Articles

Men Who Won’t Work – How Did We Get Here?

Aug 4, 2006 | Culture

Men Not at Work — A Symptom of Manhood in Crisis Great note by Dr. Mohler.  While I certainly agree that the Christian worldview advocates a strong work ethic, non-Chrisitans of previous generations did not tend to be as lethargic as my generation.  Is it the rise of the white collar work place that has created such an environment?  Is it the increased wealth and privilege our current generations have been given that created a lazy ethic? How did we arrive here and how shall we then change our ways. I say this as I waste time blogging on... read more

Deacons – Part 7

Aug 4, 2006 | Deacons, Ecclesiology

1 Timothy 3:8-13 The final New Testament passage directly addressing the role and function of deacons is found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.  The context of the passage lists the office of deacon along with the office of overseers.  As Fee notes, “To designate these men as deacons as over against overseers does not imply that they were not “Ëleaders’ as well.”[1]  The overarching emphasis of 1 Timothy 3 is the qualifications needed for those who should serve as overseers and deacons.  The qualities are character based rather than functional.[2]  These qualifications bear directly upon the subject of the basis of a church’s selection of their leaders. In this article, I will not review all of the details regarding the qualifications of a deacon.  Others have done that very well (cf. MacArthur’s commentary on 1 Timothy 3 for a good overview).  However, I will pursue specific treatment of two specific issues brought up in the passage, namely, the testing of deacons in verse ten and the subject of “wives/women” in verse 11. Verse ten, as translated in the New American Standard Bible, states, “And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.”  Of note is the fact that Paul indicates that deacons are to be tested “also.”  Clearly by including the “also” Paul had in mind another group who was tested in addition to the deacons.  In the context, this no doubt refers to the overseers mentioned in verses one through seven.  Therefore, there is to be a period or manner of testing the character of those who desire to serve... read more

Whew! Now That Was a Long Hiatus

Aug 3, 2006 | Blogging

So, I quit blogging for a little while.  A DMin project, beginning Romans, funerals out the wazoo (is that how you spell that) and just general old being busy has left little in the way of a prioritized need to blog. But I need to blog.  I need to read, interact with and think out loud regarding what is going on in my world. So, as I prepare to take up the beast again, here’s some of the reasons I blog: 1.  To force me to read, think through and concretely respond to issues in culture, theology and life.  It refines my thinking and writing – not that any of it will every be great, perhaps I can make it better. 2.  To create an e-filing cabinet of articles and issues I could later reference as I study, teach and preach. 3.  To keep up with personal friends and theological compatriots beyond my vast world of Hemet, California. 4.  To entertain a few from my church, family and friends who have some strange idea that they would want to read something from my dull mind. 5.  To be entertained by a few from my church, family and friends who I think are much brighter and less boring than I. I’m going to a bit of catching up in the next few days of posts that should have been posted long ago and a few “reactions” to some interesting happenigs in the blogosphere.  Oh, I’ll probably put up some quick links to articles I am finding interesting and helpful as I wade through the hundreds of posts I have neglected... read more

The Power of Influence?

Jul 13, 2006 | Ecclesiology

Between Two Worlds: 50 Most Influential Churches in the US Who knows the criteria for what determines “influence” in this list.  This may be more of a “50 Most Popular Personalities in American Christianity” list.  Read the list and see what you... read more

The Kettering Fellowship

Jun 30, 2006 | Blogging, Ecclesiology, General Theology

The Kettering Fellowship Here is a new blog I will be following.  Michael Smith, one of the contributors, is a dear brother and has become a good friend.  He and I will be finishing our final Doctor of Ministry seminary today.  I look forward to his future contributioins to the blogosphere – meaning, YOU HAVE TO POST SOMETHING,... read more

Ahh, the Motherland!

