With the following words, The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 recognizes the New Testament existence of both the local and universal aspects of the church: A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth... The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ … [Read more...] about The Present-Day Relevance of the Universal Church
The Modern Megachurch and the Wisdom of J.C Ryle (by Paul Thompson)
Paul Thompson blogs at "The Bridge" and is a pastor between here and Japan somewhere! He was our second place blogger in the Blue Collar Blog Madness tournament this year. Last night I read two interesting pieces. One from Medical News Today, the other from J.C. Ryle Quotes. Medical News Today: Like A Drug: The Rise Of American Megachurches This article was about recent research by University of Washington about the rise of the American Megachurch. I found the article interesting... I think the observations by researcher, James Wellman could be spoken of more than just the megachurch. … [Read more...] about The Modern Megachurch and the Wisdom of J.C Ryle (by Paul Thompson)
Adrian Rogers’ Flub
This is a perfect example why we should judge The Gospel Project for what it says, not for who said what: Adrian Rogers, considered one of the preeminent Southern Baptists in recent history, wrote What Every Christian Ought to Know, a book that has been used in many SBC churches to disciple new believers in the basics of what Christians believe. I have used this book myself with new believers because it is short, easy to understand, and introduces some core Christian beliefs without getting too in-depth for a new believer to understand. However, I’m reconsidering using What Every … [Read more...] about Adrian Rogers’ Flub
A Plea To Overlook Offenses Instead of Just Looking For Them
…there’s always someone around recording the things someone says and does, presumably for the purpose of scrutiny. -Dana Carvey The above quote comes from an article wherein Dana Carvey laments the “scary and dangerous” trend of comics refusing to mock President Obama. I’m not really concerned about what Carvey is saying in regards to our president, but what I do find interesting is his observation that we are so ridiculously sensitive in our culture. And we are also diligent in reading and processing information (usually quickly and out of context) and just as diligent in looking for … [Read more...] about A Plea To Overlook Offenses Instead of Just Looking For Them
Why Wovenism isn’t just Calvinism repackaged
As I have written on my theological system, Woven Theology, and I have been asked by some people how it's different from Calvinism. There are lot of similarities, but as many differences. I will try to unpack them, and I realize in doing so I will upset some people. The reason for this is my first reason for abandoning the current theological labels. They don't adequately describe the beliefs held by a group of people. As soon as you say "Calvinist believe. . . " someone well say "I'm a Calvinist, and I don't believe that." I am going to make some wide general statements concerning … [Read more...] about Why Wovenism isn’t just Calvinism repackaged
Five Questions with….an IMBer of a Certain Age
Hey folks! Welcome to another installment of our Five Question interviews with IMB-type people. I'm sorry for the extended delay, but I've been busy making people angry and burning my bridges and generally making a nuisance of myself. Thankfully, I've gotten a partial lobotomy and have turned over a new leaf long enough to lure in another unsuspecting interview subject. Our guest today is Edneena Goitenflasshen. Mrs. Goitenflasshen has been with the IMB for many years, working in both rural and urban areas. She and her husband, Junger, have raised children and dogs on the field, all of … [Read more...] about Five Questions with….an IMBer of a Certain Age
D. A. Carson on Angry Christians and the Devil’s Tactics
The other day as I was listening online to D. A. Carson lecture on Revelation, I came across a very insightful and relevant snippet and decided to transcribe what he said here. The following quotation comes from Part 18 of Carson's lectures on Revelation, posted at The Gospel Coalition Resource page on June 17, 2005. It is taken from the portion of the audio file that runs from 18:48 to 22:00. You can listen to the entire lecture here. One of the things that troubles me about American society—about North America, and I include Canada in this, and Western European Christian society, to some … [Read more...] about D. A. Carson on Angry Christians and the Devil’s Tactics
Observations and Predictions on The Gospel Project
Something about this being a semi-let's not talk about it topic has me wanting to actually talk about it. Sorry Dave. I pastor a small church that uses books from 3 of Lifeway's curriculum lines, and I have one class swapping "MasterWork" for The Gospel Project. I also have a long-standing rule that I will never be the junior member of a conspiracy, and as such, front man Dave and behind-the-scenes godfathers Don Trevin and Don Stetzer have not approached me to blindly back the TGP materials. My opinions and predictions here are my own, and are meant to illustrate the problem in the SBC as … [Read more...] about Observations and Predictions on The Gospel Project
The Descriptor to End All Descriptors
Although it seems much longer, it has now been nine and a half weeks since Southern Baptists in New Orleans approved the informal descriptor "Great Commission Baptists." At the time, I sat in a well known New Orleans eatery and ordered a "Po Boy at Mothers" while quipping that, because some people did not like this traditional name, we should at least be given the option of referring to the sandwich as a "Rich Girl at Fathers." While the new sandwich descriptor is not catching on, the same can certainly be said for the new SBC moniker. By now, even the least conscientious webmaster has had … [Read more...] about The Descriptor to End All Descriptors
God Told Me that the Bible Does NOT Teach Cessationism
I have an ugly secret to admit. I used to be a cessationist. Don't judge me. Back then, many (perhaps most) Baptists were cessationists. I couldn't help it. I was born that way! I was a cessationist because that is what I wanted to be. I found charismatics weird and annoying and I wanted the Bible to prove they were all wet. Plus, the school I attended taught cessationism as settled doctrine. And that was fine with me. I accepted cessationism by faith without needing evidence. Then, I began to read and study the Bible and I found out an uncomfortable truth. The Bible does not support … [Read more...] about God Told Me that the Bible Does NOT Teach Cessationism