Church Pirates/Planters

I've written several times this year on the problem of church pirates who disguise themselves as church planters. Let me vent one more time. These are the staff members, be they pastors or some other staff, who rob their church to start a new one. The problem is usually that the disgruntled pastor/staff wants to follow the contemporary model while the church they're in does not. He leaves, takes a 100 or more folks with him, and starts his church, leaving the established church to lick her wounds.

Leaving the established church and starting a new one down the street is bad enough. Often the new church is not satisfied. The new church continues taking advantage of the relationships formed through the years in the established church to fill various ministries through stealing sheep. The new church continually calls on people from the established church to "fill in" in various roles. The established church is supposed to take the high road and just grin and bear it.

The above scenario, played out every day in churches all across the SBC, is a primary reason established churches have a problem with church planting. Most of it is not planting; it is pirating. If a man feels led by God to leave his estblished church and start a new one let him leave the town he's in, go to another state, and plant a church. Let him not, however, split a church to start a new one. That is wrong on every level.

BTC

This is what I'm talking about! Sheryl Crowe has started a new line: Bootheel Trading Co. I think one of the jeans is named after Kennett.

Learn more:

http://www.dddnews.com/story/1468048.html

Sherman Book

I highly recommend the book below. A different kind of book is the autobiography of Cecil Sherman. I had never read a moderate Baptist's view of the SBC controversy of the 80s and 90s, which ultimately led to the formation of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Sherman, a leader in the movement and first director of CBF, tells his story, which by his own admission is from his own point of view.

I appreciated reading his own account of the controversy, and although I still cannot hold to a moderate's view of the Bible, I've often wondered what our convention would look like today if everyone involved in Baptist politics had found some sort of common ground. Perhaps it just wasn't possible. I know there are always two sides to every break-up, and it was good for me to read about the Baptist divorce from one who was in leadership on the moderate side.

My favorite part of the book, however, is Sherman's account of his pastoral ministry. His fight against racism while at First Baptist Asheville is a story of courage and integrity forged in conflict. Every pastor, particularly young ones, would benefit from reading that section of the book.

The last section of the book is the story of his wife's [Dot] battle with Alzheimer's. It is a story of love and commitment that proves the words, "for better or for worse," mean something.

By the way, Paige Patterson has offered an interesting review of this book:

http://www.baptisttheology.org/ByMyOwnReckoning.cfm

Carson Book

I recently finished this book and it is a must read for any pastor. D.A. Carson writes about his father, who ministered for many years in Quebec. Tom Carson was an ordinary pastor. He ministered in a difficult place with sometimes only minimal "results." He often questioned himself and his faithfulness to God. We've all been there!

This book would be required reading if I were teaching a pastoral ministry course. Its primary contribution is that success in ministry cannot be determined by budgets, numbers, etc. It is determined only by faithfulness!!

40/40

I want to encourage you to be involved in the 40/40 Prayer Vigil that has begun. It is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and the Ethics/Religous Liberty Commission of the SBC. It is one of the best prayer guides I've ever seen. Ultimately we pray for revival in this nation, but it begins with the individual and moves to the church before prayers are offered for the country.

www.ilivevalues.com/prayer

Stop Signs, Stop Lights, and Pride

Well it happened again this morning. Each morning as I drive to work I come to a three-way stop sign that is usually pretty busy around Greer High School. The car on my left had just gotten out of the way, the car in front of me went, and thus it was my turn right? Oh no! The person behind the car in front of me decided to do a rolling stop and turn left in front of me. This kind of thing happens every day.

Of course no one stops at red lights any more. A few days ago three cars turned left in front of traffic after our light had turned green. I was in the front car along with another vehicle to my left. We both honked, but the last of the illegal turners gave us a look and a gesture. He was talking on his cell phone, probably with no idea that the light had even turned.

Why is it that folks won't wait their turn at stop signs and have the need to run a red light? The issue is pride. The thought is, "My time is more important;" "Where I have to go is more important." "I didn't get up early enough to be on time so now that I'm late I'm more important." We could go on and on but the point is made.

The foundational sin is pride. Pride simply means that "me, myself, and I" are the three most important people in my life--everyone else is secondary. Pride is ruling the roost on the roadways, and it's going to get people hurt and killed.

Preacher and Politics

Here are some good words foundat preaching.com

In the Summer 2008 issue of Leadership, Mark Dever reminds us not to forget there is a difference between the gospel and the political realm: "Too many Christians today are trying to improve on the gospel. The gospel is what it is: the Cross of Christ. Christians on both the political right and left are downplaying the effects of the Fall, and instead buying into a secular myth of progress through market economics or socialism. That is not something a Christian preacher should adopt.

"A Christian preacher should be critical of any temptation toward earthly Utopianism. The answer to the world's ills is not even something as good as outlawing abortion. I certainly would like for us to have such laws, but even more, I'd like people not to want to kill unborn babies. There's only so much outward conformity that laws can build into a people who are not in agreement with the heart issues.

"It serves us well to understand the difference between the gospel and the implications of the gospel."

I could not agree more with Dever's insight and warning.

Preacher be very careful as the political rhetoric heats up--you are one who is to center on the cross not politics. What will change this country's direction is not a political leader but revival!!

