Convergent...or Converging...that is NOT the question

This past weekend, Southeastern Seminary hosted a conference about a popular topic (or an unpopular topic) - the Emerging Church. It was called the Convergent Conference.

Some key people in this discussion were present on the campus of the old Wake Forest College (now the Demon Deacons of Winston-Salem) to lead this dialogue: Dr. J. D. Greear, Dr. Alvin Reid, Ed Stetzer, Mark Driscoll, Dr. Danny Akin. If you weren't able to make it to the conference (like me), you do have the opportunity to listen to it thanks to the media services at Southeastern. If you have any interest in this area of church/missiology/theology/culture - then you should definitely spend some time in the next few days to listen to these messages. I've listened to Driscoll's now twice and am sure I could still glean more from it.

JD did a great job on Acts 16 - noting how Paul reached different types of people and broke the customs of his day - but didn't water down the gospel at all.
Stetzer, who works for Lifeway in Nashville, spoke on the church and who we are. He asked why the church is in decline in North America? It is mainly because we have forgot the Jesus message that should define us and we have become ineffective: we have lost our passion and we must truly not want to see the world change. If we had those two things - we would be doing church differently in most of our churches. Two other things he said that were important enough for me to write down: "you can't love Jesus and hate his wife" - (my friend wrote a blog post on that, go check it out as well), "we fall in love with the forms" - He was talking about how we fall in love with the form of church (worship, carpet, evangelism programs, etc) but then we fall out of love with Jesus. The forms aren't the things that are going to save of us from hell and give us abundant life. No programs ever saved people. They were instruments - not the Savior. Jesus is that!
I want to talk mainly about what Mark Driscoll said. He has gotten somewhat of a bad reputation within conservative circles, some were even surprised by Southeastern bringing him to the campus. But, his theology is right on - no one could fault him on his theology. So maybe he practices it a little differently than we do...
Anyway...Dr. Akin asked him to categorize the Emerging Movement for the audience. This was very helpful. Everyone linked to this movement is not necessarily in the same boat.
He set up three categories if you will: relevance (the "cool church"), new reformed (nicer version of the old reformed), and revisionist (these are the ones that we need to be concerned about).
He would put the following people in the Relevance camp: Dan Kimball, Donald Miller (of Blue Like Jazz fame), and Erwin McManus (he is also speaking at the Catalyst Conference coming up soon). These (as far as he is concerned) do not have anything wrong with their theology, they aren't heretics.
The Revisionist Camp would be people like Doug Pagitt, Rob Bell, and Brian McLaren: These are ones who have left the Scriptural faith and have opted for their own theology. They use books in their writings from people from the Jesus Seminar and ones who believe in Open Theology (that God is bipolar and still evolving). Driscoll said that he heard McClaren say that he didn't want to take a side on homosexuality because he didn't want to hurt either side. Sin is sin - as Driscoll pointed out that any sexual activity outside of a heterosexual marriage is sin. I loved what he said about taking stances on God's Word: "When God speaks, we aren't to converse, we are to obey."
The New Reformed people would be folks like Joshua Harris, CJ Mahaney, John Piper, Matt Chandler, JD, Mark Driscoll, young pastors who preach longer expository sermons and want to preach the Word, call people out of sin, to trust in Jesus, and to change the world with the love of Jesus.
If I had to be in a "camp", I would definitely choose this last one. And I'm not just saying that. I am not just saying that because some would call it the right camp, because frankly I know a lot of people who fall into the other ones. I honestly haven't read Blue Like Jazz or Velvet Elvis (although this is the book I'm working through when I go to B&N for the evening) or Generous Orthodoxy.
But, you know, as I've been in seminary and out of seminary...I've learned church and the Christian life is not about being in a camp, although some people might want it that way.
I figure this:
God is holy
Jesus is both God and man
Man is sinful and is going to a final hell without Jesus
Jesus died on the cross as my only way of salvation
The Spirit regenerated me
Salvation is by grace alone and faith alone
The church has a command to reach the world with the uncompromised Gospel of Jesus
The Bible is the true utterance of God - he spoke it through the Spirit to the writers.
The Word is sufficient.
We need to be going out in the "real" world and reaching the lost of our cities: something that JD and Mark and Dr. Reid are doing on a normal basis. Driscoll may go to places I won't - but why won't I go? Dr. Reid wants young people and students in his churches that have earrings and long hair - what is wrong with that - why don't some of our churches want them in their's? JD spends his time and his staff's time in the "slums" of Durham reaching them, ministering to them, LOVING them with the love of Jesus and the cross. That is what all of us should be doing. Why aren't we?
Dr. Patterson preached on 2 Tim 4 - this is the truth the churches should be doing. We have to change our methods - but we CANNOT change our message:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

New CBMW Site and Blog

Since about 2000, I have been greatly influenced by the ministry of CBMW: Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Their ministry in teaching, producing, and highlighting the Biblical foundations for gender roles has influenced my teaching and understanding of Scripture on this subject. This gender role topic plays into every area of life: dating, marriage, family, church, ministry, politics, etc. This is not a topic that can be ignored. While I was in NC I saw it taught and lived well both in the classroom and in the home.
CBMW has a new site - just came out less than a week ago. Included on that site is a blog dealing with all things related to gender roles. I would definitely recommend saving the link to your favorites folder, read it daily, listen to the messages they have linked on the site.
Also, the JBMW is the Journal - all students need to get it and read it (it is cheap, don't worry, you can afford it). It has been a help to me in my seminary career, but more importantly, it has helped as I've had discussions with pastors about this topic, girls on what ministry they can and can't do, how marriages should work - especially when arguments take place, or when girls are dating and want to know about submission.
Check it out - it will be a help to you.

Simple Hospitality

At a friend's home this weekend (where hospitality is done so well), I picked up a book called Simple Hospitality by Jane Jarrell. I love reading about this discipline, even though in a dorm it is very hard to practice it (in the home that is). But I can still practice hospitality outside the home and gear up for it when I move to an apt in early December. I'm so ready!
Mrs. Jarrell made this book very readable and applicable. She had strategically placed tips at the end of each chapter that would serve as reminders of what the chapter was about and give you some quick tips.
I loved her explaining hospitality and what home is - a place of comfort, relaxation, but also one of healing and pleasure and friendship and safety and warmth.
For me - it was eye opening. Sometimes my hospitable acts are more attempts to show people how well I can cook and entertain. That is not the law of hospitality in Scripture. It is doing unto others and not caring about self. That is where I need the grace of God! As I continue to practice hospitality (b/c it is a command), I pray that I would get out of the way and make welcome other people.
I have great examples of this in my life - whom I hope to watch and learn from:
Misty and Cory Harp
Lindsay and Brad Weldy
Phyllis and Billy Robshaw
Rachael Woodworth
Elizabeth and Jeremy Beeler
Lisa and Matt Moseley
Clarissa and Bob Bacon

They need to all get together and write a book - it would be a best seller! :)
Thanks for all you do for the command of hospitality - letting God's love and light shine through you.

a day in the life of a college football fan

Wow - what a day in college football. If you have tivo'd any of your games and don't want to find out how they end - watch them, then come back! :)

Gators - with so many STINKIN' penalties (I wonder what they will be working on this week) - still pulled out a W against the Rebels. How do you kill UT one week then barely win against Ole Miss the next? Haven't figured that one out yet! Urban is still a brilliant coach!

UGA - pulls out a victory. I was pulling for Richt's team because they were both SEC, so I had to pull for the East team. You gotta stick with your division - its all about loyalty. Plus, I think Mark is a better coach than Nick.

Spurrier got beat in the Bayou. They held with them a little bit, but then they just couldn't play - and that fantastic little fake punt...what a play!

