Sorry I'm late posting tonight. Today at the SBC Louisville was definitely BETTER than yesterday. I know we're a democratic body, but I've grown weary of the same people riding the same pet ponies every year during our meetings.
Today's meeting had two interesting moments:
1) T.C. Pinckney attempted to amend the Resolution on President Obama in order to focus on education, particularly a move toward removing the children of Southern Baptists from public schools. His amendment was defeated, and the resolution passed with little discussion.
2) A pastor from South Carolina asked some very pointed questions of Dr. Danny Akin regarding his participation in Acts 29 Network events and Mark Driscoll's appearance at Southeastern Seminary. Dr. Akin was so gracious in his response. He never mentioned Roger Moran or the Missouri Baptist Laymen's Association by name, but he told his questioner (and by proxy all of us) that he would be happy to address questions regarding his actions in person or through private correspondence. I don't think he could have handled it any better.
Kudos to Bro. Jeff Crook on his theme interpretation at the evening session tonight. I like it when a brother gets fired up on the subject of evangelism.
I also want to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the music and worship time during this convention. Scott White and the good folks at Woodstock were wonderful. The groups from Second Springfield, Highview, and Hunter Street were great, too. Newsong and Paul Baloche were equally great. And don't let me omit Mandisa's performance tonight during the North American Mission Board report.
I'm encouraged. My attitude tonight is definitely better than it was last night. If you didn't come to Louisville this week and you're a Southern Baptist, I hope you'll come to Orlando next year. We are endeavoring to get back to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, and I believe it starts with individual believers in local churches like us. I hope you'll join us!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Day One: SBC Louisville
I wrote the following earlier today. It's still true tonight:
I’m writing this afternoon as I’m sitting at the SBC meeting in Louisville. This (for me) has been one of the most highly anticipated meetings I’ve attended in recent years. Why? Because there has been such a push to get younger leaders to attend this meeting. Johnny Hunt and others have gone out on a limb to get us here through the publication of the Great Commission Resurgence document. We know that our denomination is at a crisis point. We see it clearly. We are losing generations for the Gospel. It’s obvious.
And yet, the bulk of the motions that have come from the floor today have done nothing but infuriate me. We heard from a messenger who was upset that a color guard didn’t present the flags at the beginning of the meeting this morning. Another messenger asked us to reconsider a motion requiring candidates for convention office to be on the platform and have their pictures on the screens during elections. A third messenger offered a motion that our SBC entities itemize their expenditures involving Mark Driscoll and the Acts 29 Network. A messenger just moments ago asked us to stop using the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) or any translation that “calls into question the inerrancy of Scripture.” Another messenger followed by asking us not to have anyone at any convention function or entity function that has ever used profanity or vulgar speech or who does not endorse total abstinence from alcohol (namely Mark Driscoll).
ENOUGH!!!!!!!!
Don’t you get it??!!! Our churches are dying for lack of younger members and true Gospel conversions, and all you can think about is this? I said out loud, “If this is the way this convention is going, I’m not coming back!” Then I apologized under my breath to my former classmate Clay Stevens (seated in front of me).
Stick a fork in the SBC. We’re done. It breaks my heart, but it’s true.
P. S. Morris Chapman, President of the SBC Executive Committee used almost a third of his presentation this morning trying to find a middle ground on the Doctrines of Grace. I never did quite figure out what he was saying. Maybe they’ll print it in the next issue of SBC Life so I can decode it. I just kept sitting there thinking, “What a waste!”
-------------------------------------------
Now I'm in my hotel room watching the streaming video from the evening session. They're debating the motion to appoint a Great Commission Task Force. I won't even comment on the debate.
Last comment of the day: Jarrett Stephens just blessed my heart. There may be hope for us, I believe. PRAISE THE LORD! THE GCR TASK FORCE MOTION PASSES!
I’m writing this afternoon as I’m sitting at the SBC meeting in Louisville. This (for me) has been one of the most highly anticipated meetings I’ve attended in recent years. Why? Because there has been such a push to get younger leaders to attend this meeting. Johnny Hunt and others have gone out on a limb to get us here through the publication of the Great Commission Resurgence document. We know that our denomination is at a crisis point. We see it clearly. We are losing generations for the Gospel. It’s obvious.
