Chickens Before Eggs

by Michael Mckinley

Hi Doug,

Thanks for your question about missions.  I think the folks in the comments have pointed out some of the dangers that come in trying to pull apart some of these ideas, but let me take a stab at getting the ball rolling...

In Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus lists out the two greatest commandments, in order of importance:

1. Love the Lord your God.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.  

Both of those commandments are necessary and in many ways they entail each other.  But still Jesus says that loving the Lord your God is the "first and greatest".

So, in a similar way, could we say that missions is motivated by a primary love for the glory of God which entails a desire to see as many people saved as possible?

I think this questions is important to our methodology, because God is glorified when the gospel in preached, whether or not the sovereign Lord chooses to bring the fruit of salvation in the life of the hearer.  Paul's ministry was the aroma of Christ to God whether his hearers were being saved or perishing (II Corinthians 2:15).

So I understand that we have "done" missions and evangelism whenever the gospel is proclaimed clearly, winsomely, accurately, and completely... even if no one come to Christ as a direct result. 

But, because I love my neighbor and I love the God who wishes all men to be saved (I Timothy 2:3-4), I long to see many people come to Christ.

Thoughts?

Categories: Cross-cultural Missions

Posted on February 9, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

The Authority of Preaching

by Thabiti Anyabwile

Those who love preaching, who believe in the centrality of preaching, and who live by the preached word have little quibble with the authority of preaching.  We believe that a certain exercise of God's rule comes along with the proclamation of His word.  We are to hear and to obey, to give careful attention to "what thus saith the Lord." 

But sometimes, those who love preaching most may abuse its authority most.  That is, we may abuse the authority of preaching by forgetting or failing to make clear where that authority comes from.

Wayne Grudem helps us correct this omission or tendency:

Gentlemen, preach the word!  In season and out of season.  Preach as it really is, the word of God.  Call your hearers to receive it as it really is, the word of God, not the word of man.  Challenge them to obey it as obeying God Himself.  And let the authority of God thunder as the word of God falls like a hammer!

Categories: Preaching

Posted on February 8, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

The Curse of Being Smarter Than Everyone Else

by Michael Mckinley

I thought this was pretty funny.  The comic strip is called Pearls Before Swine.  Click on the image to see a larger version.

Categories: Where'd All These Calvinists Come From?

Posted on February 5, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (2)

New books on J. Edwards by Strachan and Sweeney

by Jonathan Leeman

Our very own Owen Strachan has just released five books co-authored with Trinity's Doug Sweeney. These books include passages from Edward's writing and commentary on them. But more than that, Owen tells me, the volumes are intended to distill essential matters of Christian life and faith. Jonathan Edwards is used as a window onto to the depth and beauty and grandeur of God and the life he offers us. 

Jonathan Edwards Lover of God
Jonathan Edwards on Beauty
Jonathan Edwards on Heaven and Hell
Jonathan Edwards on the Good Life

Jonathan Edwards on True Christianity

I can't wait to read them, Owen. Thanks for your work!

Posted on February 5, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

A Missiological Chicken-Egg Debate?

by Doug Coleman

In light of Andy’s desire to start a conversation, I’m going to follow Greg’s lead and ask a question—actually a few questions. Mine isn’t exactly a trap either. I really do want to hear from others. But I also won’t pretend that I have no thoughts on the topic, even if they are still evolving and maybe somewhat muddled at the moment.

The big question is this: What is the ultimate goal and motivation for missions? I have in mind here especially cross-cultural missions, or international missions.

For those who have read Piper’s Let the Nations be Glad, you know that he says it’s worship. I think he makes a strong argument, but I want to limit us to two different options here:

1. The salvation of as many humans as possible

2. The glory of God

This raises all kinds of questions and potential objections. Can these two be legitimately juxtaposed or is this a false dilemma? Do we always have to choose between the two or can the answer be “both”? Is there ever a time when we really have to choose? Do we always know what glorifies God? Can we know what will result in the salvation of as many humans as possible? Does Scripture answer this or are we too far into the realm of speculation? And perhaps one of the biggest: What does this really matter, or does our answer to this question really affect our missiology?

I hope to follow up with more thoughts later, but in the meantime, what do you think?

