Mack and Carr: A Better Way Fwd

photo credit: Pro Sports Daily

A better way forward.  NFL superstars Derek Carr and Khalil Mack showed the nation a better way forward while the National Anthem was played, and after the game, during their respective locker room press conferences.  Rather then enter the arena of racial politics Carr and Mack demonstrated the power of genuine friendship through a symbolic gesture of solidarity.  Hand on shoulder, side by side.

Their was no anti-police rhetoric.  No "black power" fists raised.  No Colin Kaepernick/Marshawn Lynch sit down(s) while the country's anthem was played.  Their was no politically charged (vulgar) press-conferences following the game.  Their was no pot shots taken at Democrats or Republicans.  It was just two close friends, one white and one black, demonstrating that Americans must come together as "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all."

Our nation does not need more protests.  We simply need to flesh out the practical implications of the Biblical worldview of "one blood, one race."  Jesus put it this way, "Love God (supremely)....and love your neighbor as yourself."  Christians should model what 'brotherly love' looks like.  I cannot speak for the entire country, but in my circle of Christians friends (which stretches from coast to coast), I can testify that this very thing is taking place.  

"You're a Racist" (If You Don't Think Exactly Like I Do) and Other Myths

"You're a racist!" "No wonder you pastor such a small congregation!"  This is what a fellow believer accused me of in the aftermath of the Michael Brown/Ferguson race riot situation back in 2014.  When this tragic situation unfolded in real-time a close pastor-friend asked, "What's the backstory behind the slanderous comments that were posted on your family's Facebook page?"  This individual assumed that these emotionally charged accusations came from a former, disgruntled church member who had a serious ax to grind.  I replied, "No brother.  This is someone who has filled the pulpit for me as a guest preacher on multiple occasions.  I thought he knew me, and more importantly, that my life example spoke for itself..." apparently I was wrong.  Or was I?

Have you noticed that every time a "racial controversy" takes place in our country history seems to repeat itself?  If a political conservative and/or a Christian (regardless of heritage or race) states a position, contrary to what the Liberal N.Y. Times and/or what those evangelicals who support the Black Lives Matter narrative promote, (such as Thabiti Anyabwile and Russell Moore), their perspective is quickly drown out in a chorus of "white privilege," "racism," and/or "hate speech" accusations.  As a result, many Christians, including quite a few church leaders, are afraid to offer up a nuanced perspective- even when in the same breath- genuine racism is soundly condemned; (be it "white nationalism" or "Antifa").

Christian Harmony 

The last thing any decent person wants to have said of them today is you are a "racist," "a sexist," and/or a hate-monger.   Black Conservatives (Ben Carson, Condi Rice, Allen West, Clarence Thomas) and African-American Christians are sometimes called "house Negros" and a host of even worse sinful pejoratives. I have witnessed individuals face this kind of slanderous fire storm just because they have the audacity to hold a different political/social viewpoint.  Contrary to popular opinion, words sometimes sting far worse than "sticks and stones" and can be even more destructive (see James 3).

To set this particular blog post into it's larger context.  Some time ago I posted an article titled, "Overcoming the Flames of Ferguson."  Before publicizing this blog post I asked a well known black pastor, whom I greatly respect (Voddie Bauchman), to review my "Christian opinion piece."  I am not afraid to uphold unpopular biblical truths but I also desire to do so without causing unnecessary offense.  I have no interest in being controversial just for the sake of gaining a larger audience.  Brother Voddie graciously agreed to read my blog and told me that he thought my article was biblically balanced and helpful.  After posting this same perspective on my Facebook page another black "friend" responded by calling me a "racist" (see paragraphs one through three).

Disney Promotes Lesbian Parents On Popular Cartoon Show

Photo Credit Screengrab via GLAAD/Facebook

“Disney breaks new ground, introduces interracial lesbian parents” in popular children’s cartoon show ‘Doc McStuffins.’  Just when you think that our morally bankrupt nation could not stoop any lower we find a way to do so.  Romans 1:18-32 is playing out before our watching eyes.  I think every Christian would agree that the Romans 1 "wrath of Divine abandonment" is nothing to yawn about.

In a related article on msn.com the following commentary was given in view of Disney's latest pro-LGBTQ  cartoon.  “Disney has introduced a multiracial two-mom family, voiced by lesbian actors. On a recent episode of the Disney Channel show Doc McStuffins, Wanda Sykes and Portia de Rossi each voice doll-like lesbian mothers helping their children cope after an “earthquake” shakes up their house. The mothers, who are in a relationship, learn from titular character Doc McStuffins how to create an emergency earthquake kit to protect their family in the future.

