Uncategorized Archive

Albert Mohler and Paige Patterson discuss Calvinism and the SBC. “I can say that I was very encouraged by how the session went.Dr. Patterson warned his non-Calvinist friends not to make the chargethat Calvinism is inherently anti-evangelism and anti-missions.That was a helpful comment based on...

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My good friend and co-pastor Scott Hill has kept me up to date with the questions that David Carlson is asking about expository preaching. I have read through David’s posts and believe that his problem with EP is that he really doesn’t understand the problem...

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Jason Janz of Sharper Iron has an excellent article on worship leaders and congregational music. He list 9 things that he feels worship leaders need to keep in mind when preparing for a worship service. As a worship leader myself, I couldn’t help but smile...

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In August of last year I posted 15 Things I Learned At Saddleback, and as expected numerous criticisms arose, mainly from Richard Abanes. Most of the critiques were stereotypical. I remember, however, being surprised by the criticism stated, “Expository preaching is not the end all...

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Since moving to California five years ago to plant and pastor a new church, I have finally acquired a nice comfortable home that allows me to enjoy things that relieve the tension of ministry. Below are a few pictures of some of the things that...

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Gene Cook our recent addition to Fide-O has a weekly internet radio show called “The Narrow Mind” This show airs Tuesdays at 5:00 pm PST. You can listen by linking HERE. Tonight on the Narrow Mind – Gene will be interviewing Dan Magas and Patrick...

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Every time I hear the statistics on how many pastors quit the ministry every year it always shocks me. Pastoral burnout is a real problem, and I see no real solution being offered. Pastoring a group of depraved volunteers can be taxing and rewarding, but...

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With all of the posting of songs I don’t like over the last several weeks I thought I might post some lyrics of a song I do like. I recently introduced this song to our congregation. I think it will become one of their favorites....

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Congratulations to all the graduates of The Masters Seminary last night. I was honored to attend such a grand ceremony. Dr. MacArthur’s sermon was encouraging and challenging. Scott and I made the trip to see my ol’ pal Stacy Johnson received his MDiv. Stacy and...

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Adrian Warnock is inviting bloggers to join in a discussion about the T4G articles. He will be giving away free copies of God is the Gospel by John Piper. The books will be distributed as follows: One book will be given to the commentator on...

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While trying to check on an old friend I ran across his blog. His latest entry was a quote from Frederick Buechner. He may be one of the most famous theologians ever, but I have not heard of him. The quote worries me for my...

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Dr. Turk has noted once again that which has frustrated so many of us within the SBC for years. Namely, people claiming that God either “spoke to them” or supernaturally is leading them to make a certain decision… and then asking us to vote. Yeah,...

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Can you feel his pain? Guard that which has been entrusted to us.

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Most of America’s populace think it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of “those moments.” One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and...

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T4G Affirmations & Denials are now found on our sidebar. The purpose of this document is defined in two sentences found in its introduction paragraphs: We are also brothers united in deep concern for the church and the Gospel. This concern is specically addressed to...

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At Fide-O we have taken our share of criticism. I often find it flattering that someone would go to all the trouble, such as the pic on the Barnes and Nobles bathroom wall.However, I must say that our critics are getting more and more sophisticated....

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Strange Baptist Fire Extreme Fundamental Makeover The Weavers are now woven at the WBBC blog. Guard that which has been entrusted to us.

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“A HAPPY LIFE IS TO REJOICE IN GOD, AND FOR GOD.Far be it, Lord, far be it from the heart of Thy servant who here confesseth unto Thee, far be it, that, be the joy what it may, I should therefore think myself happy. For...

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Here are a few links I will be adding to the “Dawg Pound” this week. First Presbyterian Jackson MS - Ligon Duncan, Derek Thomas, Bradford Mercer IX Marks – This link goes directly to a list of articles but you should also listen to the...

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THE GOOD: Dr. Mohler did an excellent job writing the T4G Statement of Faith which Adrian claims will be posted in full on the T4G blog within a week. This statement was encouraged by Dr. MacArthur to be written in an attempt to clearly define...

