Lloyd-Jones on the Weakness in Evangelical Christianity

I recently read a sermon by Lloyd-Jones in which he deals with conversion (and false versions). I have decided to provide three quotes from the sermon in separate posts. This was at his conclusion: “I think the greatest weakness in evangelical Christianity today is that if forgets God. We are interested in experiences, we are interested in happiness, we are interested in subjective states. But the first need of every soul, as well shall see, is to be right with God. Nothing matters but that. The Gospel starts with God, because what is wrong with everybody is that they are in a wrong relationship to Him.” - From Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) – a sermon entitled “Temporary, Counterfeit, and True Conversion”

Baptist Catechisms

For the past several months, the Lord has been dealing with my niece Delaney and drawing her unto Himself. She is five years old and incredibly smart for her age. I would dare say that she has more Bible knowledge and has more Scripture memorized than most adult Christians. I say all that to say that she has been asking several questions about becoming a Christian. Delaney knows what sin is, that she is separated from God because of it, and that if she did not believe in Jesus, she would go to hell. She also knows the reason why Christ Jesus came to die and how one must receive Him as Savior. So as a result of several conversations with her parents, they asked if I would talk to her, and I agreed a couple of weekends ago. One of the biggest fears I have in child evangelism is a misplaced trust that innocently goes undetected. How many times have we heard the testimony of the person who "prayed the prayer" at the end of Vacation Bible School or got saved because their parents wanted them to? How many have walked down an aisle to "make a decision" only because their best friend did? So much confusion and doubt arises later in life because parents and ministers failed to be careful stewards of their souls, hastily pressing salvation without evidence of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Many make the argument that Jesus said, "Suffer not the children to come unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven." This is true in some aspects, but clearly not in all. First, the Bible places heavy attention on the sinner understanding the biblical truths of salvation and his current state a sinner. We should come humbly, dependent, and asking, but at the same time we should also come with an awareness of our sinful rebellion, understanding the gospel truths, and comprehending the nature of faith and repentance. Another problem is using language in describing salvation to children that is problematic and not supported in Scripture. For instance, there is the phrase, "asking Jesus to come into your heart," which if left alone does nothing to connote the gospel transaction. Of course, if you want to see what it looks like to "ask Jesus to come into your heart" you can by clicking here. Very often in speaking "Christianese" we find ourselves saying things we don't really think through about and wonder later in life, "What the heck does that mean?" Delaney's parents are fully aware of this misplaced trust that brings false assurance, and we have talked about going through some catechisms with Delaney. I was wondering - have any of you catechized your children? When I grew up I was not catechized and did not know what a catechism was until I was well into college and was introduced to the Puritans. Thinking back when I was a student minister, one of the coolest things I could have ever done was to work through a catechism with them to ground them in biblical truth (had I known better). There are several catechisms out there, many which can be found at The Reformed Reader. One I particularly like has been adapted by John Piper. Below are his introductory remarks which explain what a catechism is as well as its importance for the Christian life:

A Catechism?

I. What is a catechism?

In 1 Corinthians 14:19 Paul says, "In the church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue." In Galatians 6:6 he says, "Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches." Acts 18:25 says that Apollos "has been instructed in the way of the Lord."

In each of these verses the Greek word for "instruct" or "teach" is katecheo. From this word we get our English word "catechize". It simply means to teach Biblical truth in an orderly way. Generally this is done with questions and answers accompanied by Biblical support and explanation.

II. What is the history of this catechism?

This is a slightly revised version of "The Baptist Catechism" first put forth by Baptists in 1689 in Great Britain. It was adopted by the Philadelphia Baptist Association in 1742. It is patterned on the well-known reformed Westminster Catechism. The few comments in the earlier questions are meant to help parents make things plain to their children.

III. Is there a Biblical pattern of doctrine?

Several texts teach that there is. For example, in Romans 6:17 Paul gives thanks that "you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were committed." 2 Timothy 1:13 says, "Follow the pattern of sound words which you heard from me." Acts 2:42 says, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching." 2 Thessalonians 2:15 says, "Stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us." And Acts 20:27 says, "I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God."

So it appears that there was a body of authoritative instruction and even a way of teaching it in the early church.

IV. Why is it important?

1) We are required to "continue in the faith, stable and steadfast" (Col. 1:23).

2) We are urged to "attain to the unity of the... knowledge of the Son of God...so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4:13-14).

3) There are many deceivers (1 John 2:26).

4) There are difficult doctrines "which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16).

5) Leaders must be raised up who can "give instruction in sound doctrine and also confute those who contradict it" (Titus 1:9).

V. How shall we begin?

Make them part of your family routine or just use them for yourself. I am excited about being a partner with you in building a "stable and firm" generation who hopes in God.

Learning and teaching with you, Pastor John

Another good article that stresses the importance and use of catechisms can be found here. When I think about how biblically illiterate and theologically inept our churches are today, one does not have to wonder why there is little difference between the American church and the world it is supposed to impact. We cannot expect our children to know theology we aren't willing to put to practice. But is that not precisely the point? We have prioritized practice (pragmatism) above theology (truth), believing that theology is really not that practical. We do theology out of necessity and spiritual chore, not because we esteem its inherent benefit and delight therein. We cannot expect our children to value biblical truths if they don't see them treasured in their parents. The frontlines of teaching and training our children in God's Word are not in a Sunday School classroom or pulpit, but rather at the bedside or on your lap. And it is here where we begin to see the distinguising works of the Holy Spirit as God draws a little one unto himself. So what do you think about catechisms? Have you heard of them before? Used them before? If so, what catechism is your favorite? As you can see, I am a big fan of catechisms, although I am still relatively new to them. If you are interested in checking out some Baptist catechisms, here are some you might want to check out: John Bunyan's Catechism (1675) A Puritan Catechism (1855) - compiled by Charles Spurgeon A Catechism for Bible Teaching (1892) - John Broadus A Catechism for Bible Doctrine - James P. Boyce A Baptist Catechism - adapted by John Piper * All these and more catechisms can be found here.

Changing Comment Policy

Although my blog does not have a record of wide-ranging and numerous comments, in recent months there has been a gradual change. The nature of my posts, as well as the ever increasing readership, has much to do with this. However, due to the unwarranted trolling and weekly explanation of refusing "anonymous" comments without disclosing identity, I have been forced to the point where I will no longer be accepting anonymous comments. I apologize for those of you who have appropriately used the "anonymous" policy and hope that you will continue to comment in the future. However, for four weeks straight I have spent unnecessary time defending an unnecessary policy which has pushed me to make this decision. Secondly, any attempt of trolling or hijacking a post or comment section for personal attacks or derision will not be tolerated. Such persons may be banned altogether from P&P. I know this sounds harsh, but I simply cannot waste my time arguing over something that is so trivial. Please know that I appreciate anyone's comments, as long as you take ownership for what you say. Several people disagree with me, and I refuse to censor or remove such comments as long as they are written in a reasonable manner (If you don't believe me, see my recent posts and how many people disagree with me). Trust me, I have my own set of Seasame Street band-aids when I get daggered, so I can take it. Thank you again for allowing P&P to be a small part of your day and for taking the time to read the matters that provocate my mind or cause my heart to pant after God. On another note, I noticed that over the weekend, visitors from P&P came from 16 different countries including Chile, U.A.E., U.K., Germany, France, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Guatamala, and Japan. This is quite rare, given that over 95% of my readers are from the States. My only guess is that some of the IMB missionaries have picked up on my blog reader for the IMB controversy and are using it to read what is being said (putting two and two together). If that is the case, I think the missionaries deserve to know what is being said, and I am glad that they have found P&P a place where they land on recent articles being written about the whole ordeal.

