Gospel Centered Hermeneutics - Book Review

Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics: Foundations and Principles of Evangelical Biblical Interpretation

Author: Graeme Goldsworthy

Publisher: IVP

ISBN: 0830828397

Hardcover, 341 pages, bibliography and indexes

In Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics, Graeme Goldsworthy takes to the platform, wags a revival-preacher’s finger at a tent-full of interpretive theorists, and shouts, “Your hermeneutics need to get saved!” Turning aside, he shakes a fist at the ground given up by evangelicals to secular theories of communication and interpretation. For a moment, he gives a nod of recognition to non-Christian postulations in those areas, noting that they often make valuable contributions. But soon he rises to the climax of his sermon: there is, and should be, a distinctively evangelical hermeneutic in regard to Scripture, and it is unashamedly gospel-based.

The title of the book’s introduction–“Can Hermeneutics Be Saved?”—is an intentional pun. On the one hand, Goldsworthy places the science of hermeneutics on the endangered species list, the result of binging on too many philosophical dead ends. On the other hand, he is quite literal about the word “saved” in a sort of ordo salutis of interpretation: “[T]he grace of God acting for us, is prior to, and is the source of, the action of God in us…This theological perspective also applies to hermeneutics. Our ability to interpret Scripture must be saved, justified, and sanctified through the gospel” (p. 16, emphasis added).

He goes on to argue that “the need to specify a gospel-centered, evangelical approach to hermeneutics arises from the distinctive beliefs of evangelicalism” (pp. 18-19). When Goldsworthy says “distinctive,” he is clear that he has the solas of the Reformation in mind. First and foremost, though, he insists that an evangelical hermeneutic is one that presupposes a regenerate mind interacting with Scripture. Evangelical hermeneutics has some common ground with secular hermeneutics because of common grace, but believers are to think with “transformed minds” (Rom. 12:1-2) and so should not let secular approaches dictate the agenda.

Goldsworthy positions himself throughout Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics as an unrepentant Van Tillian presuppositionalist. His operating presuppositions are the Reformation solas, as well as christocentrism (Christ as the ultimate aim and interpretive center of all of the Bible). Additionally, he maintains that Christians should never separate theology from hermeneutics, particularly biblical theology. Biblical theology reveals the consequences of human sin, consequences that cause humans to fail in the hermeneutical task. Therefore salvation in Christ is the only hope for the salvation of hermeneutics.

In the middle section of his book, Goldsworthy gives an overview of the philosophical trends in each era of church history that he thinks have tended to “eclipse” the gospel and therefore a truly gospel-centered hermeneutic. He intentionally chooses the term eclipse, noting that no eclipse is completely total; there have been valuable contributions in each of these schools of thought as well. However, these eclipsing paradigms are the blocks that must be cleared in order for a truly evangelical hermeneutic to emerge.

The final part of Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics details Goldsworthy’s conception of what such a hermeneutic would look like. He rejects the fideism of both early church mysticism and later existential theology as well as the empiricism of both Thomistic and Enlightenment approaches. Instead he favors Calvin’s call to reason in biblical categories, best expressed in the opening chapter of his Institutes. Rather than beginning as Thomas did with Aristotelian categories, Calvin insists that biblical reasoning must start with a full recognition of the fallenness of humans. While truth about God is evident in nature, our sin keeps us from recognizing that truth and rightly interpreting it. Therefore, we need the special revelation of Scripture read with a redeemed mind. Moreover, Reformation teaching maintains the bond between Word and Spirit; the authority of the Word comes from God (not the church or personal experience), and he is faithful by his Spirit to bring understanding to his people.

The remainder of the third part explores the implications of the gospel in a number of relevant areas: literary, historical, theological, and contextual. Finally, Goldsworthy explicates what it means to have Christ, in all that he is and has done, as the center of our hermeneutics. In keeping with his conviction expressed throughout that the Bible is a book for all Christians, not just theologians, the author ends with practical suggestions for reading and studying our Bibles.

Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics is a clarion call for those who believe that the Bible is the word of God to interpret it like it is the word of God. It is chock full of insights useful to any thoughtful believer who wants to be able to read his or her Bible Christianly. Goldsworthy is to be particularly commended for his clear demonstration that a robust and believing biblical theology provides a solid foundation for knowing how to approach the Bible. - Mark Traphagen, Westminster Bookstore Staff, March 2007

Other endorsements:

“The focus of Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics is not word studies but Word study: a sustained reflection on the priority and centrality of the good news concerning Jesus Christ as the distinct way that Scripture interprets Scripture and, indeed, all of reality. Goldsworthy’s attention to the role of biblical theology in biblical interpretation is particularly welcome, providing a refreshing contrast to what often gets produced by the contemporary hermeneutics industry. And by highlighting the gospel of Jesus Christ, he puts the evangel back into evangelical hermeneutics.” — Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“Graeme Goldsworthy is widely known as a master interpreter of biblical texts. In particular, his studies have enriched the thought of many students of the Bible and informed the sermons of countless ministers. How wonderful that Goldsworthy now guides us in a study of how to read the Bible. His readers will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of the gospel-centered nature of Scripture.” — Tremper Longman, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

Buy this book

Problems with Premillennialism

For those interested in studying eschatology--and who are open to considering an articulate case on behalf of ammillenialism--check out this series of studies by Sam Storms. (Unfortunately, for some reason the link won't work in Firefox, so I'm copying the whole list of studies to the end of this post.)

I recently read Storms's overview on Problems with Premillennialism, which shows why premillennialism can't be squared with passages like 1 Cor. 15:22-28; 1 Cor. 15:50-57; Rom. 8:18-23; 2 Pet. 3:8-13; Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:5-10; and John 5:28-29.

In my (hopefully humble) opinion, these passages are clear that when Christ comes, it's "curtains" on sin and death. There will be a final judgment and a final resurrection, with a new heavens and a new earth.

Nowhere do I see Scripture teaching things like there being both glorified bodies and unglorified bodies on earth at the same time--and I have to confess that the idea of such seems quite unsettling and depressing to me.

I'm open to being persuaded that I'm wrong. Most of my exegetical heroes are pre-mill, post-trib. But books like Hans laRondelle's The Israel of God in Prophecy and especially Anthony Hoekema's The Bible and the Future put me over the edge exegetically.

I know that this issue is a hot potato, a can of worms, or (insert your own cliche here ______). I recognize that people have strong feelings about this. So I ask that any interaction in the comments be measured and respectful. You can go after ideas, but not persons. And please use arguments instead of just stating opinions.

Here is the list of studies by Storms:

HT: Justin Taylor

What's Going On At Shepherds' Conference This Year???!!!

Dispy or Amill The Line Has Been Drawn

Is this a debate or are the lines in the sand being drawn? After the first general session at the Shepherds' Conference I was wondering how wise it was that I paid $300.00 to come here.

Then I read fide-o and got really depressed. Thanks Jason your are always such a good source of encouragement!

I have to say, I was taken aback by what I heard and I was shocked at what Dr. MacArthur had to say. I will tell you this, Dr. Macarthur’s ministry has been very encouraging for me and I look forward to attending his conference next year.

Never the less, I cannot tell you how disappointed I was when Dr. MacArthur gave his “speech” and the apparent attitude he had toward Amillers. His argument compared Amillers to Theistic Evolutionists saying that we change our hermeneutic. His point was that Amillers don’t interpret Scripture literally and Dispensationalists do. I have one question then how do Dispensationalists interpret Matthew 16:28?

28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

A regular literal meaning of this passage would say that either most of the Disciples are still alive or the kingdom is here. Dispensationalism as described cannot be true. The kingdom is here!

But the real core of this issue is how we are going to define Israel and the promises made to Israel?

I don’t believe that Dr. MacArthur got it right but I will wait for his session tonight to see how he ties this all up.

More to follow……

Akin Backs Expository Preaching

If you know me you know that in my opinion it does not get any better than good expository preaching. I am so glad to have a current seminary professor that endorses this method of preaching God's inerrant, infallible, authoritative, Word. You probably are aware that Danny Akin is the president at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Dr. Akin spoke from this outline and more at a Chapel Service yesterday at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He said that there will be more great words about expository preaching coming his website later this week. These thoughts are too good not to pass along.

“A Crisis in the 21^st Century Preaching: a Mandate for Biblical Exposition”

By: Daniel L. Akin, President

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Expository preaching is text driven preaching that honors the truth of Scripture as it was given by the Holy Spirit. Discovering the God-inspired meaning through historical-grammatical-theological investigation and interpretation, the preacher, by means of engaging and compelling proclamation,explains, illustrates and applies the meaning of the biblical text in submission to and in the power of the Holy Spirit, preaching Christ for a verdict of changed lives.”

