peterlumpkins.com

Honoring God Through Honorable Dialog

I just read Keith Schooley's latest post as he asks "Does Your Theology Honor God?" What a breath of fresh air among bloggers. If you can only squeeze one post in the rest of the day, skip the others and ponder Keith's. It could revolutionize blogging for God. With that, I am... Peter Read more →

Calvinist vs. Non-Calvinist: The Story of Rock & Rogue by Peter Lumpkins

The study of Calvinist and nonCalvinist understanding of precisely how our loving God deals with those pieces of His creation made in His image we normally call human beings remains fascinating. The difference between the typical Calvinist understanding of redemptive, gracious intervention in human affairs and that of the Calvinist’s “adversary” is quite simple, actually. We can readily see the difference if we contemplate the Story of Rock and Rogue. Consider...>>> Hard mineral aggregate we usually dub as “Rock” stands highly representative of the most extreme forms of raw matter.... Read more →

Francis Schaeffer: A Tribute

Thanks to Douglas Groothuis for pointing me to a great article on Francis Schaeffer written by Jerram Barrs, a longtime colleague of Dr. Schaeffer. I cannot overestimate Schaeffer's influence in my life. His writings are always close by. With that, I am... Peter Read more →

Raising Questions About the Quality of Worship

Every Pastor will, if not today, one day this week, ponder precisely how the service(s) got along yesterday. Perhaps with a deacon confidant, or staff colleagues or maybe just with his wife, the Pastor will attempt to reflect on the worship experience or lack of it. He will wonder if the music was appropriate, if it was high quality. He will express his curiosity as to whether his message connected with the people...>>> And, of course, he will ponder the attendance--up or down--and if his church is making a difference... Read more →

The Sacred Scripture Our Just Confines

Though not known so well, one of the most contentious debates early English Baptists faced was with Quakers*. In 1672-1674, Baptists and Quakers brutally squared off on at least four different occasions that, in at least one of those meetings, 3,000 people jammed into the meeting house and stuck around for almost six hours..>>> On October 9, 1674, at the Barbican in London (Baptist), the crowd jammed in to cheer on their favorite team. For the Quakers stood the legendary William Penn along with the equally formidable George Whitehead. Also... Read more →

One Great Post on Racism: SelahV is a Must-Read by Peter Lumpkins

Pertaining to the recent debacle surrounding Dr. Dwight McKissic and the charge of racism, SelahV has one profound post...>>> While the trustee issue is subtly in the background, her confessional tone is both humble and much needed during this tragic breakdown of mutual support among the Trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Do yourself a favor and reflect on her post. With that, I am... Peter Read more →

Is An Apology Enough?

Below is a comment I made on another Baptist blog. Some desire this particular issue to simply vanish. Dr. McKissic, after all, has apologized. I am not one to bolster vengeance nor harbor an unforgiving spirit...>>> Nevertheless, some actions seem so unconscionable that to drop them too quickly fosters moral irresponsibility. For me, what one of the Trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary recently said toward other Trustees needs more than a “that’s o.k., Dr. McKissic; We understand” response. By the way, you should know that if you disagree with... Read more →

Have the Bones of Jesus Been Found?

So, they've found the bones of Jesus. I think that's great. Now we no longer have to wonder if Jesus really did live or not...>>> On a more serious note, if you want a few good reads, check out Dr. Ben Witherington's posts, here and here. Also, Professor Craig Blomberg offers his initial observations here. The challenges to the historic Christian faith will never cease until our Lord descends from Heaven with a shout. What's seems to be an unfolding pattern is, apparently the more sophisticated our world becomes, the... Read more →