Memorial for Dr. Haddon W. Robinson

Gordon-Conwell's page for Dr. Robinson

A few of my notes from October 21, 1993, when Dr. Robinson was talking to us about "Making Dry Bones Live" (chapter 7 of Biblical Preaching): 

"Is your theology abstract?  Is it less than real?  Your theology must be stated in light of revelation and scripture.  And this is revealed in words, linguistic signs.  Objective, propositional revelation is the necessary way to get to the real God.  Not our experiences of Him.  Our experience must be in the word.  Moral laws for example, stop sign laws or fire laws, they are in words.  You don't break God's laws, you break yourself on them" 

And on using illustrations in sermons to make "dry bones live":

"You need more less than more. You're not a storyteller, you're a communicator of truth."

And finally some of the best advice I ever got: "Don't assume they know where Africa is." 

See you later, Dr. Robinson.

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

The Surprising Children of Spong

     This past week I heard another torturous talk from the venerable Bishop John Shelby Spong. This talk was very much unpleasant, as he is an arrogant grumpy old man full of vitriol for traditional Christian belief, who shores up his views with outdated narrow scholarship combined with tabloid science. And at the end of the talk he defiantly “claims the title” of Christian. Typical of the venerable Bishop John Shelby Spong, you say, so why be annoyed?

     I thought most everyone was tired of hearing his routine.  But then I realized his "gravitas" is giving some credibility to a view that is popular, as he was invited to speak at a recent “Progressive Christianity Conference." His talk is titled “Why Atonement Theology will Kill the Church.” It's not surprising that the venerable Bishop John Shelby Spong denies Christianity the atonement (on a quite spurious basis), but it is increasingly surprising to me that there is no difference, in any substantive way, between many of the venerable Bishop John Shelby Spong's views and the sentiments of say, Reverend Brian McLaren, Reverend Rob Bell, or even, practically, Pastor Joel Osteen.

     In other words, a more sugar-coated delivery of the same ideas makes one popular. These are all crystal clear examples of Christianity without Christ. Or, Christianity with a Jesus more palatable to modern sensitivities and political correctness. The venerable Bishop John Shelby Spong and his more popular co-conspirators in the end want people to be free from the idea that humanity has a sin problem that needs Saviour solution.

     So what does the venerable Bishop John Shelby Spong propose is the real problem? It is a doctrine of “incompleteness” or “imperfection,” of “humanity in need of its potential.” Sin is “not so,” but incompleteness is. Nevermind the semantic games, this is no different than Emergent leaders, no different than Osteen, or the Health & Wealth peddlers. This tired old message is gaining new ground with audiences who have no Biblical context, because it comes with a built-in excuse for ignoring the Bible's basic overall message about salvation through Christ. And yet, somehow, it still wants to be Christian.

     This is no different than the message delivered to Eve, that she really needed to eat of the fruit of the tree to be Godly; that God was, indeed, holding her back from her full potential. 

     I think we all need to be very careful when we listen or read from many of today's popular and progressive teachers.  There is a lot to say for being fresh and creative in applying the Bible to our everyday lives, but God may have a lot to say about being downright eager to re-write the clear overarching message of Scripture.  It is apparent to me that many of these smart people don't want new applications of scripture, but they want different scriptures altogether! 

     The Bible says, “Test the spirits, to see if they are from God.” Be sure you aren't one of those who will throw out both your common sense and the Bible.  And always remember, we need to repent and believe the Gospel, because we must be born again.

"A mist in the pulpit (still) becomes a fog in the pew."