1. Preaching Must Be Text-Driven So That It Truly Honors What Is In The Divine Revelation.

6 advantages in this method? By: Don Carson

1. It is the method least likely to stray from Scripture.
2. It teaches people how to read their Bible.
3. It gives confidence to preachers and authorizes the message.
4. It meets the need for relevance without allowing the clamor for relevance to dictate the message.
5. It forces the preacher to handle the tough passages.
6. It enables the preacher to most systematically expound the whole counsel of God if sufficient chunks are handled.

2. Preaching must honor the principle of authorial intent, recognizing that the ultimate author of Scripture is the Holy Spirit, God Himself.

3. Scripture must be interpreted and understood as it was given to the original audience. The text cannot mean today what it did not mean then.

4. Pulpit Proclamation must affirm that the historical-grammatical-theological interpretation will best discover both the truth of the text and the theology of the text.

A faithful minister of the Word will bombard every text with a series of questions:

1. What does this text say about the Bible (and the doctrine of Revelation)?

2. What does this text say about God (also Creation, angelology)?

3. What does this text say about humanity (and sin, our falleness)?

4. What does this text say about Jesus Christ (His person and work)?

5. What does this text say about the Holy Spirit?

6. What does this text say about Salvation?

7. What does this text say about the Church?

8. What does this text say about Last Things?

Let your exegesis drive your theology. Let your theological system be shaped by Scripture and not the reverse.

I would encourage us to always ask of every text two questions, and to ask them in this order:

1) What does this text say about God; and 2) What does this text say about fallen humanity?

5. Effective biblical instruction will take serious and develop the implications of what

Jesus said in Luke 24 about the Christological nature of Scripture.

6. From beginning to end, from the study to the pulpit, the entire process of biblical

exposition must take place in absolute and complete submission to the Holy Spirit.

7. Changed Lives for the glory of God is always the goal for which we strive. Therefore

it is a sin, of the most serious sort, to preach the Word of God in a boring and

unattractive fashion.

“What you say is more important than how you say it, but how you say it has never been more important.”

Are You Willing to “Waste” Your Life?

Extravagant Love for Jesus Looks to Some Like a Waste

Judas simply could not understand Mary’s ridiculous decision. During dinner she had just taken a jar of expensive perfume and dumped it on Jesus’ feet! That perfume was worth almost a year’s wages. What a waste! Just think what could have been done with that money.

“Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”

But helping the poor wasn’t really Judas’ concern. “He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief and being in charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it” (John 12:6). Judas was Judas’ concern.

John 12 shows Mary and Judas in stark contrast. One “wasted” her costly perfume on Jesus’ feet. The other stole from Jesus’ moneybag.

For full article click here.

The Shepherds' Conference

Let me say this is the best conference that I have ever been to. This will be my third year and not my last one, Lord willing! What a line up of speakers! Could it get any better? I do have to say that I am a bit disappointed that John Piper will not be able to speak this year at Shepherds' but I understand why. If an earthly father is about ready to face death any son/daughter needs to be there. Maybe RC Sproul will be called at the last minute, now that would be something, really something. Men, if you can ever go to this conference in the future, go! I think there may be a womens branch starting up also if I am not mistaken.

I hope you keep up with the conference through Tim Challies blog. He has some great things to say about the conference on his blog this morning and will be live blogging once again on the internet this year.

I am excited to leave soon for Los Angeles CA this morning. I look forward to the weather, probably a good 30-45 degrees warmer; I anxiously await the conference starting tomorrow and being around 4000 other pastor brothers and male leaders in churches all around the globe. It is a sight my friends. My first year I met a man from India. Pastors all over the world come to prepare themselves to give out spiritual food from the Bible to a hungry flock and a community in which they live and minister.

I will however miss my family, church family and a dear pastor/brother/friend that I have grown to love and appreciate, Pastor Justice. He will, bottom line, go to the conference next year!

It was God who called me to this fine state of Iowa. I understand that God has brought me and my family here to minister to the people of Calvary Baptist Church and the community of Clinton, Iowa. It doesn't matter how cold the weather gets in Iowa, I am there to shepherd and minister in love to this great flock.

Keep up with the conference this week will you? Stop what you are doing once in a while throughout the week and pray for your pastor if he is going, pray for the speakers, the conference in its entirety; that it will bring glory, honor to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Health and Wealth - Prosperity Gospel - Amazing How the Pastor is the Only One Getting Rich! ...Or Is It??

Prayer Palace junior minister doesn’t mention Star expose’ of lavish lifestyles

The junior pastor at one of the country’s largest evangelical churches preached the virtues of wealth and smart investment to his working-class congregation yesterday.

It was the same morning the Toronto Star published an investigation into how Paul Melnichuk, patriarch of the Prayer Palace, and his twin sons, Tim and Tom, have amassed a fleet of fine cars and a pricey portfolio of fancy homes while doing little of the charity work their church claims to do.

The Star expose’, part of an ongoing series on Canadian charities, documented the Melnichuk family’s lavish lifestyle, including about $12 million in personal real estate north of Toronto and in Florida, in contrast to the bulk of their congregation. Most church members faithfully give 10 per cent of their income.

“You see, you weren’t designed to live in a apartment building. You were designed to own the apartment building you’re living in,” Tom Melnichuk said, calling for his followers to think positive. “If you don’t watch it, you’ll be eating at Denny’s for the rest of your entire life.”

The speech seemed at times more business seminar than sermon. In it, Tom called himself a “smart investor” and suggested church members learn to be the same.

Paul Melnichuk, or “Pastor Paul” as he is called by some at the church, is expected to respond to the expose’ this Sunday. He was seen yesterday sunning on his dock in Bradenton, Fla., alongside his wife Kathleen.

“How many of you love Pastor Paul?” a smiling Tom asked the crowd gathered near Highway 400 and Finch Ave. “He’s a very, very special man.”

Hundreds of congregants listened to Tom’s folksy speech and shouted amens as he delivered an energized and rambling sermon on everything from compound interest to the time in high school when he set out on the road to wealth.

“My neighbour calls me Donald Trump,” he grinned. “I’m not really Donald Trump.”

Approached by two Star reporters after the service, Tom said he had no comment. Asked whether he has a message for people, he added: “Shrewd business, faith in God.”

Two congregants leaving the massive, UFO-shaped church called the reporters “wicked.”

“The people don’t feel taken advantage of,” said another church member, who identified herself as “Erica,” after the service.

She said the fact the pastors are wealthy, combined with the church’s pattern of declining investment in charitable programs, “doesn’t mean the money they’ve accumulated has come from the charity.”

Meanwhile, the Star was deluged yesterday with calls and emails from readers. But some questioned why Prayer Palace leaders should be scrutinized if congregants are content.

“If the entertainment offered by the Melnichuks was not meaningful and worthwhile, the admission-paying public would stay away … and the money would dry up,” wrote Toronto resident David Moffat.

The Star also reported details of deals the Melnichuks obtained for personal properties during Prayer Palace construction, such as having a paving company build Paul’s King City driveway in lieu of full payment to the church for land rental.

Tom Melnichuk didn’t mention questions about his family’s affluence at the altar yesterday. Instead, he called on men to ensure they don’t allow their wives to live in a “dusty apartment” watching a television with a coat hangar antenna while eating half-cold Kraft Dinner.

“How many of you have thought about living in a good house?” he asked. “How many have thought of driving great things?”

With files from Jessica Leeder

Kenneth Copeland - Flying High While His Congregation Foots the Bill

Some may say a way televangelists can measure their success is that they have the ability to fly their own corporate jet to spread the gospel.

For the past several months, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Fort Worth have been traveling the globe in a new $20 million jet. They pledged that the aircraft would be used for the purpose of serving their ministry.

Are the Copelands practicing what they preach?

The Copelands are regarded by many as the most successful televangelists in the world, and they certainly look the part these days—jetting about in their new Cessna Citation, operated, they say, in exact accordance with federal tax law and used solely for ministry purposes.

But flight records News 8 obtained raise questions.

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Believers’ Voice of Victory ministry is broadcast around the world. The couple preaches not only the gospel of prosperity, but the promise of healing through faith.

It was the prospect of wellness that for years lured Bonnie Parker of Winnsboro, La. to the Copelands’ broadcast every Sunday morning, said Parker’s family.

Believer after believer, much like Parker, lined up to be healed by the Copelands. For many, they believed all it took was faith. And according to Parker’s husband Alvin and their daughter, it also took something else - money.

“We know it was a lot, a whole lot,” said Kristy Beach, Parker’s daughter, talking about the amount of money Bonnie Parker donated.

She said the total reached into the the tens of thousands, and possibly even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Parker also spent money on the lottery. Handwritten notes reflected her desire to remit her winnings to the Copelands, whom she said she believed could stop the cancer ravaging her body.

“I can’t see how they can sell something that doesn’t even belong to them to begin with, but that’s what they are doing,” Beach said. “They’re selling something that you can’t sell.”