When A Murderer Becomes a Mother

Justin Taylor shares a recent story where a woman in Scotland sought to abort her twins, and the outcome was that one the babies survived the attempted murder. Consequently, the "mistaken" mother is now suing the hospital for compensation for the "financial burden" of raising the child she would rather have murdered. The woman who desired destroy the life of a baby is seeking retribution for the "damages" she has incurred. Here are some quotes from the mother as pointed out by Taylor: "I have got a child now that I wasn't planning to have and I believe the hospital should take some responsibility for that," she said. "They should have known, or at least warned me, that I might still be pregnant when I left. It has totally changed my life and my parents' lives. (Emphasis Taylor.) Now it is easy to allow one's anger to this to post a billboard or go around picketing local abortion clinics, but I do not think that is the appropriate answer. Rather, we should mourn for our land, for its lawlessness, and pray for mercy that the Lord would be gracious to turn the hearts of would-be mothers to the life-giving Savior. Just think of it. Would God our Father abort any of us in our new birth? God forbid! Everyone whom God calls, he justifies. Everyone whom God draws, he regenerates. Let the mercy and grace we have received so undeservedly work in us a compassion for people who have yet to receive such a life-giving Savior. If God could turn a persecuter like Paul to a preacher of God's glorious grace, then surely he can do it to the worst of us. May we find encouragement in these verses:

"The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I receive mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:15-17

To read the BBC news article, click here.

Balm for the Bruised Reed

Wednesday I read an excellent book by Richard Sibbes called The Bruised Reed and the Smoking Flax (part of my reading for school). Part of my work was to produce an outline of the book which I hope to expound upon at a later time. If you have not read any of Puritan works, let me encourage you to start, and Sibbes is a great place to begin. One of the things I commented about the book was how affirming it was of our justification and sanctification. Expecting to get a beating from the "strict" writings of Puritans, my heart melted as I read about Christ's commitment to my becoming like Him. There are many specific points I would like to point out where Sibbes' work is prescriptive for today, but in this post I would like to mention just one. It is very evident that the contemporary church struggles with a clear understanding of sanctification. One brand of Christianity is outrightly triumphalistic. Their worship songs speak of them and their testimony and corresponds little with actual dispositions. They say that they are "more than conquerors" but leave out "through him" and quote "I can do all things" but forget "through Christ." Another brand argues for sinless perfection or "entire sanctification" where a Christian comes to a state of blessedness where one no longer struggles with sin. They say that it is possible for a believer to achieve a state where they cease from sinning. On the other hand, the polar opposite to these is the brand of negligence, license, and defeatism. One may say that it is impossible to be Christ-like or perfect, so why even try? Others believe that since they have received the grace of God, then sin management is acceptable because they know that God will forgive them in the end. Further still, there are those in the chains of legalism whereby a person's sanctification is to be measured by spiritual performances. As long as you are performing well, you are becoming more like Christ. Christianity becomes a system of do's and dont's where we check off our spiritual inventory of the chores we bear in hopes of gaining acceptance. If legalism doesn't work then others will tell you that you need to re-pray the "sinner's prayer," except this time you need to be more sincere. Baptism occurs as a "been there - done that" habit while the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit is slighted. Finally, there are those who are enchanted by sensationalism and existentialism whereby sanctification is measure from one experience to the next, with each needing to be more dramatic, more powerful, more outrageous. In the midst of all these views, one can understand why we have so many distressed Christians. I for one have encountered all these in some form or fashion as you may have as well. What Richard Sibbes does for the Christian is to ground our sanctification in Christ and His unfailing commitmtent towards us. He teaches us to consider our assurance on the basis of on justification (when we are declared righteous by God) and not our sanctification. He warns us not to think less of the spark than the flame, in that they are both true regardless of the degrees of heat. He exhorts to be in the fight for holiness, for where there is no struggle against sin, there is no "government of Christ." I could go on, and I hope to in the near future. Sibbes, with tenderness and truthfulness, speaks plainly and persuasively for the believer to be heartened to strive for holiness and persevere in our sanctification. If you have desire to think arightly of your sanctification, let me encourage you to read this book. However, read it slowly. Read it prayerfully. Read it thoroughly. This small book packs a big punch, so don't go away satisfied with a small jab. As I continue to feel the sweet blows of grace upon this bruised reed, I pray Christ changes me and completes a thorough work of grace to conform me into His likeness. May it ever be - and be for His glory.

POTW :: 02.24.06

Starting this week, I will be posting a POTW (pic of the week) every Friday out of my photo inventory (totally abitrary of me). Simply click on the photo for an enlarged version. This image is of two of my models (the third is Hershey - my dog). They are Delaney and Logan - my niece and nephew respectively. Over the weekend, I caught their mother giving them a bath, and thought I'd catch a candid of the two of them. I have other images that are quite funny, but I think I will hold those until they turn 16 (everybody has to have an uncle like that - don't they?). Anyway, they are incredible kids who work hard to keep me well-behaved.

"Clearly a Classic"

She knew this one was coming! Yesterday was my mother's 60th birthday, and we had the privilege of being home this weekend for her surprise birthday party. While I like to commemorate significant dates in the lives of the people who are important to me, sometimes I feel like I am catering more toward sentimentality than sincerity. What I mean is too often we say our most meaningful things to people when we are supposed to. It is only on birthdays that we tell them how much they mean to us, only on anniversaries when we tell our spouses how much we love them, etc. So I thought I would skip a day to mention how much I love my mother. Today is not her birthday (obviously), but it was her mother's birthday (my grandmother). As a typical American teenager, so much of my life I spent hiding from my parents in public to avoid embarrassment. I was simply too cool for them, or so I thought. I am still in school after all these years, still doing homework, but not everything is the same. Today, I cannot get enough of my mother and father. For so many years I missed the opportunity to express my gratitude for the extraordinary love mom showed me in ordinary ways. I had so many opportunities to rise up and call her "Blessed" but I didn't. And for what purpose? My pride. I have learned many things since then, not the least of which is to glory in my inheritance in Christ, and to esteem the godly upbringing my parents have given me. My most elaborate attempts at articulating the multi-faceted virtues my mother possesses have failed to communicate my indebtedness and unceasing gratitude for what God has provided for me through her. Yet, now that her birthday is over, I can begin to tell her how much she means to me and how much I love her. No, she is not perfect mother, but as I have said before, she has been perfect for me. So I celebrate the 60 years of her life with each day bringing love and joy through sacrifice and tenderness - and hope that in the years, yea days ahead, I shall recount the many blessings I have received from such a blessed woman.