Categories: Cross-cultural Missions

Posted on February 5, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (5)

Who Influences Protestant Pastors?

by Thabiti Anyabwile

Last November, Lifeway Research surveyed 1,002 Protestant pastors to find out which pastors most influenced them.  The list of potentially influential pastors crossed the denominational and theological spectrum.  The Christian Post has a brief article on the survey's results (HT: Challies).  Here's the list of the top ten:

- Billy Graham, who serve as a pastor as a young man, but is best known for his evangelistic crusades around the world;

- Chuck Swindoll, senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, TX, and on-air teacher for Insight for Living radio program.

- Charles Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Atlanta, and founder of In Touch Ministries.

- Rick Warren, senior pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., and author of the best-selling book, "The Purpose-Driven Life."

- John MacArthur, pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., and president and featured teacher of the Grace to You ministry.

- Barbara Brown Taylor, religion teacher at Piedmont College in northeast Georgia and author of 12 books including "An Altar in the World."

- David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego County, Calif.

- Max Lucado, minister of writing and preaching at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and the recipient of three Christian Book of the Year awards.

- John Piper, pastor for preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis and author of more than 30 books, including "Desiring God."

- Andy Stanley, senior pastor of North Point Community Church, Buckhead Church, and Browns Bridge Community Church – all in the Atlanta area – and founder of North Point Ministries.

This is an interesting list.  I can say that I've been "influenced" in some way by more than a couple of these men, and I praise God for them.

But I think there's probably a significant confound with this survey research.  Disproportionate in the list are pastors with daily radio ministries.  Now, they have daily radio programs for a reason--somebody is listening!  But I'm not sure that the list really indicates influence as much as notoriety.  As a good social scientist, the most we could say from a survey like this is, "More research needs to be done."  Or not.

What do you think?  Who is the most influential pastor among pastors?

Categories: Pastoring

Posted on February 5, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (4)

Love Does, Do Love

by Thabiti Anyabwile

Hey Greg,

a) Honor your parents.  Ethics (honor and love are siblings)

b) Go into all the world and make disciples.  Mission

c) Be subject to the governing authorities.  Mission (doesn't require love)

d) Love your wife as your own self.  Ethics

e) Baptize them [the disciples you make].  Mission

f) Flee sexual immorality.  Ethic (immorality is an ethical construct, isn't it?)

g) Teach them to obey all Jesus has commanded.  Mission

h) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Mission and Ethic ("whole duty of man")

i) Love your neighbor as yourself.  Ethic

j) Cultivate it and keep it [creation].  Mission

Categories: Theology

Posted on February 4, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (2)

POW!!!!

by Greg Gilbert

Just kidding, Thabiti. 

Okay, let me say a little more about this, and then ask you all something else.

First, I think both Christian ethics and Christian mission involve imperatives, commands.  They both involve telling us to do things, at the end of the day.  Right?  So we can't just say that ethics tells us what is good, and mission tells us to do what is good.  Ethics itself tells us both what is good and (therefore) to do the good.  (I'm neither a philosopher nor the son of one, so please feel free to set me straight on that if it's inaccurate.)

So, given that......here's a list of some biblical imperatives.  Which of them would you say are a matter of Christian ethics, and which are a matter of Christian mission?

a) Honor your parents.

b) Go into all the world and make disciples.

c) Be subject to the governing authorities.

d) Love your wife as your own self.

e) Baptize them [the disciples you make].

f) Flee sexual immorality.

g) Teach them to obey all Jesus has commanded.

h) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

i) Love your neighbor as yourself.

j) Cultivate it and keep it [creation].

If you said, "All of them are a matter of mission," okay.  But I think most of us at least want to do something more like what McKinley's talking about---call some of the Bible's imperatives "mission" (like those in Matthew 28), but not all of them.

And if you actually divided them up, that's my question----How'd you make the decision you made?

Posted on February 4, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

Ummm... I Don't Know

by Thabiti Anyabwile

Hey Greg,
I'm with Mike... only less courageous.  Smells like a trap, especially when you say, "It's not a trap.  I promise."  Last time someone said that to me, we had drilled holes in the bottom of a steel drum trash can and were setting off firecrackers inside the holes (makes a very robust booming sound that enhances the effect of cheap firecrackers).  I was suckered into getting a dud firecracker out of the trash can.  When I stuck my head and shoulders in to retrieve the dud, a friend dropped a live firecracker in the trash can.  I was deaf for what seemed like an hour.  Head still rings from that one!

Anyway, post traumatic stress disorder aside, doesn't it depend in part on how you're using "Christian."  Are we talking individual ethics or thinking in terms of the church?  I suppose my answer might differ depending on the level of analysis.  But assuming individuals...

