News Flash: Albert Mohler Forced To Take Off His Suit!!

God works in mysterious ways. I have always insisted that the suit and tie was invented by demonically inspired men who think that being uncomfortable is cool. Well, it just so happens that one of my heroes of the faith, the ever suit and tie wearing Dr. Albert Mohler, has finally been forced to take off his suit--he actually traded it in for a gown.

Some of you may already know, but it seems that Mohler came pretty close to death over the Christmas holidays. You can read about his medical crisis here (article here). His article on his ordeal is worth the read. Thankfully, he is now okay. But according to his own testimony, he came awfully close to death. Being forced to wear a hospital gown was very humbling for a man who has more suits than any human being alive.

Rumor has it, that his excessive wearing of suits actually led to his medical condition. Either way, we are grateful to have him back in good health. Perhaps, he will now be less inclined to wear suits.

Charles Queen, Billy Graham, and the Word of God

It seems that our good pastor friend, Dr. Charles Queen from Immanuel Baptist Church, has posted yet another article attacking historic, Biblical Christianity. This time he goes after the Authority and Inerrancy of Scripture (article here). It's just another confirmation about just how far out he really is (read one of his previous articles here).

I was not surprised that Dr. Queen decided to use a quote from Dr. Billy Graham. I was already familiar with the quote but I have always given Graham the benefit of the doubt due to his long history of being faithful to the Biblical Gospel in both his writings and teachings. However, I have been rather disappointed in Graham in some of his "less than direct" statements that he sometimes makes in interviews. I firmly believe that Graham is sincerely orthodox in his views on God, man, and the judgement of sin, but sometimes he forsakes the clarity of truth just for the sake of a "broader tent."

In fact, it's no secret, that Graham has actually been highly controversial in his ministry in regards to issues like Inerrancy, Ecumenicalism, and Politics. There is no short supply of criticisms of his ministry from numerous Christians. Some are fair, while others are not. One of the fairest (and I believe accurate) criticisms was brought to us by Iain Murray, originally delivered at Grace Community Church (now available for purchase through Banner of Truth). It is both gracious and loving towards Graham, while at the same time, very forthright in it's criticisms of Graham's sometimes unfortunate comments and positions. I believe that it is a must read for those who have been confused by some of Graham's more controversial areas of ministry (see review of another relevant book by Murray here).

It's a shame that a liberal like Dr. Queen would find theological comfort in someone like Graham. That is unfortunate. But it does give us even more reason to hold fast to the truth of God's word and not upon the foolish and fallen thinking of man. Even someone like Graham can be fallible--that's a good lesson for all of us!

Excellent MacArthur Teachings

I wanted to highly recommend a couple of teachings from Dr. John MacArthur. He recently preached at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary during their chapel services (download page here). The "Tale of Two Sons" sermon was, by far, the best teaching on the prodigal son that I have ever heard. Also, his teaching entitled, "Christ, the Head of the Church" was also excellent. Check out his daily blog sometime as well. He's got some great articles there.

Why Theology Really Matters

The following article was written by a local "pastor" in Frankfort, Kentucky. He pastors Immanuel Baptist Church:

John 14:6 has Jesus saying, "No one comes to the Father except through me" and Acts 4:12 says "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." This has often been interpreted by Christians to deny the validity of the God experience of people of other faiths. These texts can however be read differently. To declare that salvation is found only in Jesus or it is only through Jesus that one can come to the Father is to state what is true for Christians who trust in Jesus; it does not say what is true for people of other faith traditions.

Christians can affirm God's particular revelation to them in the person of Christ, while concurrently acknowledging the authenticity of the God experience of people of other religions. If the language of Christians seems to be exclusionary it is because it is the language of devotion, which is the language of exaggeration and overstatement. When I say that my wife is "the most beautiful woman in the world" I am not denying the beauty of other women; I am not stating something that is factual or verifiable, rather I am speaking subjectively, devotionally, what is true for lovers. Lovers of Jesus can utilize such language.

When this kind of language is crystallized into doctrine then it spawns elitist, exclusionary version of Christianity that denies the experience of other people; it says we are right and you must conform to our beliefs. There is a particularism to Christian faith, but a healthy particularism is not exclusivist, it recognizes that people of other faith traditions can know God and experience God's healing, transforming love.

This article was published locally in a Frankfort paper. He is also, currently, a link on the Kentucky Baptist Coventions website. What do you all think about it?

