The Purpose of This Blog

Since I am now at a new chapter in my life, I feel it is necessary to re-establish what exactly the purpose is of this blog. Often, a blog's original vision gets distorted or changed as it becomes more widely read. Since From the Pulpit's inception, the purpose has never changed:

"What an avenue to share the everlasting, life-changing message of Jesus Christ! My focus on this website will be to share with the world my views on the theological, cultural, and moral issues of the day. My primary goal is for others to come to the revelation and knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord."

Discussion is nice and always welcome (indeed, some bloggers will post anything for the sake of discussion), but any discussion that I feel impedes my goal of growing people in the knowledge of Jesus Christ will be censored. That is why I have decided to moderate comments. If your comment does not appear, it has been censored for one of the following reasons:

1) It is incendiary, or antagonistic in nature and seeks only to belittle the blogger or another participant.

2) It uses inappropriate language for any reason (archaic Bible translations not included)

3) It fosters a spirit of discord of any kind.

This is a Christian blog. Therefore, it's primary goal is to bring glory to God. As Christians, we are called to do everything in a most excellent way - including our speech. Anything that does not bring glory to God will not be tolerated. There are many many many sites in the blogosphere (many of them Christian) which foster and even encourage this type of behavior. From the Pulpit will not be one of them.

Therefore, I encourage my readers, church members, and friends to freely read the blog and comment and participate in discussion. Differing views are welcome! However, if the discussion turns to one of not glorifying God it will be stopped.

As the associate pastor at a wonderful church, it is my goal to help lead those members into an edifying and encouraging walk along their spiritual journey and this blog will part of that process.

Monkey Business

A few weeks earlier, this blog was in a discussion about homosexuality and I proposed that if homosexual marriage was legalized, other "marginalized" groups would start crying: "What about us?"

Well, as predicted, the ball has already started to roll in other parts of the world on this issue and this one specific group can't even speak the words to ask the aforementioned question:

"Spain's parliament is to declare support for rights to life and freedom for great apes on Wednesday, apparently the first time any national legislature will have recognized such rights for non-humans.

Parliament is to ask the government to adhere to the Great Ape Project, which would mean recognizing that our closest genetic relatives should be part of a "community of equals" with humans, supporters of the resolution said."

(press here for link to story)

Al Mohler brought this to attention on his blog, and I thought it was appropriate enough to include it on mine. The day that apes are recognized as our equal is a sad, and confusing, day. The unborn baby (who will eventually be a person, although I say he is one from conception, but is incapable of voicing an opinion) and the silent elderly (who were once capable of voicing an opinion but for whatever reason are invalid) are not seen as equals and in some cases have no rights, but there is a movement to make apes be seen as such?

By the way, if humans evolved from apes, why are their still apes? As my dad used to always say, "they may have come from apes, but I sure didn't."

Jesus Loves Porn Stars?

Over at almohler.com, Dr. Mohler wrote a blog entry on a news story that appeared on ABC Word News Tonight. The issue: Jesus Loves Porn Stars. A pastor in L.A. goes to porn conventions and sets up a booth and passes out Bibles (The Message paraphrase) with a cover that says "Jesus Loves Porn Stars." I was somewhat surprised to read Mohler's opinion on this topic.

"I have no doubt that Jesus loves porn stars, and the Bible is perfectly clear in its grace-filled message that Christ came to save sinners. Jesus ate with notorious sinners and engaged in conversation with them. Yet, the presence of a Christian ministry within the confines of the Erotica Expo is a step beyond the example of Jesus, I would argue. There is a difference between talking to a prostitute about the Gospel and entering a brothel -- much less buying a booth."