While buying up lotto tickets, Parker’s family said she was also paying and praying for healing.

Meanwhile, the Copelands needed $20 million in their aim to buy a new jet that Kenneth Copeland said would be used only to spread the gospel.

“It will never, ever be used as long as it is in our care, for anything other than what is becoming to you, Lord Jesus,” he said.

But what “is becoming” is becoming less clear.

According to flight records obtained by News 8, the Copeland jet, on its way to an evangelical seminar in Australia last October, made a two-day layover in Maui. Then it was on to the Fiji islands for another stop.

After seven days in Australia, the Copelands headed to Honolulu for another three days of what they called “eating and rest.”

Last December, amid other evangelical stops, there was a jet ride to the Yampa Valley Airport in Colorado, just a few miles away from Steamboat Springs Ski Resort.

That same day, the jet flew back to the Copelands’ private airport north of Fort Worth.

Five days later, the jet traveled to the Yampa Valley Airport near Steamboat and returned to Texas.

One week later, there was another trip. This time, to the LaFonda Ranch in Southwest Texas, a favorite stop over the years for Kenneth Copeland and his son, John.

The La Fonda Ranch is described as a working cattle and hunting ranch located in the arid brush country.

A picture taken of Copeland and his son John shows them proudly posing with a pair of axis deer indigenous to India and Sri Lanka.

So, is a jet trip to a South Texas wild game ranch a proper use?

“You can’t take the assets that are supposed to be used for a religious or charitable purpose and use them for your own purposes without some tax consequences,” said Wayne Shaw, a former IRS agent and current Southern Methodist University business professor.

Concerns about Kenneth Copeland’s jet travel came as no surprise to Pete Evans of the Trinity Foundation in Dallas.

The organization has tracked the Copelands’ aircraft and more than $20 million in property assets for years.

“It tells everybody that Christianity is about getting stuff, and not about giving your life for the people around you,” Evans said.

Meanwhile, Parker’s husband said Bonnie died believing she hadn’t given enough money to Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.

Parker and Beach said they asked the Copelands for an accounting of Bonnie’s contributions.

“I can’t believe, I can’t comprehend them going on vacation in a jet that my mom paid for with her life,” Beach said. “I can’t imagine that.”

The Copeland ministry declined requests for an interview, and pointed to an accounting firm’s declaration that all jet travel complies with federal tax laws.

A request to see their annual tax filings and list of Board of Directors was also denied.

The reason they cited for the denial was that as a church they are not required to disclose that information.

How Important is Truth?

How important is truth? A recent Christian radio broadcast highlighted the faith of our soldiers in Iraq. God is certainly doing a work in the hearts of many and believers everywhere ought to be encouraged by that reality. At the same time, the individual chronicling their faith stated approvingly that they are not interested in doctrine but simply in what works.

An example was offered regarding a marine who would not go into battle unless a particular woman blessed his humvee because every one she had blessed had made it through. The host quipped that such a thing would cause a Baptist preacher’s head to spin as she was Roman Catholic and the young man was Baptist. The implication was that religious ritual that worked was the really important thing and not truth. Not only were doctrinal distinctives regarding the issue of salvation swept away, but priest craft and superstition were inserted. Did she have a line to God he did not have? Was it the touch of her hand and the utterance of her blessing that was effectual? Does anyone really want to go into battle with superstition as one’s only hope of survival in the here and now much less in eternity? Indeed, how important is truth?

For full article click here.

HT: Dr. Paul Dean

Emergent - Bible and Beer

In a back room at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood, about 50 people gathered on a recent Wednesday night to talk rock 'n' roll.

Why are Bob Marley and Kurt Cobain considered by some to be messiahs? When did rock music lose its edge and become another product manufactured and marketed by huge conglomerates such as Viacom?

It was a conversation perfectly suited to the setting. Beer-stained wooden tables and the smell of hops complemented a free-flowing, spirited debate among hip young people in scruffy beards and T-shirts.

In 2007, this is church.

Click here for full article.

Book Review: Chosen For Life: A Case for Divine Election

Book Review: Chosen For Life: A Case for Divine Election
By Sam Storms
Reviewed by: David A. Thommen

Sam Storms has done the Christian community and incredible service with this publication of Chosen for Life: A Case for Divine Election. This is a revised and expanded version of an earlier publication he did in 1987. I will use Sam Storms own words here to give a brief summation of what he hopes this volume will accomplish. “I hope this book will go a long way in dispelling such unkind and terribly misleading caricatures of what people really believe” (p. 21).

He has accomplished his task with great clarity, precision, fairness, and charity that should accompany theological discussions between fellow Christians. I say this because much of what passes for “theological discussion” is simply a batting back and forth of caricatures of theological convictions. Not so in Storms book. He, being a Calvinist and one who holds to the Reformed view of predestination, when dealing with opposing positions pictures them fairly, accurately, and avoids straw man arguments.

For full review click here.

Coffee, It Is Not Always Consumed Properly

On the lighter side of things:

I was reminded of something this morning as I was listening to a CD of Phil Johnson questioning John MacArthur on the dangers of the Emerging Church. As I looked at the CD cover I noticed that it had a stain of coffee on it.

I cannot tell you how many of my study books and Bibles have coffee stains on them. There are some other things I have dumped coffee on in the past that I won't get into. A few years ago when I lived in Wichita, KS I went to see RC Sproul speak at a church that was nearby. I only had his endorsed Geneva Study Bible Study for a few hours and you guessed it, I ended up spilling coffee on it. Now, each time I pull the Bible off the shelf I am reminded of what happened to it. It is a constant challenge for me not to spill coffee on books, or Bibles that is why I don't have coffee around my desk as much anymore.

Why am I telling you this deep secret? I don't know exactly, but I do wonder if there is someone else out there in cyberspace with similar issues? I guess we could say the moral of this story is to be careful with coffee and hot things or to please the Emergents, "However you like to drink your coffee is fine, some may like it hot, some may like it cold or some may even like it lukewarm. Just know that there is more than one way to drink your coffee and be liked as you are doing it." Jokingly so we can all be accepted, "Lord help us if we say that there is only one way to drink coffee."

Thanks for continually reading Truth or Consequences!

Should Elders/Pastors be Disqualified by Unbelieving Children?

There is an excellent series being written over at the Expository Thoughts blog called "Children who Believe". Matt Waymeyer is doing a great job of working through the texts and being faithful to the exposition of the scripture. I like very much the Pastoral approach and clear and concise way that Matt is presenting his argument. I believe this is a subject that every Pastor should have reconciled before entering ministry, - if you have never done an exposition of this, I can't commend to you enough to read and think through Matt's work.

Excerpt:
"First Timothy 3:4-5 indicates that the fatherÂ’s faithfulness in the home is a testing ground for how faithful he will be in managing the flock at large. Two fathers could be equally faithful in their parenting, and yet one might have a son who is elect and the other a son who is not. In this case, the second father would be disqualified even though he was no less faithful and capable than the first father."

"Children who Believe" in Titus 1:6 (Part 1)
"Children who Believe" in Titus 1:6 (Part 2)
"Children who Believe" in Titus 1:6 (Part 3)

Free Indeed?

How do we reconcile the fact that God is sovereign with the fact that he has given us free will as persons?

I don’t see any problem in reconciling the sovereignty of God with man’s free will as long as we understand the biblical concept of freedom. With respect to mankind, human beings are given the ability to make free choices, but our freedom is a limited freedom. We are not absolutely free. Remember, God said to Adam and Eve, “You may eat of all of the trees in the Garden.” But then he added a restriction: “Of this tree you may not eat. If you do, you will surely die.”

Now, God is a being who has the ability to make free choices, and I am a being who has the ability to make free choices. The difference, however, is that I am not sovereign. God is sovereign. God has more authority than I do. God has the right and the power and the authority to do whatsoever he pleases. I have the power and the ability and the freedom to do those things that I can do, but my freedom can never override the power or the authority of God. My freedom is always limited by the higher freedom of God. What is a contradiction is God’s sovereignty and human autonomy. Autonomy means that man can do whatever he wants without being worried about judgment from on high. Obviously those two are incompatible, and we do not believe that man is autonomous. We say that he is free, but his freedom is within limits, and those limits are defined by the sovereignty of God. This is a simple analogy: In my house I have more freedom than my son. We both have freedom, but mine is greater.

My Walk, Your Walk, His Walk - is One Better?

Ephesians 4:15 ...grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ

Spiritual growth is simply a matter of applying scriptural principles, but there are many who believe only spiritual giants experience a great increase in faith.

I have read about mystics who knelt and prayed for eight to ten hours, wearing holes in the wood floors. I have read about Robert Murray McCheyne, who would soil the pages of his Bible and the wood of his pulpit with great floods of tears. And I have read Power Through Prayer by E. M. Bounds, who spent countless hours in prayer. As I learned about these people, all I could think of was that I could never reach that level. But God uses each of us in different ways.

