The Value of Research

Over the past few years, one thing I have been convinced about is that doing your own research on a topic or person can prove to be more helpful than plain ol' hearsay. I have heard people praise or criticize on a subject and not have first hand information and it usually gets them into trouble. I have done it myself and it has caused me to be more careful on what I say about a particular subject. For instance, the big debate in theology today is the issue of Calvinism. Obviously this has caused GREAT division in our churches, especially in Southern Baptist life. The theology in this philosophy is either praised or shunned with not much middle ground. But there are also a lot of misconceptions between that of Calvinism and hyper-Calvinism. I was actually told that a prominent SBC pastor and seminary president was a hyper-Calvinist. But as I had heard some of these allegations, something just wasn't right. I had heard many a sermon by him and that didn't add up to what he preached, knowing that this man had a genuine heart for world evangelization. So I took it upon myself to research the topic of hyper-Calvinism and did the resume fit the preacher. Come to realize that these allegations WERE NOT true. Most Calvinists I know have a heart for the world and are very active in evangelism, unlike the hyper-Calvinists that think that we shouldn't evangelize because God has already predestined everyone. Has not Christ given us the Great Comission? Did not Paul tell us that the feet of those who bring good news of salvation are beautiful?
Here's the point...before you show your "intelligence" through what others have told you, know the Word of God. If you don't know what you believe and you consider yourself a mature believer, you must examine yourself. Don't know the Bible for the sake of knowledge but to grow in relationship with your Heavenly Father. When someone preaches truth from the pulpit, do what John says..."test the spirits" to measure what is truth. When someone gives you information, research it...don't take it as gospel. It will save you trouble in the long run.

Soli Deo Gloria

Disciple Now 2011-Part 1

This has been the best DNOW weekend I have been a part of in the ones I have worked. The theme for this weekend was "Unified" and our theme verse was 1 Peter 3:8: "To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit." Because of our identity in Jesus, we can put aside the things that often divide us and be unified in Christ and what He has done for us and in us. Ben Rutherford and I led a group of 7th grade guys at the home of Bobby and Tammy Knighton. I am forever grateful for them opening up their home to us and their hearts as well. God has taught me so much this weekend so this will be the first part of several blogs highlighting the weekend. The first small group study came from 1 Peter 2:9-10. I shared with my group about how God has chosen those who follow Him for the purpose of His glory. Because we have been chosen, we are a community of priests who are called to be holy as God is holy. Because we are chosen, we are called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us from darkness into marvelous light. We are in Christ and ought to be for Christ. For me, being a young pup in the ministry, this means that my identity is not in others' ministries or my preferences but in Christ alone. When I am feeling bad about myself, this is a reminder that my identity is not in circumstances but in Christ, my Rock and my Redeemer. In the next blog will be highlighting the messages preached by our DNOW preacher, Andrew Arthur.

Soli Deo Gloria!