From The Hill: Matthew 5:14

I have changed my blog site

2006-06-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Dear friends

I have changed the address of my blog site. It is now www.fromthehill.wordpress.com . The main reason I did this is because it is easy to link on this blog site to some other blog site with material I would deem questionable. I want my blog to be family friendly for all people to view. I hope you all keep reading and responding.

God Bless

Bro. Robin

Fighting the Good Fight

2006-06-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven’t blogged in quite some time. While others were “fighting” for the soul of the SBC, I was at children’s camp fighting for the souls of the kids there. We had approx. 160 kids with 38 salvations. It was a great week. Not only did I see God work in the hearts of many kids, I got to renew friendships and make some new friendships.

I did keep up with the news of who the President of the SBC was. As I thought, Frank Page won the vote. I believe it was because of the split vote between Floyd and Sutton and the fact that Page’s church gives 12% to the cooperative program. Floyd and Sutton falls way short of this number. I applaud Page and the church he pastors. It is a great testimony that bigger churches can give to the cooperative program and still have money left for other mission projects through the local church. I will be in prayer for him as he leads our convention this coming year.

One troubling bit of news that was reported this last week was Henderson Hills Baptist Church and the vote that will be taken in July concerning Baptism and church membership. I will be writing more on this later, but from an article in the Stillwater News Press dated Monday, June 12, 2006, the pastor, Dennis Newkirk, stated that he did not want to “cause dissension among Southern Baptist or separate from the State’s largest denomination.” If Henderson Hills votes to not require baptism for membership, in order to diminish dissension, it should voluntarily separate from Southern Baptists and take the word “Baptist” from its name. As Baptists, we have a cherished history of theological distinctives that separate ourselves from other denominations: Priesthood of the believer, religious liberty, and believer’s baptism, just to name a few.

This issue has caused me to rethink my position concerning missionaries not being appointed for service who have not been baptized in a SBC church. Could someone from Henderson Hills be nominated from that church who has not received believer’s baptism? I am sure there are rules to prevent this, but what are we willing to diminish in order to cooperate? As I have previously stated, I will be writing on the subject of baptism and membership in future blogs.

Aside from the turmoil concerning baptism, Children’s Camp was great and I am back and pumped for Youth camp in July.

Preaching In Never Never Land

2006-05-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

Got this picture from Wes Kenny's site, "Called According" I don't know if it is Joel Osteen from Lakewood or Wes' friend. It sure does look similar to Osteen with a Peter Pan head. If you want to see it click to this site:
http://cathp.blogspot.com/

When I showed it to my son he called it the "feel good" preacher from Never Never land. I added, "Never preach against sin and you never have to preach for repentance." (We thought it was Osteen behind the mask) I guess I'm brainwashing my kid to the point that it is starting to scare me.

After that Joel Osteen came on T. V. He remarked that we should have God draw close to us. I always thought that we were to draw close to God. Draw to His standard and not ours when it comes to holiness, mercy, and grace. Does 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ring a bell. Itching ears, not enduring sound doctrine, turning their ears from the truth.

Are There Parameters of Cooperation?

2006-05-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Below is a response to an article Wade Burleson posted to his blog (www.kerussocharis.blogspot.com) dated May 29, 2006. It dealt with the five points of the Christian Union Church. I felt a little confused about the blog and so I commented back with a few questions and comments in the comments section. Bro. Wade has wisely made the decision to monitor the replies to his blog. I don't know if this will appear. If it doesn't it will most likely be Wade being graceful by keeping me from being embarrassed on his site.

If you don't know about Bro. Wade, he is a pastor in Enid at Emmauel Baptist church and has taken some pretty important stands against what he conceived as being wrong. I am thankful for him and his witness.

Bro. Wade,

I want to thank you for keeping us aware of the situation concerning the new rules that are being formed. I do agree with you that we are narrowing the conditions of service beyond the scope of the BF & M. I appreciate your demeanor when you were at the meeting in Albuquerque. It is a true witness on how we should act when confronted with accusations against our character.

I am concerned over this last blog. What do you mean by “emulate” concerning the five principles of the Christian Union? If our desire should be to maintain Christian union without controversy, should someone address a situation they think is wrong, knowing that it will create controversy? How can ideas be explored if controversy is our measuring rod of whether to discuss them or not? Frankly, as you know, the gospel is controversial.

If we were to “emulate” the five Union points, could this keep our BF & M from being a doctrinal tool for accountability as stated in the 2000 preamble? From what I have read from you, I believe you want to stay within the framework of the 2000 BF & M. If you remember seven years ago some controversy was generated over the changes proposed in the 2000 BF & M. I was at SWBTS at that time and there was controversy. Should the changes have been made from the 1963 Confession? I would say yes.

I have also read in other blogs where you feel we should be an organization of cooperating Christians. Yes, I believe we are to be Christians before we are Southern Baptists, but does this mean that should cooperate with “Open Theology” Christians in doing missions? Or how about cooperating with such people as Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, or any other “name it and claim it” preacher? Yes, I do believe we are to share the Gospel so others can be saved, but we are called to make disciples. As you have shown this through your leadership at Emmanuel, it doesn’t end with leading them to the Lord. This means that after they are saved, we are to help them grow in their new relationship to maturity in Christ. Do we want an “Openness” person teaching their view on the sovereignty of God to new converts? Do we want to support someone who denies eternal security of the believer? Yes, salvation is of primary importance, but I think there are some differences that can lead to confusion in converts rather than growth.

Someone might say that all this doctrine divides us. But on the essentials we must worship God both in spirit and in truth. I believe that the 2000 BF & M is a good rallying point for us to cooperate in missions. Again, from what I have read from you, I believe you agree with this. If I have misstated your view, I ask your forgiveness.

I know you and your family have been hurt from this stand. I do pray that the hurts are healed. No wife should be in a meeting and have to hear what was said. I am disappointed that the conduct was not better.

If I have a sent this comment with out a proper understanding of your article, please forgive me. I do not wish to cause you anymore pain. I just didn’t understand the premise of the blog.
Thank you for serving Christ. Thank you for serving our convention.

God Bless,

Bro. Robin

Loving One Another

2006-05-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Today I had a wonderful opportunity to judge a barbecue-cooking contest in our town of Perkins. I judged the chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. I was also able to share this time with a deacon from our church. I treasure moments that I get to share with other godly men. It wasn’t that I only got to taste great barbecue, but I got to spend some time laughing, checking out how the smokers were built, and discussing things with a man I have come to love and respect in my first year at Immanuel. In other words, we shared our lives with each other.

When we had judged some entries I did a quick peek to see how he was judging some of the stuff we tasted. I noticed that he gave high marks to food that I gave low marks to and I gave high marks to ones he gave low marks to. We just looked at each other and laughed. Wow, can you believe that two Baptists did not agree! Afterwards we sat and talked over a couple cokes about life, church, and dreaming of what God has in store for us in making disciples.

One thing I have discovered in this journey is that the Lord has given us to each other. As the saying goes, life is too short to get hung up on the minors. We are to support, encourage, and love one another even in our failures.

Prov 27:17 As iron sharpens iron,So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. NKJV

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." NKJV

Personally, I believe that Jesus knew the day I would be born. He knew when I would commit my first sin and every sin there after. Even in spite of my sin nature and rebellion towards Him, He showed the greatest form of love anyone could reveal to an enemy. He died for my sins and with stood the wrath I so deserved.

Luke 6:27 "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, NKJV
Luke 6:36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. NKJV

On July 8th, 1990 the Father showed mercy on this wretched sinner and drew me to His love.
As we have seen in Southern Baptist life, we can focus on the minors and miss the point of why we cooperate. It is a great blessing to serve God in a church that practices unity, but not uniformity. It is by God’s grace that I have abiding and loving fellowship with other Christians. It is only by satan’s schemes that we divide and focus on self and pride. May it be by God’s grace that I submit myself as God’s servant to my fellow Christians.

Eph 5:15-21 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. NKJV

Blessed Beyond Measure!

2006-05-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

I serve a great God and He has put me in a great church. Some days I have to check myself to see if I am in a dream because I never feel that I deserve the love that is given to me. When I see the big picture, I notice many people giving of themselves to serve the Lord and I see the Lord blessing their work.

I do want to mention that the church I serve is not perfect, but also that the pastor who serves them (me) is not either. We understand this and are willing to work together in making disciples. We make up for each others weaknesses and try our best to love one another and prove to be disciples of Jesus. Let me add that they make up for a lot more of my short comings. I have been given a tremendous trust among the congregation and it is my hearts intent to confirm that trust each day I serve.

You may ask, "Why are you writing this?" Because I want to be an encouragement to those who are facing tough times. If we observe the average church, we either see hurt churches, hurt pastors, or both. When we try to find who to blame, we fall into satan's plan of focusing on the wrong issues to get us off the main issue: Jesus Christ and Him crucified!

Some time ago Immanuel Baptist Church (IBC) decided to focus on the great commission as our mission. To make disciples by going, baptizing, and teaching. My heart beat and ever consumming thought has been how to do this under the guidance of God. His answer time and time again is that He is in control and that I am responsible to be faithful. How many of you are faced with decisions and issues in your life? I want you to know that not too long ago I thought I had reached the end of my rope, but the Lord proved faithful and worked in my life a great blessing called IBC. He is asking each of us to be faithful and to do what He wants. Either God wants us to take an action, not take and action, or wait for Him to make the time right for action to be taken.

So that because I am in a place of great blessings, I need to trust that He will give me wisdom in being undershepherd of His church. I need to trust that He will continue move in the hearts of His people at Immanuel. We all need to remember that He has proven himself faithful time and time again. And when the time was right, Jesus came and died for sinners.