Spiritual growth is not some mystical achievement for a select few on a higher spiritual plane. Rather, it is simply a matter of glorifying God by confessing sin, trusting Him, bearing fruit, praising Him, obeying and proclaiming His Word, praying, and leading others to Christ. Those are the qualities every Christian needs in order to mature. When you focus on them, the Spirit of God will change you into the image of Christ, from one level of glory to the next.

John MacArthur

Jonathan Edwards Resolution 63 - If Only we were Willing to Chase such Lofty Purposes

Resolution 63 - Jonathan Edwards

On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.
Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.

My Response (Rant) to Morris Chapman

Before reading this you may want to read Morris Chapman's article.

Morris Chapman is purposefully not saying anything at all, which sums up the majority of SBC leadership. They are not willing to take hard stands and say what they really think - they are as much politician as they are Christian.

I believe the Bible is clear on who grows the church and it is not us. God grows the church and blesses the work of His people. The SBC feels it is better on the whole to lie about our membership roles and to convolute growth in the church by aligning it to baptism's - now I would bet that all of those people on the roles have been baptized. Does that mean they are saved? Of course not, so why is that how we measure growth?

The other problem I see is that the SBC has hitched its wagon to Rick Warren and Lifeway. Two big mistakes when it comes to biblical growth and biblical teaching. You can not have biblical growth without biblical teaching. Using Rick Warren's strategy you will have plenty of baptisms and few Christians. Using Lifeway's material you will have watered down felt needs, self-centered Christians that believe the Gospel is all about them and not God. Their curriculum always skips over the theological meat of any book and focuses on lesser topical ideas. In some of their Sunday school curriculum they don't even call Bible verses Bible verses - they call them Bible phrases. Curriculum that operates 10,000 feet above the scripture is not going to truly help someone in their Christian walk.

I believe we do need to unite under the banner of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Seeking unity to serve others and bring the love of Christ to all people groups. We must be willing to offend and stop asking sinners how we should do church. We need to be honest about our church roles and expunge those that do not attend. We need to exposit and preach the full council of God without exception and/or apology. We must evangelize and reach out to the lost at every opportunity with a desire of seeing them won to Christ. We must go back to the Bible for our church curriculum and demand more from our teachers that rely on milky Lifeway material.

All of that and I didn't even mention Calvinism, which is the real debate in the SBC. And, I believe is what Morris is really hinting at in his article. As a convention let's give God a reason to grow the SBC churches, and let's do it the right way, by starting with biblical theologically accurate teaching, and being sold out to His glory, and His purposes. Can I get an Amen??

Southern Baptist Asks if Conservatism is Better

A top Southern Baptist executive says leaders in the convention should examine the spiritual health of the denomination now that theological conservatives have been in control for several years.

Morris Chapman, president of the Southern Baptist executive committee, said his fellow leaders must look at whether the 16.3 million-member church is now better off.

“Is our convention any better spiritually because biblical conservatives are leading?” Chapman asked Monday during the committee’s winter meeting. “I leave that question for you to answer in the depths of your own heart.”

The conservative resurgence started in 1979, when Southern Baptists, angry about what they saw as the liberal direction of their seminaries, elected a fellow conservative as the convention president. It was a watershed that began a dramatic shift to the right – theologically and politically – in the years that followed.

But in the last few years, the number of baptisms in Southern Baptist churches has reached a low point, and many of the congregations have either not grown or declined in membership.

Also, internal conflicts have arisen over whether Southern Baptists can speak in tongues during worship, among other theological disagreements.

Chapman said that cooperation among Southern Baptists is the “glue that holds us together.” The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Protestant group in the country.

The Associated Press

James Cameron Is Next In Line to Topple Christianity?

In a bold jab at the heart of Christianity, "Titanic" director James Cameron has made a new documentary that claims the resurrection of Jesus never happened, according to published reports.
Cameron, best known for the Oscar-winning box-office smash, produced the film that asserts Jesus was not resurrected - and that the burial tomb of Christ and his mother, the Virgin Mary, were discovered near Jerusalem, said the report on Time magazine's Web site.

The story starts 27 years ago when Israeli construction workers in the Jerusalem suburb of Talpiyot unearthed a 2,000-year-old cave holding 10 caskets.

After 20 years of archeologists' examinations, the names on the caskets became clear: Jesua, son of Joseph; Mary; Mary; Matthew; Jofa and Judah, son of Jesua.

The Time story does not explain why there are only six names for 10 caskets.

The documentary claims Jesus sired a child with Mary Magdalene - an assertion made famous in the best-selling book and 2006 movie "The Da Vinci Code."

For full article click here.

The Deity of Christ, Article 10, Belgic Confession

This Reformed confession was prepared in 1561 by Guy de Bres (c.1523-1567), who was later martyred, and others, and then slightly revised by Francis Junius (1545-1602) of Bourges. First written in French, it was soon translated into Dutch and Latin. The Synod of Dort (1618-1619) made a revision but did not change the doctrine. It covers the spectrum of theological topics.

Article 10: The Deity of Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ, according to his divine nature, is the only Son of God-- eternally begotten, not made nor created, for then he would be a creature.

He is one in essence with the Father; coeternal; the exact image of the person of the Father and the "reflection of his glory," being in all things like him.

He is the Son of God not only from the time he assumed our nature but from all eternity, as the following testimonies teach us when they are taken together.

Moses says that God "created the world"; and John says that "all things were created by the Word," which he calls God. The apostle says that "God made the world by his Son." He also says that "God created all things by Jesus Christ."

And so it must follow that he who is called God, the Word, the Son, and Jesus Christ already existed when all things were created by him.

Therefore the prophet Micah says that his origin is "from ancient times, from eternity." And the apostle says that he has "neither beginning of days nor end of life."

So then, he is the true eternal God, the Almighty, whom we invoke, worship, and serve.

13 Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3 14 Gen. 1:1 15 John 1:3 16 Heb. 1:2 17 Col. 1:16 18 Mic. 5:2 19 Heb. 7:3

To read the full Belgic Conession click here.

Signs of the Apocolypse - A Pastor Who is Jesus AND the Devil, Members Brand themselves with 666

Miami Church Brands Members With '666' Tattoos

Surrounded by a mob of news cameras, a group of smiling, well-dressed church members crowded into a South Beach storefront parlor on a recent muggy evening and got matching tattoos of their prophet's symbol: 666.

Members of Growing in Grace, a controversial religious sect headquartered in Doral, said they were following the example of their leader, Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda, who has claimed to be Jesus and recently declared himself the Antichrist.

Critics have called De Jesus a cult leader who manipulates followers. Church members say he has brought them happiness and spiritual fulfillment.

"This is backing up what I truly believe," said Alvaro Albarracin, 38, who heads a film production company and joined the church more than a decade ago. He showed a bandage that covered the freshly tattooed "666" on his forearm. "It's like a brand. It's like a sign."

It's a sign most Christians would shun, because for centuries the numbers have been associated with Satan. But for the 30 or so church members who branded themselves with 666 and SSS — the initials of De Jesus' motto, "salvo siempre salvo," or "saved always saved" — it's a mark of their absolute faith in De Jesus.

Church members say the symbol doesn't connect them to Satan but rather to De Jesus' claim that he has replaced Christ's teachings with a new gospel.

Scholars and critics of the movement say the tattoos offer frightening evidence of the influence De Jesus commands over his followers.

For full article click here.

Is Global Warming True?

That is the question that many people are having these days, especially if one is in the Democrat Party in the state of Iowa. In all fairness, I should say that not all Democrats would hold to the theory of Global Warming. It is not uncommon to hear from the mouths of many church members around here "This Global Warming is something, really something." I had a man come up to me this past Sunday and those were his words. He really felt that if it wasn't for Global Warming we would be looking at minus 20 to 30 degree weather right now in Clinton, IA. And this is a man almost 90 years old believing this stuff! I beg to differ, it is a sign of the End Times. We are in the last days and the weather points to that fact. One just does not read of Global Warming in the Bible. Friends, the weather patterns are different everywhere right now and I don't care what part of the U.S.A a person lives in.

In my humble opinion, things are going to get worse and worse until Jesus comes again and that includes the weather. America in it entirety will never, never get any better. (Read Matt. 24). Come on now, why should the weather forecast and other things like that take our eyes off the good news of the gospel, the cross of Christ and the things of God in general? It shouldn't and nothing should! Don't be deceived into believing something that is not scriptural.

