Pastoral Integrity & Plagurism

Solomon told us there is nothing new under the sun. Using material created by someone else is a legitimate resource for writing articles or preparing sermons. When doing so it is only proper and ethical to display appropriate credit to the author/source. Failure to do so is both a moral and ethical breech.

With the availability of material on the internet the incidence of ‘pirated’ material has occurred with alarming frequency. The injunction “Thou shall not steal” is alive and well in God’s universe. He is dishonored when people who claim to be Christian engage is this thievery with impunity.

Publications of such notoriety as the NY Times and the Boston Globe were wracked by this dubious practice in recent past. Not surprising. To see this same reprehensible evil manifest among Pastors is another matter.

Better to include copious footnotes and citations than to give the impression that you are the author when in fact you are not. Adopt the practice of including proper citations and links for all material not original copy from your hand. DO IT!

Finishing Well & DNF

4th of July. Ideal weather for a 10 K race. 800+ runners milling around mentally reviewing their strategy for the race. Nerves on edge. At this point you are ready or you are not. That simple.

A good friend says of running and winning – - it is not the will to win but the will to prepare to win that matters. Real wisdom.

The runners come to the starting line. Running protocol says that the participants line up according to ability. Those that run a 4:30 mile pace at the front, the plodders, who just hope to finish regardless of the mile time at the ‘back of the pack’.

A young stud, buffed and well tanned, positions himself at the very front of this collection of pulsating testosterone. He does multiple ‘sprint outs’, hoping that the crowd is observing and appreciating his self-affirmed athletic superiority.

BANG! The starter’s gun signals the start of the race. The front-liners seek to establish themselves at or near the lead. This stud is soon hundreds of yards in the lead. As he rounds the first corner he is all alone – for now.

At the 4 mile mark (a 10K is 6.2 miles) I notice the ‘meat wagon”, runners jargon for the EMT’s with their ambulance on the side of the road, lights flashing. They have a patient on a stretcher loading him up for a ride to the finish in something less than glory. It is the ‘Stud’. He will receive a DNF = Did Not Finish.

I recorded the best 10 K time of my running career in this race. My time corresponded with my ability and training.

Only 3 in 10 OT Leaders finished well. GO to www.bobbyclinton.com and read his helpful articles on this subject. Many begin with great fan-fare. Few finish strong. The obstacles are many. The parable of the tortise and the hare applies. Serve and lead having prepared well. Stay the course. Measure the rhythms and challenges wisely. Be accountable. Surrender to the LORD of LORDS and King of Kings daily (Luke 9:23).

Watch this video. Make finishing well a top priority .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJolVkw5cOc

Random Arrows & Leadership Selection

Evangelism – - Disciplemaking

This is a challenge to my readers. Find the word evangelism in the Bible. When you locate the number of times and places in which it is used, please send me an e-mail noting the references in which that word was found.

The church for the past two centuries has invested immense human and financial resources pursuing what is known as evangelism. The text of Scripture speaks of making disciples.

I challenge my readers to do a similar search on the concept of disciple making. When both word studies have been completed, compare the references to evangelism and disciple making. Why have I offered this challenge?

My observation as to the reasons for this are as follows:

1.  It is much easier to make converts than it is to make disciples.

2.  The metric required for evangelism is simply “numbers”.

3.  The metric required for disciple making is genuine transformation into the image of Christ.

4.  The cost of disciple making. Compared to evangelism is dramatically different. Disciple making requires a costly     investment of building relationships with the one being discipled.

5.  The culture in the Western world has affirmed evangelism rather than disciple making.

The theological foundation of this in the Western world goes back to Charles Grandeson Finney. This phenomenon was perpetuated the in 20th century by the emergence and operation of the Billy Graham evangelistic Association. This philosophy of “church” has accelerated with the emergence of the mega-church and the emergent church per se.

Each of these entities proclaims a gospel that is man centered and synergistic rather than God centered and monergistic. The metric in this system is numbers pure and simple rather than transformation. More is always better. Larger is superior to smaller. Methods matter more than sound theological postulates.

Please notice that the emergence and operation of this phenomenon covered several centuries. Correcting this anomaly will not be quick, easy or painless.

I offer this challenge in closing. Will the current and future pastors in the United States of America embrace sound theology and disciple making with a gracious but unrelenting pursuit of integrity in the church in America?

You can be one of these shepherd leaders. The question-will you?

Wounded Chaldeans & a Loaf of Bread

I read a chapter in the Book of Jeremiah each morning when I come to my Study. This morning, Chapter 37. This is the account of Jeremiah telling King Zedekiah that the Chaldeans would “burn this city with fire”, Jerusalem.

The King is less than pleased with this report as is always the case when those rebelling against Truth hear it proclaimed with penetrating unflinching audacity and clarity. In the vernacular this is an “in your face” delivery from an incredibly faithful Prophet.