What a great God we serve. He is with us in the high moments, but He is also with us in the low moments wanting to bless us and have us find our joy in Him.

Sola Deo Gloria, Sola Scriptura, Solo Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus

Are We Missing The Point?`

2006-05-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends

This weekend we have seen the release of the movie, "The Davinci Code." I hope you saw my earlier blog that had a sermon concerning the book and movie. If there is an issue we are facing that can and does harm our cherished beliefs, it is people trying to discredit the scripture and the truth it contains. I believe God is all sovereign and will take care of the matter in his way, but I also believe that as Christians we need to ready ourselves for the fight that is here.

I do look at other blogs and I have read discussion concerning who our next SBC president will be and the other issues that are burning up the internet highway. Not that these aren't important issues, but I have begun to wonder if we are missing the point? The point is this, should we spend so much energy, time, and talents on these internal issues and neglect the fact that the world is being told a lie about who our Lord and Savior is? Or is there a better balance?

I am worried that these other issues have taken precedent on the web instead of trying to educate and exort people the truth of Christ in this post-modern society. I am not pointing fingers and talking about anyone. This is only a general statement of the few blogs I do read. We can debate, organize and shape how things will be done in our convention, but in the process loose our relevance in a society that desperately needs Jesus.

Personally each of us can get lost in the peripheral issues of our lives and miss the opportunity we have to serve Christ and show His love to others. How do each of us make a difference for Christ? Are we prepared to answer the questions that have and will continue to arise from Dan Brown's book and movie based on it?

I read one artice that was titled, "Forrest Gump Unravels The Da Vinci Code." Yes I see the humor in it, but I also see that Tom Hanks plays the lead role in the movie. We have had a love affair with Mr. Hanks since "Splash" and "Big." Tom Hanks playing this leading role will give credibility to the lies pushed in this movie. The few reviews I have heard about the movie has declared it long and boring though. Yipeeee!

How can we impact a society for Christ that has rewrote the parameter of acceptable moral behavior, no longer accepts absolute truth, and operates on a pragmatic and existential view of right and wrong? The answer: Be prepared apolegetically for attacks against the credibility of the scripture and declare the truth of the Word like Paul did on Mars Hill and let the Lord move on the hearts of those He has chosen. The issues we are facing are much bigger than the SBC presidency or the other topics that have been explored on blogs. Again I am not saying those other items are not important, but the world needs Jesus and we must deliver.

Disciplining Our Private Lives

2006-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

In studying the life of David one cannot help to notice his great leadership traits. For thirteen years he was a fugitive on the run. For the next seven he solidified his power over all of Israel. During the next thirteen he expanded the kingdom and made Israel a leader in the strip of land that controlled international trade and commerce.

From the beginning after Saul’s death, David did not go anywhere the Lord did not command him. He sought God’s direction and trusted that God had things well in hand. That is why he did not go and take Jerusalem, but made Hebron his capital. During this time, David did not complain about waiting longer to assume his kingship, but patiently waited upon the Lord.

We have seen the birth of the “Purpose Driven” philosophy to life. I am not discrediting Bro. Rick Warren. It is great that we understand our purpose in life, but to fulfill that purpose, we must be God led and guided. I believe my fellow pastor would agree with this. David knew he was to be king over all of Israel and could have raced towards that purpose without waiting for God’s direction. I believe that would have been disastrous. Sometimes in pursuit of our “purpose” we may follow the pragmatic approach. “What ever it takes” seems to be a popular statement today. Priorities become distorted and we seek only the “good feelings” thinking we are fulfilling our purpose, but in reality this may not be where God is guiding us.

Many young couples start out this way. They believe they are to build a home and what do they think a home is? They just left mom and dad’s place with the three bedrooms, two baths, formal living room, dinning room, bedrooms, plasma hi-def T. V. and an array of other stuff. They feel they need to have these things so with little money, they go into debt. A couple of years later and a couple of kids, money is really tight, they are in dead end jobs, the marriage is having complications and they have turned their backs on God and His purpose for them. Two things happened, they had the wrong vision for what a home is, and they did not discipline their desires by submitting them to God’s leadership.

When we truly surrender ourselves to Christ, we give up the right to be happy according to worldly standards. Being a disciple means being disciplined and doing without the pleasures of the world. I like what Proverbs 27:7 says,

“A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.”

When we discipline ourselves, we don’t make the mistake of following the world and never being satisfied.

If short term happiness and pleasure are my measuring rods in making decisions, I will end up with a bag of chips that is full of air and hardly any chips. I will not be satisfied.

David’s son Solomon tried it all and ended up with this statement:

Eccl 12:1
1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them":

We will and can always find our pleasure in the Lord.

David in his role as king was disciplined to wait for the Lord and ultimately became king twenty years after Samuel anointed him. But, In this time of triumph during his public life, David was laying the ground work for failure in his private family life.

David was marrying wives and collecting concubines to satisfy his lustful desires. Kings were warned against having multiple wives (Deut 17:16-17), but David engaged in the practice of other kings who surrounded him. It is recorded that between the ages of 30 and 37 David had twenty sons and one daughter from his marriages. How can one man provide the leadership for all these children? As we find out, one son raped his sister and another brother killed him for the rape. What did David do? All scripture says is that he became angry.

Another occasion, David is not with his army and is taking a stroll out on his balcony. In the distance he sees a young beautiful woman taking a bath and commands her to be brought to him. She is married, but that didn’t matter. It is said that absolute power corrupts absolutely. In David’s case, this is true because he tried to cover up his rape by killing Bathsheba’s husband. All of this because David could not discipline his passion for women earlier in his life.

What was the result of David’s lack of discipline concerning his lust for women, he died with his kingdom firmly in place, but his family life was in shambles.

When we lust for the pleasures of the world and do not submit our passions to Christ, others will ultimately be hurt. Absalom, Adonijah, David’s firstborn from Bathsheba, all dead, and a daughter raped because of David’s lack of discipline with himself and his family.

When parents fail to discipline their private lives in accordance to God’s word, submitting themselves to a growing relationship with him that includes, Church attendance, Church service, and being transformed into His image, they will ultimately fail as parents and their children will be lost unless God intervenes in their lives without the parents leadership.

May we all be careful of our private passions. If they are not submitted to Godly discipline they will ultimately reveal themselves publicly.

May God bless you!

Don't Fear The Doctrines of Grace

2006-05-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

I recently read a blog that asked why Calvinism is on the rise. Personally, I don’t prefer the term Calvinism because it has gotten a bad rap and has been associated with Hyper-Calvinism that teaches not to evangelize or engage in missions. I don’t like to be labeled “Reform” because it could possible link me to not being a Dispensational Pre-Millennialist. I prefer being an advocate of the Doctrines of Grace in salvation. Personally, I don’t like labels because they can be misleading.

I had a conversation with a pastor who I had just met and he asked me what I thought was the next big controversy in the SBC (If that isn’t a loaded question?) I told him I thought we didn't need a controversy, but that we needed to get together and focus on expanding the Kingdom through missions and evangelism.

I asked him what he thought and he said that we needed to get rid of Calvinism in the SBC. I asked him to define Calvinism and he couldn't come up with a definition.

In seminary, I was dead set against Calvinism. I didn't understand it outside of being told that Calvinists don't believe in witnessing or missions. I was wrong. Since graduating seminary (2002 Southwestern) and studying the Bible on my own, my views have changed and I believe in the Doctrines of Grace.

I am of the opinion that over time as more and more pastors and lay people study and see God's sovereignty in election the tide will turn. I am hopeful that those of us who believe in this historic Baptist doctrine will not have to fear those who are ignorant of our evangelistic beliefs, choose to define us as the enemy of missions, and want to rid us from the SBC. Yes, If you add to this doctrine philosophy outside the bounds of the Bible, Hyper-Calvinism can arise. But I would also contend that the logical conclusion of non-Calvinists (Arminians) is to have a man centered gospel rather than a God centered gospel. Man could be good enough for God. But, I don’t fear those who don’t agree on all five points of Calvinism as long as they maintain an evangelistic fervor for missions and reaching the lost.

I don’t understand all the details of this controversy, but I don’t believe we should divide over this. We should not declare a witch-hunt against those who differ in opinion from us. The focus should be on cooperating to send missionaries, to lead people to Christ, and start evangelistic churches that reproduce and win souls to Christ.

What Should Really Matter At This Year's Convention

2006-05-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

There seems to be growing concern among Southern Baptist pastors about the upcoming convention and the election of a new President. This is an important issue. But what I am surprised about is the energy that has been expended concerning this election and the speculation that covers it. I don’t think there is as much talk concerning whom will win American Idol this year as compared to the opinions given for this year’s SBC’s presidential election. Well, maybe there is, but I don’t hear much talk concerning how to revitalize our churches that are on a down slope. Another program or gimmick won’t get it done. Our churches and people don’t need to be “Purpose Driven” but God guided through His Word and Holy Spirit. So here is my two cents on what the themes need to be addressed this year.

1. Why do many of our churches lack any spark of vitality and excitement about Jesus and the Gospel? What can pastor’s do to lead his congregation to be excited about Jesus.

2. How do we overcome the onslaught of pragmatism and existentialism infecting the decision making process of the church and individual believer?

3. Should the trend to send our people on mission trips continue to rise and divert money away from the cooperative program that sends missionaries to start and help grow churches? Are we Biblically called to send people on mission trips or send missionaries?