1)  Is Christian mission coextensive with Christian ethics?  Is everything that a Christian is enjoined to do to be considered part of Christian mission?

Yes.  It would be unethical for a Christian to neglect any part of his/her mission, and it would be off mission to set aside any ethical calling in Scripture.  In other words, can we think of a command (mission) that would be "okay" (ethical) to set aside or not fulfill?  Or, can we think of an ethical good that would not be commanded or at least warranted (mission) for a Christian?  I suppose there are particular applications of an ethical principle or a general mission that would not be binding upon every individual Christian.  For example, all Christians are called to be generous (that's both part of our mission and good Christian ethics).  But individual liberty allows Christan A to tip his waiter and Christian B to give to Samaritan's Purse.  The applications differ in accord with freedom.  And neither tipping or giving to Samaritan's Purse are a binding NT law/requirement.  But at least at the principal level, these things seem coextensive.

2)  Is "Christian mission" a meaningful concept, worth distinguishing from Christian ethics?

Yes, I think so.  At least they conjure different things to my mind.  "Mission" has that Matt. 28 association Mike mentions, and connotes something of the objectives and tasks given the Christian.  I think things you "do" when I think "mission."  "Ethics" suggests the moral evaluation of a set of actions or ideas.  So we speak of things being (un)ethical and of completing missions. 

3)  If so, how do you define Christian mission so that it remains distinct from Christian ethics?  What is it that puts something in the category of "mission" rather than (or in addition to, if you like that better) "ethic?"

For me, it's the above.  I've not ever thought about this before your question, but that's my gut-level reaction. 

Strange... I hear firecrackers....

Categories: Theology

Posted on February 4, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

Jesus Didn't Tap

by Michael Mckinley

The New York TImes seems to be on a mission to make Christians look stupid, and we keep giving them the stick with which to beat us about the head and neck.  To wit, a recent article looks at the rise of "Mixed Martial Arts" churches.  The article explains:

The outreach is part of a larger and more longstanding effort on the part of some ministers who fear that their churches have become too feminized, promoting kindness and compassion at the expense of strength and responsibility.

Now, look.  Except for Menikoff, I am the biggest fan of tattoos on this blog (btw Aaron, I told you so about that ink on the inside of your lip... bad news, brother!).  And I like contact sports a lot.  In fact, I can't even watch MMA because I don't like who I become when I'm watching it.

But I hate this "macho" resurgence in Christianity.  I'd be inclined to ignore it, but it seems to be growing and being pushed from high profile platforms.  

Here are my concerns:

1. It's derivative and unoriginal.  It was lame when Billy Sunday was doing it 100 years ago.
2. It makes the gospel man-centered.  Coming to Jesus isn't a way for you to deal with your daddy issues.  I get it, your dad didn't hug you when you were little and you want to be a different kind of man.  How about you go hug your kid then?  Jesus didn't come to help you get in touch with your inner MMA fighter.      
3. Like it or not, the gospel is at least in part about weakness.  It's about the almighty becoming weak to save us.  It's about us being helpless and unable in our sins.  There's no way to Christ that doesn't start with brokenness and an admission of impotence.  Yes, Jesus is the strong man who binds the adversary, but he bound him by suffering, humiliation, and weakness.
4. It discourages and mocks godly men who aren't macho.  There is an undercurrent of disdain in all of this.  Proponents of this testosterone Christianity can't help but take shots at guys who wear pastels and drink cappuccino.  You might not like guys with manicures, but there's absolutely nothing morally wrong with it.  A reserved, quiet, well-groomed man can be a good Christian.  Believe it or not.  

You can find other thoughts about this article here and here.

Categories: Sports

Posted on February 4, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (7)

Ethics, Mission, and Bear Traps

by Michael Mckinley

OK Greg.  Your question has stunned us all into silence (except some guy named Jake in the comments). 

My rule of thumb is don't take the bait when someone significantly smarter than you asks vague questions and promises that they aren't a trap.  ANd I generally stay on the "sports and humor" side of the blog and leave the "15 page debate over terms that seem to mean the same thing" side of the blog to you.  So I'm trusting you here, be gentle with me!

What if, for the sake of argument, we defined mission according to Jesus' words in Matthew 28?  So mission would be the church, by the power and authority of the risen Christ:

1. Going into all the world
2. Making disciples
3. Baptizing them
4. And teaching them to obey all Jesus commanded. 

I'm not an expert in these matters, I think I've only really read one book specifically on Christian ethics.  But usually when we're talking about ethics we're talking about specific moral behaviors, "good conduct" (James 3:13) or "good morals" (I Corinthians 15:33).

