Two Institutions Two Institutions Returning the Two Institutions of the Family and the Church back to a Biblical model. Articles
I'm a hypocrite...
2008-02-11 20:31:00 And I'm judgmental too. Last Monday and Tuesday I was away in Asheville, NC for a pre-site visit for a conference this fall. I was there with 3 fellow student pastor's and we got to talking politics. In very short time our talk to turned to our mutual dislike of Mitt Romney. One of the guys asked if it was okay that the only reason he didn't like Romney was because he was mormon. I said of course, because that was one of the myriad reasons I didn't like the guy, along with the fact that he smiles too much and he has a scary laugh. But if I'm honest one of the real reason I didn't and don't like Mitt Romney is because he is mormon. That covers judgmentalism. Now onto hypocrisy.Friday morning I woke up and watched The Today Show for a little bit, as is my custom in the morning. Matt Lauer was doing an interview with Anne Coulter. Ms. Coulter was whining about how she would rather vote for Hillary Clinton than for John McCain because Sen. McCain isn't conservative enough for he... More About: Hypocrite
Weekend Update: Cool Huckabee Videos
2008-02-10 02:51:00 I know that we here at Two Institutions have posted much about politics of late. Now while this blog is in no way intended to be political in nature, we do feel an obligation to inform and at times entertain. And so I put the question, what could be more entertaining than politics? Its the season; so indulge me and yourself by enjoying these videos about Governor Mike Huckabee.This first one, is just plain cute and witty!This second one makes a great parallel between Gov. Huckabee and the NY Giants!And finally, this video well, its just plain inspiring!Have a great weekend and a blessed Lord's Day! More About: Videos , Cool , Weekend , Update , Weekend Update
Humble Orthodoxy Hitting The Mark
2008-02-07 23:32:00 "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."- Matthew 10:16If there were ever a time when this admonition needed heeding, that time is now. In way too many cases prideful posturing and bickering has distracted from the reasoned dialogue that is desperately needed among the growing number of younger, Reformed, evangelicals. At the center of this move toward reasoned dialogue is a group that call themselves New Attitude. Their motto is the phrase, "Humble Orthodoxy ", and they are hitting right on the mark.I grew up as a Bible-believing, king-james only, dispensational, premillenial, fundamentalist, seperated, baptist. I was a pharisee in training. I had a chip on my shoulder as big as Gibraltar and it has taken many years for me to see at an older age what the Lord has shown these young men who are several years my junior. I support what they are doing and it is my hope that instead of my young seminarian freinds looking... More About: Mark , The Mark
The Pundits Go Nuts: Romney Is Actually The Has Been
2008-02-06 15:11:00 Once again, hats off to Joe Carter over at The Evangelical Outpost. He has rightfully demonstrated that despite the fact that Romney is the "conservative" pundits media darling, his candidacy is a miserable failure. Is it remotely possible that this could be due to the fact that the only thing that Romney is genuinely conservative about is the economy? Can't these so-called "conservative" pundits get it through their country club republican skulls that maybe some people vote with their consciences and not just their wallets? Oh, and while you "conservative" pundits are stewing on that one, think about endorsing a candidate who can connect with real people.As you can tell, I am thoroughly disgusted with the elitist "conservative" media who have been bashing Huckabee and worshiping Romney. I feel I am justified in my frustration. And after last night, I feel justified in my belief that between Romney and Huckabee, Huckabee is the better man in principle and in practice. So let the "c... More About: Nuts
Acts Forum: The Sanctity of Life
2008-02-04 17:54:00 As a follow-up to the post from January 31st on Cultivating A Culture of Life , we would like to make available a message delivered by Dr. Mark Liederbach. This message was delivered as a part of the Acts Forum teaching ministry at Providence Baptist Church. Dr. Liederbach is an associate professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and received his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. The message can be listened to or downloaded at theProvidence Baptist Church Acts Forum audio download site.