Egypt believed the Prophet – they retreated back south to their own territory. My point – there was not only the word of the Prophet to validate the veracity of his message but the retreat of a dominant power in that region. Rather convincing to anyone except a rebellious presumptuous King.

Jeremiah tells the King that even if the entire army of the Chaldeans were defeated and only wounded men remained, they would “rise up and burn the city (Jerusalem) with fire.” (Jer.37:10) His reward is incarceration and a loaf of bread daily (until “the bread of the city was gone.”) Jer. 37:21).

The Evangelical Church in America is in need of an army of Jeremiahs willing to tell the TRUTH and be content with a loaf of bread and prison as their reward. Want to join this “School of The Prophets”?

Give me a call. We are seeking godly courageous capable and humble Pastors to engage the church in just such a challenge. I personally like Asiago Cheese!!

The Pathology of Theology

Pathology – The science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.

This is the definition I received when I ‘Googled’ Pathology. For our purposes in this brief article I use this term as the systematic examination of a Theological Premise that exhibits abnormality or departure from historic evangelical orthodoxy and will inevitably lead to heresy or worse. What people believe, especially in the realm of Theology, is subject to a pathological examination. This applies to all. We must be precise and accountable or we will find ourselves on the short side of Truth.

I am currently privileged to have two Pastoral Interns, both Seminarians. One of them recently said to me, ‘Pastor, you are so precise in your theological statements.’ I take that as a compliment and an accurate assessment of my penchant for precision. Our culture is post-modern and deconstructionist. Vigilance is a small price to pay for precision and accuracy as we give expression to the Word of God. We must say what God has said, nothing more but most certainly nothing less.

Ten years ago I was working with a pastor who was enamored with the ministry of Rob Bell. I cautioned that Pastor to listen carefully and thoughtfully to what Bell was saying. I was not able to identify with precision the abnormalities in Bell’s theology at that time, but his recent publication of Love Wins validated my appeal for caution.

The following quote serves as an example of this issue. T.D. Jakes has at best a questionable position on the Trinity. James McDonald’s statement that “God has existed eternally in three manifestations” is a classic example of failing to address the issue. Jakes has been characterized on this issue as a ‘modalist’ and I believe that characterization is accurate. This position is ipso facto a denial of the Trinity and simply sees God as manifesting Himself sometimes as Father, sometimes as Son etc. This is not in harmony with either the text of Scripture or historic evangelical orthodoxy. Equivocation is not precision.

Posted: 27 Sep 2011 05:25 PM PDT on the Reformation21 BLOG by Carl Trueman

There is an interesting statement about the Trinity by Gospel Coalition council member and regular contributor, James Macdonald, with reference to his invitation to T D Jakes to speak at a conference.  I quote the relevant section:

I affirm the doctrine of the Trinity as I find it in Scripture. I believe it is clearly presented but not detailed or nuanced. I believe God is very happy with His Word as given to us and does not wish to update or clarify anything that He has purposefully left opaque. Some things are stark and immensely clear, such as the deity of Jesus Christ; others are taught but shrouded in mystery, such as the Trinity. I do not trace my beliefs to creedal statements that seek clarity on things the Bible clouds with mystery. I do not require T.D. Jakes or anyone else to define the details of Trinitarianism the way that I might. His [Jakes'] website states clearly that he believes God has existed eternally in three manifestations.

When people such as myself question such ambiguity, we are labeled ‘hersey hunters’ (by Paul Coruch) or ‘haters’ (by Stephen Furtick). My appeal is and always has been exegesis. The defense of heresy is almost always Polemic not Exegetical. I have an article I wrote on this subject titled Speaking Truth in Love. I will be happy to send this to any of my readers who make that request (info@igniteus.net).

Paul in Athens (Acts 17:21) spoke to those ‘telling or hearing something new’. The culture in which we serve is very similar. I appeal to my readers to be “Exegetical Pathologist”. Focus on issues and exegesis. We must identify personalities when they articulate ‘strange fire’ (Titus 1:9 – rebuke those who contradict sound doctrine) but we need not malign or denigrate people. Doing so diminishes our authority in speaking the Truth. Polemics are important. Accurate and compassionate Exegesis is essential and will always be the final arbiter of Truth. When my declarations harmonize accurately with Special Revelation it matters little or not at all what some proponent of a ‘new thing’ may call me. On my tomb stone will be the words “What Does The Text Say?” Sufficient!

Rise Up O Men of God!

In once very Christian Holland, a “new” kind of Christianity has appeared, called “Something-ism.” A theologian in Amsterdam, says: “There must be ‘something’ between heaven and earth, but to call it ‘God’, for the majority of Dutch is a bridge too far.” A pastor of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, states that “God does not exist at all as a supernatural thing. God is…a word for human experience.” A better expression of pagan One-ism you could not find!