He's My Brother

Last week I mentioned about a new hire on my belt at UPS who is Iranian and that I was going to take my Farsi-English Bible to work and see if he would be interested in reading it. Before sort, I was laying on the belt and reading some Scripture when he came by. He looked at me and smiled and then glanced down at my Bible (the Farsi one). I asked him if he would like to take a look at it, and he picked it up with a smile. I asked, "So have you ever read the Bible?" He replied, "Oh yes! I am Christian." Stunned, I replied, "So you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior?' Again he replied, "Oh yes! I am a Christian." I was blown away. In God's providence, God has placed a fellow Iranian Christian right next to me. How many Iranian Christians are out there? In Louisville? And people tell me God is not sovereign over all things. Here's the deal. His name is Nasrot, and he became a Christian six years ago before he came to the States. He is also Baptist. So I began to explore his testimony and previous church experience. I came to find out that he had quit going to church, and this is the reason he gave me. In broken English, he shared, "When I would read my Bible, I would see that Jesus told me two important things: I must love God with everything that I am, and that I must love the people around me as well. When I went to church, all I heard was talk, talk, talk. I saw people who knew how to dress in a suit and tie, but did not know how to love. I didn't belong." He later added the following, "I had a really hard time because the Baptist church was too narrow." Thinking that he was talking in a pluralistic or syncretistic sense, I probed. "So do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven?" Nasrot answered, "Yes. The Bible says nothing about Muhammed or any other person. The Bible is where I find my answers, and it tells me that Jesus is the only way and that Christianity is the only true religion." I was puzzled and asked him to explain to me, then, what he was talking about. He shared, "I was told that the Baptist are the only ones that are Christians. I cannot agree with that. It is too narrow. I believe there will be more people in heaven than Baptists." Amen to that brother! I rejoiced to know that he understood the truth but grieved to know that he was out of church because of the aforementioned reasons. From a Middle-Eastern perspective, he sees the American church in its superficiality, formality, and lukewarmness. He understands that there is more to community, to service, to worship, to Christianity than what was being piped down to him. He knew that Landmark Baptists were not settling their convictions on the Bible. I concluded with an invitation to church which he hesitantly accepted. I asked him about where he is right now in his relationship with Jesus. He concluded, saying "When I became a Christian, that was the greatest thing that ever happend to me. Every day as I pray and read the Bible, God speaks to me and helps me in my life. He always hears my prayers and is kind to answer." Needless to say, I am very encouraged. I pray that the Lord will give me opportunity to labor in the life of Nasrot in the time that we have and that he might want to join me in taking the gospel to our fellow UPSers. Go figure. Two Iranian Christians taking the gospel to Americans. Neat.

Our Little Secret . . .

We all know that it is general knowledge that SBCers who believe in the doctrines of grace cannot be passionate about evangelism or missions. According to Steve Lemke and Bobby Welch, to be Calvinist is to be against the Great Commission. We are told that Calvinists don't knock on doors but rather sit at their own theological pubs and discuss soteriological nuances. We are told that to be a five-pointer is to be one who destroy churches, that the doctrines of grace are a virus . . . you get the point. So I am going to let you in on a secret. I did something a Calvinist is not supposed to do. I must confess to you - I went on a mission trip. This past Monday, The Towers, a news publication of Southern Seminary, has a front-page article called "Experiencing the Culture Firsthand" which reports about the mission trip I had the privilege to be a part of. Shhh . . . now don't everybody get mad at me all at once. If only they knew that I (along with all "true Calvinists" as Piper calls them) have been passionately and thoroughly involved in evangelism and missions since I became a Christian (and moreso since I understood the sovereignty of God in salvation). But that's our little secret. Along these lines, I have a renewed interest in the forum thing (I never know what to call it) between Drs. Mohler and Patterson as they will be addressing the issue of election and evangelism ("Reaching Today's World Through Differing Views of Election"). With all the furor of convinced Arminians that those in the Reformed tradition cannot grow churches, cannot really love the lost, and cannot have an earnest, fervent ministry, I think Dr. Mohler will have much to contribute. In the meantime, let me encourage you to check out the ministry and evangelism of Mark Dever and IX Marks. Furthermore, I have made it my goal not to waste my time listening to the uncharitable remarks of those who rail against Calvinists. Rather, because the days are evil, redeeming the time is necessary to walk wise towards outsiders - and that begins with me walking to them. So to my Reformed brothers, let us be found "steadfast, immovable, and abounding in the work of the Lord" and laboring for the glory of God among the world of people who do not treasure Jesus. Let history correct the transient opinions of today and not be deterred to cater towards the fruitless discussions and controversies which neither profit nor bear fruit. Do not be overtaken by attacks and inflammatory remarks; we are not adrenal Christians but coronary Christians, so let us live as such. On another note, this was the first publishing of any photographic work I have done and marks one year that I have taken up photography. The online version doesn't include the other two photos I took which where included in print, but it was a memorable time for me as a novice photographer. I did take a lot of photos while in Ecuador; unfortunately, I haven't had the time to edit many of them. To view the 130 or so I have available, click here.

More 50 (Or So) Great Christian Books

Two weeks ago, I posted a list of some of my favorite Christian books. In that post, I shared that I would provide another list (honorable mention) of more books that I truly appreciate. Some of these books, in hindsight, deserve to be on the other list, but be that as it may, I thought to leave it as it is and post these here. Also, please bear in mind that there are many other great books which are not on this list because I have not read them or been exposed to them (I am a very slow reader). Let me know what you think. Given the two lists, I have provided over 100 of my favorite books. Any that you have particularly enjoyed? Is there a book not on the lists which has greatly impacted your life and theology? Your input is greatly appreciated.