4. Are we singing the same old song? We finally got our ducks in a row with the resurgence and it seems we are still looking for something else to keep us divided. Are we still in the cleaning house mode? Who is acceptable and who isn’t? Is anyone acceptable? When do we switch gears to the original premise of the resurgence and start with the enlarging of the Kingdom? Stop with the political cloak and dagger and let’s put all the cards on the table.

5. Are we truly going to be salt? Yes, salt preserves, it makes food taste better, but it also stings if you put it on a cut or a wound. When will our actions match up with our preaching of God’s grace, mercy, and truth? We can’t even practice it among ourselves. Our merciful actions to each other could sting the world in its wound of sin. The world may accuse us of being intolerant because we stand up for the truth of scripture, but they should not have any grounds to condemn us for slandering, falsely accusing one another, or attacking each other rather than discussing the issues in Christian love.

While the issue of president of our convention is important, let’s not get side tracked and forget the weightier issues of what we are facing. Baptisms are down, personal soul winning is down, biblical knowledge and application of it is down, churches have peaked or are in a state of decline, our influence in society is waning, 85% of our teenagers graduate high school and never return to church, truth is no longer seen as absolute, adultery happens in our ranks, divorce, drug abuse, apathy has gotten a foothold in our churches and many more issues to numerous to name. These issues may be recognized and addressed by leaders, but they are dealt with and worked on at the grass roots level.

I hope we address how, as a convention, we are going to engage the post-modern world we live in and exalt Christ as Lord and Savior.

Say No To Self Edifying Blogs

2006-05-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been reading some blog pages and have taken a break from bloggin. I started to toil with the idea that, more than not, the pages I have seen were self absorbing and self edifying. I decided to cease bloggin temporarily to evaluate why I was doing it. Was the Lord guiding me in this endeavor? If there is anything I want to see out of these writings is God glorified. All that is blessed around me is not because of any brilliance I might have. I am not that brilliant to begin with. It is solely because God overcomes my weaknesses and turns my chicken scratch thoughts into understandable sayings. I am not saying that God is inspiring me like He did the writers of Scripture, but as a called prophet, He is illuminating my mind to His Word and leading me to applying the truths gleaned from the Bible to the current world situation we face.

This past Sunday (Mother’s Day) I had the awesome privilege to baptize a mother and her son. I was impressed from the beginning with this family. Good hardworking people who were doing their best to raise their sons in this fallen world. They were also knowledgeable of Scripture and issues we debate concerning it. As a church we do not accept so called “alien” baptism (I don’t particularly care for that term even though I agree with our practice) and she was from a different denomination, but she was a sister in Christ trusting Him for her salvation. At the time she was not keen on going through our baptism, but I encouraged her and her husband to continue coming to our church and I would do my best to minister to them as their shepherd regardless of their church affiliation. Just when I thought no one from the church I am pastoring read the blog, I got an email from her thanking me for the alien baptism articles and helping her better understand why we did what we did. Approximately three months later, I get to help her into the water as a symbolic testimony of what Christ has done in her heart. As a pastor, I am blessed more than I deserve with awesome people like the ones I baptized this past Sunday.

So, if this humble blog can make the difference in one life for the Glory of God, is it worth it? Absolutely! I pray that those who read can help keep me humble and focused on Christ and Him crucified.

Sola Deo Gloria, Sola Scriptura, Solo Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus

The Da Vinci Code Deception: Fact or Fiction?

2006-04-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends

Sorry it has been a while since I have blogged. I have been wrapped up in my sermon for this week and family obligations. So don't loose heart. Come back and check out the blog. But this week, I have an extra special treat for you. I just preached a sermon on the book by Dan Brown called The Da Vinci Code. It is soon to be released as a Movie by Ron Howard (Opie from Andy Griffith), starring Tom Hanks. Brown claims the novel to be a fiction piece, but declares many aspects of his book to be factual. The book really relates half truths and lies concerning the Scriptures, Jesus and early church history. I have copied my sermon over to the blog to show where the book goes wrong. The ( ) with a page number relates to Brown's hardback edition of the book. Of course, my sermon is not exaustive and the footnotes are not complete. There were a few issues in copying from the program I use to the blog word processor.

Thanks goes to the Christian authors I have used to prepare this sermon. Without their tedious research and fact finding, it would have taken me longer than a week to prepare for this weeks sermon. If you are creating a library for sermon research or just Christian history and knowledge, I highly recommend the Christian books to you for purchase. Check out the works cited portion of the document. These books have each served me well, not only for this sermon, but other projects as well. Kerusso Logos

Bro. Robin

2 Tim 3:1-5, 4:2-4

INTRODUCTION

I. The Da Vinci Code

A. A Novel that will be released as a movie in May of 2006

1. One review by the Rocky Mountain News

That rare book that manages to both entertain and educate simultaneously. Dan Brown has managed to outdo the best of Robert Ludlum in this byzantine . . . and engrossing story. There is enough medieval history to please any historian and enough action to satisfy a hardcore thrill-seeker.[1]

2. Lays false claims about early Christianity

a. Jesus became God by a close church vote.

b. There were eighty other gospels about Jesus. They were destroyed by
the church to protect its doctrine.

c. The early church practiced ritualistic sex in its worship

d. Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and had a child.

e. The four gospels we have today were edited by Emperor Constantine to
make Jesus appear devine and to solidify Constantine’s kingdom.

B. Dan Brown’s claim to accuracy.

1. First page of book.

Fact: All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.[2]

2. Interview with the Today Show.

LAUER: How much of this is based on reality in terms of things that actually occurred? I know you did a lot of research for the book.

Mr. BROWN: Absolutely all of it. Obviously, there are--Robert Langdon is fictional, but all of the art, architecture, secret rituals, secret societies, all of that is historical fact.(http://www.danbrown.com/media/todayshow.htm)

II. How Shocking Should These Claims Be To The Church Today? One analagy:

While doing research at Mount Vernon into the life of the father of our country, a veteran scholar is murdered. While dying, he leaves a long trail of intricate clues for his granddaughter and a friend so that they might avenge his death. After solving the clues despite their Byzantine complexity, the two finally learn an awful truth: George Washington was really a member of a secret society that worshiped King Geourge III of England and his queen Charlotte Sophia. In fact, the reason for the Amernican reverses early in the revolutionary War was that Washington, a true but clandestine tory, was secretly communicating Colonial war plans to the British via Benedict Arnold, Washington’s secret illegitimate son. At Yorktown, while awaiting a British support fleet, Washington was preparing to surrender to Cornwallis, but when De Grasse arrived with his fleet of French ships to aid the American side, Washington had to accept Cornwallis’s surrender instead.

At the end of his life, Washington’s conscience got the better of him, and he wrote a confession that was buried with him in his tomb at Mount Vernon. The scholar who discovered it was then murdered by the CIA who feared that his find would destroy the patriotic mystique of America’s founding father and demoralize the country. When the FBI and CIA learn that the granddaughter and her friend know tha awful truth, an all points bulletin is issued for the pair. After a harrowing series misadventures, the two escape capture. But no, they will not reveal the “truth” about Washington either.[3]

A. Hogwash and Rubbish.

III. Living in a time of spirituality

A. But it is not a spirituality that submits to an authority greater than ourselves.

B. It is a spirituality that focused on ourselves and making us feel good.

1. This is the spirituality of “The Da Vinci Code”

Christians need to awake from our spiritual slumber of ignorance and defend God’s Word and Christian history against the slanderous accusations against our cherished doctrines and traditions.

2 Tim 3:1-5
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
2 Tim 4:2-5
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

C. We live in a time when this is being done.

1. I am not suprised by the world and its frenzy over this book.

2. I am suprised by Christians who embrace the false teachings of this book and
doubt their faith.

Prayer

BODY

I. The Attack On Jesus’ Divinity

A. Fiction: Jesus Became God By A Vote, “A relatively close vote at that.” (pg. 233)

1. Fact: Jesus’ Divinity is attested by many witnesses.

a. Jesus’ Divinity attested to the Bible and even before the Bible was written.

- Many Scholars attest that Philippians 2:6-11 is a pre-Pauline hymn that professes
belief in a real Jesus who was both human and divine.[4]

Phil 2:6-11
6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

- Only God was worthy of worship as stated in verses 10-11

- It declares in verse 6 that Jesus was in the form of God.

b. The Early Church Father’s saw Jesus as God.

- Ignatius (Early 100’s) from Antioch called Jesus “Christ the God”[5]

- Irenaeus (180) Who, “Had the preaching of the Apostles still echoing in his ears and their
doctrine in front of His eyes,”[6] wrote “We must think of Jesus Christ as we do of
God.”[7]

c. The book claims that the Council of Nicea (325 A. D.) was a council to determine whether Jesus is God (233).

- The main issue was to determine if Jesus was co-eternal with the
Father or a created being by the Father[8]

- The vote was not close being 300 to 2 in favor of Jesus being co-
eternal with the Father.

B. Fiction: Jesus Was Just A Man. Fact: “If Jesus wasn’t God He deserves an Oscar.”[9]

1. Fact: Jesus declared himself to be God and the Jews wanted to stone Him for
doing so.

John 10:30
30 "I and My Father are one."
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.
33 The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God."

