You Gotta Laugh...

Read this for some comic relief... It starts with a Priest, a Pentecostal Preacher, and a Rabbi and ends with... well, just read it.

(My wife says I'm too serious. This will show her that I have a sense of humor!)

The Sovereignty of God! (Quote from A.W. Pink)

A.W. Pink's classic book, "The Sovereignty of God" is a must read. Many have been challenged by the clear biblical passages on God's Sovereignty. Pink is a hero of the faith for many. Although, I do not ascribe to every conclusion that Pink draws in all of his writings, I highly recommend reading his books. There is an archive of Pink's books (here) . Also, you can purchase his books at cbd, amazon, etc.

GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY DEFINED
"Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as Head above all"
1 Chronicles 29:11

The Sovereignty of God is an expression that once was generally understood. It was a phrase commonly used in religious literature. It was a theme frequently expounded in the pulpit. It was a truth which brought comfort to many hearts, and gave virility and stability to Christian character. But, today, to make mention of God’s sovereignty is, in many quarters, to speak in an unknown tongue. Were we to announce from the average pulpit that the subject of our discourse would be the sovereignty of God, it would sound very much as though we had borrowed a phrase from one of the dead languages. Alas! that it should be so. Alas! that the doctrine which is the key to history, the interpreter of Providence, the warp and woof of Scripture, and the foundation of Christian theology, should be so sadly neglected and so little understood.
The sovereignty of God. What do we mean by this expression? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the godhood of God. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Ps. 115:3). To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is "The Governor among the nations" (Ps. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the "Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible.

How different is the God of the Bible from the God of modern Christendom!

Correction: Dr. Reynolds Clarifies His Position

This is a clarification to my post below: Dr. Reynolds Constructed a Straw Man.

Dr. Reynolds was kind enough to clarify his position. His comment with the pertinent clarification is highlighted for emphasis:

"My friend I am disappointed. You seemed so reasonable. I trust you just misread my statement. Let me say it again"this COULD pose SOME problems for 5 point Calvinists."I did not say "this DOES pose NUMEROUS problems for 5 point Calvinists."

Personally, I don't believe it poses problems for many 5 point Calvinists. Thus, they sign them. But as L Russ Bush points out there is a tension between it and the Abstract that could pose problems...In fact, that is one of the questions he normally asked of new professors (as I made clear).

Even CT Lillies admits, on Founders Blog, the two seem incompatible. I disagree, but SOME Calvinists think so, just as I said!" (emphasis mine)

Dr. Reynolds does not believe that there are problems for calvinists within the Baptist Faith and Message. I am glad and appreciate his considerate clarification.

However, I am unaware of any Calvinist within the SBC who would have a problem with the cited statements in the BFM. What I really desired to communicate through the post titled: "Dr. Reynolds Constructs a Straw Man" is that there is absolutely no problem with the statements cited by Dr. Reynolds in the BFM and someone who holds to a Calvinistic view of scripture. Anyone who states that there is a problem has constructed a "Straw Man". However, Dr. Reynolds has clarified that he has not done so here and I am grateful.

Dr. Reynolds Constructs a Straw Man

Dr. Brad Reynolds is an associate professor at SEBTS and, like me, new to the blogging world. Dr. Reynolds appears to be a nice fellow and very passionate about his positions and interpretations. I think that Dr. Reynolds and I could get along well and be friends if we had time to fellowship more intimately.

This article is not about Dr. Reynolds singularly as much as it is about so many that Dr. Reynolds appears to represent. He speaks as one who is in step with many who deny the Doctrines of Grace. However, his misunderstanding of the subject matter is very disheartening for a man of his education and influence within the SBC. He appears to have embraced common straw man arguments against the Doctrines of Grace and thus perpetuates the problem.

He made the following statement at the founders blog recently:

"In fact, the BFM2K could pose some problems for 5 point Calvinists.I shall quote from the BFM2K with my Capitalization:

God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the FUTURE DECISIONS of His FREE creatures.

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who ACCEPT Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ.

"Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the FREE AGENCY of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end."