App State - they beat Michigan and lose to Wofford - what is up with that? You can never tell each week in college football what will happen?

UNC looked pathetic today against the very impressive first time ever ranked in the top 25 USF Bulls. Don't worry - I'm not jumpin' on the latest Florida Football bandwagon - but their QB is great, and UNC's threw way too many INTs.

And now that I live in L-ville - I'm still not a L-ville fan (I'd rather cheer for the Wildcats because they are SEC), they lose again, 2 losses in a row, pretty soon, they'll be unranked again!

I guess that is about it. Tomorrow is Colts and Bucs (in their own games). Gotta love football weekends in the fall! :)

Go Gators!

Intimacy with Jesus and Powerful Hymns

Today's chapel was very good. The preaching, but I stuck mostly on the call to worship verses that were read. Kinda get a verse stuck in your head - then you go with that. All the music fit in with it as well.
The verse was right after a very familiar passage, but I don't think I've ever concentrated on these verses before:
John 10.14-15
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father..."

If I call myself a follower of Jesus - than I am one of his sheep (as this passage calls me). Then I am supposed to know Jesus and be known by Jesus just as the Father knows the Son and vice versa. Think about that - what does that entail?

Jesus was one with the Father.
Jesus took time to spend with the Father.
Jesus talked with the Father.
Jesus listened to the Father.
Jesus knew the Father's Words (the OT).
Jesus went about the work that His Father gave Him to do.
Jesus didn't grumble and complain b.c his Father gave him something to do.
Jesus told others about the One whom He was so close to.
Jesus put his relationship with His Father above all else.
Jesus was obedient to the Father above all.

Now, what does that look like for me?
Am I one with Jesus? Do I know his heart and his passions and his wants and desires for my life? Do I talk with Jesus as often as Jesus did the Father? Do I know the Words of Scripture as completely as Jesus did? Am I always about the work of Jesus here on this earth?
Do I put my relationship with Him above all else?

Lately - I would have to say I'm intimate with my computer, Facebook, ESPN, my Sodoku book, James MacDonald sermons, JD Greear sermons, iTunes. While those aren't bad things in and of themselves - if they take the priority space - than they become a distraction - slothful as JD preached a few weeks ago.

Here are the songs we sang today: (it wasn't as good as ABC's version on the GO Cd, but still the song was good.
"Come Thou Fount" -
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

"Before the Throne of God Above" ( I love this one - Hebrews all wrapped in a song)
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

"In Christ Alone" - not as good as the Summit or Faith, but again, the song kept its meaning:
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Prince Caspian

I have been working my way (very slowly) through the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. I finally finished Prince Caspian this evening - enjoying it very much. Here are some things that stood out to me:

Sometimes the desparation in the journey is because we see our enemy and not our Champion. The travelers got so weary when looking for Prince Caspian - Lucy had seen Aslan, but the others hadn't. When we look to our Champion we have the strength to fight the enemy and withstand his evil schemes - but we face defeat when we look to our own strength.

The Journey - it is often one we don't like or we see things that we don't think should be happening - or sometimes we think we have headed down a wrong road. Sometimes we can't see the cliffs or the river to lead our way. But, we rest assured in the sovereignity of our God - knowing He is leading and in control the whole time.

I love how Lewis portrays the awesomeness of Aslan - in conveying the glory of Christ. "Even the Red Dwarfs, who knew that he came as a friend, stood with open mouths and could not speak." We often get so familiar with God as our friend and companion - that we forget Him as our High King. He is the Majestic One over all - Ruler and Creator. Yes, He is our friend - praise Him - but we mustn't forget His Alpha and Omega-ness.

"Do you feel yourself sufficient to take up the kingship of Narnia?" "I don't think I do, Sir. I'm only a kid." "Good, if you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been a proof that you were not." This continues to guide me back to the thought of poverty of spirit. We are nothing - not we become nothing. We were dead in our trespasses. Until Christ.

Now, onto the Dawn Treader.

College Football Saturday

Many things happened on Saturday in NCAA football.

1. Poor UNC - was going for the tie at home against UVA and couldn't pull out the 2-point conversion. But, give Butch Davis a full self-recruited team - UNC will be up there in the ACC.
2. DUKE finally won one - they had lost 22 in a row. So excited for them. Too bad it was an away game so many "fans" weren't there to see it.
3. Miss State beating Auburn - that hardly happens too, guess we may be getting into a new era in the SECW. Yes, I am aware that Alabama and LSU are still winning.
4. My Gators won in true Gator fashion against an arch rival early in the SEC season by beating UT. The power of the Orange and Blue won out! Tebow did great. Cam Newton is going to be a good one too. They settled down some on their penalties from the previous two weeks. They gotta work on their tackling - you just can't think you stop them, you gotta stay with it till the whistle is blown. Next week we take the Chomp Show on the road to Mississippi - we'll see what happens there. We gotta prepare hard for LSU - probably our biggest game of the regular season.
5. ND - since when have they ever been 0-3? At halftime they already chalked Michigan with the win - that was odd. Then I saw the score - no wonder. Are they just not showing up for the games?
6. Erin must be extremely happy with the way Stoops' Sooners are killing every team they play - but, Erin, you know where Bob learned all his magic! :)
7. UCF almost had an amazing upset - but to no avail. Close only counts in hand grenades and horseshoes.
8. I'm sure Urban was excited that his old team beat UCLA in true "Gator" fashion - that was a nice upset for the day.
9. The Wolf Pack finally won a game under their new head coach. I'm sure Jen is excited to finally be able to yell Go Pack in her new UNCW land.
10. The AR-AL game would have been an exciting one to watch. Brad has got to be happy he recorded it and will hopefully find time to watch it - at least the 4th qtr. Most people were saying AL was going to win handedly, but AR made it a better game than most thought.
11. I think the Gators better watch out for the game in Nov against their old head coach at SC now - they won big yesterday and seem to be improving. Gator fans know the coaching styles of the fun and gun offense - I hope we don't go in too cocky for our own good?
12. Kentucky - going with the upset. I was glad - always have to pull for an SEC team, especially one that you see lose so many times when they play the Gators.
13. Poor Blue Raiders - but really, what can mean teams do against LSU - I hope we aren't held pointless against them when we go to Baton Rouge in 2 weeks.
14. The time difference didn't hurt FSU any last night...way to pull out a win late!

Today is the NFL - let's see how the Colts and Bucs do today

The Bleeding of the Evangelical Church

This book by David F. Wells (Gordon-Conwell) for the most part painted an accurate picture of the church in the 21st Century. I think there are some churches scattered around that do not line-up with this portrayal, but for the most part, I think he is accurate.
Here are some of his statements:
"The importance of theology is eclipsed by the clamor for management skills, biblical preaching by entertaining story-telling, godly character by engaging personalities, and the work of the ministry by the art of sustaining a career." Ethos is a word I heard (in relation to the local church) a few weeks ago while visiting with a former pastor. That seemed to be his "word of the week". It was what the church was about - its mission - bringing the lost to Christ - exalting Jesus in the dark area of the Triangle. Now, most churches use that term in a business term and want to run their churches like businesses. I do believe God wants us to run our churches well for the sake of the gospel - but not by shortchanging the gospel message.

"91% of people say that God is very important to them but 66% go on to say that they do not believe in moral absolutes, and 67% do not believe in absolute truth." How can all those things be separate? If we say that God is important to us - shouldn't the things that God holds important be important to us: morality according to HIS standards and TRUTH? I think most of us want God to be important to us so we can gain Heaven and have "fire insurance" but lack the poverty in Spirit to say that we want to live our lives by the nudging of the Spirit for living by a different set of standards.

