What's Wrong With This Picture?

Jimmy Carter and Universalism

It is well known that former President Carter isn't the poster boy for conservative Christianity. It seems now that he is espousing outright universalism, although not calling it that, at least if his recent interview with www.Beliefnet.com is any indication.

I read about this interview originally at www.AlbertMohler.com and wasn't very surprised. Unfortunately, President Carter still has quite a loyal following among many Christians who may be tempted to think in the same way. I pray that these folks will not succumb to a 'feel good' gospel that says anyone will go to heaven apart from Christ.

I encourage you to read Dr. Mohler's commentary as well as the original article. My concern has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with getting the gospel right.

Today at Southern Seminary

It is not every day that people are arrested on the campus of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, but several people involved in a 'gay rights' sit-in near Dr. Mohler's office were taken into custody.

Nearly two dozen members began the sit-in with ten leaving peacefully [Read Story]. The remaining folks were arrested by Louisville-Metro Police (photo from Louisville Courier-Journal) and charged with criminal trespass.

This sit-in by the group Soulforce was in protest to Dr. Mohler's recent blog articles concerning homosexuality and genetics. According to the story, members entered Norton Hall around 10:00 this morning.

This is just another reminder that Christianity and culture are at odds with one another. Therefore, we shouldn't attempt to insulate ourselves from the reality that a biblical world view is becoming increasingly unpopular. Dr. Mohler provides a great example that we must stand for the truth even when it is difficult or unpopular.

A Wonderful Wife - Happy Anniversary!

My wife and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary today and I am so proud to be her husband. She is a wonderful gift from God and exhibits a gracious, Christ-like spirit toward me even when I'm not very gracious toward her. I love you Michelle !!!

Evangelism

It is clear that the biblical idea of evangelism is the verbal sharing of the gospel message. Problems arise when the term is applied to any activity or ministry of the church. Examples include "servanthood evangelism" or "lifestyle evangelism". The failure to verbally share the gospel would make it clear that the term is incorrectly applied in these cases.

Don't get me wrong, serving others and living our lives in a manner that glorifies Christ is certainly required as well. Unfortunately, calling everything 'evangelism' can create the temptation to try and get "off the hook" of sharing the gospel by performing these less confrontational acts of service under the banner of evangelism.

Another problem is that many Christians are tempted to equate the number of converts to successful and/or faithful evangelism. It is a time to rejoice when anyone comes to faith in Christ, but we must not get down on ourselves when the numbers don't come. We must always be mindful that it is the work of the Holy Spirit alone.

Finally, it is most urgent to guard against the sin of pride when the Lord does bring many people to faith. I have personally seen too many churches that advertise the number of "converts" they've experienced as a sign of their health and faithfulness. This is VERY dangerous! It is clearly a man-centered device that flies in the face of Scripture and exalts man & method far above Christ, the gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

This is an issue I could write much about, and wish I could do it justice here. My prayer is that I have written something that will provoke accurate biblical thought on this important subject. May God grant us all the boldness and humility to faithfully & verbally proclaim His gospel and leave the results up to Him.

The Big Picture Story Bible

Dr. Plummer recommended in class the other day a children's Bible called The Big Picture Story Bible from CrossWay. It looks to be a great improvement over the usual fare of Bible story books that fail to represent biblical events how they fit into "the big picture".

A reviewer at Amazon.com writes: "...Helm (the author) refuses to treat the bible as a collection of disconnected stories whose main purpose is to get kids to "be good little boys and girls". Instead He lets the bible be what it is meant to be: the unfolding and often messy story of the creator's plan to rescue this rebellious world and bring it back under the rule of it's rightful king."

Excerpt: Part 1: The Very Good Beginning
Excerpt: Part 23: God's Promise is Explained

Just a Reminder - Spring Forward!

Don't forget that daylight saving time time begins this weekend, earlier than in the past due to 2005 legislation passed by Congress in hopes to save energy. So, move your clocks forward one hour Saturday night before you go to bed.

Also, if a patch hasn't been installed be aware that some computers may not recognize this change since they were programmed to switch the first Sunday in April.

Jesus in a Box

No, I'm not talking about some new evangelism tool. The title refers to the non-issue of the the Jesus tomb.

There isn't anything beneficial I could add to the copious responses we've all seen within the past week concerning the Jesus Tomb documentary, so I'll follow Justin Taylor's lead over at Between Two Worlds and recommend Dr. Danny Burk's site where he provides an excellent summary, including links, of responses. Find it HERE.

I tend to agree with Dr. Burk that the story has probably run its course since most reputable scholars, both Christian and non-Christian alike, have basically rejected its claims. He writes:

Darrell Bock is an evangelical scholar, and Bart Ehrman is an agnostic one. Yet according to Jeffrey Weiss of the Dallas Morning News, they have the same opinion about the so-called “Jesus Tomb.” It’s a bunch of “hooey”!

I'm sure the mass media will probably try to keep it alive for a while longer, especially the morning after it airs, but it is safe to say that Christianity has nothing to worry about.