This pastor goes on to explain that Jesus is a man, “living out of the spirit of God he found inside himself.” This “new” Christianity “takes God out of the box” of doctrine and redefines the Faith as inner feelings and outer social action.

Though theological liberals present their latest view as “new,” it is the same old option of the worship of creation rather than the Creator. The priceless Gospel of Two-ism is under attack, just as it always has been.

Harvey Cox, a Harvard liberal theologian, in his book The Future of Faith (2009), contains a scandalously false reconstruction of “Christian” theology, to demonstrate “new” theological development. He divides church history into three parts: the Age of Faith (Jesus and his immediate disciples, with no doctrine or creeds); the Age of Belief (4th century till now, with creeds about Jesus); and the Age of the Spirit (the present). Conveniently, this third age is very similar to the first! He affirms: “Just as creeds did not exist in the first Age of Faith, so they are [fortunately] fading in importance now.” According to Cox, it is “important to eliminate the spurious use of ‘belief’ to define Christianity,” because “the spirit is moving in other religions too,” and we must learn to “appreciate the dazzling array of myths, rituals and stories in other religions.”  He anticipates a future where “a religion based on subscribing to mandatory beliefs is no longer viable, [which is] a perversion you do not see in Buddhism or Hinduism, where there is no equivalent of the Nicene creed.”

The superficial character of this analysis is mind-boggling. Clearly there are creeds in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 15:3-11; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:13-20; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5-6; 3:16). The Gospel is a “credo” because it is the account of God’s saving action “for us.” Of course there is no Nicene Creed in Buddhism and Hinduism because there is no transcendent God and no unique act of God, from the outside, to save us.

Buddhists and Hindus—and Cox—find “god” within, in a purely One-ist occultic experience. Here is the proof: In describing the present age as “an inexorable movement of the human spirit whose hour has come,” Cox plays his hand. The spirit of which he speaks is faith in “the human spirit.” “God” is merely the event of faith in human action.

Cox is fooling many. Of this book Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Theological Seminary, says: “Insightful, provocative, and inspiring—I even found myself uttering a hearty evangelical ‘Amen!’” Little wonder other, less sophisticated evangelicals are saying amen, preferring “deeds to creeds.” Many Millennial Christians, taught to embrace multicultural diversity, believe that being a follower of Jesus Christ is “not about defending some statement from a church creed or theology; it is about testifying to our relationship with Christ through a life of sacrificial love for all people.” Faith in experience and social action becomes the “new” Christianity.

Lest we think that Cox is one lone voice, here are others in the multitude, teaching this One-ist theology:

• Rachel Held Evans, a successful evangelical author, declares that to reduce God’s revelation to some creed or systematic theology to which everyone is required to give assent in order to be a Christian, is to “underestimate the scope and power of God’s activity in the world.”
• Sally Morganthaler, an Emergent cohort who has lectured on leadership at many evangelical schools such as Fuller, explores “the convergence of a developmental (evolutionary) view of life and spirituality…towards holism (the both/and).” No room for creeds here, as she searches for One-ist, mystical spirituality.
• Pastor Danielle Shroyer at Journey Church (Dallas, TX), states: “I cannot say exactly what we believe except that experience is a higher authority than Scripture. I do not believe the Bible is the Word of God…”

This “spiritual” refusal of creeds and Scripture—our own form of Dutch “Something-ism”—is yet another attempt by the enemy to smash the church like a Japanese tsunami.  While these One-ist lies will prove catastrophic to some forms of Millennial Evangelicalism, they can never snuff out the power of the Gospel.  We rejoice because the power of God the Creator that raised Jesus from the dead has redeemed us from sin in order that we might live to His praise and glory. “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Is. 59:11