A Must Read For Men In Ministry
2008-02-04 15:45:00 Coming soon to a bookstore near you is a must read for all men in ministry. The book is entitled, A Practical Guide For Life And Ministry . The author, David Horner, brings to this work 30 years of ministry experience. The things that he shares in this book reflect the character and integrity of a man who has overcome the pitfalls of vocational ministry by resting completely in God's sovereign grace. I say this without hesitation because this author is also my pastor. I have sat under David's teaching for over 10 years. His clarity of focus, his passion for the Gospel and for the sufficiency of Scripture, and his love for his family has been a model that has inspired me greatly. God has his hand on David's ministry and you only stand to benefit from reading and applying the wisdom that you will find in this book.A Practical Guide For Life And Ministry will be available in early March. A brief synopsis of the book can be found at the Baker Books website. It is also available f... More About: Read
Mitt Romney's Pro-Life Expediency
2008-02-01 15:27:00 As the campaign begins to heat-up, I think it timely to consider where the candidates stand. I ran across and interesting article by Joe Carter entitled The Case Against Mitt Romney this morning that confirmed some troubling things that I had heard about Mitt Romney. The man has invented, re-invented, and re-re-invented himself to get into elected office. I know that all candidates do this to a certain extent but on the issue of life Romney has really done some back-flips. What is really troubling is the following video of Romney in his bid to become governor of Massachusetts. When you watch it, be sure to listen for what he says about his mom and how she raised him. This is not the kind of man who can foster a culture of life in this country.Thanks to Tim Challies for spreading the word on his blog. More About: Life , Pro-Life
Cultivating A Culture of Life
2008-01-31 22:17:00 For all of the violence, death, disease, and destruction that is a daily aspect of existence for billions, it is refreshing to find in some circles a renewed focus on life. January 22nd marked the 35th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Yet despite the defense that this law gets from the left and its media allies, there are a few brave souls who are willing to bring an opposing view into the mainstream of society. An evidence of this can be found in a recent trend in movies. Films such as Bella, Knocked-Up, Waitress, Juno, and August Rush all have depicted young women as carrying babies to term and either raising them or putting them up for adoption. What used to be derided as antiquated and backward is now being characterised as noble and self-sacrificing. Now while I might not recommend these movies on other grounds, the shift that they represent is highly noteworthy. Evangelical christians need to seize on such cultural enlightenment and add to it the savory, p... More About: Life , Culture
"The story isn't boring."
2008-01-28 21:00:00 I love to read. I find it very therapeutic. However, I am a creature of habit and I don't like trying out authors I've never heard of before, and that is why the book I read this weekend was so strange.Samson and the Pirate Monks by Nate Larkin came recommended to me by a close friend (unbeknownst to him). After I ordered the book it was again recommended to me by another close friend (once again, unbeknownst to him). I had never heard of Nate Larkin before, but I trust what these guys read implicitly.I was anticipating the arrival of the book all week and I was thrilled when it arrived and couldn't wait to begin reading it. The book did not disappoint and I had it finished in about a day. I absolutely could not put this book down.Samson and the Pirate Monks is a book for men who are struggling. It is a call for men to engage in authentic brotherhood. It is a cry for help and a message that needs to be heard and heeded. It is not a book purely about overcoming sexual struggles, a... More About: Story , The Story , Boring
A Beloved Scholar Goes Home
2008-01-23 21:37:00 With great sadness, we here at Two Institutions would like to take this opportunity to express our heart-felt condolences to all of the family and friends of Dr. L. Russ Bush. Dean Bush, as he was affectionately known, was a beloved husband, father, and professor. His contributions to Biblical scholarship marked him as one of the key academics behind the conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention.Dean Bush was also a man of determination and vision. He had the courage to come to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary at a time when we locals jokingly called it Southeastern cemetery and along with Dr. Patterson shape and mold the school into a hotbed of gospel fervor. Many were the times that this blogger sat in Binkley chapel as a student at Southeastern and was comforted by the steady and benevolent leadership of Dean Bush. He has been promoted to heaven but the rich legacy that he leaves behind will forever enshrine him in our hearts.Dr. Al Mohler has done an o... More About: Home , Scholar , Beloved