2. Fact:Even the earliest enemies of Christianity knew that the church believed
Jesus was divine.

a. Celsus 178 A. D. said that Jesus had “declared himself divine.”[10]

b. Govenor Pliny the Younger 112 A.D. in a letter to Emperor Trajan,

“They were in in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god,”[11]

C. Fiction: Emperor Constantine (Milvian Bridge 312 A. D./[ xr] first two letters of Christ
in Greek/Maxentius[12]) Made Jesus God to Solidify His Power (pg 232)

1. Fact: Why would an emperor use a minority religion made up of slaves and
lower class people to solidify any power?

2. Constantine’s conversion would come later, but it came.[13]

THE ATTACK ON JESUS’ DIVINITY IS UNSUBSTANTIATED AND A JOKE

II. Attack On Scripture

A. Fiction: Bible is Solely A Product Of Man (pg 232)

1. Fact: The Bible is a product of man.

2. Fact: But it’s authority and origin is from God

2 Pet 1:21
21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Tim 3:16
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

a. Fact: Men wrote down the words

b. Fact: God inspired it.

c. Fact: God kept it from error

B. Fiction: Never Has Been A Definite Version Of The Bible Before Constantine (pg 232)

1. Fiction: Nag Hammadi and Dead Sea Scrolls “The earliest Christian
Records” (pg 245)

a. Fact: Dead Sea scrolls - Found in 1947

- Contain all books of the Old Testament except Esther. Dates from
the third century B. C.

- Does not contain New Testament Writings.

b. Fact: Nag Hammadi - Founded in 1945 near the village of Nag Hammadi[14]
(Gospel of Philip and Gospel of Mary Magdalene)

c. None of the documents date before 150 A. D. and most were written in the 200
and 300’s[15] (Style of writing)

d. Most liberal scholars consent to the fact that the N. T. was written before 100
A. D.[16]

2. Fact: Most of the Bible was considered authentic before Constantine

a. Irenaeus (180 A.D.) Writings

- Fourfold Gospel(popular term used to describe the true gospels), Acts,
Romans,1 and 2 Corinthians,Galatians, Ephesiand Philippiand, Colossians,
1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, 1 John,
Revelation.[17]

3. Fiction: There were more than 80 gospels considered for inclusion in the New
Testament (232)

a. Fact: The four gospels had universal approval among the early church
fathers.

b. Fact: there were only 5 writings that could be labeled as Gospels found in the
Nag Hammadi manuscripts.[18]

C. Fiction:Emperor Constantine editied the New Testament Writings and made Jesus
God in order to Solidify His Power. (pg 232)

1. Fact: “Constatine did, around 330 A. D. finance the copying and binding of fifty
copies of the Christian scriptures. This was not, however, a”new bible,” nor did
it omit or embellish and aspect of the gospels.”[19]

III. Attack On Jesus’ Celebacy

A. Fiction: Mary Magdalene and Jesus were married and had a child which started the
Merovingian Kingship in France.(245)

1. Fiction: Cup of Christ not a literal cup, but Mary M. who carried the Royal
Bloodline of Christ.

2. Fiction: Daughter named Sarah who was taken by Joseph of Arimathea (Jesus’
uncle) to Lyons France for safety.

a. Fact: Nothing in History books to prove or show this happened.

- Brown Claims Mary M. to be a direct descendent of the Tribe of
Benjamin.

b. Fact: Nothing in the Biblical or non Biblical records show this.

3. Fiction: Gospel of Philip Prove that Jesus and Mary were Married.( 245-248)

a. Found in the Nag Hammadi discovery. Egypt 1945

- Brown lumps the NH and the Dead Sea Scrolls together as the
“earliest Christian records.”

- Fact: Wrong. Dead sea scrolls Did not contain Christian documents
but dated to 200 B. C.

b. Fact: Because of style and content it is most likely that the “Gospel of
Philip” was written around the late 200’s to early 300’a A.D.

c. Fiction: Claims that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene because of the “Aramiac”
term for companion is spouse in the Gospel of Philip.(pg 246)

“It says noting of marriage. ‘Au Contraire’. Teabing smiled, pointing to the first line. As any Aramaic scholar will tell you, the word ‘companion,’ in those days, literally meant spouse.”

- Fact: It is written in Coptic and uses a loan word (koinonos) from
the greek to mean “wife” or “sister” in the spiritual sense. The
common word for wife in the Greek is “Gyne” There is no
evidence that an Aramaic version of this book ever existed.[20]

d. Fact: Problem: Missing parts of the text

“And the companion of the [...] Mary Magdalene. [... loved] her more than [all] the disciples [and used to] kiss her [often] on her [...][21]

B. Davinci’s Painting of the Last Supper.

1. Painted from 1495 to 1497 on the wall of the Convent of Sta Marie della Grazie
in Milan Italy.

a. Used water base tempera technique which caused the painting to quickly
deteriorate.

b. Painting is Approximately 29 feet long and 15 feet high.

2. Fiction: Brown’s book claims that the figure seated to the right of Jesus was not
the apostle John, but Mary Magdalene herself.

a. Depicts the part of the supper where Jesus states that he will be
betrayed.

- You can see that many of the figures are pointing fingers and
arguing.

b. Fact: So deteriorated that one can’t really make what the features are,
but the depiction of John does seem effeminate.

b. Fact: Many times younger men in paintings during Da Vinci’s time were
depicted with effeminate qualities.

c. Fact: If that is Mary M. they where is the missing apostle?

C. Priory of Sion is charged with keeping this secret.

1. Fact: Priory of Sion[22]

a. Fiction: Supposedly Formed in 1099 to preserve the great secret of
Jesus’ and Mary’s Marriage until the perfect time to reveal it to the
world.

- Fact: true date is 1956 by Pierre Plantard who forge documents to
gain kingship over France.

- Fiction: Documents called the Les Dossiers Secrets, identified Sir
Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Leonardo Da Vinci as
members of the Priory of Sion.

- Fact: These documents proved to be forged and in 1993 Plantard
under oath admitted that his claims were completely false.[23]

- Fact: Later it was discovered that he was a anti-semite with a
criminal record for fraud.

- Fact: 1996 BBC did a documentary exposing the fraud.

Unfortunately Dan Brown failed to watch the documentary.

- Fact: The Priory of Sion never dated back to the crusades.

CONCLUSION

I. Today we are dealing with people who see things differently than fifty years ago. (post-moderns)

Ed Hindson Quote: Heard Francis Schaeffer whil in college 35 years ago.

“When people come to the end of their rationalism, they will come to the end of their rationality.”

Then, Schaeffer suggested, they will fall for anything! They’ll lose their rationality. They’ll go intellectually crazy. Shaeffer predicted the time would come when we would see a return to the very roots of ancient paganism. People will mark and deface the body with tattoos, he suggested. People will worship feminine deities, People will stare into a crystal ball. They will try to talk to those who are dead and on the other side.[24]

A. Biblically Illiterate

B. Historically Illiterate

C. Morally Fallen: What if Jesus really did marry?

1. That would make him a mere human.

2. He could not atone for our sins

3. We would not have to seek forgiveness for our sins.

4. We then become God deciding what is true and not true for our lives.

5. Humanity has had a problem with submission to God

a. We have systematically lowered God and raised ourselves to god like

status.

FACT: Jesus Christ, God incarnate, went to the cross to die for our sins and rose on the third day to witness to us His victory over sin and death. If anyone shall confess Him as Lord and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, they will be saved.(Romans 10:9)

WORKS CITED

Bock, Darrell L. Breaking The Da Vinci Code Answers to the Questions Everyone’s Asking. Nashville: Nelson Books, 2004.

Brown, Dan. The Da Vinci Code a Novel. New York: Doubleday, 2003.

González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity, the Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1984.

Hanegraaff, Hank and Paul L. Maier. The da Vinci Code: Fact or Fiction. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2004.

Jones, Timothy Paul. Answers to the da Vinci Code. Torrence: Rose Publishing Inc, 2004.

McDowell, Josh. The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 1999.

ENDNOTES

[1]. Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code a Novel (New York: Doubleday, 2003), Inside Cover.
[2]. Brown, The Da Vinci Code a Novel, 1.
[3]. Hank and Paul L. Maier Hanegraaff, The da Vinci Code: Fact or Fiction (Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2004), 38–39.
[4]. Josh. McDowell, The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict (Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 1999), 129.
[5]. Timothy Paul Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code (Torrence: Rose Publishing Inc, 2004), 3.
[6]. McDowell, The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 44.
[7]. Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code, 3.
[8]. Justo L. González, The Story of Christianity, the Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1984), 161.
[9]. McDowell, The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 137–54.
[10]. Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code, 3.
[11]. Josh. McDowell, The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict (Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 1999), 58.
[12]. González, The Story of Christianity, the Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation, 107.
[13]. González, The Story of Christianity, the Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation, 107.
[14]. Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code, 6.
[15]. Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code, 6.
[16]. Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code, 6.
[17]. Josh. McDowell, The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict (Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 1999), 24.
[18]. Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code, 6.
[19]. Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code, 7.
[20]. Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code, 4.
[21]. Darrell L. Bock, Breaking The Da Vinci Code Answers to the Questions Everyone’s Asking (Nashville: Nelson Books, 2004), 261.
[22]. Hanegraaff, The da Vinci Code: Fact or Fiction, 10–12.
[23]. Jones, Answers to the da Vinci Code, 8.
[24]. Hindson Edward, The Da Vinci Code Deception (Lynchburg: Jerry Falwell Ministries, 2006), 21.

Answering the “What” Question?

2006-04-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we witnessed two brush fires that caused a lot of damage both physically and emotionally. The last report I heard was that one fire destroyed two homes and a barn. Praise God that no one was lost in these fires. Three of my church members were involved in close calls. One lost a barn that had several boxed mementos of past years. Other than that, their dog and house was safe. Another had the fire come within ten feet of their house. It is only by the grace of God that more damage wasn’t done.