September 1

Under The Elmtree In This Issue: *  Biblical Literacy & Ministry Effectiveness * Pastor’s Forums USA 2011 *  Biblical Literacy – Dr. George Guthrie *  On Purpose Person – Web Conference Sign Up *  Options for Pastors & Churches *  Call to Intercession for Church in America *  In the Next Issue – 10 Commandments of Preaching (1&2) Biblical Literacy and Ministry Effectiveness Inspired. Inerrant. Infallible. Unread. These four words describe with tragic accuracy the way the Scriptures are regarded by many professed believers. Intellectually affirmed but practically ignored. This is reflected in a growing deficit in biblical literacy. The trend-lines in nearly every aspect of ministry reflect significant decline. The correlation between a deficiency in biblical literacy and organizational decline is inescapable. According to Union University professor George Guthrie, only 16 percent of church-goers read the Bible daily. He cites statistics that indicate 25 percent of the people who go to church regularly DO NOT READ their Bible at all. It is irrational and unwise to deny this reality and the inescapable consequences. Jesus said ‘Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits’ (Matt. 7:20 ESV). There is always hope. King Asa faced dark and turbulent times. God sent him Azariah the prophet.  Asa took courage. He claimed God’s promise – if you seek him, he will be found by you (2Chron. 15:2). After great spiritual apostasy Ezra led God’s people in prayer and fasting (Ezra 8:21-23). God responded to their pleas. God’s people today may seek him and perhaps, in his sovereign goodness and mercy, he will stem the decline and bring reformation to his church. It is my desire to raise awareness of this deficit in biblical literacy and expose ‘the elephant in the room’. Until we shine the light of Truth on this pachyderm he will continue to bring devastation to the gospel message and to the glorious name of our Lord. Answer the following questions. This focus may initiate a much needed correction. What is Biblical Literacy? What is the current literacy profile among professed believers? What are some probable causes or reasons for this profile? What is a beneficial and positive path for the future that offers correction and leads to God’s blessing? What is Biblical Literacy? “Biblical literacy is the ability and willingness to use reading, listening, speaking and writing to understand the word of God and be understood by others.” What is the current profile of Biblical Literacy among professed believers? Research conducted by George Barna produced the following profile. * Many professing Christians cannot identify more than two or three of the disciples. * Five out of ten believe that anyone who is generally good or does enough good things for  others during their life will earn a place in Heaven. * Four out of ten believe that the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different  expressions of the same spiritual truths. * Seven out of ten born again Christians said they do not believe in moral absolutes. * Only one out of ten Christians base their moral decision-making on the principles taught in the  Bible. * 54 percent believe truth can be discovered only through logic, human reasoning and personal  experience. This collection of data is ‘Exhibit A’ that a significant number of professed believers are largely ignorant of what Scripture declares. What are some probable causes or reasons for this condition? Reason #1 Unregenerate People. Job said “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). This is the longing of a regenerate life. Regenerate people possess a hunger for the Word of God. The Evangelical church has a growing compliment of people who may be ‘members’, but, they have never been born again. They have no desire to assimilate Truth and no capacity to order their lives by the postulates of Special Revelation. Reason #2 Defective Theology. The Word of God is not mere information. “I have watched with growing disbelief as the evangelical church has cheerfully plunged into astounding theological illiteracy,” declares David Wells in his book No Place for Truth. When Stephen was about to be stoned he told his antagonist that the Scriptures were ‘living oracles’ (Acts 7:38). Scripture has been reduced by many to mere information. Such people selectively ‘pick and choose’ what parts they will or will not obey. Paul pointed out the dichotomy between professing Christ and genuine conversion; ‘They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works’ (Titus 1:16). Reason #3 Corrupt Metrics. What an organization measures defines and shapes that culture. Effectiveness is most often measured by a one dimensional metric; attendance, offerings, baptisms and activity. The Great Commission commands us to make disciples. Drawing a crowd and making disciples are two entirely different realities. Drawing a crowd is an event. Making disciples is a process transacted over time (Acts 11:26). This requires line upon line, precept upon precept instruction. This is Applied Theology. We value what we measure and what we are measuring is not transformation. Reason #4 Powerless Pulpits. The seduction of contemporary culture rather than the mandates of Scripture shape much that passes for preaching today. Marketing techniques rather than Absolute Truth drive ministry. There is a demand for ‘how to’ homilies rather than the well crafted exegetical proclamation of God’s word. 57 % of evangelical pastors surveyed stated they would quit today if they had some way to care for their family. The Scripture declares that such a man is a hireling not a godly shepherd. Modeling is crucial in disciple-making. Only 38% of Pastors in this same survey indicated that they read the Bible for personal edification. Like Pastor, like people. What is a positive and beneficial path for the future? I began by saying there is hope. We return to that now because we serve a gracious and merciful God. Believers have ‘Living Hope.’ Dr. George Guthrie, Benjamin Perry Professor of Bible at Union University, will conduct a Forum on Biblical Literacy at SouthEast Community Church in Columbia on Monday September 26, 2011. He is widely acclaimed for his work on this subject. He is a principle in an initiative titled Read-The Bible-For-Life (www.readthebibleforlife.org). You can register by following this link http://www.igniteus.net/events/forum-registration or call 803 776 5282. Pastor’s Forums 2011 1.  Piedmont SC – September 13 – Mt. Moriah Bapt. 2.  Columbia SC – September 26 – Biblical Literacy SouthEast Community 3.  Baltimore MD – October 3 – BCMD North 4.  Baltimore MD – October 3 – BCMD South 5.  Shillington PA – October 4 – Berks Bible Church 6.  St. Augustine Beach FL – October 25 – River Oaks Com. Church   Pending 2011 1.  Fayetville NC – IABC 2.  