Ministry in Oropoli

Here I am with my fellow pastor, Malcolm Lance. We were helping to weigh people as they entered the medical clinic. Malcom was a great help; he's been in Honduras many times and knows the ropes. He serves at Cathey's Creek Baptist Church in Brevard, NC.

Oropoli, Honduras

This is the great view up the "hill" in Oropoli. You can see for miles. Folks in the U.S. would pay big bucks for a view like this.

Preaching in Honduras

I haven't had time to write much about my Honduras mission trip but it was a great time of ministry. Baptist Medical and Dental Ministries International [BMDMI] has a fruitful ministry that pretty much runs like a well-oiled machine. Here I am preaching under the "Gospel Tent" one morning getting folks ready to go to the medical clinic. We were in Oropoli, Honduras about 2 1/2 hours SE of the capitol. During the week over 24 hundred people were ministered to and heard the gospel.

Jeremiah's World and Ours

I've begun reading Jeremiah in my devotional time and when I got to chatper 2, verses 27-28 jumped off the page:

27 say to a tree: You are my father, and to a stone: You gave birth to me. For they have turned their back to Me and not their face, but in their time of disaster they beg: Rise up and save us! 28 But where are your gods you made for yourself? Let them rise up and save you in your time of disaster if they can, for your gods are as numerous as your cities, Judah. Jeremiah 2:27-28 (HCSB)

Jeremiah's world was not different than ours. How often we serve our idols but when we get in trouble we turn to God and ask that He get us out of it. Yet God asks, "Why can't the idols you serve get you out of trouble?"

Far too often people turn their backs on God, not really giving Him much of a place in their lives. Yet they go to church on Sunday, going through the relgious motions and cry out to God when the heat is turned up in their lives. We shouldn't expect God to come to the rescue; He won't.

God save us from this kind of hypocrisy.

A Praying Life

Here is a quick recommendation--read A Praying Life by Paul E Miller (Navpress, 2009). Miller is director of seeJesus.net. From Miller's personal and family life, he gives the reader an honest, everyday look at the vital importance of being connected with the Heavenly Father through prayer. After reading the book, I thought: "Prayer makes a difference every day!"

There are several practical helps in the last section of the book as well. Miller greatly challenged me in many ways. I try to read a book on prayer once a year. This is the best one I've read in the last several!

Church of What's Happening Now

Cal Thomas has an excellent editorial, published in Wednesday's Greenville News that you should read: "Church of What's Happening Now Embraces Everything." It deals with the recent decision of the Episcopal Church to end the ban on the ordination of gay bishops and permit marriage 'blessings' for same-sex couples. The denomination explains the decision is to stem the exodus from their church by embracing a new doctrine they call 'inclusivity' which they hope will attract young people.

Thomas rightly criticizes the decision as having nothing to do with the foundational truths set forth in Scripture. Thomas writes, The church is inclusive only for those who are adopted by faith into God's family. There are more biblical references to this than there is room to cite here, but for the Episcopal leadership, biblical references no longer have power to persuade, much less compel them to conform. That's because Episcopal leadership denied the teachings of Scripture, in for of, well, inclusivity, a word that appears nowhere in Scripture. Even if it did, Episcopal heretics--for that is what they are--would choose another word to make them feel more comfortable, since accommodation with the world seems to be a more important objective than the favor of God.

Thank God for men like Cal Thomas, who still write/speak the truth. By the way, Thomas takes time in the article to also criticize Jimmy Carter, who also embraces same-sex civil unions.

An Episcopalian priest was a neighbor of mine in Texas. His church, along with several others in the state, had pulled out of the denomination over this issue. This man believed the Word and would not stand for compromise. There are many God-fearing, Bible believing Episcopalians who do not support this kind of rebellion against God. Thank God for them too!

By the way I went to www.calthomas.com to find the column but did not--apparently it has not been posted yet. However on his site are archived columns and comments.

Jamaica Pic 2

Here's Lesa doing what she loves in Jamaica!

Jamaica Pic

Lesa and Steph recently ministered a week in Jamaica. It was a blessing to them both. Here is Steph with one of the many friends she made.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my blushing bride--Lesa. She's in Jamaica with Steph on a mission trip so we'll celebate later!

Church Rolls and Hebrews 6:4-6

Earlier this week we had a discussion in my New Testament survey class at North Greenville about the warning passages in Hebrews. Of particular interest to most is Hebrews 6:4-6, where it appears on the surface that one can lose his/her salvation. I interpret the passage as the writer warning those who 'profess' but do not 'possess' Christ. Examples of this would be Judas and Simon Magus in the NT as well as Jesus' Parable of the Sower.

I've been meditating on this passage with regard to the membership rolls of most SBC churches. Many folks on our roll who do not attend could not be found by the FBI. The great majority of them have not darkened the door of the church in years. I wonder if many of them give the church even the slightest thought. Some may but most probably do not.

What is their problem? I suspect the great majority are in the spiritual condition that concerns the writer of Hebrews. Many of these folks are simply not saved. They tasted the heavenly gift, became companions with the Holy Spirit, and tasted God's good word and His power, but simply never received Christ. They've professed but never possessed. They've walked down an aisle, filled out a membership card, perhaps even been baptized, but they've never been born again.

This condition is dangerous on a number of levels. What concerns me most is that many of these folks are putting their eternal security on church membership instead of Jesus. If you are placing your security on church membership, you're no better off than the folks of the book of Hebrews, many of whom were retreating back to Judaism instead of turning fully to Christ.

The problem of church rolls is a conundrum for the traditional church. Many see the church roll as sacrosanct. Every time I've ever brought it up, I get the "we've got to keep them because..." argument. The 'because' is usually, "If we drop them how can we minister to them?" Could it be that by warning them they could be dropped from the roll, sharing what biblical discipleship is all about, and reminding them of the importance of the church, is ministering to them?

Remember this: the church roll book is not the same as God's book, the Lamb's Book of Life. It is likely past time that church's stop contributing to this false sense of security, purge their rolls, and call people back to a personal relationship with Christ that is lived out in the community of His church. The church needs to hold its membership accountable and warn those who fall away that God's children persevere. We must warn in love, but doesn't love compel us to warn?

Thomas on Adultery

Cal Thomas' recent column on the Sanford 'affair' is insightful and should be read and thought about. Note a couple of paragraphs:

One can make excuses about power and loneliness and starting out as a friendship that develops into something else, as Gov. Sanford rambled on about, but one can’t explain adultery. It is what it is and the person who commits it should be calling on God for mercy, not the voters for understanding.

I once asked evangelist Billy Graham if he experienced temptations of the flesh when he was young. He said, “of course.” How did he deal with them? With passion he responded, “I asked God to strike me dead before He ever allowed me to dishonor Him in that way.” That is the kind of seriousness one needs to overcome the temptations of a corrupt culture in which shameful behavior is too often paraded in the streets.

Read the column; it will cause you to pause and ask for God's help and mercy.

Great Commission Task Force

The SBC this week approved as expected the formation of the Great Commission Task Force. It looks like a pretty good group, although I wonder if it is truly representative of the entire SBC. A couple of thoughts come to mind when I look over the list. First, there is no one from the mid-west (I don't think Kentucky is considered mid-west). Ronnie Floyd is as close as you get in Springdale, Arkansas. There are five members from Florida!

