On October 8 I had the honor of speaking at Union University at the “Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, and Future of Denominationalism Conference.” The meeting was held in recognition of the 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement. Several blogs and media outlets have reported both on the conference and the paper I delivered. The full manuscript may be accessed at http://apps.sebts.edu/president/?p=1471 . However, to fit the paper into the “blog world” I will post 10 entries that … [Read More]
Mormon Vampires in the Garden of Eden
It is likely you’ve at least heard of the Twilight series of novels (and movies), even if you have no clue what they are about. If you were wondering, they are vampire young adult romance novels that are all the rage with teenage girls. (My family had the misfortune of being at the mall one night when one of the novels was being released–it was teenybopper mayhem.) As some of my friends who have read the books have … [Read More]
Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals
If you have been wondering what you should do with the extra $10 in your wallet, I can tell you exactly how to spend it: Pre-order Trevin Wax’s Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals to be released by Crossway in January 2010.
Trevin’s book is an exposition of the supremacy of Christ in the face of the many idols of our time, and comes highly recommended by Danny Akin, Al Mohler, Johnny … [Read More]
Tim Keller’s Advice to Seminarians–Pastor a Country Church
Though I have never been the “permanent” pastor of a local church, I have been a youth minister and done interim pastor work. Three of the churches I’ve served were rural congregations of less than 100 active members. I wouldn’t trade my experiences with those small-church saints for anything in the world. Perhaps because of my own experiences, I think Tim Keller’s advice to seminarians–consider becoming a country parson–is good advice for many would-be pastors. This … [Read More]
And Since We’re Talking about the Church
Yesterday my wife pointed me to an excellent article written by Jeff Purswell titled “Don’t Go to Church?” Purswell serves as the Dean of the Sovereign Grace Pastor’s College. In his article, Purswell criticizes the false dichotomy between “being” the church and gathering as the church. I sometimes hear this type of thinking from some of my students who either were very involved in collegiate parachurch ministries or have been influenced by churches that embrace the very … [Read More]
Further Thoughts on the Marks of a True Church
This is a follow-up to my earlier article “On the Marks of a True Church: A Question.” Thanks to everyone who offered a comment. What follow are my own thoughts on this issue.
I first began to think deeply about this question during my doctoral studies. During my college and seminary days, I unhesitatingly embraced the so-called Reformation definition of a true church. But there was a problem: as a Baptist, I am honestly convinced that … [Read More]
Navigating Ministry in Uncharted Waters
We at BtT would like to make you remind you of the upcoming pastor’s conference at FBC Jacksonville (Jan 29 – Feb 2). This year’s conference, “Navigating Ministry in Uncharted Waters,” features over 30 sessions and a fantastic lineup including Danny Akin, Al Mohler, O. S. Hawkins, J. D. Greear, Emir Caner, Ed Stetzer, and David Platt. Seven of the sessions will be led by SEBTS faculty members (Danny Akin, JD Greear, Ed Stetzer, Ken … [Read More]
On the Marks of a True Church: A Question
Ever since the Reformation era, it has been common to define a “true church” as a congregation where the gospel is rightly preached and the sacraments/ordinances are rightly administered. (Some would also include the practice of church discipline as a third mark.) Christians in a variety of traditions use this terminology all the time, but I suspect some have not thought through the implications of adopting this schema. Other Christians, however, have clearly thought through … [Read More]