You have to love Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages (Baker, 1980) by my former professor Haddon Robinson.  How could we then imagine the thousands of sermons that would flow from our introductory preaching classes with Haddon and Dr. Scott Gibson?  Those were the days...or rather, these are still the days!  Preaching, with Biblical Theology, is a never-ending life-consuming pursuit.  Today I'm reminded of why the basics are called the basics:

"Explanation proves difficult if the expositor does not know his audience.  The more familiar he is with a subject, the less aware he may be of a congregation's ignorance of it.  The people in the pew live in a different intellectual world from their pastor.  Indeed they support him financially so that he can study what they cannot.  He must not assume that his listeners immediately understand what he is talking about.  He owes them a clear explanation of exactly what he means.  As a guiding rule, a speaker should define every important term in language the audience understands.  Certainly it is better to define too many terms than too few.  Explaining the relationships and implications of ideas, we should know the explanation ourselves so clearly that no vagueness exists in our own minds.  Then we should work through the steps in the explanation so that they come in a logical or psychological order.  A mist in the pulpit becomes a fog in the pew." (p. 141)

There should be no pride in preaching, but a sober and humble effort to both speak from the heart of God and speak to the hearts of people.  Here's to continually clearing out the mist!

It's Simply Apocalyptic: False Teaching is Very Popular

All these years later and things are still the same.  The only difference is the labels on the "camps" have changed.  I confidently maintain that the local church is the outpost of the Kingdom of God, and likely the mini-kingdoms of man-centered, world-loving religion are not.  They are popular, but free beer also draws a crowd. Why do we buy their books, tapes, and seminars and rallies?

Who, exactly, are YOU listening to?  What message do they bring to you?

2 Peter 2:1-3  But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.  Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Copyright © 2015 HarperCollins Christian Publishing

It's Going To Be An Issue

I don't often just re-post items, but this is a good analysis, done quickly after the oral arguments last week. I hope the trend is reversed in days to come. What does the Bible say that we can expect? Don't play along...

Article: "It is Going To Be and Issue" by Albert Mohler

Will Gay Marriage "shut down" the churches in years to come? 

Encouragement for Praying Christians

From Rolling Roads Baptist Church Reminder,  March 2015

“Encouragement for a Praying Church”

Our church is a busy place, full of busy Christians. We involve ourselves in many aspects of ministry and Kingdom of God work. In all our activity, we can't forget that one of the top priorities we have from God is praying. It is an honor for Christians to share one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2, 9-10). However, the “labor of prayer” is not for the faint of heart! If we take this work seriously, we will find how difficult it can be. Often prayers are not answered in the way we expect, and so we may become confused or discouraged. Sometimes we don't ever hear of an answer; we've just prayed in faith and left the answer to God. We are in danger sometimes of getting so engrossed in the details of situations people share, so that we almost forget to pray!

I believe strongly that the foundation for prayer is the promise of God. God is not unpredictable or capricious, as some would tell us. Rather, God's people are in a secure, unchangeable covenant relationship with Him through Christ. God has made manifold promises to His people. Among these are that He will not leave us hopeless in any circumstance. In Luke 11:13 Jesus says, “...how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” In Romans 15:13 Paul prays, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” So our labor of prayer is always an expression of hope-filled dependence on the God of promise, who loves us and gives His life to us. So no matter the challenges of prayer, may we always fulfill the commands of I Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Happy because of Jesus,

Pastor James

Frequent Church Attendance Again

Here we go!

http://www.gallup.com/poll/181601/frequent-church-attendance-highest-utah-lowest-vermont.aspx?utm_source=Social%20Issues&utm_medium=newsfeed&utm_campaign=tiles

Blessed by PBA Annual Meeting

Last night's Piedmont Baptist Association meeting was a great experience.  I really enjoyed seeing several people that I hadn't seen in a while, some in ten years!  What's not to like about being among people who truly are "friends in the business" of Christian ministry and outreach?  Especially when they come up to you, remember your name from years ago, and genuinely express interest and best wishes for your work!  Not to mention the encouragement of knowing others who are not only plodding along in pastoral ministry, but also who are active and intentional in support ministries that reach our church members outside of the walls, encouraging them during the week.  The (sort of selfish) take away from all this is that I'm almost certain to reduce the feelings of isolation that have dogged me during ministry.  If I will plug in firmly to this family of Christians to which I obviously belong, God will use them to help me stay encouraged.  Unhealthy isolation is no good in any context; and it is abundantly clear to me that in pastoral ministry it leaves one wide-open to big time discouragement.  And we all know where discouragement leads.  Will you help hold me accountable to this PBA family?  Will you consider taking an active part in locally cooperative activities along with me?