As usual, the super-church/very large church is represented the most. As far as I can tell (and I could be wrong), Mike Orr of First Baptist Chipley, Florida, is the only pastor of what I would call a medium size Baptist Church. By the way, I don't know Mike but I know FBC. I served in the Chipley area for over five years and FBC is a good congregation. There are no small churches represented as far as I can tell. I'm not sure of the membership/attendance of St. Andrew's in Panama City, but I know it wouldn't be termed small. Five of the members are denominational and three are educators.

I'm not sure what this group will be able to do, but I'm looking forward to hearing from them.

The Sanford "Affair"

You can't go anywhere today without hearing about the Sanford "affair." For those not from SC, you've probably heard the story about our governor; it's all over the news. I've reflected on all this from a biblical perspective and here are some random thoughts.

• We live in a fallen world and people sin, and sin always has terrible consequences.
• Integrity matters--always. A good name is better than riches [Prov 22:1].
• Believers must always have a heart of compassion and forgiveness [Matthew 18].
• Believers must never put too much trust in politics or politicians--our citizenship is in heaven and only our Lord is perfect!
• Believers have a responsibility to pray for our leaders [1 Timoth 2:1-3]. One thought that crossed my mind this morning was--if Christians prayed more for leaders, praying for a spiritual mind, a submissive spirit, and protection from the evil one, would this happen less frequently? God convicted me to be less critical and more prayerful.

I think too I must be consistent with this. When President Clinton was caught in his affair with Monica Lewinski, I believed strongly that he broke the public's trust and should resign. Contrary to his supporters, I believed then that his affair showed a basic flaw in character that inhibits sound decision making. I believe that now about Governor Sanford. He should resign. There's a problem deep down in his soul that also inhibits sound decision making. Besides, he should concern himself now with healing himself and his family.

I've committed myself to pray for the governor and his family. I hope you'll join me.

Steph's Blog

Stephanie is on mission this summer in Florence, SC. She is working with the Florence Baptist Association through the North American Mission Board. She has set up a blog to share some of her experiences. Lesa and I are extremely proud of what she's doing. I know Steph would appreciate your prayers as she continues the work through the end of July.

New Boy Friend

We recently attended a Greenville Drive game. Looks like Steph found a date!!

The Need for Silence

Al Mohler's always insightful blog has an entry today about the need for silence. Primarily he discusses children but the need is just as real for adults.

Similarly, I've just begun the book A Praying Life by Paul Miller. I read this only a couple of hours before Mohler's blog. He writes:

American culture is probably the hardest place in the world to learn to pray. We prize accomplishments, production. But prayer is nothing but talking to God. It feels useless, as if we are wasting time. Every bone in our bodies screams, 'Get to work.'

When we aren't working, we are used to being entertained. Television, the Internet, video games, and cell phones make free time as busy as work. When we do slow down, we slip into a stupor. Exhausted by the pace of life, we veg out in front of a screen or with earplugs.

If we try to be quiet, we are assaulted by what C.S. Lewis called 'the Kingdom of Noise.' Everywhere we go we hear the background noise. If the noise isn't provided for us, we can bring our own via iPod.

How true. I've become more and more enamored with silence. To use a quote from a recent blog entry, I've been working on 'ruthlessly eliminating hurry.' That would include having to have noise all the time.

I've never been able to truly study with noise or read with any kind of comprehension when there is something else going on. My staff here at Fairview laugh because I've always got a fan going [even in winter]. It is used primarily to drown out any extemporaneous noise. I'm applying that more and more to my spiritual life with increasing benefits. Try silence. You'll like it.

"Be still and know I am God" [Psalm 46:10].

Spiritual Leadership

This is from the latest "Preaching Now" newsletter.

An unclear understanding of spiritual maturity may be an underlying reason why there is so little progress in seeing people develop spiritually in the United States, despite overwhelming access to churches and unlimited products and resources, The Barna Group says."America has a spiritual depth problem partly because the faith community does not have a robust definition of its spiritual goals," David Kinnaman, Barna's president, said. "The study shows the need for new types of spiritual metrics."Barna found that most Christians equate spiritual maturity with following the rules described in the Bible.

Also, many churchgoers were unable to identify how their church defines spiritual maturity. Most Christians, Barna said, offer one-dimensional views of personal spiritual maturity, giving answers such as having a relationship with Jesus, living a moral lifestyle or applying the Bible.Most pastors struggle with articulating a specific set of objectives for spirituality and instead list activities over attitudes, the study said.

Pastors are willing to acknowledge that a lack of spiritual maturity is one of the largest problems in the nation, but few of them say spiritual immaturity is a problem in their church.When Barna asked the 600-plus pastors who were part of the survey to identify biblical references to chart spiritual maturity, most gave generic responses such as "the whole Bible," "the gospels" or "the New Testament." Just 2 percent mentioned the Galatians 5 passage listing the fruit of the Spirit."

One new metric might be a renewed effort on the part of leaders to articulate the outcomes of spiritual growth. Another might be the relational engagement and accountability that people maintain," Kinnaman said. "Of course, spirituality is neither a science nor a business, so there is a natural resistance to ascribing scientific or operational standards to what most people believe is an organic process."Yet, the process of spiritual growth is neither simplistic nor without guidelines, so hard work and solid thinking in this arena is needed."

(Baptist Press, 6-1-09; click here to read the full story.)

My own view is that spiritual maturity can be clearly guaged by Galatians 5. Is the fruit of the Spirit recognizable in an individual's life? I guage my own spiritual growth by sifting my life through that passage. Spiritual maturity is not measured in activities but in fruit.

Speaking Your Mind

Every once in a while someone will hurt another and rationalize it by saying, "I always speak my mind." I was reminded today reading David Jeremiah's devotional that speaking one's mind is not always the right and loving thing to do. Let's be reminded of the following Scriptures:

• A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check. [Prov 29:11]
• My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger [James 1:19]
• The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin [Prov 13:3]
• No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear. [Eph 4:29]

Remember all things, especially your speech, should be done in love. Most of the time "speaking my mind" means I'm going to say something hurtful. That's not the job of the believer. The job of the believer is to lift people up, not tear them down.

Just musing.

Number 21

This is a week late (it's been pretty busy around here!), but here's what a 21 year old looks like!!

Happy 21--Andrew

The Erosion of Inerrancy

The third mini-review from my vacation is G.K. Beale's The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism. Beale's concern is that a significant number of evangelicals are moving away from the Chicago Statement on Inerrancy and embracing more postmodern interpretive methods, causing less confidence in the propositional claims of the Bible.

Primarily Beale debates Peter Enns, whom Beale sees as a primary example of those who are moving away from inerrancy. Enns' book, Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament, is Beale's primary target. There are chapters concerning OT narratives [primarily those in Genesis], how OT texts are handled in the NT, the authorship of Isaiah, and OT cosmology.