"An evangelical faith that is not passionate about truth and righteousness is a faith which is a lost cause."

(Speaking of the Word) "It does not rest consequentially upon us." How often do I read the Word and have it not change me - in my innermost being? This is what happens in most of our churches on Sunday mornings. First, most of the churches in America barely have to open the Bible on Sunday mornings, but then how many of us can even tell others what the sermon was about? I heard one time that a person liked a sermon. When asked why, she said the liked the story about the dog. What does a dog have to do the gospel of Jesus? She couldn't remember what the sermon was about, what text was used, or truth revealed - but she like the dog story. That is a serious problem in our churches.

When I speak to women - I want the thing they remember to be the Word of Truth that was brought to them in grace and humility - the power of the Sword of the Spirit. I don't want them to remember what I wore, if I had my haircut that day, the video that was played. There is life changing power in the Truth of God's Word. Why aren't more of us using it in our churches during the week?

Some God and Jesus Thoughts

Continuing my reading of the book of Acts - I loved chapter 7 that I read last night. I got so used to reading the name of God and seeing what He did for the nation of Israel - that I decided to write them down. This is a list that I came up with, but most decidedly not exhaustive...
- God appeared
- God moved people
- God promised
- God spoke
- God will judge the nations
- God rescued
- God gave
- God set up kingdoms
- God showed Himself
- God demanded worship
- God showed up!

That same very God is the same very God that acts on our behalf today. No matter what we are facing...He ACTS! Not for our glory - but for His. He is faithful and will do it.

Then a phrase that was read in chapel today was that "Jesus is the EXACT of the Father" - maybe not verbatim, but that was the gist and EXACT was used. I loved that. It excited me. That is what we have to take a lost and dying world - especially cults that believe that Jesus truly isn't the Son of God, or He really isn't God in the flesh. He was just a good prophet, etc. Those are all lies. HE IS THE EXACT REPRESENTATION of the FATHER. That is what the gospel writer, John says. Since the Word says it, we can believe it!

J.D. Greear and Watermark

As I sat here today in my new home (a dorm room) I heard a song on my iTunes that brought a smile to my face - I grabbed the nearest pen and wrote it down. I've always loved this line, but hearing it again tonight made it even clearer.

Something JD said in a sermon many years ago came to mind too. Being in the presence of God is the safest place to be. God doesn't demand that I be someone I'm not. He loves me and desires to shape me into the image of Jesus. But, He knows everything about me. He knows when I'm doing stuff for show, when I'm prideful, when I'm weak, when I'm intimidated, when I'm doubtful about the abilities that He has given me, when I'm trying to be someone I'm not, when I'm tired and all I wanna do is sit down and watch football. And yet - HE STILL LOVES ME. That is one of the best quotes I've ever heard from JD - and I've heard a lot of them. Thanks JD!

Now for the quote:

Watermark (Nathan and Christy Nockels):

from the song "Captivate" from the CD The Purest Place:

"and your fellowship is free" - just dwell on that and see if it doesn't bring a since of peace to your chaotic life!

May the Mind of Christ, My Savior

Most times I sing an old hymn that I don't know and never have heard of, I just blah through it. But, tonight, as I sang this old hymn as the benediction (all 6 verse), I loved them because they were very biblical verses.
May the Mind of Christ My Savior


May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day, By His love and power controlling All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph Only through His power.
May the peace of God my Father Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea; Him exalting, self abasing, This is victory.
May I run the race before me, Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus As I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me, As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel, Seeing only Him.

Church, football, and familiarity

Churches and football. Two staples to every fall weekend. This weekend was no different - although my partaking of the two looked strangely different than in falls past.
First...church
Went to two churches today that couldn't have possibly been any more different. There were several things they had in common: Baptist, in Louisville, friendly, Bible-preaching. That's just about where the similarities end. One is a mega church with multi-sites. Lights, camera, action. I loved the friendliness of the ladies in the small group as well as the teacher and the hospitality of lunch afterwards.
This evening I went to a smaller church located in Old Louisville modeled after Mark Dever's church in DC. It was all of one age, one class, middle, young (22-32), a new pastor coming in a few weeks from DC (CHBC).
I felt like I fit in at the bigger one because they were more like me in some ways. The second one, although friendly, conservative, reformed, Bible-teaching - I didn't feel like I was perfect enough to attend there (I wasn't married and didn't have kids). Every word that came out of my mouth wasn't about being a wife, mother, or soaking in grace. Is that a real church? I'm not being critical - just honest.
I don't know how I feel about multi-site churches. I need to think and pray about that. And even though the small group was great - I don't like sitting - I like to be doing. I haven't sat in a SS class to "learn" in almost 12 years (with a little bit in the middle there where I did sit and learn). Its weird.
So, needless to say - neither of those churches will probably be where I end up here in L-ville.

now...for football.

The SEC had a pretty good day yesterday. UF won - although I hope they play the rest of the calendar like the first half and not the second half. We were two different teams. We must show up to play the Vols next week - that is one game we can't lose - especially since it is in the swamp. All three Florida teams lost today in the NFL opening weekend.
The one thing that was different was I listened to these games on the radio (via computer) or just kept up with them via ESPN or NFL.com. Thank goodness for the computer!

One thing I would like after my first weekend in KY - Familiarity. That is a precious thing to me. I did meet a person from Mulberry today - go figure, Polk Countians way up here!

Mercy Me - Bring the Rain

I remember the first time I heard this song - I was on I-4 near I-drive in dtown Orlando. I knew it was Mercy Me singing but knew I hadn't heard the song. It was amazing. It wasn't even the roughest time that I had while being at home. But, God knew I would need that song later. A week or two after hearing it on the radio, Jason and the worship team did it at the request of James at OC. They did a great job!
This morning I got in my car to go "explore" L-ville and the first thing I heard when I turned on my radio was the number 1 song in CCMland - Bring the Rain, 3 weeks in a row. Still a great song. Here are the lyrics. I pray they are an encouragement to your faith.

I can count a million times People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me Can circumstances possibly Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of the clouds that may loom above
because you are much greater than my pain
you who made a way for me suffering your destiny so tell me whats a little rain
[1st Chorus]

Holy, holy, holyHoly, holy, holy is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty I'm forever singing

Southern Seminary Learning

Well, I've been in KY for 3 days now, so I thought I would sit down and post some thoughts...

1. Always think the worst - then when you are surprised with the better - it will make your day. I thought I was going to have a small dorm room and no kitchen. But, I have the end unit, by myself, with a sink (still across the hall from bathrooms and showers), big closet, much desk space and storage space, a dorm kitchen that is big (but doesn't always function right), and it is actually quieter than I thought.

2. Louisville is really big. There are so many interstates. 65, 64, 264, 265, 71 just to name a few and everywhere is traffic. But, I am learning my way around.

3. No SUPER anything nearby. There is no S Walmart or Target close to me. What is wrong with that picture? I've always lived near one of those stores. Durham it was around the corner, WF they were both less than 2 miles, Raleigh, it was a few minutes. Lakeland it was 3 miles. Last night I went to a Walmart Neighborhood Market (just food and beauty stuff), but today I'm going across the River into IN to get to the nearest one.

4. I love knowing people. Ok, so I only know a few people here in Louisville, but I'm very grateful for the ones I know. Brad and Lindsay have been lifesavers with directions, moving in help, homecooked meal (cashew chicken and oreo dessert), and a place to watch football. "Dr. Parker", Shane, has been great in the office because I knew him at Southeastern too. His wife has been out of town, but I look forward to seeing some of Lexington when I take them up on their offer for dinner sometime. He is a pastor there. I'm looking forward to seeing Jaye on Monday when she gets in.