Mars Hill's New Website

Mar's Hill Church, in Seattle, has recently launched their new website. It really is a first-rate site with lots to look at and great downloads.

Mark Driscoll is currently teaching a series called, "Vintage Jesus". I've listened to a few teachings and have been very impressed.

By the way, the protest never happened. I guess that the protesters had better things to do. Actually, Mark met with some of them and assured them that he would "chill out" on some of his language (read here). I'll personally miss some of his common phrases like "chickified" but that's just my warped sense of humor (read his reflections here). So much for a sense of humor on the part of the feminists. We'll have to pray for that one.

Mark Driscoll Takes Some Heat

It seems that there is a protest, set for December 3, at Mark Driscoll's Ballard Campus Church. The protesters are part of a group, in Seattle, called People Against Fundamentalism. It seems that the people against fundamentalism are fundamentally opposed to those who have strong views and wish that others believed like they do. They will not tolerate intolerance of any sort (download here).

I am personally not tolerant of those who are intolerant of those that practice and exhort others to be intolerant--it's all just very intolerable.

More Goodies From John Frame

At the beginning of the year, it was brought to my attention, that John Frame was coming out with a new Introduction To Systematic Theology. After reading his Doctrine of God book, a few years back, (and since rereading and often referring back to it), I was eagerly anticipating this particular release. I'm pleased to say that I finally received it and I am a happier man for it!

I really appreciate Frame on a personal level. I've had the opportunity and privilege to hear him lecture a few times. I appreciate his humility in dealing with theology and his desire for more charity in theological studies.

In the upcoming weeks, I would like to do some posts on the book--perhaps, even doing a post per chapter. I'm not quite sure how I'll do it. But he's provoked me to want to flush out a few subjects that I have been quite interested in for some time now. One, in particular, has to do with the Biblical notion of the Millennium. Though Frame offers a different perspective on this subject than what I subscribe to, he states some interesting things that are worth exploring. This is a subject, that I believe, that the Reformed tradition has dropped the ball on. More on that later.

White Dissects Emir Caner's Sermon

James White does a great job of showing why most arguments against the Doctrine of Election fall flat (stream it here).

I am continuously amazed by what great lengths folks will go to deny this doctrine. There are some pretty good alternatives to the traditional Calvinistic teachings on this subject, but I rarely hear the better arguments put forward.

What Emir Caner and Jack Graham argue for here goes against the very basics of the Bible. I don't mean to be condescending towards them, but their arguments are so weak that I can barely believe that they have studied basic theology. When I hear comments like, "God doesn't send people to hell for their sins...just for refusing the Gospel" then I simply can't believe that have seriously thought through the subject--let alone actually engaging others who hold to the Reformed position.

The Unpopular Doctrine of Hell

A good blog post, on the unpopular doctrine of hell, can be found here. It's interesting to see how people can try to smooth over the doctrines that they don't either like or understand fully. This furthers the case (and need) for systematic theology. It's important to understand how all of the doctrines of the Bible fit together.

I would argue for the "necessity" of hell as it relates to fallen humanity, God's glory, and justice. Without the Doctrine of Hell, the entire Bible becomes unnecessary. Christ's death on the cross becomes unnecessary. It's a necessary part, to the broader picture, of redemptive history. Without it, the Gospel makes absolutely no sense.

Great Tim Keller Resources

I want to highly recommend a great teaching by Tim Keller. You can download it here. It deals with our religious affections and how we always give ourselves to something--even when we don't give our passions to Christ. The Lord spoke to me in a powerful way through this rather short, but meaty, sermon on Colossions 3:1-14.

Keller continues to amaze me. He has a rather unique style of delivering Biblical truth. He delivers his messages in a conversational style that feels like you are just sitting and chatting with him. I've been very impressed with his insights and faithfulness to the word. Here's another link to more teachings (link here). Enjoy!

The Debate That Never Was

As if I needed another reason not to like Jerry Falwell and the "fightin fundies" at Liberty University. The much anticipated, but never expected, debate on Calvinism has been officially cancelled. Ergun and Emil Caner were supposed to debate James White and Tom Ascol at Thomas Road Baptist Church on October 16, 2006. White had warned his listeners not to book any flights or make travel plans for it--he had a bad feeling about the whole thing to begin with. After reading some of Ergun's childish comments earlier in the year, I was not surprised at all.