Harrisonburg VA – James Madison Univ. Biblical Literacy The Doctrine is Bibliology, with a focus on Biblical Literacy. Our speaker is Dr. George Guthrie, Union University. Dr. Guthrie has done extensive work in this area. The date for the next Forum is Monday, September 26, 2011. Knowing what God has revealed and how to properly apply that Revelation to life so that the results are genuine Transformation in God’s people is crucial. Plan to join us for this very important and timely Forum. You will be challenged and equipped to lead and serve with effectiveness. Go to www.readthebibleforlife.org and www.biblemesh.com for some helpful resources in knowing what God’s word says and how to apply Truth to life.   The focus of Dr. Guthrie’s presentation on September 26 is as follows:   What is Biblical Literacy? Biblical Literacy – The Current State of Affairs Full-orbed Biblical Literacy Training in the Church As a Bible scholar at Union University, one of the oldest American universities in the Southern Baptist tradition, Guthrie has tracked the decline in biblical literacy with consternation. With earlier books (The Structure of Hebrews and Biblical Greek Exegesis) best suited for academia, Guthrie has switched gears to produce a reader-friendly, digestible, biblical literacy study program that includes this book as well as a participant’s workbook, study leader’s CD-ROM, and three DVDs for group use. Anyone “touched by the English language or Western culture,” argues Guthrie, should be conversant in biblical literature. Through informal kitchen-table conversations with evangelical scholars, Guthrie guides the reader through a study of historical context, differences in Bible translations, varieties of literary genres, and finally a heartfelt devotional on how to read the Bible in a postmodern world. Copies of this title will be available for purchase at the Forum.   Future speakers and topics in the Orthodoxy Series are Dr. George Zemek, Dean of Expositors Seminary for the Doctrine of Soteriology (March 2012). Dr. Fred Zaspel, author of The Theology of B. B. Warfield, The Doctrine of Christology, which was Warfield’s favorite biblical study, (September 2012).   R U On Purpose?? Web Conference Registration A number of years ago I led men through a Leadership Development module at SEC where I serve as Teaching Pastor. One of the crucial issues in Leadership is Life Management. The On-Purpose Person is one of the books I had the men read and ask them to master the principle of ‘being on purpose’. Kevin McCarthy and I have become ‘virtual friends’. He previously conducted Seminars in Orlando FL teaching the principles of an On Purpose Life. He is now making this training & equipping available via web-conferencing. This equipping is accomplished over six weeks, one session per week. There is live interaction for Q&A and slides that highlight the issues being addressed. Each session is recorded so if you miss the live session, you still have access to the substance that was covered at a time that fits your schedule. One of our men here at SEC applied this material to his life. He is a capable man, on Staff with the AP here in Columbia. Through this material he discovered 30+ hours per week that he could apply with much greater effectiveness as a Christ-follower and be On-Purpose as an Image Bearer, Husband, Father and AP Writer.   Now YOU can acquire this great skill – be On-Purpose. Here is the info to sign up.   What – Complimentary First Session of The On-Purpose Leader Experience Where - Live on the Web   For More Information:  Register Now – simply click on this link: http://TinyWebLink-001.com/?pid=6483163 When - Wednesday September 7, 2011 12:05 PM to 1:00 PM EDT   The first session is complimentary. When you decide to participate in the next five (5) sessions – - keep this Coupon Code handy when you register IUSSAVE$48 . The cost with the Coupon Code is just $99.   This may be the on of the best investments you have made in becoming an Effective Leader! IgniteUS Options for Pastors & Churches Research based on calendar 2010 shows that 95% of the churches in America ARE NOT making disciples. This is the one command in the Great Commission Food for thought! Read Heb. 13:7 & 13:17. IgniteUS provides equipping, resources and a metric to measure this critical dimension of ministry in the local church. Only 1 in 10 pastors is prepared to lead the Transformation Process without an outside voice to guide them – we come alongside and take this Journey with you. An outside voice makes a tremendous difference (Jn. 4:44). Our Effectiveness Rating is 91%. Call us!   1. 36 month Leadership Development Process transacted in 5 Phases. We provide the tools, equipping and coaching so that the Pastor becomes a Leader with biblical courage and excellence and the church becomes Healthy & Effective in making disciples fully formed in the Image of Christ (Col. 1:28-29). Reformation & Renewal!   2. 15 month Individual Leadership Development Process for those Pastors who want to become more effective Leaders. This is essentially the first three phases of the process.   3. 6 month process for churches that are essentially healthy and free of conflict and the usual control issues. The Leadership Team meets for a full day once a month for six months. This process maximizes Leadership and Intentional Disciple-making.   $$ In light of the tough economic conditions everyone is facing I recently extended the time line on paying for these processes from 36 to 60 months on the 5 phase process and from 15 to 24 months on the 15 month process. This makes genuine Reformation and Renewal both possible and affordable. $$ I am continually amazed as I present our Leadership Development Process around the country. Many in positions of Leadership are either unable or unwilling to admit the serious deficiencies that exist in the ‘status quo’ approach most have to ministry. It is no longer possible to deny reality – - the church is in precipitous decline. It takes humility, courage, sacrifice and tenacity to engage genuine Transformation. But, the results are far more rewarding than the risks or sacrifices required. I urge you to begin TODAY Pastor. Contact us for details. info@igniteus.net 803 776 5282 PRAYER – All efforts to see Reformation and Renewal come to the American Church are doomed to failure without earnest intercession (Acts 4:23-31). In the face of seeming hopelessness, God’s people should – can – do pray (Luke 18:1 – 8). Jesus asks a probing questions in v. 8 – - when I return, will I find this kind of faith on the earth?   Read my BLOG – - www.thetextsays.blogspot.com. Also on the Home Page www.igniteus.net – A Monday Morning BLOG. New post every Monday morning. Comments welcome! Home Page - Click on this link to go to our Home Page: http://www.igniteUS.net/ Click on the text line under the Feature Video that says “See what others are saying” for some recent testimonials. IUS Update This Update is sent to you on the 1st and 15th of each month. Please send comments or questions to us at info@igniteUS.net. Or, you may go to our BLOG on the home page of our Web Site. THANKS!