It appears that many Americans really have stooped to the point of worshiping aspects of creation over the creator of the universe; the God that made everything including the weather patterns. (Read Rom. 1:24,25). Do you think for a moment that the weather patterns are controlling themselves or that God is in control of them? I opt for the second choice. I think some people better stop and think what it means to say that God is sovereign. When sovereignty is spoken of in the Bible it means that God is in complete control of things in heaven and on earth and that clearly proves that He created the weather and is control of it. So much for the theory of Global Warming, that idea in thrown out the window with the baby's bathwater.

Jesus Christ is coming back a second time and the Bible says it will be like a thief in the night. He is coming when a person least expects it. Are you ready? Are your bags packed, life right? Begin placing your faith, trust in Him today and not the weather or anything of this world. Jesus Christ clearly died for the sins of the world, place your faith in Him today for the forgiveness of your sins if you have never done so. Begin living a life of victory in Him! Praise God for His Grace that Saves!

Conviction and Pain

I agree with AW Tozer on his daily devotion. Regarding conviction and pain in the life of a person He writes,

"I consider it a good sign that some people are still asking questions like these in our churches: "What should happen in a genuine conversion to Christ?" and "What should a man or woman feel in the transaction of the new birth?" If I am asked, my answer is this: "There ought to be a real and genuine cry of pain!" That is why I am not impressed with the kind of evangelism that tries to invite people into the fellowship of God by signing a card. There should be a birth within, a birth from above. There should be the terror of seeing ourselves in violent contrast to the holy, holy God! Unless we come into this place of conviction and pain concerning our sin, I am not sure how deep and real our repentance will ever be. The man whom God will use must be undone, humble and pliable. He must be, like the astonished Isaiah, a man who has seen the King in His beauty!"

Book Review: When the Darkness Will Not Lift, John Piper

When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for God–and Joy

Author: John Piper

Publisher: Crossway/Good News

ISBN: 1581348762

Paperback, 79 pages

There are many books that go into a great more detail than When the Darkness Will Not Lift about methods of dealing with depression, but few will equal the pastoral touch brought to this difficult subject by John Piper. This book will serve as an encouragement not only to those suffering their own loss of joy—and who among us has not at some time—but especially for those who try to care for such a one. As always, Piper does not settle for easy answers or quick formulas. However, he is unflinching in pointing us always God-ward, with God as revealed in Christ as the only satisfaction to our deepest longings and needs. - Mark Traphagen, Westminster Bookstore Staff, January 2007

Because of the brevity of this work, those seriously engaging this topic will want to dig deeper. Books specifically recommended by Piper in When the Darkness Will Not Lift include:

• The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes


• Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cures by Martin Lloyd-Jones


• When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy by John Piper


• Future Grace by John Piper


• Blame It on the Brain: Distinguishing Chemical Imbalances, Brain Disorders, and Disobedience by Edward T. Welch


• Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People by Will Metzger

Buy this book

Is Purity Possible in a Sex-saturated Culture

Robert Plummer calls collegians to live purely in sex-saturated culture

By David Roach

When Robert Plummer started dating his future wife, the couple made what may seem like a radical commitment: they would not kiss each other on the lips prior to marriage.

Though many Christians and non-Christians alike think such a high standard is extreme or legalistic, Plummer told students in a session at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's Give Me An Answer collegiate conference Feb. 10 that such radical steps are necessary to forsake sexual sin and live a life of purity.

For full article click here.

Mohler Debates Secularist in 'On Faith' Online Chat

By David Roach

Though the Christian church has evidenced shortcomings in every era of its history, Christians have done much more good than harm in Western society, R. Albert Mohler Jr. said Feb. 20 in the first ever online panelist chat on a faith-oriented website sponsored by The Washington Post and Newsweek magazine.

"The modern concerns for human rights, the rights of women, and the protection of the vulnerable have been driven by Christian concerns and the belief that every individual, male or female, is created in God's image," said Mohler, who serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. "This is a far more substantial basis for human rights than secular theory."

For full article click here.

Want to Know How to Glorify God?

David instructs Asaph and Asaph’s relatives on how to glorify God.

1 Chronicles 16:8-36

David’s Song of Thanks
8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
9 Sing to him; sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
10 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
11 Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
12 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles and the judgments he uttered,
13 O offspring of Israel his servant,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
14 He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
15 Remember his covenant forever,
the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
16 the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
17 which he confirmed as a statute to Jacob,
as an everlasting covenant to Israel,
18 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,
as your portion for an inheritance.”
19 When you were few in number,
and of little account, and sojourners in it,
20 wandering from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people,
21 he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account,
22 saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,
do my prophets no harm!”
23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and he is to be held in awe above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his place.
28 Ascribe to the Lord, O clans of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
30 tremble before him, all the earth;
yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
32 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
33 Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
35 Say also:
“ Save us, O God of our salvation,
and gather and deliver us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name,
and glory in your praise.
36 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!”
Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord.

The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Ch 16:8-36). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

How can the Gospel become compromised in the local church?

Quite frequently even dedicated church members need to be reminded that they (or even we) are not all that matters. The church is not about you; nor is it about me. It is not even about us corporately, though this may come closer to the mark. The church is in many ways “an earthly expression of heaven.” Worship of the exalted Christ by, in part, preserving purity and holiness in her midst is key to who and what the Church is. The glory of God in Christ is what we are about. The church is not about us. We are about the church; and the church is about God. And the gospel? The gospel, the Good News, is at the heart of all that we are and believe. Indeed, “God is the gospel.”

“A healthy church is filled with people who have a heart for the gospel, and having a heart for the gospel means having a heart for truth--for God’s presentation of Himself, of our need, of Christ’s provision, and of our responsibility.” So if we don’t get the gospel right, we probably won’t be right with God and our churches will not faithfully worship the exalted Christ and preserve purity and holiness in her midst. Our churches will not be faithful in word or deed, in worship or evangelism, in polity or creed. We must, then, seek faithful gospel saturation in our churches. We must seek to overcome anything and everything which hinders gospel saturation if we are to be faithful. This leads us to our question:

What kinds of attitudes and ideas lead to the compromise of the Gospel in the local church?

For full article click here.

Baptism by Proxy - Do the Mormon's Get it Right?

There’s not a single text in all of Scripture that gives an explicit mandate for the church to practice proxy baptism, or baptism for the dead, and yet here is a practice that has emerged in one religious body. The text cited as proof of this is 1 Corinthians 15:29. We notice that Paul does not say to his readers, “You should baptize the dead,” but he asks the question, “Why is it that some of you are baptizing for the dead if in fact the dead are not raised?” The fact that Paul asks a question about it indicates that there were people practicing it. When he asks the question, there is neither an explicit or implicit rebuke for the practice. Some have looked at that and said that the apostle Paul recognized that this kind of practice was going on in the Corinthian community and he didn’t denounce it, so it has a tacit apostolic approval, and perhaps we’re missing something we ought to be doing.

But we don’t have a mandate to do it, and I think there’s much in Scripture to indicate that this practice is utterly repugnant to God because of its theological implications.

We have to understand why Paul says what he says in 1 Corinthians 15. This entire chapter is Paul’s magnificent defense of the resurrection of Christ. He is responding as a theologian to a spirit of skepticism that had emerged in the Corinthian church. Word had come to him that some people in the church were denying the Resurrection. So Paul explored the implications of that. If there is no such thing as resurrection (which is what the Sadducees believed) and if there is no life after death, what are the consequences? First of all, if there is no resurrection, then Christ is not raised. So if there’s no resurrection whatsoever, that eliminates the resurrection of Christ. If there is no resurrection of Christ, what are the implications of that? That means you’re still in your sins. There’s been no mark of divine approval on Christ’s perfect sacrifice for your justification. It means you’re a false witness of God because you’ve been running around telling everybody that, in fact, Jesus was raised and that it was God who raised him.
Paul goes on to say that if Christ is not raised, then those who have fallen asleep have perished. The dead are dead. We’ll never see them again; it’s all over. He goes on to give them all these options.

In this process he uses a classical form of argument, the ad hominem argument, in which you argue on the other person’s grounds and show the inconsistency of their position. Paul, in essence, is saying, “I know some of you people are out there practicing baptism for the dead and at the same time saying that there’s no resurrection. What in the world are you doing it for?” In other words, he’s showing the folly of denying resurrection and practicing something that would depend on resurrection for it to have any meaning. But Paul is in no way endorsing the practice of baptism by proxy.

The Lord Is My Strength and My Song

The Lord Is My Strength and My Song
Isaiah 12:1-6

You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
that you might comfort me.
2 “ Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:
“ Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 “ Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known in all the earth.
6 Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 12:1-6). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

What is the Biblical Evidence for the Imputation of Adam's Sin?