You can download the full email exchange between Ergun Caner and James White. It is available in a PDF download. I have been carefully following the exchanges and I can honestly say that I am shocked. Ergun Caner has to be one of the most immature and thoughtless persons that I have run across in a long time. To think that he is a President of a major Southern Baptist Seminary is scarey to say the least.

James White has a long history of scholarly debates to his credit. Every debate that I have heard him do has been done carefully, thoughtfully, and with respect. I don't always agree with him, but I respect him for how he handles himself in debate situations. He's the best debater that I have ever heard. It's the "content" of what he says that so impresses me, not so much in his ability to persuade.

Oh well, perhaps we'll finally get that indepth Romans 9 debate some other day. I have yet to hear a good or even semi-exegetical argument against the traditional Reformed understanding of it. We'll have to continue to wait for that one!

Piper and Driscoll Exchange a Few Emails

In an attempt to keep the bloggers from going nuts over John Piper's remarks concerning Mark Driscoll (during the panel discussion at the 2006 Desiring God Conference, Piper shared some concerns that he had about Driscoll), they have decided to release a series of email exchanges between themselves to the public. You can read the exchanges here. People love controversy--unfortunately, there isn't much red meat here. Sorry bloggers!

2006 Desiring God Conference

The 2006 Desiring God Conference has concluded. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference and thought that they did an excellent job of putting it on. You can download the free audio teachings here.

It's hard to say what the highlights were. The worship times were great and so were all of the speakers. Tim Keller and David Wells really stood out for me. Though the other speakers were great, their messages probably connected with me more. John Piper was excellent as always, but I had already heard him speak on his topic many times before. I really like Keller's conversational style of teaching and how he used some of Martyn Lloyd Jone's insights into our present culture. Wells did a great job of relating the truth of scripture with where the church is now in our society.

Mark Driscoll was also impressive. There was a lot of buzz about him being there. Piper even made the comment that no other speaker had ever gotten him into more trouble than Driscoll. People were somewhat concerned about Piper inviting him to his conference. If you have ever read any of Driscoll's books, or heard him speak, then you might understand why. I just got done reading his new book, "Confessions of a Reformission Rev." I personally don't have any problem with Driscoll's style, though I did disagree with some things in his book. I'll try and post a review of it later. Overall, it was a pretty inspirational book, especially being apart of a new church plant myself.

Christianity Today on Reformed Theology

Christianity Today wrote a surprisingly good and fair article on the subject of the explosion of Reformed Theology in today's churches--particularly as it relates to Southern Baptists (see article here). As Reformed Theology has made a dramatic comeback in the last 50 years, many have taken notice. Many who once were opposed to such a movement have now seen the "good fruit" of those who claim Reformed principles. They have found partners in Biblical Inerrancy, a reverent and high view of God, and even, in the purposes of evangelism. What has led to such a resurgence?

Much of it can be traced to men like Martyn Lloyd-Jones and J.I. Packer. To publishers like Banner of Truth and their bringing back into print the Puritans and many historical "reformed" figures. Much of this resurgence actually started as a response to liberalism, the charismatic movement, and the seeker-sensitive churches. Where there is a lack of doctrinal certainty, there typically arises a hunger for it.

Perhaps it could be best stated that the post-modern culture needs assurity. Much in today's evangelical world offers doctrine that is shallow at best and heretical at it's worst--it's all mixed together in a confusing ball that brings about uncertainty and shallowness. When one of the prominent leaders in the evangelical church recently stated that "the evangelical church is a diverse bunch--from Benny Hinn to R.C. Sproul" you know that there's considerable confusion in what it actually means to be evangelical. By looking at the principles brought back by the Protestant Reformation, the church as a whole, both the Arminian and the Calvinistic, can greatly benefit.

Prosperity Gospel Makes Cover of Time

Great article here covering Time's recent cover story about the Prosperity Gospel. Things are changing on the heresy front!

I've noticed a trend in the Prosperity Gospel and other forms of heretical teaching in the last 6 years or so. The old way of teaching is passing and the new is emerging in its place. The new "Prosperity-Lite" teachings are emerging from the likes of Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, while the older order of the Oral Roberts and the Robert Tilton's are passing. You could say that the user friendly philosophy of many mega-churches have combined with the older Pentecostal prosperity teachings of the past. Its Oral Roberts meets Bill Hybels---or something like that.