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Christians in the Marketplace

The following article by Doug Groothuis exhibits both the ignorance and audacity of the main stream media to discredit and exclude Christians from the political process by portraying anyone who embraces Christan Theism as a ‘flaming idiot’. I think the label fits quite well – just needs to be re-positioned!

Michele Bachmann and Dominionism Paranoia

Once again the popular media demonstrate how woefully poor is their understanding of American evangelicals.

By Douglas Groothuis, August 25, 2011

Attacks on presidential hopefuls will increase in volume, frequency, and audacity as the primary season draws near. Time is short, the stakes are high, and the pundits will pounce on their prey. One recent barrage against Congresswoman Michele Bachmann not only impugns her integrity as a political leader, but also questions something fundamentally and luminously American: the right of religious individuals to participate according to their deepest principles at every level of political life.

There is a buzz in the political beehive about the dark dangers of Bachmann’s association with “dominionism”—a fundamentalist movement heaven-bent on imposing a hellish theocracy on America. In the August 15 issue of The New Yorker, Ryan Lizza asserts that Bachmann has been ideologically shaped by “exotic” thinkers of the dominionist stripe who pose a threat to our secular political institutions. The piece—and much of the subsequent media reaction—is a calamity of confusion, conflation, and obfuscation.

Lizza notes that Bachmann was influenced by the writings of Francis A. Schaeffer (1912-84), an evangelical minister, theologian, and philosopher. Schaeffer, along with the contemporary writer Nancy Pearcey and others, are “dominionists.” That is, they believe that “Christians alone are Biblically mandated to occupy secular institutions until Christ returns.” Worse yet, Schaeffer, in A Christian Manifesto (1981), supposedly “argued for the violent overthrow of the government if Roe vs. Wade isn’t reversed.” Lizza also writes of the influence of the prolific author Rousas John Rushdoony (1916-2001), who advocated “a pure Christian theocracy in which Old Testament law…would be instituted.” Bachman is allegedly thick as thieves with all these “exotic” subversives—and should be exposed as such.

Having read reams of books from all these authors (and every book by Schaeffer) over the last thirty-five years, as well as having taught many of these books at the graduate level, I assign Mr. Lizza the grade of “F.” Consider four reasons.

First, Rushdoony argued for a position he called reconstructionism (not theocracy), which would have made biblical law the civil law of the land. However, neither Rushdoony nor his followers desired to impose this system through violence or illegal activity, but rather see it come to fruition through a long-term change of minds and institutions.

Second, Rushdoony’s devotees make up but an infinitesimal fraction of Christian conservatives. The vast majority of those who have been influenced by certain aspects of Rushdoony’s writings emphatically reject his understanding of biblical law, as do I.

Third, the key Christian influences on Bachman are not Rushdoony and his followers, but Francis Schaeffer and Nancy Pearcey. Schaeffer referred to Rushdoony’s views on mandating biblical law as “insanity,” and never sanctioned any form of theocracy. (The name “Rushdoony” does not even appear in the index of Schaeffer’s five-volume collected works.) Schaeffer explicitly condemned theocracy in A Christian Manifesto (p. 120-1). Nor did he call for the violent overthrow of the government if Roe V. Wade were not overturned. Schaeffer rather explained various ways of resisting tyranny according to a Christian worldview and in light of church history. He saw “civil disobedience” (his phrase) as a last resort and did not stipulate any specific conditions under which it would be advisable in America. In fact, Schaeffer worried (on p. 126) that speaking of civil disobedience is “frightening because there are so many kooky people around.” Further, “anarchy is never appropriate.”