Also, this meeting was historic in that it was the first time the annual meeting has been hosted in a predominantly black church. This enabled us to have a likely unique worship experience with the St. Paul's Youth Choir.  One concern that was expressed openly was that many on the 2015 leadership team are sporting bald heads (on purpose mostly). What does this mean? 2 Kings 2:23 says "Go on up, you bald-head! Go on up you bald-head!" but in this case let's hope for much different results as a truly cooperative PBA impacts the Triad in every way, in every nation, every neighborhood, and every neighbor.

Another reason to stick to the basics

I missed this article earlier in the year, but I did read the how-to guide.  Are you comfortable with this sort of "method" in your church services?  Is this different than what is used at the mass crusades when the counselors come forward first when the alter call is given?

RNS Article about not-so spontaneous "Spontaneous Baptisms"

Is your worship a mirror of heaven?

We looked into Revelation 5 this past week.  One of the striking things is the way in which the worship in heaven of the Lamb and the One who sits on the throne is mirrored on earth. "And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and in the sea, and all things that are in them heard I saying, Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever." (v.13)  This is right after a similar declaration in heaven by others in verses 11-12.  I believe we can have heavenly worship right where we live today.  In our homes, wherever we are, and in our churches.  This worship can mirror what heaven must be like. We can be on guard that we go "in order to" worship (verb) and never just "to observe" worship (noun).  When worship is only a noun we degenerate into spectators who expect entertainment.  Remember, God is the observer in our worship (verb).  Too often we unconsciously expect to observe others' efforts at spiritual entertainment.  We can do this at the movies or concerts, but not in a Christian worship service.  There we are, in community, "on the spot" before the Lord as it were.  And remember (please) worship is not a means to an end, it IS the end.

The Church Experience

The Church Experience

Participating at Church can positively affect your life, in a significant way.

If your Church puts an emphasis on effectively serving the poor...

If your Church attunes you to new spiritual insights and understandings...

If your Church encourages you to have a real and personal connection with God...

If you know that you are a part of a group that truly cares for each other...

Be less than this, want less than this, and see what happens.

see http://www.barna.org/images/stories/church-exp-tradition-2.png

Church Leadership and Antagonism

 John 10 speaks of "hirelings" or "substitutes for the real thing" who want to "climb up some other way."  Where leaders get into trouble is with independent acting, outside of the confines of congregational life in love.  When we step out alone in public ways (without our leaders or church members on board) we are endangering the fragile relationship between clergy and laity. Often church members won't understand what we are thinking since they are focused only on our independent (re:trouble-making) actions!  Such independent action may be symptom of the sinful desire to be Pastor/leader outside of the congregational life, so that the church serves us and not we the church. 

Servant leaders will lead from the heart if we are willing to exercise independent spiritual thinking.  Following the ineffable lead of God's Holy Spirit, welling up from within, under the guidance of Scripture, we can lead with integrity.  This is about conversation, about communication, about bringing people together with how God is leading the shepherd.   It is about persuasion, convincing, and challenging within the church.  For me, this is an implication of John's imagery of the good shepherd.  In Baptist life much of leadership is about consultation and conversation, reaching understandings, and moving forward.  It is about free pulpits and free people, but not clashing mavericks clamoring for attention with the trappings of the church but without its authority.  Churches should not exist to validate pastors' desires or egos, but their callings.  Is the calling to love and serve others who love Christ, or to be affirmed and served in one's own desires?

Urgent: Ephesians 2:8-10 needed badly!