That would make ethics part of #2 and #4, right?  A Christian who feeds the poor and does not cheat on his spouse would then be the fruit of the church's mission.

Posted on February 4, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (1)

Three Questions on Mission and Ethics

by Greg Gilbert

Let's think together.

1)  Is Christian mission coextensive with Christian ethics?  Is everything that a Christian is enjoined to do to be considered part of Christian mission?

2)  Is "Christian mission" a meaningful concept, worth distinguishing from Christian ethics?

3)  If so, how do you define Christian mission so that it remains distinct from Christian ethics?  What is it that puts something in the category of "mission" rather than (or in addition to, if you like that better) "ethic?"

I don't have solid answers to all these questions, and they're not bear traps.  Promise.  So what do you think?

Posted on February 2, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (7)

A Pro-Choice Columnist Praises Tebow

by Michael Mckinley

There's an insightful and courageous piece in today's Washington Post by Sally Jenkins.  In the article Jenkins (who's a great sports columnist, BTW) says that she's adamantly pro-choice but praises and defends Tim Tebow's upcoming Super Bowl ad.

It's worth reading the whole column, but here are three gems from it:

• I'm pro-choice, and Tebow clearly is not. But based on what I've heard in the past week, I'll take his side against the group-think, elitism and condescension of the "National Organization of Fewer and Fewer Women All The Time." For one thing, Tebow seems smarter than they do.

• Pam Tebow and her son feel good enough about that choice to want to tell people about it. Only, NOW says they shouldn't be allowed to. Apparently NOW feels this commercial is an inappropriate message for America to see for 30 seconds, but women in bikinis selling beer is the right one. I would like to meet the genius at NOW who made that decision. On second thought, no, I wouldn't.

• Here's what we do need a lot more of: Tebows. Collegians who are selfless enough to choose not to spend summers poolside, but travel to impoverished countries to dispense medical care to children, as Tebow has every summer of his career. Athletes who believe in something other than themselves, and are willing to put their backbone where their mouth is. Celebrities who are self-possessed and self-controlled enough to use their wattage to advertise commitment over decadence.

Categories: Sports

Posted on February 2, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

Tim Keller on Why Redeemer Does Multi-Site

by Thabiti Anyabwile

Thought this was a helpful, brief post from our brother Tim Keller on why Redeemer does multi-site.  To summarize, Keller gives two reasons that did not drive them to go to multi-site:

Then he gives two reasons why they did go multi-site:

I appreciate the comments.  Read them in entirety.  Any thoughts?

Categories: Leadership

Posted on January 29, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (2)

Trusting God Through Unemployment, Part 2

by Greg Gilbert

A few weeks ago, I posted some thoughts that one of our elders here at Capitol Hill Baptist had shared with the congregation about trusting God through unemployment, and using that kind of time well.  At long last (a situation I blame entirely on my new daughter), here's the second half of that elder's talk.  You can find Part One here.

#6: Encourage the unemployed

We are called to shoulder one another’s burdens. Around town I hear that job-searcher fatigue is taking hold.  That is, people are getting tired of helping job searchers.  As a church, we must not grow weary in doing good, but continue providing for those who are unemployed. 

#7: Beware of Idol Worship

We know from Genesis 2 that work is ordained by the LORD and is good.  But our hearts are idol-factories, and in the middle of a prolonged search a job can easily become more important than God and drain your joy. And we lose perspective and think that all we need is a job and then life will be happy and fulfilling.  So we must fight this tendency by recognizing it, confessing it, and exercising the discipline of thanksgiving in all situations.

#8: Cry out to the LORD

It is a good thing to cry and pour out your heart to God.  Trials remind us that any sense that we have it all together is a complete illusion.  God and God alone is in control. As the Psalmist says: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

#9: Invest the Extra time well

Being without a job is not without its benefits.  You have extra time on your hands.  And, you will soon miss this when you get a new job. 

·         Serve others

·         Walk through this trial with other unemployed members of the church. 

·         Spend more time reading and with the LORD.  One warning: you still need to plan your quiet times or the day will slip by without one. 

#10: Take Advantage of Unique Opportunities for Evangelism

Many friends and former colleagues have invested their entire lives in work.  And now many of them are unemployed and are panicking...  All of my former colleagues, whether employed or unemployed, expect that I should be panicking too.  That is the natural reaction of an unbelieving world.