I'm not convinced there is a difference between Jesus eating with a group of sinners and Jesus engaging with a like group of sinners on their turf. During the video, the pastor comments and says something to the effect of "We're the only ones out here doing this. If anyone has any ideas of how else to do this, let me know." I commend the pastor and am not convinced that what he is doing is wrong. Here is a subset of sinners who are mired in a sin that enslaves them and can potentially destroy their lives. Handing out KJV Bibles to them on the street may not have as much effect as showing them that you love them, coming where they are and giving them a Bible that they may be more likely to look through, read, and undestand. Obviously, if there is a Christian brother who struggles with porn, he should not participate in the evangelistic ministry. Comments?

Rice at the SBC and Ethnic Evangelism

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice spoke at the SBC last week. Al Mohler notes:

"Anyone with the slightest sense of historical perspective—or a sense of irony—must have caught the profound meaning of that moment. There stood a descendant of slaves addressing the spiritual descendants of slaveholders. A denomination birthed in the context of racism and slavery found a moment of genuine pride and delight in welcoming the first African-American woman to hold the highest appointive office in the nation’s government. Furthermore, the messengers rose to their feet when Secretary Rice spoke of the nation’s resolve to oppose and eradicate slavery wherever it may be found. "

To echo Mohler's comments, I agree that Rice's presence was a monumental and hopeful glimpse of the future of the SBC - where peoples of all colors can take a stand for the Gospel.

This brings to light another issue. Some church growth gurus stand by the "homogenous unit principle" that state that like people should evangelize other people of similarity. Therefore, a rich person would have more effect sharing the Gospel to another rich person. A poor person " " a poor person. Does this principle translate into race? Our church has a few black couples and I wonder if they would have more impact reaching the black community of Sumter then I would? Comments, questions, sarcastic remarks are welcome.

Millie Boo Update

She's home! Last night the doctors released MB and she's doing great. She can't do any roughhousing (which is her favorite activity) or jump off couches or anything because that could cause internal bleeding during the next three weeks. She's on a vitamink k supplement pill as well.

The doctors and nurses are shocked at how quickly she recovered. The prognosis was grim Sunday night. What a wonderful God we serve who is in control and whose hand governs the entire world. He allowed MB to see a Christian vet who did all he could to save her life. Also, what a wonderful God he is as he answers our prayers according to his perfect will for His glory alone. Thanks again to all those who prayed. Now my wife will not go into premature labor lamenting her doggie's situation!

Akin on Alcohol

I received this in my email account at SEBTS yesterday. I think it comes at an appropriate time. He discussed various issues that came about at the convention and here is his stance on alcohol.

"It was the case that this convention did speak to the issue of alcohol. Some persons expressed surprise that a number of individuals spoke against it. I was not surprised, though I was disappointed. I have observed for some time a growing emphasis on our “liberty in Christ” that I fear neglect of our “responsibility in Christ.” Therefore, let me say several things that I hope are biblical and balanced in assessing the issue. I pray you will hear my heart.

First, Southern Baptists since the late 1800’s have addressed the danger of alcohol with right at 60 resolutions. Beginning as a grassroots movement we have spoken with one voice pointing out the risks of alcohol consumption and the wisdom of abstinence in this area. We did so again in Greensboro with an 85-90% vote according to the chair.

Second, arguments that a total abstinence position is an extra-biblical tradition rooted in legalism are simply false. Now, let me be fair. Does the Bible by direct command condemn the use of alcohol in every instance? The honest answer is no it does not. Jesus clearly turned water into wine (John 2). However, this is where contextual and principle considerations must be engaged. The ancient Hebrew context and the 21^st century American context do not have a one to one correspondence in this area. The distilled liquor manufactured today most closely corresponds to the “strong drink” which is consistently condemned in Scripture. My friends Bob Stein (in an article in C.T.) and John MacArthur (in a 3 part sermon series) provide irrefutable evidence of this. Further, Paul’s guidelines for the gray areas of life are helpful at this point. Does this action help me? (1 Cor. 6:12) Can this action enslave me? (1 Cor. 6:12) Could this action be a stumbling block to a fellow believer (1 Cor. 8:13) or an unbeliever (1 Cor. 9:19-22; 10:32-33)? These principles could be summarized in the maxim: “love for others regulates my liberty.” It is certain the alcohol industry has visited immense sorrow and heartache on millions. I will choose not to put one dollar in their pocket. It also is certain that if one never takes the first drink they will never become an alcoholic. The wisdom of this is self-evident.

