Author: jimmyreagan

So You Must Be In Full-Time Ministry? (IBTR #59)

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Have you ever been in a meeting where the strong impression is given that any life other than being in full-time ministry is a failed one? Have you not particularly felt that call on your life but been pressured, or even guilted, that if you were where you should be you would go into ministry? I am not sure what level this happens in other areas of Christianity, but it is widespread in the Independent Baptist world.

This is a problem, a problem with many implications. I say that even though I love being in the ministry and think it is an awesome life. I also love seeing young men go into the ministry and fear we may eventually face a crisis where there will not be enough in ministry to meet all the need.

Still, to say that one must be in full-time ministry to please the Lord is wrong on many levels. It degrades those you who are called to other noble lives. It overlooks that we need Christians in every honest field. It misrepresents Scripture as well. Think of some great Bible characters who were preachers.

The most collateral damage with this problem materializes in misspent lives. It could be as minor as a young person being forced into Bible college. That is a minor thing as Bible college could do you some good even if you did something else. Then, though, there are those highly-charged services where the aforementioned pressure is put on and many respond to “the call.” Then some fine young will not want to be the one who doesn’t love the Lord and in an emotional moment he will go forward and say he is called.

This will go wrong in some way as “the call” is real but must come from the Lord and not emotions. That young man may graduate and then either fail completely, not because he is bad or undedicated, but because he is uncalled. Or he may never land in a pastorate and feel like a failure when he is only uncalled. Some of these guys make wonderful Christian layman and thrive in some career that they thought was only to pay the bills. They may do pulpit supply, or be a deacon or song leader and do fine. Why? Because it was where they were called. I hate to see young men who finally stumbled into their real calling still feel like a failure on some level. It simply isn’t true.

The lesson for us is that we should encourage those who faithfully serve the Lord even if they once thought it was to be in ministry. We should also quit putting undue pressure on our young people. Our counsel should be that they find God’s will, no matter what it is, and give it their best. It is far better to pray for God to call more men than to push young men into a call they did not receive. This would spare a lot of pain on many levels.

Find all articles in the series here.

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Romans 8-16 For You

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Timothy Keller here finishes his fine commentary on Romans in the “For You” series published by The Good Book Company. Each volume I have in this series has been a winner and this volume continues that high standard. Keller always reads well and that turns out to be maintained in commentary writing.

This volumes covers the great battleground of Scripture (Romans 9-11) and, frankly, I hold to a different viewpoint than him there. I will not rank this volume lower on that account as personal agreement is not always the first necessity in a good commentary. He writes respectfully, and though he did not change my mind, I appreciate his attempt and the thought provoking things he said at times.

Throughout the rest of the book he seemed less inclined to support a position and gave outstanding explanation of the text. Notice the fascinating discussion comparing a slave and a son on page 34 as an example. Or his discussion of disputable matters for Christians on page 145. There are many such examples.

The series as whole reaches from Bible students all the way to those who teach and preach it. It is a rare series that can effectively span that range and this one does. I highly recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Shepherding God’s Flock– A Book to Help Us Learn Biblical Leadership

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Here is a book on a hot topic in our day–what church leadership ought to look like. With a clear call to be a true shepherd, this volume also discusses church polity. It is written from a Baptist perspective, is kind to all viewpoints, and it it has no problem stating its own position. Eleven contributors join forces to give us a clear, worthwhile volume.

Beginning in Bible times, this volume discuss how much the church borrowed from a synagogue background of the times (not as much as some say it concludes). Chapters 2-4 masterfully guide us through the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles.

While the volume speaks passionately at times on ministry, it could as easily find a place on the ecclesiology shelves. Two chapters explain Catholic polity. Though I found that less interesting, a good case was made for the affect that has had on all Christianity. Next we have the Presbyterian model of church government well explained. Then Anglican thought is described.

Finally we have Baptist thought discussed. As a Baptist, I think the reasons we do not agree with the above options are well given. Then, the authors go on to show that they believe a plurality of elders are the correct biblical model too. I do not agree and was unpersuaded by the arguments given. They were fair and candid, however, in mentioning that there is little proof that this is the historic Baptist position. They work had at making their case and readers will do well in learning from them as they state issues well.

Chapter 11 is a superb conclusion about shepherding a flock today. We can learn from this volume.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Too Many To Jail–An Exciting Read

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Does it excite you to read of God’s mighty work going on in the most unlikely of places? Does reading of revival in places of intense persecution move you? You will, then, love this new volume by Mark Bradley, and published by Monarch Books, that tells the story of Iran’s new Christians.

The author holds to the theory that God often does His greatest work where persecution is strong. I fully agree. Iran would have made my top 5 hardest countries for Christian work based on my superficial understanding of that country.

Forces at work there are far beyond what I realized. The author explains quite well how Islam and its radical ways has turned many Iranians against it. The so called Revolution has hurt the people there in so many ways. Then the presidency of Ahmadinejad deeply hurt that nation financially, as well as corruption and abuse in the name of Islam only made it worse.

He shows how they in their pain are attracted to Jesus Christ. Many are turning to Christ fully realizing how great a price they may pay. In fact, many have paid it. Amazing, Christianity just keeps going.