During these times many ask the “why” questions. Why did this happen to me? Why did this happen to them instead of me? Why did God allow this? It is during these times that we want to point to a reason that has caused distress and misery in our lives. Job had friends who pointed to several reasons why he had lost his family and possessions. None of these were correct. In the end, Job never found out why hardships came upon him. Yes, sometimes God does discipline His children to bring them back into His divine will for their lives. This was not the case for Job. After prayer and meditation upon His Word, God will reveal that to us, but sometimes things happen in this fallen world that cannot be explained.

Our response should not be the “why,” but the “what” question. God, what should I do in response to this hardship? What are ways that I can serve you and others in the midst of this disaster? What can I learn from this to grow and become conformed to the image of your Son? It is the “what” question that gives hope to those who are dealing with suffering. Hope tells us that God is not done molding us in our journey, but still wants to work in our lives and have us know Him more and love Him more. It is the “what” questions we ask that tells us in our inner most being that God has not given up on us and loves us.

So the next time disaster strikes, ask the “why” questions, but don’t dwell or stop with them. Move forward to the, “What shall I do in response to this situation?” questions. That is when you will see the light in the darkness of your anguish.

Is There A Division Between The Spiritual And Material Part Of Our Lives?

2006-03-29T12:40:00.000-08:00

As a pastor I have been told that I am the “spiritual” leader of the church. I have wondered what that means. Can we qualify what part of church life is spiritual and non-spiritual? I have heard preaching that declares men to be the spiritual leaders in their families. What part of family life is spiritual and non-spiritual? I propose that the Christian sees no division between the material and spiritual aspect of their life. The spiritual influences and moves our material life in such a way that it should be pleasing to the Lord.

In my own study of the Bible, I have yet to discover a dichotomy between the spiritual and material aspects of our lives. Paul himself said to the church in Rome, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”(Romans 12:2) The will of God should be played out in every aspect of our lives. We renew our mind by prayer and the transforming effects of God’s Word. As we continue to surrender to the authority of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we become conformed more into the image of His Son. In the same book (8:29), we are told that whom God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. Every aspect of Jesus’ life was conformed to His Father’s will as He was led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus understood what He was here for and everything He did was set according to His purpose.

The sole purpose of humanity is to worship God and find their joy in Him. Every aspect of our lives should be done in a way that is pleasing to God. In the controversy of eating meat sacrificed to idols, Paul gave a dictum that we should all remember, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)

Once we understand that every aspect of our material life is so affected by the spiritual that in reality there is no division, we will seek to please the Lord rather than our own wants and desires. I will finish with the words of D. L. Moody as he spoke to a lady about whether she could be a Christian and still go to the theater: “When Jesus Christ has preeminence in your life you will understand it all. He didn’t come down here to tell us we couldn’t go here or couldn’t go there and lay down a lot of rules. He came to give us new life. Once you love Him you will take delight in pleasing Him.”

The Unsuspecting Effect of God in the Equation.

2006-03-27T18:45:00.000-08:00

I was helping my son do his work in pre-algebra. I remember as a kid struggling with the math problems and processes. In college I had to continue with another round of algebra and business calculus. If there is a purgatory before entering Business College, it has to be business calculus. Let me confess that I had to drop the class the first time I took it only to get by with a low "C" the second time. When I got into the business world, I wondered what was all that algebra and calculus class time for. I figured it was so the schools could have a reason charge tuition. Even though I never used what I learned in a formulary nature, I discovered what I really learned in those classes after working with my son.

First there are certain rules and an order of things that if not done properly or circumvented will lead to a wrong answer. Similarly in our Christian life, if we do things contrary to God’s way or short cut it according to the world, we will end up outside the will of God or with a wrong answer. Being a disciple means tedious devotion to prayer, Bible study, and meditation. Sometimes when we pray, read, or meditate on God’s world, we don’t always experience those earth-moving moments in our lives. Unless if I am different, it is a rarity for me to have those life altering moments every day. Many people feel that if they don’t have some great epiphany during their quiet time, it is wasted time. They are sorely wrong. Instead, what I see is that over time I can see gradual changes happening in my spiritual walk with Christ. Like my high school algebra teacher used to teach me, “Write down each step of the equation process and don’t skip any steps or you will end up with a wrong answer.” If we skip any steps or try to short cut the life of a disciple, we will come to wrong conclusions pertaining to God’s will.

Second, through tedious repetition, those rules and procedures became second nature to me in problem solving. As I began to move on in my algebra education, I had to learn new rules and procedures that were built on the old ones. If those first rules were not second nature to me, I would have difficulty in learning the new rules. In our walk with Christ, we cannot move to the next level if we are still dealing with the elementary elements of the Gospel. Because of the divisions in Corinth, Paul declared them as carnal Christians still on milk for babes rather than solid foods. They had not grown from their first baby steps in Christ. The spiritual habits of prayer, meditation, study, and fellowship are the basics of the Christian walk. Until these habits become second nature to us, we will still struggle in our daily walk with Christ.

Third, even though I could not see the answer in the problem immediately, after applying the rules learned, I discovered the answer. Have you ever been in a situation where the problem was so enormous that you couldn’t see the solution to your predicament? Be assured that whatever the condition of things, God is in the problem. Hear what I am saying. He is not the problem, but He is in the problem trying to work in you to overcome the hardships and roadblocks you are experiencing. David, in the cave of Adullam when he escaped Saul, knew that God was his refuge and protection. Even when David had a chance to kill Saul in the wilderness of En Gedi, he did not yield to worldly temptation, but waited on the Lord to deal with Saul. It was not David’s job to exact vengeance. David believed in God’s sovereignty and trusted Him to take care of Saul in His time not David’s. He learned the truth of God and His sovereign control over the situation. David knew God was the factor to solving the problem.

So, today I am grateful for a demanding teacher that pushed me to do the work that I thought was unnecessary, because later I saw the blessing of learning how to systematically approach a problem and find the answer. I am ultimately grateful for an Almighty God who demands a daily growing relationship with me and reveals Himself in the small stuff so I can trust Him when the whopper situations come into my life.

Debating Without Tearing Apart

2006-03-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

When I began writing this blog, I had planned on listing some preachers who I thought were leading their congregation and television viewers astray from sound biblical preaching. After I read over it to check for errors, I decided not to list the names of the preachers. Ultimately, from previous experience, I learned that it is not always the best policy to attack someone with out his ability to respond. So I decided to list the issues and give what I believed to be the biblical response to the views that were being expressed. I hope I continue in this spirit. My last blog expressed my discontent with another blog that took the IMB chairman of our body of trustees and literally ripped him apart. Again, let me state how saddened I was of this even though from my little corner of the world, I would disagree with the policies, at a national convention level, that the chairman was trying to pass.

We do need vigorous debate in order to grow and learn. We don’t need to degrade each other by applying inappropriate personal labels. I do try my best to keep from doing this in the pulpit, but when necessary, I will state the name of the person that teaches doctrine that does not adhere to biblical Christianity. I do believe as Jesus’ under-shepherd, I am to protect the flock from sources of incorrect doctrine and practice. Debate is good as long as we don’t attack the person, but discuss the issues.

Ultimately, debate should not take up so much of our time that we forget what our purpose is. Correct doctrine, leads to correct beliefs, which leads to correct actions, and ultimately produces converts who are disciple makers and growers. If we pursue witnessing with the fervency we spend at tearing our brothers down, I see God blessing us with revival that has not been seen since the second great awakening.

My Heart Aches

2006-03-13T20:35:00.000-08:00

For six years I lived in Texas. Three years I was in Seminary and the other three I served a small church bi-vocationally in East Texas. During my tenure I saw politics at the state convention level reach all time lows. Many times the word exchange sought to vent hatred and ill feelings. I make no bones that I am a conservative Southern Baptist. The church I served in Texas was uniquely affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. I believe in the inerrancy and infallibility of the word of God in the original languages. That the only way for anybody to get to heaven is by grace through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. My eschatology is dispensational, pre-millennial, and pre-tribulation. Pertaining to soteriology I believe in the total depravity of man, that the saints are elected unconditionally, Jesus’ sacrifice only applies to His elect, that those who are elect will come to Christ, and the elect will persevere to the end.

So why do I divulge all of this? Because there are people whom I love and care for who do not agree with me on my eschatology, soteriology, and other matters. Yet, we are able to agree to disagree and do so on a level that treats each other with the love and respect a brother or sister in Christ should be treated. Yes, we do challenge each other, but on a level of endearment and passion.

Before I entered seminary, I had an antagonistic approach to arguing with people concerning doctrinal truths. I had spent three years in a fundamental, independent, KJV only church. I left it because I began to disagree with KJV only belief and other matters. They were good people and the pastor was a wonderful man, but I choose to leave to get back home to my Southern Baptist roots. There was also arrogance in that everyone else was wrong and they were right. When I entered seminary, I found professors who could run theological circles around people, but humbly chose to state their case, challenge the presumptions of others, and love those who disagreed with them. I saw within them a high spirit of debate and a higher spirit understanding, compassion, and unity.

What we have seen in recent months, concerning the IMB trustee and change of policy controversy, has not shown what is good among Southern Baptists. Again, I don’t believe we need to narrow the parameters of missionaries serving any further than what they were before November concerning private prayer language and baptism. But, my heart aches today after reading some blogs concerning this whole situation. I will not say the names of them, since I don’t want to advertise for what I consider their lack of brotherly respect and love for the chairman. These commenting bloggers were demeaning and antagonistic in their language. They went out of their way with a thesaurus to come up with colorful words to destroy and annihilate other brothers in Christ. Do I think Bro. Burleson should be removed? Absolutely not! He is a "big boy" and has done what I consider a good job of stating his position and taking care of himself. Demeaning discourse from other people concerning the chairman of the trustees does not unify during this time of debate, but further divides us.