Greece Article

Here's a link to a Baptist Courier article on our youth's mission trip to Greece. Some of the pics of Andrew and Steph's journey are on the blog. Steph is in one of the group pictures [wearing a blue hat]. I'm not sure where Andrew was when the picture was taken.

http://www.baptistcourier.com/2702.article

C.W. Brister

I was saddened today to read in Baptist Press about the passing of Dr. C.W. Brister, longtime professor of pastoral ministry at Southwestern Seminary. I classes under Dr. Brister at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and learned to greatly appreciate him. He was truly a Christian gentleman. I will always remember the beautiful prayers he would offer before class. I'm thankful now he can pray before the throne of God. For more on Dr. Brister, here's the story on BP.

http://www.bpnews.org/bpnews.asp?id=28747

I also read today of the passing of another retired SWBTS prof: Dr. Dan Kent, who taught Old Testament for many years. I never had Dr. Kent, but I know of many who did. The giants are falling.

Summer Reading

I've done quite a bit of summer reading this year. A few of the books of interest are:

1. Preaching with Variety by Jeffrey D. Arthurs. Arthurs is associate professor of preaching at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Arthurs rightly insists that preaching must be genre sensitive. In other words, the preacher tailors the structure of the sermon according to genre. You don't preach narrative the same way you preach Psalms, etc. This is a needed corrective to attempting to place the same structure on every sermon no matter from which genre it comes. The book has quite a number of practical helps, although he is weakest in his helps on the Psalms. The preacher must allow the text to speak for itself instead of placing it into his own predetermined package. This book will help the preacher do that.

2. Doctrine that Dances by Robert Smith. Smith is professor of preaching at Beeson Seminary in Birmingham. This is an excellent book, although it doesn't so much teach you how to preach doctrinal sermons as it does inspire you to do so. Smith's two metaphors of the preacher as exegetical escort and doxological dancer are his primary contributions. As exegetical escort, the preacher is to embrace the text in order to usher the hearer into the presence of God for the purpose of transformation. As doxological dancer, the preacher communicates doctrinal messages with accuracy and ardor so that the exuberant hearer exalts in the exalting of God. In other words, the preacher leads people to worship. Amen! Every preacher will read this book with profit.

3. The One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill. This book has been out for a while and several of my church members have read it. I finally got around to it this summer and was motivated to be even bolder in sharing my faith as a result (which by the way should be the purpose of any book written on evangelism). Of course, the one thing you can't do in heaven is tell people about Jesus. There are many practical helps in this book which will better equip any believer. You probably won't witness like Mark, but that's not the purpose of the book anyway. He just wants you to witness with your own personality--but this book will help you do it. He gives many personal accounts of his own witnessing experiences. As I read them, I often remembered similar ones. Chapter 9 was the most helpful to me: "Four Deadly Questions." They are: What do mean by that? How do you know this to be true? Where did you get that information? What if you are wrong?

4. Essential Church by Thom and Sam Rainer. The Rainers have written another book based on their extensive research. This time the issue is what to do with 18-22 year olds who leave the church or never have anything to do with the church. For young people to stay they must believe their church is essential to them. Some of the best points I read are: We must find places for young people to serve; the church must become the "Third Place," for them; and young people are drawn to churches that have a clear purpose and are fullfilling it. There is alot of information in this book and much to digest. By the way, if you haven't read Simple Church, don't bother. Read this one and you'll get it in Reader's Digest form plus all the other good stuff that have in Essential Church.

5. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels by Craig Blomberg. This is the second edition of his earlier work. It has thoroughly updated notes and bibliography. There are contemporary insights and information found in this book. It is a must read for pastors, students, and teachers. If you have read the first one, go ahead and go through this one. The update is worth the time. Blomberg's arguments are well worth the effort.

Crazy at the Beach!

One more nutty pic from Hilton Head

Paula's Peach Cobbler

I don't think Lesa was disappointed with Paula Deen's peach cobbler!

Lady and Sons

Savannah is only 45 minutes from Hilton Head so we had to go to Paula Deen's restaurant, Lady and Sons. The buffet was awesome!!

Vacation

We spent a few days at Hilton Head Island; our new favorite vacation spot. This pic is on one of the "Dolphin Tours." We saw a bunch of them!

Drilling and the Environment

For those angry that the Democrats won't allow a vote for off-shore drilling, here is a great column from Charles Krauthammer. When you read it, you'll likely be even angrier.

http://townhall.com/columnists/CharlesKrauthammer/2008/08/01/drilling_and_blissful_ignorance

Sinaiticus

The Codex Sinaiticus project is now on-line. Mark is the only NT book on the site so far. There will be major updates in November and by July next year the site should be complete. Sinaiticus once contained the entire Bible. Unfortunately parts of the OT are forever lost. The codex is the only known copy of the Greek NT in majuscule script.

The site is fairly easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. It is exciting that this major manuscript is now on-line for all to see and study. I will be sending my students to it in the fall so they can learn how to transcribe and collate.

Sinaiticus is basically Alexandrian in the NT, but John 1:1-8:39 is Western.

http://www.codex-sinaiticus.net/en/

On the Sea

Steph and Laura on the Aegean Sea. To say the least, it is beautiful.

Greece Trip

Andrew and Steph on Mars Hill overlooking Athens. Mars Hill is where Paul preached in Acts 17.

My kids go to Greece and all I get is a T-shirt and a hat!!