Jun 30, 2006 | General Theology

Yep, That’s One Big Cross – purgatorio Yes, this is just outside Amarillo, where I was born and raised.  In my estimation it is quite an appropriate reflection of the spiritual state of the area.  Externally, big cross – but internally, now that’s a very different... read more

Christianity Today’s Take on the SBC

Jun 30, 2006 | Southern Baptist Issues

A Kinder, Gentler Conservatism – Christianity Today Magazine Has a new day dawned in SBC politics?  And will the supposed non-theological changes begin a new drift away from the importance of theology? My brief take:  How important was the Southern Baptist conservative resurgeance?  My guess is that if the men who led the Convention as they have for the past twenty-five years had not lead as they have, I would not be writing to you from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lousiville, KY.  In fact, I would not be involved to any degree with the Convention.  Their service has been necessary, despite the political fall out and obvious cronyism. However, from my own limited vantage point, the SBC leadership was not headed in a healthy direction.  My thoughts are mostly subjective, yet, it appeared to me that the up and coming proposed leaders have less theological depth, less biblical commitment and less substance biblically and spiritually speaking.  Their preaching ministries have been more reflective of the age of pragmatism than commitments to expository preaching and grounding their people in a biblical pattern of approaching life and ministry. This is not to say that the new leader of our Convention will be much different.  How he intends to broaden the participation is excitingly frightening [can I say that – yep, it’s my blog].  I can’t help but believe that theology will be less important in his approach to appointments.  That is the frightening thing.  Perhaps his appointments will include some fresh voices who have strong convictions, but because they did not run in the right political circles, have been... read more

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAELA!!!

Jun 27, 2006 | Personal

Michaela, we are so sorry that your dad could not be with you for your birthday today because of his class. But, we all celebrated with you today. Here’s a picture of your dad (David) and the cup cakes we enjoyed in honor of your 7th birthday. We hope its been a great... read more
Catching Up

Catching Up

Jun 27, 2006 | Personal

Some of the fun from Louisville this week: No word yet on the project.  I hope to know a little more before the end of the week.  Thanks to you who are praying. My cohort consists of four other men from different parts of the country.  We have been together through four DMin. seminars now, this week is our last.  David, from Missouri; Michael from Mississippi; Jason from Kentucky and Richard from Arkansas.  These are four awesome guys.  I’ve enjoyed their friendship and the fellowship we have had over the past year and a half.  It is hard to believe this is our last seminar together. We received word late last week that Richard would not be able to join us this week due to his wife having surgery.  We’ve been praying for Richard and his wife Karen throughout the week.  Richard – if you’re reading, it just isn’t the same without you.  Without you being here, I’m sure I will be able to convert the guys to be pre-trib, pre-mills by the week’s end!  We do miss you, and have been praying for you and your wife all week. I’ll blog a bit more on some of our outings later (it’s too late now).  I arrived in Louisville behind on a number of papers that needed to be turned in yesterday.  So, I have not had much more than about three to four hours of sleep each evening for the past seven days.  I’m feeling it now.  So, short blog now – more tomorrow.  I’ll up date you on the incredible looking car we have for the week,... read more

Deacons – Part 6

Jun 24, 2006 | Deacons, Ecclesiology

Philippians 1:1 Objections and Answers Outside of 1 Timothy 3, Philippians 1:1 is the only passage in the New Testament that specifically mentions an official group known as “deacons.”  MacArthur takes issues with the view that the office or position of “deacons” is spoken of in this passage, stating: The word here could refer to officers in the church, but the context does not seem to warrant such an interpretation. . . . The most natural interpretation of this verse is that Paul was addressing his letter to the whole church. . . . including the leadership and those who serve.  To say that Philippians 1:1 refers to the office of deacons might be correct, but it is an arbitrary choice.  There is not enough evidence to be dogmatic about what Paul is saying.[1] It is true that Paul is addressing his letter to the entire church in the city of Philippi.  Paul states, “to all the saints in Christ Jesus, those who are in Philippi . . .”[2]  It is further agreed that the following phrase, “with the overseers and deacons,” is not viewed as those outside the church but within. However, this writer finds several reasons why “overseers and deacons” both refer to official leadership positions within the church in Philippi.  First, the term translated “overseer” is used three other times in the New Testament to refer to those within the church who were official leaders (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1, 2; Titus 1:7).  In one of these passages (Titus 1:5-7) these leaders are also called by the synonymous term “elder.”[3]  Elders and overseers, in the sense... read more

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C.J., Lig, Al, Mark, et. al. Mark Dever and Company John Piper John MacArthur Phil Johnson and Friends the same says it all.