It is time for the rhetoric to stop and begin with debate that edifies and helps us grow as a convention. Wrongs are abounding in this controversy, but the wrongs don’t need continuation with an unbelieving audience listening. Is Christ glorified when we call each other names or slap each other with quick one liner put-downs? Are we proving to be disciples of Christ?

John 13:34-35
34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

We can still love one another, vigorously debate the issues, and not resort to name calling or setting up "straw men" to win our argument. It is a shame to lower us to the level of worldly tactics.

The Sufficiency of Scripture

2006-03-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

For the majority of Southern Baptists and other conservative Christians, the truth of the inerrancy of scripture has been settled. The issue we are facing today is the reformation view of solo scriptura. Luther, who began the reformation with his posting of the Ninety-Five Thesis, believed that all aspects of Christian existence should be ruled by scripture. Everything was to be measured to scripture and if there existed a contradiction, scripture was to be given supreme authority.

James Montgomery Boice wrote an excellent book called, "What Ever Happened to the Gospel of Grace?" In it, he questions whether Christians are living as if they believe in the sufficiency of scripture. Do our actions reflect a life formed by the principles of scripture? Do our churches reflect a scripture formed body that acts under the truth of Grace? Is the Bible sufficient for our guidance as the body of Christ?

Churches across our country have turned to ways and means that do not measure up to biblical standards. Where in the New Testament does it state that we have "interpretive" dancing, big grandiose band concerts that appeal to our esoteric nature, or minimizing the preaching of God’s word by time or content? The preaching of God’s Word always took center stage to the worship community since its earliest beginnings.

If we want to see revival in our churches again, there are several things we must do as a body of believers saved by Grace. We must return to biblical preaching that focuses on preaching the text. We must put the words "sin," "repentance," "depravity," and "Grace," back in our vocabulary. Church discipline must be used to restore the fallen brother or sister. We need to each die to our wants and desire and live for the Great Commission. Ultimately, we must put scripture back in its place of authority that transforms us by the renewing of our minds.

I have had several young adults who tell me they don’t know much of the Bible. Their confession is actually great! Acknowledging our sin is the beginning step of growing in Christ. But when we look in our churches during Sunday school, Sunday discipleship hour, or Wednesday evening Bible studies, there is a lack of youthful participation. How can we live the Christian life that brings glory to God in our state of scriptural benightedness? Christians must commit to participating in the teaching ministry of the church.

When there is a generation of biblically inept Christians, soon to follow is a church that becomes more and more like the world and the distinction between believer and a non-believer slowly disintegrates. In closing let us heed the words of Jesus: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Matt. 16:24 NKJV)

MISSION - VISION - STRATEGY

2006-03-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

With all great endeavors there is an understanding of how to get to where a people need to go. There is a universal law that God has applied to His creation. First, as a people, we must understand our mission. The age old question of why are we here? At Immanuel Baptist Church we have discovered that mission in Matthew 28:19-20. God’s mission for humanity was to know Him and to find our true existence in His love (Acts 17:27-28). The church’s mission is to help others find their way to God, so each individual can ask God to forgive them of their own sins by the shed blood of His Son Jesus, repent of their sins, and serve Him all the days of their lives by being disciples. This is our mission.

The vision gets more specific in understanding when seen on the local church level. It involves, “Where does God want us to be at some time in the future?” It is a God given picture of what we will look like if we are in His perfect will. In our specific church ministry, we must reach with love, teach with love, and eventually start with love new Southern Baptist churches locally and abroad. How this vision will look in numbers and design, God will unfold to His church. The Cooperative Program is already one avenue we are utilizing to start churches out of our reach.

Finally, strategy must encompass five points of sharing God’s true light: Discipleship, Outreach, Ministry, Fellowship, and Worship (Acts 2:42-47). Every ministry, committee, family, and person must commit their specific area of responsibility to impacting these five light points of strategy. These areas must be coordinated together as if we are building Nehemiah’s wall (Neh. 3) so that when we come together, the wall will fit jointly as one.

You might say that I am seeing this from an American perspective, but I would beg to differ. God had a mission, a vision, and a strategy for humanity before the foundation of the world. This is found in sending His Son, Jesus to die on the cross so that His sheep would follow His Shepherd (John 10:1-30, 1 Pet. 3:18).

Keep Checking

2006-03-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends

Sorry I haven’t updated in a while. This week has been filled with revival meetings. I also got the flu late Monday night and have been unable to do all that I wanted. Just to let you know, the revival is going great. The Lord has blessed us with a great evangelist. Don’t give up hope, I will be back next week.

Sharing His Light

Bro. Robin

Another Word On Alien Baptism.

2006-02-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

A comment was sent to me concerning my previous blog that dealt with alien baptism. Even though the person agreed with me, they wanted to see how I would justify it biblically. Here is the response I sent:

Here is my theory. Yes, no where in the Bible does it say that a person should be baptized twice. But with that, no where in the Bible does it say a person cannot be baptized more than once. The act of baptism is a symbolic act of obedience and testimony. If I wanted to express what has happened to me when I was saved, is it wrong for me to do so with a second or third baptism? In fact the Baptist Faith and Message says that being baptized is “an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried and risen Saviour, the believers death to sin, the burial of old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership, and to the Lord’s Supper.” (Bold parts done by me for emphasis.) So, do those who say that one baptism fits the bill to church membership declare that a second water baptism is wrong? Is Baptism valid if it was performed when the believer was an infant or if they were sprinkled instead of being immersed?

One thing that separates Baptists from many other denominations is the assurance of Eternal Security. Those who are in the final resurrection will be ones who have been eternally secure John 10:28-29. Part of baptism is the belief in the symbolism of new life that is Eternally Secure. Shame on those who baptize new converts and don’t explain to them, before hand, the new believer’s security in Christ. Therefore we ask for a person coming from a church of different faith and order to be baptized by our baptism as a testimony to their agreement with us as to the security of the believer and that the act of baptism is an obedient testimony as stated by scripture in meaning and method. Again, this should be determined on a local church level and I believe that the BF & M is an excellent guide in qualifying those who would be our missionaries abroad.

Biblically, I don’t believe they have a valid argument preventing us from baptizing others who come from a different church order, but I also cannot find a particular commandment that pertains to our practice. Both sides have taken information from the Bible and have brought together a theology of practice. We do this to keep our theology and beliefs intact in our church. Wade Burleson can accept members into his church the way they decide and we can do the same, but in the case of appointing missionaries, I am satisfied with our system the way it is. In this I am in agreement with Bro. Burleson. Further meddling can only lead to closing the door on gifted people in Southern Baptist missions.

Thanks for your comments and look forward to hearing yours.

Bro. Robin Foster

One thing that I do want to state after sending this pastor my response. As our pamphlet states, “First, we do not mean that you were not saved when you were a member of your previous church. As Baptists, we believe salvation is always based upon God’s Grace and our faith receiving His gift of Grace (Ephesians 2:8). Second, we don’t want to say that you were wrong for being baptized before or that our baptism is superior to everyone else’s.”

We practice baptism and church membership as we do in order to keep our essential beliefs unbroken. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. This should not become a major issue that takes up our time. You do it your way, we’ll do it ours. Time is more importantly spent telling others of Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary, the lost state of humanity, and forgiveness of our sins in Jesus.

I don’t see any need to comment on this subject any further. If am led, I will, but right now we all have bigger fish to fry.

Kerusso Logos (Preach the Word)

Can Democracy Survive Without God?

2006-02-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

In this time of political correctness (PC), one can become confused as to the morals and norms of society. For example, the original Star Trek had in its opening credits the phrase, “To boldly go where no man has gone before.” Years later when Star Trek: The Next Generation aired it had changed the wording to, “To boldly go where no one has gone before.” Even when I was in seminary a few years ago, I was warned against using words like, “man” or “mankind.” “Humanity” or “human kind” was preferred. Being gender neutral was important so not to offend someone. This type of PC has infiltrated our religious institutions. Even Bible translations have fallen to PC attacks. The TNIV translation has changed the rendering for the Hebrew word “man” in Genesis 5:2 to say, “human beings.”

In recent years we have seen the PC police attack the idea that our nation had Christian influence in its founding. Therefore God is being pushed out of the public arena and can no longer be mentioned outside of the church or religious circles. In fact some advocate erasing God from the public arena because the mention of God is offensive to others. Michael Newdow, an atheist, claimed that the phrase, “under God,” in the Pledge of Allegiance violated the constitution. It makes one wonder what James Madison (the “Chief Architect of the Constitution”) would say. He did write in a letter dated November 20, 1825: “The belief in a God All Powerful wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the World and to the happiness of man…”

There is an argument being hailed by some who claim a separation of Church and State. They gather this myth from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association (DBA) dated January 1, 1802. Let it be noted that Jefferson was not at the Constitutional Convention, did not sign the Constitution, nor participate in the debate of the First Amendment and religious freedom. What the DBA was worried about was Congress making one single Christian denomination to be the official state denomination. The DBA themselves were victims of persecution because of their Baptist beliefs. Jefferson’s response was to calm their fears that the State would not interfere with the affairs of the church. He in no way implied that the morals of God as revealed in His Word should not influence the workings of government.

In Query XVIII of Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia, he believed that with liberty, came the obligation to remember who the Great Giver of liberty is, and not to abuse this gift without reprisals from God. Even Jefferson understood that as a nation and people, we were accountable to God. Without this awareness of accountability, we face the wrath of God.

