A Little Help from My Friends

I'm writing a position paper for my Systematic Theology III class with Dr. Ware and have settled on the subject of eschatology, especially as it relates to the timing of the 'rapture' and millennial reign of Christ.

I picked this subject because I really have never developed an adequate understanding of why I believe what I believe, or if what I believe would even stand up to a critical application of the biblical data. So, I though it would be a great opportunity to improve in this area.

For all of my Christian life I have generally affirmed a dispensational premillennial position. Of course this is primarily due to my upbringing (my dad is a huge Jack Van Impe fan) instead of an honest study of the biblical data. My preliminary research seems to support a more historic premillennial understanding, but this is where I would like to ask for your assistance.

Does anyone know of any quality sources on this issue? or, would you like to share your personal understanding of Scripture in this area? Any feedback and/or input would be greatly appreciated!

The Numbers Don't Lie

Anyone involved in SBC life these days has probably heard of the issue concerning missing members. There is a huge discrepancy between membership numbers within the convention as opposed to actual attendance. Christianity Today offers an editorial on the subject entitled Statistical Shell Game [READ HERE].

The article mentions, although not by name, a resolution on regenerate church membership submitted by Tom Ascol during the recent SBC convention in San Antonio, TX. They write, "Opponents cited Baptist polity and said the convention had no authority to tell churches how they should regulate membership and report those numbers." [Read Resolution] I find that reason terribly troubling since they make non-binding resolutions all the time that would easily fall into the same category (calling for consistency here).

I believe we must drop the facade, get our collective heads out of the sand, and show integrity as a convention concerning our membership, even though 16 million sounds good in the press. The eternal destiny of our "church members" are at stake if we do not take them seriously and take our responsibility to them seriously. God help us!

Barry Bonds Rookie Card

This was too good to pass up! I won't make a comment one way or another concerning his alleged steroid use but this is funny... I don't care who ya are!


HT: Amazing Grace & Old Chevys

To Change it Would Make it Worse

In times of suffering it is sometimes difficult to remember God's goodness, even though we would maintain that "God is in control."

I commend a recent Baptist Press article to you entitled To Change it Would Make it Worse. It's a personal account by Barry Joslin of his mother's death. He reminds us that God's sovereignty and goodness cannot be separated. I pray you find it as encouraging as I did.

Barry Joslin serves as Assistant Professor of Christian Theology at Boyce College.


HT: Denny Burk