by Bret Capranica | May 5, 2011 | Ecclesiology, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
Our sermon this Sunday will be on the subject of baptism as a defining marker of what makes a church. As you prepare for Sunday consider the following: Carefully Think Read through Romans 6:1-11. What is the main theme of this section? How do you know? Read through Romans 6:3-5. What do these verses emphasize in relation to the main idea of 6:1-11? Why does Paul use the word “baptize” in relation to our salvation? Does he have in mind water baptism? Spirit baptism? Some combination? How can you tell? In your understanding, what is the purpose for water baptism? Read through Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:37-41. What relationship does baptism have to conversion? Prayerfully Meditate Have you been baptized? If so, When? Where? Why? If not, why not? Who should be baptized according to the verses you have read above? Conversely, from what you learn from the verses above, who should not be baptized and why? How important is baptism to the Christian life? Remember what you have read in relation to baptism and how it fits with Romans 6:1-11. Consider what Matthew 28:18-20 suggests. Actively Respond If you are a Christian and show the evidence of internal regeneration, but you have not been baptized, why not? Is this a biblical reason? Why would you delay openly professing your faith. Schedule a time to talk with one of the elders about this. What about children who profess faith? According to Romans 6:3-5 what is true about a person”™s soul and what is baptism depicting. Do you see specific evidence of such a radical regeneration...
by Bret Capranica | Apr 15, 2011 | Ecclesiology, Featured Articles, Preaching
Carefully Think Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. Paul writes to “the church of the Thessalonians.” In the passage what are the characteristics of those who are in this church? Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 10. How does Paul describe the people of this church? Read the following: Acts 2:41, 47; 4:4; 5:13, 14; 11:21; 14:21-23. Who were members of the church? Prayerfully Meditate Biblically speaking, who should be members of a church? Who should not be members? If non-Christians are not members, then what role does the church play in their life? What should their relationship to the church be? How would issues like the Lord”™s supper, baptism, church discipline, and church government all be affected by who is and who is not actually a member of a church? Why does it matter who is or is not a member of a local church? Why is this or is this not an important issue? Actively Respond Do you see the evidence of conversion in your life ““ the kind described in 1 Thessalonians 1? How so? Why not? Pray for those who will be leading the church in our corporate gathering on Sunday. Pray that they will have a focused attention in leading the entire church in a biblical manner. Pray for all who will be involved in the service (instrumentalists, sound technicians, ushers, etc.). Pray that we will help to enhance people”™s affections for God this week in how we serve the body. Meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will sing Sunday (found below). Listen to samples of the music we plan to sing (found below), or download...
by Bret Capranica | Dec 23, 2010 | Bookreviews, Ecclesiology, General Theology
Dispensationalism-Michael Vlach from Bret Capranica on Vimeo. Dr. Michael J. Vlach has written a helpful, readable, concise, yet thorough book on the subject of Dispensationalism: Dispensationalism: Essential Belief and Common Myths. In it, as the subtitle suggests, he seeks to set forth the essential beliefs and dispel some of the most common myths associated with the Dispensational system of theology. Dr. Vlach currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Theology at The Master”™s Seminary in Sun Valley, CA, where I graduated with my Master of Divinity. Though I finished my studies there before his arrival, I have found his writings helpful. He wrote his Ph.D. dissertation on the subject of the church as a replacement of Israel (Supercessionism). The book (published in 2008) is briefly (73 pages) arranged into four chapters 1) History of Dispensationalism 2) Essential Beliefs of Dispensationalism 3) Myths about Dispensationalism 4) Questions and Answers about Dispensationalsim. The aim of Vlach”™s book is straight forward, “. . . my aim is to discuss what dispensationalism is and what it is not” (3) He seeks to “highlight the foundational beliefs of dispensationalism that are truly at the heart of the system [and discuss] misrepresentations and myths about dispensationalism that have muddied the waters of understanding (3). WHAT”™S MOST HELPFUL 1. It is concise. It is not a weighty treatment of every nuance that could be discussed about Dispensationalism. It keeps to the subject at hand and is accessible reading for any interested reader who wants a jet tour of the issues related to Dispensationalism. 2. It is irenic in the way he handles the subject, especially those...
by Bret Capranica | Jun 30, 2010 | Ecclesiology, Southern Baptist Issues, The Gospel
Here’s the video of the Baptist 21 panel held during the lunch break at this year’s SBC in Orlando. This panel was discussing the Great Commission Resurgence report that was to be debated and eventually adopted by the messengers of the convention that afternoon. Great stuff here: [Vimeo Video] HT: Justin Taylor B21 Panel at 2010 SBC Annual Meeting from Southeastern Seminary on...
by Bret Capranica | May 10, 2010 | Ecclesiology, Seeker-Sensitive, Worship
So this is how the church grows . . . “Sunday’s Coming” Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo. . . . too funny. Actually, a sad commentary. “Sunday’s Coming” Movie Trailer from North Point Media on...
by Bret Capranica | Mar 30, 2010 | Ecclesiology, The Gospel
9Marks is putting out some phenomenal material from their small army of excellent writers. Two books I am especially looking forward to reading and using in future are Jonathan Leeman’s The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love and Greg Gilbert’s What is the Gospel? Here’s two interviews and links to purchase the book: Jonathan Leeman: The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love Greg Gilbert: What Is the...