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ATTENTION: Go here to read the T4G Confessional. Special thanks to Nick’s wife for typing that for us. Go here for Together for the Gospel Audio. I wish they would have recorded the panel discussions, but it looks like they did not. That is too...

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I have much to say about the Together for the Gospel Conference, but for now I just want to deal with my opinion of the conference as a whole. Just to give you the context of my own critical viewpoint, I have attended more than...

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Scott, Chris was really upset about his 64′s. So upset that everytime I bought some seafood to ship to you… well you see what happened. This is what happens when Chris is distressed. Borrowing from Moses, “Please let my Padrons go!” Guard that which has...

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Just wanted to wish Scott a good day and remind him that though we were working very hard out here at the conference, we were thinking about him. Scott, we could have really used the help eating all those crawfish. Guard that which has been...

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So far here is my summary of T4G. The conference is one of the most unique conferences that I have ever attended in that it seems less like a conference and more like a big reunion. Granted most of the attendees do not know each...

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If you can only purchase one CD from T4G, then you have to get Thursday’s 4:00 P.M. panel discussion. Why? Because Ligon Duncan and his brother begin the session by rapping and “beat-boxing.” Yes, you read that right. And yes, I know what “beat-boxing” is....

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We are looking forward to Al Mohler’s new blog that will be called “Conventional Thinking.” It will be a blog about issues within the Southern Baptist Convention. Like Mark Dever says, it is thrilling that this guy (Mohler) is on our side… we usually don’t...

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We look forward to eating dinner tonight with the Band of Bloggers at T4G. Chris and Nick are with me, but Scott did not come. Make sure to give him a hard time about that. UPDATE: My Blogger Question The Q&A panel at the Band...

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“Anytime anyone speaks for ‘most Southern Baptists’ you can be sure that they have forgotten the greatest malady facing Southern Baptist churches: AWOL church members. As long as we cannot find the majority of those on our rolls, it is impossible to speak for “most”...

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UPDATED:When this blog first started its purpose was for a few of us who knew each other to posts our thoughts and enhance our theological discussion. It has since gain a varied readership, and we are thankful for it. It would be easy to post...

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It has always been true that when some people do not agree with another’s position they do the following: They claim that the other person is just not as smart. They claim that the other person is immature. They claim that the other person is...

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AND THIS JUST IN… 10,000 more seats and 70 suiteswill be added to the already 92,400 seat Tiger Stadium bythe end of June! Guard that which has been entrusted to us.

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Ronald H. Nash, a renowned theologian, philosopher and apologist whom R. Albert Mohler Jr. remembers as a “brilliant and bold defender” of the Christian faith, died Friday at his home in Orlando, Florida after a long illness. Nash taught theology and philosophy for four decades...

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LSU shocks Duke to reach Elite Eight. Make that morethan one Louisiana man beating back the Devils today! Guard that which has been entrusted to us.

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By the way, a number of statements and emails have went out by Spencer in attempts to distance himself from his own statements and actions. These statements are as empty as his Rule 40 on the BHT, notice how he breaks his hypocritical rule when...

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Will the Universalist and 2 or 3 point Arminians from the BHT or anywhere else, please explain to all us mean ol Truly Reformed’s (TR’s) what the two all ‘s mean in Romans 11:32, “For God has committed them all to disobedience, that he might...

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I was talking to someone today about “Mr. Spencer” (as he wishes to be called). It was noted that in our many years of ministry we had never heard one preacher mock another for not believing in particular redemption or “L” as Michael likes to...

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By the way, Spencer, when you make repeated statements like That anyone would hang around Jesus and come out with this rhetoric , I believe that the erroneous approach you take to Scripture is revealed. John didn’t “hang around” Jesus. John was chosen by Jesus...

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My recent sermon on John 3:16 seems to have upset Michael Spencer and a few BHT boys. It is telling to me that when I preached the Gospel this past Sunday that it is a guy like Spencer who mocks me. My exegesis came after...

