I recently brushed the dust off of an old Training Union book entitled, "Our Baptist Story" by Pope Duncan. A great little book filled with historical accounts of the Baptist witness in the United States, especially the South. While Boyce, Manly, and Broadus were drawing up the original plan of instruction for The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary they offered these three fundamental points. (1) that the seminary should admit men not only of college education, but those who had been kept from obtaining more than "a common English education"; (2) that the seminary should offer such courses as would enable the best students to receive an education equivalent to that anywhere obtainable; (3) that each professor should be required upon inauguration to sign an abstract of principles.
It is obvious from these three points that at the least these concerns were prominent for our forefathers: (1) that the seminary should be a theological training ground for church leaders with sole priority given to serving the churches; not to be an institution for the academically elite; (2) that the theological training provided should be academically challenging; not lacking in quality; (3) that those providing the education must be committed to the full integrity of the Scriptures and the biblical heritage set forth in the Abstract of Principles (written 1859); not dissuaded from sound doctrine.
Duncan mentions that these three principles were the guiding fundamental principles in the founding of each of our SBC seminaries. I offer them again as a reminder, lest we forget.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Facing Their Faces
The prophet Jeremiah lived in dark days. His nation was largely in rebellion against God and His precepts. The last thing they wanted to hear was someone declaring that they were wrong before God. This is exactly what God called Jeremiah to declare. Jeremiah knew the possible consequences he would face by speaking such an unpopular message, and he knew the fear of facing a rebellious crowd. God comforted him with these words, “do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you.” (Jer. 1:8)
Jeremiah became known as the “weeping prophet”. He wept over the sins of his countrymen. He wept over the impending judgment of God upon his nation. But even his tears of sincerity would not turn back the sinful hearts of his friends and neighbors. He faced their faces with tears in his eyes and pleaded with the people to cease calling that which was good evil, and that which was evil good. How did Judah respond? They attempted multiple times to kill him.
Jeremiah preached the importance of true worship instead of false religion. He called for true social justice according the dictates of God’s word. He proclaimed the importance of loyalty to God rather than alliances with the world. Jeremiah’s message still rings true today.
We are a nation that has largely rejected God. Our countrymen are attempting to offer new and acceptable definitions to those things which God has declared to be sinful. Our cities and church gatherings are filled with false religion instead of true worship of the Holy One. We have sought social equality in a way that rejects divine justice. Our nation has emphasized likeness with the world over loyalty to the one true God.
The great need of the hour in America is people who are willing to stand and speak God’s word prophetically and lovingly. Blessed be the ones who stand with an open Bible and tears in their eyes as they declare the timeless truth of the immutable God. May we not be afraid of their faces, for the Lord is with us. We will be held responsible for our faithfulness to do so and the people will be responsible for how they respond.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Serving Faithfully In Lean Times
I have a special respect for those who continue to serve God in the lean times of life. It is always easier for us to praise God while standing upon the lofty mountain tops of life but it is the valley where our faith is forged. It is tempting to think that God changes His will for us every 2-3 years, just when things get rough. Compared to so many of our faithful brothers and sisters in Christ serving around the world I have experienced great bounty even in my leanest times. However, ten years of bi-vocational ministry while struggling to make a living, gave me a great appreciation for those who have been willing to say "no" to the things of this world and find their sufficiency in the riches of Christ.
One great example of this type of faithfulness is found in the early years of Southern Seminary. Amidst the Civil War economic downfall of the southern states in 1865 was a striving faculty of a new seminary hoping to survive. During one 12 month period the four faithful professors received no fiscal salary and yet they all made a commitment with one another that they would not quit. Although they were repeatedly offered more prestigious positions (with actual salaries) at other schools and in secular employment, they stayed true to their call. James Petigru Boyce was urged to accept the presidency of the South Carolina Railroad Company at a yearly salary of $10,000. I am no expert on computing inflationary values, but I think this would be equivalent to about $400,000 today (or more when considering the deflated economy of the South at that time). I would have been tempted to justify leaving my position at Southern by thinking about how much financial good I could do with the new salary. Not Boyce. He responded, "Thank these gentlemen for me, but tell them I must decline, as I have decided to devote my life, if need be, to building up the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary."