Please, all who do not understand the Doctrines of Free and Sovereign grace: No one (especially within the SBC) embracing the Doctrines of Grace disagree with God's foreknowledge of all things including the future decisions of His free creatures, that salvation is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ, that all (and any) sinners who repent and believe in Christ are justified, or that election is inconsistent with man's free agency.

Sirs, this is a straw man. We affirm both God's sovereignty in salvation by free and sovereign grace and man's universal responsibility to repent and believe. We do not deny free agency but we do deny free will as having the capacity to choose spiritual good. Anyone, I mean anyone who repents and believes the gospel of Jesus Christ will be saved! Jusification is by grace through faith alone. Any, I mean any, sinner who repents and believes is justified.

We affirm man's total depravity - that man is corrupted in body (Rom 7:24), mind (Rom 8:7), and will (John 6:44) by sin. We affirm that for man to escape his bondage to sin (John 8:34), God's power must work to open his heart and mind to savingly understand the truth of the gospel and to agree with God regarding his sinful state and need for Christ as the only sufficient savior (John 3:3, 5, Titus 3:5). No sinful man has the natural capacity to understand the gospel truth and respond with true repentance and faith apart from the supernatural power of God which is given by His grace alone to whomever and whenever He chooses (John 8:36; Acts 13:48; Rom 8:30, 9:15-16).

I hope for a day when straw men cease to exist among Southern Baptists. By God's grace and for His glory, it may come.

Concernedsbcer Quotes Me in "The Great Alcohol Debate"

I have not posted anything on the great debate on alcohol that continues to rage among the SBC bloggers. I am on record as stating that I'm tired of the subject and wish to move on now. But, nevertheless, I have ended up being quoted, not once but on two separate posts, on one of the most comprehensive alcohol debate blogs (http://concernedsbcer.blogspot.com) anywhere on the subject of alcohol.

By the way, this debate started on the floor of the SBC last month when the resolutions committee recommended a resolution be adopted by the messengers at the SBC which stated (basically) that Southern Baptists are totally opposed to all alcohol consumed as a beverage.

Here is where my name and some of my statements have been quoted - (click here). and also (here). The entire blog site can be viewed (here). The comments referenced with my name come from Dr. Brad Reynolds blog found (here) and (here).

For the record, I don't drink alcohol as a beverage. I think it is best for Christians not to. However, as a result of this ongoing debate, I have not been convinced that the Bible absolutely forbids all consumption of alcohol by Christians. In fact, the moderation argument has proven more consistent with the whole text of scripture. If you feel otherwise, fine. (I don't care!)

"As Iron Sharpens Iron" - Blogging is Not for the Faint of Heart

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17)

I have truly been amazed at the wide readership this blog has received in just a couple of short weeks. Wide readership is a relative term. More than 2 is exciting for me! I've had numerous comments from fellow bloggers from around the country and all have been positive and encouraging. Some of the comments have challenged me and stirred reflection.

I have had many family members (some saved and some not yet) , seminary friends, pastor friends, church members, my DOM, little old ladies, some not so little or so old (both ladies and gentleman), young preacher boys, calvinists, arminians, charismatics, confused sbc-ers (purported 'biblicists') and others. Many of the readers have not left public comments but have spoken to me in person or by email; many I don't know of and have know idea they have been here.

I've inserted this blog address in my church bulletin. I've attached a link to this blog on the signature of all of my email correspondence. I sent an email to as many as I know to inform them of this new blog. I've interacted with other blogs and some have followed my profile link back to here. Some of the blogs in which I have interacted have been theologically friendly and with some I have disagreed on biblical interpretation.

The inspiration for this particular post comes from a comment that my mom made to me. She said, "I've read your blog. I'm really impressed but I don't understand much of it. I guess it's just over my head." (Of course my mom would be impressed :-)

Please understand, public blogging on issues of faith and practice, biblical theology, sometimes controversial doctrines, and controversial events within and without the SBC is not for the faint of heart. This is the NFL of biblical debate, the International Olympics of theological discussion. Many (okay, most) of the readers and commenters are smarter than I. Many of them have multiple seminary degrees and even Phd's. So, public blogging is not for the faint of heart. Additionally, I've attached my complete name and photo to every comment made on other blog posts and on this blog. I own every comment and therefore I am also open to scrutiny. Down the road my statements and comments could be researched and quoted back to me, my church, my leaders, etc.