Can the Bible contain myth and still be considered authoritative? Can inspiration for the Bible be maintained if it contains distortions of history? Did Jesus and the apostles misinterpret the OT? If Jesus taught that Isaiah wrote all his prophecy, can one hold to Second or Third Isaiah and still hold to the authority of Scripture? Does the OT borrow mythological beliefs about the cosmos that are clearly incompatible with modern scientific knowledge? These are important questions dealt with by the author as the book unfolds. Beale is concerned that these questions once posed by liberal theologians are now being asked from within evangelicalism. He is rightly concerned. If evangelicals continue to move along the lines outlined in this book, we all better be concerned!

I would urge a reading of this book to open one's eyes to what is happening in larger evangelicalism.

The Attentive Life

As mentioned earlier, I had the chance to catch up on some reading on my recent vacation. The best book I read was The Attentive Life by Leighton Ford. For Ford, the great sin Christians commit is that of inattention to God and what He is doing in your life. Ford writes: "We live in an age of continuous partial attention." This partial attention is a major hindrance in our relationship to God because it is sin. He quotes the Quaker writer Douglas Steere: "For prayer is awakeness, attention, intense inward openness. In a certain way sin could be described . . . as anything that destroys this attention" [26]. Ford's solution--practice in some way the Benedictine Hours, from Vigils to Compline. For the author, these divine hours are not just for one's day but for one's life.

The book then is structured along the "Hours." In each chapter there is a description of the "Hour," a biblical/devotional development of it, and an example of one "Who Paid Attention."

If distraction is the primary problem of most believers (and I agree that it is), then this book is at least a partial remedy. Some salient quotes:

• The true mystics . . . are not those who contemplate holiness in isolation, reaching godlike illumination in serene silence, but those who manage to find God in a world filled with noise, the demands of other people and making a living [quoting Kathleen Norris].
• The great irony of our wired age of communication is that many of our children are growing up information rich and imigination poor.
• To pray without ceasing is not to think about God rather than other things, or to talk to God instead of to other people, but rather to think, speak and live in the presence of God [quoting Henri Nouwen].
• Love is focused attention.
• Hurry is the great enemy of life in the Spirit.
• Ruthlessly eliminate hurry! [The key to keeping the 'fast lane' from ruining one's spiritual life]
• Death, some small, some huge, may be God's way of bringing transformation and new life.

You get the idea. There are many quotes and scriptural references that bring life to this book. Ford has written something we all need. He is calling for something we all need to do. We all need to slow down and pay attention to the One who always pays attention to us. You need to read this one!

Ending of Mark

I read several books during my recent vacation. I'll comment on three of them over the next few days. David Alan Black has edited, Perspectives on the Ending of Mark. The book consists of papers shared during a 2007 conference held at Southeastern Seminary.

Whether or not Mark 16:9-20 is original is something text critics and Bible students have grappled with for centuries. By and large there are three major views: (1) The Gospel ended at v. 8; (2) vv. 9-20 belonged with the Gospel from the start; and (3) the ending was lost. Those views were touted by Daniel Wallace, Maurice Robinson, and Keith Elliott, respectively. David Alan Black adds a chapter in which he touts his own proposal for solving the Synoptic Problem (see his Why Four Gospels?]. Black believes Mark wrote vv. 9-20 as an addendum to the Gospel later.

Each of the chapters is well done and clearly outlines the proposal championed. I have in recent years come to the conclusion that Mark ended his work at v. 8 and vv. 9-20 are secondary. That just seems to me to be the easiest and best explanation. However, as this work makes clear, one must hold to his view on these verses tentatively. The last word has yet to be spoken or written about them.

If you want a clear outline of the major ways this text is handled, this book is for you. I highly recommend it. All the chapters were a good read and stimulated further thought and study on my part.

Myrtle Beach 2009

Vacations are awesome but end too soon! We had a great time on Myrtle Beach. It was bike-week but that didn't bother us too much, surprisingly.

Divine Interruptions

This morning God turned my attention to Amos 7:14: So Amos answered Amaziah, “I was not a prophet or the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman, and I took care of sycamore figs. The High Priest has warned Amos to stop prophesying and go back home where he belongs. Amos simply says he cannot. He had been living his life, tending to his business, when God interrupted and called him to be a prophet.

God specializes in divine interruptions. As you move along your day, look for them. They are divine opportunities to get in on kingdom work. Because He's God, He has a right to intervene in our lives anytime He chooses. It is up to us to be ready.

Ask God today to give you a discerning spirit. Ask Him to open your eyes and heart to those divine interruptions, opportunities to do something eternal. He's working. Are you ready?

A Christian Take on Mother's Day

Al Mohler is always articulate on the "now" issues. Here is part of his recent take on Mother's Day.

The Christian vision of motherhood is more about courage and faithfulness than about sentimentalism. The mothers of the Bible are a tough lot. Jochebed put her baby in a floating ark of bulrushes, defying the order of Pharaoh that all Hebrew male children be put to death. Rachel, mother to Joseph and Benjamin, died giving birth to Benjamin. Hannah promised her son to God, and presented Samuel as a young boy for service in the House of the Lord. Mary, the mother of Jesus, risked shame and disgrace to bear the Savior, and to provide all Christians with a model of brave and unflinching obedience. She was there when Jesus Christ was crucified. As Simeon had told her just after the birth of Christ, "Behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." [Luke 2:34-35]
A corsage hardly seems appropriate.

Christians must resist the reduction of motherhood to sentimentality, and particularly that sentimentalism that undermines what mothers are truly to represent -- nurture, fortitude, courage, dedication, faithfulness, discipline, and trust in God.

Mother's Day is a bad idea because it subverts the reality of faithful mothering and robs faithful mothers of their true glory. Mothers deserving of honor are handed cards and taken to lunch, when songs of praise should instead be offered to the glory of God. Undeserving mothers, who abdicate their true responsibility, are honored just because they are mothers. Children, young and old, who ignore and dishonor their mothers by word and by life throughout the year, assuage their guilt by making a big deal of Mother's Day.
So, Mother's Day is a bad idea.

Then again, Mother's Day is impossible to ignore. What quality of ingratitude marks the son or daughter (or husband) who does not honor mothers on Mother's Day? There was I yesterday, with son and daughter, honoring both their mother (my dear wife, Mary) and my mother-in-law. Yes, we had a celebratory meal out and we passed out greeting cards with our own personal inscriptions. Gifts were delivered, and all the right things were said. Calls were made to my mother, several states away.
In the end, we are all like little children who push crumpled hand-made greeting cards toward Mom, who then accepts our grubby offerings with love and gratitude.

So much for avoiding sentimentality. Let's just make certain that there is more to Mother's Day than sentiment. The mothers we should honor are those who raise children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, who honor their marriages and live faithfully, who teach and nurture and discipline by the Bible. These are mothers who defy the spirit of the age, protect their children from danger, maintain godly discipline and order in the home, and feed their children the pure milk of God's Word.

These mothers deserve honor upon honor, and their reward will be great in heaven. Yet, in the meantime, a card and a kiss on Mother's Day won't hurt. It's just not nearly enough

I couldn't agree more!

A Case for Historic Premillennialism

I've just finished a book edited by Craig Blomberg and Sung Wook Chung that presents a strong case (finally) for historic premillennialism. Most of the contributions in A Case for Historic Premillennialism: An Alternative to 'Left Behind' Eschatology come from papers presented by faculty members at Denver Seminary.