The episode doesn’t necessarily focus on the lesbian mothers’ sexualities. Instead, their relationship is simply shown as a matter of fact. The scene has been hailed by GLAAD for its thoughtfulness and inclusive nature, paving the way for future representation of queer interracial families on TV.  “Children like mine deserve the chance to see their families reflected on TV, and this episode does just that in a beautiful and positive way,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said. “Shows like this reflect our real world, and today that includes the many children being raised by gay and lesbian parents who are all going to celebrate this story.

This isn’t Disney’s first step into LGBTQ representation. Earlier, the animated series Star vs. the Forces of Evil featured Disney’s first gay kiss. Disney also showcased their first lesbian couple on Good Luck Charlie, making their relationship central to an episode within the series.”

If the Old Testament prophets or John the Baptist were alive today what heavenly message do you suppose they would deliver to the ‘divided’ States of America?   I can guarantee you that the tone and content would be much different than what is heard on a typical Sunday morning in most churches. 

Choosing a Church: the 10 Things That Matter Most (pt. 3)

WHAT MATTERS MOST

"If you’re ready to decide where to go to church – or not sure if the church you’re attending is where God wants you – you may be faced with difficult choices as well. A lot is at stake. Most of us have a lot of options. And most of us have a lot of preferences, too.  So how do we decide what matters most?

  ....When it comes to selecting a church – a “must-have” list and a “that-would-be-nice” list of qualities in a church. In this chapter, I want to help you with your “must-have” list.

TEN IMPORTANT QUESTIONS (# 6-10):

6.  Is this a church where people strive to live by God’s Word?

                No church can claim to live out God’s Word perfectly.  What’s important is to look for a church that is seeking not only to believe rightly, but also to live rightly.  It’s possible for a church to be doctrinally sound but have a culture of total apathy when it comes to applying the truth of God’s Word in everyday life.

                Our faith in God and our desire to honor Him with obedience and holiness will affect everything – from how we conduct ourselves at work to how we speak to our children at home.  If it doesn’t, something is wrong.

                That means that the church you’re looking for will seek to build a culture and community of both hearing and obeying God’s Word (see James 1:22).  It will seek not only to win converts, but to make disciples by helping them to mature in godly living in every area of life.

See R. Kent Hughes', "Calling a Worldly Church to a Godly Life."

See Kevin DeYoung's, "The Hole In Our Holiness: Filling the Gap Between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness."

See J.C. Ryle's classic, "Holiness"

7.  Is this a church where I can find and cultivate godly relationships?

                We all need relationships where we can receive encouragement, accountability and care.  And an essential part of living out God’s Word is being connected to other Christians. Does the church you’re considering provide settings where you can enjoy biblical fellowship, mutual encouragement, and application of Scripture?  This will look different at different churches – some have official small group structures, others don’t but achieve the same purpose through other means.  What matters is that godly relationships happen.  And, of course, these kinds of relationships usually take time to develop.

Choosing a Church: 10 Things That Matter Most (pt. 2)

WHAT MATTERS MOST

If you’re ready to decide where to go to church – or not sure if the church you’re attending is where God wants you – you may be faced with difficult choices as well. A lot is at stake. Most of us have a lot of options. And most of us have a lot of preferences, too.  So how do we decide what matters most?

                The wisdom you need to choose a church is a little like the wisdom a person needs to choose a spouse. For example, it’s not wrong for a woman to want to marry a man with blond hair who likes Italian food and hiking. But it would be foolish to place these preferences over the priority of his being truly converted and growing in godliness. In the same way, it’s not wrong to want a church with a lot of people your age or to prefer a certain style of worship music – but these are secondary concerns. Curtis’s example is helpful. He chose a church based on the criteria God’s Word gives – not just on his preferences, or what felt comfortable to familiar to him. In the same way, we need two different lists when it comes to selecting a church – a “must-have” list and a “that-would-be-nice” list of qualities in a church. In this chapter, I want to help you with your “must-have” list.

TEN IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Use these ten questions to help you explore and understand a church you’re considering. They work whether you’ve been there for two weeks or ten years. This list isn’t exhaustive, and some of the questions will take time to process. But they can help you hone in on the issues that matter most.

1.  Is this a church where God’s Word is faithfully taught?

     “The kind of church you want to be a part of,” writes Donald Whitney, “is one where, when the Bible is read at the beginning of a sermon, you can be confident that what follows will be built upon it. God made our hearts, and only He knows what we need most. And He made our hearts for the Word of God. Nothing nourishes us like his message.” A God-glorifying church is governed by God’s Word. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Be careful here. At first glance, most churches will appear to teach God’s Word. You’ll see it printed in the bulletin, written on the walls, or sprinkled through the services. But these references to Scripture don’t necessarily mean a church is submitted to God’s Word.