The names Boyce, Broadus, Manly, and Williams live as representations of faith in the lean times of life. These four professors covenanted together that they would die or the seminary would die, but they would not quit. And they didn't. Today SBTS is producing many pastors and missionaries because there once were four men who were willing to serve God faithfully in the lean times of life. May we do the same.
One great example of this type of faithfulness is found in the early years of Southern Seminary. Amidst the Civil War economic downfall of the southern states in 1865 was a striving faculty of a new seminary hoping to survive. During one 12 month period the four faithful professors received no fiscal salary and yet they all made a commitment with one another that they would not quit. Although they were repeatedly offered more prestigious positions (with actual salaries) at other schools and in secular employment, they stayed true to their call. James Petigru Boyce was urged to accept the presidency of the South Carolina Railroad Company at a yearly salary of $10,000. I am no expert on computing inflationary values, but I think this would be equivalent to about $400,000 today (or more when considering the deflated economy of the South at that time). I would have been tempted to justify leaving my position at Southern by thinking about how much financial good I could do with the new salary. Not Boyce. He responded, "Thank these gentlemen for me, but tell them I must decline, as I have decided to devote my life, if need be, to building up the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary."
The names Boyce, Broadus, Manly, and Williams live as representations of faith in the lean times of life. These four professors covenanted together that they would die or the seminary would die, but they would not quit. And they didn't. Today SBTS is producing many pastors and missionaries because there once were four men who were willing to serve God faithfully in the lean times of life. May we do the same.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Faith Built On Feelings Is Not A Good Faith
The Christian faith is not built upon feelings but upon the truth of God as revealed in the Bible. The Bible is our primary and ultimate source of authority, not our feelings. What we feel is not to be the determinative factor in forming our decisions.
Recently President Obama spoke out in favor of redefining marriage to include homosexual partners based upon what he feels to be the right thing. He offered poor scriptural reference by mentioning the golden rule (which I will not address here), while completely ignoring the whole of biblical revelation. See also my "Open Letter To My Gay Friends" (on this blog) for other appropriate scriptural references on this issue. There is a deeper issue that needs to be dealt with in this discussion. It is the issue of authority.
In an article by USA Today, Bishop Timothy J. Clark of the First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio responded to Obama's declaration with these words, "I believe the statement the president made and his decision was made in good faith. I am sure because the president is a good man. I know his decision was made after much thought and consideration and, I'm sure, even prayer." There are two inherent problems with this statement. One, that the decision is guided by "thought, consideration, and prayer" rather than the Bible. Two, that this feeling-based faith is considered "good faith". It leaves the impression that as long as one is sincere in one's thoughts/feelings and mixes in some prayer then all is well. This is not a good faith. The Bible records other such times in history when "each man did what was right in his own eyes." It did not go so well.
God's leading in the lives of His people never contradicts what He has said in His word. The Bible is clear regarding the definition of marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman. Genesis 2 and 3 provide the foundational definition of what marriage is, a relationship ordained by God. As God is the Creator of marriage, He rightly reserves the authority to provide definition to the relationship. Others may attempt to redefine marriage, but they are only attempts of vanity, for the definition is forever settled. Ephesians 5 lucidly describes the marital relationship between a man and his wife. The Bible is filled with examples of the definition of marriage. If someone believes that they have the right to attempt to redefine marriage based upon their "thoughts, consideration, and prayer" then they certainly have every right to their opinion. But be honest, that is not a Christian decision.
Other professors of the Christian faith repeat this same error. Many who should know better make important decisions based upon their feelings. The endless quests of "finding God's will for my life" lead to decisions determined by feelings rather than biblical truth. Where God has spoken in His word, listen and obey. Remember that only the one who "hears" the word and "does" it is likened to a wise man building upon the rock. God wants His people to marry believers, be a part of a church that seeks obedience to His word in all things, abhor that which is evil, teach sound doctrine, share the gospel, honor Him with their profession, teach their children the Scriptures, pray as a family, etc. We don't have to pray about whether or not it is God's will to do these things although we should be praying for the strength and wisdom to do them.