The chapters are:

• "Dispensational and Historic Premillennialism as Popular Millennialist Movements" by Timothy P. Weber. The bottom line of this article is that Dispensationalists [D] have done a much better job than Historic Premillennialists [HP] in relaying their story. HP is primarily found in academia while D is found in the pews of churches.
• "The Future Written in the Past: The OT and the Millennium" by Richard S. Hess. In this study Hess concludes that God will allow his people to go through tribulation and will bring them through it to demonstrate his faithfulness to his people.
• "Judaism and the World to Come" by Helene Dallaire. Dallaire surveys Jewish texts concerning life after death. Her conclusion is that there is no single systematized statement on the Jewish understanding of life after death.
• "The Postribulationism of the NT" by Craig Blomberg. Blomberg primarily surveys the word translated "tribulation" and its verbal cognates in the NT. His conclusion is that no where does God ever promise that his children will be removed from it--even the so called Great Tribulation. He also deals with the rapture question and why the church missing from Rev 4 and following.
• "The Theological Method of Premillennialism by Don Payne. His thesis is stated clearly: "Premillennialism depends upon a distinct theological method that involves factors and influences beyond its commitment to certain hermeneutical and exegetical procedures" [90]. Those influences include tradition, reason, and experience. This article is especially interesting in that most premillennialists simply refer to the Scripture as their lone authority.
• "Contemporary Millennial/Tribulational Debates: Whose Side Was the Early Church On? by Donald Fairbairn. The author states that chiliastic expectations were clear in the patristic period and that the shift away from premillennialism in the third and four centuries is due primarily to philosophical concerns. A pretribulatinal rapture was not in the minds of patristic writers, and they expected believers to be present and to suffer during the Great Tribulation. An interesting insight was that patristic writers used eschatology in their battle against heresy, particularly Gnosticism. Perhaps the church should learn a lesson in its contemporary battle against the same heresy.
• There are two other chapters--one dealing with Reformed theology and the other with Latin American evangelicalism that I didn't find as helpful but I'm sure others will.

Historic Premillennialism is, I think, the best way to explain eschatological issues. It is not perfect; no eschatological system will be because of our many limitations. This book will not replace "Left Behind" on the popular level, but it does give those who embrace HP already some help in verbalizing and defending what they believe. I highly recommend this book no matter what eschatological system one holds.

Youth, Arrogance, and the Church

In a recent column, Cal Thomas commented on remarks made by John McCain's daughter, Meghan. She believes she knows why her father lost the election last year and what the GOP needs to do in the future: Republicans need to be more like Democrats. Thomas writes: "McCain said Republicans needed to look forward, be more modern, forget the past (presumably she means those Reagan and Republican congressional victories) and adopt new beliefs."

Thomas is rightly critical of Meghan McCain and others like her: "Dissing the past is a quality found mostly in arrogant youth who think they know more than anyone who has ever lived and believe only they are sufficiently enlightened enough to tell the rest of us how and what to think. But the past and those who have gone before are great teachers for moderns who would learn. The writer of Ecclesiastes noted that there is “nothing new under the sun.” And there’s also this, “Is there any thing whereof it may be said, ‘See, this is new’? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.”'

Meghan McCain reminds me of some younger ministers today. The Baptist Courier has an article in this week's edition on the need for younger ministers to be involved in SBC leadership. Some of the comments are very insightful, but there was one in particular that caught my attention and reflects many younger than I:

Billy Baugus, 41, youth and children’s pastor at First Baptist Church, Wagener, said Southern Baptists “spend way too much time stuck in the past” and that 1950s-era Sunday school and traditional worship services are no longer effective in reaching what he calls the “now” generation. “We must be willing to change our ways and bring the word of God in relevant means to this generation,” he said.

Bro. Baugus' comments are much like those of McCain's and are not really helpful. Getting rid of traditonal approaches is not the answer to the problems the SBC or any other denomination faces in our post-Christian society. If every church today got rid of traditonal worship and Sunday School, and decided to move in a completely new direction, I doubt very seriously that our baptism numbers would go up sigificantly. The answer to the downward trend in membership and baptisms is to be found spiritually not functionally.

By the way, I'm in favor of ministers of all ages being involved in SBC leadership. I'm also in favor of new methods. I'm not stuck in the past. However, the past always has a great deal to teach us. Some of it is even good.

There are great men of God upon whose shoulders we all stand. I'm thinking we can still learn from them. For what it's worth, I think we can learn from the younger guys too.

Dr. Tom Burns

We were blessed recently to celebrate Dr. Tom Burn's 20th anniversary as worship pastor at Fairview. He has served longer than any ministerial staff member in the history of the church. That's an accomplishment!! Congratulations to Tom. It is a joy for me to serve with him.

Parable of the Soils, Eternal Security, and Fruit

Recently I preached on the Parable of the Soils in Matthew 13. Of the four soils, only one is good, and it produces fruit. The other three produce nothing. In explaining the parable, Jesus said: But the one sown on the good ground—this is one who hears and understands the word, who does bear fruit and yields: some 100, some 60, some 30 times [what was sown].” Matthew 13:23 (HCSB)

A couple of thoughts came to mind as I prepared for this sermon. First, a Christian is going to bear fruit. Jesus teaches that truth even stronger in John 15:8: My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples. Not only will a Christian bear fruit, but he or she will bear "much" fruit. The parable points out, however, the yield for every Christian is different.

This has application to the doctrine of eternal security of the believer. There is a warning for those who say they are members of churches but have no regard for the things of God. These are people who are on the rolls of churches, who walked down an aisle, shook a preacher's hand, signed a membership card, perhaps were even baptized, but were never really saved. The parable is clear that many do not allow the seed of God's Word to take root in their lives. Satan, problems/persecution, and greed keep people from truly accepting the Lord, even though they may be a member of a church. These folks can say, "I'm a member of Fairview Baptist Church," (or any other church) but that does not mean they are going to heaven. The Parable of the Soils teaches that fruit proves one's committment to Christ, not profession. One can say he is a Christian but only fruit proves it.

Second, the parable also warns believers who set themselves up as "fruit inspectors." Jesus taught that Christians do produce fruit, but the harvest will be different in each person's life. Some people produce fruit later than others. Others produce fruit that might be undected by us but not by the Lord.

Jesus said believers produce fruit. Ultimately only He knows what the quality of the fruit is in someone's life. Christ did not call any believer to be a fruit inspector. We are not judges of others (See Romans 2:1). We must leave that up to One who knows each heart perfectly.

Thus the parable, like so many other of Jesus' teachings, has a warning to both believers and unbelievers. Believers are not fruit inspectors--only God is. Unbelievers better not rely on being on a church membership roll. The only membership roll God recognizes is the Lamb's Book of Life.

A Nation in Debt

I forget now how many trillion we are in debt but my kids, kids, kids probably won't pay it off. Why are we facing such an economic calamity? Obviously I believe spiritual reasons are paramount. A speaker in our church on Wednesday night shared a verse of Scripture with us that blew me away:

The Lord will open for you His abundant storehouse, the sky, to give your land rain in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow. Deuteronomy 28:12 (HCSB)

Note the underlined portion of the verse. This text is taken from a chapter in which God reminds Israel of the blessings of obedience and the curses for disobedience. One of Yahweh's great blessings for obedience is that the nation would have all it needed plus much more. The blessings would so overflow that Israel would be able to share its blessings with others.