The Paint Queen

Steph doing what she does best on a World Changers trip--PAINT!

Greece Trip

Here's a great pic of Steph in Athens!

The "Bema" Seat

This is the "Bema" Seat where Paul stood before Gallio in Acts 18. I've got some great pics for my next 1 Corinthians class!

Andrew and Steph in Corinth

Andrew and Steph were part of our International World Changers group to Greece. Here they are in Corinth.

NGU Damage

The North Greenville University campus was hit Monday night with a severe storm that caused extensive damage. Two of the main classroom areas were particularly hard hit. Please pray for NGU. There is a record enrollment headed here in three weeks!

Heaven and Hell

Baptist Press has three articles on heaven and hell that are very good. It seems to me that one reason why baptisms are down in the Southern Baptist Convention is that we have lost our belief in both. Intellectually we still believe. Dogmatically we still believe. Practically, I'm not so sure. For far too many of us, the here-and-now gets so much of our attention that we've lost our way as an eschatological people. A primary difference I think between early believers and us is the fact that they always had one eye at least on heaven. Our eyes our firmly focused on the earth. Thus for the most part I believe we've lost the hope of the Gospel.

Read these and see what you think. I'll try to comment on them a bit more later.

http://www.baptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=28492

http://www.baptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=28489

http://www.baptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?id=28491

Josh Hamilton

Baptist Press has a great story on Josh Hamilton of OUR Texas Rangers. It needs to be said that my son, Andrew, had this pegged back in spring training. He kept telling me: "Watch this Josh Hamilton; he's going to be great." He also knew about his story. Way to go Andrew!!

www.baptistpress.org

Greece

45 folks from Fairview headed to Greece today for International World Changers. Our two, Andrew and Stephanie, are part of the team. We'd appreciate your prayers. Hopefully when they return on July 19, we'll have some pictures. The group is worshiping Sunday at Mars Hill in Athens. Of course, that is where Paul preached in Acts 17. What a great opportunity!!

Happy Birthday Lesa!

Another Happy Birthday for Lesa!

In Action

I love no tie Sundays! Taken last Sunday during our worship service at Fairview. Everyone looks Red, White, and Blueish don't they!

New Day for Apologetics

Here's a neat article from Christianity Today concerning the upswing in interest in apologetics, especially among young people. Oh the constant irony of the postmodern world!

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/july/14.29.html

USA and Moab

Last Sunday I preached a message entitled, "When a Nation Ignores God." The Lord drew me to Jeremiah 48. Chapters 46-51 of Jeremiah contain a collection of messages against nine foreign nations. They teach the sovereignty of God; no nation can escape his judgment.

I was drawn to the message against Moab because it so parallels what is happening in America. The country faced God's judgment because of materialism [v. 7], complacency [v. 11], idol worship [v. 7], and pride [vv. 29, 42]. When you read this chapter it feels like you're reading an American newspaper, news magazine, or Google News.

America is like Moab. We are given over to the same sins for which Moab was judged. Who is to blame? It is easy to blame the politicians or the corporate giants. They should shoulder their share, but I blame the church. I believe one reason Moab was in the shape Jeremiah described was due to Israel's refusal to be a light to the nations. I believe America is in her shape because the church has also refused to be God's light.

When 57% of Christian Americans according to The Pew Forum on Religion are willing to accept that Christianity may not be the only way to God, the church is in bad shape. At least one reason so many are confused about salvation is that too many preachers refuse to stand on the truth of God's Word. As in the days of Ezekiel, the shepherds are misleading the sheep. There are so many conflicting signals given by preachers in America's churches, it is no wonder people are confused, dazed, and living for themselves.

So my prayer this July 4th is for a spiritual renewal in America. It does not begin with Obama or McCain. It begins in the pulpits and pews of American churches. If we'll start believing and then living truth, perhaps America has a chance.

Jeremiah 48 ends with a note of hope: "Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days," declares the Lord. There is hope for America. God is full of grace and loves us. Pray for repentance, renewal, and revival. If we see neither, all we have to look forward to is what happened to Moab--judgment.

The sermon can be heard at http://fairviewgreer.net/page2619.php

Graduation 08 Again

Greer High Graduation 2008 at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville. Steph's big day!!

Graduaton 08

Graduate Stephanie getting ready for her big moment! Congrats!!

Pastors and Politics

We've had another example in recent days of why it is a bad idea for pastors to delve too deeply into politics and align themselves with a particular candidate. You probably know that John McCain has rejected the endorsements of John Hagee and Rod Parsley. An portion of one of Hagee's sermons recently surfaced about God, Hitler, and Holocaust. McCain called Hagge's comments 'crazy and unacceptable.' Parsley has made similar statements.

Although I'm neither a Hagee nor Parsley enthusiast, I understand what they've said. Many others do as well, including Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg of San Antonio who recently defended Hagee. He said, "The Pastor interpreted a biblical verse in a way not very different from several legitimate Jewish authorities. Viewing Hitler as acting completely out of God's plan is to suggest that God was powerless to stop the Holocaust, a postion quite unacceptable to any religious Jew or Christian."

So Hagee's comments are neither crazy nor unacceptable. Comments like those in his sermons are bound to be misunderstood by the world. In a super-charged political environment seasoned with political-correctness, they are made public, hurting Hagee and McCain by extension.