Third, some draw an analogy with gluttony and point out 1) we don’t have the stomach (pun intended!) to address this, and 2) like gluttony, the issue is moderation. However, logic and experience refute this argument. I would agree we should address the sin of gluttony and perhaps even do so by resolution. But, no one even potentially becomes intoxicated by eating too much, and we do not lose thousands of lives each year because of DUG (Driving Under Gluttony).

No, the use of alcohol in most contexts ignores the biblical principles of wisdom and witness. Can I say it is a sin in every instance to take a drink? No. Can I say it is unwise? Yes. John MacArthur puts it well. Can I take a drink? Yes. Should I take a drink? No. I am grateful that our new President, Dr. Frank Page, served on this year’s Resolution Committee and helped draft resolution #5. I am glad to stand side by side with him and brothers like R.G. Lee, W.A. Criswell, Adrian Rogers, Jerry Vines, Paige Patterson, Chuck Kelly, Phil Roberts, Jeff Iorg, Richard Land, Bobby Welch, Morris Chapman, James Merritt, Johnny Hunt, John Piper, and John MacArthur and a host of others in opposing the evils of alcohol and promoting the wisdom of total abstinence. I promise our alumni, students and supporters that as long as I am president of this seminary, we will be vigilant and passionate in taking a stand against alcohol. We will do so not because of legalism, but because of love."

Pray for our Millie Boo

We had to rush our little dog, Millie Boo, to the emergency vet last night. After running tests they came to the conclusion that she ingested rat poison. She was pretty far along in the process and the doctor gave her a 50/50 chance of survival last night. To those who know us, you know that Millie Boo is like a daughter to us and she is only a year old.

Rat poison is deadly to animals because it depletes their Vitamin K, thus not allowing their blood to clot, which means the animal bleeds to death internally. After taking an x-ray, the doctor said that there was not that much blood in her lungs (which is great) and that they would start with a blood transfusion immediately. They took blood from a nurse's dog that was there, and throughout the night gave Millie new blood and injections of Vitamin K.

At 8 this morning, the doctor was more positive and said that Millie Boo was doing "great" and that she was playful and energetic. This may mean that her new blood is clotting which will cure her. We will know for sure if she'll make it at 4 pm today when they run the blood clot test. Please pray for her and my wife who is 28 weeks pregnant. She does not need this stress.

Mohler: Compassion and Courage Needed With Homosexuals

While we're on the topic of homosexuality, Dr. Al Mohler has some insights about how Evangelicals should display both courage and compassion to those who struggle with this sin.

"The times demand Christian courage. These days, courage means that preachers and Christian leaders must set an agenda for biblical confrontation, and not shrink from dealing with the full range of issues related to homosexuality. We must talk about what the Bible teaches about gender--what it means to be a man or a woman. We must talk about God's gift of sex and the covenant of marriage. And we must talk honestly about what homosexuality is, and why God has condemned this sin as an abomination in His sight.

Courage is far too rare in many Christian circles. This explains the surrender of so many denominations, seminaries, and churches to the homosexual agenda. But no surrender on this issue would have been possible, if the authority of Scripture had not already been undermined.

And yet, even as courage is required, the times call for another Christian virtue as well--compassion. The tragic fact is that every congregation is almost certain to include persons struggling with homosexual desire or even involved in homosexual acts. Outside the walls of the church, homosexuals are waiting to see if the Christian church has anything more to say, after we declare that homosexuality is a sin.