The last part of the book shows how house churches are what is working there. There is no way visible churches could work in the current environment, but despite the authorities’ best efforts, house churches are thriving.

There are a few unusual aspects of the revival in places as one element of it seems to come from charismatics. The author seems to approve, but it is very little mentioned. Most great revivals I have ever read of seemed to be a little loose on the margins. Still, this is a fine volume.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Make Sure You Leave Right (IBTR #57)

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Make sure you leave right. Ever heard that one before? It can be said to church members, and especially to departing staff members. I’ve had many a letter describe a sordid tale over simply leaving. In fact, a reader even asked me to tackle this topic.

This is an awkward subject in the sense of who wouldn’t want to follow “make sure you you leave right” as a principle? In leaving one could, of course, be unchristian and bring damage to the cause of Christ. We should recommend this as a course of action to each other in the instances of life where we must leave.

Just because it is a good thing to do, and a good step to recommend, does not mean it cannot be used in some bad cases of abuse. It most often rears its ugly head when a pastor abusing his role like an oily hireling uses it as manipulative–PR moves, scapegoating, character assassination, or ego enhancement.

Oftentimes the church member or staff member will strive to leave in the best possible terms. Some things that could be said are graciously left unsaid. Care is taken to get into no gossipy situations. And especially, must respect is afforded the pastor.

Then sadly, that respect is not returned. Accusations are made. The pastor acts like the ends justifies the means even if that means destroying someone to protect his ministry. Sad when we forget it is God’s ministry.

In some cases it is only an assistant being called out to other work. This should be a cause of rejoicing like a Timothy going out from Paul, but instead the pastor is only concerned with the immediate impact on him. He acts like his ministry is the height of God’s work instead of seeing that God’s work often thrives by others being sent out.

We need a call back to pastors as shepherds. We give our lives for the sheep, not destroy the sheep we were called to love and care for. May God help us.

Find all articles in the series here.

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The Bible’s Answer To 100 Of Life’s Biggest Questions by Geisler & Jimenez

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Looking for a book that would help newer Christians, or those seeking to get more up to speed as a believer? Here in a book with an ideal format of questions and answers, this volume by Norman Geisler, famed apologist, and Jason Jimenez, published by Baker, will be an asset to you.

The first 18 questions are superb in their succinct guidance on things like, “Who made God?”, or “If God, why evil?”, or even “What happened to the dinosaurs?” The answers sparkle with the kinds of things we need in this rough-and-tumble world. Think confronting the tough questions of others as a Christian.

Parts three through seven (questions 19-59) cover basic doctrine in areas of Christology, the Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, Heaven, Hell, angels and demons, the Church, and end times. Basic truths are given at a level essay to grasp, and though we might quibble over some statement, most pastors would be thrilled at folks learning these basics.

Next we have questions for the Christian life. A few are so basic, but still just perfect for a new Christian. Then in questions 71-78 help for difficult social issues are given. Part 11 on world religions, again Mr. Geisler’s specialty, could hardly be better. It is not an attack on them, just explaining where there are fundamentally opposite of, and incompatible with, Christianity.

The last questions on the family seem a little trite, but the book, for what it attempts to be, is a winner!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Have You Left Doctrine? (IBTR #56)

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Have you ever had the charge that you have left doctrine? Of course, some have left doctrine to even take up with another gospel. In such a case, that is a fair assessment. But what about receiving that charge for something of lesser magnitude? Perhaps a temptation to all Christians, and certainly a common one in the Independent Baptist world, proclaiming one has left true doctrine simply simply because he or she disagreed with you is an all-too-common occurrence.

Some say that very thing when one takes a different opinion on dress standards, or music preferences, etc. That is a flawed, illogical charge because it assumes that all issues are equal. We break fellowship over changing the plan of salvation, but we also do over a change of standard. In both cases it is charged that there is a change of doctrine. There may be a change, but it is not necessarily one of doctrine.

Those who make the charge flirt with hypocrisy for the simple reason that neither they, nor anyone else, really believes that all issues are equal. I have seen cases where one breaks with someone because they changed a dress standard, but went and preached for a friend whose music is different and conveniently looked the other way. Or other cases where the music standard was held absolute, and they overlooked some other loudly-professed belief–like eating at a restaurant that serves alcohol. The examples are endless.

It is true that “doctrine” refers to “teachings”, or particularly, the content of teaching. Still, it does not follow that all are of the same magnitude. I know people have given their lives for the Gospel, but I can’t remember someone doing it over the issue of attending a movie theater or not. Again, no one really believes it is so.

If a person believed it were so they quite logically would be required to leave off every person who held a difference of opinion on any issue. That is to say, they must on EVERY issue. I have never yet seen any person, even the most militant, ever do that. Their actions, then, prove that they believe value judgments must be made.

Once your actions prove you believe value judgments can be made, then we must agree that our only real argument is what those value judgments are. Without some measure of charity, that argument becomes only that my value judgements are better than yours. The exceptions I make are acceptable, but yours are not.

