death of Jesus.
A) Christ died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
B) The Son poured out his holy wrath on the sinless substitute (the 2nd Adam, Jesus [note Rom 5]). -->Thus Christ is our propitiation (our sin offering). 1 John 4:9-10, By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. We are saved from the wrath of God by the love of God. Jesus Christ became our sin offering before GOd!
C) And then God declares us righteous through imputation.
2 Corinthians 5:21, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This verse describes “The Divine Transaction.” Jesus bore the sins of all those who ever would believe and we recieve the perfect righteousness of Christ through imputation. The grounds of our justification remain solely the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. Christ and Christ alone is our righteousness (Jer. 23:6)! We do not stand before GOD, naked and ashamed; for we are clothed in the righteous robes of Christ.
Conclusion
In theology, everything that glitters isn’t always genuine gold. On the surface “The New Perspective” looks pretty attractive. At first glance, N.T. Wright’s exegesis appears valuable and his conclusions seem to be extremely well researched. He is a top notch academic scholar. But after closer examination (when we compare what the Bible teaches w/what N.T Wright supposes), the “New Perspective” is exposed for what it truly is. In my opinion, the New Perspective on Paul is “fools gold.”
Personally, I can not recommend any "New Perspective" authors, in part because they’ve messed around w/the heart of the Biblical gospel. Again nothing is more important to Christ's Church then God's gospel (see 1 and 2 Corinthians).
Instead of spending countless hours reading “new perspectives” on old truth; Dedicate yourself to understanding the Fundamentals of the Christian Faith. Read through the Old and New Testament as often as you can. My bibliography would be a good starting point if you want to really understand the doctrine of justification.
Some of you may be thinking that sometimes it must take an M. Div or a Ph.D to mess up a really straightforward truth like justification by faith alone...In this case, i believe you're right.
The gospel answers three of life’s most important questions:
1. How can unjust sinners become just in the sight of a holy God?
2. How can I be made right with this God?
3. How can God save anyone w/o violating His very character (holiness, justice, and wrath)?
Let’s look at 4 important truths from the Biblical witness.
#1. The Bible clearly teaches us that the Judaism of Jesus’ day (and Paul’s) represented Legalism, pride, and human self-effort.
On this point, Tom Wright could not be any more wrong. Paul anathematizes the Judaizers because they were preaching a “false gospel” (see Gal. 1).One pastor has observed that, “There are really only 2 religions in the world today:
(1) The false religions of human achievement
(2) (&) The true religion of Divine accomplishment.”
Stephen Charnock adds, “It is the disease of the human nature, since its corruption, to hope for eternal life by the tenor of the covenant of works.” Salvation by works is not inherently a Jewish problem. It's been a problem for all us. We simply do not understand how holy God truly is (see Dr. Sproul's book on "the Holiness of God"). The religion of the Pharisees and most of the first-century Jews had corrupted the Old Testament teachings on grace & faith. They turned salvation into faith by "human achievement". There are many Scripture that support this understanding...Check out: Luke 18:9-14; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 4:3-6; Romans 9:30-32; Romans 10:3; or Romans 11:6.
Listen to how Paul summarizes the religion of Judaism in Romans 10:3, "For not knowing about God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God."
Paul’s personal testimony in Philippians 3:8-10 proves my point; If anyone where to be admitted into God's heaven through religious works, Paul would be the ideal candidate (see the first part of Phil. 3). He was so zealous over his beliefs that he killed those who parted from his understanding of the Law.
He wrote, "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish (literally, “dung”) in order that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection."
The righteousness Paul gained was “alien righteousness” and the way Paul obtained this perfect righteousness was through faith in Christ (Phil 3:9, Rom 10:4).
The Judaizers tried to establish merit through their religiosity. They desperately wanted to contribute something to their salvation...The Bible clearly teaches us that the Judaism of Jesus’ day (and Paul’s) represented Legalism, pride, and human self-effort.
Which leads us to #2:
The New Perspective's interpretation of the phrase “works of the law” is inconsistent with the entire context of Galatians 2 and Romans 3.
Time does not allow me to do an in-depth exposition of either Galatians 2 or Romans 3.
For now, just take note of the following general observations from Galatians 1 & 2:
a) In Gal. those who were abusing the Law were the problem (the Judaizers). As one Greek scholar notes, “It is not an issue of admitting Gentiles into the faith, but of the Judaizers themselves not being in the faith.” They were misusing or abusing the Law of God.
b) The Judaizers in Galatians were clearly teaching a false gospel (see Ch 1).
c) The context of Galatians 2 is about justification not sanctification.
d) In Galatians the “works of the law” are placed in opposition to saving “faith” in this text. Galatians 2:16 says, “Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified”.
e) This passage is all about how one gets saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone! Dr. Bill Barrick summarizes my observations well, “Indeed, ‘(the) works of the law’ can neither save nor sanctify (Romans 6:12-14). For the believer, faith produces good works, not the reverse (Eph. 2:8-10).”
#3. Justification by faith alone was taught well before Calvin & Luther by Augustine, the apostle Paul, the Lord Jesus Christ, and Moses.