I don't see the real benefit of pastors coming out publicly for political candidates. In the end, it winds up hurting our witness and lessening our influence. I think we should preach the Word, stand for truth, and label sin as sin. But I also think we should keep particular personalities out of the discussion. May the latest flap over pastoral endorsements serve as a warning to all of us. Stay above the political fray and stay away from personal endorsements.

Lesa's Favorite

There is no question in anyone's mind who Lesa's favorite is in the family. It's Yogi hands down!

Mothers Day 08

Mother's Day 08 was a great day for Lesa. She and Steph always wear one of her mother's hats to remember her. Andrew refused to wear one!

FBC Charleston

Lesa and I were recently in Charleston. One place we visited was First Baptist Church. It is the oldest Baptist congregation in the South.

Billy Graham Library

Lesa and I enjoyed a trip to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte the other day, along with a group of seniors from our church. I was greatly impressed by the simple but powerful displays. The library is a metaphor for the preaching of the great evangelist. What other library includes an invitation at the end?

Broadway Baptist

The pastor of Broadway Baptist in Ft Worth resigned recently. The issues that led to his resignation primarily deal with how the church handles homosexuality. Read the following link for more info.

http://www.townhall.com/news/religion/2008/04/18/broadway_baptist_pastor_resigning

This is what happens to a church that goes "moderate." Is that the right term?

Building Survey

Well we continue to get surveys that show what the unchurched like and don't like. The latest seems to be the worst. What kind of church buildings do unchurched people like and respond to the best.

http://www.baptistcourier.com/2407.article

I suppose we'll ask the unchurched next what kind of lunch churches should serve that would cause them to attend fellowships. It seems to me people will determine their answer in this kind of survey by the kind of church building they've seen or been in the most. There are very few non-traditional church buildings around here [Greer, SC], although ours is an exception. Thus it is likely that if an unchurched person from our area would be asked what a church would look like, there would probably be some kind of traditional response.

Let's stop surveying the unchurched, form relationships with them, and share the old old story that Jesus saves!!

The Work of Preaching

I came across this quote from the great preacher John Chrysostom. He knew what it was like to labor in preaching: "My work is like that of a man who is trying to clean a piece of ground into which a muddy stream is constantly flowing."

Even the great Golden Mouth became discouraged when people didn't listen. He didn't give up, however, and neither should you. You seldom know immediately what people are getting in a sermon. The fruit may not be seen for a long time. Keep preaching!

Theologian Pastor

Here is an interesting blog entry that should give you food for thought. There is a real need in pulpits for the theologian pastor, but there is a need in academia for the pastor-theologian. The following blog entry also has some interesting insights on the Obama/Rev. Wright issue.


http://consumedblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/one-thing-jeremiah-wright-has-right.html

School Lawsuit

A California student has sued the school district he attends for a teacher's anti-Christian comments. Here is the link.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,345274,00.html

All I can say is if this teacher had said anything close to these remarks about an ethnic group or another religion, he would have been fired on the spot.

Play Ball!

George Will reminds us that there is something more important than politics, wars, etc. It is baseball!

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/GeorgeWill/2008/03/30/springtime_means_baseball

Go Cardinals!

Church Graveyards

Russell Moore has written a fine article on church graveyards. You might want to read it.

http://www.baptistpress.org/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27690

I served two churches with graveyards. One of them on two sides of our church building! I always thought it was good reminder to us that we are here today and gone tomorrow!

One More from the Meeting

We had a lot of help during the WMU meeting. The folks standing were our Faiview committee chairs. They did an excellent job!!

WMU Recognition

Lesa is being congratulated by Evelyn Blount on the great job she did coordinating our church's efforts. We had almost 700 registered for the meeting.

Fort

We were fortunate to reaquaint with Gordon Fort, VP of Overseas Operations at the International Mission Board. Gordon spoke on both Friday and Saturday and especially challenged our hearts.

Hammond

Among the several great speakers during the meeting was Geoffrey Hammond, president of the North American Mission Board.

WMU State Meeting #1

Last weekend Fairview hosted the South Carolina WMU State Meeting. Lesa put it together and did a great job. Here she is with Evelyn Blount, State WMU Executive Director. Evelyn is retiring and was honored several times during the meeting.

Gay Marriage

The New York Times is reporting that gay couples are pushing hard for "marriage,' not being satisfied with the term 'civil unions.'

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/17/nyregion/17samesex.html?_r=4&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

The Times reports concerning a Connecticut case: "The case turns on whether same-sex couples should be treated as a “suspect class” — groups like minorities and women that have experienced discrimination — which could lead to heightened legal scrutiny of the decision to offer separate institutions. In oral arguments before a Supreme Court panel, the assistant attorney general said the number of “prominent politicians who are openly gay and lesbian” proves that homosexuals are not “politically powerless,” one of the requirements of a suspect class; that caused one justice to quip, “If it were true political power,” they would have already won the right to marry."

Watch this one as the battle over the definition of marriage continues.

Faith in Great Britian

This story about the faith amoung Brits should alarm you.

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Britons-losing-religious-beliefs.3881823.jp

If we're not careful; this is the US soon.

Home School

There was a California appeals court ruling against homeschooling last week that has people buzzing. Check out the following from Al Mohler:

http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1111

Where are we going when only the state can teach a child? Doesn't a parent have the right to determine how a child is educated? Only in California.