5. God is still a God of answering prayers for His glory! He gave me this job less than 2 weeks ago. Now, I'm here. He gave me a better room than I thought. I'm already meeting college girls (since I live in the college girls' dorm). He gave me people I know here. He is even in the business of answering small prayers - like letting me do real well on my clerical tests I had to take the other day and calmed my nerves when I was taken them. Thank you JESUS!

Anyway, those are the top 5 things I've learned in 3 days. More to come later - and I promise i'll shoot you some pictures at some point.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

No, I'm not talking about Christmas time - I'm talking about FALL. Many things are changing. Today is September 1. We are out of the summer months, but not quite out of the season, but it is coming.
When I was younger - my favorite day of the year (no kidding) was orientation at Lakeland Christian when our teachers gave us our supply list in elementary and in ms and hs we got our class schedule, our locker, book list, etc. Then I would make a trip to Walmart or some place like that to buy pencils, pens, paper, notebooks - I loved it!
Now there are two other reasons I love the FALL.
Today is the first Saturday of the 2007-2008 NCAA College football season. Florida is going in as reigning national champs, but are not considered to be a top contender for the crown again - as USC is supposed to take it. But, I'll still take the Blue and Orange any day. Tebow and Urban make a good match with some great players coming up - but many shoes to fill. Top games this season are LSU, UGA, UT, SC, and FSU.
The second thing is that on Tuesday I'm moving back to the "frozen tundra" as my brother called it - (anything north of the Suwannee River) - Kentucky. I love having seasons (not 2 feet of snow but seasons). The campus of SBTS is pretty and it will be gorgeous when the leaves start changing! I'm excited. Many pictures will be shown!
So - enjoy the fall - I love it. And - GO GATORS!

Open Wide and I Will Fill It

The faithfulness of God has impressed me once again. I get so discouraged in my situation that I often despair and wonder how God can move...silly and foolish me.

Ps 30.11-12 "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing. you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness that my glory my sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God I will give thanks to you forever.

Ps 54.6-7 "With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you, I will give thanks to your name O Lord, for it is good. For he has delivered me from every trouble.

Jer 31.25 "For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.

These are all verses I have read in the last three days...

Big move is on the way - and soon.

On Tuesday I will pack my ford Taurus and move to Louisville Ky. No, I won't become a UK fan or a Cardinal fan, I'll still pull for my Gators! Whoohoo College football is here!

I will be working at Southern Seminary in the Dean of the Lead School's office, Dr. Randy Stinson. I've read his work and heard all about him, now I get the chance to work for him.

I'll also have the opportunity to continue my schooling while I'm there at an amazing school and do ministry.

Prayer requests:

1. Money to be exactly what I need.

2. Smooth transition for all involved

3. The college ministry at Stetson University

4. A church in Louisville where hopefully I can get plugged into college ministry as well.

5. Traveling mercies (I get to see a dear friend from high school).

Who would have thought that my first visit to Southern's campus 10 days ago would so soon become my new home?

Thanks for the prayers!

GRAND

I hit 1000 hits on the blog today. What a milestone. Some have tons more in a shorter amount of time, but oh, well. This is fun!
Thanks for visiting!

Steeples

I love taking pictures of churches - especially either pretty ones, old ones, fancy ones, different ones, etc. I love seeing church steeples from a distance as I travel by or walk around. I was thinking about this especially on Saturday as I was in Ft. Wayne, In and I saw tons as I walked around the 5 or so blocks of downtown.

I was thinking though of how lost our cities are - there are so many people who don't know Jesus - yet we have so many pretty steeples. There is something wrong with that.

Let us all go and love our cities - not just gaze at pretty steeples.

Friends A Long Way Off

I got to see many friends while I was traveling this week. Chuck and Corrine and kids (Genesis, Ashton, and Gabriel) I hadn't seen in 7 years - wow, that's a long time. Genesis was very little the last time I saw them. I went up to their house in northern IN - thanks Chuck for driving to FtW to pick me up! That evening was such a blessing! Even losing in Trivial Pursuit - oh, well. I can't win all the time!

Brad and Lindsay - thank you so much for your hospitality! You guys are amazing - I love watching your family grow and how you love each other and more importantly - how you serve Jesus! I hadn't met Annie - and we got along just great. I hadn't seen Shep in a while - and we got to play together some before bed time. What a cherished weekend! Can't wait to see you guys again when you swing through Brandon.

Michael Vick

Well, all this in the news about Michael Vick is concerning. Yes, he should be found guilty and spend time in jail for killing those dogs. That was cruel and we need to take care of animals.
But...I read this statement and then asked my Dad a question today. Here is the statement:
The most damning evidence made public against Vick came Friday when co-defendants Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips also pleaded guilty. In their plea, Peace and Phillips admitted to killing eight dogs in April at Vick's property in Virginia and said that Vick participated in the death of the animals. The animals were destroyed because they failed to perform well enough in testing to see if they were "game" enough to be good fighters.
"Every time you read about this story, it makes you want to take a shower," another unnamed general manager said.

My question was "If Michael Vick had made his girlfriend/wife go out and have an abortion - no one would know it and no one would care - right?"

That is truly the demise of our society when dogs matter more than babies.

Crayola and the Bible

Coloring was always fun for me as a kid and as a college student and as a graduate student and as a regular person. I always feel so calm when I'm coloring - like I have no care in the world. That's how you feel when you are first learning to color. The only thing you have to concern yourself with is staying in the lines. Now, you can color outside the lines and people call it art or free thinking! Anyway, this is not a philosophy discussion on coloring.

My friend Karisse blogged a few days ago that she was having fun writing out fave passages of Scripture and then doing different things with colored pens or pencils. I remember how cool it was to do manuscript studies in Intervarsity in college, so I thought that would be a good thing to do when I'm traveling, so all I would have to do is bring pens, a journal, and a Bible.

Tuesday's focus was Ps 34 which is an amazing Psalm. I think I first feel in love with it because Chris Gaynor (rookie dad and worship pastor at the Summit) quoted it a lot in worship or in choir practice (the first three verses). I remember one time in church we said the first three verses and we didn't say them with enough feeling so we had to repeat them a couple times till we actually sounded like we meant the verses.

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

But, with some of the things I'm facing right now - these verses are very dear to me:

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Today, I stayed in Ps 84 - which sorta has been my focus now since I moved down here and had a long talk with Kathy at Crispers one night in St. Augustine.

Ps 84.8-12

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed! For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!

That passage, especially verse 11, is very hard to hold to when things don't seem to be adding up in your life. NO GOOD THING does He WITHHOLD. There it is, plain and simple. I must TRUST.

So, take some time out, and color - see what God reveals to you in His Word.

Ode to a Desk

A Desk!
It can be a powerful piece of furniture. But, I don't have one. I am going to look for one this coming week when I get home. If I intend to write more, I must have a place to do the writing. I can't always be lounging on my bed with the laptop in my lap (even though that is what it was made for). I need a place with a pencil holder, a yellow legal pad, books, quotes, white out, you know - the stuff that makes you look like a writer. Anway, so I think my Mom and I will be off to the thrift stores in search for a desk - one that I can paint, restain, something - but I need something to help with inspiration.

BIG NEWS!!!

Congrats go out to many people this weekend! :)

Today, as of 12.54am, Hudson Gaynor is here! :) Baby is healthy, Mom and Dad are both tired as it was a long delivery process!

Tomorrow - August 10 - is the birthday of Laura McDougald - Happy Birthday Friend!

Saturday is two marriages:

Mary Sumner and Matt Stephenson and Bruce Ashford and his Lauren. Congrats to all of you!

