Here we go again. Southeastern prof Heath Thomas (Old Testament & Hebrew) has committed yet another act of Old Testament theology. This makes, umm, five publications in the past five weeks. Along with Robin Parry, Thomas is coeditor of Great is Thy Faithfulness? Reading Lamentations as Sacred Scripture (Pickwick). This work seeks an answer to the question: how is Lamentations Holy Scripture for the Church? In order to answer this question, I’ve provided a brief … [Read More]
Sending Santa to Amazon: Top Sixteen Books to Buy as Christmas Gifts
There are three types of people in our country. There are, first of all, those who are able to read but do not read books. An AP-Ipsos poll recently revealed that 25% of Americans do not read books, while other polls have put the number higher, at around 50%. It is not that these Americans cannot read or that they do not accumulate knowledge. (No country’s citizens—and I mean none—bring more gravitas and enthusiasm to … [Read More]
Q&A 19: What is the greatest strength of the SBC? The greatest weakness?
Question: What is the greatest strength of the SBC? The greatest weakness?
Reply:
I think the answer to these 2 questions is the same: our fraternal and family orientation. We gain great strength by being a family or convention of Southern Baptist churches united by a passion for international missions, North American church planting and theological integrity. Those are the three things that I mentioned in the “Axioms of a Great Commission Resurgence” message which I believe … [Read More]
Old Testament Matters: Some Resources from the Pen of Heath Thomas
For the past two years, we have been publishing book notices, informing our readership about books published by Southeastern’s faculty members, in order to make our readers aware of (1) good books on specific topics in which they might be interested; (2) the fact that Southeastern’s faculty members are writing top-shelf scholarly volumes that are used in many universities and seminaries around the world, and serious-minded books that are helpful for pastors and churches; and … [Read More]
Southeastern Theological Review
We at Between the Times would like to make you aware of a recent development at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2010, we launched a new journal, Southeastern Theological Review (STR), which seeks to “facilitate lively and informed conversations on a wide variety of topics of interest to Christians around the globe.” STR is published biannually, and features articles by young and established scholars from inside and outside the United States, including those actively involved … [Read More]
The Mission of the Church: An Ecclesiological Question
We were pleased to host Christopher J.H. Wright at Southeastern Seminary last week as he delivered the annual Page Lectures. His theme for the lectures was “The Bible and the Mission of God,” which is an important and somewhat controversial topic among evangelicals. His two lectures were titled “Reading the Whole Bible for Mission: What Happens When We do?” and “God, Israel, and the Nations: The Old Testament and Christian Mission.” Both of his excellent lectures … [Read More]
Christopher Wright on The Christian Mission
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary had the privilege this week of hosting Christopher Wright for the annual Page Lectures. Dr. Wright is International Director for Langham Partnership International and the author several books including The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative (IVP), Old Testament Ethics and the People of God (IVP), and The Mission of God’s People (Zondervan). Dr. Wright is a noteworthy theologian who has written extensively about God’s mission, the church’s mission, … [Read More]
Q&A 15: What are your thoughts about perserverance of the saints?
Question: What are your thoughts about perseverance of the saints?
Reply:
This is the one area where all Southern Baptists agree! PTL! The doctrine affirms that those that God saves He protects and preserves their salvation to the very end. Sometimes this doctrine is also known by the phrase “eternal security.” There are many scriptures I believe that affirm this. Perhaps the clearest is John 10:27-29 which states, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know … [Read More]
Q&A 14: What are your thoughts about irresistable grace?
Question: What are your thoughts about irresistible grace?
Reply:
“Irresistible grace” is as unfortunate a term as is “limited atonement.” A far better way to describe this teaching is “effectual calling.” Those who affirm effectual calling believe that those who are predestined by God to be saved are effectually/effectively called to salvation. This seems to be the clear teaching of Romans 8:28-30 for example. They are not forced to come but they freely and willingly do … [Read More]
Q&A 13: What do you think about limited atonement?
Question: What do you think about limited atonement?
Reply:
This is the issue within Calvinism that causes the strongest emotional response. And, that is easy to understand. Let me say first of all that the phrase “limited atonement” is unfortunate. A far better way of identifying what classic Calvinist mean by this doctrine is “particular redemption” (or “definite atonement”). I have never been persuaded for the truth of this position though I do understand and respect the … [Read More]