So people say, "we have a lot of churches needing pastors."  And I say, "Well, ain't nern called me yet."  Then they says, "Problem is ain't none them churches y'ed want no how."

This is coming from people and clergy who ought to know better, and is being repeated, sometimes meaner than others:  "You wouldn't want to go there and pastor."  [The meanest was, "They ought to close down and give their property to (local megachurch wannabe)."]

Well, call me dumb, but I think that attitude is a problem.  It reveals an insanely unspiritual corporate job/career/professional viewpoint of Christianity that STILL creeps me out.

The issue has never been whether or not churches have problems.  Or whether some got's more problems than others.  Or whether Christians got problems.  Or whether churches can sin like crazy. 

The fact is Christians is people.  And people in groups can sin much more efficiently than they can by themselves.  Isn't it all about redemption and healing through dependence upon God? "...and that not of yourselves...."

How do I know this?  Because I am one of em.  Yep, ministers is people, too.  And people sin, some more one day, some less the next day, some quite well, some with difficulty.  Point is that there ain't no church more broken than I have been, or even am. Welcome to earth!

So what church is good enough for me?!?  That is the criteria for a call in this modern megachurch goin' straight to h^ll, world loving man-centered religion?!?

Better this: What church am I good enough for?  Now THAT question only God can answer, folks.  

Our attitude ought to be one of dependence on God and not our own perfections.  If churches have to be "good enough" to call a pastor, then God help us all.  We all have to come to the end of ourselves spiritually, realize that we have a need for God as individuals and in community, humble ourselves, give over our sin to the power of God, and accept and receive his forgiveness and redemption.  This is about love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  I hope.

Now, don't that sound better than "get your act together or die?"  I'm telling you, there is no grace left in modern megachurch goin' straight to h^ll, world loving man-centered religion.  It's all about performance, perfection, and spiritual self-sufficiency. "How do you stack up against the big dogs?"  No one tells you that the "big dogs" got that way by...(the spiritual equivalent of free beer).

Here's to all them imperfect churches out there without perfect pastors, waiting for Superman. (He ain't coming, especially if he says he is.)  "...we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we might walk in them..."

I just mean...dern y'all.  Fix this attitude now and stop discouraging one another.

What happens in a great worship service 

in 2011?

• There is some keyboard based band, with live instruments
• There is a real loud organ
• There are music leaders, singers
• There are visual enticements and helps
• There is recitation of belief and focus
• There is strong congregational singing, reading, participation, praying, testimony
• There is a lot of prayer
• There is lots of Scripture, treated reverently
• There is a strong message, meaningful, intelligent and challenging
• There is a call to response and action and commitment

In summary, there is worship…

Encouragement from 2 Timothy 4

Is church ministry work a popularity contest?  Many people think so- since their personal opinion is the one most often considered!  But the Bible doesn't leave us bewildered, it gives us power through encouragement to "hang in there."  Check this out, all you discouraged people...

"So, with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you to preach God’s message. Do it willingly, even if it isn’t the popular thing to do. You must correct people and point out their sins. But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient. But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well."

This is from the Contemporary English Version, a great modern reading version that was actually the product of some hard work, not just computer manipulation.  I'd encourage people who don't read the Bible much to grab a CEV and dig in!  Start with Leviticus and see how neat it is!

Misunderstanding

Here's a great one about simple misunderstanding- and "deflection!"

A preacher said to a farmer, "Do you belong to the Christian family?" "No," said he, "they live two farms down." "No, no, I mean are you lost?"  "No, I've been here 30 years."  "I mean are you ready for Judgment Day?"  "When is it?" "It could be today or tomorrow."  "Well, when you find out for sure when it is, you let me know.  My wife will probably want to go both days!"

- from O' For the Life of A Preacher!, Rev. Leon Hill, Baxter Lane Company, 1975, p.34.

I'll probably post some more gems from this book when they seem to fit the day!