A La Carte (05/05)

  • Tim Challies
  • 05/05/06
  • 7

Friday May 5, 2006

Emergent: Pastor Paul Martin has turned a corner in his presentation of “Examining Emergent,” moving from the problem to The First Step Toward a Solution.

Humor: Idle hands and a mischevous imagination - Electronic Road Signs and Me (HT: Hip and Thigh).

Blogspotting: Matt Brown commented on The People Who Shape Our World. “Clearly, “Time” thinks that entertainers are the most powerful, “transforming” force on earth. If they are, what does that say about the world we live in?”

Theology: The Together for the Gospel crew have released the final version of their affirmations and denials. Expect much discussion and controversy to begin.

Comments (7)

1
Anonymous's picture
a comment from RickB • 05/05 @ 11:25am

The purpose of the statement is unity in the (only) true, saving Gospel. Devisive to those who deny the truth? Maybe self examination is good, James thought so in his letter to dispersed believers (and “make believers”).

Discussion with those who might agree with the Gospel but disagree with our theology can be good.

A good book to reference might be ON THE LEVEL by Richard Gregory and Richard Gregory Jr.

btw Congrats

2
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Tim • 05/05 @ 12:32pm
› visit my web site.

I didn’t expect Mr. McArthur to sign the statement. That should be revealing in itself.

3
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Boyd • 05/05 @ 5:14pm
› visit my web site.

I thought Piper and MacArthur were going to sign it. Perhaps they haven’t yet had the opportunity.

I don’t understand Tim’s comment above: do you think MacArthur won’t sign it? He was the one who volunteered himself to sign it (along with Piper) at the conference. What do you mean by it would be “revealing”?

4
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Mike • 05/05 @ 5:36pm

The audio for the conference should be available for a free download. I know the need to cover costs is real, but far more real is the need for the content of those sermons to be in the hands of every Christian pastor (and lay) in North America. To see the T4G site charging $2 for the download smells funny. It’s going to be an obstacle for many people. It’s not that they can’t afford it, it’s that these are sermons.

5
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Tim • 05/05 @ 6:54pm
› visit my web site.

Boyd,

I’ve always felt (rightly or wrongly) that Mr. McArthur had a very high regard for the local church and especially for the church that he pastors. He represents his church. Accountability isn’t just something he preaches but something he practices as well.I didn’t think he would sign something like this without discussing it with the Elders of his church and giving all of them adequate time to think it over and decide if it was in the best interests of furthering Christ’s Kingdom and representing their church.The manner in which this statement was presented at the conference, i.e., at the last minute, left me nervous.Look before you Leap has always been good advise.I believe Mr. McArthur’s example of cautious support is sound wisdom. The most respected of men should not be followed hastely because no one is infallible except the Lord.So many seemed to be jumping on this statement to give it their support before giving it a thorough and thoughtful study. Mr. McArthur’s “pause” reveals that matters this important shouldn’t be rushed into.He may sign it later but I have a greater respect for him because he didn’t rush into it.

6
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Matt B. • 05/06 @ 10:24am
› visit my web site.

Tim: I’m honored that you have linked to me. Thank you!

7
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Boyd • 05/08 @ 3:05pm
› visit my web site.

Tim-

Thanks for your helpful clarification. I agree that MacArthur has a high regard for the local church and models accountability in the way he relates to GCC and its elders.

I would like to point out, however, that the statement has been several months in the making. MacArthur, at the Shepherd’s Conference, announced that there would be a statement forthcoming at T4G. In fact, when “the seven” met back (I believe) this past winter, MacArthur and Piper urged the “the four” to produce a statement. Before the statement was read at the T4G conference, several seminary professors and other leaders were asked to read it and provide comments.

As a result, MacArthur’s “pause” was not that he needed time to examine the document so that he wouldn’t rush into signing it. He already knew what was in the statement. That is evidenced by his willingness to sign the document if they would only “add a few lines” (which I took to mean signature lines).

I think that the reason people feel the statement was hastily presented was that people were unaware that such a statement was forthcoming. Additionally, it wasn’t on the printed schedule.

On the contrary, the statement was a long time in the making and had been carefully considered.