1. God Revelation, and Authority (6 vol.) – Carl F.H. Henry
2. Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography – Iain Murray
3. Manual of Church Order – J.L. Dagg
4. The Holiness of God – R.C. Sproul
5. How Should We Then Live? – Francis Shaeffer
6. The Pursuit of Holiness – Jerry Bridges
7. Preaching and Preachers – Martyn Lloyd-Jones
8. The Doctrine of God – John Frame
9. No One Like Him – John Feinberg
10. C.T. Studd – Norman Grubb
11. Ashamed of the Gospel – John MacArthur
12. The Sovereignty of God - A.W. Pink
13. The Deliberate Church – Mark Dever
14. The Forgotten Spurgeon – Iain Murray
15. By His Grace and for His Glory – Tom Nettles
16. Created in God’s Image – Athony Hoekema
17. Five Pioneer Missionaries
18. Praying Hyde: The Official Life
19. The Challenge of Missions – Oswald J. Smith
20. The Christian Life – Sinclair Ferguson
21. Systematic Theology – Louis Berkhof
22. The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism – Carl F.H. Henry
23. Love Your God with All Your Mind – J.P. Moreland
24. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels – Craig Blomberg
25. Living by the Book – Howard Hendricks
26. The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit – Jeremiah Burroughs
27. Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper
28. With Christ in the School of Prayer – Andrew Murray
29. Authentic Christianity – John Stott
30. Prophetic Untimeliness – Os Guiness
31. The Normal Christian Life – Watchman Nee
32. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs
33. Tell the Truth – Will Metzger
34. Total Truth – Nancy Pearcey
35. The Doctrine of Repentance – Thomas Watson
36. Christianity and Liberalism – J. Greshem Machen
37. Disciples Are Made—Not Born – Walter Hendrichsen
38. Disciplines of a Godly Man – R. Kent Hughes
39. Celebration of Discipline – Richard Foster
40. The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer
41. God Is the Gospel – John Piper
42. Grace Abounding – John Bunyan
43. The Practice of the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence
44. The Best of Francois Fenelon – Harold Chadwick
45. My Utmost for His Highest – Oswald Chambers
46. Repentance – Richard Owen Roberts
47. The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience – Ronald Sider
48. The Word of God and the Mind of Man – Ronald Nash
49. The Weight of Glory – C.S. Lewis
50. Provocations – Soren Kierkegaard
51. The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict – Josh McDowell
52. Twelve Ordinary Men – John MacArthur
53. The Lost Art of Disciple-Making – Leroy Eims
54. Out of the Saltshaker and Into the World – Rebecca Pippert

There you have it. By the way, I have not updated my LibraryThing since I first signed onto it (back in December). I hope to do so in the near future. However, if you are interested in seeing what is on some of my shelves, you can check it out here.

Blogposts (& Links) for IMB Issues

I know that the first blogpost I made (Chronicling the IMB Controversy . . .) was a place where many sought to get the updates on what was being written. When it rolled off my frontpage, I decided to update it because of the recent events. The post is now called "New Updated Blog Reader for IMB Issues." Currently, there are over 250 links to posts, news articles, and bloggers (presenting both sides of the issues). If there is someone or something I am missing, let me know. If the posts are redundant, I try to not link them, unless the writer has something significant to add. Hope this helps those of you who are looking for the pulse of the IMB controversy.

Exciting News - Update!

Many of you will remember me requesting your prayers back in September and October (update here) concerning a good friend of mine serving in a militant Islamic country. I would like to add another update with some exciting news. Here is their most recent update: Dear Partners, We have some very encouraging news to share with you. First, we know many of you have been praying for our electrician. He has made a confession of faith, and will be baptized today! Please pray his wife and father will believe soon. Also, you have been praying for a man named Nurul. If you remember, Wes visited an Islamic school in November, and was able to talk with a group of about 20 men. Nurul was one of those men. When Wes returned a few weeks later, the head of the school would not allow him to speak with Nurul, and asked him not to return. At that time we asked you to pray that God would open a way for Wes to return to the school. Last week Nurul called Wes and asked him to come back! Wes will be going tomorrow morning. Please pray this will be a fruitful visit, and that the Spirit would break down many barriers. Please rejoice with us in these two requests. Your prayers are a big part of these two things coming about! Personally, please pray for us as we are trying to deal with many frustrations in a godly way. We desire to view our frustrations as blessings from the Lord, instead of looking at them as burdens. Praise the Lord for the salvation of the electrician! Let's pray for his wife (name unknown) that the Lord will open her heart as he did with Lydia (Acts 16:14). Also, if you have not known of this dear brother, I would like to ask you to join us in praying for him and his wife (Wes and Jessica). The Lord has been doing tremendous things in the past year, and God is working through the prayers of his people and the supplication of his Spirit to see the magnification of the glorious name of Jesus through the lives of his people (Philippians 1:19). Please remember in the two specific requests especially in the upcoming days (Wes' visit with Nurul and the Spirit's breaking down barriers). Thank you.

Together for the Truth: Responding to Two Brothers Foaming Out of the Mouth

What occured last week on Founders' Blog was IMO a monumental moment. When the Caner brothers (Ergun and Emir) sought to attack (not address) those who in the Reformed blogosphere, they began first and foremost by foaming out of the mouth with flagrant and flippant comments which demand a response. I do not think we should prop their rhetoric up by stooping down to their shenanigans, but I do think we should present the truth - and do so together. Therefore, I am going to use this post to be another compilation of sorts which will be continually updated as blogposts come in. I encourage everyone who posts do so with clarity and charity towards our brethren who attack us. While we treasure the truth, let us also present it with humility and meekness. Below are the beginnings of what I hope to be robust and residual responses to the Caner brothers: Tom Ascol: Danny Akin on Southern Baptists and Calvinism Gene M Bridges: The Sound of One Hand Clapping, a Clanging Cymbal Joe Thorn: Akin on Calvinism Gene M Bridges: Response to Elmer Towns Pt. 1 Gene M Bridges: To Debate or Not to Debate, That Is the Question Travis Hilton: Wonder-Twin Powers . . . Daniel Randle: Calvinism Debate Imminent Steve Camp: Arminian Idle . . . a Four Point Sandy Theology of Faith Steve Camp: The Contagious Infectious Doctrines of Grace Nathan Casebolt: Combating the Calvinist Virus Steve Hays: Ahistorical Theology Alan Kurschner: Dave Hunt Denies Original Sin Gene M Bridges: Southern Baptists and Baptistry-Addendum Jeremy Weaver: The Guiding Principle Behind Calvinism Jeremy Weaver: Was Calvin a Calvinist? Fred Butler: There's a Storm Brewing Tony Byrne: White Debating Caner? Paul W. Martin: James White Email Exchange with Falwell's Ergun Caner James White: If You Dare Speak Up . . . Steve Camp: The Contagious Infection of the Doctrines of Grace Alan Kurschner: Ergun Caner - Full of Hot Air and "Whitephobia" Daniel J. Phillips: My Admiration for James White Rises: for Ergun Caner? No So Much Steve Camp: James White and Ergun Caner Square Off James White: Correspondence Between James White and Ergun Caner James White: The Intellectual Pit Bull of the Evangelical Church? James White: Headed Home Gene M Bridges: P.H. Mell and John L. Dagg vs Ergun Caner - Paige Patterson-HyperCalvinistic Baptizer - The Rise of Romanism in the SBC? Gene M Bridges: Comments, Comments, Comments Gene M Bridges: Founders Ministry Has Been Caned! News at 11! Nathan White: "We Are Training Debaters Who Can Have 'A Salt' Ministry" - Jerry Falwell Evan May: Jeff Wright Fails at His Moral Equivalence of "the Debate" Joe Thorn: The Real Problem Scott Hill: Surviving Friendly Caner Fire Scott Hill: You Have Got to Be Kidding Jason Robertson: Bridges vs. the Caner Brothers Jason Robertson: Duck! Tad Thompson: SBC Leader Dr. Ergun Caner Shows True Colors Daniel Randle: John Piper Is a Hyper-Calvinist! Alex Forrest: Brouhaha on the Founders Blog