Liberal churches have redefined compassion to mean that the church changes its message to meet modern demands. They argue that to tell a homosexual he is a sinner is uncompassionate and intolerant. This is like arguing that a physician is intolerant because he tells a patient she has cancer. But, in the culture of political correctness, this argument holds a powerful attraction.

Biblical Christians know that compassion requires telling the truth, and refusing to call sin something sinless. To hide or deny the sinfulness of sin is to lie, and there is no compassion in such a deadly deception. True compassion demands speaking the truth in love--and there is the problem. Far too often, our courage is more evident than our compassion."

Redefining Marriage: Polyamory

In the quest to legalize homosexual marriage, there are groups of practicing homosexuals who are in polyamorous relationships: those with two or more partners. In his revealing article, Kelly Boggs notes correctly that if and when homosexuals gain license to legally marry, other advocates of alternative forms of relationships will start to cry "what about us?" and politicians, fearful of being labled a 'bigot' will cave in to their demands.

Alcohol Use and the SBC

There was a resolution passed this week concerning alcohol consumption and SBC leadership.

"When the back-and-forth on alcohol finally ended, the messengers passed with about a four-fifths majority a resolution not only opposing the manufacture and consumption of alcohol but urging the exclusion of Southern Baptists who drink from election to the convention’s boards, committees and entities. Like other resolutions, it is not binding on SBC churches and entities."

Those who were in favor of the resolution were Jim Richards, executive director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and a messenger from First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Texas, who introduced the bill. He stated, "While there may be liberty, we cannot violate [the admonition in 1 Corinthians 8 that] says our liberty can become a stumbling block. … [T]he use of alcohol as a beverage can and does impede our testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ,” Richards said in support of his amendment. “[O]ur leaders should take the high road in our walk with the Lord Jesus.”

Also in defense of the resolution was committee member Dwayne Mercer, pastor of First Baptist Church in Oviedo, Fla. He said he appreciates “the fact that people become alcoholics because they drink too much alcohol, my parents always taught me, ‘If you don’t take the first drink, you don’t have to worry about taking the last.’”

In oppostion of the bill was Tom Ascol, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Fla., and executive director of Founders Ministries, a Southern Baptist organization that advocates reformed theology, referred to an New Testament account of Jesus at a wedding as his rationale.
“Christ turned water into wine,” Ascol said.

Benjamin Cole, pastor of Parkview Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, said he does not advocate the drinking of alcohol but he feared the convention was in danger of “misstepping” if it adopted “a position that is contrary to what the Bible teaches in the flexibility of the scriptural admonitions as they relate to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.”

Cole’s father died at the age of 39 from a liver disease brought on by alcoholism.

“My father did not die because he drank alcohol; my father died because he drank alcohol in excess,” said Cole, who said as a 13-year-old he cared for his father during the last six months of his life.
Jeff Young, pastor of Corinth Baptist Church in Ravenna, Texas, said the older members of the SBC had won the battle to proclaim the Bible is “authoritative and sufficient, but when we pass extra-biblical resolutions such as this, we pull the rug out from underneath that teaching.”

I'd be interested in hearing what people think about this.

New SBC President Frank Page

Congratulations to Dr. Frank Page of Taylors First Baptist in Taylors, SC for being elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention. I know he will do an excellent job leading the convention for this year. I am not sure when the last time was (Richard Furman?) where a South Carolina pastor was elected president. If anyone knows, let me know.

God is in Control (Mark 4:35-41)

Introduction

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus shows his power and sovereignty over creation by calming the storm that worried the disciples. Just as in the days of the disciples, Jesus has the power to calm the storms of our lives as well. He is sovereign and is completely in control of our lives. How is Jesus in control of our lives? He is in control in three ways:

1. God is in control of our lives in that he allows our troubles (v.35-36)
Look at verse 35. “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side. Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.”