I'm all for knowing and doing God's will. I just wish we would all realize that His will is found in His word, not our emotions. This will produce a good faith.
Recently President Obama spoke out in favor of redefining marriage to include homosexual partners based upon what he feels to be the right thing. He offered poor scriptural reference by mentioning the golden rule (which I will not address here), while completely ignoring the whole of biblical revelation. See also my "Open Letter To My Gay Friends" (on this blog) for other appropriate scriptural references on this issue. There is a deeper issue that needs to be dealt with in this discussion. It is the issue of authority.
In an article by USA Today, Bishop Timothy J. Clark of the First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio responded to Obama's declaration with these words, "I believe the statement the president made and his decision was made in good faith. I am sure because the president is a good man. I know his decision was made after much thought and consideration and, I'm sure, even prayer." There are two inherent problems with this statement. One, that the decision is guided by "thought, consideration, and prayer" rather than the Bible. Two, that this feeling-based faith is considered "good faith". It leaves the impression that as long as one is sincere in one's thoughts/feelings and mixes in some prayer then all is well. This is not a good faith. The Bible records other such times in history when "each man did what was right in his own eyes." It did not go so well.
God's leading in the lives of His people never contradicts what He has said in His word. The Bible is clear regarding the definition of marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman. Genesis 2 and 3 provide the foundational definition of what marriage is, a relationship ordained by God. As God is the Creator of marriage, He rightly reserves the authority to provide definition to the relationship. Others may attempt to redefine marriage, but they are only attempts of vanity, for the definition is forever settled. Ephesians 5 lucidly describes the marital relationship between a man and his wife. The Bible is filled with examples of the definition of marriage. If someone believes that they have the right to attempt to redefine marriage based upon their "thoughts, consideration, and prayer" then they certainly have every right to their opinion. But be honest, that is not a Christian decision.
Other professors of the Christian faith repeat this same error. Many who should know better make important decisions based upon their feelings. The endless quests of "finding God's will for my life" lead to decisions determined by feelings rather than biblical truth. Where God has spoken in His word, listen and obey. Remember that only the one who "hears" the word and "does" it is likened to a wise man building upon the rock. God wants His people to marry believers, be a part of a church that seeks obedience to His word in all things, abhor that which is evil, teach sound doctrine, share the gospel, honor Him with their profession, teach their children the Scriptures, pray as a family, etc. We don't have to pray about whether or not it is God's will to do these things although we should be praying for the strength and wisdom to do them.
I'm all for knowing and doing God's will. I just wish we would all realize that His will is found in His word, not our emotions. This will produce a good faith.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Voice of a Prophet: R.G. Lee
R.G. Lee - He served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention an unprecedented three terms. In his resignation address, Robert Lee stated his firm stand on the Word of God: "You can count on me until my tongue is silent in the grave and until my hand can no longer wield a pen to keep my unalterable stand for the Bible as the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God - giving rebuke to and standing in opposition to all enemies of the Bible, even as I have done for 50 years."
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Unnamed Faithful
I am reading Robert Baker's work on Texas Baptist history entitled, "The Blossoming Desert" in which a most amazing account stands out in my mind. As Christians were faithfully working to spread the gospel across the plains of the new land of Texas there were many great names that arose in the Baptist work. Men like Byars, Burleson, Buckner, and Carroll accomplished much to start churches and schools to expand the Christian witness. They won the souls and support of such great men as Bowie, Travis, and Houston. I admire each of these men but there were many who remain unnamed.
One account is told of a missionary preacher who gave it all for the sake of the gospel. Texas missionaries faced the threats of Indians, bandits, malaria, yellow fever, and countless other trials. Since there were few bridges many creeks and rivers had to be crossed in their missionary efforts. Many times they had the choice of swimming icy creeks during freezing weather or turning back and leaving souls unsaved.