Don't Confuse Me With The Facts (Part Two)
2008-01-22 05:16:00 This post is a continuation from Friday January 18th, 2008.The evangelists mentioned in the Baptist Press article, however, have just cause for concern. If Ed Stetzers research is correct, then evangelism in the SBC is in serious trouble. To blame it on calvinism, however, is not only wrong but is also dangerous. Out of respect for the integrity of these evangelists, I humbly suggest a conspiracy is afoot.I am convinced that satan will use any means necessary to stop the spread of the gospel. In this case he is doing a great job of distracting us from the real problems namely:1. A serious distrust of the sufficiency of Scripture2. A lack of gospel centered expositional preaching3. A conspicuous absence of church discipline4. High pressure revivalist tactics that demonstrate no understanding of the doctrine of conversion or the work of the Holy Spirit5. An egregious absence of integrity in church membership6. A forsaking of family worship in the home initiated by Dad's7. Pastors ass... More About: Facts , Part
Don't Confuse Me With The Facts (Part One)
2008-01-18 19:12:00 There is an old adage that goes, "Some people are like owls, the more light you shine on them, the less they see." Well if that is the case then there is a very vocal contingent of "owls" who are determined that Reformed theology is going to be the death knell of the Southern Baptist Convention. It amazes me how willfully oblivious such persons can be to the salient issue that evangelism is killed by revivalism, shallow theology, easy believism, and a lack of Biblical discipleship not Reformed theology.This point was quite clearly demonstrated in a recent article on the Baptist Press website entitled, "Evangelists Lament Calvinism, SBC Trends" . Apparently a group of SBC evangelists met in Tennessee to discuss the danger that a rise in sympathy towards calvinism poses for evangelism. I wont beat that dead horse, but what struck me as ironic was their secondary concern which was the "willow creek-non-confrontational" style of evangelism. Upon reading this, I was at a loss for words. ... More About: Facts , Part
Dad Is The Pastor
2008-01-15 02:18:00 If there has been one consistent theme that I have been sensing among pastors and denominational leaders from all evangelical backgrounds is that we are weak on evangelism. The gospel is being proclaimed from the pulpit, but not from the pew. I think that there are many factors that have contributed to this but one of the greatest is the breakdown of Biblical Christian community in the home.Billy Graham once said, "If your Christianity does not work at home, don't export it." In that regard, it may be to the credit of many families that they don't bother to evangelize the lost. I believe that one of the best means to improving our evangelistic efforts, however, is to strengthen Christian community in the home. This has to begin with male leadership. I don't know whether it was the dads abrogating their roles or pastors taking it from them that has led us to where we are but both are wrong and must be avoided. Dads need to be taught, encouraged, and held accountable by their fello... More About: Pastor
Behind the times...
2008-01-14 21:42:00 It seems I often find myself behind the times. If there is anything news worthy or culturally relevant, you most certainly won't hear it from me first. I am most happy to gain my information 32nd hand and I really don't feel like the last kid picked in dodgeball when I read about something only to find the date on the article is from two years ago.It is this point precisely that has led me in this new year to be increasingly more aware of trends and traits that may have an impact on the church and Christian faith in general. I have basked in my cultural ignorance for long enough. It used to make sense for me to say I was avoiding culture at all costs. But can we really avoid culture? What I am finding in my own journey is that the real question is not whether we should be cuturally ignorant or culturally relevant. I feel the real issue has more to do with understanding biblically what is our cultural responsibility, and then we must make sure not to stray from that. More About: Times , The Times
reThink Reviewed In YouthWorker Journal
2008-01-09 20:48:00 Finally, one of the greatest books on youth ministry philosophy is getting media recognition. reThink written by Steve Wright and published by InQuest Ministries was reviewed in the January/February edition of YouthWorker Journal . The review was written by editor Larry Lindquist and can be found on the left column of page 77. Be sure to pick up a copy of the journal today. Also reThink can be purchased by clicking HERE.