The Time article revealed many disturbing things about this segment of the Christian church. Whats so disturbing about this movement is how it is adapting to our current culture. It has broadened its appeal by toning down the message a bit. The image of the sweaty preacher walking up and down the stage yelling out a blatant Prosperity message is out--now we have a smiling and gentle preacher encouraging you to "find God's best" for your life. The heart of the message is still the same, but the style of delivering it has changed.

Dr. Bruce Ware to Speak at Mars Hill Church

I was pleased to see that Dr. Bruce Ware will be speaking at Mars Hill Church next Spring, 2007 (see details of conference here). I probably learned more from Ware, sitting in his classroom in one semester, than I learned my whole life reading books on theology. He has a talent for presenting difficult material in a concise and easy way.

It's good to see a church like Mars Hill invite someone like Dr. Ware, and it's equally nice to see him accept such an invitation. Though Ware is much more conservative in church practice than Mark Driscoll, they both share a very high view of who God is. Ware is my second favorite writer dealing with Theology Proper (next to, of course, Dr. John Frame). The way that I see God will never be the same after having him for a professor, Sunday school teacher, and friend.

Feeling the Frustration

A rather blunt, insightful, and comical diatribe against the feminization of the PCUSA can be found here (article here). It's amazing to me how people, who call themselves Christian, can come up with such nonsense about critical doctrines like the Trinity.

Yet another example of allowing culture to dictate your theology, rather than allowing God's revelation to guide and instruct us.

Another good reason to emphasis strong male leadership within the local church. When the men are strong in the church, the marriages are strong, and the life of the church is put into proper order. I've yet to meet a woman who didn't want their husband to be a strong leader in the home and in their church. The PCUSA ceased from being Christian a long time ago. Time to jump ship!

Modern Worship and Theology

I tend to prefer contemporary worship to traditional worship. Though I did attend a Reformed Baptist Church for over a year, I didn't necessarily like the more traditional style of worship. At John MacArthur's church in California (Grace Community Church), I did have some positive experiences with a more traditional style of worship. But it's not everyday that you go to a church like that with a world class choir. It was majestic and beautiful. I could worship like that all of the time.

I'm convinced that much of the contemporary worship is geared more towards women. As the above picture suggests, many of the lyrics are shallow, repetitive, and sound more like love songs that you would hear from a teen boy band. Maybe that's a bit too cynical, but I must admit that I've been disappointed lately with much of the new worship music.

Most of the modern songs don't reflect meaningful theology. There are a few exceptions however. One new song that seems to be catching on is "In Christ Alone." I feel like I get saved everytime I sing it. Why? Because it's meaty with good theology. Here's the link to the lyrics (lyrics here).

Mark Driscoll And Our Culture

I've been listening to Mark Driscoll lately to try and get a feel for him and his theology. He's a rather unique blend: A self professed "emerging, charismatic, reformed, Baptist" who is theologically and Biblically conservative, yet liberal in his manner of church style. I've heard many good things about him and a handful of criticisms. All in all, I typically like what he has to say.

If you have any insights into Driscoll and the Acts 29 Network of Churches then I'd love to hear about them. What I typically try to determine is this: Is this a movement of the flesh or of the Spirit?

I will be possibly (hopefully) attending the Desiring God National Conference in September. Driscoll is one of the speakers there. I am looking forward to hearing from guys like John Piper and David Wells. We'll have to wait and see if it works out. The lineup of speakers are great and the subject matter is highly relevant for our time. Please pray that I'll be able to attend!

Tom Schreiner on Women in Ministry

Dr. Thomas Schreiner wrote an excellent chapter on this subject (see here) that surveys both the Old and New Testaments. What makes his writing so powerful and persuasive is that he shows forth the true value and worth of women as it relates to ministry and, at the same time, shows the limits placed on women in the life of the church. He takes the very best arguments of egalitarians and shows why they impose a foreign teaching onto the Scriptures.

Scripture is not driving groups like the Vineyard Churches to concede the debate--culture and feminism is persuading them. It is a sad day when the culture begins to dictate the life and teachings of the church. If we hold to a high view of the Bible, then we must reject the "feminization" of our churches. We shouldn't lower the level of a women's worth to modern day feminism, but take it to it's proper level with a thoroughly Biblical and God-centered theology.