For the nation that disobeys:

He will lend to you, but you won’t lend to him. He will be the head, and you will be the tail. Deuteronomy 28:44 (HCSB)

Who is the head now? China?

Just musing.

Unforgiveness

I was impressed with a Baptist Press article about the problem of unforgiveness in the church. The story is about Tom Eliff and his dad, which is very much worth reading. I would argue that unforgiveness is THE problem in most churches that keeps both pastors/staff and people from experiencing the unleashing of the Holy Spirit's power. The sad reality is that Christians who need to repent and reconcile are simply too proud to do so. We cannot, however, rebel against God's command to love our neighbor and receive His blessings.

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many. Hebrews 12:15 (HCSB)

I wonder how often God says, "I'd bless you if you'd just forgive?" And we don't listen and obey.

He's Alive!

¹ After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. ² Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” ⁸ So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. ⁹ Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.” ¹¹ As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. ¹² After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money ¹³ and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ ¹⁴ If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” ¹⁵ So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day. ¹⁶ The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:1-20 (HCSB)

I should have had this entry on Sunday, but was too busy. However, we should celebrate Easter every day!!

Good Friday-Matthew 27

Matthew 27:1-66 (HCSB) ¹ When daybreak came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. ² After tying Him up, they led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate, the governor. ³ Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was full of remorse and returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. ⁴ “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What’s that to us?” they said. “See to it yourself!” ⁵ So he threw the silver into the sanctuary and departed. Then he went and hanged himself. ⁶ The chief priests took the silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put it into the temple treasury, since it is blood money.” ⁷ So they conferred together and bought the potter’s field with it as a burial place for foreigners. ⁸ Therefore that field has been called “Blood Field” to this day. ⁹ Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: They took the 30 pieces of silver, the price of Him whose price was set by the sons of Israel, ¹⁰ and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me. ¹¹ Now Jesus stood before the governor. “Are You the King of the Jews?” the governor asked Him. Jesus answered, “You have said it.” ¹² And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He didn’t answer. ¹³ Then Pilate said to Him, “Don’t You hear how much they are testifying against You?” ¹⁴ But He didn’t answer him on even one charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. ¹⁵ At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. ¹⁶ At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. ¹⁷ So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Messiah?” ¹⁸ For he knew they had handed Him over because of envy. ¹⁹ While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of Him!” ²⁰ The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. ²¹ The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” “Barabbas!” they answered. ²² Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?” They all answered, “Crucify Him!” ²³ Then he said, “Why? What has He done wrong?” But they kept shouting, “Crucify Him!” all the more. ²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!” ²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” ²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified. ²⁷ Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into headquarters and gathered the whole company around Him. ²⁸ They stripped Him and dressed Him in a scarlet robe. ²⁹ They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and placed a reed in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” ³⁰ Then they spit at Him, took the reed, and kept hitting Him on the head. ³¹ When they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe, put His clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. ³² As they were going out, they found a Cyrenian man named Simon. They forced this man to carry His cross. ³³ When they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Skull Place), ³⁴ they gave Him wine mixed with gall to drink. But when He tasted it, He would not drink it. ³⁵ After crucifying Him they divided His clothes by casting lots. ³⁶ Then they sat down and were guarding Him there. ³⁷ Above His head they put up the charge against Him in writing: THIS IS JESUSTHE KING OF THE JEWS ³⁸ Then two criminals were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. ³⁹ Those who passed by were yelling insults at Him, shaking their heads ⁴⁰ and saying, “The One who would demolish the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” ⁴¹ In the same way the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked Him and said, ⁴² “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. ⁴³ He has put His trust in God; let God rescue Him now—if He wants Him! For He said, ‘I am God’s Son.’ ” ⁴⁴ In the same way even the criminals who were crucified with Him kept taunting Him. ⁴⁵ From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. ⁴⁶ At about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” ⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling for Elijah!” ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, fixed it on a reed, and offered Him a drink. ⁴⁹ But the rest said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to save Him!” ⁵⁰ Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. ⁵¹ Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split. ⁵² The tombs also were opened and many bodies of the saints who had gone to their rest were raised. ⁵³ And they came out of the tombs after His resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many. ⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “This man really was God’s Son!” ⁵⁵ Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered to Him were there, looking on from a distance. ⁵⁶ Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. ⁵⁷ When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸ He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate ordered that it be released. ⁵⁹ So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, ⁶⁰ and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb. ⁶¹ Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb. ⁶² The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate ⁶³ and said, “Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive, He said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ ⁶⁴ Therefore give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come, steal Him, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ Then the last deception will be worse than the first.” ⁶⁵ “You have a guard [of soldiers],” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” ⁶⁶ Then they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting the guard.

Maundy Thursday

18 “Go into the city to a certain man,” He said, “and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time is near; I am celebrating the Passover at your place with My disciples. ’ ” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, He was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, He said, “I assure you: One of you will betray Me.” 22 Deeply distressed, each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23 He replied, “The one who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl—he will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, His betrayer, replied, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” “You have said it,” He told him. 26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is My body.” 27 Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood [that establishes] the covenant; it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 But I tell you, from this moment I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it in a new way in My Father’s kingdom with you.” 30 After singing psalms, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

[Matthew 26:18-30]

Matthew 12:23

In Matthew 12:22, Jesus heals a demon possessed and mute man. The next verse reports the response of the crowd. The HCSB translates the verse as: "All the crowds were astounded and said, 'Perhaps this is the Son of David!"

Other English translations:

ESV: "Can this be the Son of David?"

NIV: "Could this be the Son of David?

NCV: "Perhaps this man is the Son of David!"

NLT: "Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?"

The Message is even more emphatic: "This has to be the Son of David!"

I cite this example to show how English translations don't always do a good job translating the Greek text. Within the sentence is the negative particle meti, which is an interrogative particle that usually calls for a negative answer. The basic idea of the verse is, "This is not the Son of David is he?" Most of crowd would answer no, but the particle also leaves some doubt. He could be but He is likely not Messiah.

Of the above English translations, the HCSB and NCV get closer to the idea with 'perhaps,' but even there one's slant on the verse could be that more people than not would have said "yes." That is not the case. In fact, the reaction of the crowd bears out Matthew 11:16-24, which shows many, if not most, are rejecting Jesus.

Matthew 12:23 is just one example among many of how English translations can give the reader the wrong idea. For preachers, I'd say do your work in Greek and see how the English versions line up after that.

Dr. William Reynolds

I was sad to hear about the death of Dr. William J. Reynolds. Dr. Reynolds, a foremost composer and hymnologist, wrote "Share His Love," among many other songs and hymns. We've sung that one often in our worship serivces. I believe he was the primary editor of the 1975 Baptist Hymnal. I had the privilege of sitting under Dr. Reynolds in "Preacher Music 101" at Southwestern Seminary. I'm sure he's helping to lead a choir in glory today!

I have on my shelf, Songs of Glory: Stories of 300 Great Hymns and Gospel Songs, written by Dr. Reynolds several years ago. I remember well that he would often tell a story in class about a hymn before we'd sing it. I've used several of these stories over the years as illustrations and still pick it up from time to time to read it devotionally. Many of the stories are quite inspiring.