The disciples had just spent the afternoon listening to Jesus teach about the kingdom of God. The disciples were witnesses to four parables. Jesus taught about how the kingdom of God was like a farmer planting seed in a field. He taught that there were four different kinds of seed. Some people are like the seed sown along a path where birds eat it up. Some people are like seed sown on rocky places where there is not much soil and had no root and withered as soon as they sprouted. Some people are like the seed which fell among thorns meaning that when they grew they were strangled by the deceitfulness of the world. And some people are like the seed sown on good soil which grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, even a hundred times. Unfortunately, the disciples did not understand this parable and Jesus had to explain it to them.

Jesus also taught that day about a lamp on a stand. He taught that you place a lamp on a stand so that its light can be seen; not under a bowl or a bed. After all, Jesus said, whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. He then urged the disciples to consider carefully what they heard and that whoever has will be given more and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. He then taught that the kingdom of God is like growing seed that is ready to harvest. And finally he taught how the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which is the smallest seed in the region but when it grows it becomes the largest plant. He was concerned that the disciples did not understand the parables because the parables were meant for those who had ears to hear.
Understandably the disciples’ heads were spinning. Here was hard teaching being given in parables, not to mention a lot of information. The disciples did not understand all of them. Is there ever anything that you don’t understand in the Bible? Are their things that you do not understand about the Christian life? I hope you all say ‘yes’ to that question. There are things we will never understand in this life. Jesus knew this and decided to take the disciples across the lake to teach them a lesson. Sometimes, like the disciples, we may have all the head knowledge in the world about who Jesus is and what the kingdom of God is, but if we don’t have faith, all the knowledge in the world is worth about as much as what’s inside my new green hirby-kirby. Jesus also knew that on that lake where the disciples were getting ready to go, there would be a fierce storm. He needed to take the disciples across the lake and into that storm for a reason.

What reason? Why would Jesus take the disciples through such a storm? Sometimes the Lord needs to take us through troubles in our life because we may not be ready for future situations that he has for us. Little did the disciples know that after they crossed the lake, there would be a demon-possessed man waiting for them. His name was “Legion” because he had so many demons inside of him. No amount of chains could hold him down and no amount of men could keep him subdued. He was terrorizing the entire region.

But the main reason that God allows our troubles is to increase our faith. Jesus is in control of our lives in that he allows us to go through troubles because He loves us and knows that our faith falters all the time.

When I lived in Texas, I attended a church that was about a 45-minute drive from where I lived. On the way back from a Saturday night service, I drove through a storm that had a previous history of producing tornadoes. Hail rained down on my car and it was probably one of the most frightening experiences of my life. My car was getting blown off the road and hail was breaking people’s windshields and denting peoples’ cars. I know that I will go through many other storms in my life. However, I know that what I drove through that night was pretty bad and I probably won’t have to drive through anything like that again. God saw me through it and taught me a lesson. He let me know that He was in control and the main reason He sent me through that storm was so that I would know that He is capable of keeping me secure. Sure, cars around me were dinted and windows were crashed but my car was as good as new. God is in control of our lives. And sometimes he allows us to go through troubles to get us where he wants us to be in our spiritual lives.

2. God is in control of our lives in that he understands our troubles (v.37-38)

Look at verse 37. “And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.” Picture the scene if you will for a moment. Jesus has just finished teaching the disciples all about the Kingdom of God. Now he has told the disciples that he would like to get on a boat and cross the lake. He did not tell the disciples why. They did not ask, “Why?” They simply obeyed. Had they known what Jesus knew, they probably would not have followed Him. Jesus, being fully God and fully man knew full well that there was going to be a fierce storm later that evening. The Greek word for this phrase, “fierce gale” is very interesting. This phrase is not describing a single gust of wind, nor a steady blowing wind. When Mark uses this word, he is describing a storm breaking forth from black thunderclouds in furious gusts, with floods of rain, and throwing everything topsy-turvy and out of control. Imagine this if you can: you are in a boat, in the middle of a lake and you look out and you see this storm forming. You realize it’s going to be bad. You can feel your heart starting to beat a little faster. Then it starts to rain, and the wind picks up and it rains harder. The boat is then flooding. Pretty soon the you can hardly stand up. You are battening down the hatches. It is thundering and lightening constantly and waves of water are partnering with the rain and the boat is filling with water. Where is the captain of this ship? Where’s Jesus? Where is He? Where is Jesus in my trouble? Does he care? Is he there? “Where’s Jesus?” one disciple asks. The other one says, “I don’t know I can’t find him!” Furiously, amidst all of the chaos of their present trouble they finally find Jesus Look at verse 38. “Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion.” Jesus was there on the ship the whole time and he was sleeping. Sleeping? How can Jesus be still when we’re going through so much trouble?