The Reformers did not invent "Sola Fide;" They simply rediscovered it during a very dark period in church history.
If you don’t agree with me on point #3, then please read the book of Genesis, the Gospels, the epistle of Romans and Galatians. -->The gospel msg. has always been consistent: We’re saved by grace through faith alone.
Iain Murray adds this insightful thought, “The gospel is not, ‘Do this and live,’ but, ‘Receive Christ and His righteousness.’ It is salvation for believers, not workers; for the ungodly, not the righteous, and by Christ’s obedience not our own.” (Read Titus 3:5-7).
Notice what Moses taught in Genesis 15 (Abraham believed God and what?)
Check out what Jesus taught in Luke 18:9-14
Observe what Paul taught in Romans 1-10
This is what A.W. Tozer meant when he wrote, “Nothing is new that matters and nothing that matters can be modernized, the old way is the true way and there is no new way.” Justification by faith alone was taught well before Calvin & Luther; by Augustine, the apostle Paul, the Lord Jesus Christ, and Moses.
Δ We come now to our final point, #4 which deals with the Biblical teaching on justification. Δ
The R.C. Council of Trent views justification as a process! Catholics and NP proponents wrongly merge justification and sanctification together. The Council of Trent issued this explicit denial of sola fide: “If anyone says that by faith alone the sinner is justified, so as to mean that nothing else is required to cooperate in order to obtain the grace of justification…let him be anathema.” NP advocates believe justification is more about ecclesiology than soteriology (see my previous notes for more detailed comments on this issue).
But the Bible teaches us that Justification is:
I. A judicial act of God (note: Luke 18:14; Romans 4:3-9; Genesis 15:6).
R.C. Sproul says we first have to answer the question, “Are we justified by a process by which we become actually just or are we justified by a declarative act by which we are counted or reckoned to be just by God?” The great Sovereign Judge of the universe declares sinners righteous (that’s biblical justification). MacArthur adds, “Sanctification is (thus) a result, not a prerequisite.” Jesus promised immediate salvation to believers (John 5:24). When God opens our eyes to embrace the gospel, in that moment, we are declared righteous before (a) Holy God! This is some amazing truth. In Luke 18:14, Jesus said the repentant tax-collector “went down to his house justified.” Salvation was instantaneous. Jesus told the repentant thief of the cross, “Today, you will be w/me in Paradise.” That one word must have been heavenly, "TODAY, Today, Today, you shall be with me in Paradise."
The Scriptures teach that justification is a judicial act of God! It is a declarative act by which we are reckoned to be just by God. Luther put it this way, "At the same time just and sinner."
II. The Bible also teaches that justification is by faith alone (Hab. 2:4; Romans 4:4-9, Eph 2:8, Phil 3:8-9). Faith is the instrumental cause of our justification.
The old acrostic sums this up, Forsaking All I Trust Him (F.A.I.T.H.). Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly teaches, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Justification is by faith alone and faith itself is a gracious gift from God!
III. The Bible also declares that justification is made possible only through the life and death of Jesus.
A) Christ died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
B) The Son poured out his holy wrath on the sinless substitute (the 2nd Adam, Jesus [note Rom 5]). -->Thus Christ is our propitiation (our sin offering). 1 John 4:9-10, By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. We are saved from the wrath of God by the love of God. Jesus Christ became our sin offering before GOd!
C) And then God declares us righteous through imputation.
2 Corinthians 5:21, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This verse describes “The Divine Transaction.” Jesus bore the sins of all those who ever would believe and we recieve the perfect righteousness of Christ through imputation. The grounds of our justification remain solely the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. Christ and Christ alone is our righteousness (Jer. 23:6)! We do not stand before GOD, naked and ashamed; for we are clothed in the righteous robes of Christ.
Conclusion
In theology, everything that glitters isn’t always genuine gold. On the surface “The New Perspective” looks pretty attractive. At first glance, N.T. Wright’s exegesis appears valuable and his conclusions seem to be extremely well researched. He is a top notch academic scholar. But after closer examination (when we compare what the Bible teaches w/what N.T Wright supposes), the “New Perspective” is exposed for what it truly is. In my opinion, the New Perspective on Paul is “fools gold.”
Personally, I can not recommend any "New Perspective" authors, in part because they’ve messed around w/the heart of the Biblical gospel. Again nothing is more important to Christ's Church then God's gospel (see 1 and 2 Corinthians).
Instead of spending countless hours reading “new perspectives” on old truth; Dedicate yourself to understanding the Fundamentals of the Christian Faith. Read through the Old and New Testament as often as you can. My bibliography would be a good starting point if you want to really understand the doctrine of justification.
Some of you may be thinking that sometimes it must take an M. Div or a Ph.D to mess up a really straightforward truth like justification by faith alone...In this case, i believe you're right.
New Perspective (part 3)
Church history is not infallible but it is often a helpful safe guard. The better we understand church history the more protected we are against new heresies. After all there is nothing new under the sun right? Most of the modern day cults are simply old heresies redressed in more modernized clothing. One could look at many examples today to further strengthen this point but for time sake we must press on.