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On a rainy night in Southern California one has little to do, so I decided to check up on the Fide-O-ites. Speaking of sprinkling, Ken Fields has written several “Wet Essays” concerning paedobaptism. Ken is a Baptist and does not believe in baptizing babies. He...

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Guard that which has been entrusted to us.

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“LaNette Thompson, an IMB orality consultant, has observed that Western postmoderns and non-literate West Africans have much in common” reports Christianity Today. Is this the problem, I wonder. Is the problem with this generation is that they just don’t like to read? Is that why...

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Gene Bridges is a fierce Fide-O-ite that we love to read. Yesterday, Gene posted this, and we just wanted to send out a supportive “WOOF.” Keep it up, Gene, we are not only listening, but we hear you. Guard that which has been entrusted to...

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Tonight Al Mohler will be on The O’Reilly Factor! In an interview, Franklin Graham stood by an earlier statement that Islam is an “evil and wicked religion.” Graham’s comments have sparked controversy in the national media, but Mohler has said that Christians have no choice...

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Why Fide-O is Red Hot For years I directed the summer camps at Milldale Baptist Church is Zachary, Louisiana. Milldale was a small Southern Baptist church in the middle of nowhere. Really. It was not uncommon for people who had been to Milldale several times...

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TOPIC: MISSIONARYSUBJECT: TONGUES AND PRAYER LANGUAGEDATE: November 15, 2005That the following policy regarding tongues and prayer language of missionary candidates be adopted: GLOSSOLALIA1. The New Testament speaks of a gift of glossolalia that generally is considered to be a legitimate language of some people group.2....

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TOPIC: MISSIONARYSUBJECT: BAPTISM GUIDELINEDATE: November 15, 2005That each candidate’s baptismal experience be examined, during the application process, in light of the Baptist Faith and Message statement and the points listed below: BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE: ARTICLE VII – BAPTISMChristian baptism is the immersion of a...

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Shepherds’ Conference was a great place to meet many old friends and make new ones. We had the great privilege of bringing ten men from our church, including all four pastors. It was a week of theological discourse, joyful fellowship, and communion with our Lord....

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One of my favorite weeks of the year for the last five years is the first week of March. This is the annual week the Shepherds Conference is scheduled for. I love this conference for several reasons, but the main one is that is helps...

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One of the great things about Shepherds’ Conference is the opportunity to hear courageous, spiritual men who are willing to step up to the challenge and confront current heretical trends, deceptive teachings, and theological errors. One of my favorites is the blogging maniac himself, Phil...

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My plans have changed and I am able to stay for the whole Shepherds’ Conference. In fact, in a few hours I will be heading over to the Hilton in Burbank so that I don’t have to fight traffic in the morning from Murrieta. Update:...

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I know that it is hard for men like Dr. Caner to understand how doctrines like that of the sovereignty of God and election motivates Calvinist to confidently go unto all the world and preach the Gospel. But, anyways, I look forward to this Saturday...

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Fide-O is watching closely as Mark Dever is hemming in the Presbyterians. Here is what has happened so far: The bait The trap is set Ligon Duncan walks into the trap The trap is tripped Ouch! _________________ Of course this discussion can go in so...

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Today was a strange day in the world of dog titles. With so many vying for the job of “Intellectual Pit Bull” , a contender came out that wasn’t even aware he was in the running. However, he fit all the qualifications of the FCHDBT...

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Let me say up front in bold red letters, I do not believe that Jerry Rankin is a heretic, should be fired, or is bad Christian. I know for most of you I didn’t need to say that, but there is that small antagonist group...

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The following is a reprint of a Q and A that took place in the comment section here on Fide-O. It was reprinted for your convenience. I am thankful for Wade taking time to answer my concerns. We at Fide-O have been attacked by many...

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by Jason Robertson International Mission Board President Jerry Rankin answered questions about recent IMB trustee actions regarding a private prayer language and local church baptism practices in a Feb. 17 question-and-answer session with Baptist state paper editors. Highlights: Rankin speaks about the support of the...

