This is the End

I have been convicted that my exposure to the blogosphere neither edifies my walk nor enhances my witness. Therefore, I will no longer post any material on this blog. Thank you for reading, and feel free to browse through the archives. In order for me to live with fire shut up in my bones, I must remove myself from the blogosphere, particularly among certain Southern Baptists.

I will not be back, ever. I have too many ministry opportunities in hospitals, funeral homes, city parks, churches, and restaurants to allow bitterness to creep into my heart, so my exit is best for me. Praise God for His convicting power and cleansing purity!

Brian Free & Assurance - "Oh What a Savior"

The Music City Boys - "Oh What a Savior"

White Stone Quarry Baptist Church was privileged to host The Music City Boys for our 135th Homecoming. They exhibit incredible diversity in their musical repertoire, playing a strong mix of old-fashioned Southern Gospel, fast-paced Christian jazz, and several original numbers written by their own group members ("Friendly Fire" by Keith Sargent and "House at the End of Road" by James Meredith are two tremendous originals they perform). The group members are committed Christians who live what they profess. They have what many big-name performers lack in today's culture of glitz and glamour - the anointing of God. Enjoy this classic that features tenor James Meredith.

The Difficulties of Divorce and Remarriage

On Henry Ford’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, he was asked for some advice on how to achieve marital bliss and longevity. He replied, “Just the same as in the automobile business, stick to one model.”

The Bible is crystal clear; divorce is a sin. According to the Bible, marriage is a lifetime commitment. Jesus referred to married couples by saying, “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). Malachi 2:16 further reveals God’s heart in regards to this issue: “I hate divorce, says the LORD God of Israel.” Clearly, marriage was not intended to result in divorce.

Nevertheless, the Old Testament specified some laws that protected the rights of divorcees; especially women (cf. Deuteronomy 24:1-4). This indicates that God knows that sinful human beings will, in some instances, enter into a divorce from marriage. Yet, Jesus pointed out that these laws were given because of the hardness of people’s hearts, not because they were God’s desire (cf. Matthew 19:8).

The controversy over whether divorce and remarriage is scripturally allowed revolves primarily around Jesus’ words in two verses of Scripture: Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9. Matthew 5:32 plainly tells us that “fornication” is a potentially just reason for divorce, though the text remains silent about remarriage resulting from a “biblical” divorce. While many scholars believe that this refers to “marital unfaithfulness” during the “betrothal” period (Jewish custom considered a couple married even while they were still engaged), this interpretation is eisegeted rather than being derived from the text.

The term “fornication” is translated from the Greek word porneia, which can mean any form of sexual immorality. Sexual intimacy is an integral part of the marriage covenant, as God ordained that “the two will become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5; Eph. 5:31). Thus, when this covenant is broken through sexual immorality, a valid and permissible reason for divorce has arisen.

Matthew 19:9, while nearly verbatim to Matthew 5:32, adds the caveat “and marries another,” indicating that divorce and remarriage are allowed in an instance of fornication. It is important to note, however, that only the innocent party is allowed to remarry. Although there may be instances where the “fornicator” is allowed to remarry, it is not explicitly taught in this particular text.

Several other considerations must be made when determining potential exceptions for divorce and/or remarriage. For instance, 1 Corinthians 7:15 seemingly allows remarriage if an unbelieving spouse divorces a believer. Despite mentioning remarriage, this verse only says a believer is not bound to continue a marriage if an unbelieving spouse wants to leave. Others claim that abuse (spousal or child) provides valid grounds for divorce, although not specifically mentioned in Scripture. In such a case, there must be faithfulness to the whole counsel of God, which tells us to honor our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19). In the same manner in which we strive to honor and protect God’s house/temple/church, we must also protect our bodies. Yet the marriage must be salvaged in each situation if at all possible (according to Matt. 19:6).