A message for the church
2008-01-07 16:00:00 As you all know we here at Two Institutions are about seeking to find out and educate on the true duties of the family and the church. Yesterday morning our pastor, David Horner delivered a message to the church. Not to our church, but to the church at large. I would encourage you all to listen. It is a message that the church needs to hear over and over again.http://www.providence-sermons.com/s ermons.php More About: Church , Message , The Church , Mess
Leaning A Little On The Side of the Reformed
2008-01-06 02:20:00 Over the holidays, I have been getting good use of my iphone by listening to several good podcasts. One of my goals for this downtime was to listen and re-listen to the Building Bridges Conference Podcasts.I was able to do this and to make some poignant observations:1. Reformed theology and liberalism are totally incompatible.2. The SBC, historically, has been its healthiest when our theological leadership was thoroughly Reformed3. Some of the greatest SBC missionaries were decidedly Reformed and some of the greatest times of missionary endeavor in our convention came under their leadership.4. We have reached an all time low in concern for the Gospel and missions by the average SBC church member.5. The average SBC church member today has very little understanding of or appreciation for Reformed theology.Now while these observations may betray a great coincidence in our denomination, I am skeptical. It is ironic that the theological bent that some decry as anti-missional and evangeli... More About: Side
Ancient Words for 2008
2008-01-03 23:50:00 The beginning of the New Year is a great time for reflection on what is behind and what lies ahead. Behind us here at Two Institutions are mounds of fond memories and blessings. With that in mind, we are very excited to see what the Lord has in store for 2008 . The historian in me always approaches something new by examining it in the context of something old. King Solomon espouses the wisdom in this in his adage, "...there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecc. 1:9) So lets examine some ancient words that may give us a proper context for commencing this new year. In Psalm 90:12 we read...So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.These ancient words encourage me that a heart of wisdom is mine for the getting. Most Christians, however, prefer to waste their efforts in talking about wisdom instead of exercising the discipline required to get it. As we start this new year, let us strengthen ourselves, our families, and our churches by being the few that practic... More About: Words , Ancient
Martin Luther on Christmas
2007-12-24 18:18:00 There are many Christmas legends surrounding Martin Luther . According to one source...Legend has it that Martin Luther began the tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas. One crisp Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moonlight. When he got home, he set up a little fir tree indoors so he could share this story with his children. He decorated it with candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth. (www.christmas-tree.com)Whether or not the great Reformer began this tradition may be speculative, but one thing that we are absolutely certain of, was his devotion to the real meaning of the season. Consider this small extract from a Christmas Day Sermon preached from his Wartburg Church pulpit from 1521-1522...How could God have shown his goodness in a more sublime manner than by humbling himself to partak...
Machen, The Savior of the SBC?
2007-12-18 23:31:00 Several months ago if you had asked me who J. Gresham Mach en was I would have told you that he was some Presbyterian professor from the turn of the century. Honestly, I knew very little about the profound impact that he had in his day and the legacy that he left for us to follow in ours. Machen's theology and approach to ministry may very well be the key to finding the glue that will hold together a convention like the SBC that finds itself in the midst of growing pains.Consider the historical context into which Machen was thrust. He had modernists like Fosdick on one side who under the influence of German higher criticism and the social gospel were laboring to set aside the atonement for a theology that was in line with modern sensibilities. On the other side, there were fundamentalists who had retreated to their conclaves, and were eschewing everything of science, academia and culture that was not in the King James version of the Bible. Yet in the wake of such extremes, Machen fo... More About: Savior
The Supremacy of Christ
2007-12-16 18:22:00 If there has been one consistent theme that the Lord has been teaching me this Christ mas, it has been the supremacy of Christ. To celebrate this season from tradition, or out of duty or obligation or even fascination wont satisfy the deep Christmas longings of your heart. The power of the gospel to transform from death unto life in the unbeliever and from life unto abundant life in the believer flows from a proper reverence of the supremacy of Christ. Don't let this timeless truth slip by you this holiday season.There was a wonderful book written on the subject which I hope to read soon but can wholeheartedly recommend notwithstanding entitled, "The Supremacy Of Christ In A Postmodern World." by David F. Wells. Check back soon, I will be posting the Two Institutions absolutely best last minute gifts list soon. Emmanuel, God with us!