Then, you could only say they left your opinion. You could not say they left doctrine. That is why sensible Christians have always realized those things that make up essential doctrine. Perhaps they called the fundamentals of the faith, or irreducible truths, but they were the things that held up Christianity. Without them there could be no Christianity as described in the Bible.

None of this is to say that I shouldn’t try to arrive at certain Biblical opinions, and when I to the best of my ability determine it, then I should live it as well. Still, I will not label differences on non-essentials as leaving doctrine. I will not be so sure of myself to dare do that!

Find all articles in the series here.

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No Greater Valor–A Thrilling Read

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Looking for an exciting historical read that at least acknowledges that the Lord works in the affairs of men? You will love the fast-moving story given by Jerome Corsi on the Siege of Bastogne. The action vivid, the characters real, this story comes alive in its 300 pages.

It is not, in my opinion, a Christian book. It is respectful of Christianity, though it even makes no theological distinctions between, for example, Protestant Christians and Catholics. The heroes from both (particularly chaplains) are presented glowingly, just as they should be, though the differences that will always divide are never mentioned.

What makes this volume be published by a Christian publisher (Nelson) is its recognition that God made the greatest move and the heroes of the battle are the first to admit it. Most importantly the weather, followed by fortuitous developments that were clearly beyond just good planning, and finally some smaller unexplainable events, worked together to show God’s favor.

Much is made of the prayer that Patton pushed out among the men, who clearly embraced it, and that thankfulness to God that followed the results.

The story of the incredible soldiers involved was well told too. Eisenhower listened to all sides and made the big decision. He was moved by the sometimes reckless Patton, whose unorthodox ways were made for this battle. Patton, a living paradox who was obsessed with God’s favor and prayer and yet cursed often and worked reincarnation into his Christianity, was the man of massive ego who yet pulled off the most amazing pivot northward of an army on record. General McAuliffe, the understated commander in besieged Bastogne, was a model of courageous leadership. There seemed to amazing courage, and as the title suggests, no greater valor, in every group involved.

I think you will enjoy this book. I recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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New Testament Theology by I. Howard Marshall

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This massive volume by highly-respected scholar I. Howard Marshall leaves few stones unturned in a scholarly presentation on New Testament Theology. New Testament theologies are usually written as either tracing theological themes across the entire NT or discussing theology book by book. This IVP published volume approaches theology by the latter method. I prefer the first method, but we surely need both approaches.

The strengths of this volume are that with distinct acumen Mr. Marshall tells us what modern scholarship thinks and always weighs in with his own thoughts. It almost seems encyclopedic in that way. His writing is clear and you leave knowing what the consensus of modern scholarship is.

The weaknesses include an exaltation of modern scholarship at the expense of previous generations. He puts modern scholars, apparently, as the final authority of biblical thought. Perhaps you would think me biased, but I do not agree with that thinking. So that can make for a mixed bag at times. Of course modern scholarship is an extraordinary asset to us, but some of the excesses–the certainty of the existence of “Q” or other conclusions by scholars repeated so often till some accept as fact though no concrete proof exists. Of course I have many volumes that speak of “Q” on my shelves, but this book makes so many conclusions on a certainty of what came from where that the section on the Synoptics seemed flawed to me. Other similar conclusions were made. At times I read more like a collection of NT book introductions than a theology too.

Despite the weaknesses, there are insights in many places. This volume will not hold the primary place among the theologies on my shelf, but it will be consulted. If your goal is learning modern scholarly thought, give this volume 5 stars. If it is a well rounded, spiritual you seek, give it 3 stars. So let’s average the scores and say 4 stars. Fair enough?

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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A Theology For The Church, Revised Edition

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A Theology Of The Church, Revised Edition, edited by Daniel Akin and published by B & H Publishers, is a fine volume that no Baptist pastor can afford to be without. Sadly, I missed the original edition, but am glad to possess this revised edition.

This book is not so consumed with Baptist thought that it can’t on its own two feet as a quality systematic theology–it stands well. What it adds is that extra few pages in each section on how Baptists in particular have wrestled with that doctrine. I find that invaluable and something that can be found no where else.

Each chapter is written by a different Baptist theologian, and as is the common problem of such a setup, there isn’t always complete consensus. Still, that is no difficulty because the editor must have strictly enforced the notion of being kind and fair to other viewpoints, particularly other common viewpoints. There is variety in Baptist thought and this succeeds at being helpful to all. In fact, I believe even one not a Baptist would love this volume.

I must call out for special recognition the chapter by Kenneth Keathley on the Doctrine of Salvation. Since you may have guessed the possible bias, I will admit that I agree with his conclusions. Still, he so deftly defines issues and the points of debate. He confesses weaknesses in every viewpoint, including his own. He was charitable to all and I believe no matter your viewpoint you should read this chapter.

I did not read every page in reviewing this book, but took care to read enough to get a feel for what it taught. The chapter on Human Nature was another favorite. The chapter on Eschatology was less of what I expected ( he seemed to assume we started with a basic position and understood the main ones), but still gave wonderful material needed to grasp this issue in our day. Albert Mohler’s charge to the volume’s most likely users–pastors–was spot on too.

This volume is a new favorite for me.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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