The Future of the SBC - and It's President

A couple of days ago, Tom Ascol shared that it has been announced that Johnny Hunt will be voted upon as the next president of the Southern Baptist Convention. "How can that be?" one might ask. Well, you see, it really has nothing do to with you so much (if you are a SBCer), but rather the "kingmakers." Since the conservative resurgence of 1979, there have been an elite group of insiders who decide in a conspiratorial manner behind the scenes who they want to be the next president. The candidate then goes on a speaking circuit making stump "presidential speeches." You can often find the venues being the likes of the FBC Jax Pastor's Conference, Bailey Smith Real Evangelism Conferences, or state evangelism conferences. According to James Hefley, author of Truth in Crisis, "These well-intentioned kingmakers politicked in informal but successful ways, to get men elected to the presidency ..." Ascol adds that Hefley "goes on to describe how the kingmakers very carefully planned to have their man speak in high profile pre-convention meetings in order to place him in 'a very strategic position for election to the SBC presidency.'" This provoked Ascol to ask some very important questions: 1. What kind of person would make a good president of the SBC? 2. What kind of process is there--or should there be--for a person to be nominated for president? 3. Is it good to have more than one conservative candidate nominated for president of the SBC? 4. Given that the season for mentioning names as candidates for the SBC presidency is now officially open, who are some other folks that you think would make good candidates and why? I think that these are questions we need to seriously consider. For one, I don't think that the way we go about selecting the next SBC president is something we should be proud of. The system is rigged better than the nominations for your high school homecoming queen. Admittedly so, the president is not a position many want to have (for obvious reasons), and even the position itself isn't very impacting, given that the convention is made up independent (autonomous and self-governing) churches. However, the questions have been asked, and many have responded. Actually, at this moment, 111 comments have been made on this post! Needless to say, there are many (including myself) who would rather the SBC have someone other than Johnny Hunt as the president of the SBC. On a follow-up post by Ascol, I made the following comment concerning the issue: Tom, Thank you for your two recent posts about SBC president and possibilites. They are very timely and tactful. I did not respond to your previous post about what kind of president we should look for, but I would like to summarize my thoughts with a verse that characterizes the heart of a true servant of God: "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness." 2 Timothy 2:24-25a I believe this verse epitomizes what our president should be like. I believe he should be a servant of the Lord, to the local churches, and to the denomination as a whole. I do not think that the president should be determined on a straight theological stripe or theological framework, but must be willing to work with those of whom he disagrees, and to do so with kindness and gentleness. Nowhere is there a biblical prerequisite that our president needs to be a denominational elite of a megachurch or a favorite personality in the preacher circuit. He is not a star. He is a servant. And this is why I believe that Johnny Hunt should not be the next president of the SBC. He has shown himself to be quarrelsome from the pulpit and in person. He has consistently and persistenly derided anyone who disagrees with him and exercises his leadership authority in an autocratic manner which does not lend itself to cooperation and consideration of others. I believe Johnny Hunt is a godly man and a great pastor, but I also believe he has disqualified himself because of his words and actions. Because of his anti-Reformed campaign, he has rallied his followers to even more divisiveness, as even tonight he is preaching in a "bible conference" where one of his followers (my former pastor) has taken the same Arminian rhetoric to attack those in the Reformed tradition without basis, substance or warrant - a tradition which is growing, and a tradition which they denounce. On another note, you spoke of evangelism and the unregenerate in our bloated church rolls. When I first started reading your blog, you were give case studies of churches, their rolls, and their evangelism. You later considered drafting a resolution for the SBC as a corrective for this. Are you still considering doing so? I think this would serve as a meaningful reminder and continual indication of why and how to reform our churches. You are correct in saying that God has providentially worked out that this year's convention could be historic and monumental. Considering the IMB and Wade Burleson issue, the election "not-a-debate" discussion by Mohler and Patterson, the line-up of various speakers, and the rise of Christian blogging all serve towards a viable and powerful force juxtaposed to the Kingmakers. Keep up the good work you are doing. And while the Kingmakers have already established who they want on the throne of the SBC, let us not forget that they cannot control the sovereignty of God. As I shared, I hope to expound upon the text I aforementioned later in a post and why I believe it is crucial that we have a president that represents every tradition within the SBC, not just those in the inner circle of denomination elites. Here's where the Caner brothers come in. It is obvious that they felt it necessary to defend Hunt and make some outlandish and inappropriate comments. For instance, Ergun Caner said: Gentlemen:

Well...after reading your comments about Dr Johnny Hunt- I am beside myself. Completely. At one point, Dr. Ascol asks if you could perhaps change the conversation... You should have listened. Classic case of the second generation destroying the work of their fathers. Knowing Dr Ascol and his reputation, I am certain he would be embarrassed by your ruminations concerning Dr. Hunt. Have any of your grown a soul-winning church like Woodstock? Do you send out missionaries every two weeks? Have any of you done ANYTHING accept kill your churches with sermons expounding the Westminster Confession? Probably not. I would guess that, unlike William Carey, most guys who are hyper about Calvinism use it to justify your laziness. I BEG of you- PLEASE bring another name to the floor of the SBC. I would be thrilled to watch that person go down in flames, as we enjoy another conservative who has not adopted semi-Presbyterianism. On the positive side, you can always just "punt" and say it was predestined for you to lose. And I DOUBT if Dr Akin would like too be joined in with the others listed. He wouldn't fit anyway. He still gives invitations, and attends a church with Baptist polity, instead of an oligarchy. Johnny Hunt is not "anti-Calvinistic." He is a soul-winner. You do the math. And just because you cannot answer the questions concerning your views of predetermined fatalism does not make his arguments "straw men." Like Beza, this next generation will ruin what men such as Dr Ascol built. Drawing our attention to the Charleston stream of the SBC is a good thing. I am proud to say that Johnny Hunt is a Trustee here at Liberty University, and more specifically, a trustee for the Seminary. By the way- I too found it ironic that Johnny is going to be "elected." Of course, just like true Baptist polity- ANYONE can be elected- all they have to do is ask- For Amyraut: ergun

