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.

Blessed Assurance

All of us have probably experienced a degree of doubt at some point in our Christian life. I have found an excellent resource that I believe will help anyone struggling with doubts concerning their salvation. It will also be a tremendous resource for a pastor ministering to someone dealing with this issue.

It is entitled Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God's Grace, edited by Burk Parsons from P&R Publishing. Each chapter is by different contributors such as Al Mohler, Sinclair Ferguson, Philip Graham Ryken, John MacArthur, Jerry Bridges, R.C. Sproul, and several others. As the back cover says, "Each author writes with a pastoral desire to help lay Christians understand God's promises and live in the fullness of of his grace."

It is a short book, less than 200 pages, so it is an easy read for anyone. However, in spite of its size, it is packed with invaluable pastoral counsel that will help people gain assurance they have been lacking, or even that they may be trusting in false security, and understand how assurance is related to other areas of the Christian life. I share with Ligon Duncan's comments concerning this book:

"Thankfully a band of faithful brothers has given us this book to clear the fog, present the truth, protect us from wrong-headedness, and help us on our way. True, evangelical assurance enlarges our hearts with peace and joy, fills us with love and thankfulness to God, and strengthens and motivates us to glad, gospel obedience..."

"Blessed are the Forgiven"

Time hasn't permitted me to post in a few days, but I thought I'd share a passage of Scripture I was reading this morning. The word of God is living and powerful so maybe this is a word someone needs to hear:

Psalm 32

1Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Selah

5I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,"
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Selah

6Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
7You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
Selah

8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.

10Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Ready for Marriage?

I've witnessed many instances where people get married hastily and end up divorcing because of differences in opinion and conviction on assorted issues. It is so important to talk through ideas and philosophies on issues before getting married so that potential conflict can be reduced or avoided altogether.

John Piper offers a great list of Topics for Conversation When a Man & Woman are Considering Marriage that would be beneficial to consider when planning for marriage. All of them are areas of potential conflict, some more than others, so would be advisable to clearly understand where your future mate stands on them.

If there is any disagreement I think it would be wise to delay wedding plans until such a time as some sort of agreement can be reached, at least in terms of how the differences will be handled.

NAMB Approval

Just a little something in the way of a personal announcement. Michelle and I were officially approved this week by NAMB trustees to serve as Mission Service Corps missionaries with Parkland Hills Baptist Church in Fisherville, KY as "church strengtheners."

We have been members there for several months already and are actively involved in numerous areas. This appointment, however, will provide us the resources, training, and credibility of NAMB as well as the prayer support for our ministry at PHBC by thousands of faithful Southern Baptists.

We will be announcing more developments as they become available, including information on ministry needs and the MSC missionary adoption program for those that may feel led to support us financially.

Desiring God Easter Outreach Offer

Desiring God Ministries is providing John Piper's book "Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die" for a low price of $1.00 each as an Easter Outreach Special if you agree to give them away. You can purchase a case of 108 books for a suggested donation of $135 (includes S&H).

Worship and Fun

In this day when worship and entertainment seem to be synonymous in many churches, Bob Kauflin provides a good word on the subject in a recent post entitled Should Worship be Fun?

He makes a much-needed distinction between finding our "fun" in the true worship of a holy God compared to the usual idea of fun. He writes:

"If "fun" is defined as a lighthearted activity with no purpose or meaning, strictly meant to amuse, then the answer to "can worship be fun?" must surely be no."

Pray for Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church near Cleveland, OH, author, speaker, and leader of Truth for Life Ministries was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Please pray for him and his family.

Also, if you or someone you know is facing the dreaded disease we know as cancer, I would encourage you to read John Piper's reflections on his prostate cancer written on the eve of surgery. It is entitled Don't Waste Your Cancer.