Look at the next part of the verse: “and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Do you not care, Jesus? God, are you out there? My life is in a tailspin, God. I lost my job, God, where are you? My husband left me, God, where are you? My child was killed by a drunk driver! Where are you God?” God is in the stern, asleep on a cushion. How can he do that? God, do you not care that I am perishing? Do you not care about me, God? Do you not?

Fortunately, He does. God is in control and he understands our troubles. He can relate. Like the disciples, Jesus is there with us when we go through troubles. During the midst of the storm, Jesus is there…in the stern, not stressing out, but in quiet control.

My wife’s grandmother passed away on 6-6-06 earlier this week. She suffered for almost 10 years in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s disease not knowing what was going on. Some days she knew your name, others she did not. She was such a sweet woman, before the disease, I’m told. She had a rough life though. Some people in her life treated her wrong and she went through some disheartening situations. But she was a dedicated believer, who served God all of her life. She never talked bad about anyone. She never was anyone’s enemy. Where was God? God, do you not care that this great saint of a woman has struggled all of her life and this is how you repay her? By letting her suffer? What is God’s reaction to our storms? Well, know that God understands our troubles. How can he possibly do that? Don’t forget, Philippians two says that God came to earth in a human form but was 100% God. Jesus made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient even to death! Christ suffered in the ultimate way! He was crucified on a sinner’s cross to die the death that was meant for us! God understands. He is in control and He understands our troubles because He has been in our shoes.

3. God is in control of our lives in that he calms our troubles (v.39-41)

Not only does God allow our troubles and understand our troubles, God, praise His name, calms our troubles. Look at verse 39. “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” The first thing I want to point out to you here is that when the disciples realized that they were perishing and that they could not save themselves, they cried out to the Lord. “Lord, save us, we are perishing!” What did Jesus do? He saved the disciples. He arose from his slumber and spoke into the wind - “Quiet! Be still.” And what did the storm do? It stopped. God is in control of the weather. And if God can control the weather, He can take control of our lives if we ask him to.

The Bible is filled with natural illustrations of people crying out to God. Listen to David in Psalm 34: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”

Look at verse 40. This is the most important verse of this section. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" The disciples were obviously afraid of the weather. Jesus states that their fear is something else. Their fear is a lack of faith in who Jesus is. It is lack of faith that Jesus is God. It is a lack of faith that God can take care of them. Do you ever doubt God’s care? I know I do. The fact that we doubt God’s care for us is why he sends us through troubles.

Romans 5 states, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings.” Rejoice in our sufferings? Why would we do that? The next part of Romans tells us: “Because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope.” When we go through troubles, we develop perseverance that enables us to undergo future troubles. Through the perseverance that we build, our character is molded into the image of Christ, which is His goal for us. And when our character is molded into the image of Christ, our hope, meaning our bedrock faith, increases. That is the reason for our trials: so that ultimately God will get the glory.

Look at the last verse, verse 41. “They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" Who is this? Who has the power to calm the storms? Even the wind and the waves obey Him! Who is it? It’s Jesus! Jesus Christ who is the Son of God and God Himself who is in control over all creation.