And yet, the bulk of the motions that have come from the floor today have done nothing but infuriate me. We heard from a messenger who was upset that a color guard didn’t present the flags at the beginning of the meeting this morning. Another messenger asked us to reconsider a motion requiring candidates for convention office to be on the platform and have their pictures on the screens during elections. A third messenger offered a motion that our SBC entities itemize their expenditures involving Mark Driscoll and the Acts 29 Network. A messenger just moments ago asked us to stop using the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) or any translation that “calls into question the inerrancy of Scripture.” Another messenger followed by asking us not to have anyone at any convention function or entity function that has ever used profanity or vulgar speech or who does not endorse total abstinence from alcohol (namely Mark Driscoll).
ENOUGH!!!!!!!!
Don’t you get it??!!! Our churches are dying for lack of younger members and true Gospel conversions, and all you can think about is this? I said out loud, “If this is the way this convention is going, I’m not coming back!” Then I apologized under my breath to my former classmate Clay Stevens (seated in front of me).
Stick a fork in the SBC. We’re done. It breaks my heart, but it’s true.
P. S. Morris Chapman, President of the SBC Executive Committee used almost a third of his presentation this morning trying to find a middle ground on the Doctrines of Grace. I never did quite figure out what he was saying. Maybe they’ll print it in the next issue of SBC Life so I can decode it. I just kept sitting there thinking, “What a waste!”
-------------------------------------------
Now I'm in my hotel room watching the streaming video from the evening session. They're debating the motion to appoint a Great Commission Task Force. I won't even comment on the debate.
Last comment of the day: Jarrett Stephens just blessed my heart. There may be hope for us, I believe. PRAISE THE LORD! THE GCR TASK FORCE MOTION PASSES!
Monday, June 22, 2009
More Sermons and a Selection by the Choir
Here are two more recent sermons and a selection by our choir:
I Am Redeemed - The Fairview Choir (Soloist: Dale Poindexter)
Sermon: "Our Ascended Lord" (Final message in Mark)
Sermon: "WE BELIEVE: The Bible" (New Series on the Baptist Faith & Message)
I Am Redeemed - The Fairview Choir (Soloist: Dale Poindexter)
Sermon: "Our Ascended Lord" (Final message in Mark)
Sermon: "WE BELIEVE: The Bible" (New Series on the Baptist Faith & Message)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Recent Sermons
Here are four recent sermons I preached in our study of Mark.
Alabaster Box
Judas
The Arrest and Trial of Jesus
The Death and Burial of Jesus
Alabaster Box
Judas
The Arrest and Trial of Jesus
The Death and Burial of Jesus
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Spiritual Gifts Update
I was writing the third chapter of my doctoral project today when I came to a powerful conclusion. Before I get to the conclusion, though, let me build up to it.
My project is entitled, "Improving Evangelism at Fairview Baptist Church Through the Discovery and Use of Spiritual Gifts."
I know. It's long. Welcome to the doctor of ministry program.
Chapter Three is entitled, "Developing a Theology of Spiritual Gifts."
Shorter, yes. Interesting? Believe it.
Here's the deal: I've discovered two schools of thought on the subject.
The first (majority) position is what I call the "special abilities" position. Basically, this position says that spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers at conversion for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ, the local church. In some cases, the gifts are offices or positions (e.g., apostles, evangelists, pastor-teachers).
The second (minority) position is what I call the "ministry" position. I've only found two major proponents of this position: Experiencing God author Henry Blackaby and Kenneth Berding. This position basically says that the Holy Spirit is the gift and that he equips believers for ministry in the church. The responsibility of believers in this position is to develop a dynamic relationship with God in which he calls them to places of ministry and they function in that ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now to get to my conclusion.
How do you delineate between natural talent and a spiritual gift? Better yet, when does a talent become a spiritual gift? Come on. Think about it. It's the $64,000 question.
Okay, let's bring it home. I'm a pianist. Let's suppose I sit down and play the piano for you. When is my playing exercising a spiritual gift, and when is my playing a demonstration of my talent? And here's the rule: both are exclusive. Neither one can be the other. What's your answer?
Here's my conclusion: The outcome is based on your response. If my playing makes you say, "Wow, Andy. That was nice," then my talent was at work. But if my playing says, "Wow, God. Thank you for that," then it was a spiritual gift.
The difference between a natural talent and a spiritual gift is in the response of the recipient. Think about it. If the goal of spiritual gifts is to edify the body and glorify God (Read 1 Peter 4:10, 11), then that has to be the secret.