                Some teachers start their messages with the Bible, but it’s only a jumping-off point to share their own opinions. I should know – I used to be one of those teachers! I used to build entertaining messages around engaging illustrations, stories, or ideas I had. I always peppered my messages with Scripture. But Scripture wasn’t the meat of the message; it was only the seasoning. Since then, God has mercifully helped me to grow in my understanding of faithful preaching. I’ve learned that the best thing I can do for my church is to build a message on the teaching of a particular passage of Scripture – to draw my points and emphasis from the points and emphasis of the passage. This approach, often called expositional preaching, can be expressed through many different personalities and presentation styles (and it doesn’t have to add up to long, difficult, or boring sermons!). The driving principle is that God’s Word has the authority. The preacher’s task is simply to unleash what it has to say to God’s people. So your first priority is to look for a church whose teaching is driven by a confidence in the authority of Scripture."

WHAT TRULY IS BIBLICAL EXPOSITION?  WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT? WHY IS IT SO HARD TO FIND FAITHFUL PREACHERS WHO DECLARE THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD?  If you get the first mark of a healthy church wrong (biblical preaching and teaching) everything that follows  in this article will not make sense.  So make sure you know what biblical preaching is before you move into items 2-5 and 6-10.

See Steven J Lawson's, "Famine in the Land: A Passionate Call For Expository Preaching."

See Alistair Begg's short book, "Preaching For God's Glory."

See Albert Mohler's "He Is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World."

See John Piper's, "The Supremacy of God in Preaching."

See John MacArthur's, "Preaching: How To Preach Biblically."

See Martyn Lloyd-Jones, "Preachers and Preaching."

2.  Is this a church where sound doctrine truly matters?

Choosing a Church: 10 Things That Matter Most (pt. 1)

In a recent conversation someone asked me, "How do you determine what to really look for when it comes to choosing a local church?"  "When it comes to selecting a new church what is most important?"  How do you know when it's time to transition from one "Christian assembly" to another?

As with marriage, it is essential that we Christians grasp which things are non-negotiable and which things are preferential.  For example, in dating or in courtship it may not be wrong to wait for a blonde haired, blue eyed, single Christian to providentially come your way; but you better not settle for a lukewarm believer simply because they enjoy the same hobbies you do and are physically attractive.  If you have lived long enough you know exactly what I mean.  The Scriptures informs us in Proverbs 31 that "charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the LORD shall be praised."  A spouse with noble character and who possesses an undying love for Christ is worth more than great wealth.

The same principle is true in regards to choosing a local church.  If we place finding a church that offers a certain musical style, or one with a certain size children's or youth ministry, on par with finding a fellowship with a Word-dominated/full counsel of God pulpit with Trinity-centered worship we have obviously missed the biblical mark; (note Eph. 4:11-16; Acts 2:42; Heb. 5:12-14; Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Tim. 3:15-4:5).

In order to solidify our core ecclesiastical convictions the first mini-series I preached in my new church (Lake Country Bible, WI) was on us maintaining "a (thoroughly) Biblical Philosophy of Ministry."  In Colossians 1:28-29 Scripture provides us with the Apostle Paul's inspired mission statement.  Wherein Paul writes, and thus we (continually) proclaim Him,  admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man mature in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.  I believe that no less than four essential components of a biblical philosophy of ministry are given to us in this amazing text. (I thank God that my former mentors Drs. Rick Holland and Jerry Wragg helped show me the importance of these essential ministry components).

Having inherited a spiritually healthy congregation from my now "retired" predecessor (Pastor Sal Massa) I told Lake Country Bible Church that by the grace of God, we must continue to:

James White Muslim DIALOGUE Controversy: "Fools Rush In- Where Monkeys Fear to Tread" (PT 1)

My writing ministry is mostly confined to manuscripts related to preaching and teaching within the context of the local church.  My best work is always reserved for my most important task, which is, without question-the expository pulpit (2 Timothy 3:16-4:5).  The inconsistent blog postings here at P.T.L and the "editing polish" of which some of my articles sorely lack is related to these ministry priorities.  For that I make no apologies.  Some of my 'best' blog articles over the years have been the fruit of lessons prepared for Sunday School classes or for more informal, evening gatherings.

With that by way of introduction, please allow me to imitate Carl Trueman and "rush in where even monkeys fear to tread" by discussing the firestorm surrounding James White and Brannon Howse.

Many people within my new ministry context have asked me to weigh in on this controversy.  Thus far, I have said very little because I have not had ample time to read the many related articles, let alone listen to the related videos and podcasts surrounding this  bloody affair.  

Having watched the introduction of James White's dialogue with Muslim scholar Yasir Qadhi multiple times now and having read a few summary articles, let me offer up a few preliminary remarks on context, format, and consistency.