Faithful To The Season And To Our Readers
2007-12-11 23:50:00 The Christmas rush is upon us. With all of the spiritual, familial, and social commitments that this time of the year requires, it can be tough to get to everything on your schedule. In the rush that accompanies this season, however, we do not want you, our loyal Two Institutions readers, to want for content.To that end, I will ask that you exercise a little flexibility in our posting schedule. We will, most likely, be posting smaller, more frequent posts at irregular intervals over the next few weeks. So, check back often for the gems we plan to share when we get breaks from our holiday schedules.And just so you don't go home empty handed let me give you three nice Christmas freebies:First, be sure to check out this free tract entitled: The Character of An Old English Puritan, or Non-Conformist. It was frequently referenced in Dr. J.I. Packer's lectures pod casted on Itunes U by RTS and mentioned by me in my last post.Second, be sure to check out this podcast produced by InQuest... More About: Readers , Season , Faithful
The Puritan Way
2007-12-06 23:22:00 In my study of the Puritan s, I have learned that stereotyping is satans way of keeping us from goodness. The Puritans, as a lot, have been far too criticized and looked over as antiquated and backwards. I am learning to look at these our spiritual fathers in a whole "new light" (no pun intended Daniel and Shubal). Consider the following:1. Puritans had a much better sense of humor than you might expect.2. They didn't go around lifeless, dull, and dispassionate (in fact it was quite the opposite was true.)3. They knew what it meant to make churches out of their families with Dad's serving as pastors.4. They were intent on authentic worship and discipleship.5. They believed in social action and reached into the community to help all in need.If you have a hard time believing this, I urge you to surf over to itunes and look for the itunes U section. There you will find a series of wonderful lectures by Dr. J.I. Packer on all aspects of Puritan ideology, philosophy, and practical pursu...
Theopedia Has A New Editor
2007-12-04 23:30:00 Okay, so its not a paying gig but I was invited to join the editor team at Theo pedia. I strongly urge you all to visit the site which can be found by clicking here. There is a wealth of good info on demand and the best part of all, its free!My first edit was of the article on Christian Fundamentalism. The entry can be found by clicking here. My edit of this entry starts with the last paragraph that begins with, For example, it should be noted... I felt compelled to add a salient point about J. Gresham Machen and whether or not he is considered a fundamentalist in the strict sense. I happen to be reading an autobiography about him so the point seemed extremely relevant and timely to me. Besides I agree with the good doctor, I'm really more a Calvinist than a fundamentalist anyway and would agree with but don't feel worthy enough to consider myself of the "Princeton School". More About: Editor
Building Bridges Audio
2007-12-03 23:04:00 If you haven't taken the opportunity already, I would highly urge that you listen to the audio of the sessions conducted at the Building Bridges Conference. Thanks to the good folks at Lifeway all of the sessions can be found by clicking here:Building Bridges Sessions Audio The conference may have ended but lets not let the dialogue end. If you are an Arminian or a Calvinist your comments are welcome here.
The Importance of Re-reading
2007-12-03 21:42:00 For anyone who has pursued higher education, or for those who have not, going back and re-reading books is very valuable. After completing 8 years of under and post graduate education, I was excited three years ago about the chance to finally read some books that I wanted to read as opposed to reading books that I had to read. This was a lot of fun and I learned a lot, but here recently I have felt the need to get back to my roots so to speak. On my shelves in my office sit tons of books that haven't been picked up in years. Some I must confess, will never be picked up again. However, I do have a list of books that I want to re-read again. My reasons are varied, but primarily I feel as if I did not get to really read these books the first time through. The first book that I picked up to re-read was Desiring God by John Piper. Whether you like Piper or not this book is one that should be read. Here are a couple of quotes that stood out to me the second time through that I didn't qu... More About: Reading
Reformed Theology : The New Fad?
