Eschatology Need Not Divide Us

I would agree with Al Mohler and Mark Dever that our views on end times need not divide us. Any church that would divide over third-order issues such as eschatology or alcohol is in sin.

Al Mohler presents a theological triage in doctrinal discernment. He claims that theological seriousness and maturity demand that we consider doctrinal issues in terms of their relative importance. See Mohler’s article at: http://www.albertmohler.com/?cat=Commentary&cdate=2004-05-20.

Here is a quick overview of the theological triage:
First-order doctrines represent the most fundamental truths of the Christian faith (among these are doctrines of the Trinity, the full deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, justification by faith, and the authority of Scripture), and a denial of these doctrines represents nothing less than an eventual denial of Christianity itself. Second-order doctrines (such as meaning and mode of baptism) are distinguished from the first-order set by the fact that believing Christians may disagree on the second-order issues, though this disagreement will create significant boundaries between believers. Third-order issues (such as eschatology and alcohol) are doctrines over which Christians may disagree and remain in close fellowship, even within local congregations.

Mark Dever says that you are in sin if you lead your congregation to have a statement of faith that requires a particular view on end times. He makes a powerful charge regarding end times and church unity.
Listen to the sermon at: http://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/audio/2009/07/12/the-end-of-death-revelation-20/
See the quote below from his Rev 20 sermon given on 7/12/09: http://ajgibson.org/blog/2009/07/13/its-a-sin-to-sever-cooperation-with-other-believers-over-eschatological-issues/.

Dever states:
“I think that millennial views need not be among those doctrines that divide us. . . . I am suggesting that what you believe about the millennium—how you interpret these thousand years—is not something that it is necessary for us to agree upon in order to have a congregation together. The Lord Jesus Christ prayed in John 17:21 that we Christians might be one. Of course all true Christians are one in that we have his Spirit, we share his Spirit, we desire to live out that unity. But that unity is supposed to be evident as a testimony to the world around us. Therefore, I conclude that we should end our cooperations together with other Christians (whether nearly in a congregation, or more at length in working together in missions and church planting and evangelism and building up the ministry) only with the greatest of care, lest we rend the body of Christ for whose unity he’s prayed and given himself. Therefore, I conclude that it is sin to divide the body of Christ—to divide the body that he prayed would be united. Therefore for us to conclude that we must agree upon a certain view of alcohol, or a certain view of schooling, or a certain view of meat sacrificed to idols, or a certain view of the millennium in order to have fellowship together is, I think, not only unnecessary for the body of Christ, but it is therefore both unwarranted and therefore condemned by scripture. So if you’re a pastor and you’re listening to me, you understand me correctly if you think I’m saying you are in sin if you lead your congregation to have a statement of faith that requires a particular millennial view. I do not understand why that has to be a matter of uniformity in order to have Christian unity in a local congregation.”

Can a Woman be President But Not a Pastor?

David Julen wrote a Biblical Recorder article in March, “Can a woman be president but not a pastor?”: http://www.biblicalrecorder.org/post/2009/03/09/Can-a-woman-be-president-but-not-a-pastor.aspx.

My friend, Ted Manby, published an excellent response, “Handling the Bible properly on culturally hot topics”: http://www.biblicalrecorder.org/post/2009/04/14/Handling-the-Bible-properly-on-culturally-hot-topics.aspx.

Benedictine Vow of Stability

I have been challenged by Dennis Okholm’s book Monk Habits for Everyday People where he challenges pastors toward solitude, listening, poverty (sharing the goods), obedience, humility, hospitality, stability (staying put to get somewhere), and balance (God in everything). By cultivating these disciplines, ministry leaders have great potential to change the world for Christ.

I’ve been especially blessed by chapter 8 considering the Benedictine monks who took a vow of stability to stay with one church community for life. This kind of consistency is rare for GenX who tend to lack commitment. I urge you to prayerfully read Okholm’s book as a reality check. It may help you re-think your future ministry.

Challenge for Young Leaders

No generation has arrived. Every generation has gains and losses. I pray our generation will be prayerful, teachable, Scripture-centered, seeking counsel from ministry leaders who have paved the way, learning from history, and making greater strides for Christ in the decades ahead.

I recommend the following article by Nathan Akin: A Call for Foot Soldiers in a Great Commission Resurgence: The Positives and the Pitfalls for Young Leaders. A brief outline is below.