Following this comment, the discussion further digressed. Caner continued with his rants as follows: "Five-point Calvinism is a VIRUS. It saps the evangelism of every church it infects." "The only thing you have in common is what I call the BARNACLE PRINCIPLE- charismatics and calvinists creep into vibrant churches and attach themselves. They do not grow their own movements- they attach themselves to others." Sounds like the frontpage of BaptistFire to me. Anyway, Ergun Caner later attacks the ministry of John Piper (on baptism and calling him a hyper-Calvinist) as his brother (Emir) made the snide comment "Let the nations be glad that God is the author of evil and takes joy in people going to hell..." The two Caner's successfully paraded themselves as the "intellectual pit pulls" that they are - only that they have rhetorical bark with a whimpering bite. Fortunately, Gene Bridges commented and corrected the many errors the Caner brothers have purported. Until yesterday, I have had great respect for the Caners' (especially Ergun - having heard him several times); however, this uncharitable and disgraceful act is unbecoming not only of a scholar and a dean, but of a Christian - period. So back to the issue of the next president of the SBC. I guess it could be said that the SBC is just as divided ecclesiologically as our nation is politically. What will it take to bring Southern Baptists together? Attacks by Johnny Hunt and Herb Reavis at Real Evangelism Conferences? Reckless comments by Southern Baptist professors and deans on blogs? Backroom bulleying of the convention by denomination elites? Are we ripe for a reformation? I think so. Their charges and campaigns cannot snuff out the truth. Let the Arminian bandwagon roll. Let the resurgence kingmakers manipulate the system. Let the lies and accusations fly. The more they speak, the closer we are to a reformation. People are getting it. And it may very well be that this year, the evidence of that will be seen. Let us pray for the future of the SBC, for the vindication of God's truth, for charity among the brethren, for a real reformation to take place in our churches, and for Spirit of Christ to dwell in our hearts and not be grieved by what and how we communicate with one another.