Hymns and family

My uncle Eddie came down yesterday and we got to sit over there and sing/play together. He is a great piano player and he always asks me to try out new hymn arrangements with him. So, we did "Near the Cross" about 80 times (alright, so really about 5, all 4 verses). My Papa was sitting in the living room - and I know he could hear every word we were singing cause I was singing very loud. I wanted him to hear it. I was hoping every time I hung on the word Cross - that he would hear it and the Spirit would pierce him to know what his life is lacking. So, no miracle conversion happened yesterday, but yet another seed was planted. Pray for him, Papa Hatcher.

Casting Crowns and Shanes

Much anticipated - because I love Lifesong - is the The Altar and the Door album by Casting Crowns due out August 28th. I hopefully will make one of their concerts this fall. They are amazing musicians and songwriters - watch this clip.
Much anticipated because I love all their music - Pages by Shane & Shane. Can't wait. Already heard some of this music and will be going to two concerts this fall. Can't get enough.
www.shaneandshane.com

Last Breakout Session - Finn and Weaver

Breakout Session – 5

Baptist Devotional and Piety

Much emphasis has been placed on spirituality in the last 25 years or so.

English Baptist – 17th Century to the death of Andrew Fuller (written by Michael Haykin, given by Steve Weaver)
Baptist emerged from different traditions and that will be brought to light in their writings through the century
John Bunyan – open communion Baptist, Pilgrims Progress, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, The Holy War, I Will Pray with the Spirit. Genuine prayer can only be had by the assistant of the Holy Spirit. There is no man or church in the world who can come to God in prayer except for assistance by the Holy Spirit – who can reveal the Father. Sin would drive a man from God, but the Spirit draws the man to God for mercy.
Benjamin Keach (very important guy this week) – He produced many works during his time in London. His writings, while not primarily devotional in nature, are replete with spirituality. Gospel Mysteries Unveiled was sermons he preached during the last 15 years of his life. Wars with the Devils was an analogical work to rival Bunyan’s.
Hercules Collins – a persecuted pastor, furnished the face of affliction – imprisoned for this unconformity. Counsel for the Living - Job 3, A Voice from Prison – Rev 3.11 – the contentedness of the one who has Christ – has everything.
Thomas Wilcox – next to nothing is none, but he was imprisoned for not wanting to give up his beliefs, “sudden death, sudden glory” was on his tombstone. One of his books was taken from one of my fave passages in Psalms 81.16 (honey from the rock).
Samuel Pierce – contemp of Andrew Fuller, whom he called a “man of outstanding spirituality.” A Life of Pierce in which he referred to him as another Brainerd – referring to David Brainerd who also died young, but had a great love for the saving of sinners. Pierce as a model of holy love, christocentrism, missiology was the theme of this book by Fuller.

Baptist Devos in the South – Nathan Finn
19th Century South

Where do Baptists derive their Spirituality (besides the Bible)? They used a number of sources: (books, sermons, letters, periodicals)
Devotional = print or online media that informs us and helps us in our Spirituality. Are devotional writings separate from theological writings? Foster and Smith provide a better definition. The definition used today will be:
“Strengthening and motivating to pious actions”
Books: Basil Manly received Hart’s library including Edwards, Gill, and Fuller. The Doctrine of Prayer; The Way of Salvation, Carpenter’s Son, The Seal of Heaven, Soul Prosperity, biographical works on Carey and the Judsons
Sermons or Tracts: Furman, Brantley, Dagg (John 3.5), Fuller (John 12.32), Manly, The Mirror; The Baptist Library; “The Backslider”;
Circular Letters (brief works in interest to a certain church or association): Mercer address family religion, spiritual nurture of children, punctuality, and proper Sabbath observance. Mercer later addressed Sabbath observance – every Sunday. Cook
Baptist Periodicals: a significant medium for information on missions, missionaries, and theological issues. Baptist state papers played a significant role in education of pastors. The above could all be found in these periodicals. Topics included: family worship (religion), “the family is a theatre of religious piety”, Sabbath observance, 6 in one year in one state paper (GA), how to preach/topics, “The Duty of the Gospel Ministry”, Spurgeon’s sermons were reprinted, “Christian Patience”, “Perfect Through Suffering”; personal holiness and evangelism; “The Moral Power of the Pulpit”; “The Saint’s Everlasting Rest”

You can tell some main things from all these writings:
These Baptists were fundamentally Biblicists – saturated with the Word.
Their theology was basically Calvinistic in nature.
SB Piety was missionary in nature, both to pastors and lay people.
It was experiential, and the goal was to facilitate their spiritual growth.


These papers given by Weaver and Finn give many examples of ways to avoid “chronological snobbery” in our reading. That is what Piper and Lewis consider those who only read books published in one decade or time frame.

Breakout Session 5 - Immigration

Breakout Session 5
Baptist Ethnicity and Immigration
Early on there were Russians (have conferences in ND), Asians (mainly presented on a dissertation by Timothy Tseng: polity, theology, ethnicity), Hispanics (paper by Albert Reyes: large movements in the southern hemisphere), Germans, French, Norwegians, Swedes, Slovaks, Poles and Hungarians, Czechs (John Kejr), Italians (Buffalo, NY). Most immigrant groups were more conservative than their American counterparts. They basically functioned as multi-site churches (all German Baptists in one city, but different locations) till one got big enough to be self-supportive. I guess some people have seen some success in multi-site churches.
There was a scarcity of qualified men to be pastors. That is why I like mission endeavors that go to the other countries, and evangelize and train men to stay there in their respective villages to preach and shepherd their people.
Many different people come to America for freedom of religion – and start churches, but keep their own way of doing some things. That is part of what makes American religion, Christianity, so interesting. With all these different ethnicities – you get such a brighter look into what Heaven will be like. People from every tribe, nation, and tongue – will be around the throne giving praise to the Lamb.
The presenter shared the following verse to begin the session – 1 Kings 8.41-43:
“Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people, Israel, comes from a far country for your name’s sake, (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm) when he comes and prays toward this house, hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you as do your people, Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name.” What a great verse. May we – as all Baptists and Christians in general – know that that glory of the name of Jesus is the main thing. May we live, eat, breathe, discuss, talk, evangelize, and do missions – everything for Your Glory!

BHC Breakout Session - Curtis Freeman

Breakout Session 4 – Curtis Freeman (Duke University)
Baptists in Politics
What do Baptists have in common in their politics? What motivates them?
Brooks Hays – The Baptist Way of Life
Jimmy Carter
Jerry Falwell
Questions:
1. Do we have a stake in the civil order? Most crucial question – figure out your answer to that first when thinking about this subject. John Smyth “Worldly authority or magistry is a necessary ordinance of God, appointed and established for the preservation of the common estate, and of a good, natural political life, for the reward of the good and the punishing of the evil…this office of the worldly authority of the Lord Jesus hath not ordained in his spiritual kingdom, the church of the NT, nor adjoined to the offices of his church.” (1610) – The Philadelphia Confession of 1742 would echo this Smyth quote and one by Helwys.
2. Can the state be Christian? Roger Williams and John Cotton debate. Christenings Make Not Christians (7th Volume in Williams’ works). Contending that the key issue is baptism – infant baptism forces all these people to be “Christians”. “The Garden of the Church and the wilderness of the world.” The Key to the Language of America by Williams in 1643
3. What kind of politics suits our interests? John Leland - A Blow at the Root (1801). The Liberty of Conscience. “Let us then adore that God who has been so favorable to our land, and nation – praise him for all that is past – trust him for all that is to come, and not ascribe that to man which is due to God alone.”
4. When and under what circumstances may Christians disobey (civil disobedience) the law? Re: the Civil Rights Movement (breaking the law when it comes to injustice). MLK Jr – “There comes a time when they cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.” Should we be allowed to break laws in order to change them? What would Romans 13 have to say about that? What if we take the punishment among ourselves? He wrote the above quote while from a Birmingham jail. It “might awaken our sleeping white brethren.”
5. Can politics reflect the views of the majority and also respect the interests of the minorities? Jerry Falwell, John Winthrop “And why may not Christians have liberty to go and dwell amongst them in their waste lands and woods…as lawfully as Abraham did among the Sodomites?”
What is our witness as Baptists in relation to different races, countries, etc? The “savages”, the heathen (Lottie Moon), the Muslim, the Hindus, the JWs, the people who believe different than us – shouldn’t we love them with the love of Jesus and maybe not always try to get across a certain political agenda? What is more important – democracy or the Word of God and the Salvation that lies only in Jesus Christ? Remember – the main thing is the MAIN THING.
“I am not a Republican, I am not a Democrat. I am a noisy Baptist.” – Falwell