In May, 1849, J.W.D. Creath records the fate of an unnamed preacher who was so determined to preach the gospel at Clarksville that he crossed a frozen creek during an intensely cold winter. Creath's account of the unnamed man,
"He was found dead in an old house by the roadside frozen. He attempted to swim the creek in a buggy. In the effort his horse was drowned, and he fatigued by his exertions to extricate himself from the flood, wet and chilled, turned into this old house, being unable to go further."
I continue to think of the countless unnamed people who have lived with such a burden for the souls of others that they have been willing to extend themselves even unto death so that people would know Jesus. My prayer is that God would continue to send laborers into the harvest who cherish the words of Jesus, "whoever loses his his life for My sake will find it." Although many of us will go unnamed in the books of men we know that our names are written in the Book of Life. When the roll is called up yonder we will be there and hear the great words of our Lord, "well done, good and faithful servant." Let us work to this end.
One account is told of a missionary preacher who gave it all for the sake of the gospel. Texas missionaries faced the threats of Indians, bandits, malaria, yellow fever, and countless other trials. Since there were few bridges many creeks and rivers had to be crossed in their missionary efforts. Many times they had the choice of swimming icy creeks during freezing weather or turning back and leaving souls unsaved.
In May, 1849, J.W.D. Creath records the fate of an unnamed preacher who was so determined to preach the gospel at Clarksville that he crossed a frozen creek during an intensely cold winter. Creath's account of the unnamed man,
"He was found dead in an old house by the roadside frozen. He attempted to swim the creek in a buggy. In the effort his horse was drowned, and he fatigued by his exertions to extricate himself from the flood, wet and chilled, turned into this old house, being unable to go further."
I continue to think of the countless unnamed people who have lived with such a burden for the souls of others that they have been willing to extend themselves even unto death so that people would know Jesus. My prayer is that God would continue to send laborers into the harvest who cherish the words of Jesus, "whoever loses his his life for My sake will find it." Although many of us will go unnamed in the books of men we know that our names are written in the Book of Life. When the roll is called up yonder we will be there and hear the great words of our Lord, "well done, good and faithful servant." Let us work to this end.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
The Need For Baptist Churches To Associate
Jimmy Draper once wrote, "America will be reached not with the imposing presence of the superchurch but rather with the association of smaller churches joined together in local Baptist associations to do together what they can never do separately."
The Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention has been a wonderful tool to expand our missions work across the hills and plains of America as well as the farthest parts of the globe. State Convention efforts have provided a faithful witness all along the ways of Texas. But neither of these can provide the intimate fellowship of a local association of churches. Recently many have developed a mindset that feels our churches can continue to prosper without a local associational relationship.
Let me clarify, by association I do not mean an institutional office residing in a building with a paid staff who develop to perpetuate yet another bureaucracy. I do realize that someone should be responsible for organizing the tasks that I will set forth and possibly some compensation is in order. But at this time I simply wish to communicate three reasons for which associating is necessary.
Local and likeminded churches should cooperate for the sake of missions. We must work together for the sake of starting, supporting, and strengthening churches locally. Local cooperation is necessary for the sake of educating and supporting our local works both prayerfully and financially. No other denominational entity can replace this role. Although conferences and seminaries are wonderful supplemental tools, the laborious journey of church leadership requires local relationships through which pastors and church leaders can sit down and talk to one another and gain from their collective experience and wisdom. In this relationship we should strive to cooperate and not compete. Rejoice in God's hand of blessing upon another brother's work instead of feeling threatened by it. We can combine our resources on the local level to reach our communities for Christ. The nation will only be changed as our states are transformed and our states will only be transformed as our communities are touched by the good news of Jesus and our communities will only be touched as our churches are faithful to God's Word...together.