Ehrman At It Again

Bart Ehrman is at it again with his new book, Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible (And Why We Don't Know About Them). I doubt I read this one but Darrell Bock has reviewed it. It seems to be more of the same in Ehrman's crusade to bring doubt to the autnethicity of the Gospel accounts. I read Misquoting Jesus so I think I can be excused for not going through this again.

For those who don't know, Ehrman teaches at the University of North Carolina.

Reuben Swanson

I've read this morning about the passing this week of Reuben Swanson. His contribution to New Testament text criticism is invaluable and I've learned much from his New Testament Greek Manuscripts series. His work on John was so important to me as I worked on the Johannine text of Chrysostom during my dissertation days.

More can be found on the Evangelical Text Criticism blog.

New Missionaries

We had the privilege of attending an International Mission Board Commissioning Service at Taylors FBC this week. 89 new missionaries were set apart, and it was a stirring service. If you've never attended one, you must. It puts faces to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Marriage and Church Attendance

W. Bradford Wilcox has written an interesting piece in The Wall Street Journal stating the expansion of government and the increasing delay of marriage among young people are two important reasons for the increasing secularization of America. Citing recent statistics which state that only 25% of Americans 21 to 45 attend church, down from one-third in 1970s, Wilcox quotes Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow:

The most powerful force driving religious participation down is the nation's recent retreat from marriage, Mr. Wuthnow notes. Nothing brings women and especially men into the pews like marriage and parenthood, as they seek out the religious, moral and social support provided by a congregation upon starting a family of their own. But because growing numbers of young adults are now postponing or avoiding marriage and childbearing, they are also much less likely to end up in church on any given Sunday. Mr. Wuthnow estimates that America's houses of worship would have about six million more regularly attending young adults if today's young men and women started families at the rate they did three decades ago.

We've known for a long time that major seasons of life, including marriage and children, lead to a quest for God. It stands to reason that when people put off marriage and parenthood, that quest is delayed. God can be found, but people need to look for Him. If people aren't looking, how can the church engage them so they'll begin the quest? Ministry gets more challenging by the day!

Dying Without God

Al Mohler has a fascinating blog entry that deals with the subject "Dying Without God." The article is primarily about former French President Francois Mitterand, but later there is a discussion about statistics which state that over one-quarter of Americans do not expect a religious funeral. Mohler is correct in his assessment that the statistic shows that "cultural Christianity" is in danger of its own death in America.

Millions of Americans expect to die without God. Without Him there is no hope, and there is no life. It is incumbent upon the church to be urgent in the proclamation of the Gospel. We must do everything possible to tell others that through Jesus there is resurrection and life.

Winters

The funeral for Dr. Fred Winters, the pastor of FBC Maryville, is today. I had been wondering this week what a church would do the Sunday after the pastor was so tragically killed during a worship service. God always provides. Al Meridth, the pastor of Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, is going to preach there. Al knows full well what this church is going through. A gunman entered Wedgewood several years ago during a youth rally and killed several people. I was in seminary at the time and saw some of the aftermath of that tragedy. No one could have handled it better and more Christ-like than Al Meridith and the people of Wedgewood.

I'm sure Al will have a word from the Lord for the people of FBC Sunday. My prayers are with the family of Dr. Winters and the church family as well. There will be victory in Jesus!

Friday the 13th

I thought you'd like the following "Turning Point" Devotion from Dr. David Jeremiah.

Friday the Thirteenth

Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. Isaiah 38:17a (NIV)

Some days nothing goes right.

Yahoo News recently reported about a man in St. James, New York, who kept his van running while he ran into the Cool Beanz Coffee Shop on Long Island. He also left his dog, Bentley, in the vehicle. Somehow Bentley managed to jump into the driver's seat and engage the gears. The van tore through patio tables and into the glass windows of the coffee shop with the dog at the wheel. Fortunately no one was injured.

It does seem that sometimes the dogs are at the wheels of life, and some days take an odd turn for the worse. For the Christian, however, all things eventually work together for good (Romans 8:28), and all things work together for God's glory (Ephesians 1:11). Even the days that hold deep bouts of anguish—perhaps this is such a day for you—in God's providence will somehow work for our benefit.

There are no unlucky days for Christians. We don't believe in luck, but in blessings!

(I hope this thought is a blessing to you today!!)

By the way, Dr. Jeremiah's daily devotions are excellent and can be obtained free by signing up on his website. [www.davidjeremiah.org]

Who's The Boss?

In His instructions to the 12 in Matthew 10, Jesus said, "Don't take along gold, silver, or copper for your money belts. Don't take a traveling bag for the road, or an extra shirt, sandals, or a walking stick, for the worker is worthy of his food" [vv. 9-10]. Among the many things the Lord tells His disciples as they prepare for their first mission without Him is to live simply. That's something the modern minister needs to think about. Also, and for the benefit of this brief post, they were to live in dependence upon Jesus and upon the people whom Jesus would use to meet their needs.

D.A. Carson has written, "The church does not pay its ministers; rather, it provides them with resources so that they are able to serve freely." I don't work for the church. I am called by the Lord to serve a church. The Lord then moves upon the church to meet my financial needs so I may serve Him and fulfill my calling from Him freely. Of course, I am accountable to the church for my stewardship of that call, but the bottom line is that I work for the Lord through serving the church as pastor.

Therefore, I am not an employee of the church. I am not "hired" by the membership. I am the church's servant. I serve out my calling from God freely because the church is obedient to the Lord. I'm thankful for their obedience, and I should and hope to never take that their obedience for granted.

Who's the boss? Ultimately for both the members of the church and myself, it is God! Let's get out of the "hire" mode! The church is not a business.

The Impossible

One of my favorite quotes is by F.B. Meyer: "You do not test God's resources until you try the impossible." No truer statement has ever been made. Yet so often God's people do not allow God to do the impossible due to their lack of faith. We look at our own resources--be they money, talent, opportunity, etc.--and see what only we can do. We do not take into account what the angel said to a young girl named Mary: "For nothing will be impossible with God."

Paul prayed: "Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think" [Eph 3:20]. Yet, we all too often bring God down to our level and believe He can only do what we can ask or think.

Churches are looking at their budgets in these days, cutting them, and laying off people. I wonder what would happen if we tried the impossible. "Lord, we know what everything looks like around us. The economy is bad. People are being laid off. The offerings are getting smaller. The budget is not being met. It all looks so impossible. But in spite of everything we see, we're going to believe You. We're going forward with what we believe You told us to do."

I wonder what resources we'd find in the Lord if we'd just believe.

Just musing!

Mountain View

The view outside my office today is awesome! I'm a blessed guy!!

Paul Harvey

You no doubt know by now that legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey died over the weekend. I suppose I've listened to him all my life. I remember as a child watching him on T.V. giving the countdown to Santa's takeoff from the North Pole. Growing up working with my Dad and Grandfather, we'd always stop work at noon to listen to Mr. Harvey's 15-minute newscast. Our last soda break of the day was usually the time "The Rest of the Story" aired on KBXM in Kennett. His 7:30 AM newscast as I drove to work was a ritual on station WBAP in Fort Worth. "Good Day," Paul. My family appreciated you!