BHC Plenary Session - 4

Profile: Shubal Stearns (John Sparks) – great presentation, costume and singing.
Sandy Creek Tradition for NC Baptists and vital in CT Baptists as well
God uses men like Pastor Stearns to change many lives along the way and to pave the way for many Baptists today. Neat how just 6 years ago I was sitting in Binkley listening to Voddie Baucham during Sandy Creek Revival Week – all because of God using this man and others to come to NC, preach the gospel, and lead the Baptists.

Profile: R H Boyd (David Groves) – Boyd Publishing Co, Nashville, TN
Three biblical reasons to study him:
1. He was a man of purpose – A slave born 2 decades before the War, he overcame and became a Baptist preacher. He found his work to accomplish. Family man and organized associations, pastor of churches in TX, superintendent of NBC TX.
2. He was a religious pioneer. Leading former slaves was a tedious task. Writings out of their experiences were to be more helpful to them both spiritually and economically.
3. He developed partnerships. J M Frost – of the SBC. Publishing relationships, developed own materials, used own writers. National Baptist Publishing Board came out from that partnership and is still in existence.

Birth of Gospel Music – Lucie Campbell and Thomas Dorsey – Charles Walker (got to eat lunch with him yesterday)
Dorsey – “Georgia Tom – blues nickname) his Dad was an itinerate preacher and his mom was a pianist (great mix). Was involved in worldly music early on and had a varied childhood – he sang in a Billy Sunday crusade, but also sang in clubs and bars. Writer of “There Will Be Peace in the Valley” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” – two well recorded hymns. This latter song came out of a trial of losing his wife while he was away singing at a revival.
Lucie Campbell – smart educator in the early 20th Century. She was the composer of many songs in the early to mid 1900s; she didn’t have any contact with worldly music, unlike Dorsey. She didn’t quite to courtship to her husband like would be biblical – but it made for a great story. “Something Within”

Bill Carlson – Theological/Social/Economic Response in the 19th Century
Economic: He read Salvation in the Slums early on, and that shaped some of his thinking. There should be some reach with the gospel – salvation – to the poor of our society.
Social - The Great Reversal ­ - What happened to those who championed these issues in the late 19th century who abandoned it after the turn of the century? Baptist history isn’t solely an Anglo-history. Christianity is global.
5 Baptist individuals who addressed three essential questions:
1. How should Baptists assist African Americans and society as a whole after the CW?
2. How should Baptists assist America on the issue of gender (women’s right to vote)?
3. How should Baptists respond to capitalism and financial stress in America?
1. Nanny Burroughs and Sutton Griggs – How do we integrate ourselves and our traditions into a new society (post CW)? How do we deal with reconstruction? (new denomination, new publishing co and educational units, post-south re-segregation and lynching, integrate into culture). The Leopard’s Spots was written by Briggs in response to some of these questions as well as The Imperial.
3. Helen Montgomery – Women’s Suffrage movement. The only way to move from an alcohol-ridden society was to allow women to vote and preach. She spent most of her life in NY and was significant in doing: published a translation of the NT to counter the KJV, a major player in attempt to reconcile the NBC, and developed a friendship with Susan B Anthony (and argued Suffrage).
4. Walter Rauschenbusch – Christianity and a Social Gospel - the Bible for the social gospel, written in 1907 (100 years ago).
5. Russell Conwell – moderately supportive of the Success Theology.
They all were attempting to know how the church should respond to culture – the same question applies to the social issues facing our society even today.

Application for today:
1. Love all different kinds of music. Variation does the ears good!
2. Know your culture. The gospel resounds to hurting people. Jesus loves them.

BHC Plenary 3

Profile: Obadiah Holmes (Jeff Faggart – the best speaker so far at the conference, as far as voice and diction/style goes)
He suffered and endured grief for conscience’s sake. He was persecuted in America for his Baptist’s belief. “Free man” – he got voice and vote as a citizen. They were arrested during one of their preaching trips, fined, and then whipped (because he didn’t pay the fine). He was beat in Boston – paying for his beliefs. Sounds very similar to many of the martyrs of the earlier times of Christianity – but you wouldn’t think it would be suffered in America (well, the American before 1776 and our Bill of Rights). He did live and had many children – one in relation to Abraham Lincoln. If he was going to suffer (which he did), he wanted to make sure it was for the pleasing of Jesus and not for men. “Ye have beaten me with roses.” He greatly influenced many of the people influential in the starting of the three oldest associations.

Profile: David Jones (George T. Rogers)
He was a Welsh Baptist Minister from Delaware who was Benjamin Franklin’s chaplain. He was a true renaissance man. He was a soldier chaplain, a physician, a missionary, a friend to Presidents, a farmer, and many other things. He was friends with Samuel Jones, Hezekiah Smith, and other rather influential people. He started his military career and endured many conflicts, starting in the French and Indian War. Neh 4.14 – “Be not afraid of them, remember the Lord…” He was a missionary to the Indians. He was hyper-active, not to be settled. He loved being the old soldier.

Baptist Hymnody: Baptists Practice Their Confessions: David Gregory – Southern (2 Southern boys right in a row)
Come Holy Spirit, Dove Divine (by Adoniram Judson, and I just picked up To the Golden Shore – a book I’ve been meaning to read since the summer of the first Institute trip to the Pacific Rim)
How Firm a Foundation – what great words, especially for people who are going through trials – remember that Jesus is firm and steady and eternal.
A holy ordinance of Christ – article 23 out of the confession (added to the 2nd London Confession to make up the Philadelphia Confession). It is not just a moral duty – but is it on par with the Lord’s Supper and Baptism (2 Baptist ordinances – at least of SBC)? Singing of songs and hymns are to be done to the obedience of God. Benjamin Keach wrote in 1697 word for word what was to be eventually written in the Philadelphia Confession. He was the champion of hymn singing.

Tom Nettles: (so glad he is better to be with us as he has been sick for some portion of the summer. In 7 years, I’ve never heard anything but great admiration for this man who teaches at Southern and has connections with the Founders Organization as well. I’ve wanted to hear him for several years and this is my first opportunity) Great person of knowledge and “fame” to speak on the Philadelphia Confession: Its Significance and Importance to all Baptists.
Authors - Benjamin Keach’s son was one of the authors of this great Confession that leads so many of the Baptist associations and denominations in religious circles today. It is a rendition of the 2nd London Confession. It was officially adopted in 1742.

Association – the first Philadelphia Baptist Association met in 1707 (hence this 300th anniversary of it and this conference). “The eternal Sonship of Jesus Christ our Lord,” and other similar thoughts were great concerns for the association.

