In so many ‘churches’ the culture has been given such a place that it is near impossible to distinguish the flock from the world. How very sad, yet foretold by our Lord for these days. When the Sword of Truth discerns the inmost thoughts of it’s hearers, and the flesh is convicted unto repentance and salvation the church has been faithful to the Lord. Yet, when the pulpit opines all things other than the Word no man is convicted or brought to the rebirth. How sad.

Thanks so much for Pulpit Mag it is a blessing to me!

I think Deborah Thomas stated things perfectly!

A. Within scripture itself, contextualizing is important.

B. To appeal to culture, one can not contextualize and it compromises God’s Word.

So– Driscoll sits in the B. category and Piper?, Mohler, and Dever have jumped on his bandwagon? (Acts 29..)

Please correct me if I am wrong.

JLof@aol.com

JOHN LOFTON / RECOVERING REPUBLICAN

For more than 35 years John Lofton has covered national politics and cultural/religious issues as a journalist, nationally-syndicated columnist, TV-radio commentator/analyst and political advisor.
• Editor, “Monday,” the weekly, national publication of the Republican National Committee, 1970-73.
• Nationally-syndicated columnist for “United Features” Syndicate in more than 100 papers nationwide, 1973-80.
• Editor, “Battleline,” monthly newsletter of The American Conservative Union, 1977-80.
• Editor, “Conservative Digest” magazine, 1980-82.
• Columnist, “The Washington Times” newspaper, 1982-89.
• Program-host/commentator, “America’s Voice,” a national cable TV network in all 50 states, 1998-99.
• A commentator on the “Mutual Radio Network;”
• An advisor to the Presidential campaign of Pat Buchanan;
• Author of a monthly column on the Federal bureaucracy for Howard Phillips’ “Conservative Caucus.”
• Has written articles for the NRA magazine “America’s First Freedom”; Gun Owners Of America.
• Communications Director for Constitution Party Presidential candidate Michael Anthony Peroutka in 2004.
• Co–host with Michael Peroutka of “The American View” radio program nationally-syndicated by “Radio America.”
John Lofton has given numerous speeches before various groups, Liberal and Conservative, including Liberty University/Bob Jones University. He has appeared on every major TV/radio talk show (including the Comedy Channel’s “Daily Show”/“Politically Incorrect”) to debate every imaginable kind of anti-Christian goofball — and some who are unimaginable but who do, alas, exist. And he never went to college which is why he is so smart. He can be reached at: 16111 Jerald Road, Laurel, Maryland 20707. Phone: 410-760-8885; cell phone: 301-873-4612; email: JLof@aol.com

what an opportunity you are giving to all of us who dont have the opportunity to participate

Nkhumbuleni ,South Africa

ps – are you ever going to post the lecture notes for your session at last year’s ShepCon? Still holding out hope you’ll get them up. =)

I assumed that was a presupposition when talking with other Trinitarians.

One doesn’t need to fully articulate their entire theology on ecclesiology to discuss specific matters…

To assume we leave out the Holy Spirit is a bit strong, don’t you think?

I’m sure it is not your intent, but you seem to have left out the Holy Spirit. No one has mentioned that it is the power of the Holy Spirit in our preaching that overcomes all cultural and even language barriers. He is the interpreter. Go back and read The Life of David Brainerd or John G. Patton or others. They did not need “man’s wisdom” because the weapons of their warfare were mighty to the pulling down of fortresses. Their intercessory prayer, perseverance, and preaching was used of the Holy Spirit to convert whole tribes of darkened savages to Christ.

Also…you would have to explain why the apostle John uses the term Logos, to describe Jesus, as the term was well known to be a Greek term to describe the one who controls the universe…

check out what the TDNT says about the term logos:

Although little used in epic,32 λόγος; achieved a comprehensive and varied significance with the process of rationalisation which characterised the Greek spirit. Indeed, in its manifold historical application one might almost call it symbolic of the Greek understanding of the world and existence.
Theological dictionary of the New Testament.
1964-c1976. Vols. 5-9 edited by Gerhard Friedrich. Vol. 10 compiled by Ronald Pitkin. (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (4:77). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

But even through all this I am not arguing for changing the message one iota like some emergents would contend. Only the way in which we explain the message to them.

I would love to discuss this further if you want to come over to Contend Earnestly