The doctrine of the imputation of Adam's sin means that when Adam first sinned, that sin (and its blame) was rightly regarded by God to be our sin as well. John Piper writes:

The problem with the human race is not most deeply that everybody does various kinds of sins—those sins are real, they are huge and they are enough to condemn us. Paul is very concerned about them. But the deepest problem is that behind all our depravity and all our guilt and all our sinning, there is a deep mysterious connection with Adam whose sin became our sin and whose judgment became our judgment. (John Piper, "Adam, Christ, and Justification: Part 1")

God ordains that that there be a union of some kind that makes Adam's sin to be our sin so that our condemnation is just. ("Adam, Christ, and Justification: Part 5")

The biblical basis for this doctrine of imputed sin is discussed thoroughly in John Piper's five sermons on Romans 5:12-21. Here we will simply seek to summarize some of the primary evidence from this text.

For full article click here.

Day of Reckoning: Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapel Face an Uncertain Future

This is a very informative article from CT on the issues going on within Calvary Chapel. No denomination is perfect and although Calvary does not consider themselves a denomination - they are. This article goes fairly in-depth on their moral failings and leadership integrity issues. While I do not agree with a lot of their ministerial philosophies, or their stance on church polity, gifts, and church membership. I dislike even more a perpetuation of hypocritical Christians - especially at the higher levels in their leadership. The first two lines of the article are the epitome to me of Calvary, they aren't anything - pure vanilla.

Excerpt:
Talk to Calvary Chapel pastors about their theology, and they appear the epitome of evangelical balance and moderation: neither Calvinist nor Arminian, neither Pentecostal nor cessationist.

Talk to Calvary Chapel pastors about their vibrant network of 1,300 churches across the U.S., however, and they'll offer two radically different views. Most will call Calvary Chapel a mighty and ongoing work of a faithful God—and they will be right. But the other view expresses deep worry that lax moral standards among some key leaders will sink Calvary's ship. As one pastor said to Christianity Today, "The Titanic has hit the iceberg. But the music is still playing."

Click here for full article.

SBC Pastor's - Young, Angry, and Blogging About It

Baptists Denominationally Disillusioned, Move Toward Future

Mon, Feb. 19, 2007 Posted: 08:27:55 AM EST

There are a lot of "angry young men" out there in the Southern Baptist blogosphere, one university dean pointed out.

Some Baptist bloggers, mainly pastors and seminarians, voice traditional views, some talk about culture and theology, and others indicate that they are revivalists. But drawing more attention are the comments posted more than the hosts of the blog pages.

"Are there angry people out there on the blogosphere?" posed Gregory A. Thornbury, founding dean of the School of Christian Studies at Union University, at a Baptist Identity conference over the weekend. "You bet."

"You guys are mules. You make much noise but cannot reproduce," Thornbury quoted one comment on a blog.

Some Baptist leaders point out a lack of evangelism in the Southern Baptist denomination. Before committing to others in outreach, however, Baptists were called to first recommit to the gospel and go back to the basics, one of which include regenerate church membership.

For full article click here.

My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church

By Jason Carlson

The growing influence of the so-called emergent church movement has generated much interest and debate in recent times. As a columnist for the Christian Worldview Network, people often ask me for my take on the emergent church movement. Thus, the purpose of this article is simply to offer my humble perspective on the emergent church movement, based upon my unique firsthand interactions with many of its leaders, many of whom I count as friends in-spite of my disagreements with them.

My initial entrance into the emergent church conversation came about six years ago while I was a student in seminary. One of the key figures in Emergent, the official title of the organization that is the primary voice for the emergent church movement, Doug Pagitt (Pastor of Solomon’s Porch in Minneapolis), is a close friend of mine. Doug had a profound influence on my life during his time as my youth pastor when I was in high school. Between my years in youth group and my entrance into seminary, Doug became intimately involved with many of the key movers and shakers who would eventually form the organization, or “generative friendship” as they call it, which is now Emergent. During these formative years of Emergent, actually back then it was called The Terra Nova Project, Doug invited me to many of the early gatherings of this group, it was at these events where I was introduced to and spent much time with people like Brian McLaren, Tony Jones, Pagitt and others.

For full article click here.

Is the Southern Baptist Convention Itself Filling up with “Dead Churches”?

This is an excellent article and research done over at the Christian Research Net blog. If you are interested in learning more about the troubles that our convention is facing I would encourage you to read through it.


"At Apprising Ministries I share a devotion by A.W. Tozer, based on Revelation 3:1, which follows in the light of The Unacknowledged Controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention: Which Jesus Do You Serve? Just this morning I also sent that article to SBC president Dr. Frank Page because he has made the statement that the SBC is “a Jesus Convention.”

Click here for full article.

Falling in Love Again

This is an excellent article that I can't recommend highly enough, it is definitely worth your time. It is written by Steven Lawson who is one of the best expositors on the planet. I hope you take the time to read through this - I believe you will be blessed.

Here is an excerpt:

"Far greater than the much-publicized romance between Prince Charles and Lady Di is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Ours is the greatest love story ever known. The King of kings courted us, lowly peasants that we were, and pursued us to become His royal bride. At first, our love showed that we were the definition of romance. The epitome of love, courtship, and marriage.

Bible study was so life-changing. Prayer was so heart-lifting. Worship was so earthshaking. We savored every moment in His presence. But, as in any relationship, our love for Christ is subject to fluctuation. Sometimes there is a serious waning of our intensity. Sometimes our passion for the Lord grows stale. Mechanical. Routine. And we begin to take Him for granted.

Sure, we are still the bride of Jesus Christ. And, legally, we are still married. But we are merely coexisting. We share the same heart, but the relationship has grown cold. Distant."

Dr. Lawson's four point outline:

Step One: Remember
Step Two: Repent
Step Three: Repeat
Step Four: Remain

(click below to read how Dr. Lawson unpacks these points)

Click here for full article.

The Gospel in 6 Minutes - John Piper

John Piper, desiringgod.org

Is Oprah Working for the Devil?

February 16, 2007 - Today, Oprah Winfrey will be doing a follow up on last week's show on the film, The Secret, due to overwhelming public response. And as was expected, her promotion of the DVD last week is helping to make it a best-seller. (see Paul McManus' report on The Secret).
On Oprah's website, it states:

One week later ... the reaction to The Secret! Your emails poured in and Oprah.com went off the charts! The secret to making more money, losing weight, falling in love, landing your dream job ... and you want more! The questions, the successes and the lives changed. Stories you have to hear! A follow-up to the show everybody is talking about!

While most people may view the new DVD promoted by Oprah as a safe and effective method to reach their goals and aspirations, what they do not know may hurt them spiritually. Rhonda Byrne, the author of The Secret, is a disciple of a couple named Jerry and Esther Hicks. In the Acknowledgements of The Secret, Byrne thanked Jerry and Esther Hicks and the teachings of Abraham. Incredibly, Abraham is a group of spirit guides that Esther Hicks channels for guidance on spiritual issues. On the Hicks website, they state:

Abraham, a group of obviously evolved teachers, speak their broader Non-physical perspective through the physical body of Esther [Hicks]. Speaking to our level of comprehension, from their present moment to our now, through a series of loving, allowing, brilliant yet comprehensively simple, recordings in print, in video, and in sound - they guide us to a clear connection with our Inner Being--they guide us to self-upliftment from our total self [god-self].

Because Oprah, who is one of the most influential people in the world right now, is giving The Secret a huge thumbs up, this could potentially accelerate the paradigm shift we are going through, which is racing the world into such deception as never seen before and what the Bible predicts will take place before Jesus Christ returns. And with contemplative spirituality (just another form of the same spirituality being promoted through The Secret) now being embraced by so much of Christendom, the words of occultist Alice Bailey may indeed come true, when she said that the Age of Aquarius (that time when humanity realizes its divinity) will come not around the Christian church, but rather through it. The Secret is pure undisguised metaphysics and is the total manifestation of what the apostle Paul describes as seducing spirits (Abraham) and doctrines of devils (The Secret). Incidentally, the word occult means secret or hidden.

Today, when millions of viewers are watching Oprah and more of The Secret, may God protect those who are sincerely hurting and looking for answers and truth. And may Christian leaders who have succumbed to contemplative spirituality repent and turn back to the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, and may they speak publicly about their repentance and quickly warn believers to also turn back.

For additional information:

The Secret: A New Era for Humankind

Take a look at the book that influenced The Secret, The Law of Attraction by Jerry and Esther Hicks. The foreword is written by staunch New Ager Neale Donald Walsch.

Southern Baptists Discuss Baptist Identity, Controversy

Amid increasing clashes in the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, the head of the SBC opened a conference on Thursday to discuss the Baptist identity and the controversy within.

SBC President Frank Page told a crowd of around 200 at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., that the denomination does not belong to them as he acknowledged factions among Baptists.

"Oftentimes in our convention, we're broken into groups," said Page, according to The Jackson Sun. "This convention does not belong to me or to you. It is a Jesus convention."

Earlier, a leader with the North American Mission Board – the American mission arm for the SBC – expressed being "heartbroken" about disagreements over theology and worship style among Baptists and that such feuding takes away from the evangelism focus of the denomination.

