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Free Church Press Releases New Volume

Free Church Press will release its second book in mid March. Check it out below and get in on the special pre-pub price!! Read more →

Joe Donahue: Evangelist to a Hurting Generation by Peter Lumpkins

The following program aired today on The 700 Club. Joe Donahue has a powerful testimony about grace, forgiveness, restoration, and peace. In short, it is the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. No dad could ever want more in a son-in-law than I have in both of mine. Joe & Jon, you're the best. God be praised in all. Check out Joe's Website here Schedule Joe for a speaking engagement here Read more →

"Whosoever Will" Getting Good Press by Peter Lumpkins

As I posted late last week, Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism edited by Drs. David Allen and Steve Lemke and published by B&H Publishing Group is already on backorder (//link). More good news is, reviews are beginning to come in with positive results. The Southern Baptist TEXAN has two reviews, one by TEXAN correspondent, David Roach and the other by Editor, Gary Ledbetter (respectively here and here). Of the volume overall, Ledbetter concludes: “Some who read articles by members of the Founders’ movement or hear messages from... Read more →

Church Attendance in the United States by Peter Lumpkins

Gallup just released the latest numbers on church attendance in the United States. No real surprises. Nine of the 10 Top church attending states are in the south... The top ten states for church attendance are: Well maybe one surprise: is it not odd to see Florida absent from the mix of the Top Ten church going states? The other oddity in the list is Utah. However, Utah is easily explicable due do the high percentage of Mormons in the state, Mormons being among the most vigorous attendees of any... Read more →

Southern Baptists Propose More Churches for Cuba by Peter Lumpkins

The Southern Baptist vision to reach the entire globe for Christ stands without parallel in Christian history. Neither is the vision to plant churches a more recent development of Southern Baptist life as many curiously assume. Nor have we ever considered our name as The "Southern" Baptist Convention indicative of a stunted regionalism only concerned about souls in Dixie. Indeed quite telling of the Southern Baptist heartbeat to evangelize to the ends of the earth is the little piece below. It originally appeared on January, 4th, 1900 in "The Bee,"... Read more →

Great Commission Resurgence: Rewinding the Tape by Peter Lumpkins

Robert Reeves has served since 1998 as the communications director for the Kentucky Baptist Convention following previous service with the Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children (now Sunrise Children’s Services) and Connie Maxwell Children’s Home (the children's ministry of South Carolina Baptists). Reeves background is in professional journalism (//link). As a vocational writer, he offers interested Southern Baptists a taste of history leading up to the roaring twenties when Southern Baptists were convinced God had placed in their hands the explicit responsibility to gospelize to the ends of the earth. How... Read more →

Dr. Jerry Vines on Caveats and the Great Commission Resurgence

The Great Commission Resurgence (GCR) document has gathered more than 3,000 signatories, many of which are current or former Southern Baptist Convention leaders. Not all, however, were quick to sign their name on the dotted line. Drs. Paige Patterson and Jerry Vines, both of whom are past presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention, as well as key prophetic voices of the Conservative Resurgence, recently signed their names to the GCR. Yet their signatures uniquely bear a brand not found on other signatories—“with caveats.” The uninformed might immediately but crassly conclude... Read more →

The United States of America vs.The United States of Allah

Some younger voices in SBC life loudly insist Southern Baptists are living in yesteryear; that is, while lamenting the 1950s, nevertheless we still hopelessly cling to a false illusion that we may usher our golden age back in again. We're advised to become "relevant" to our culture by upgrading our public image because the culture--especially the twenty-somethings--simply does not like us and consequently say mean and nasty things about us. Indeed, we're promised a healthy ear from spiritualism, paganism, and the most responsive of all, secularism's adherents if we'll: Be... Read more →

SEBTS & Mark Driscoll: "Forget the Cussin'! Let's Talk Sex!" by Peter Lumpkins

This may be the final post I publish with hopes in making more people aware of some uncharted waters Southern Baptists are sailing as we drool over linking ourselves to the innovative ministries of controversial pastor, Mark Driscoll. I'm quite sure I'll receive the standard "Why do you hate Driscoll so much?" replies, as well as the "Mark Driscoll does more for evangelism and church growth than all SBC pastors put together!" ones. Not to mention, of course, the concerns I raise are but the musings of an "ill-informed" blogger... Read more →

Contextualization, Syncretism and Global Witness: Raising Concerns by Peter Lumpkins