2007-11-30 23:47:00 A conference was held this week in a quiet little retreat center nestled among the Blue Ridge mountains. The topic of discussion was Reformed Theo logy . Specifically, what role Calvinism has played in the history of the Southern Baptist Convention and what role should it play in years to come. The conference was called, "Building Bridges" and was led by many well known pastors and convention leaders including, Dr Danny Akin, Dr. Al Mohler, Dr. Tom Ascol, Dr. Tom Nettles, Dr. David Nelson, Thom Ranier, David Dockery, Ed Stetzer, J.D. Greear, and others. Now that the dust has settled there are some specific things, according to reports, that we can definitely take away from this "meeting of the minds".1. The Doctrines of Grace (Calvinism) have played a prominent role in the development of Southern Baptist Convention.2. That the convention contains members who vary greatly on their views of the Doctrines of Grace. And that is okay!3. That the trend for younger theologians and pastors in... More About: Reformed Theology
I Am Thankful For Brokenness
2007-11-21 23:14:00 At this time of the year, I think it is fitting for us to consider the many things for which we have to be thankful. Of course, near the top of the list should be gratitude for salvation, health, provision, and friendship. There is one thing, you might even say an unusual thing, that I am most thankful for this season. I am thankful for brokenness.I am thankful for the Lord granting me my wish for a spirit of perpetual brokenness. I am convinced that there is no other way to experience soul rest, joy, and contentment. It is the gateway to true intimacy with Christ and true love and compassion for your fellow man. But just so you know that this is not my idea, let me quote a famous prayer from The Valley of Vision entitled, "The Broken Heart" that states...Grant me to hear thy voice assuring me:that by thy stripes I am healed,that thou wast bruised for my iniquities,that thou hast been made sin for me,that I might be righteous in thee,that my grievous sins, my manifold sins, are all ... More About: Hank
The Missing Link: "Y" It Matters
2007-11-15 23:32:00 One of the greatest missing ingredients in both families and churches is the "y"chromosome. It is undeniable that as a gender, men have a much poorer record of providing the stability in families and churches that is required. It is no surprise, therefore, that women are stepping into the roles that God clearly intended for men. This can be evidence by the trend in ordinations to the ministry in the Church of England. On his blog, Dr. Al Mohler cites sources in the British media that show in 2006 more women than men were ordained to the ministry in the Anglican Church. The Sunday Telegraph of London reported this year that if the trend of ordaining more women continues, by 2025 the number of male and female ministers would be about equal. Now while this may seem irrelevant to us American evangelicals, the record of men in spiritual leadership is not much better. Consider the following by Dr. Mohler:These are not unrelated developments, of course. The feminization of liberal Chri... More About: Christianity , Evangelical , Link , Missing , Matters
"Lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut!"
More articles from this author:2007-11-12 19:41:00 My good friend Steve Wright has a way with words. He has many sayings that I am quite fond of, but this one is easily in my top 5. For my seminary graduation gift over three years ago, my church gave me a copy of The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett. This is a book of Puritan prayers and it usually makes me feel like the title of today's post. Whenever I need to be reminded of my unworthiness, I pull out this book and get my daily dose of humility. Here is a small sample of one that I read this morning..."Of all hypocrties, grant that I may not be an evangelical hypocrite, who sins more safely because grace abounds,who tells his lusts that Christ's blood cleanseth them,who reasons that God cannot cast him into hell, for he is saved,who loves evangelical preaching, churches, Christians, but lives unholily."-Paradoxes, p. 72 Lately my prayer has been that I would learn to take a more serious look at my sin. If you are looking for a great tool to aid in this discover... More About: Lower , Belly , Wagon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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