Bill Curtis, chairman of trustees for the NAMB, said the debates he has been seeing would ultimately mean "missed evangelistic opportunity."

At the second Baptist Identity Conference, Page expressed similar concern and emphasized the need to adopt the selflessness of Christ and the need for more open dialogue at every level of the convention.

Click here for full article.

How To Change Your Church

Often on the “Calling For Truth” Radio Program, we discuss theological issues that are essential to the ministry of the Local Church. Many times, we receive comments during or after the program from listeners who say something to the effect “I found your topic today to be very interesting. My church really needs to be doing that, where can I get some additional information and how do I go about approaching the leadership at church about this issue”.

Well, on today’s program we will discuss and article written Dr. Mark Dever, entitled “How To Change Your Church”. While the article does not specifically offer advise to those in the congregation looking to be an agent for positive change in the local church, it does speak to those in the teaching ministry of the church and in doing so offers help for anyone seeking to encourage the ministry to continue to make Biblical change.

Click here to listen to this program.

'Amazing Grace' film on Wilberforce Called inspirational

February 12, 2007
By Michael Foust

William Wilberforce isn't a household name in America, but an upcoming motion picture is trying to change that.

"Amazing Grace" is the story of Wilberforce, a devout Christian and a member of the British Parliament who, beginning around 1787, sought to do what then seemed impossible — lead the British Empire to abolish the slave trade, what supporters called the lifeblood of the economy. He failed year after year before, finally, in 1807 — 200 years ago — his bill became law, abolishing an evil that had resulted in the enslavement and death of millions of Africans. Shortly before his death in 1833, he learned that another bill — to abolish the practice of slavery itself in the empire — would soon become law.

Click here for full story.

Princeton Prof Attacks Morality of Embryonic Stem Cell Research in SBTS Lectures

By David Roach

Embryonic stem cell research is fundamentally wrong because it destroys human beings who deserve moral respect, Princeton University professor Robert P. George said Feb. 8 in the Norton Lectures at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

George argued that stem cells may not be the cure-all that stem cell research advocates are proclaiming them to be.

For full article click here.

Christians Must Prepare for Onslaught of Sexual Temptation

By Jeff Robinson

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Sex is a gift which God designed to be acted out within marriage, but Satan tempts all Christians to misuse it in sinful ways and they must be prepared to battle temptation, Charles Lawless told a group of college students Feb. 10 at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Sexual temptation is a struggle that is universal among human beings because God-given physical urges are strong tool in the hands of Satan, said Lawless at Southern Seminary's annual Give Me An Answer Collegiate Conference. Lawless serves as dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth. The conference theme addressed the question "Does God Care About Sex?"

For full article click here.

By Faith Alone

Pastor Justice gives some good thoughts on the "What is Faith?" section of the Calvary Baptist Church website in Clinton, IA. I encourage you to take the time to read the article.

In the New Testament one sees that a person is saved by faith alone. Life saving faith in Jesus Christ produces good works, thus proving that genuine salvation has taken place in a persons life. So, for those doubting that the Bible remains consistent in this area, think again. Paul does not disagree with James and vice versa. A basic hermeneutical principal is that scripture agrees or scripture interprets scripture.

Daily repentance is a must in the life of a true believer. It is essential because it proves that a person is really born-again and has entered into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Who is the prince of preachers and said repent and believe the gospel in Mark 1:14.

There is reason to doubt the salvation of a person who does not daily repent of sin. I don't know about you but I do not want to hear the words from Jesus when I die "Away from Me I never knew you."(Matt. 7:23) Soon after to be cast from the Lord's presence forever. What a tragedy! All because a person never repented and believed in the gospel. Sadly many love sin more then they love God and want to be saved from it.

True believers have repented and believed in the gospel and have come to Christ by faith. Is that a characteristic in your life this day?

We are alive and kicking on the blog

It is a pleasure to now serve Christ as the preaching/teaching pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clinton, IA. I was called as pastor of the church on Dec. 1, 2006. Check us out on the web at www.calvaryclinton.com Please stop and say hello if you are ever in the area.

Friends, it just feels great to be able to post once again. I hope you enjoy the wealth of information that has been brewing in our minds the past two months. God bless you and thanks for being patient and reading our thoughts once again.

Blog Has Been Locked Up

After a few weeks of the blog being DOA - courtesy of the new blogger platform. We are now back and will begin posting again tomorrow.

Can the Church Close the Back Door? Part 1 of 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—While a great deal of effort is made by churches and denominations to attract new church members, LifeWay Research’s newest study surveys the “formerly churched” to better understand why people leave.
In the summer of 2006, the research arm of LifeWay Christian Resources conducted a survey of 469 “formerly churched adults” – those who regularly attended a Protestant church as an adult in the past but who no longer do so. The objective of the survey was to better understand why people stop attending church – and what it would take to bring them back.

The results indicate that, while some losses may be inevitable, opportunities abound for churches to hold on to members who are headed for the door.

For full article click here.

Young Adults Are Finding Church Irrelevant

Today's 18-34 year old adults are falling away from church and finding it irrelevant in their lives, according to a recent study conducted by LifeWay. Find out what young adults are looking for and what they're running from by reading the full story.

Jesus Is Better Than Anything

Jesus trumps them all! Jesus is better than Moses, He is better than the angels, better than you and anything in this world today. As believers we have to keep that prospective as we walk in this world. The Word of God is clear that Jesus Christ is the best! This may sound elementary to some, but many churches and yes I said churches are lifting angels and other things higher than Christ; clearly wrong and sinful!

What about Christmas coming up soon with all it pagan traditions. Even some Christians are lifting up Christmas trees, lights, foods, and such features of the holiday season higher than Christ. Now don't misunderstand me, I am not suggesting that it is wrong to be involved in these things as Christians, we just have to remember to not put them above Christ. Christmas is a day in which we celebrate the baby Jesus coming into the world to save mankind from sin and soon to die as a propitiation for the sins of the world. Will you keep the proper focus with me today?

John MacArthur's devotion for today speaks on this issue and I wanted to share it with you.

Click here for devotion

Continue Witnessing Till Jesus Comes

Many people automatically think that because a person calls themself a 5-point Calvinist that he or she does not witness or believe in evangelism. Brothers a mindset like that is nothing more than sin and needs to be repented of quickly. Let us be reminded of the importance of evangelism from the great words of CH Spurgeon from his devotion for last Sun.

"I have much people in this city."Acts 18:10

This should be a great encouragement to try to do good, since God has among the vilest of the vile, the most reprobate, the most debauched and drunken, an elect people who must be saved. When you take the Word to them, you do so because God has ordained you to be the messenger of life to their souls, and they must receive it, for so the decree of predestination runs. They are as much redeemed by blood as the saints before the eternal throne. They are Christ's property, and yet perhaps they are lovers of the ale-house, and haters of holiness; but if Jesus Christ purchased them He will have them. God is not unfaithful to forget the price which His Son has paid. He will not suffer His substitution to be in any case an ineffectual, dead thing. Tens of thousands of redeemed ones are not regenerated yet, but regenerated they must be; and this is our comfort when we go forth to them with the quickening Word of God.
Nay, more, these ungodly ones are prayed for by Christ before the throne. "Neither pray I for these alone," saith the great Intercessor, "but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word." Poor, ignorant souls, they know nothing about prayer for themselves, but Jesus prays for them. Their names are on His breastplate, and ere long they must bow their stubborn knee, breathing the penitential sigh before the throne of grace. "The time of figs is not yet." The predestinated moment has not struck; but, when it comes, they shall obey, for God will have His own; they must, for the Spirit is not to be withstood when He cometh forth with fulness of power--they must become the willing servants of the living God. "My people shall be willing in the day of my power." "He shall justify many." "He shall see of the travail of His soul." "I will divide him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong."

A Plea For Theological Responsibility And Integrity

A Plea For Theological Responsibility And Integrity

In recent days it has become painfully evident that many Southern Baptists do not “do theology” very well. Some are apparently ill informed and sloppy. Others trying to be cute, are bombastic and irresponsible. Despite our rhetoric to be “people of the Book”, we do not know the Book very well. We do not grasp its rich theology. We are failing, and failing miserably, to obey 2 Timothy 2:15-16: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.”

I want our students to do better. I want you to do theology well. I want you to be clear and careful thinkers, gracious and competent teachers. I want you to be able to articulate a biblically balanced theology with conviction as well as charity. I want our Lord to give you the wisdom of knowing which theological hills are worth dying on, and which ones brothers and sisters in Christ can agreeably disagree, and yet love each other and work with each other in building the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and reaching the nations with the gospel.

If you are wondering what are some of the careless theological statements I have in mind that has moved me to put this challenge before you, let me note just a few that I have heard coming from a number of different directions.