Blogging on subjects within the SBC has been very controversial this past year. Wade Burleson was nearly ousted from the International Mission Board's trustees because of posts he made. Bobby Welch commented on blogging during the presidential sermon this year. The NYT, the Atlanta Journal and Constitution and other major news outlets have published stories on the bloggers within the SBC. Some have speculated that the SBC bloggers changed the outcome of the vote on the new president of the SBC last month. I am beginning to sense that blogging within the SBC is like the national "new media" that started with Rush Limbaugh and Talk Radio during the 1980's. Information is now reported, circulated, and digested by the masses. No one, and I mean, no one has a monopoly on the truth or the news of the day. Time will tell where this all leads. Certainly God knows.

Blogging is not for the faint of heart but I can already see my own thoughts, biblical convictions, and the communication of my beliefs sharpening as a result of blogging. So, enjoy and check back often.

Al Mohler calls on all believers to be defenders of the faith

Jude 3 "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."

The Apostle Paul told the Christians at Phillipi, "...Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace." (Phil 1:7)

To be a partner with Paul in defending and confirming the gospel is a high call. Many Christians today would immediately shrink back with fear and a sense of inadequacy. However, I assure you that you can and must be a defender and confirmer of the faith. By God's grace and for His glory do not give in, give up, retreat, or surrender.

Give yourself to prayer and to the study of sound doctrine. Remember Paul's instruction to Timothy, "Be diligent to present yourself approved of God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim 2:15) and to Titus, Paul said, "But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1)

Here are some practical things you can do to begin to be a "defender of the faith" -

1. Study scripture daily. Read the Bible through in one year. There are many Bible reading programs that can aid you in doing this. My personal favorite is to read one chapter from each of the major sections of the Bible each day. (Books of the law, historical books, wisdom books, prophets, and the new testament) By reading one chapter each day from these 5 major sections of the Bible, you will read the entire Bible in close to one year!
2. Ask your pastor to give you a recommendation of a good book on systematic theology. Begin studying Christian doctrine and why you believe what you believe. I recommend Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology".
3. Find out who some of the great men of God are that God has used to communicate vital truth from His Word to the church. Begin reading their works and think deeply on the whole counsel of God. I recommend reading Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, A.W. Pink, John MacArthur, John Piper, and Al Mohler. (There are others of course, but these men of God will get you started on the right track.)
4. Get under the preaching and teaching of God's Word. Get into a Bible believing, Bible Preaching church and learn. Ask the pastor questions. Think critically (not with a critical spirit) about his messages.
5. Do ministry! Don't just be a hearer of the Word and deceive yourself. Do the work of the ministry in your church, in your home, in your community, and in this world.

Al Mohler has written an excellent article on Christian Apologetics in the current culture. Here is an excerpt:

"Christians today are called to serve the cause of Christ at one of the crucial turning points in human history. The generations now living have witnessed an explosion of knowledge, the collapse of distance, the rising and falling of empires. Cultures and societies have been radically transformed, and expansive wealth has brought great material comfort even as the most basic structures of society are undermined. Families are fractured, lawlessness abounds, violence invades, and the media bring a constant stream of chaos into our lives.
The reality of truth is itself denied. Postmodern Americans accept meaning as a replacement for truth, and exchange worldviews as quickly as they try on new clothes.
This is a very strange time to proclaim and defend the Christian faith. Evangelism is difficult in an age when most persons think their most basic problems are rooted in a lack of self-esteem, and when personal choice is the all-determining reality of the marketplace. In the same way, the task of apologetics is complicated by the postmodern condition. How does one defend the faith to persons unwilling to make any judgment concerning truth?"

Read the rest of his commentary here.

Paige Patterson stated, "I see no biblical evidence for Irresistible Grace." Hugh?

During the Pastor's Conference at the SBC in Greensboro, NC, Dr's Paige Patterson and Al Mohler discussed "Reaching the World through differing views of election". I've been waiting for someone to point out some of the inconsistency's espoused by Dr. Patterson but have not yet seen anyone do so. This post is in no way intended to insult Dr. Patterson. He is a fellow Christian, a man of God, articulate, educated and we owe Dr. Patterson a great deal of respect. He is truly "worthy of double honor".