God is in control of our lives in that he allows our troubles, he understands our troubles, and the calms our troubles.

Conclusion

I’m sure everyone in this room is experiencing a trouble or a trial of some kind. I ask you tonight to lay that burden at the feet of Christ. Call out his name and He will hear you. Why will he hear you? He’ll hear you because by crying out to Him you are showing to Him that you have faith in Him as Lord. The disciples made many mistakes and were confused often through Jesus’ ministry. They lacked faith a lot. And these guys actually walked beside Jesus. Therefore, don’t feel bad if your faith falters. All of our faith falters at some time. Just call on God to forgive your unbelief and to rescue you from your longsuffering and He will do that. He promises us this in this book.

Maybe tonight, you have realized that you need to give Christ total control of your life. You’ve been trying to do things your own way for too long and your troubles have just increased. God wants you to place your burden at his feet. During the invitation hymn if you’d like to do that tonight, feel free to come down here at the alter and give those troubles to Jesus.

Maybe, tonight, you have realized that you have been living your life without Jesus. Take some time tonight to ask Jesus to forgive you of your unbelief and your sins and He will take that burden away from you just as easy as you ask him to. He sent his Son for you so that you can have eternal life. He loves you. The time is now, ask Him into our life.

Finally Set-up

Well, my wife and I are finally getting settled into our new house. I'll update soon.

More on the Calvinsm Debate

Marty Duren, over at SBC Outpost, has written a very informative and insightful critique of the Calvinist/Non-Calvinist debate that is ever growing in the SBC. Among the highlights:

"We now find ourselves in a position of continual accusation, misrepresentation, frustration and aggravation. Hyper-calvinism is used as a caricature of actual Calvinism, while Arminianism is thrown around like we just merged with the UMC. It does seem to me that a few from both sides tend to be just a little too reactionary."

I think this statement paints a very accurate picture of what is going on in our beloved convention.

Akin on Calvinism

The Olive Press Online has a very revealing and informative interview with SEBTS President Dr. Danny Akin. One of the questions that OP posed Dr. Akin was centered around Calvinism and its perceived threat to the SBC.

OP: Is Calvinism a threat to the evangelistic fervor of the SBC? Why or why not?

Dr. Akin: Let me begin by clearly stating that I am not a 5 point Calvinist, but I do not believe that Calvinism as a theology is the real threat to the evangelistic fervor of Southern Baptist churches. I think the greatest threats to evangelism in Southern Baptist life are cold hearts, laziness and a lack of priority on the Great Commission. For whatever reason, we have become indifferent to the destiny of the souls of lost men and women. As a denomination, we need to be far more aggressive in carrying out evangelism and missions. With that said Calvinists “with an attitude” are not helpful, but neither is a dispensationalist with an attitude. And, there is an extreme form of Calvinism that is not good for the work of God’s kingdom. That type of Calvinism will never be at home in the Southern Baptist Convention. There is, though, a healthy reformed theology that recognizes and affirms the great mystery between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility to repent and believe the gospel, and that is very much a part of our Southern Baptist heritage. I am not in favor of trying to excise out of the Southern Baptist Convention a healthy reformed theology. I actually think its presence is quite beneficial. Personally I affirm the great “solas” of the Reformation. I believe that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. The tent of Southern Baptist doctrine is well-defined by the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, and under that theological umbrella there is room for diversity in terms of methodology, size of churches and even emphasis. The crucial issue for us at this particular time in our history is that we are intentionally biblical in everything that we do. We must always be Scripture-driven and Scripture-guided.

Dr. Akin's response is one of Christian maturity. I am not a 5-point Calvinist either. However, I agree that Calvinism has brought a lot of issues back into perspective, such as the comforting doctrine of God's sovereignty. It is good to hear of a leader in the convention who neither advocates a complete overhaul of the SBC to Calvinism or seeks to squash any Calvinistic thought at every turn.