Local and likeminded churches should be accountable with one another. There should be support for one another as pastors and elders. In this effort we should submit ourselves to one another for the sake of doctrinal accountability. There was a time in Baptist history that our churches worked to maintain doctrinal accountability in not just their individually autonomous church but also the other neighboring churches. If a church member was found to be doctrinally aberrant or just plain mad they were not allowed to simply leave and transfer their letter to a church down the road. They were required to repent and seek reconciliation or their letter was not received because they were not in "good standing" with the sister church they had departed. If a pastor was guilty of the same he was not allowed to escape without some sort of disciplinary measure. In our day many appear to cherish autonomy above accountability but even a surface reading of the circulatory letters which now make up our New Testament will surely correct this flawed thinking. I am suggesting both doctrinal and behavioral accountability through the associating of local churches for this purpose.
Local and likeminded churches have a mutual responsibility to one another. We should strengthen one another doctrinally, encourage one another prayerfully, and be available to one another relationally. I know our superchurches have vast resources and in many ways do not feel like they need anyone else for their mission. But what about their responsibilities to other churches? I also know that we all get caught up in the demands of daily responsibilities of studying, preaching, and visiting. But there are thousands around us that we will not reach alone. Let us strengthen each other with encouragement and personal prayer. The kind that can only be accomplished by sitting down with others and locking our hands together with bowed hearts, petitioning that the Kingdom of our God may come on earth as it is in Heaven.
The Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention has been a wonderful tool to expand our missions work across the hills and plains of America as well as the farthest parts of the globe. State Convention efforts have provided a faithful witness all along the ways of Texas. But neither of these can provide the intimate fellowship of a local association of churches. Recently many have developed a mindset that feels our churches can continue to prosper without a local associational relationship.
Let me clarify, by association I do not mean an institutional office residing in a building with a paid staff who develop to perpetuate yet another bureaucracy. I do realize that someone should be responsible for organizing the tasks that I will set forth and possibly some compensation is in order. But at this time I simply wish to communicate three reasons for which associating is necessary.
Local and likeminded churches should cooperate for the sake of missions. We must work together for the sake of starting, supporting, and strengthening churches locally. Local cooperation is necessary for the sake of educating and supporting our local works both prayerfully and financially. No other denominational entity can replace this role. Although conferences and seminaries are wonderful supplemental tools, the laborious journey of church leadership requires local relationships through which pastors and church leaders can sit down and talk to one another and gain from their collective experience and wisdom. In this relationship we should strive to cooperate and not compete. Rejoice in God's hand of blessing upon another brother's work instead of feeling threatened by it. We can combine our resources on the local level to reach our communities for Christ. The nation will only be changed as our states are transformed and our states will only be transformed as our communities are touched by the good news of Jesus and our communities will only be touched as our churches are faithful to God's Word...together.
Local and likeminded churches should be accountable with one another. There should be support for one another as pastors and elders. In this effort we should submit ourselves to one another for the sake of doctrinal accountability. There was a time in Baptist history that our churches worked to maintain doctrinal accountability in not just their individually autonomous church but also the other neighboring churches. If a church member was found to be doctrinally aberrant or just plain mad they were not allowed to simply leave and transfer their letter to a church down the road. They were required to repent and seek reconciliation or their letter was not received because they were not in "good standing" with the sister church they had departed. If a pastor was guilty of the same he was not allowed to escape without some sort of disciplinary measure. In our day many appear to cherish autonomy above accountability but even a surface reading of the circulatory letters which now make up our New Testament will surely correct this flawed thinking. I am suggesting both doctrinal and behavioral accountability through the associating of local churches for this purpose.
Local and likeminded churches have a mutual responsibility to one another. We should strengthen one another doctrinally, encourage one another prayerfully, and be available to one another relationally. I know our superchurches have vast resources and in many ways do not feel like they need anyone else for their mission. But what about their responsibilities to other churches? I also know that we all get caught up in the demands of daily responsibilities of studying, preaching, and visiting. But there are thousands around us that we will not reach alone. Let us strengthen each other with encouragement and personal prayer. The kind that can only be accomplished by sitting down with others and locking our hands together with bowed hearts, petitioning that the Kingdom of our God may come on earth as it is in Heaven.
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