However, may I embark on the difficult task of trying to figure out what in the world Dr. Patterson meant when he stated, "I see no biblical evidence for Irresistible Grace." Is Dr. Patterson's position such that when God's will and man's will collide that man wins? Let's ask Jonah about that, or Nebuchadnezzar, or Pharaoh, or for that matter, me.

I don't recall the Apostle Paul sitting on the side of the Damascus road struggling to decide whether to believe in Jesus Christ or not while the choir sang 10 stanzas of "Just As I Am". And what did Jesus say of Paul's conversion? "But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine...'" (Acts 9:15) And what did Paul say of his own conversion? "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles..." (Galatians 1:15-16)

Now let's be clear. Irresistible Grace does not mean that God's grace, God's will, or God's Spirit is not and can not be resisted. The reality is that we all resist His grace, daily. The point is that when God wills to overcome our sinful resistance, He does so and He saves. Make no mistake, this doctrine is nothing less than the power of God to save undeserving sinners by and for the "glory of His grace" (Eph 1:5-6)

I suppose that my primary problem with Dr. Patterson's position boils down to this question, "How does God save sinners through the gospel of Jesus Christ?" Dr. Patterson would probably say, (I am presuming such) "God brings conviction on the sinner so that they are made to choose according to their will to accept or reject Jesus Christ." But, salvation is not according to the will of man! (When's the last time you heard that from a preacher?)

Let me get down to my main point and then share some biblical passages on the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. Because of sin, man is spiritually dead and incapable of saving Himself. He is not neutral and does not want to be saved but rather always rebels and turns aside to his own way. God's grace and power in salvation is manifested through the Holy Spirit awakening the dead sinner to "see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3) and then willfully "enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5) by coming to Christ. This is called regeneration or being "born again". It is not according to the will of man (John 1:13, Rom 9:11, 16). It is only according to God's free and sovereign grace given to whomever He wills to give it. (Rom 9:15, 18) Jesus spoke of being "drawn" by the Father (John 6:44) and "calling" His sheep by name (John 10:3, 26-29). Paul used the term "called" in Romans 8:30, "Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called, and whom He called, these He also justified, and whom He justified, these He also glorified." This calling is not general to all men equally but is "irresistible" or "effectual" producing salvation because all whom He predestined, He called and He justified and glorified. Jesus said, "All that the Father gives to Me will come to Me...and this is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me, I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day." (John 6:37, 39)

Remember Paul's testimony? "When it pleased God, who...called me by His grace". Paul spoke of our "Holy Calling" in 2 Timothy 1:8b-9 "...the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." Paul told Titus that our salvation is "not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit...having been justified by His grace..." (Titus 3:5, 7)

Let me close with Jesus' words in John 8:34, 36. "Jesus answered them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin...Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." The biggest word in this text is "if". "If the Son makes you free..." meaning that God is under no obligation to save anyone much less everyone. When the fallen angels sinned and fell, God gave them no reprieve, no atonement, no grace, and no mercy. He could have done the same to every fallen son of Adam. This doctrine is not superficial but absolutely necessary to the proper understanding of the gospel truth. Rightly understood, it produces humility and godly fear which, by the way, is the beginning of wisdom.

If you are reading this post and have never trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I plead with you in the name of Jesus Christ, turn from your sins, flee the wrath of God to come, call upon the Lord for mercy, and look to Jesus Christ in faith believing that He died on the cross in your place and rose from the dead to give you everlasting life. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!

Steve Camp knocked one out of the park!

I have to admit I am new to blogging. However, of all the blog posts I've read, Steve Camp has accomplished more ministry in his recent post than any other blog I've read to date.

The post is titled: The Juniper Tree...learning to treasure Christ in the hard places (Monday, July 10th, 2006)

View Steve Camp's blog at: http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/ and enjoy. (Be prepared for serious, faith building, God honoring, Christ "treasuring", and Spirit empowered truth!)

Has Islam's view of Allah biased Dr. Caner's Christian view of God?