After 1798 – important themes were still brought up to incite us to Christian virtue. We need to always be thinking and questioning – never accepting without thinking and putting our creeds (or confessions) against the Word. This was a big discussion at this year’s SBC in TX: whether the BF&M 2000 was a creed, a confession, a statement – or whatever you want to call it. Truly, I don’t care what you want to call it – as long as you don’t call it inerrant, infallible, or inspired by God – because then we would be placing it on par with Scripture.

It’s Influence – They (the minutes of the association) were first published in the mid 1800s. Philadelphia was at the helm of Baptist influence for all these years, both in the North and South. Hart and Furman (Furman University fame) were two preachers from this church who were greatly influenced in the early days of the Philadelphia Association and Confession. Furman took special interest in the teaching of the young children. Even with no Sunday School, the Baptist teachings were taught regularly to the children of Furman’s congregation.

Nettles continued to tell of its similar influence on the young churches in the states of Virginia, Mississippi, and Georgia. They held confession as well - but with room for caution – the Holy Spirit must still lead under the headship of Jesus Christ (Eph 5 – Christ is the head of the body of the church). It had great effect also on the forming of Southern Seminary (of course, where Nettles has been Baptist history professor for many years) and Southeastern Seminary (my alma mater).

The prayer of the church should be unity in the correct matters of Scripture – as they are laid out in the Word – not necessarily in our traditions. Tomorrow is the last day of the conference. More on the history of Baptists and what we can stand on – unified for the glory of God. Let’s pray to that end.

Breakout Session 3 - Primitive Baptists

Brief History of Primitive Baptists

Lasserre Bradley, Jr
Main stream primitive Baptists – rejecting modern conveniences (haha), anti-missionism, original Baptist faith
Mostly it is for those who hold to salvation by grace alone – and yes, they do have bathrooms and air conditioned in their church buildings. I was raised Primitive Baptists, but I am not still in that tradition.
“If you show me what is wrong, then hopefully I’ll do something about it.” – this is what Brother Bradley prayed as he sought out direction from preaching in a SBC church.
The doctrines of grace are also found in the SBC – they are found outside of the Primitive Baptists. The doctrines of grace are found in many other denominations – and it is what I wholeheartedly believe because it is biblical. Grace is biblical – as I’ve been reading Eph 2. It is all mercy and grace. But, I consider myself to be a southern Baptist, not a Primitive Baptist. It can happen! J
They stood against the changes in theology among the SBC who went against the election and sovereignty of God and the total depravity of man. They definitely should have done that. But, that doesn’t mean that all SBCers are that way today. The doctrines of grace are not limited to people who are in the PB denomination.

Controversy of the Absolute Predestination of All Things – Mike Stewart
First introduced in 1832
This brought confusion among Baptists when this word “predestination” was used for both salvation and evil. Was God’s disposition toward holiness and sin the same? By no means! This lead to the split in the early 1900s.

Controversy of the Usage of Musical Instruments in Worship Services - Jamey Tucker
Old liners – many of our churches have them, sound, and only use of instruments in the helping of singing of them. This division should cause a departure. An organ usage is enough to cause division.
Progressive – not an innovation that is significant enough to cause division.
Can you be sound in doctrine and use musical instruments – by all means, yes! On the other hand, can you be obedient to all of Scripture and not use Scriptures – can someone show me how you can be?
I mean seriously – if we are going to debate something – let’s debate something that is of eternal significance.

Growth occurred between 1955-1970s. Most are around 50 in number, but during this time some went up to around 200s. Simplicity of worship and doctrines of grace.
PB as a people both support evangelical works with prayers and giving. There is a great work being done in the Philippines and India, with many other trips worldwide. There is no mission board or headquarters – just ones who go when they feel the impression of the Spirit to go. Family worship and tutelage under the local pastor (instead of seminaries) are the way they do things.

Breakout Session 2 - Thom South

Baptist Preachers and Their Sermons – Thom South

Besides all the technical difficulties, it was pretty good. Basically, we heard sermons preached by these men who have paved the way for many of our good preachers today

18th Century
Shubal Stearns – sound judgment and self-taught
Daniel Marshall – helper to Stearns and his ministry ranged from New England to Georgia.

19th Century
J R Graves
John Jasper – a freed slave “this Book is enough for me, and I can’t get far from it”
B H Carroll – of early SBC fame

20th Century
W A Criswell (of Criswell College fame, and the person I associate with Paige Patterson
Billy Graham – distinct voice and “America’s pastor” – simple in context and style to reach more people
S M Lockridge – “He’s My King” preached in Detroit, MI. Sounds much like Fred Luter – same style.

Breakout Sessions 1 - Dr. Keith Harper

Possibilities of Missions Movement – Dr. Keith Harper
(On a personal note: very conversational and real. He knew his stuff – he didn’t quote it from looking down at a paper hardly looking up from the podium. Thanks for getting me in the newspaper and not being boring Dr. Harper! “Not even one minute were you boring!” Dr. Akin would be proud! Thank you for setting the bar!)

Theology and what we believe vs what we’ve done and how we have done it.

Wrong!

Faith and practice come together. It has to.

Pertinent Issues in Building Community
We need to examine missions and their authority. But, how did they do missions – from one changing culture (starting in 1845) to another culture you don’t know anything about on the field. What about family life, courtship, child rearing, conflict resolution, grocery shopping – all these interesting things that happen on the field just like they happen here in America – but just slightly different.
The professionalization of missionaries. This isn’t a vocation but a God-given calling. Missionaries’ lives change as they live among the people. Ecumenism even in a foreign society. They way they do ecumenism impacts the way the local church does ecumenism. The sending of single women as missionaries – you know who you are – are serious about their call. But this also occurred before the 1920s. “Take up the white man’s burden.” They are not being pushed out of one culture – but they are being pulled into another.

Speaking at lunch with Nathan Finn, he said that the IMB helps lots of genealogical researchers (even lay researchers) find information about their family due to these archives. You can go to the Board in Richmond to read some of these letters, journals, and articles from missionaries on the field. Some are online from Lottie Moon, but most are still being transcribed. These will provide for great reading and biographical study.
Taking Christianity to China - Flynt
"Living in the Lives of Men" (Auburn, 1998) - a dissertation that was mentioned
Our Ordered Lives Confessed –

BHC Plenary 2

Excited this morning about hearing about missionary (and wife of Adoniram Judson), Ann Judson, seeing people I know (Nathan Finn and Dr. Keith Harper of SEBTS), and I just enjoyed a walk to the battery here in Charleston – beautiful in the peaceful morning hours before the sun gets too hot.

Our first hymn of the day is Am I a Soldier of the Cross by Isaac Watts, one of the hymnists we heard about last night.

Profile – Ann Judson (by Rosalie Hunt) – a great character profile
The Woman of the Century in 19th Century America

To be disposed of as He pleases: her cry to God shortly after she accepted Christ. From
Rom 12.1 - a living sacrifice. One thing she would learn of greatly during her short lived life. This marriage to Adoniram would cost her her family in America but she said “God’s service is my delight”. They were America’s first missionaries – congregational missionaries – but on the ship as they traveled they learned more about baptism (immersion) by reading the NT in the original Greek – and were baptized properly in Calcutta. They finally (through many other countries) got to where their heart was, Burma. It took 6 years for them to see their first convert – what perseverance! The hardship of losing her children, loneliness without her family, imprisonment of her husband, sickness she endured – comes back to “present your bodies a living sacrifice”. Ann Judson (whom I am currently reading about as well, I love biographies) was truly a soldier of the cross. I wonder if she knew this hymn, since it was written before her time. How do you measure your service – holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service?


