Pulpit Picks
February 17th, 2007
(By Nathan Williams)
This weekend brings about the 3rd annual Resolved Conference. The idea for the conference comes from the 70 resolutions that Jonathan Edwards made when he was 19 years old. You would be hard pressed to find a conference designed for young people where the preaching is as theologically rich and the worship as God-centered as the Resolved Conference. The conference is being held this year in Long Beach and has quite an impressive line up of preachers including our own pastors John MacArthur and Rick Holland, plus Steve Lawson, C.J. Mahaney and John Piper. Since most of you reading this won’t be at the conference, you can follow it on the website of Tim Challies through his live-blogging of every session.
Other than the Resolved Conference, there are a number of other links for you this weekend.
This is a stellar letter written by Dr. Gordon Lewis responding to Scot McKnight’s book on the emerging church.
As many of you prepare to preach tomorrow, ponder these words on sermon evaluation.
Of course, you all know by now that Dr. Bruce Metzger went to be with the Lord this week. Ben Witherington remembers him here.
Desiring God Ministries has begun a helpful blog on their website.
Bob Kauflin gives an encouraging word regarding the gospel and ourselves.
Here is an interesting article by Tim Challies on America’s most popular T.V. show.
I’m glad someone posted a thoughtful Christian response to Tim Hardaway’s comments this week regarding homosexuals.
Speaking of homosexuality, have you seen this new Bible?
Steve Hays writes to sort out professions of faith.
Here is an article discussing the relationship between the SBC and charismatic theology.
Admit it, you’ve always wanted to see the Pyromaniac fly down a snow covered hill on an inner-tube. (HT: Sean Higgins)
Possible remodeling ideas for your church?
Enjoy the links and we’ll see you next week as we return to the series on spiritual gifts.
Nathan,
Thanks for the link to my article. The permalink address is: http://worshipmatters.blogs.com/
bobkauflin/2007/02/how_do_i_love_m.html
Thanks for the links! Just as good as Challies’ “A La Carte”, I especially like the church bathrooms…;)
Nathan Williams,
Speaking of Challies, it was sad to see him recently plug a gendered-altered translation of the Bible called the TNIV in audio form. I asked him if he would please explain why it’s okay to put forward an altered version of the Scripture in light of all the scriptural injunctions that make it clear we are liars when we do such things.
His only response was a complete refusal to deal with passages like Prov. 30:5-6, Deut. 4:2 and others…and to get mad at me for insisting on an answer.
Most everything Tim does is absolutely orthodox and good. Why is this particular sort of thing tolerated?
What is the stance of John MacArthur on altered Bible versions? I have contacted Phil Johnson some time ago on this issue and Challies without response. Is his friendship with Challies above Scripture? Perhaps he has not had time to answer. I simply want to know where you guys stand.
Personally, I can’t believe MacArthur would put up with this sort of compromise.
What gives,
Phil Perkins.
Phil:
If JM will put up with the compromises of John Piper (staff sent to Toronto Blessing, speaking at Christian rock concerts, toying with RAP artists in his church, hosting Driscoll the cussing preacher, Piper’s own langauage indiscretions) it should be no suprise to see tolerance for what you have raised a concern over.
IMO there is a glue that keeps these men in fellowship inspite of serious issues that might otherwise warrant separation or at least a rebuke.
LM
www.indefenseofthegospel.blogspot.com
Lou and Phil,
this is certainly disturbing news to me. Nathan, you comment so often on other comments could you please address these two concerns? Even if it is that “you don’t know the answer”, that would be better than complete silence. It is so important to clear up misunderstandings or to face compromise and correct it for God’s glory. No person is more important than Him and His Word.
Sarah,
One might keep in mind that this article is old. And Nathan might know what’s up, either. So he might be looking into it. However, I am glad I’ve shed some light on it. Or got this some attention.
Phil.
There is of course the Resolved conference going on (Chailles is blogging it), so maybe they are not on line currently.
There has been some mention of Piper by LM, and I believe that was answered at that time.
The TNIV issue with Chailles is new to me (since I am just a lay reader of this blog that certainly means nothing), but I have no connection with GCC or any affiliated ministry so I wouldn’t know if this is the first time it has been brought up by Phil.
Usually purity of the Gospel is the first critical point of separting fellowship but there is a good book addressing the is:
“On the Level” by Richard I. Gregory; Richard W. Gregory.
There is reason to allow some time for a response, I am sure there would no reaction before several attempts would be made. I have no reason to doubt Phil, certainly any christian (including those at GCC) would want a chance to confirm facts before any decision. Even at that there may be a time for scripture review (as Phil has sought). Maybe a different voice, many different voices might have an impact with TC.
I know that the folks have confronted others in the past on issues, I think there was something several years (2003) ago with another big name writer/pastor.
Rick B,
Yes, this is the first time. Unbelievably, I found articles both here and over there today that allowed me to ask the question. So I did. Phil Johnson painted me up like a hillbilly with a straw hat and a Bible at Pyro. I’ll wait to see what happens here.
I don’t understand why we even have to debate whether or not to use a Bible that has been changed on purpose. The American Evangelical church is losing its soul. Fast.
And be careful not to blame anyone until you get the facts. So you’re right to wait.
In Christ,
Phil Perkins.
Sarah:
I am not familiar with the TNIV issue with Challies. My notes on Piper, however, are actual fact. Those issues with Piper are a matter of public record.
In light of Piper’s numerous, highly questionable decisions and actions it grieves me that he (Piper) is being held up as an example to follow.
Check the discussion thread below for more on this. The Resolved Conference, Piper and MacArthur are discussed. Look for comments such as, “…there seems to be a huge disconnect between Piper’s theology and practice. I am still convinced that JM is a conservative evangelical. I think he has changed his beliefs on the music issue (read his comments on Ephesians 5:18) or refused to address it any longer.”
You’ll find Phil Johnson weighing in there as well.
Kind regards,
LM
http://www.sharperiron.org/showthread.php?t=4235