New Updated Blog Reader for IMB Issues

Because of the recent events, I have decided to re-publish this post to bring it back to the front page, updated with recent posts. The goal of this post is not present one side over the other; rather, it is to serve as a sort of "reader" for those who want to say up on the ordeal. I do the research so that you don't have to. :) I have been aware of all this, but because I was out of the country for the past couple of weeks, a lot more commentary has been made. I have collected some of the blogposts to provide a sort of reader for myself and wanted to provide the links for you as well. Regardless of where you fall on this situation, it is important that we approach this with a well-informed mind, humble heart, and a willingness to listen to those who disagree with you. For the glory of Christ and the gospel of the kingdom, let us be prayerful during these times. >> IMB: Trustee Responsibilities, International Mission Board, SBC NEW IMB Trustee Chairman Sends 'Open Letters' to Southern Baptist Pastors, Laity Explaining Decisions NEW Letters from the Board of Trustees Chairman Tom Hatley NEW Guidelines on Baptism NEW Policy on Tongues and Prayer Language NEW Position Paper Concerning the IMB Guideline on Baptism Position Paper Concerning the IMB Policy on Glossolalia IMB Trustee Chairman, Officers Will Ask Full Board to Withdraw Its Request for the SBC to Remove Burleson Trustee Appoint 89 Missionaries, Adopt $282.5 Million Budget, Set New Personnel Selection International Mission Board Definition of a Church January 25, 2005 Bloggers: >> Wade Burleson: The SBC of Our Fathers NEW I Have a Dream for the SBC NEW What Is the Status of the Blue Book? NEW Missions Exists Because Worship Does Not NEW My Thoughts Toward My Fellow Trustees NEW My Conversation with Chairman Hatley I Will Continue to Blog With Comments Ten Terrific Things Tied to Tampa Decisions My Last Post as an International Mission Board Trustee? Wise Heads and Warm Hearts The Schedule for the IMB Meeting and a Request for Prayer Blogging and the IMB Meeting in Tampa A Thoughtful Email from a Southern Baptist Friend A Tip of the Hat to IMB Trustees and Some Help Requested from Grassroots Southern Baptists A Proposed New Policy on Baptism A Proposed New Policy on Tongues What Students at Our Seminaries Learn About Tongues The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse The Point Is Being Missed Yet Again Very Important Words from IMB Missionary David Rogers, Son of the Late Dr. Adrian Rogers IMB Minutes from 2004 That Are Worth Noting A Move Toward Transparency Is Needed There are No Southern Baptist Churches on the Mission Field Southern Baptists, Adolph Hitler, and the Danger of Exalting "Cultural Religion Rather Than Jesus Christ What Is At Stake in the Southern Baptist Convention I've Learned That You Can't Judge Someone's Motives Theology, Baptist History, and the Privilege of Dissent International Mission Board Trustee Dr. Allen McWhite Resuring Landmarkism in the Southern Baptist Convention and Its Impact on the Mission Field (Part Two) Resurging Landmarkism in the Southern Baptist Convention and Its Impact on the Mission Field (Part One) Hocus Pocus Ordinances Did Anyone Actually Read the Peace Report? Deliver Us From Dogmatism We Pray Sometimes the Tongue I Don't Understand Is the English One Southern Baptist Leaders and Their Blogs Five Themes for Greensboro And Now You Know, The Rest of the Story I Will Continue to Blog About the IMB A Pause for Reflection A Fair Minded Request The Wonderful Work of the IMB J.L. Dagg and Christian Baptism What Is True About IMB Trustees Political Conservatives vs. Cooperating Conservatives: The Struggle for the Future of the Southern Baptist Convention Jim Henry's 1996 Presidential Address Wisdom Will Prevail Excellent Reading Material An Offer to My Fellow Trustees The Talking Head Winners Announced In My Shoes . . . A Friendly Contest The Associated Press Stay on Point--Don't Get Confused Never Forget It's About Missions Sunday Morning Sermon, January 15, 2006 Crusading Conversatives vs. Cooperating Conservatives: The War for the Future of the Southern Baptist Convention What Every Baptist Should Know About Believer's Baptism Tongues, the IMB, and Biblical Interpretation Trust, Trustees, and Transparency In Christ Alone: Ecumenical Evangelism vs. Re-Emerging Baptist Landmarkism Forbid Them Not From Serving Stand Up and Be Counted (Petition) The Old IMB Policies Compared with the New IMB Policies . . . IMB Missionaries: Our Heroes The Cooperative Program Means Cooperation Heartbroken but Hopeful Tears for Miss Bertha Smith--Then Cheers! Bully Baptists vs. Broken Baptists Richmond IMB Meeting January 9-11th, 2006 IMB Meeting, Monday, January 9th, 2006 My Family Thanks You and a Few Personal Requests Five Salient Points >> Rick Thompson: Resolutions I Am Making Coming Out of Our Last IMB Meeting NEW Reflections on Our IMB Meeting (Everyone Stay Calm) NEW Does the Waodani Tribe Have a Legitimate Church? NEW When Your Enemy Becomes Your Friend NEW Long Awaited Rationale Made Public NEW Just Because We Disagree It Doesn't Mean We Don't Like You Let's Get on with It How a Question Changes Things Grueling Week at the IMB The Ever Changing Recommendation Trustee Meetings in Glass Rooms IMB and Baptism >> Jerry Corbaley: Frank Discussion on the IMB and SBC NEW The IMB, Conservative Resurgence, and the Most Excellent Way NEW Toward Understanding NEW Rock Soup NEW Introspection: Current Conclusions NEW Hopefully We Will Live and Learn The IMB Integrity, and Polity >> Hershael York: Broadus on the Requirements to Be a True Church NEW Dr. Ergun Caner Weighs in on IMB Baptism Policy NEW A Defense of the IMB Policy on Baptism NEW >> Tom Ascol: IMB Trustee Chairman Sends Letters, Posts Explanations NEW Rationale for the IMB Guideline on Baptism NEW Jerry Rankin, President of the IMB, Speaks Candidly in Interview NEW IMB Trustee Propose Changes in Course in Dealing with Burleson NEW Stratton on Ascol on York NEW More Light from the Philadelphia Association The Philadelphia Association Accepted Freewill Baptist Baptism Look Who Wouldn't Qualify Under the New IMB Guidelines What the IMB Controversy Is Not Recommendations and Observations on the Attempt to Remove a Conservative IMB Trustee Biblical Wisdom for the IMB Controversy >> Steve McCoy: Missional Suggestions 2 NEW Missional Suggestions NEW Churches Louder Than Blogs NEW The Cooperative Program NEW IMB Trustees Back Off Burleson NEW Ascol on York Ergun Caner, IMB Policy Hershael York Likes the IMB Baptism Policy Dog Breath An Open Letter to SBC Seminar Students IMB: Tongues and Baptism Wade Burleson: Open Letter to SBC Baptism, Praying in Tongues & SBC SBC, IMB, and Wade Burleson Keeping Our Eye on the Ball (Summary) >> Marty Duren: Missional Church NEW Finale--Tampa, Part 5 NEW This Is Dedicated to the Ones I Love--Tampa, Part 4 NEW Merry Go Round--Tampa, Part 3 NEW Smoke and Mirrors NEW Big Brother--Tampa, Part 1 Flowery Branch to Tampa Vedder on Baptist Succession John Hammett and the IMB Position Paper on Baptism Too Little, Too Late Georgia Trustes Speaks Out Say What? [Updated] - History of IMB/Wade Burleson situation Thoughts on CP and X-Comm Jerry Rankin Speaks with State Editors about Private Prayer Language Weekend Reading Trustees Consider Withdrawing Action Against Burleson Illegal Caucuses per the IMB "Blue Book" Words from a Fomer M Connecting the Dots . . . Part One Discerning Writing [Updated] (with response by Dr. Nettles) Interesting Stuff from the Texan Open Letter to IMB Trustees from Benjamin S. Cole A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words Thoughts White Paper Inconsistency, Thy Name Is SBC BFM 2000 Cooperation The Blind Leading the Bland Foot in Mouth Disease You Too Can Contact IMB Trustees IMB Update IMB/McWhite, Part 2 An Open Letter to IMB Trustees How Many Voted? Story of Another Trustee More Trustee Moments Trustees in Attendance Wade Burleson Morris Chapman Weighs in on IMB Action Crossing the Rubicon Former IMB Trustee, Pam Blume, Speaks Out Who Said It? Trustee Tom Hatley on Prayer Language Live Blogging IMB, Prayer Requested Why Am I Going? Trustee Meeting Report, Number 1 Trustee Meeting Report, Number 2 Trustee Meeting Report, Number 3 Trustee Meeting Report, Number 4 Trustee Meeting Report, Number 5 Proverbs 10:9, Part 1 Paige Patterson on Tongues >> Gene M Bridges: John L. Dagg-Manual of Theology Ch.3 - Part 3 NEW Those Wacky Baptists and Baptism! NEW Manual of Theology-The Universal Church by John L. Dagg-Part 2 NEW The Universal Church and SBC Theology--Introduction NEW Manual of Theology-Chapter3, The