The Call to Preach

I have said on a number of occasions that part of the authority of the preacher is his call from God. Al Mohler has a great word on "the call" in the link below.

http://albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1095

The bottom line is that if you can do anything else, do it. But if you can't you're called!

Union University

Here is an arial shot of Union University sent to me by a member of Fairview, whose neice attends there. It is a miracle of the Lord that no one was killed. Let's remember the folks at Union and the surrounding Jackson, TN area. This is not too far from my neck-of-the-woods.

Thought about Evangelism

Not too long ago I read that the world's population will be 6.66 billion people by April. (Yes I did see the 666!). What does God desire for them? He wants every person to hear the good news that Jesus saves and to accept His Son as their Savior. How do I know this? I read in 2 Peter 3:9 that God is "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." I read in Romans 10:13 that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." I read John 3:16, "for God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." Finally, I read in 1 John 2:2 that Jesus is "the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world."

Do you see the universality of each verse? Did you notice the words any, all, whoever, everyone, and whole? God desires that the billions who live on this planet He created be saved. If each person could stand before Him right now, it is likely He would say "I love you" and point to the cross to prove it.


But people can't stand before God and hear Him personally say those words. How then will they hear about the love of God found in Christ? Paul wrote that "it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe" [1 Corinthians 1:21]. The message must be proclaimed. Who is going to introduce the billions who do not know Christ to the Savior? We must. Our message must be proclaimed locally, but we also must announce it to the whole world. Who will if we won't?

Thought about Evangelism

Not too long ago I read that the world's population will be 6.66 billion people by April. (Yes I did see the 666!). What does God desire for them? He wants every person to hear the good news that Jesus saves and to accept His Son as their Savior. How do I know this? I read in 2 Peter 3:9 that God is "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." I read in Romans 10:13 that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." I read John 3:16, "for God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." Finally, I read in 1 John 2:2 that Jesus is "the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world."

Do you see the universality of each verse? Did you notice the words any, all, whoever, everyone, and whole? God desires that the billions who live on this planet He created be saved. If each person could stand before Him right now, it is likely He would say "I love you" and point to the cross to prove it.

But people can't stand before God and hear Him personally say those words. How then will they hear about the love of God found in Christ? Paul wrote that "it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe" [1 Corinthians 1:21]. The message must be proclaimed. Who is going to introduce the billions who do not know Christ to the Savior? We must. Our message must be proclaimed locally, but we also must announce it to the whole world. Who will if we won't?

Hills to Die On

An old preacher told me years ago that I must be careful and choose my battles in ministry very carefully. I had a similar conversation with a fellow minister this week. He asked what were the hills I would die on in ministry. There are only three. First is the doctrinal hill. My basic theological convictions are non-negotiables. Second is the ethical hill. Clear ethical mandates from Scripture must be upheld no matter who or what the circumstances. Third is the church purpose/ministry hill. If something threatens the overall purpose and ministry of the church as a whole, I would be ready for battle. A pastor must defend the flock against those who threaten unity, purpose, and overall ministry.

So there are my three hills. In other areas I believe there may be room for negotiation and even compromise along the lines of Paul who wrote that he would become all things to all people so he might save some [1 Cor 9:22].

One More Snow Pic

Steph talked me in to some pics in the snow. No school and no work-what a great day!

Snow in Carolina

Today was snow in Carolina Day. Even Seniors in High School love them!

Missouri Gideons

Gideons in the South Iron School District in Missouri are no longer allowed to distribute Bibles--not in the classroom, lunchroom, before, or after school. The 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals granted a permanent injunction on a suit filed by the ACLU two years ago. Four sets of parents sued the school district. Quoting the Washington Post, "The parents who sued are Christian but believe religious beliefs should be taught in the home, not school." Wow! Can you imagine Christians suing the school district over Bible distribution? It seems like an oxymoron to me.

I remember getting a Gideon Bible in elementary school years ago. I didn't know the Lord; my family did not go to church too often. I don't remember it so bothering my conscious that my parents wanted to throw Bibles out of the schools. I still have the Bible in my desk drawer.

One of these days God will finally tire of the United States of America constantly nudging Him out of the country. I'm thankful for His patience, but the Scriptures are clear that God will not always be patient toward a rebellious people.

My prayer is that the ruling in Missouri will be overturned.

Happy Birthday Elvis!

I know I'm a day late, but shouldn't Elvis' birthday be a national holiday? Just musing.

Fairview Staff

We are blessed with a great staff at Fairview! Here is the group at our recent Christmas party. There are a couple of folks not here, but by and large this is it.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the Patton Family!

Christmas @ Biltmore

Lesa and I spend a day at the Biltmore in Ashville just before Christmas. We'd never been, and it was beautiful. One of the highlights of our Christmas season! Not a bad looking couple don't you think.

The Media and Jesus

Darrell Bock has insight on how Christians should respond to the next "blockbuster" book, movie, or whatever.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/december/22.40.html

In my own classes in NT and the church I pastor, I am attempting to cover some of these issues. I think it is more than necessary; it is essential.

Which "Emergent?"

You have heard of the Emerging Church. Which of the following "emergents" are you?