Jamaica

Lesa and Steph were in Columbia Saturay for training in preparation for their mission trip to Jamaica. The trip is sponsored by South Carolina WMU. The trip is July 4-11 and both would appreciate your prayers.

Luke 23:34

I'm beginning a series this week on the seven sayings of Jesus while on the cross. The first one is Luke 23:34, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" [NKJV]. In the Holman Christian Standard Bible the verse is bracketed, showing that there is some doubt about its authenticity. The text is bracketed in UBS4 with an "A" rating, meaning the committee believes it likely is not original to Luke.

Both p75 and B omit the verse, as do a few other later Alexandrian and Western mss. Aleph includes the verse as does A C L Byz and some Syriac. When you get down to it, the external evidence is split.

What are the internal factors? Bock summarizes them well [1868].

· The parallel prayer of Stephen in Acts 7:60 argues for inclusion, since Luke frequently notes parallelism between events. Some have argued that the text was modeled on Acts but the other way around seems more likely.
· The absence of a parallel in the other Gospels speaks of inclusion here. There is no good reason to explain why a copyist would add such a remark.
· The motif of ignorance is common in Acts [3:17; 13:27; 17:30] and finds endorsement here [Epps].
· It is easier to explain the prayer's omission than inclusion. A scribe could have considered the remarks too forgiving of the Jews [R. Brown] or if he regarded the prayer as unanswered in light of A.D. 70 [Morris; Jerome, Letter 120.8.2 says it delayed the judgment].
· Each major subunit of Luke's crucifixion narrative contains a saying. If the prayer is omitted, then a saying is lacking from this subunit [23:28-31, 43, 46 Marshall, 868].

While certainly not overwhelming, the internal evidence suggests that the text is original with Luke [Ernst, Grundmann, Tiede, Ellis, Bock, Morris, Stein, Marshall (although he is a bit hesitant). As mentioned above the text is bracketed in UBS4 and given an "A" rating. The text is bracketed in WH as well.

Brown has a detailed summary of the discussion, including four options of how the prayer arose: (1) spoken by Jesus and preserved by Luke, (2) spoken by Jesus and inserted early on into Luke, (3) formulated by Luke, and (4) formulated after Luke. Bock prefers option 1, Brown option 3, and Metzger option 2.

Prudent text criticism takes both external and internal evidence into account. For Luke 23:34 it is the internal evidence that is the most persuasive.

Hoehner

It is sad to report the death of Harold Hoehner, the distinguished NT professor of Dallas Theological. The Dallas Morning News reports that Dr. Hoehner died Thursday. I've gained many insights from Dr. Hoehner's writings, especially his magisterial commentary on Ephesians. There is a tribute to Dr. Hoehner on the DTS website as well.

Language and the Pulpit

Baptist Press has a story this week which is critical of Mark Driscoll's use of sexually explicit langugage. You might know that Driscoll was once known as the "cussing pastor." This was something for which he apologized and repented, but it looks like he is still on the edge on his blog.

My kids came back this past weekend from an event held at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in which Driscoll preached. When I asked them how he did, my son made a few comments and then said, "At least he didn't cuss." I'm not sure that's the testimony a pastor should have. Should he not be attempting to live "above reproach?"

This is not a problem for Driscoll alone. I hear reports more often than I'd like on pastors who go over the line in a sermon. It is usually one that deals with sex. The Bible has much to say on that topic, but the Word of God is restrained in when sex is the topic. I think we should always take our cue from Scripture. Deal with the topic but do so with restraint.

In Col 4:6, Paul wrote: "Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person." This is the Apostle's word on how to engage the culture. Do so. But do so graciously, watching what you say and how you say it. Usually, pushing the envelope does more harm than good in the long run.

Chapel at NGU

I had the wonderful privilege this week to preach in the chapel service at North Greenville University. It was a blessing to preach the Word to this great student body. The message was from Romans 8:31-39--one of my favorite passages.

What You Won't Learn In Greek Class

I got this from Rod Decker's blog, but he got it from Dave Black.

Some things you will NOT learn in Greek class are:

1) Greek is the Abracadabra or Open Sesame of biblical interpretation. Hardly. Greek will not automatically tell you what the text says though it will limit your options.

2) Greek is inherently difficult to learn. Wrong. Greek is impeccably logical. It has mathematical precision. After all, God invented the language, and He does all things decently and in order. Anyone can learn it who is hardworking and motivated.

3) Greek is never abused by preachers and theologians. Wrong again. This happens all the time. This is one reason to learn Greek for yourself — so that you can check the accuracy of those who use Greek in their teaching. Greek is often (more often than we think) used to support one’s a priori conclusions as to what a text means. It’s what I call “evangelical Greek,” and no one, myself included, is immune from it.

4) Greek is strange and unique. Absolutely not! Greek is like a long-lost relative you’re meeting for the first time. Like English, it is an Indo-European language and thus shares many cognates and derivatives with your own mother tongue.

5) The New Testament had to be written in Greek because it is superior to other languages. (Sometimes this is phrased as follows: “The New Testament could never have been written in Hebrew because Hebrew lacks the complex semotaxis of Greek.”) True, Greek morphology and syntax are a bit complicated, but the real reason the New Testament was inscripturated in Greek (rather than, say, Hebrew) is a man named Alexander the Great.

6) Greek makes you a more spiritual person. Nonsense. Just remember 1 Cor. 8:1: Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up. Will Greek make you a more loving person? No. Will Greek help you learn truth that can change your life? Absolutely!

Oh how I miss teaching Greek, but I do love the language and attempt to work in it every day. I would agree, however, with all the above.

Bush's Last Days

I've beeninterested in various interviews done by President Bush in these the final days of his watch. What I've appreciated most about him these eight years and was reinforced in the last several days is his unshakeable convictions regarding freedom and keeping America safe. His convictions did not change even when his popularity began taking severe hits. On a recent edition of "Hannity," the President talked about this very thing. Thank God for a man who doesn't change with every political poll!

The American Way and Evangelism

Al Mohler has a great entry today concerning evangelism and the "American Way." In essence, Mohler writes that because of Americans' belief in fair play, equality, etc., we really don't believe people who fail to accept Christ will go to hell.

Mohler asks, "Is God subject to the American way?" The answer, of course, is no. We are, however, very much subject to His. We'd better get out and tell people about Jesus!! American Christians must be influenced more by the Bible than the Constitution.

You Know You're a Reckneck Preacher When-

10 Signs that You Know You're a Redneck Preacher:

10. If your Sunday School bus is on blocks.

9. If you've ever canceled church because your cows got out.

8. If your belt buckle's bigger than your Bible.

7. If you're skeptical of preachers who wear robes and clerical collars.

6. If there's a sign over the church that reads, "Protected by Smith and Wesson."

5. If you've ever taken deep-fried possum to a church dinner.

4. If you've ever made change in the offering plate.

3. If you've ever shown slides from your trip to Graceland.

2. If you "work up lather" when you preach.

1. If your altar call is longer than your sermon

[This from Dave Black's Blog]

Church Hopping

This week a good friend of mine and his wife spent the night. He is a missionary in Brazil and as we were renewing our fellowship he asked me what was different about serving in South Carolina as compared to other places I've been. It only took a moment for me to answer. It is the "church-hopping" mentality of many people here. On any given Sunday, we'll have 5 to 10 people visiting our church who are members of other churches. Those folks are discontent for whatever reason with the church they're in. The sad thing is just the opposite is likely true. It is a fact that most churches grow around here by swapping sheep.