Universal Church by John L. Dagg--Part One NEW Southern Baptists and Baptism . . . Rejoiner to Dr. Ergun Mehmet Caner >> David Rogers: I Am Encouraged NEW Apparently Conflicting Reports NEW Great Commission Christians NEW Important Dialogue with Dr. Malcom Yarnell, SWBTS Theology Professor NEW Under What Banner? NEW Coming Clean Jan. 24 Letter to IMB Trustees >> Jason Robertson: Rankin's Personal Worship Techniques NEW Fide-O Interviews Wade Burleson NEW Rankin Speaks Out NEW Wade-ing In If You Want Our Money Then Follow Our Rules The Private Prayer Language Error >> Scott Hill: Is Extra Biblical, Unbiblical? A Pack of Poodles and the IMB Controversy >> Paul Littleton: IMB Trustee Incompetence NEW Southern Baptists - The New RCC? NEW Losing . . . Hope . . . Fast NEW The Bible and Re-Baptism Response to Hershael York >> Scott Bridwell: Searching for Answers NEW IMB Trustees NEW Predictions and Results NEW What's Up with the IMB Stuff??? NEW What If???? IMB, Trust and Accountability IMB Trustee - Let's Review I Called an IMB Trustee IMB Press Release IMB Trustee - Who's Blogging? IMB Trustee - Wade Burleson Trustee Meeting IMB Trustee More Trustee Stuff . . . IMB Trustees This Troubles Me . . . >> David Phillips: God, Sovereignty, and the IMB NEW IMB Trustees Have Broken Trust with the Convention NEW Timothy George's 'Southern Baptist Ghosts' NEW Studying Baptism? NEW One Comment, for now, on the Position Paper of Baptism by the IMB NEW Position Paper Concerning the IMB Policy on Glossolalia An Open Letter from Tom Hatley! Jerry Rankin Speaks Openly About Private Prayer Language Hatley, the IM Board, and Pearle Should Apologize Ben Matlock and the IMB: The Impact of Eliminating Principled Dissent The "OFFICIAL" IMB Statement from Tom Hartley Has Been Released My View on the Past 26 Years of the SBC - Leading From Fear Were the Disciples Baptized? And Another Thought . . . Jumping in to the New SBC Position on Tongues and Prayer Language . . . So Are They Just After Jerry Rankin? IMB Trustee Meeting Post 1 - Biblical Validation of Baptism Position We'll Do Ministry with Muslims, but not Baptists What Is a Landmark Baptist? The Trail of Blood . . . Baptist Theologian on Payer Language and Tongues >> Jason Sampler: Integrity NEW A Response to Drs. York and Caner, and a Word from a Landmarker (Not Me, of Course) NEW Some Wisdom from E.C. Dargan IMB Trustees and My Beef IMB Trustee Contact Info More Thoughts on Contacting Trustees Burleson Being Voted Out Burleson Prepares for Battle The IMB and Baptism >> Bowden McElroy: IMB Policies on Standard of Conduct NEW IMB: Encouraging Trustees to Lie NEW IMB: What I've Learned NEW Developmentally Delayed Policy NEW A Sad Day for the IMB NEW One More About the IMB Effecting Change in the IMB SBC Constitution and Missionaries Burleson and the IMB In Praise of SBC Bloggers What's to be Learned from the IMB? In Support of Wade Burleson Prayer Languages, Baptism, and Lewdness >> Jason Shepherd: Wade and the IMB Trustees - Last Straw NEW IMB Trustees - An Apology Is Needed! NEW IMB Update Wade and the IMB Trustees IMB Trustees Vote to Remove Wade Burleson! (updated) Tom Hatley's Statement IMB Trustee Chairman Non-committal BGCO Statement Regarding Wade >> Just Todd: IMB . . . Didn't See that One Coming . . . at Least that Way . . . NEW The High Road . . . Will the IMB Trustees Take the Road Less Traveled? NEW The Battle for Consensus . . . Revisions Abound and Still No Consensus NEW What Does the BWA Have to Do with the IMB Issues? Addiction, Accountability, and Fallen Powers . . . Fear of More Than the IMB . . . Kept in the Dark . . . The Way Forward with the IMB . . . More to the Point . . . (Michael Spencer referenced) Fractured Trust . . . Deeper Than Recent Changes . . . IMB Tongues . . . New Wires . . . IMB . . . Euphemism As Propoganda >> Tad Thompson: SBC, IMB Need Emotionally Intelligent Leadership NEW The Future Is Now for SBC and the IMB Wade Burleson: First Trustee Voted Off IMB Island The IMB, Baptism, Prayer Languages and Reformed Theology I The IMB, Baptism, Prayer Languages and Reformed Theology II Shed Tears for the SBC Unthinkable Trustee Action: We Can No Longer Assume Anything >> Michael Spencer: The End of the Debate: Gene Bridges on Baptists and Baptism NEW Brilliant! >> Daniel Randle: The New IMB Policies: Can Anything Be Done Now? NEW IMB Controversy Heads Toward Boiling Point >> Tim Sweatman: Outrageous! [Updated] NEW A Reassessment of Jerry Corbaley's Blog NEW Let's Not Get Personal NEW An Examination of the Position Papers Concerning the IMB Policies on Baptism and Tongues/Prayer Language NEW It's About Time NEW A Disappointment . . . So Far A Chronology of Absurdity An Open Letter to IMB Trustees What's the Real Issue? A Dark Day for the Southern Baptist Convention Concerns About Fundamentalism and the Future of the Southern Baptist Convention The IMBrolgio Over Tongues and Baptism >> Art Rogers: Two Years? - Part 4 NEW Two Years? - Part 3 NEW Two Years? - Part 2 NEW Two Years? - Part 1 NEW The Right Fight 2 NEW Double Edged Sword Dissent and Control The Perspective of History A Move Toward Transparency Pluses and Minuses The Policy of Conformity Watching Tampa? It's Quite a Show Tampa Update What to Watch for in Tampa Mission: India in the Balance Good Questions IMB Papers, Additional Items IMB and Charismatic Backgrounds IMB Churches and Missionary Qualifications IMB's Dr. Tom Hatley's Open Letters Critiqued IMB Announcement of Policy Rationale Open Letter to the IMB Board of Trustees A Promise and a Caution Free Public Dissent A Re-Mix of Tom Hatley's Spin The Right Fight The Hidden Treasure Will Young Leaders Show? A Clumsy Retreat Target: Young SBC Going Up the Ladder Big Trouble in the Southern Baptist Convention >> Wes Kenney: A Visit with a Former Trustee NEW IMB Trustees and Open Criticism NEW Tampa NEW Who Said What? [Updated] NEW For Clarity NEW Extraordinary Trustee Removal Accountability Lead, Follow, or . . . Autonomy and Conscience >> Kevin Bussey: Where Is the Apology? NEW The Death Knell? NEW Fear of Spiritual Gifts? NEW Dysfunction in the SBC . . . NEW I'm Confused . . . NEW The Wade . . . Program or Vision? Questions About the IMB Baptism Policy? Our Shrinking World . . . An Apology Is Due How Do We Find Balance? An Open Letter to the SBC >> Dorcas Hawker: Eyes Wide Open NEW A Most Excellent Adventure? [Updated] NEW Letter to Parkview - On the Matter of Tongues and Baptism NEW To Chairman Hatley NEW The International Mission Borg Collective >> John Schroeder: The Problem with Tongues and the SBC >> Joel Rainey: The Spirit of "Emerging Baptists" NEW What We Are Doing Right NEW Conviction, Cooperation, and the International Mission Board >> Sam Storms: Speaking in Tongues and the Southern Baptist Convetion I Speaking in Tongues and the Southern Baptist Convetion II >> John Armstrong: When the SBC Mission Board Stayed at a Holiday Inn Express News Outlets: >> Baptist Press Trustees at IMB Meeting Adopt New Document Concerning 'Public Criticism,' Formalize New Missionary Selection Process NEW Historic Juncture Envisioned for SBC Cooperative Program NEW IMB Seeks Withdrawal of Request to Remove Trustee NEW IMB President Speaks Plainly with State Editors about Private Prayer Language NEW IMB Exec. Committee Proposes Revising Action on Burleson NEW Mission Board Trustees Seek Removal of Trustee Burleson Trustee Appoint 89 Missionaries, Adopt Personnel Measures >> Associated Baptist Press IMB Won't Remove Blogging Trustee but Prohibits Dissent in Future Actions NEW IMB Seeks Removal of Blogging Trustee, Accuses Wade Burleson of 'Broken Trust' Texas Pastor's Open Letter Suggests All IMB Trustees Should Be Dismissed >> Christianity Today Costly Complaints Tongue Tied >> Southern Baptists of Texas Convention IMB Tightens Policy, Guidelines on Tongues, Baptism >> Florida Baptist Witness IMB President Speaks Plainly About Private Prayer Language NEW Executive Committee of IMB Trustees Propose Withdrawing Motion for SBC to Remove Burleson NEW >> The Baptist Courier An Open Letter to South Carolina Baptists NEW >> Ethics Daily SBC Leaders Endorse Plan for Increased Funding NEW >> The Christian Index Georgia IMB Trustee: Feedback Supports Move to Reverse Earlier Burleson Motion NEW Other: >> Baptist 2 Baptist: Report of the Southern Baptist Convention Peace Committee NEW >> SBC Annual Meeting Greensboro, NC 2006 -- This is by no means exhaustive, but I hope it would serve as a sort of reader for your convenience. -- Also, as links come in, I will be adding them to this page. If there are any important posts which I have overlooked, please make me aware of them so that they can be included.