Positives of Young Leaders:
1. Energy and Creativity
2. Theological Renewal
3. A Missionaries’ Mindset
4. Expectancy

Pitfalls of Young Leaders:
1. Pride and Ageism
2. Follow through
3. Capitulation to Culture
4. Isolationist Attitude
5. Neglect of the Spiritual Disciplines

Self-Forgetfulness

Here are some thoughts from John Stott on Self-Forgetfulness:

“If you look at yourself in the mirror, and listen to yourself on tape, or do both simultaneously on videotape, I fear you may find that you continue to look at yourself and listen to yourself when you are in the pulpit. In that case you will condemn yourself to the cramping bondage of preoccupation with yourself just at the time when, in the pulpit, it is essential to cultivate self-forgetfulness through a growing awareness of the God for whom and the people to whom you are speaking . . . I know actors make use of glass and tape, but preachers are not actors, nor is the pulpit at a stage. So beware! It may be more valuable to ask a friend to be candid with you about your voice and mannerisms, especially if they need correction. An Indian proverb says ‘He who has a good friend needs no mirror.’ Then you can be yourself and forget yourself.”

The Apostle Paul Wanted Books

During Ligon Duncan’s sermon at The Gospel Coalition conference he quoted Spurgeon’s sermon on 2 Timothy 4:13 where Paul asks Timothy to bring him his books/parchments.

Here is a section from Spurgeon’s sermon:

“We do not know what the books were about, and we can only form some guess as to what the parchments were. Paul had a few books which were left, perhaps wrapped up in the cloak, and Timothy was to be careful to bring them. Even an apostle must read. . . . A man who comes up into the pulpit, professes to take his text on the spot, and talks any quantity of nonsense, is the idol of many. If he will speak without premeditation, or pretend to do so, and never produce what they call a dish of dead men’s brains—oh! that is the preacher. How rebuked are they by the apostle!

He is inspired, and yet he wants books!

He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books!

He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books!

He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books!

He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a men to utter, yet he wants books!

He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!

The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, ‘Give thyself unto reading.’ The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.

Brethren, what is true of ministers is true of all our people. You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure, is to be either reading or praying. You may get much instruction from books which afterwards you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master’s service. Paul cries, ‘Bring the books’—join in the cry.”

Good Friday Tenebrae Services

Here are some resources for Good Friday Tenebrae services. In 2009 we used devotional readings considering eyewitnesses of Christ’s death at the foot of the cross. In 2008 we used devotional readings considering what Christ has accomplished for us through his life, death, and resurrection. In 2007 we used devotional readings on the seven sayings of Christ from the cross. In 2006 we used Scriptural highlights from the Gospels tracing the Last Supper through the Garden, continuing with Christ’s trial and crucifixion, and concluding with His death and burial. I pray these will be a resource and blessing to you.

These scripts were prepared by the pastoral staff of ODBC.
© Open Door Baptist Church. Raleigh, NC.

For the 2009 “Eyewitnesses” service,
click here: eyewitnessesgf091.pdf

For the 2008 “Accomplished” service,
click here: accomplishedgf08.pdf

For the 2007 “Sayings from the Cross” service,
click here: sevensayingsgf07.pdf

For the 2006 “Gospel Highlights” service,
click here: gospelhighlightsgf06.pdf

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by ODBC.

Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: © Open Door Baptist Church. Raleigh, NC. Websites: www.opendoorbaptistchurch.com and www.joshberrus.com.

Worship Planning

There are four Biblical principles that cast some light on effective worship planning: God Himself is the One who prepares the body of Christ to worship, God and His Word are central to worship, all Biblical elements in worship are important, and believers should respond to the Triune God with sacrificial devotion in all the Biblical elements.

All Biblical elements in worship are crucial and important. The early church in Acts 2 was devoted to the apostles’ teaching, prayer, fellowship, breaking of bread, and all Biblical ordinances and practices in corporate worship. Believers should respond with sacrificial devotion in all the Biblical elements. Christians are to worship God with passion and zeal through Scripture reading, prayer, giving, communion, baptism, testimony, music, preaching, serving, and all Biblical practices for the aim of the glory of God.

The purposes of church music and preaching are to express worship and mature saints to the glory of God. The reasons the church expresses worship in music and preaching should not be for the chills, not to make a church grow bigger, and not for preparation for another element—but rather love, adoration, obedience, communication of truth, growth, edification, and the pleasure and glory of God. God-honoring worship is an end in itself, and preaching and singing are two of many Biblical ways to express worship to God.

The best way to stay out of a rut? I see worship leading as a pastoral role needing shepherding and oversight. Our church plans worship services 2 months ahead with 2 pastors and a team of 6 leaders. It is best to plan well in advance with a creative team of godly and gifted folks.

When to be spontaneous? As a worship leader, I am occasionally spontaneous in prayer or reading Scripture, but that is rare. Most of what we do is planned well in advance. If we plan well and are maintaining closeness with the Lord, services are usually meaningful and fresh.