Does this mean that we cannot allow the practice of other religions in our nation? Of course not! But we were founded as a Christian nation. The founding fathers understood that a nation without accountability to the God of the Bible was a nation on the verge of anarchy or dictatorial tyranny. Recent events after the devastation from hurricane Katrina showed anarchy in the streets of New Orleans. Set aside those who were trying to get food and water for their families and children, the majority of people seen on TV were stealing electronics, high dollar clothing, jewelry, and other items of value. I believe New Orleans has set the stage of what would happen if there was ever a national disaster of natural or man (“human” for all my PC friends reading this) made (terrorism) causes. During these moments of unrest, a people who do not fear God will become barbaric in their actions.

What is the church to do? First, we must educate our families and ourselves in the ways of God so that we build virtuous character that will transcend any disaster that comes our way. Second, we must be uncompromising in sharing the Gospel in our areas of influence (school, work, marketplace, and the public arena). We must also remind America where our founding fathers looked for their freedom and liberty. Finally, we must organize ourselves to be a place of help and comfort during a local or national crisis. As Southern Baptists, we can be proud of the men and women who have donated their time and money by going to these places of disaster and performing relief work. But, where are we, at the local level?

Can America survive without God? The answer both from the Bible (Psalm 33:12) and recent events (Katrina) is an unquestionable no. To deny God in the public arena is to deny what keeps us safe and unified as a nation.

The Need to Equip Teachers to Correctly Convey God’s Biblical Truths.

2006-02-16T10:29:00.000-08:00

Recently someone came to my office to ask me about expository preaching. Why she came to me, I don’t know. I really don’t consider myself in the ranks of a John Mac Arthur, Jerry Vines, Adrian Rogers, W. A. Criswell, or even most preachers in my area, but I was humbled that God laid me on her heart. She had to turn a paper in for a class and wanted to know how to prepare an expository sermon. Before I go any further, I believe women are called to preach as long as they don’t exert authority over the man (1 Tim 2:12) as in the case of being a Pastor. This may be an issue in a later blog, but for now it is the responsibility of the pastor, among others mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, to equip the saints for the ministry God has called them in order to build up the church.

Expository preaching is taking God’s Word verse by verse, proclaiming the truths in the verses by drawing on the principles of the text, illustrating those principles, and finally applying those principles to those who are listening. As we were talking I began to realize how equipping the saints go beyond the pulpit. Don’t misunderstand, the pulpit is vital and takes precedent over other avenues, but as pastors, opportunities are missed in equipping God’s gifted people if we see our only area of opportunity in the pulpit. God brought the issue to mind, “Does our church have a clearly defined plan in preparing teachers bestowed upon us, to explain the principles laid out in God’s Word so that those who hear will grow personally and corporately together in order to achieve our Great Commission Mission?” Sadly, the answer is no. Father, forgive me of this sin.

When I first began to teach Sunday school, the training consisted of, “Here is the teacher’s quarterly. Go over this with them in the class.” Even though the pastor had good intentions, he did sit in class and correct me if I misinterpreted what he thought the Bible should say. I later realized that I was not teaching the Bible, but a teacher’s quarterly. Teacher’s quarterlies are important and should be aids in teaching the lesson, not the lesson itself and they should compliment other aids in learning the principles in scripture.

How many Southern Baptist churches put people in teaching positions because they are faithful to be at church during times of worship without considering if they are gifted for this role? And when they are put in the position, how have we failed them and God in equipping them to convey the truths of God?

As pastors, we should be equipping teachers with the tools and methods to teach biblical principles in a manner that is clear, concise, and applicable to those who are listening. One reason many Southern Baptists are doctrinally illiterate is because many (not all) teachers don’t know how to learn and cannot convey the truths of scripture in a manner that relates to the lives of those listening. This does not mean that many of the teachers are apathetic to their calling, they just have not been equipped. One may have a great desire and enthusiasm to rebuild old cars, but without the mechanical knowledge or the tools necessary, you put the car in worse shape than before.

This will become a priority in the pastoral ministry God has granted me. I pray that many of our pastor’s refocus the direction of their ministry and equip the saints for the building of the body, especially in the teaching ministry of the church.

One final note, I will be taking a brief hiatus from blogging this weekend. Look to see me back hopefully by Monday evening. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May his face shine upon you as you witness for him. Thank you for reading.

Two Different Ways.

2006-02-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

Long before Frost wrote these words, “Two roads diverged in a wood,” God had the psalmist pen about two ways. One was the way of the blessed man who was considered righteous and the ungodly man. I believe there is an effort today to make the righteous standard lower and what we would consider the ungodly standard lower than what God would have. For example, 85% of Americans consider themselves Christians. If this number is accurate and if they really are Christians, then the remaining 15% of Americans must be paying an extreme amount of money to view pornography, take illegal drugs, have abortions, and gamble (lottery). The 15% must also be using a lot of their time to engage in adultery, murder, stealing, not visiting the sick and the elderly, gossiping, and being rude.

There is one thing that should be clear, “Being a Christian does not mean we live the perfect sinless life, but we should be marching on the road of the righteous even though we might sin and take the occasional detour.” There was a cartoon that came out in the paper a couple of months back that depicted a cowboy with a big belly that over hung his belt so you could barely see the belt. On His belly, were written the words: Liquor by the drink, Casinos, Pari-mutuel Betting, Lotteries. Pointing to the belt was the phrase, “Bible Belt” and the caption read “It’s just a lot harder to see now days!” If 85 % of our country is Christian, why is it that these sinful practices flourish in our country?

I believe there are three reasons to explain this anomaly.

1. Many of the 85% who claim to be Christians have not been born again to a new relationship with Jesus Christ, trusting that He died for their sins. (John 3:7) Because they have not been born again, they are still enslaved to sin (Rom. 6:7,16-17) and can do none other than rationalize decisions giving themselves permission to engage in what God would call sin.

2. For many who are saved, they are still on milk (1 Cor. 3:1-3) and have not moved on to meatier food in their Christian walk. They do not see implications of their decision to engage in even the tiniest of sins such as watching a movie that might flash a lustful image on the screen. As this image arouses our sinful lusts, we crave more of it and become more desensitized to it and it becomes acceptable to our conscience. The end of the road could lead to pornography, adultery, or some other sexual perversion. God told Cain to rule over his sin because its desire was for him. Cain’s original sin was not giving his best to God which led to his anger and jealousy toward his brother Abel. Ultimately, sin bore its full fruit by Cain murdering His brother.

3. Finally, the fire that used to characterize the preaching in our pulpits has been quenched by the feel-good pop-psychology preaching of the secular world. Many preachers no longer want to preach about sin and its effect on the human soul. They would rather give you steps on how to become materially successful. We see preaching that focuses on making you feel good rather than allowing the Word to move your heart, by aid of the Holy Spirit, to conviction of your sins and repentance. A repentant person is a blessed person if they see the forgiveness that is available to them in Jesus Christ. If Preachers just preach the Word expositionally instead of by proof text to fit their step to success outline, many more would be moved to seek salvation in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

So, what needs to be done? First, the church and each person in it need to take seriously the commission (Matt. 28:19-20) Jesus gave us before He ascended to the Father. This commission: “To go and make disciples.” We must share the gospel in order to win souls. Second, part of that commission was to teach each disciple to observe all that Jesus taught. This means to grow in spiritual maturity and wisdom as you learn more of the Word. Last, preachers need to stop preaching to so called “felt needs” of the people and give them the full counsel of God.

If these simple activities were embraced we would get closer to the 85% of Americans becoming actual Christians and even the Christians we have now, would not support many of these activities that tear at the fabric of our churches and country. The great tragedy is this: these sins have such a great impact in our society because many born again believers support them with their time and money.

We have two roads facing us. The godly road will bring us closer to God. The ungodly road will lead us to destruction. Which will you take? The words in our heart and on our lips should be like the ones in the great hymn written by B. B. McKinney, “Let the Holy Spirit come and take control, and send a great revival in my soul.”

Is Jesus That Important?