May I say that my intention in writing this post is not to provoke Dr. Caner nor his advocates to anger. This post is not to offend or defend Dr. Caner. It is simply an observation that I have considered after viewing Dr. Caner's posts at the Founders blog and reading his book, "Unveiling Islam".

Comments, discussion, diverse ideas, differing views are allowed but anything overtly outrageous or antagonistic will not be allowed. The final and sole authority for all of us is the Word of God, even in the blogosphere.

Dr. Ergun Caner has gone on record via preaching, articles in the Liberty Journal, and engaging in public blogging that he disdains the idea of unconditional election and the sovereignty of God in the salvation of a chosen people.

I have read Dr. Caner's book, "Unveiling Islam" and found the following statement about Allah on page 31 and 32:

"Fatalism, the Heart of Islamic Insecurity 'We sent not a messenger except (to teach) in the language of his (own) people, in order to make (things) clear to them. So Allah leads astray those whom He pleases and guides whom He pleases and He is Exalted in power, full of wisdom. (surah 14:4)'

Allah is exalted and pleased as he sends people to hell: this is the fatalistic claim of Islam. Fatalism is a belief that events are fixed in advance for all time in such a manner that human beings are powerless to change them. In this case, Allah will send to heaven whomever he pleases, and send to hell whomever he pleases.

No wonder there is no security in Islam. One can be the most faithful of all believers in Allah and still rightly be sent to hell. Paradoxically, someone can be the worst person in the world and hypothetically still go to Paradise..."

Dr. Caner disdains this Islamic fatalism and debates Islamic scholars on the merits and demerits of Islam vs. Christianity. My question however is this, has Dr. Caner's past heritage in Islam affected his Christian view of God?

For example, the Christian (and Baptist) view of the doctrine of election can be found in various confessions but the Abstract of Principles will suffice here. Article 5 "Election" reads, "Election is God's eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life -- not because of foreseen merit in them, but of his mere mercy in Christ -- in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified."

Dr. Caner has made statements (apparently jokingly) such as, "Elected because I selected" and so on. It appears as an outside observer that Dr. Caner views the biblical teaching of unconditional election as errent and possibly (I presume) because of the Islamic idea of fatalism.

Lest we forget the authority of scripture, consider Exodus 33:18-19. "And he (Moses) said, 'Please, show me Your glory.' So the Lord said to Moses, 'I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.'"

I know there is more to be said but my main point is this: The biblical revelation of God's sovereignty and His divine choice of some persons to save from their rightful place in judgment is in no way the same as the Islamic belief in fatalism as espoused in Dr. Caner's book. The differences are myriad but I wonder if Dr. Caner has rejected the doctrine of unconditional election based on his prior heritage in Islam.

SBC President Makes a Candid and Refreshing Statement

In a Baptist Press article on Wednesday, July 5th entitled "FIRST PERSON: Give Him the Glory!", SBC President Frank Page made a candid and refreshing statement:

"Let us give credit where credit is due. The Bible says it well, to Him be glory! Let us repent of taking credit from the Lord. Let us repent of thinking that we have actually done anything good as a result of our own power and strength. Let us seek forgiveness from God for our selfishness and our lack of cooperation. Let us ask Him to cleanse us for actually thinking that we have done a great job when, in reality, we have failed in so many crucial ways. In other words, let us see things more clearly and in more honest light than every before!"

Admittedly, I had reservations about Dr. Page based only on his little book entitled, "The Trouble with the Tulip" in which Page asserted that the doctrines associated with Calvinism are man made doctrines and are unbiblical and dangerous for evangelism and missions. Dr. Page's assertions against Calvinism are all to familiar but continue to fall short of consistent biblical hermeneutics. Okay, I had some reservations.

However, I must confess that I am very encouraged and refreshed by what I have read in this article. It is refreshing to see humility and repentance expressed by the President of the SBC. I cannot help but believe that the SBC has real hope for revival and ongoing reformation when our denominational leaders actually acknowledge our complete dependence on God and express repentance for our failure to give Him the glory in all things.

Whatever happens in the near future of the SBC, this can only be a positive step for us all.