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With our troops in Iraq and the Middle East constantly in the news there is a lot of talk about Jihad. Strangely enough Dr. Ergun Caner the author of the book “Christian Jihad” seems to be on somewhat of a Jihad himself. With statements like...

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Emir Caner has been bloviating on Tom Ascol’s blog. Emir described himself as: Elected because I selected, GeneMBridges replied: I would like to challenge you to substantiate that this is, indeed, the biblical doctrine of election. Where does Scripture teach that election is the result...

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The Emergents proclaim that they want a spiritual experience that effects their whole person, not just their mind. They want a Christianity that is REAL, truly real (TR). Experience is very important to them… so important that it trumps truth. The standard by which we...

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Scott said: I emailed Dr. Ergun Caner to see if he really posted the comment on the Tom Ascol’s blog. He apparently recieved the email and it is not a joke. The comment on Tom’s blog is from the real Ergun Caner. I went out...

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I am finding this really hard to believe. Like Jason I hope this is an imposter, however, that has not been proven true. The evidence is iffy at best that on Tom Ascols blog Dr. Caner showed up to put in his two cents about...

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Someone alerted me about Dr. Ergun Caner’s comments on the Founder’s blog. When reading his comment you better duck better than Cheney’s hunting buddies. I would also warn you not to reciprocate in the same tone and recklessness as Dr. Caner. Our battles will be...

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by Jason Robertson “In one sense, the book is something of a poison pill for evangelical Christianity. Oddly enough, some denominational publishing houses (insert great SBC embarrassment here) have even advertised the book prominently, causing me to paraphrase Vladimir Lenin to the effect that when...

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by Jason Robertson Many Baptists, including Southern Baptist, were greatly influenced by the systematic theology of Lewis Sperry Chafer. Chafer was a great man of God who left the PCUS and became one of the founders of Dallas Theological Seminary. Chafer was friends with men...

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by Jason Robertson The last thing I do as I prepare my sermons is answer the all important question of “So What?”. This past Sunday I was preaching from John 2 when Jesus cleansed the temple of the moneychangers. So during the song service of...

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Dr. York makes another post on the IMB affair. He posts an e-mail from Ergun Caner on the issues. Guard that which has been entrusted to us.

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Hershael York is a pastor and SBTS Professor in Frankfort, Kentucky. Here is a quote from Dr. York from a discussion he is having about the IMB policy. “Baptism can certainly take place outside a church setting, but it should not take place outside church...

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by Jason Robertson Here are my weekend predictions: I pick Youth and Experience! First, my prediction for the I have to go with Youth on this one and pick Chuck Liddell. I have all the respect in the world for Randy, but he better watch...

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by Bret CapranicaBecoming a pastor is what eventually helped me to come to Calvinism. How? Because I was committed to biblical exposition, I began preaching through books of the Bible. But, there were a few books that scared me. Why? Because of a number of...

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This week Fide-O will spend some important time discussing Calvinism. We wish to answer the following questions and more: Do all Calvinists agree on “Limited Atonement”? Do all Calvinists believe in double-predestination? Which Reformed theologians agreed with one another concerning Calvinism? Are most Southern Baptist...

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This glorious message of hope for those so desperately lost is the heart of the teaching of the Son of God. It is the crux of His gospel message. The Lord Jesus has come to this world’s Jerichos to rescue His Rahabs and to deliver...

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…concerning the “tongues and prophecy” debate. Adrian Warnock posed a question to Phil Johnson concerning the cessationist/continuationist debate. I recommend reading the post for the full context but the question was this. What I want to know about Phil is not whether he speaks in...

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Matt Waymeyer at Faith and Practice briefly explains in two posts characteristics of the type of shepherd God wants leading His flock.Part One Part Two Guard that which has been entrusted to us.

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When we have sold out Scripture in order to join the “conversation” we have lost our saltiness. When we have pastors that refuse to call sinners to repentance but prefer a “moratorium on making pronouncements” we are not fit even for the dunghill. When we...

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