1. Context matters.

The friendly discussion between a well known Christian apologist and a respected Muslim scholar took place in a local Christian church.  More than a few church leaders have questioned the wisdom of this decision.  It is one thing to "dialogue" with an unbeliever over lunch in the workplace or to debate Scripture and sound doctrine on a secular University campus.  However, providing a platform for a non-Christian teacher to instruct Christians concerning the true tenants of Islam or any other false religion seems very unwise at best.  Could you imagine Al Mohler inviting Matthew Vines to his local church to dialogue about homosexuality and "God and the gay Christian."  Could you imagine Paul or Peter setting up a friendly conversation with the Gnostics?  I can't..  The spirit of the latter epistles of John (see especially 1-3 John) are worth noting here.  The principles found in Galatians 1-2 are also helpful guides.

In a "open letter" the main lay elder at Grace Community (Pastor MacArthur's church) wrote, "We would not sanction a public dialogue with a Muslim Imam, or any other person with an agenda to teach false religion AT (emphasis mine) Grace Community Church..." Chris Hamilton went on to add a word of public criticism aimed at those bloggers (such as Brannon Howse) that are now discrediting the ministry of James White based on this isolated error of judgment/discernment.  More on that issue another time; (Brannon Howse is someone I have heard of but {until recently} have never read or listened to.  This article is not intended to address Howse's or any other blogger's commentary).

2. Format matters.

James White made it very clear that what he set up in January 2017 was a DIALOGUE not a DEBATE.  

Webster's defines a DEBATE as "a contention by words or arguments. Our polite chat about politics became a heated debate." In contrast, the same dictionary defines DIALOGUE this way; "a written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing;  2a : a conversation between two or more persons; also : a similar exchange between a person and something else (such as a computer) b: an exchange of ideas and opinions."

When I first heard that James White set up a two hour "conversation" with a Muslim teacher at a local church I did not believe it.   Now if the same person who first told me of this event had named Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, or even James MacDonald (see the infamous "Elephant room" controversy) I would have thought, "Well that's par for the course," but not Dr. James White.  Footnote: I remember reading a Christmas book by Rick Warren some time ago wherein Warren kept referring to the Roman Catholic Pope as the "holy Father." Say what?!?   I also listened to an out of character dialogue/podcast this year between Reformation historian, Carl Trueman and a high ranking leader in the Roman church, but now I digress.

From my Bible-believing corner of evangelicalism James White is one of the most respected apologist/debaters I know.  I have benefited from more than a few of James White's books, public debates, and apologetics articles in the past.  White's insistence on setting up a "dialogue" driven format with a false teacher in a Christian church surprised me (and many others).

A Teaching Ministry that Edifies the Saints and Glorifies the Lord

At bare minimum faithful teaching is comprised of two essential components.  Preparation and delivery.  Or, more specifically stated, God-honoring preaching involves diligent expository study combined with on-target exposition and application. 

              The “diligent study” component is mandated in 2 Timothy wherein Paul instructs his young protégé, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”[1]    

              The on-target exposition component is prescribed in many biblical texts but chiefly in  2 Timothy 3:16-4:2. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” 

              In short, the faithful bible teacher must read the text, explain the text, and apply the text.

Evangelicalism Gone Wild: The Continued Folly of Hyper-Grace Sanctification.

Photo Credit: modernmarburg.wordpress.com

We interrupt our current blog series to bring you an updated press release concerning Tullian Tchividjian and to sadly recount the continued decline of American Evangelicalism...

Last week (celebrity editor) Phil Johnson criticized (celebrity counselor) Paul Tripp over a public article wherein Tripp basically stated that Pastor Tullian Tchividjian's divorce is necessary because his marriage is 'irreparably broken.'  As most of you know Tullian Tchividjian's ministry credentials were deposed by a south Florida Presbytery recently following his extramarital affair. (Paul Jones of Reformation 21 also weighed in on Paul Tripp's public comments.)

As this tragedy unfolded publicly Phil Johnson added some very helpful commentary along the way. Here are some Pastor Johnson quotes that I found to be quite discerning. "I can't imagine any circumstances under which it would be appropriate to counsel a man who is admittedly guilty of adultery that it's OK to file for divorce after a six-month attempt at reconciliation. Plus, this particular man was a pastor whose whole message was supposedly about the power of the gospel and grace and forgiveness. Tullian himself has been practically demanding grace and forgiveness since the day after his sin was exposed. Furthermore, he seemed to throw his wife under the bus even in his original "confession." From the public perspective, it seems clear that he has sinned against his wife; he is not merely an innocent victim of her sin, whatever that may be. All of those things raise questions in my mind, but the biggest question is, Why is Paul Tripp so willing to be complicit in this whole mess?"