peterlumpkins.com

Is It Possible To Fairly Critique?

I’m presently wading through a book that compares and contrasts the methods of two of the 20th century’s most effective apologists for historic Christianity—C.S. Lewis and Francis Schaeffer. How surprising both men were so similar in temperament, approach, methodology and in many ways, the theological content upon which they focused in defending the common faith once for all given to the saints. Both Lewis and Schaeffer considered themselves evangelists. Their goal was to knock on the front door of people’s inner home. If the front door was locked, they’d walk... Read more →

Professor Roger Olson: Final Interview

Today , I offer the final installment on the interview series with Dr. Roger Olson, Professor of Theology, Truett Theological Seminary, Waco, TX. We talked in this final section on many issues raised in his latest book, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. I trust your understanding of Arminiansim has deepened as a result. Let's begin: Do you think the historic debate between God’s Sovereignty and human Free Will is where emphasis should be placed in discussions between Calvinists and Arminians, or are there other more significant discussions to pursue? Well,... Read more →

Have a great Thanksgiving

Well sometimes our goals are not met. I wanted to wrap up our interview with Professor Roger Olson. For me, I'd rather wait until after Thanksgiving. I trust all will experience our Gracious Father's kindness over these next few days. Grace and peace from God our Father. With that, I am... Peter Read more →

2 Days' Journey: "Is He The One, Or...?"

“Are you the One who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11.3) Doubts—all of us have them at one time or another. John did. And, according to Jesus’ own testimony about John, no greater man was ever born among humans than the Baptizer. Doubts—they can be ruinous of our souls. Doubt—it was the tool the tempter used against Eve in God’s Garden: “Yeah, hath God said…?” as the Old version states, capturing the doubt Satan planted in Eve’s willing heart. And while doubt possesses the potential... Read more →

Plagiarism in the Pulpit

The Christian Index posts an informative article pertaining to plagiarism and the pulpit. Obviously, many have varying views on exactly when a preacher oversteps the thin line that exists between "research" and theft of someone else's work. Interesting also are the comments on plagiarism by some prominent Southern Baptist pulpiteers including Drs. Jim Henry and Jerry Vines. Check out my newest poll on plagiarism in the left column... Have an evening filled with peace. With that, I am... Peter P.S. I am diligently working to transcribe the final part of... Read more →

When Do We Publicly Chastize Our Brothers?

Bill Curtis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the North American Mission Board (a Southern Baptist entity), recently penned an open letter to all Southern Baptists pertaining to cooperation and working together when we disagree. The humorous irony is, Mr. Curtis scolded Bill Harrell, Chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee for comments he made about contemporary worship and aggressive Calvinism in our convention. My question is, how does public scolding--especially when the scolding is rather unfair to someone's words, in this case, Mr. Harrell's-- supposed to square... Read more →

2 Days' Journey: November 10-12, 2006

"I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people”--Isaiah 42.6 I will keep You. God gave a promise to His Son that He would guard His Son. The Father would keep Him. Even Satan knew this as he was trying his dirty temptoral tricks against the Messiah while in the desert. God will keep Jesus. There is a similar promise for us, dear Christian! God will keep us as well! It is not we who keep ourselves in His good graces. Rather it is the Father... Read more →

Professor Roger Olson: An Interview Part 3

Today, we continue our Interview with Dr. Roger Olson, Professor of Theology, Truett Theology Seminary, Waco, Texas. This is part three of a four part series. Professor Olson is both an accomplished theologian in the Arminian tradition as well as a renowned historian of Christian Theology. His many books include The Story of Christian Theology, Who Needs Theology?, The Mosaic of Christian Belief, 20th-Century Theology, Pocket History of Theology, and under discussion today, his latest book, Arminianism: Myths and Realities. Welcome Dr. Olson... Professor, what does Classic Arminianism teach concerning... Read more →

Pentecostal Christianity: The Ideal Conservatives

Let me say upfront: I am not a Pentecostal Christian. Unless in my dreams, I have never spoken in spiritual languages nor, to my recollection, have I been baptized in the Holy Spirit in a classical Pentecostal sense. I have, however, always admired the spiritual vitality and energy of my Pentecostal Brothers and Sisters. In addition, when contemporary, upbeat, hand-clapping music came to other evangelical worship services 25 years ago, it was already a second generation style with them. Pentecostals were "contemporary" when "contemporary" wasn't cool. As I have been... Read more →

William "Bill" Harrell Sets The Record Straight

Yesterday, I had an extended phone conversation with Rev. William “Bill” Harrell, longtime Pastor of Abilene Baptist Church in Martinez, GA and current Chairman of the Executive Committee of the SBC. His recent interview with The Christian Index raised some eyebrows in the blogging world, particularly among Calvinist bloggers. Specifically, the internet frenzy surrounded his remarks about two issues in SBC life—contemporary worship and aggressive Calvinism—both of which, Pastor Harrell contends needs immediate address. The more I read the Internet “versions”, the more uncomfortable I became with much of what... Read more →