1) You cannot attract a crowd and build a church on expository preaching.
It is true you can build a crowd without biblical exposition, but you will never build a Christ-honoring New Testament Church without faithful exposition of the whole counsel of God’s inerrant Word. Further, a number of churches in our Convention have built both a growing church in terms of breadth and depth. It does not have to be an either/or scenario.

2) Evangelical Calvinism is an oxymoron.
Anyone who knows church and Baptist history knows how irresponsible this statement is. William Carey, Luther Rice, Adoniram Judson, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, Charles Spurgeon, James Boyce, Basil Manly Jr., and John Broadus are just a few of the great missionaries, pastors, and theologians who embraced a Reformed Theology. You may be convinced that Calvinism is wrong. However, do not make yourself look foolish by saying there are no passionate, evangelical Calvinists.

3) Five-point Calvinism is the same as Hyper-Calvinism.
This statement again demonstrates historical ignorance. Hyper-Calvinism is a particular movement that appeared in the mid 1700’s that rejects the mandate to share the gospel, denies man’s responsibility to repent and believe the gospel, and in some instances runs perilously close to making God the author of sin. The overwhelming majority of five-point Calvinists would reject each of these positions. Spurgeon, himself a five-point Calvinist denounced in the strongest measure these errors in Spurgeon and “hyper-Calvinism.”

Now, those of you who know my theology know I am not a five-point Calvinist. I believe Unconditional Election is not incompatible with “the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures” (Abstract of Principles, art. IV), I affirm a Universal Provision with a Limited Application as it pertains to the Atonement, and I believe Effectual Calling to be a much better way to describe a significant aspect of the salvation process than Irresistible Grace. Further, anything that weakens the missionary passion of the church and the evangelistic favor of an individual is both dangerous and useless to the Church. Perhaps what some mean by “hyper-Calvinism” is extreme Calvinism or Calvinists with an attitude. I have met more than a few in my lifetime and to be sure, they were not of much value when it comes to the health of the church and reaching the lost. Still, we need to be honest with history and accurate with the facts. Mischaracterizations are of no value on any level.

4) Calvinists are worse than Muslims.
The irresponsibility of this statement is tragic. It is one thing to disagree with your brothers and sisters in Christ on a point of theology. It is incredible that you would place them in the category of unbelieving militants who murder innocent victims in the name of Allah.

5) Jesus was a Calvinist.
Theological foolishness is not limited to one theological perspective. In a Pastor’s Conference a few years ago one of my pulpit heroes made this statement. Recently a friend of mine wrote a book with one of the chapters entitled, "Christ, The Calvinist.” Such statements are wrongheaded, and yes, again irresponsible, at several points. First, the statement is historically chronistic. Second, it is Christologically disrespectful. Jesus is the Lord. He is the King. He is God. Our Savior is the grand subject of Christian theology. So whether it is Whitefield, Boice (men I greatly love and admire), or whomever, to call Jesus a Calvinist is theologically misguided and pastorally dangerous. Yes, Jesus believes God is sovereign but He also taught man is responsible. Yes, Jesus taught, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44), but He also gave us the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20).

6) You cannot teach your young people theology.
I have a simple and direct challenge: try it. Try it and see what happens. I suspect you will be wonderfully surprised. I suspect some of you will be significantly put to the test!

Though I could say much more let me conclude with a simple but helpful beatitude: “Blessed are the balanced, for they will avoid unhealthy extremes.” This is true in doing theology. This is true in our speech. This is true for all aspects of the Christian life.

I love you and thank God for you. May you and your family have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.

Daniel L. Akin

What Does Predestination do to the Task of Evangelism?

This question raises grave concerns about the mission of the Church. It is particularly weighty for evangelical Christians. If personal salvation is decided in advance by an immutable divine decree, what is the sense or urgency of the work of evangelism?
I will never forget the terrifying experience of being quizzed on this point by Dr. John Gerstner in a seminary class. There were about twenty of us seated in a semicircle in the classroom. He posed the question: “All right, gentlemen, if God has sovereignly decreed election and reprobation from all eternity, why should we be concerned about evangelism?” I breathed a sigh of relief when Gerstner started his interrogation on the left end of the semicircle since I was sitting in the last seat on the right. I took comfort in the hope that the question would never get around to me.
The comfort was short-lived. The first student replied to Gerstner’s query, “I don’t know, sir. That question has always plagued me.” The second student said, “It beats me.” The third just shook his head and dropped his gaze toward the floor. In rapid succession the students all passed on the question. The dominoes were falling in my direction.
“Well, Mr. Sproul, how would you answer?” I wanted to vanish into thin air or find a hiding place in the floorboards, but there was no escape. I stammered and muttered a reply. Dr. Gerstner said, “Speak up!” In tentative words I said, “Well, Dr. Gerstner, I know this isn’t the answer you are looking for, but one small reason we should still be concerned about evangelism is that, well, uh, you know, after all, Christ does command us to do evangelism.”
Gerstner’s eyes started to flame. He said, “Ah, I see, Mr. Sproul, one small reason is that your Savior, the Lord of Glory, the King of kings has so commanded it. A small reason, Mr. Sproul? Is it barely significant to you that the same sovereign God who sovereignly decrees your election also sovereignly commands your involvement in the task of evangelism?” Oh how I wished I’d never used the word small. I got Gerstner’s point.
Evangelism is our duty. God has commanded it. That should be enough to end the matter. But there is more. Evangelism is not only a duty; it is also a privilege. God allows us to participate in the greatest work in human history, the work of redemption. Hear what Paul says about it. He adds a chapter 10 to his famous chapter 9 of Romans:
For “whoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15).
We notice the logic of Paul’s progression here. He lists a series of necessary conditions for people to be saved. Without sending there are no preachers. Without preachers there is no preaching. Without preaching there is no hearing of the gospel. Without the hearing of the gospel there is no believing of the gospel. Without the believing of the gospel there is no calling upon God to be saved. Without the calling upon God to be saved there is no salvation.
God not only foreordains the end of salvation for the elect, he also foreordained the means to that end. God has chosen the foolishness of preaching as the means to accomplish redemption. I suppose he could have worked out his divine purpose without us. He could publish the gospel in the clouds using his holy finger in skywriting. He could preach the gospel himself, in his own voice, shouting it from heaven. But that is not his choice.
It is a marvelous privilege to be used by God in the plan of redemption. Paul appeals to an Old Testament passage when he speaks of the beauty of the feet of those who bring good tidings and publish peace.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tiding of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the LORD brings back Zion.
Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem (Isaiah 52:7-9).
In the ancient world, news of battles and other crucial events was carried by runners. The modern marathon race is named after the Battle of Marathon because of the endurance of the messenger who carried the news of the outcome home to his people.
Lookouts were posted to watch for the approaching messengers. Their eyes were sharp and trained to the subtle nuances of the strides of the approaching runners. Those bearing bad news approached with heavy feet. Those runners bearing good news approached swiftly, with feet sprinting through the dust. Their strides revealed their excitement. For the watchmen the sight of a runner approaching rapidly in the distance with his feet skimming over the mountain was a gorgeous vision to behold.
So the Bible speaks of the beauty of the feet of those who bring us good news. When my daughter was born and the doctor came to the waiting room to announce it, I wanted to hug him. We are favorably inclined to those who bring us good tidings. I will always have a special place in my affections for the man who first told me of Christ. I know that it was God who saved me and not that man, but I still appreciate the man’s role in my salvation.
To lead people to Christ is one of the greatest personal blessings that we ever enjoy. To be a Calvinist takes no joy away from that experience. Historically, Calvinists have been strongly active in evangelism and world mission. We need only point to Edwards and Whitefield and the Great Awakening to illustrate this point.
We have a meaningful role to play in evangelism. We preach and we proclaim the gospel. That is our duty and our privilege. But it is God who brings the increase. He does not need us to accomplish his purpose, but he is pleased to use us in the task.
I once met a traveling evangelist who said to me, “Give me any man alone for fifteen minutes and I will get a decision for Christ.” Sadly, the man really believed his own words. He was convinced that the power of conversion rested solely in his powers of persuasion.
I don’t doubt that the man was basing his claim on his past track record. He was so overbearing that I am sure there were multitudes who made decisions for Christ within fifteen minutes of being alone with him. Sure, he could make good his promise to produce a decision in fifteen minutes. What he couldn’t guarantee was a conversion in fifteen minutes. People would make decisions just to get away from him.
We must never underestimate the importance of our role in evangelism. Neither must we overestimate it. We preach. We bear witness. We provide the outward call. But God alone has the power to call a person to himself inwardly. I do not feel cheated by that. On the contrary, I feel comforted. We must do our job, trusting that God will do his.

HT: R.C. Sproul

I would also recommend reading John MacArthur's sermon entitled Chosen by God.