Profile – Lott Carey – Leroy Fitts
The Father of West African Missions

True greatness has its own way of being resurrected. He was born into slavery in Virginia – his father was a member of a local Baptist church. His grandmother instilled in him African heritage.
He started preaching to fellow slaves in Virginia, but even without much formal education – he developed into one of the finest preachers in his day.
He saw many converts during his ministry in Liberia. He proved himself a worthy leader through the years – perseverance and commitment. He died from injuries sustained in an explosion. He was a political leader, a spiritual leader, and a world leader.

Baptist Hymnody: Southern Ante-Bellum Baptists (some about Stearns and Sandy Creek familiar with Southeastern’s history in North Carolina)
Irvin Murrell

This was much about hymnody and tune books, different hymnals that churches have used through the years and other “stuff” like that.
He had pictures on the handout of Sandy Creek Baptist Church near Asheboro, the grave marker of Shubael Stearns that we replicated one year at Southeastern to give to donors at our Board of Visitors meeting, and the tombstone of Pastor Stearns.
There were different traditions:
The Charleston Tradition (Richard Furman, who was pastor of this church)
The Sandy Creek Tradition
The Georgia Tradition
The Tennessee Tradition

One of the hymns he spotlighted was God Moves in a Mysterious Way written by William Cowper – who Piper highlighted as one of the biographies in his Swans series.
Hymns are the voice of the people of God – this is a great testimony hymn.

We can learn from the many traditions in the hymnody world that have come before us. But, I would also have to say that some of our modern hymns and choruses (not all of course) will be sung 300 years from now, if the Lord tarries. I think of “In Christ Alone” as a great example.

Understanding Our Global Witness – Bill Leonard (reminds me of Dr. Little and Dr. Heimbach with his bowtie). – Dean of WF Divinity School

He said the missionary movement is reversed now – more of the people we have witnessed to in the past are now turning and doing the very act of missions.

Evangelism and Civilization - would conversion result in a change of Indian Culture William Carey, Andrew Fuller – called to evangelize the heathen. How has missions changed? Now we talk of contextualization and reaching the heathen to take the gospel back to their own societies. The natives are going to be the ones reaching their family members with the gospel (going back to the first statement he made).

Role of women in missions – (Ann Judson whom we heard about already this morning)
Lottie Moon, and then even today: Sarah, Tonya, Melissa, Delly. This is how history has shaped the world of missions today. I’m grateful for people like Lottie Moon and Ann Judson and Amy Carmichael and Elisabeth Elliot…paving the way for my friends and me to go and share the gospel.

One last way: Technology and globalism. (I think of the missions center at Southeastern directed by Dr. Bruce Ashford – who gets married in a week). There are so many ways we can now reach the world with a push of a button. They are a phone call away, but going is still going – meeting them where they are. God has blessed Southeastern with many ways to reach the nations without leaving Wake Forest, but they still send out missionaries every semester to go into the uttermost parts of the earth with the news about Jesus.

Application for Today:
What would people say about your life if they were doing a “character profile” over 100 years after your death? Whatever you want them to say about you (and the God you serve) has to be lived today.

Baptist History Celebration - Plenary 1

I love walking into old churches like this one. This church was established in 1682 - the “Mother Church” of the SBC. The pews have doors on them (the pastor – Marshall Blalock – joked that they went “seeker friendly” and took the latches off the door). It is from back in the day when people bought their pews. It sounds very similar to typical Baptist churches today – when visitors come in for the first time. They sit down just to find out later they are sitting in “so and so’s” pew. How dare they? May we ever be mindful of guests in our churches – not be so hung up on where we sit and who sits next to us. The gospel and the lost should be more important.

Profile: John Gill

“A man of great importance to all of us” – D. Martin Lloyd-Jones.

Fame by way of many books: commentaries, theological works, and expository works. He had a keen recognition of learning and insatiable craving for learning. He had a substantial library (I think he could have passed Patterson’s “law” that you had to graduate SEBTS with 1500 volumes). He was also a pious man. This was the fruit of his study of – “his name would carry little weight”. The more people study God – the less they should become. Learning Christ should make us more humble in our state – knowing that we are but sinners saved by grace. “It should be experientially transforming. Where there is no transformation, there is no real study of theology.”

Profile: John Gano

The words of Christ’s mercy hung on his very being – until he was enabled to rejoice in Christ. He was called to a “sacred trust” – to preach the gospel. George Washington had two requests of him – of which he complied:
He baptized the above future President.
He dismissed the armies with a prayer of thanksgiving – at the close of the Revolutionary War.

Baptist Hymnody: 17th Century British Baptist Influence on Baptists in the New World – Benjamin Keach – one of the highlighted hymnists
A reformed Baptist pastor in London for many years – a church that later became the Metropolitan under Spurgeon. He was driven by the conviction that change was needed to bring life into a lifeless congregation. He wanted to sing hymns; thus he was the first proponent of congregational hymn singing. He published a book of hymns and a really long-titled book about singing hymns being an ordinance. Many of his hymns were so “in your face” that they never made it into modern hymnbooks. (Lest we be convicted when we sing songs!)
Joachim Neander – “If with his love He befriend thee.” – what a great line out of Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.
Paul Gerhardt – Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me – what an amazing true hymn (I’ve never sung) dealing with idolatry – or the want of none in our lives.

Now, the main speaker: William Brackney: professor at Acadia Seminary in Canada.
Organizational History of the Baptists
Three main thoughts: (remember theology is usually somewhat shaped by social issues at the time – so think of what is going on in these regions during these years).
Diverse theological beginnings over seas in 17th Century. Two main sects (but with some smaller): Generals (keen on relationship with dissenters and Church of England) and Particulars (holding to reformed thought and these showed up in the confessionals of that day).

Diverse in American colonies in 17th Century (thinking of course of many coming to this country to gain religious freedom – thinking for themselves but no doubt bringing with them traditions they held in England). Baptists or Anabaptists: individuals, missionaries, and congregations. No American regional confessions from the 17th century – these come later in the institionalization.
18th Century – diversity became institutionalized. Mainly the Philadelphia Convention – influential in the region. Doctrine and church order – followed the example of Keach in London. (This meeting is being held in honor of the 300th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Association).

Application for today:
Be welcoming to outsiders (guests as Danny Franks would call them). Don’t “buy your pew”.
Don’t neglect the theologically true hymns. Yes, just like some of our choruses today, there are some “bad” ones – but let the Word be the measure of the truth found in the songs you sing (on the radio, off the iPod, and in the church). I’m so thankful for great hymns that we sing – I don’t think we sing them enough – but I love modern hymns and choruses, too.
Let Scripture form your theology more than society. Society may bring to light some issues you may not have had to consider before – but always let the inerrant Word of God be your guide.

Baptist History Celebration

In Charleston, SC, this week is the above conference held at First Baptist Church.
Even though the church does not have wireless, I will be "live-blogging" this event starting tonight and then posting them when I get back to the hotel. Technology or the lack there of. Gotta love it.
This is a celebration of all Baptists - coming from many denominations. There will be Primitive Baptists, American Baptists, Southern Baptists, etc. All coming together on unity of our calling to Love God and Love others - I hope. It is neat how many different types of people will be here. Not all of us will affirm the BF&M 2000 or the Philadelphia Confession of 1742. But, I pray there will be very little disagreement this week and more heard about the issues on which we can agree.
My Dad is probably most excited about hearing Lassarre Bradley of the Primitive Baptists - because they have been friends many years.
I, on the other hand, am most excited about hearing the biography profile on Ann Judson (first wife of Adoniram Judson, missionary) and the breakout session on the last day on Spurgeon (JD Greear just suggested a great book on him that I must get, they may even have it here).
Anyway, please check back. You can also find a link to this blog on Tim Challies' blog www.challies.com - thanks Tim. I will be missing the final plenary session on Friday night due to traveling, but everything else will be here. This is for those of you especially into Baptist History and Unity among Believers.