Here is our Monthly Strategy: 1) Communicate with my pastor to see where he’s headed in preaching. 2) Meet with a creative team to consider worship, music and art ideas. 3) Plan services with a team around a passage/theme if possible. 4) Meet again with my pastor to approve and edit service drafts. 5) Meet with volunteer team to copy music and orchestrations a month in advance for all musicians. 6) Make service drafts available online for worship ministry. 7) Communicate details with ministry leaders to coordinate schedules with all who are involved. 8 ) Rehearse each Wednesday with the choir, orchestra, band, and praise team vocals. 9) Rehearse again Sunday morning and pray together with all involved.

Paul writes in 1 Cor 14 that “all things [in corporate worship] should be done decently and in order.” One of the best examples of worship planning I’ve heard is from Pastor Mark Dever from Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. On the Sunday following September 11, 2001 he preached on “When Bad Things Happen” from a minor prophet in the Old Testament. He had already planned his preaching passage and theme over a year in advance. The Lord can and will guide us months and years ahead. Just keep your eyes on Jesus and plan biblically and intentionally.

Tools for Worship Ministry

Here are some options for worship ministry. I’m familiar with some of these tools and would love to hear your thoughts or critiques.

Blessings,
Josh

Websites to assist in planning, organizing, and implementing worship services:
planningcenteronline.com
worshipwebsite.net
worshipkitchen.com
worshipplanning.com
sundaysandseasons.com

Computer Programs for displaying media in worship services:
MediaShout
Live Worship
Easy Worship
Sunday Plus
Keynote
PowerPoint

Websites with video clips that could be incorporated in worship services:
Bluefish TV
Highway Video
Integrity Media
Midnight Oil
Nooma
Sermon Spice
Work of the People
WorshipFilms

Pipe Organ in Worship

A friend recently emailed me a question: “Is there a place for the Pipe Organ in a worship service consisting of praise and worship, and contemporary hymns?” Here are some thoughts.

Unfortunately, people tend to hold their affinity for music more dearly than doctrine. We must guard ourselves from this tendency. Church music based on truth is a good tool for teaching and for assisting folks to engage in worship, but nonetheless, music is merely a tool. It is God alone and His Word that are central to worship, are absolute truth, and are to be held in highest honor.

There is no style of music that is inherently good or evil. In regard to music style in the church, the question is not “Is it right or wrong (or good and evil)?,” but rather, “Does it edify or is it fitting in our given context and culture?”

Warren Wiersbe has compared songs and music to clothing. Some old clothes don’t fit any more, so we throw them out. Some we dust off from time to time for certain occasions. Some classic clothes we wear quite often.

Amusingly enough, much of our preferred music and instruments today were frowned on in church history. Musical notation of chant began in the 900’s in Europe. Chant progressed to 4-part harmony in France in the 1200’s. John Wycliffe complained that only choirs were involved in church singing in the 1400’s. Martin Luther introduced congregational singing with popular German folk tunes in the 1500’s. Benjamin Keach introduced psalm and hymn singing to English baptists in the 1600’s. Ira Sankey’s pump organ and solo singing were seen as worldly in the 1870’s and 1880’s during D. L. Moody’s revival meetings. The piano was controversially introduced to the American church in 1910 by Charles Alexander. Guitars were fought over in the 1970’s Jesus movement and are still seen as controversial in some circles today.

Pastors and worship leaders need to take stock of their people. If you have guitarists, utilize them. If you have folks that play orchestral instruments, find a way to utilize them. If you have talented organists or pianists, utilize them. Even if it’s not every week, at least find some way for people to serve in the church and utilize their gifts and abilities. Otherwise, we are saying, “We don’t like your gift and ability, so just stay in the pew and be quiet.” I have a worship pastor friend who rotates his church worship styles every 6 weeks or so. It’s a great concept, and the variety is nice. Over the time span of 2 months, there is something there for everyone.

Ultimately, people are priority and not one certain instrument. How often we are guilty of abusing the word NEED (I NEED a pianist, I NEED a guitarist, I NEED a drummer, etc.). Sure, we may really desire certain instruments and some are probably more crucial than others in a given context, but we must not make an idol of one preferred instrument.

As for the question of using a pipe organ, it just depends on your culture and context. In a grass hut church in Africa, no, the pipe organ is not practical nor edifying. For a cathedral in Europe, maybe so. Even in Southern Baptist life, this may vary from church to church. I know of a SBC church that recently spent several million dollars to purchase a pipe organ from Europe. This decision really limits this church in priorities and finances and locks them into one worship style. Spending several thousand dollars on a good keyboard with organ sounds/pads is probably more practical for most churches than spending millions on a pipe organ. We must also recognize that it is much easier today to find a skilled pianist than an organist. The times have changed.

For our church worship context, we use a pipe organ pad on our keyboard several times a year for a hymn or worship anthem. To borrow the clothing analogy from Wiersbe, the pipe organ is a nostalgic outfit we like to wear occasionally.