We need to focus our attention now on our second major category? (#2) Let’s examine the ancient writings of the Church Fathers, the Reformers, and the Puritans. Again, we only have time to observe a few select quotations. These quotes will hopefully give us a general idea of what these men taught concerning the various issues at hand...
Augustine of Hippo wrote, “Can we possibly, without utter absurdity, maintain that there first existed in anyone the good virtue of a good will, to entitle him to the removal of his heart of stone? How can we say this, when all the time this heart of stone itself signifies precisely a will of the hardest kind, a will that is absolutely inflexible against God? For if a good will comes first, there is obviously no longer a heart of stone.”
In his “Against Two Letters of the Pelagians” he added, “For we are now speaking of the desire for goodness. If they want to say that this begins from ourselves and is then perfected by God, let them see how they can answer the apostle when he says, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5)’
Martin Luther, writing on Romans 3:27-28, understood this, “What the apostle means by ‘works of the law’ are works in which the persons who do them trust as if they are justified by doing them, and thus are righteous on account of their works.”
Commenting further on the “works of the law” Luther writes, “For Paul, ‘works of the law’ means the works of the entire law. Therefore one should not make a distinction between the Decalog and the entire law. Now if the work of the Decalog does not justify, much less will circumcision, which is a work of the ceremonial law.” Luther believed justification by faith alone was the doctrine “on which the church stands or falls.” Luther believed that the Roman Catholicism of his day was similar to the false religion of Paul’s day (which was Judaism). Works salvation has been a common thread that has connected most of the false religions in the world (past and present).
John Calvin called sola fide, “the main hinge on which religion turns.” Commenting on the Law, John Calvin remarked, “Because observance of the law is found in none of us, we are excluded from the promises of life, and fall back into the mere curse…Since the teaching of the law is far above human capacity, a man may view the proffered promises yet he cannot derive any benefit from them.” In his Romans commentary he said, “It is a memorable truth of first importance that no one can obtain righteousness by the keeping of the law.”
Theodore Beza (expounding on Romans 4) comments, “Abraham was not justified, and made the father of the faithful, by any of his own works, either preceding or following his faith in Christ, as promised to him; but merely by faith in Christ, or the merit of Christ by faith imputed to him for righteousness.”
Philip Melancthon said, “The only thing you bring to your salvation is the sin that makes it necessary.”
William Pemble (a Puritan) wrote, “We deny that faith justifies us as a work which we perform in obedience to this law; it justifies us only as the condition required of us, and as an instrument of embracing Christ’s righteousness.”
One could summarize these two major views this way:
The Protestant view
faith = justification + works
The Roman view
faith + works = justification
We need to focus our attention now on our second major category? (#2) Let’s examine the ancient writings of the Church Fathers, the Reformers, and the Puritans. Again, we only have time to observe a few select quotations. These quotes will hopefully give us a general idea of what these men taught concerning the various issues at hand...
Augustine of Hippo wrote, “Can we possibly, without utter absurdity, maintain that there first existed in anyone the good virtue of a good will, to entitle him to the removal of his heart of stone? How can we say this, when all the time this heart of stone itself signifies precisely a will of the hardest kind, a will that is absolutely inflexible against God? For if a good will comes first, there is obviously no longer a heart of stone.”
In his “Against Two Letters of the Pelagians” he added, “For we are now speaking of the desire for goodness. If they want to say that this begins from ourselves and is then perfected by God, let them see how they can answer the apostle when he says, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5)’
Martin Luther, writing on Romans 3:27-28, understood this, “What the apostle means by ‘works of the law’ are works in which the persons who do them trust as if they are justified by doing them, and thus are righteous on account of their works.”
Commenting further on the “works of the law” Luther writes, “For Paul, ‘works of the law’ means the works of the entire law. Therefore one should not make a distinction between the Decalog and the entire law. Now if the work of the Decalog does not justify, much less will circumcision, which is a work of the ceremonial law.” Luther believed justification by faith alone was the doctrine “on which the church stands or falls.” Luther believed that the Roman Catholicism of his day was similar to the false religion of Paul’s day (which was Judaism). Works salvation has been a common thread that has connected most of the false religions in the world (past and present).
John Calvin called sola fide, “the main hinge on which religion turns.” Commenting on the Law, John Calvin remarked, “Because observance of the law is found in none of us, we are excluded from the promises of life, and fall back into the mere curse…Since the teaching of the law is far above human capacity, a man may view the proffered promises yet he cannot derive any benefit from them.” In his Romans commentary he said, “It is a memorable truth of first importance that no one can obtain righteousness by the keeping of the law.”
Theodore Beza (expounding on Romans 4) comments, “Abraham was not justified, and made the father of the faithful, by any of his own works, either preceding or following his faith in Christ, as promised to him; but merely by faith in Christ, or the merit of Christ by faith imputed to him for righteousness.”
Philip Melancthon said, “The only thing you bring to your salvation is the sin that makes it necessary.”
William Pemble (a Puritan) wrote, “We deny that faith justifies us as a work which we perform in obedience to this law; it justifies us only as the condition required of us, and as an instrument of embracing Christ’s righteousness.”
One could summarize these two major views this way:
The Protestant view
faith = justification + works
The Roman view
faith + works = justification
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