So how do talented people sanctify their talents? I'm not sure they're able to, but if I were going to try, I think I'd do my level best to keep from drawing any attention to myself and do everything possible to point to God (Again, 1 Peter 4:10, 11).
I've called one of my cohort buddies. He likes this. My wife buys it (and she's a hard sell). Now give me your feedback!
My project is entitled, "Improving Evangelism at Fairview Baptist Church Through the Discovery and Use of Spiritual Gifts."
I know. It's long. Welcome to the doctor of ministry program.
Chapter Three is entitled, "Developing a Theology of Spiritual Gifts."
Shorter, yes. Interesting? Believe it.
Here's the deal: I've discovered two schools of thought on the subject.
The first (majority) position is what I call the "special abilities" position. Basically, this position says that spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers at conversion for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ, the local church. In some cases, the gifts are offices or positions (e.g., apostles, evangelists, pastor-teachers).
The second (minority) position is what I call the "ministry" position. I've only found two major proponents of this position: Experiencing God author Henry Blackaby and Kenneth Berding. This position basically says that the Holy Spirit is the gift and that he equips believers for ministry in the church. The responsibility of believers in this position is to develop a dynamic relationship with God in which he calls them to places of ministry and they function in that ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now to get to my conclusion.
How do you delineate between natural talent and a spiritual gift? Better yet, when does a talent become a spiritual gift? Come on. Think about it. It's the $64,000 question.
Okay, let's bring it home. I'm a pianist. Let's suppose I sit down and play the piano for you. When is my playing exercising a spiritual gift, and when is my playing a demonstration of my talent? And here's the rule: both are exclusive. Neither one can be the other. What's your answer?
Here's my conclusion: The outcome is based on your response. If my playing makes you say, "Wow, Andy. That was nice," then my talent was at work. But if my playing says, "Wow, God. Thank you for that," then it was a spiritual gift.
The difference between a natural talent and a spiritual gift is in the response of the recipient. Think about it. If the goal of spiritual gifts is to edify the body and glorify God (Read 1 Peter 4:10, 11), then that has to be the secret.
So how do talented people sanctify their talents? I'm not sure they're able to, but if I were going to try, I think I'd do my level best to keep from drawing any attention to myself and do everything possible to point to God (Again, 1 Peter 4:10, 11).
I've called one of my cohort buddies. He likes this. My wife buys it (and she's a hard sell). Now give me your feedback!
Friday, May 29, 2009
GCR Axiom #4: A Commitment to Biblical Inerrancy and Sufficiency
I'm feeling especially lazy this week. I have simply copied and pasted my notes from this week into the blog. Feel free to ask any questions via the comment section.
We call upon all Southern Baptists to unite around a firm conviction in the full truthfulness and complete sufficiency of Christian Scripture in all matters of faith and practice.
Matthew 5:17 – 18 - Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
John 10:35 - If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
John 17:17 - Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Peter 1:20 – 21 - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Key Points:
- The challenge to inerrancy is as old as the Bible. Satan said to Eve, “Has God said?”
- Belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture is key to our understanding of Christ, who believed and taught that the Scriptures were completely true and trustworthy.
- It is not enough to believe that the Bible is inerrant; we must also be willing to submit to all of its teachings, even if that means we must relinquish our own preferences or human traditions.
What does a commitment to biblical inerrancy and sufficiency look like in the local church?
1. A commitment to biblical inerrancy and sufficiency means that we must avoid at all costs the tendency to place popular opinion or practical concerns ahead of the clear teaching of Scripture (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 7:24 – 27; 2 Timothy 4:2 – 4).
2. A commitment to biblical inerrancy and sufficiency means that we must train up a generation of discerning, eager students of Scripture (Acts 17:10 – 12; 2 Timothy 2:15).
3. A commitment to biblical inerrancy and sufficiency means that we must not limit our study of Scripture to only the parts we like or understand (2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 21:42; 22:40; Acts 20:27).
We call upon all Southern Baptists to unite around a firm conviction in the full truthfulness and complete sufficiency of Christian Scripture in all matters of faith and practice.
Matthew 5:17 – 18 - Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
John 10:35 - If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
John 17:17 - Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Peter 1:20 – 21 - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Key Points:
- The challenge to inerrancy is as old as the Bible. Satan said to Eve, “Has God said?”
- Belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture is key to our understanding of Christ, who believed and taught that the Scriptures were completely true and trustworthy.
- It is not enough to believe that the Bible is inerrant; we must also be willing to submit to all of its teachings, even if that means we must relinquish our own preferences or human traditions.
What does a commitment to biblical inerrancy and sufficiency look like in the local church?
1. A commitment to biblical inerrancy and sufficiency means that we must avoid at all costs the tendency to place popular opinion or practical concerns ahead of the clear teaching of Scripture (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 7:24 – 27; 2 Timothy 4:2 – 4).
2. A commitment to biblical inerrancy and sufficiency means that we must train up a generation of discerning, eager students of Scripture (Acts 17:10 – 12; 2 Timothy 2:15).
3. A commitment to biblical inerrancy and sufficiency means that we must not limit our study of Scripture to only the parts we like or understand (2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 21:42; 22:40; Acts 20:27).
Monday, May 25, 2009
GCR Axiom #3: A Commitment to the Great Commandments
Now, if you're like me, you probably think I made a typo on the title of this axiom. I consider the Great Commandment (no "s" on the end) a singular matter, but the authors of our GCR Axioms have made it plural. I have to admit that I like it.
Here's the idea for Axiom #3: As we love God and love our neighbors (both believers and non- believers), it impacts our effectiveness in carrying out the Great Commission. Bear in mind that the thrust of the Great Commission is making disciples.
Here are my notes from our discussion (bear in mind that I am basing my observations on both the GCR website document and Danny Akin's message):
Key Points:
Our neighbors are both fellow believers and non-believers.
“The ultimate motivation for the Great Commission is love of God and a passion to be on mission with Him.”
“Governmental legislation will not stop the moral plunge of our nation and the world, but the gospel will!”
“The silence of our gospel witness may be an evidence of the coldness and hardness of our hearts.”
“The Southern Baptist Convention remains a mostly middle-class, mostly white network of mostly declining churches.”
“We must accept our constant need to humble ourselves and repent of pride, arrogance, jealousy, hatred, contentions, lying, selfish ambitions, laziness, complacency, idolatries, and every other sin of the flesh that leads to broken relationships and harms our witness before the watching world.”
What does a commitment to the Great Commandments look like in the local church?
1. A commitment to the Great Commandments calls believers to sincerely love and seek to share the gospel with all sinners while at the same time hating their sins (Romans 3:23; 12:9; 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11; Jude 23).
2. A commitment to the Great Commandments requires a renewed commitment to the pursuit of racial and ethnic diversity in the local church (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:28).
3. A commitment to the Great Commandments hinges on a genuine attitude of humility on the part of the believer and the local church (Romans 12:3 – 5; 1 Corinthians 11:31 – 32; Ephesians 4:1 – 3; James 4:7 – 10).
Here's the idea for Axiom #3: As we love God and love our neighbors (both believers and non- believers), it impacts our effectiveness in carrying out the Great Commission. Bear in mind that the thrust of the Great Commission is making disciples.
Here are my notes from our discussion (bear in mind that I am basing my observations on both the GCR website document and Danny Akin's message):
Key Points:
Our neighbors are both fellow believers and non-believers.
“The ultimate motivation for the Great Commission is love of God and a passion to be on mission with Him.”
“Governmental legislation will not stop the moral plunge of our nation and the world, but the gospel will!”
“The silence of our gospel witness may be an evidence of the coldness and hardness of our hearts.”
“The Southern Baptist Convention remains a mostly middle-class, mostly white network of mostly declining churches.”
“We must accept our constant need to humble ourselves and repent of pride, arrogance, jealousy, hatred, contentions, lying, selfish ambitions, laziness, complacency, idolatries, and every other sin of the flesh that leads to broken relationships and harms our witness before the watching world.”
What does a commitment to the Great Commandments look like in the local church?
1. A commitment to the Great Commandments calls believers to sincerely love and seek to share the gospel with all sinners while at the same time hating their sins (Romans 3:23; 12:9; 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11; Jude 23).
2. A commitment to the Great Commandments requires a renewed commitment to the pursuit of racial and ethnic diversity in the local church (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:28).
3. A commitment to the Great Commandments hinges on a genuine attitude of humility on the part of the believer and the local church (Romans 12:3 – 5; 1 Corinthians 11:31 – 32; Ephesians 4:1 – 3; James 4:7 – 10).
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