What's more, I've found that people who normally would never ask you how you are doing will do so now--and now they expect more than a cursory answer.  This is a great and natural opportunity to share how you are trusting in the Lord.  Share how the Lord has provided for you this week or how the church members are caring for you, or what Scripture you are feeding on that day. 

In my experience, it floors people when they realize that you are trusting in something other than yourself.  And right there is the opening to share the hope of the Gospel!

Posted on January 29, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

Jonathan Leeman's new book is now available!

by Deepak Reju

The publisher's description reads....

When the world speaks of "love," it often means unconditional acceptance. Many churches have adopted this mind-set in their practice of membership and discipline-if they have not done away with such structures entirely. "Yet God's love and God's gospel are different than what the world expects," writes Jonathan Leeman. They're centered in his character, which draws a clear boundary between what is holy and what is not. It's this line that the local church should represent in its member practices, because the careful exercise of such authority "is God's means for guarding the gospel, marking off a people, and thereby defining his love for the world."

So how should churches receive and dismiss members? How should Christians view their submission to the church? Are there dangers in such submission? The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love responds with biblical, theological, and practical guidance-from both corporate and individual perspectives. It's a resource that will help pastors and their congregations upend worldly conceptions and recover a biblical understanding and practice of church authority.

 

You can now get your own copy on Amazon, so don't wait.  It will be well worth your time to read.

Categories: Membership

Posted on January 28, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

Cultivate Humility - Part 2

by Ryan Townsend

A list of 24 manifestations of what Christ exalting humility should produce in your life.

1.     Recognizing and trusting God’s character (Psalm 119:66)

2.     Seeing yourself as having no right to question or judge an Almighty and Perfect God (Psalm 145:17; Romans 9:19-23)

3.     Focusing on Christ (Philippians 1:21; Hebrews 12:1-2)

4.     Biblical praying and a great deal of it (1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-2)

5.     Being overwhelmed with God’s undeserved grace and goodness (Psalm 116:12-19)

6.     Thankfulness and gratitude in general towards others (1 Thess. 5:18)

7.     Being gentle and patient (Colossians 3:12-14)

8.     Seeing yourself as no better than others (Romans 12:16; Ephesians 3:8)

9.     Having an accurate view of your gifts and abilities (Romans 12:3)

10. Being a good listener (James 1:19; Philippians 2:3-4)

11. Talking about others only if it is good or for their good (Proverbs 11:13)

12. Being gladly submissive and obedient to those in authority (Rom. 12:1-2, 13:1-2)

13. Preferring others over yourself (Romans 12:10)

14. Being thankful for criticism or reproof (Proverbs 9:8, 27:5-6)

15. Having a teachable spirit (Proverbs 9:9)

16. Seeking always to build up others (Ephesians 4:29)

17. Serving (Galatians 5:13)

18. A quickness in admitting when you are wrong (Proverbs 29:23)

19. A quickness in granting and asking for forgiveness (Colossians 3:12-14)

20. Repenting of sin as a way of life (Colossians 3:1-14; 1 Timothy 4:7-9)

21. Minimizing others’ sins or shortcomings in comparison to one’s own (Matthew 7:3-4)

22. Being genuinely glad for others (Romans 12:15)

23. Being honest and open about who you are and the areas in which you need growth (Philippians 3:12-14; Galatians 6:2)

24. Possessing close relationships (Acts 20:31-38)

Categories: Discipleship & Growth

Posted on January 28, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (1)

Cultivate Humility - Part 1

by Ryan Townsend

Categories: Discipleship & Growth

Posted on January 27, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (1)

How Your Church Can Look After Orphans

by Michael Mckinley

From World magazine: Twenty ways to become an adoption freindly church.

Posted on January 27, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)

Parenting Your Enemies

by Michael Mckinley

A great point from Gospel-Centered Family by Ed Moll and Tim Chester:

Oftentimes parenting can feel like a battle. And the "enemy" is your two-year-old who's just thrown their dinner on the floor (again); or your fifteen-year-old, who's just slammed the door on you (again). But still your job is to show them what our Father in heaven is like. Yes, they need to learn to live under authority. But they also need to learn of a God who welcomes His enemies, loves His enemies and gives His life for his enemies.

If you're looking for a good, user-friendly guide to parenting for groups or individuals, I highly recommend GCF.  You can read a sample chapter at The Good Book Company site.

Categories: Family

Posted on January 27, 2010 | Link to this Post | Comments (0)