Fourth, Nancy Pearcey has extended and further applied Schaeffer’s thought. Like him, she does not endorse theocracy, but rather the participation by Christians as good citizens in all areas of life.

Those who tar and feather “dominionists” are confusing their readers by conflating Rushdoony’s reconstructionism with the thinking of Schaeffer and Pearcey. Worse yet, Lizza and company may believe that any Christian influence in politics is dangerous and un-American. If so, they should reread and ponder the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom and the freedom of speech. Christians are free to be active members in the public square—along with those of other religions or none. Erecting “dominionist” straw men does nothing to advance this noble cause of freedom.

Douglas Groothuis is Professor of Philosophy at Denver Seminary and the author of Christian Apologetics.

**PLEASE NOTE** I circulate this to educate people about the wretched (and I might add intentional) ignorance and unrelenting bias of the main stream media against Christians. This is not an endorsement of any political candidate. This is an excellent treatment of a very fundamental and important issue for all Christian to understand. John Neuhaus wrote The Naked Public Square 20 years+ ago to alert Christians that there is a deliberate and concerted effort to deny access to Christians in the political processes of America. tcf

August 15 NEws Letter

Under The Elmtree In This Issue: *  What is Worldliness? * Pastor’s Forums USA 2011 * Biblical Literacy – Dr. George Guthrie *  On Purpose Person – R U?? *  Resistance to Change *  Options for Pastors & Churches *  Call to Intercession for Church in America *  In the Next Issue – Biblical Literacy & Ministry Effectiveness What is Worldliness??? “I don’t smoke, drink or chew, and I don’t date the girls that do!”   That quote defines worldliness for some in the evangelical community. While that is a bit humorous, it is also profoundly tragic. Worldliness must not be reduced to a few social ills that we avoid. It is much more. The Apostle John wrote much about this topic in his first Epistle (1 Jn. 2:15-17; 3:1, 3:13; 4:1-5). John refers to the world system, a system closed to the intervention of the True & Living God. Closed to anything super-natural. Closed to the Incarnation of Jesus as LORD. Closed to the perspective that Special Revelation is sufficient for faith and godliness. This persistent and growing resistance to TRUTH shapes much of what passes for correct thinking today, even among professed believers. There are fewer and fewer who begin doing Theology with the “First Principle” being a Sovereign Transcendent God who has revealed Himself in the literature that makes up the Scripture, 66 books, the completed canon. This departure from historic orthodoxy is especially prevalent regarding the natural sciences as those disciplines to TRUTH. David Wells defines “Worldliness” as follows:   “that system of values, in any given age, which has at its center our fallen human perspective, which displaces God and his truth from the world, and which makes sin look normal and righteousness seem strange. It thus gives great plausibility to what is morally wrong and, for that reason, makes what is wrong seem normal” (Wells, David, Losing Our Virtue, Eerdmans Pub., 1998, p.4)   I suggest this definition be systematically reviewed with God’s people periodically. We need to challenge ourselves and the church as to whether we are “worldly” or godly.   Pastor’s Forums 2011 1.  Piedmont SC – September 13 – Mt. Moriah Bapt. 2.  Columbia SC – September 26 – Biblical Literacy SouthEast Community 3.  Baltimore MD – October 3 – BCMD North 4.  Baltimore MD – October 3 – BCMD South 5.  Shillington PA – October 4 – Berks Bible Church 6.  St. Augustine Beach FL – October 25 – River Oaks Com. Church Pending 2011 1.  Fayetville NC – IABC 2.  Harrisonburg VA – James Madison Univ. Biblical Literacy The Doctrine is Bibliology, with a focus on Biblical Literacy. Our speaker is Dr. George Guthrie, Union University. Dr. Guthrie has done extensive work in this area. The date for the next Forum is Monday, September 26, 2011. Knowing what God has revealed and how to properly apply that Revelation to life so that the results are genuine Transformation in God’s people is crucial. Plan to join us for this very important and timely Forum. You will be challenged and equipped to lead and serve with effectiveness. Go to www.readthebibleforlife.org and www.biblemesh.com for some helpful resources in knowing what God’s word says and how to apply Truth to life.   The focus of Dr. Guthrie’s presentation on September 26 is as follows:   What is Biblical Literacy? Biblical Literacy – The Current State of Affairs Full-orbed Biblical Literacy Training in the Church As a Bible scholar at Union University, one of the oldest American universities in the Southern Baptist tradition, Guthrie has tracked the decline in biblical literacy with consternation. With earlier books (The Structure of Hebrews and Biblical Greek Exegesis) best suited for academia, Guthrie has switched gears to produce a reader-friendly, digestible, biblical literacy study program that includes this book as well as a participant’s workbook, study leader’s CD-ROM, and three DVDs for group use. Anyone “touched by the English language or Western culture,” argues Guthrie, should be conversant in biblical literature. Through informal kitchen-table conversations with evangelical scholars, Guthrie guides the reader through a study of historical context, differences in Bible translations, varieties of literary genres, and finally a heartfelt devotional on how to read the Bible in a postmodern world. Copies of this title will be available for purchase at the Forum. Future speakers and topics in the Orthodoxy Series are Dr. George Zemek, Dean of Expositors Seminary for the Doctrine of Soteriology (March 2012). Dr. Fred Zaspel, author of The Theology of B. B. Warfield, The Doctrine of Christology, which was Warfield’s favorite biblical study, (September 2012).   