An interesting exchange took place last week between an anonymous missionary (non-SBC) presently serving in a Muslim country and a theologian at Liberty Theological Seminary. A post entitled "My Pilgrimage" is hosted at SBCImpact and written by an anonymous missionary who calls himself/herself "From the Middle East" (a regular contributor for SBCImpact, by the way). The pilgrimage described is in story form, self-designed by the missionary, "not so much as a full doctrinal statement"; instead, it is offered to indigenous Muslims to gauge whether they are "interested in hearing the... Read more →

The John 3:16 Conference

One week away, November 6-7, The John 3:16 Conference (J316) will be held at the Woodstock First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia. Some have wondered whether or not the conference would succeed. Evidently, J316 has not only settled that ambiguity, registration is now limited: "Registration for the conference with meals has ended due to reaching capacity. You may still register for the conference only." Thus, if you were planning to come to beautiful North Georgia and reap theological rewards but procrastination got the better of you, you can still come, and... Read more →

John 3:16 Conference

The John 3:16 Conference is one conference you need to make this Fall. Mark the dates--November 6-7, at First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia. You can sign up here. J316C promises to be a scholarly evaluation of the recent Calvinist Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention. And, with the heavy weights involved, I do not personally see how it can miss. Scholars delivering papers at this conference include: Dr. Paige Patterson (President of SWBTS) on Total Depravity Dr. Richard Land (President of ERLC) on Unconditional Election Dr. David Allen (Dean at... Read more →

The Great Commission Resurgence: Biblical Mandate or Baptist Movement? Part II

The locus classicus impetus for global gospelizing is found in Matthew's record of Jesus' departing words: >>> "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:18-20). While some... Read more →

The Great Commission Resurgence: Biblical Mandate or Baptist Movement?: Part I

The heart of Baptists in the south could be summed up as an "eliciting, combining and directory for the energies of the whole denomination in one sacred effort, for the propagation of the Gospel" when the Southern Baptist Convention was formed in 1845. Since, innumerable concerted efforts to "propagate" the world with the Gospel presented themselves as Baptists continued to ride the wave as a missionary force with which hell itself must contend. And contend it did. One hurdle after another Satan placed on the evangelistic track Baptists were running,... Read more →

Painful Concern or Political Posturing: Rodney Hammer & The Open Letter to the Southern Baptist Convention

Former IMB Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe, Rodney Hammer, recently resigned his post citing two "extrabiblical" policies the Trustees put in placed which, according to Hammer, "restricted the flow of good conservative candidates." Questioning the policies, Hammer said: “I am expected as a regional leader to accept, own and support the policies of the IMB trustees. I can do so no longer.” While, he and his family left the field for stateside assignment on May 5 and plan to be reassigned to a field assignment upon their return,... Read more →

Hershael York and Paul Harvey: One Thing in Common

News reporter and commentator legend, Mr. Paul Harvey, may be the most famed caster of all time. For over fifty years, he's been known "for the rest of the story". Listeners could always expect Mr. Harvey to drop an unexpected ending for them to consider. Today, Dr. Hershael York--Pastor, Professor, Trustee--offered what many surely consider "the rest of the story" concerning the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. For the last two years, the Board has faced stiff criticism from many, especially from a former trustee of the... Read more →

Joe Donahue: Youth Evangelist for a Hurting Generation

Those of you who often visit this site are probably aware that Joe Donahue is my son-in-law and husband of my eldest twin daughter, Kristy--not to mention the father of my very first and beautiful little granddaughter, Sofie. As unfortunate for him being my son-in-law some may see, I am honored our Lord put Joe in our family and into Kristy's life. For several years, Joe has been Student Pastor at Bethany Baptist Church in McDonough, Georgia. God used him and Kristy there in magnificent ways. Yet, Joe had been... Read more →

Jerusalem: A Trip to Remember

In early spring of 1994, one of our Deacons came up to me after the evening service and said "I need to talk to you and Kathy immediately." My first thought--as is the case many times--was "Oh my. What'd she do?" Just kidding :^) Seriously, it was "I wonder what I did?" When we arrived at the conference room, Marge was already there. This comforted me for Marge was a sweartheart of a lady and I knew we could all relax. We sat down and Dick said "You know that... Read more →

Choosing Christ: Disjunction or Conjunction

When I get bored, sometimes I pick up a philosophy book. Not that I am good at understanding technical philosophy. Far from it, and that even after taking several courses in philosophy back in college...>>> Rather, the older one gets, the harder the brain must work to stall--I realize this is depressing--its inevitable self-destruction. Thus, while vain philosophy weakens us, as the Inspired Apostle warns, there are ways good philosophy can, shall we say, keep our brains breathing. In his book, Metaphysics, philosopher Richard Taylor discusses the thorny problem of... Read more →

Calvinists & The Whosoever Will Gospel

The Apostle John records as a final invitation in his Revelation of Jesus Christ these magnificent words >>> "The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life."(Revelation 22.17, NLT). Personally, I think the old version captures such a stately form--"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the... 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 →

Attacks on Dr. Jerry Vines by Peter Lumpkins

I listened to Dr. Jerry Vines’ message entitled “The Baptist and His Election” preached at First Baptist Church,Woodstock,GA last Sunday evening. He stated that his Pastor, Dr. Johnny Hunt, had asked him to address the issue for their church. Dr. Vines was self-admittedly out of his norm—he read his sermon rather than extemporaneously delivered it >>> Dr. Vines is a key figure in Southern Baptist life. He remains an icon of the Conservative Resurgence within the SBC having been elected President of the convention, 1988-90. Before moving to First Baptist... Read more →

Calvinism & The Gospel Offer: Is it Sincere?

An oft repeated concern non-Calvinists mention to Calvinists pertains to the sincerity of preaching a Gospel message universally when Christ’s death, according to the Calvinist, was designed only for the Elect. That is, if the Calvinist is correct that Christ’s death was designed for the Elect and only the Elect, then the universal offer of salvation based on the merits of Christ’s death is, in the end, a questionable offer. How can it be considered sincere, the non-Calvinist rightly asks, if the benefits of the Cross, designed only for the... Read more →

Keith Schooley: A Scholarly Quest into 1 John 2.2

Keith Schooley has posted a paper on 1 John 2.2 which deals with "propitiation' in a scholarly fashion and coresponds quite nicely with our recent discussions here concerning my two posts. I encourage you to check it out. This week I will try and post my interview with Dr. Roger Olson on his soon to be released book, "Arminian Theology: Myths & Realities". With that, I am... Peter Read more →

1 John 2.2: The Strange Silence of Calvinist Exegesis

...Keith Schooley offers a great follow up to my two posts on 1 John 2.2 over at The Schooley Files... Read more →

The Sacrifice That Atones: A Brief Study of 1 John 2.2 Revisited

John writes: “He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only for ours but the sins of all the world” (1 John 2.2 NLT). In order to better grasp this verse, let’s consider a brief background of the Elder’s first little letter. Undoubtedly written by an eye witness of Jesus (1.1-4), most scholars seemingly attest to a date for it in the mid to late nineties A.D. And, though some have questioned whether John the Apostle penned it, Guthrie is surely right to insist “ it must... Read more →

The Sacrifice That Atones: A Short Study in 1 John 2.2

One of the clearest expressions in Scripture pertaining to the infinite worth of Christ’s sacrifice is found in the Apostle of Love’s first little letter. He writes: “He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only for our sins but the sins of all the world” (2.2 NLT). This post is meant not to be an exhaustive exposition of this text. Rather, my desire is to allow the Word of God to simply speak for itself through honest evaluation of the text sufficiently showing John’s basic intent... Read more →

Calvinists and the World of John 3.16

In Jesus’ private conversation with Israel’s star Pharisaic pupil, He uttered words that would become the measure by which no other verse in Scripture so encapsulates the basic message of the Gospel: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3.16). F.F. Bruce concludes that if any one statement sums up the message of the Fourth Gospel, this is it—John 3.16 >>> Many modern Calvinists, while not at all challenging the... Read more →

Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities: A Review: Final Installment

Just a note before I offer my final installment on Professor Olson’s forthcoming volume, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities, scheduled to be released in October, 2006 by IVP Academic. On my first post for this book, I mentioned that a possible interview with Dr. Olson was in the works. That now seems a reality! It has been confirmed. Thus, within the next three weeks, expect a posting of that interview >>> A major strength of the book, from my perspective is the way Olson laid out the message of Arminianism.... Read more →

Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities: A Review: Part Two

In Professor Olson’s forthcoming work, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities (AT), the purpose is not to defend Arminianism against centuries’ worth of assaults. Rather, Dr. Olson candidly says he wishes his work to be a true opening exposition to Arminian theology. He writes >>> The affirmations of Arminianism…form the backbone of this book. Even though reasons why Arminians are not Calvinists will be provided, [AT] is not a polemic against Calvinism. Nor is it intended so much as a defense of Arminianism as a statement of true Arminian theology (p.43).... Read more →

Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities: A Review

I recently received my copy of Professor Roger Olson’s newest book, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. For the next few installments on SBCT, I hope to profile Dr. Olson’s work. You may want to check out other books by Olson here. In addition, I hope SBC Tomorrow may be able to negotiate an interview with Professor Olson by the book’s projected release date in October, 2006. Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities (AT), promises to be the definitive opening introduction to classical Arminian theology. It remains tragic that such misinformation exists... Read more →