• The Mergent Church--when two or more struggling congregations decide to get together and struggle in a larger setting.
• The So-urgent Church--when the congregation is in a really big hurrty to finish the worship service because kickoff is at noon.
• The Re-emergent Church--when an Emerging Church congregation decides it is not emerged enough, so they get new, more comfortable couches for worship and replace their previous praise music with something more trendy.
• The Submergent Church--when a congregation tries all the latest trends and their people keep leaving to attend the popular mega-church down the street.
• The Unmergent Church--when a congregation splits and becomes two churches.
• The Dis-emergent Church--when a congregation gets tired of sitting on couces and drinking Starbucks and decides to go back to the boring old worship services they grew up with.

[Michael Duduit, Preaching].

The Preacher's Pledge

I ran across this in the recent Preaching.

I PLEDGE TO MAKE THE BIBLE

My primary resource in sermon preparation and preaching.

I may use other resources such as commentaries and websites
to enhance, not replace, my personal interaction with Scripture.

As I study I will strive to accurately understand and honestly
apply God's Word, allowing Him to uniquely proclaim His truth
in a relevant way through me.

May we all take this pledge!!

Wikipedia

Mark Goodacre has a recent blog entry on Wikipedia...

http://ntgateway.com/weblog/2007/12/students-should-use-wikipedia-says-its.html

Just as Goodacre, I have encouraged my students to not allow Wikipedia to be their primary source, but I think it is o.k. to use it secondarily. Students should always check Wikipedia against other sources. In other words, it is always 'Researcher Beware.'

Gospel of Judas

A recent blog by Al Mohler called my attention to an article recently written by Greg Tomlin of BP. In it, a Rice University professor has declared that the Gospel of Judas does not declare Judas a hero but a demon. You can read the article for youself.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=26763

As usual, you should always be skeptical of "new findings" that will "shake" Christianity's foundations. National Geographic, as all the others, excelled in hyperbole but was short on reality.

[By the way Greg did his Ph.D. work at Southwestern at the same time I did; I appreciate the work he does with BP. He is an excellent journalist.]

Calvinist Pastors in the SBC

Here is an interesting story in BP about the number of SBC pastors who espouse Calvinism.

http://www.baptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=26914

Ehrman, Metzger, and the Historical Jesus

Dan Wallace has an interesting take on remarks made by Bart Ehrman at this week's SBL meeting in San Diego. For those ineterested in the historical Jesus, this is well worth the time.

http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-historical-metzger/

Good One

I read this in a sermon lately: "Some church members are B.P.O.--Burial Purposes Only!

[Frank Harrington, "It's Decision Time]

Small Churches

I really appreciate recent blog entries by Rodney Decker and Dave Black on the importance of supporting small churches. Both are members of smaller congregations. I currently do not pastor a small church; our congregation runs between 500 and 600 on Sunday mornings, but for over 20 years I served smaller congregations.

My wife grew up in a small church; her youth group was her and one other for the most part. She does not feel badly that she missed out on VBS every year, nor does she feel slighted about not going to camps and attending the youth events kids in the larger churches take for granted. She fondly remembers growing up in a church where everyone knew and cared for everyone else.

It is getting harder for the smaller church to "compete" with the churches that have the programs and all the bells and whistles. Sometimes smaller churches have a bit of an inferiority complex because they can't offer what the other churches do. Smaller churches, however, have what larger churches primarily do not--intimacy. Everyone knows when you're there and when you're not. You don't have to wonder about names on the prayer list you don't know. You don't have to wonder whose going to minister to you when life is difficult--the church will--all of them.

I'll never forget that when my son was born, everyone and I mean everyone came to our home and celebrated our first child with us. That doesn't happen in larger churches.

I celebrate the small church. My prayer is that in a day when many believers think bigger is better, they'll consider that often that is not the case. Perhaps they need to join or remain in that church with 100 or less. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but when did that matter to God?

Worship

In preparing for a message about worship I came across this quote from Franklin Segler. He writes, "A church can remain alive only as it continually comes to God in worship" [Christian Worship, 73]. Our mission is to make disciples, but our life is worship.

Bad PowerPoint

Got this from the DBO blog. Anyway, I hate PowerPoint; I do think it hurts learning and interaction. Yet, I use it every week in class. Am I a hypocrite? Probably!

Height of Goliath

I preached last Sunday on 1 Samuel 17, the story of David and Goliath. During my study, I read articles in the recent Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society that deal with the height of Goliath. The NKJV states that Goliath's height was 'six cubits and a span.' Traditionally, it is thought that Goliath was well over eight feet tall, perhaps well over nine feet tall.

In the December 2005 edition of JETS, J. Daniel Hays argued that Goliath was only about 6'9" tall. He based his argument on a Dead Sea Scroll text, major early LXX texts, the fact that Goliath is never called a giant in the narrative [he is called a 'champion'], and the fact that the overall thrust of the narrative is the comparison between Saul and David. Hays argues that Saul should have been the one to fight Goliath; they were close to the same size.

Clyde Billington responds to Hays [and Hays responds to Billington] in this edition of the journal. He believes the MT reading is original, and Goliath was over 8 feet tall. Billington spends much of his article dealing with the Anakim giants of the Bible and in Egyptian texts, which Billington believe essentially agree.

This is a pretty good scholarly "smack-down," and a very interesting discussion. I suggest that you get hold of the article and make up your own mind. You might also want to track down Hays' original article to get his full argument. He makes a pretty convincing case, but I wonder if David's courage against Saul's fear is the only reason for the longest war narrative in the "David story." Would Saul have feared Goliath if they were essentially the same size? Perhaps, but I wonder?