I've never seen so many discontented people in one area, and I've tried to put my finger on why that is true. I'm sure I'll keep working on the answer, but here are some preliminary observations:

• There is the need for a religious experience. Some people need an emotional high all the time. After attending a church for a while the new wears off, the high become more middle, and they're off to some other place.
• There is lack of spiritual maturity. Some people are simply not growing in the Lord and do not have the spiritual maturity to handle any "pot-hole" that inevitably shows up in any church. At the first sign of a problem in the church of when they themselves have a problem with someone else, they're gone.
• There is a general lack of commitment to any institution. This is a sign of the post-modern era in which we live. Some simply do not want to live by any one's rules, including God's.
• There is the need to be entertained. Of course this hits at the lack of knowledge about true worship.
• There is a "me" mentality. Some who hop around are looking only to be served and not to serve.

There may be many other reasons but these are starters. In my opinion, if God leads an individual to a church there are only two reasons why He would lead them out. The first is a theological problem. If the church does not stand on the Word, then there is a need to move. Second is moral. If there is a terrible moral problem that the church will not address, there is the right to move. That's it!

How can a church be strong and accomplish God's will if a good number of the members are wondering whether they should go somewhere else?

Succeeding a Moses

I'm studying Joshua 1 in preparation for a sermon and was struck again at the magnitude of succeeding a giant. Just read the few verses that end Deuteronomy and see what kind of man Moses was. One writer calls him, "Moses the Incomparable." No wonder Joshua was a bit fearful.

Yet there is one truth that jumps off the page of Joshua 1. Dale Ralph Davis writes, "Moses may die; God's promise lives on. There is a passing of an era yet the endurance of the promise. Yahweh's fidelity does not hinge on the achievements of men, however gifted they may be, nor does it evaporate in the face of funerals of men."

He is so right. When someone passes off the scene God always has another to take his place. Moses was dead, so God used Joshua. That thought humbles me. God will use me today, but tomorrow He will use somebody else. God's work goes on. Thus I should never think the church can't get by without me. It can and will. In the meantime, I am simply to be faithful. I'm standing on the shoulders of others. One day others will stand upon mine.

Scientology

The recent tragic death of John Travolta's son brings Scientology back to the news. An informative overview of Scientology can be found at 4TruthNet. You might want to check it out. Scientologists believe that human beings are divine. They also believe in reincarnation.

One More with the Grands

Mamaw with her grands at our annual Christmas Eve get together in Kennett. From left to right, Susan, Rob, Mamaw, Steve, John, and Dave. This is the only night of the year the Patton kids are together in one place.

We miss Mom and Dad still but they're forever with us in memory.

Great-Grands and Great-Great-Grands

Here is "Mamaw" Hogue with her great and great-great grand children. When you're 91, the family gets pretty big!!

Christmas 2008

Happy New Year from the Pattons!!

"Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" [Phil 3:13-14 NLT].

Christmas Devotionals

I've written a week's worth of Christmas devotional thoughts for the folks at Fairview. This is probably the last entry before Christmas so from my family to yours--May the Christ of Christmas be real in your hearts!!

Joseph the Carpenter

Joseph figures prominently only in a couple chapters of Matthew's Gospel, but he obviously left a legacy in Jesus' life. Part of his legacy was his occupation. But what did Joseph do for a living? Matthew 13:55 [NASB] says that he was a carpenter. In Mark 6:3, Jesus is called a "carpenter." Most English translations agree with the NASB and use the word carpenter as well.

The Greek word is transliterated tekton [pronounced with a long 'o' sound]. What does it mean? It likely means more than just the idea that most folks have in their minds when they think 'carpenter.' In an excellent article a few years ago in JETS, Ken M. Campbell surveyed the use of the word in a variety of sources and concluded that a tekton was a general craftsman who worked with materials such as stone, wood, and sometimes metal in large and small building projects. A tekton would be involved in a variety of building projects including but not limited to houses, wine-presses, millstones, olive press stones, tombstones, cisterns, farm terraces, vineyards, watch towers, house extensions, etc. He rejects using the term "carpenter," and prefers "builder." That is more of a catch-all term and likely more descriptive of Joseph's and later Jesus' occupation.

My Dad would often say he was a "Jack-of-all-trades". Perhaps that colloquialism describes both what Joseph and later Jesus did for a living.

[Ken M. Campbell, "What Was Jesus' Occupation?" JETS 48 (September 2005): 501-19.]

Matthew 2:15 and Hosea 11:1

As I mentioned earlier, I'm spending a lot of time these days on Matthew's birth narrative. Several things in Matthew make these passages interesting study, not the least are the OT quotations.

After Joseph is told to leave Bethlehem, he takes Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Matthew writes that this is in fulfillment of Hosea 11:1: "Out of Egypt I called my son." Some scholars see that Matthew saw in this passage a prediction of Jesus' journey to Egypt, however, the original context is clearly a reference to the exodus. As Turner points out in his commentary, those who think Matthew saw a prediction of Jesus in Hos 11:1 usually state that Matthew has insight into the sensus plenior of Hosea.

A better approach is taking Hos 11:1 typologically [following Turner, Blomberg, and others]. Hos 11:1 alludes to a theological motif that Matthew cherishes: divine sonship. The exodus shows Israel's status as God's firstborn. What was true of Israel is even more true of Jesus. Quoting Turner: "In Hos 11:1 the exodus provides a historical pattern of God's loving preservation of his son Israel from Pharaoh's wrath. From a Christian perspective, this past event is recapitulated by God's loving preservation of his Son, Jesus, from Herod's wrath" [91].

Blomberg is surely correct when he writes: "Just as God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt to inaugurate his original covenant with them, so again God is bringing the Messiah, who fulfills the hopes of Israel, out of Egypt as he is about to inaugurate his new covenant--Jesus recapitulates the role of Israel as a whole" [67].

The typological approach to Matthew's use of the OT in chapters 1-2 is surely the correct one. Matthew sees in Hos 11:1 and other OT passages with respect to Jesus parallels in the way God worked in the past that cannot be contributed to coincidence. Again quoting Turner, "Matthew looks at biblical history with the conviction that it is organically related to Jesus the Messiah as the seed is to the harvest." Well said.

Preaching and Authority

Al Mohler has an excellent post today on the preacher's authority.

I believe the preacher's authority comes from three places. First and foremost is the Bible. The Word of God is the authoritative book of the preacher. We have no authority outside it. Second is the call of God. God's call gives the preacher authority to proclaim, "Thus says the Lord." One who preaches must be one who is called. Third is the preacher's character. The preacher loses all credibility with a congregation once his character is proven to be suspect. Thus a preacher must protect his integrity.

I agree with Mohler. God's people are crying for a word from the Lord. The preacher must give it to them and with all the authority God has given! Preachers must throw thunderbolts on Sunday not give nice religious platitudes that mean nothing and change no one.

"For since, in God's wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching" [1 Cor 1:21]. Let's be fools for Christ's sake. Let's preach the Word!