Even when adultery is committed and divorce occurs, the temptation often arises to quickly remarry when, in fact, God might desire that they remain single. God calls people to be single so that their attention is not divided (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Any person who goes through divorce ought to intentionally pray and fast for direction and discipline, repenting for the broken covenant and seeking full restoration of the mind, body, soul, and spiritual strength. Remarriage after a divorce may be an option in some circumstances, but that does not mean it is the only option.

As a minister of the Gospel, I would allow remarriage to a member of my congregation in several different instances. First of all, I would be willing to remarry someone after the death of a spouse. This is actually encouraged by Paul (1 Cor. 7:8-9; 1 Tim. 5:14). Also, most marriage ceremonies contain a specific phrase that specify the covenant “until death do us part.” This is taken from Romans 7:2-3, and thus the principle of remarriage after a spouse’s death is completely biblical.
I will also allow remarriage if an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage without possibility of reconciliation (cf. 1 Cor. 7:12-15). Furthermore, I have no problems remarrying someone if his/her divorce(s) occurred before salvation. Once a person is saved by Christ, that individual receives the fresh mercies of God (Lam. 3:23) and becomes a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). There are also extreme cases in which I may feel led to remarry someone, such as abuse, psychological disorders, etc. My decisions will be based upon fervent prayer (James 5:16) as the Holy Spirit guides me into the truth (John 16:13) about the proper decision.

While the divorce rate may be disturbing, that is all the more reason for ministers of the Gospel to show God’s mercy and grace. God’s statutes and covenants are holy, but God’s love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). The ultimate objective of a minister should be obedience to Christ and the restoration of broken people. Ultimately, any marriage policy enacted should seek to honor Christ, exercise mercy when it is appropriate, and allow for the flexibility to adapt to the unique circumstances that can arise in this sinful world. When dealing with sinful people, ministers will do well to handle sin in God’s way – with His amazing grace that convicts, corrects, and cleanses.

PRo - "Before I Die"

Jevon Rue - "Rain Comes Down"

This song has a good beat, a smooth flow, good word play, and a consecrative message. Considering that this is Jevon's first release since being saved, I'm betting that the best is yet to come for this young Christian rapper. You can purchase this song at CD Baby for only 99 cents!

The Victory in Vision

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” – Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)

It was once said that “the only thing worse than being born blind is having sight without vision.” Webster defines vision as “the faculty of sight; something that is seen; discerning perception; being able to see.” John C. Maxwell, the Christian leadership expert, defines vision as “the ability to perceive, the faith to believe, and the courage to see.”

Vision is important because it sets the tone for every objective we seek to accomplish. Without vision, there is no goal; without a goal, there is no plan; without a plan, there is no direction; and without direction, there is no purpose. Thus, vision serves as the catalyst for spiritual purpose.

Every vision must be God-given. Experts, spokesmen, and celebrity speakers may talk of twelve-step plans or purpose-driven formulas, but anything that is not Christ-centered has a false foundation and a flawed plan of action. Biblical vision is about God’s perspective. When the world says the cup is either half-empty of half-full, God says your cup runs over (Psalm 23:5).

A heavenly vision can’t be fully defined, humanly formulated, or precisely strategized. The faith that pleases God may see the finish line, but His child can't map out the course of the race. Five-year plans and how-to guides are much too restrictive for a soldier of the cross called to live in moment-by-moment trust of his General. No, “the just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). God's child will be spiritually stretched until he willingly places full trust in the Lord to provide everything required to accomplish His will.

Only when we fully surrender our desires will we then look to the Lord with a pure heart. Only with a pure heart (Matt. 5:8) can we clearly receive His authentic vision. Only the spiritual vision of Jesus Christ can free us to accomplish God’s purpose. Only He can open your spiritual eyes. Only Jesus.