2006-02-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

This last weekend, I rented the documentary, "Beyond the Gates of Splendor". It retells the story of missionaries who went into the jungles of Ecuador and were killed by the Waodoni people. The Waodoni were later contacted by some of the wives of the missionaries they killed. The wives lived with them and taught them the Bible. The documentary reported that because of the actions of these women, the tribe stopped killing as a means to solve problems. Definitely a touching story of missionaries who courageously gave their lives to the call God laid on their heart. One thing I noticed about the documentary is that Jesus or salvation through Him was not given a primary role in the transformation of the people. Something may have alluded to it, but Jesus and his death, burial, and resurrection was not given primary responsibility in the change of these people. They did claim that the people were changed because they were taught the Bible, but they also said that the people realized that if they continued in this vicious lifestyle they would eventually be extinct.
On the web site forum of the movie retelling this story "End of the Spear," the producers commented they didn’t want to be preachy, but wanted the actions of the people to move the hearts of their audience. I want to say that Every Tribe Entertainment is free to make any movie they want and include or exclude any content they want. What I am concerned about is telling stories such as these, teaching others good morals, or stating our moral beliefs without basing them on the authority of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. In retelling this story, if we state that these people stopped killing because they were taught it was wrong and the authority of Jesus was left out as the foundation to this commandment, we have not completed our mission in being light in a dark world.
This past Saturday our church had a family movie night. We watched the movie "Time Changers." It is a sci-fi adventure that was set in the 1890’s. The movie focuses on a seminary professor (Russell Carlisle) who wrote a book stating that to teach the morals of Jesus apart from Him and His authority may be necessary since the name of Jesus would not be accepted to all. Many Christians today want to argue certain moral areas like abortion and leave the name and authority of Jesus out because others do not recognize the supremacy of Jesus in the command as a valid point we can make in debating issues.
Another seminary professor (Norris Anderson) questioned his analysis and invited Carlisle to his house to discuss the matter. Carlisle finally meets with Anderson and is persuaded to go into the future via a time machine. Carlisle is sent to the year 2000 and discovers what a society is like that doesn’t recognize the authority of Jesus or the Bible. A direct reflection of who we are today. Carlisle acknowledges his mistake and returns to the year 1890. The Gospel was clearly presented in this movie. I highly recommend buying it for your own personal collection. As Christians we must support entertainment like this.
My dilemma is Christians minimizing the name and authority of Jesus in our witness to others. As the movie stated, "Satan is not against good morals. He is against Jesus Christ." We stand on our beliefs because of the authority that is contained in God’s word and in His son Jesus. Jesus claimed to be the light of the world (John 8:12). This should be our message and mission. To reveal that the world is lost in their sins and in order to be reconciled to God, they must recognize their sin, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the forgiveness that is available to any who will receive God’s grace. We cannot take the authority of Jesus as revealed in His Word out of our churches or individual lives. Our churches and lives will be like the waves of the sea driven and tossed by the wind (John 15:5; James 1:6).
Since Jesus and His authority have been taken out of the public arena, we are left in a world that has no basis for its standard of conduct. Why is it wrong to steal, murder, or commit adultery? Who says this is wrong? Is it okay to steal under certain conditions or have an adulterous affair if our spouse is not meeting our needs and making us happy? When I managed restaurants, cashiers stole from their registers. Some felt that since they weren’t paid enough, it was okay to do so, plus a big company would not miss five or ten dollars. Some of these weren’t kids, but mothers who were married and had teenagers. So since it really won’t hurt anybody directly, it must be okay to steal. WRONG! It is a sin to steal because God said it was in the eighth commandment of the Ten Commandments He gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Any society that has no foundational basis rooted in the Bible to position themselves for their standards of conduct is a society that is built upon a false sense of security in its family structure and government. When the family falls apart, so will the government and anarchy will prevail. Our lives, churches and nation must be one under God.
While we should use all facts and methods of reason in debate, we should not shy away but herald the Light that drives the cover of darkness to reveal the absurdity of the world. The Gospel is who we are, what we do, and what we share.

Is Homosexuality Really a Sin?

2006-02-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

Recently in our local town newspaper, an opinion concerning the movie "Brokeback Mountain" was entered. The lady who entered it was pro-homosexuality and stated that Christians have been wrong for 2000 years concerning this sin. We were to love one another. She used some scripture references from a web site that totally misrepresented the issue of homosexuality and what the Bible says. One of my church members told me he was going to write an opinion from a Christian point of view and asked me if I would look over it before he sent it in. I want you to know that I was thoroughly impressed with his response and asked him if I could copy it to my blog. He said yes. Here is what he wrote:

Dear Editor,

Needless to say, the points raised in last week’s editorial article, by Dr. Scout Cloud Lee about the controversial movie “Brokeback Mountain”, is typical of many secular progressives and reflects modern mainstream media’s political correctness. This movie spotlights a tragedy that is avoidable, and almost seems to suggest that the damage the two lead characters do to their families is somehow forgivable because they are in love. The movie wrongly leads people to believe there is only one option-to behave as homosexuals even if they choose to hide their same-sex attractions from their families and society. While it is not true that some people are born homosexual, it is true that every person is born with a sin nature and that this sin nature is capable of every kind of lust and vile affection. The real truth is that those who struggle with homosexuality can leave the lifestyle and the pain and emptiness that so often accompanies it. Thousands of men and women have done just that. When viewing this movie, one simply cannot separate the artistic achievement from the film’s theme/message. That is to further promote homosexuality as mainstream in the collective American psyche. I believe as Christians, we are to love and care for people from all walks of life. Even those with whom we disagree and believe are involved in immoral lifestyles. However, I have to acknowledge that Dr. Scout Cloud Lee and I have a very different understanding of Holy Scripture. God is clear about the consequences of an unrighteous lifestyle such as homosexuality, as with other sinful lifestyles. It is true, as Dr. Lee pointed out, that Jesus said “This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you”, and that he never mentions homosexuality directly. However, Jesus also never mentions directly bestiality, sadomasochism and pedophilia. Yet no one would suggest that these other perverse forms of sexual expression would not qualify as sin. Jesus did give the greatest commandment in Matt. 22:37-38, condemn sexual immorality as sin in Matt. 15:19-20, and loves & forgives those who commit sexual sin but tells us not to repeat the sin in John 8:3-11. Jesus did directly give us God’s perfect plan for expressing our sexuality in Mark 10:6-8. God also reminds us of Holy Scripture’s authority in 2nd Tim.3:16 and clearly condemns homosexuality as sin in Rom.1:26-27. I would also recommend that if you want to learn the proper interpretation of the Holy Scriptures, you attend a Bible based Church that adheres to and practices the traditional orthodox Christian faith. The website, recommended by Dr. Lee for correct interpretation of certain Holy Scripture concerning homosexuality, named “Soulforce” was founded by Rev. Mel White and his partner Gary Nixon, both homosexual political activists and not qualified Biblical scholars. They reinterpret certain Holy Scriptures to justify their extreme views on human sexuality and do not provide a scholarly translation that accurately expresses the original Bible texts that are faithful to the thoughts of the Biblical writers.

Richard McCullough
Perkins

We need more people to stand up against these distortions and lies fostered by the homosexual community. While I am against hate and physical abuse of homosexuals, I am for loving them with the truth of what scripture says. Thank you Richard for your thoughts.

Why say no to alien baptism?

2006-02-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a debate going on among Southern Baptists concerning the view of alien baptism. Alien baptism is accepting others for church membership even if they have been baptized by a church of different faith and order. Hopefully, without getting myself into the thick of things, I will try to explain my view concerning this matter. Let me say from the outset, I do believe this is a decision that should be made on a local church level with out argumentation that keeps us from cooperating in missionary endeavors. There are valid opinions that should not separate us from working together as a denomination to reach the world for Christ. Below is part of a tract that we use to inform others of our beliefs and practices. I hope this is helpful:

You might ask, “Why does the Baptist church require baptism in their church if I want to transfer membership from a church of a different denomination or different faith and order?”
Let us start by answering what we do not mean concerning this issue. First, we do not mean that you were not saved when you were a member of your previous church. As Baptists, we believe salvation is always based upon God’s Grace and our faith receiving His gift of Grace (Ephesians 2:8). Second, we don’t want to say that you were wrong for being baptized before or that our baptism is superior to everyone else’s.
The most important requirement for membership in Immanuel Baptist Church (IBC) or any church is salvation (becoming a believer). A second requirement for those coming from a church of different faith and order is baptism. We require baptism because our beliefs of baptism and salvation differ from what other denominations believe. Some believe that you are not saved until you are baptized. That belief goes against what Paul said in Ephesians 2:8. Others say that your salvation is only good until you do something to lose it, which is contrary to several references telling us of God’s eternal protection and love in salvation (Romans 8:38-39; John 10:27:28). There are still others that practice infant baptism which is contrary to what scripture reveals. Only those who were able to believe and did believe were baptized in the Bible. Many have even abandoned the biblical model of immersion in water for sprinkling.
We ask you to be baptized in our church if you come from another denomination or church of different faith and order because it gives testimony to your salvation and it shows that you understand salvation and its essentials. It is a symbolic gesture that you agree with us at IBC in matters of salvation and baptism.
We more importantly believe the act of baptism is an outward testimony of what has already occurred in the life of the believer, namely that as you are lowered in the water, you show that you have died to your old sinful self. The testimony of being immersed in water illustrates that you have been cleansed of your sins. The act of being lifted out of the water demonstrates you have been raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). And as has been pointed out, this new life is eternal and protected by God never to be lost. Again, we do not believe that water baptism is required for salvation.
In order to maintain the truth of scripture in our church, concerning this essential doctrine, we do ask for you to be in agreement with us and to follow the same baptism we all have participated in. The Lord did not make baptism to be a stumbling block, but He does require us to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). If the Holy Spirit is leading you to join our church and you come from a church of different faith and order, we hope you will not see baptism as a stumbling block, but witness again as to the great salvation God has given you. If your situation requires baptism, it is our prayer that you will agree with us as to the truth of salvation and the symbolic meaning behind baptism and join our church by baptism.

Preserved because God chose me and knows me!

2006-02-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

As I am studying John 10:22-29, I find assurance and peace in scripture. It tells me that when I heard the "voice" of the Shepherd, I followed Him out of the sheep pen. Not because I could in my own human sinfulness, but because Jesus drew me (John 6:37, 44) out of the sheep fold.

It also tells me that the Shepherd (Jesus) protects me and keeps me in His care so that I will never lose my salvation, nor never walk away from it. Jesus gives eternal life and none of His sheep will perish.

In this world where things are so uncertain with terrorists, an unpredictable economy, and human secularism overtaking the hearts and minds of our kids, you can rest knowing that your eternal destination is protected by God Himself. You can also rest in God's sovereignty, trusting that His perfect plan of victory will come to pass no matter how hard the enemies of God work against Him.

Our job is to do what He has called us to: Make Disciples. As part of His flock, are you fulfilling your mission? If you are still in the pen (10:3), is He calling you? Answer the call, time is short. Jesus will return one day. Trust Him today as the sacrifice that covers your sin and makes you white as snow in the presence of the Father.