Halo 3

I'm constantly amazed at how we attempt to use worldly means to get people in church. Halo 3 is being used by some youth ministers to attract young men.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/us/07halo.html?th&emc=th

Does anyone see any contradictions here?

Mission Statement & Core Values

It has been popular for several years now for churches to come up with mission/vision and core value statements. I believe both can be helpful to define a church. I officially unveiled our new statements yesterday.

Missions statements should be short and to the point. Ours is: "The purpose of Fairview Baptist Church is to make disciples." When you get right down to it, this is the reason churches are in business. Our core values undergird the mission statement and call attention to how we'll carry it out. First, we value Scripture. Obviously everything a church does must be based upon the truths of God's Word. Second, we value celebrative worship. The word "celebrative" is used to remind us that we are to love God with everything that's in us. Third, we value relational evangelism and discipleship. "Relational" is important because both evangelism and discipleship are best done through building relationships.

Our church's purpose then is to make disciples. We do that through building relationships with lost people and an effort to win them to Christ, assimilating those won into small-groups to learn about Christ and His will, continually celebrating the goodness and grace of God through worship, and building a foundation under all of us that is Scripture based.

A strong church can be built on these principles!

Great Story

Here is a great story about a young man accepting Christ. I especially like it because this happened in our neck-of-the woods. Lyman is just down the road from us and the music director quoted served for years at Fairview.

http://www.baptistcourier.com/1978.article

Alocohol Survey

I was pleased by poll results on a survey taken concerning the consumption of alcohol. See the results in the following story.

http://www.bpnews.org/bpnews.asp?id=26564

If I could destroy the alcohol business I would do so today. I've seen too many lives and families destroyed by it.

Episcopal Meeting

Bishops of the US Episcopal Church met this week and again debated whether they should approve of gay bishops. Unfortunately they fell short again of banning the practice. How long can a “Church” survive when it is clearly violating the Word of God?

James 4:4 (HCSB) Adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0927/p02s01-ussc.html

Church Planters Letter

Here's a letter in this week's Baptist Courier that echoes an earlier blog of mine concerning church planters [splitters?]

http://www.baptistcourier.com/1911.article

My sentiments exactly!

Three Basic, Quiet Acts

This is challenging:

The pastors of America have metamorphosed into a company of shopkeepers, and the shops they keep are churches. They are preoccupied with shopkeepers' concerns--how to keep the customers happy, how to lure customers away from competitors down the street . . . Three pastoral acts are so basic, so critical, that they determine the shape of everything else. The acts are praying, reading Scripture, and giving spiritual direction. Besides being basic, these acts are quiet. They do not call attention to themselves and are not often attended to. In the clamorous world of pastoral work nobody yells at us to engage in these acts [Eugene Peterson].

How true a statement this is. I've never had somebody say, "Please study more," or, "Please pray more." I've had many say, "Why weren't you there when Mrs. So and So had her this or that."

1 Corinthians 13

I am studying this week 1 Corinthians 13 in preparation for Sunday's sermon. In v. 6, Paul wrote: "(Love) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth." I ran across this extended quote from Gordon Fee in his commentary on this verse. It is outstanding.

"The person full of Christ’s love joins in rejoicing on the side of behavior that reflects the gospel—for every victory gained, every forgiveness offered, every act of kindness. Such a person refuses to take delight in evil, either in its more global forms—war, the suppression of the poor—or in those close to home—the fall of a brother or sister, a child’s misdeed. Love absolutely rejects the most pernicious form of rejoicing over evil, gossiping about the misdeeds of others; it is not gladdened when someone else falls. Love stands on the side of the gospel and looks for mercy and justice for all, including those with whom one disagrees" [Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, 639.]

No more true comment has been made on this verse. It is an understatement to say that it is challenging.

By the way, in vv. 4-7, the 15 present tense verbs that depict love in action all remind us of God's love for us. We are to go and do likewise.

Memorizing James

This was on the Southwestern bloggers site. Thanks to Dave Black for leading me to this one. It really doesn't take that much to memorize Scripture.

Different Vows

These are different vows for sure!

Church Planters

I've been concerned for some time with a problem I've seen now in every place I've ministered for the last 15 years. It is the problem of splitting a church to start a new one. A couple of weeks ago I attended a meeting with the new Executive/Treasurer of the South Carolina Convention, Dr. Jim Austin. The meeting was sort of a listening session; one of several he is having around the state. Church planting became the primary topic of discussion. One church planter shared some of his story. He felt led to start a church in the town he was in. When he told the church he served, he was let go. He just didn't understand why his church was so reluctant to support the church start.

Here's the problem. Established churches are tired of staffers "feeling led" to start a new church and do so by pulling out, going down the street or across town, and taking several members [perhaps several hundred] of the church with them. You can't blame established churches for feeling betrayed by the staffers and the members who leave.

There seems to be two kinds of "church planters" today. There are men who are called by the Lord to start churches. If a man feels led by the Lord to become a church planter, the best thing to do in my opinion is to leave the area in which he is currently ministering and start a new church elsewhere. That man will find support from sister churches. There are other men who become frustrated with the church they are in, wish to see changes, and those changes are coming too slowly. He then leaves, takes people with him, and starts a new church more to his liking. If a man is frustrated with the traditional church he's in, let him be patient for the changes he wants to make or let him go somewhere else and serve a church more in line with his minister philosophy.