Theological Triage: A Response to Les Puryear

It is both a privilege and a challenge to witness the events taking place in the Kingdom of God worldwide in what SBC President Bryant Wright calls "the Golden Age of Theological Education" for our denomination. Today, seminary graduates are biblically astute, extremely well-versed in systematic theology, and amazingly adept at articulating their theological convictions. These graduates almost always affirm two foundational concepts: 1) the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God; and 2) the doctrines of the Bible are deeply important.

However, with such a vast number of Bible scholars being produced by our great seminaries, there has arisen the "problem" of varying interpretations of Scripture. Within the ranks of people who affirm that Scripture is absolute truth, scores of different doctrinal "sects" fail to agree on what exactly constitues that absolute truth. In soteriology, you have Calvinists and Arminians; in eschatology, you have premillennial dispensationalists, historic premillennialists, and amillennialists (postmillennial adherents are the dinosaurs of the theological age, having gone extinct); and in ecclesiology, you have Landmark Baptists, seeker-sensitive Baptists, reformed Baptists, "traditional" Baptists (whatever that means), and cooperative Baptists (who proudly embrace their moderate stances and "balanced" journalism). With so many perspectives and practices out there, how do we know which positions are correct?

There's a problem with simply going to the Word of God for answers: every single one of these positions have a solid scriptural basis! Arminians are not idiots, and Calvinists are not jerks. Premillennial dispensationalists are not hermeneutical criminals, and amillennials are not allegorical heretics. Each of these positions have strengths and weaknesses, and many of these "competing" doctrines must be held in tension with one another.

However, some people (such as Les Puryear) want to ambiguously claim that "all of God's Word is equally important." Well, I agree with that in principle, because no single jot nor tittle is unimportant. However, if certain doctrinal positions can't be nailed down, even by the best of scholars, what do we do? Do we throw out the Word of God as impossible? Do we give up trying because none of us can intellectually contribute to the discussion like Mohler, Moore, Akin, Lemke, and Keathley? Absolutely not!

Instead, for the sake of missiological cooperation and Christian unity, we adhere to the principles of theological triage. This does not rate the "importance" of Christian doctrines, as all doctrine is important. Instead, theological triage rates the essentiality of doctrines. For instance, eschatology is important to the Gospel message, because Christ is coming back to bring judgment to sinners and joy to saints. However, the nature of the Second Coming, while important, is not "essential" to the Gospel message itself. One Christian can affirm a pre-trib dispensational view while still affirming the sainthood of a post-trib historic premillennialist. Eschatology is important, but not "essential" in determining Christian salvation or biblical fidelity.

I wish I could take the easy road of ambiguity and just tell you that "all Scripture is important." While that is certainly true, the issue is too complicated to leave at just that. With the vast number of doctrinal positions and solid biblical interpretations in contemporary Christendom, unity must take precedence above needless doctrinal division in order to cooperatively fulfill the Great Commission. Theological triage is the best answer I have seen. Ambiguous piety and simple-minded theological conclusions just won't do. Unless we can get the greatest scholars of the day on the same theological page in every category, then theological triage must remain.

KBC Disaster Relief Update from N.D.

KBC Executive Director Paul Chitwood interviews Karen Smith, one of Kentucky's 16 volunteers engaged in flood relief ministry in Minot, North Dakota. The city of 41,000 was overwhelmed with flood waters on June 22, when the Souris River rose and damaged over 4,000 homes. Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief responded to the need in true Christ-like fashion.

I am thankful that some of our Cooperative Program dollars are marked for this manner of ministry. Homeless, helpless, and hurting people are able to receive a genuine hand of love from the gracious heart of our Lord. While the media hasn't given much attention to the disaster, Kentucky Baptists have. Praise God for the ministry we can do because we partner together for a common cause - the Gospel of Jesus Christ!



Those desiring to help fund this cause can visit NAMB’s disaster relief fund website and click "Donate To This Fund."

Brianna Perez - "Redeemer"

This young lady powerfully sings Nicole C. Mullen's "Redeemer" at Calvary Temple International Assembly in Wayne, NJ. Rock on, Brianna!