R U On Purpose?? A number of years ago I led men through a Leadership Development module at SEC where I serve as Teaching Pastor. One of the crucial issues in Leadership is Life Management. The On-Purpose Person is one of the books I had the men read and ask them to master the principle of ‘being on purpose’. Kevin McCarthy and I have become ‘virtual friends’. He previously conducted Seminars in Orlando FL teaching the principles of an On Purpose Life. He is now making this training & equipping available via tele-conferencing. This equipping is accomplished over six weeks, one session per week. There is live interaction for Q&A and slides that highlight the issues being addressed. Each session is recorded so if you miss the live session, you still have access to the substance that was covered at a time that fits your schedule. One of our men here at SEC applied this material to his life. He is a capable man, on Staff with the AP here in Columbia. Through this material he discovered 30+ hours per week that he could apply with much greater effectiveness as a Christ-follower and be On-Purpose as an Image Bearer, Husband, Father and AP Writer.   In the September 1st issue of Under The Elmtree I will provide all the information necessary for you to take part in these conferences from the comfort of your own home, study or office. The best part is the cost – only $99 for 6 weeks of acquiring incredibly valuable skill in becoming an “ON PURPOSE” person. This equips you to Model Leadership with excellence!   Resistance to Change - Change is constant. Resistance to change is equally constant. The consequence of that resistance is lethal to organisms and organizations such as the church. Individuals and organizations (the church in particular) cling to status quo to their own demise. I have some powerful resources that show in graphic detail where resistance to change takes those who persist on this path. Call me to request this material. I will explain the parameters necessary to receive this material. In 1985 what were the two most recognizable LOGOS in the world? Where are the companies they represent today? What does this teach us? (803 776 5282 office, or 800 472 3764 toll free, or 803 413 3509 cell) IgniteUS Options for Pastors & Churches Research based on calendar 2010 shows that 95% of the churches in America ARE NOT making disciples. This is the one command in the Great Commission Food for thought! Read Heb. 13:7 & 13:17. IgniteUS provides equipping, resources and a metric to measure this critical dimension of ministry in the local church. Only 1 in 10 pastors is prepared to lead the Transformation Process without an outside voice to guide them – we come alongside and take this Journey with you. An outside voice makes a tremendous difference (Jn. 4:44). Our Effectiveness Rating is 91%. Call us! 1. 36 month Leadership Development Process transacted in 5 Phases. We provide the tools, equipping and coaching so that the Pastor becomes a Leader with biblical courage and excellence and the church becomes Healthy & Effective in making disciples fully formed in the Image of Christ (Col. 1:28-29). Reformation & Renewal! 2. 15 month Individual Leadership Development Process for those Pastors who want to become more effective Leaders. This is essentially the first three phases of the process. 3. 6 month process for churches that are essentially healthy and free of conflict and the usual control issues. The Leadership Team meets for a full day once a month for six months. This process maximizes Leadership and Intentional Disciple-making.   I am continually amazed as I present our Leadership Development Process around the country. Many in positions of Leadership are either unable or unwilling to admit the serious deficiencies that exist in the ‘status quo’ approach most have to ministry. It is no longer possible to deny reality – - the church is in precipitous decline. It takes humility, courage, sacrifice and tenacity to engage genuine Transformation. But, the results are far more rewarding than the risks or sacrifices required. I urge you to begin TODAY Pastor. Contact us for details. info@igniteus.net 803 776 5282 PRAYER – All efforts to see Reformation and Renewal come to the American Church are doomed to failure without earnest intercession (Acts 4:23-31). In the face of seeming hopelessness, God’s people should – can – do pray (Luke 18:1 – 8). Jesus asks a probing questions in v. 8 – - when I return, will I find this kind of faith on the earth?   Read my BLOG – - www.thetextsays.blogspot.com. Also on the Home Page www.igniteus.net – A Monday Morning BLOG. New post every Monday morning. Comments welcome! Home Page - Click on this link to go to our Home Page: http://www.igniteUS.net/ Click on the text line under the Feature Video that says “See what others are saying” for some recent testimonials. IUS Update This Update is sent to you on the 1st and 15th of each month. Please send comments or questions to us at info@igniteUS.net. Or, you may go to our BLOG on the home page of our Web Site. THANKS!

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