Church starts should not be done to the detriment of established churches. A man should not split a church to start a new one. Surely there is a better way.

Just musing.

Vick Perspective

I'm a bit tired now of hearing 24-7 Michael Vick news. I am as disgusted with what he did as anyone; no animal deserves to be treated in those ways. I wonder, however, why we get so up-in-arms as Americans over the mistreatment of animals and yet turn a blind eye to the unborn babies killed each year?

Just musing.

Byzantine Text of John

The Byzantine Text of John is now on-line. The project, primarily produced by Dr. Rod Mullen, has been in the works for some time. One of the Church Fathers used in the apparatus is Chysostom. As I was finishing my dissertation on Chrysostom's text of John, Dr. Mullen and I corresponded several times. I sent him the work I had completed up to that point [too many mistakes in it, I'm afraid. Those mistakes have been corrected and hopefully will be in book form in the next year.], and he compared my work with his, using that comparsion for Chrysostom's witness to the 4th Gospel.

The text and information relating to it can be found at:

http://www.iohannes.com/

The IGNTP latest edition on John is also out.

The New Testament in Greek IV/ the Gospel According to St. John: Volume Two the Majuscules (New Testament Tools and Studies)by U. B. Schmid (Editor), D. C. Parker (Editor), W. J. Elliott (Editor), American and British Committees of the I (Editor)
List Price:$239.00Hardcover: 558 pages
Publisher: Brill Academic Pub (August 15, 2007)Language:
EnglishISBN-10: 9004163131
ISBN-13: 978-9004163133

[The above from an e-mail I received from Dr. William Warren]

Man I wish this wasn't $239!

Finally,

There is a little debate going on the Johannine Byzantine text on the Evangelical Text Criticism blog that you might be interested in.

http://evangelicaltextualcriticism.blogspot.com/

Crusade

We finished the North Greenville Stadium Crusade this week. The crowds were a bit hindered, especially on Monday and Tuesday due to the record-breaking heat. The last night of the crusade made it all worthwhile, however. We had at least 50 people saved. Tony Nolan preached a powerful message. We had other great messaged during the week. My favorite was from evangelist Len Turner, who shared a great word on heaven.

I found it interesting that each night as the preacher was wrapping up his sermon and going into the invitation that geese would fly over, making the noises that geese make. Spiritual warfare is alive and well!

I had the privilege of sharing the gospel with two high school students on Wednesday night during the invitation. They were the among the many young people who gave their hearts to Christ.

Ankiel

During last night's Cardinals game I saw an outstanding story of perseverance. Rick Ankiel, who is probably one of the biggest pitching prospect busts in history, found himself back in St. Louis-this time in right field. Ankiel's makeover is truly one of the most remarkable I've ever seen. His story has a great ending too--a three-run homer in the 7th that gave the Cardinals some breathing room against San Diego.

What this teaches I think is that if you want something bad enough and are willing to persevere no matter the critics, good things can happen!

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070809&content_id=2140369&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl

Great Site

Here is a great site for pictures of Bible Lands. You need to bookmark this one.

http://www.bibleplaces.com/index.htm

Thanks to the Dave Black blog for pointing this one out.

One More!

Mamaw and her great-grandchildren. The group grows!

Family Party!

Mamaw with her grandchildren. Only one is missing.

[Front from l to r: Cousin Linda, Mamaw, and my sister Susan. Back from l to r: Brothers Dave, Rob, John, and me].

#90

Happy 90th Mamaw! We recently travelled to Missouri for a big birthday bash for my grandmother, Mary Hogue. I think we surprised her. We had a birthday party at her church fellowship hall.

Missouri

We're looking forward to going to Missouri tomorrow. On Saturday the family will gather to celebrate my maternal grandmother's 90th birthday. Some Bill's barbecue, Causbie's bakery products, and Stawberry's ribs are in my future!!

Fairview Call

Yesterday Fairview extended a call for my family and me to serve there by unanimous vote. It was the culmination of what has been the most unusual times of my life. When we arrived in South Carolina last year, in no way was I looking to pastor a church. In the back of my mind I hadn't ruled it out forever, but I was looking for many years at North Greenville. God had other plans.

Only God can take a guy from Texas to a church via a university. His ways are certainly greater than our ways! Pray for us as we begin this journey officially on August 1. Fairview is a great church with God-given opportunity. An open-door is before us. My prayer is that we'll go through it.

Happy Birthday!

Lordy, Lordy look whose no longer 40!!

Lesa is officially AARP eligible.

Muslim-Christian 'Priest'

There is some recent news about an Episcopal priest's identity crisis in Seattle.

http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=972

Misplaced Priorities

More evidence is in that suggests much different priorities for married couples. The Pew Research Center survey on marriage and parenting found that the percentage of Americans who consider children "very important" to a successful marriage has dropped again. Couples cite the sharing of household chores as pivotal. Just 41% view children as important while chore-sharing was cited by 62% of the couples.

I suppose making sure the right person vacums or washes the clothes is all-important to a marriage. What happened to raising a family?

Psalms 127:3 (HCSB) "Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward."