Young, Restless, and Restorationist

As a minister I often read and sometimes travel in circles outside the Restoration Movement, in what is broadly called evangelicalism. I have noticed an interesting phenomenon occurring among this group , a resurgence in Reformed Theology (i.e. the teachings of men like John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, John Knox, and others). In 2009, Time Magazine listed The New Calvinism as one of the Top 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now. Young people who have been attracted to this have been called, “Young, Restless, and Reformed” in numerous articles, books, and blog posts. Dissatisfied with the status quo that they are experiencing in their congregations, they are starting to read, study, and promote some of the core doctrines that launched the Protestant Reformation.

These facts may fascinate some folks, but why am I writing about them in a column that is supposed to promote Restoration Movement principles? The answer is simple. I’m wondering whether the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ can demonstrate a similar rebirth. Does our movement have significant numbers of people who can be identified as, “Young, Restless, and Restorationist”? If so, how can we motivate and mobilize them to spread their enthusiasm among our churches and the world? If not, can such a passion be created, and how can it be done?

The plea of our forefathers to restore New Testament Christianity needs to be rediscovered by a new generation (actually, multiple generations are good candidates for exposure to this subject). The very principles that once made the Restoration Movement the fastest growing movement in North America are just as valid today as they were 200 years ago. The early slogans still ring true:

Where the Scriptures speak we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent.
No creed but Christ, no book but the Bible.
Do Bible things in Bible ways; call Bible things by Bible names.
In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion liberty; in all things, charity.

Surely there are people in their 20’s and 30’s who have grown weary of the “same old church thing” and would be eager to embrace a return to the church as depicted on the pages of the New Testament. Our Calvinist friends have demonstrated that young people are not averse to things of a spiritual/biblical nature. I urge you to pray for the Lord to raise up leaders in our movement who are able to capture the imaginations of our young and bright believers. The purpose is not simply to perpetuate the movement or to elevate human leaders like Alexander Campbell or Walter Scott. Rather, the goal should be to promote the truth that has eternal value.

Ouch!

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Ernie Harwell

I didn't start listening to Ernie Harwell until I went to college. But wow, that guy was an outstanding broadcaster. The Tigers were very good in those days (mid 80's) winning the world series in 1984, so I listened to a lot of games. Several of my college friends were Tigers fans, so it was hard to avoid. They don't make 'em like Ernie anymore.

Happy 15th Birthday Luke!

Little Kids in the Adult Service

Sloth

I’m preaching about laziness on Sunday. Actually the sermon is entitled Valuing Your Work, but the unspoken subtitle is:“Quit being a lazy bum, sitting on your butt, eating Cheetos and playing video games while living in your Mom's basement." I’m in a series call Got Wisdom? It’s from the book of Proverbs -- perhaps is the greatest "how-to" book ever written. God’s Word has much to say about the rewards of work and diligence; as well as the consequences of sloth and laziness. No wonder the ancients listed it as one of the seven deadly sins.

T4G Wrap-Up

One of my friends asked me how I enjoyed T4G. I told him (half-jokingly) that it was great, except for the Calvinism. Obviously, I didn't agree with everything I heard, but the sessions encouraged my soul. I especially appreciated the last sermon by C.J. Mahaney -- it was a call to preach the Word -- certainly something I have heard before, but it's good to be reminded from time to time.

Another thing that sets this conference apart is the number of books that are given away. At each main session we found four new books on our chairs. I volunteered a couple of times to help with the distribution (two or three hundred volunteers fanning out to place chairs on 7000 seats is a sight to behold -- and it was fun!).

Here is the list of books given to us:

•R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God
•Michael Reeves, The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation
•Mark Dever and Michael Lawrence, It Is Well: Expositions on Substitutionary Atonement
•Colin Marshall and Tony Payne, The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Shift that Changes Everything
•The ESV Study Bible
•Thabiti Anyabwile, The Gospel for Muslims: An Encouragement to Share Christ with Confidence
•Greg Gilbert, What Is the Gospel?
•John MacArthur, The Jesus You Can’t Ignore: What You Must Learn from the Bold Confrontations of Christ
•Joshua Harris, Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters
•John Piper, Finally Alive
•Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeney, Jonathan Edwards on Beauty
•Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Plight of Man and the Power of God
•Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeney, The Essential Jonathan Edwards Collection
•Christopher Ash, The Priority of Preaching
•Albert Mohler, He Is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World
•Ligon Duncan, Fear Not! Death and the Afterlife from a Christian Perspective
•T4G, Proclaiming a Cross-Centered Theology
•D.A. Carson, Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus
•J.I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
•Jonathan Leeman, The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love: Reintroducing the Doctrines of Church Membership and Discipline
•J. Mack Stiles, Marks of the Messenger: Knowing, Living and Speaking the Gospel

Together for the Gospel

I am attending the Together for the Gospel Conference in Louisville this week. Day One was great. Mark Dever had an outstanding message. And they are giving away books galore. At the beginning of each new main session there are four new books on the seats. The worship is wonderful. 7000 men singing In Christ Alone -- wow! But the highlight of Day One was was meeting my old friend Derek Penwell for supper. Derek and I have known each other since elementary school days (we attended church camp together). We reconnected in college (playing on the baseball team and rooming next door to each other). He was one of the groomsmen in my wedding. We haven't seen each other in over 20 years. It was great to catch up.

I'm looking forward to Day Two with heavy hitters John MacArthur and John Piper.

Ouch!

via Mark Driscoll

Opening Day -- Go Cubs Go!

Were You There?

John Piper Rethinks Long-Standing Belief

After announcing his upcoming 8-month leave-of-absence, Calvinist John Piper also released the following statement concerning his position on the atonement:

"After much study of God's Word, I have come to the conclusion that the Calvinist position concerning the doctrine of the atonement is outside the teachings of Scripture. For many years I have taught that the Calvinist position on the atonement was absolutely correct. I taught that the atonement was the elect. Jesus died to save the elect to the glory of God. I taught that God the Father sent the Son to glorify His name by dying in place of the elect and through His Spirit He now draws them unto Himself. I was incorrect.

I now teach that the atonement was for all and this truly brings glory to God. For many years I have sought to exalt God through faithful teaching of His Word. I have tried to emphasize that the Westminster Confession of Faith is correct when it say that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This is accomplished best through the unlimited atonement of Jesus Christ. God is glorified and His honor is proclaimed when we declare that Jesus died for all men and that all men can be saved through His atonement. What a wondrous work is Jesus' death and resurrection! How mighty is our God!"

I must say that I was shocked to read such a statement. You can more about the Piper statement here.

A Matter of Opinion?

Have you ever been in a discussion about a particular teaching of the New Testament and heard someone say, “Well that was just Paul’s opinion”? I have heard people say this with regard to homosexuality. And the qualifications for elders. But most often it is used as an attempt to refute the biblical teaching about the role of women in the church, particularly 1 Timothy 2:12: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.” There is similar teaching in 1 Corinthians 14.

Ignoring a biblical command due to the belief that it is merely “Paul’s opinion” is fraught with theological pitfalls. It seriously challenges the doctrines of inspiration and apostolic authority. It puts one on a slippery slope toward biblical irrelevance. If a doctrine can be ignored and written off as someone’s opinion , then almost nothing is off-limits (except perhaps the red-letter words of Jesus).

The Holy Spirit anticipated the “matter of opinion” issue. In 1 Corinthians 14:37 (in the context of women being silent in the churches), Paul writes, “If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.” In other words, he is saying “This is NOT merely my opinion.”

However, for the sake of argument, let’s imagine that the teaching in 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14 is simply Paul’s opinion. The opinion of the apostle Paul should carry much weight with those who want to follow the Lord. We are talking about a man who was perhaps the godliest person to ever walk the earth (next to Jesus). He was someone who preached the gospel, healed the sick, raised the dead, and penned two-thirds of the New Testament. He was imprisoned for his faith; stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, and left for dead. Isn’t his opinion something that should have great influence over us?

The person who says, “That was just Paul’s opinion” wants me to reject what Paul says and listen to what she says. As former President Bush used to say: "Not gonna do it!"

For the Love of Books

My brother-in-law came to town for a visit today. He brought me a present -- a big box of books. He has a lot of "preacher books" that he no longer wants/needs. He brought a variety of commentaries, books about preaching and a few other topics. I already had a few of them, so I passed them along to some staff. We were all happy. Thanks Barry!

Restoration History

I have been teaching about the history of the Restoration Movement during the winter session of The Well (the mid-week program at our church). It is one of the elective classes we offer for adults. Ever since my Bible College days, I have been a Restoration History buff. The principles and plea of our spiritual forefathers resonates with my spirit. The idea of taking the Bible only and being a Christian only, eschewing denominational divisions makes sense to me.

It has been fun introducing these concepts to some of the new believers in our congregation. Some of my brethren have suggested that it is time to bury the Restoration Plea. They are simply wrong.

Coming Back

Hey everybody! I've been a bit of a slacker lately. I'm going to try to post more regularly again. What's new with me?

I'm REALLY looking forward to the warmer Spring weather.

I'm enjoying the study for the sermon series I've been preaching from the Gospel of John. Check it out here.

I can't believe I have a senior graduating less than three months from now.

In a couple of weeks I will be returning to my old stomping grounds, the Virginia Peninsula, to preach at the Olivet Christian Church.