Observations About Those Who Are Still Here

[Jim]

Now’s the time for a FBFI resolution that really recognizes the contributions of John MacArthur

…or maybe it’s time for the Fellowship to consider a better process and structure, so resolutions (should they continue) better reflect the membership’s positions than those of select board members?

…but still might take time.

Case in point.

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/27845030/ns/us_news-life/t/bob-jones-univ-apo…

You’re right, change can happen. In BJU’s case, it happened because BJU has new and fresh leadership … :)

…though to be fair, the resolutions being cited didn’t occur on John Vaughn’s watch. They are also looking at a new president soon.

It has been my opinion that the issues between BJU and MacArthur have been long past overdue for some kind of reconciliation and may be one of the dumbest and most pointless fights in Christendom that was waged in the last century. Isn’t 50 years (give or take) enough? Do we really have to start burying people before we can admit we screwed up and that they weren’t so bad after all?

I understand that that FBFI wants to work for the future, but they have to address some of the issues from the past if they are ever going to move forward, otherwise that gigantic cowbell around their neck will never be cut off.

…like with BJU and Stephen Jones, it may take a generational shift. These things take time. Perhaps they shouldn’t, but they do.
Another case in point: http://www.garbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Joint-Resolution-with-F…

That story still isn’t done yet, either.

Taken from the Desiring God website:

While recognizing much that is commendable in the ministry of John Piper, including his emphasis on a passionately God-centered life and his identity as a theological conservative, the FBFI has some genuine concerns about his doctrine and practice. John Piper teaches in his local ministry that miraculous sign gifts are continuing. Piper has also failed to separate from the Baptist General Conference which has deliberately chosen to tolerate the heresy known as open theism in its membership. He also enthusiastically endorses Daniel Fuller, who has championed the attack on the inerrancy of scripture in our generation. The great popularity of Piper’s writings, especially among younger fundamentalists requires that FBFI warn its members concerning Piper’s non-separatist position and, for those who read his works, to do so with careful discernment.

-FBFI Resolution

To which Piper replied:

What I want to say about Fundamentalism is that its great gift to the church is precisely the backbone to resist compromise and to make standing for truth and principle a means of love rather than an alternative to it. I am helped by the call for biblical separation, because almost no evangelicals even think about the doctrine.

So I thank God for fundamentalism, and I think that some of the whining about its ill effects would have to also be directed against the black-and-white bluntness of Jesus.

And the FBFI, as far as I know, never dealt with that issue either. The FBFI went after a premiere Bible teacher, and Piper responded by thanking God for their criticism, in line with Romans 12:20-21.

And who, really, looked worse for it?

…are not unique to the FBFI. I had a conversation once about why he is no longer invited to speak in a certain prominent Conservative Evangelical setting. Now it was a far less public thing than the FBFI, but make no mistake, such things exist outside our circles, too.

One of the reasons MacArthur gets labeled as a “fundamentalist” by some is the perception of “naming names” like with Strange Fire (something that the FBFI was at least somewhat complimentary on, again to be fair), or with Mark Driscoll.

I am not saying there isn’t reason for criticism. I am saying that in spite of my own criticisms, this issue of Frontline is a healthy move in the right direction, and that more might be looming. The apologies at BJU weren’t delivered as part of his appointment in 2005. They weren’t issued until 2008. Let’s see how the process continues to play out.

Now for the sake of argument, let me assume that the comments on MacArthur and others are as represented and are indeed slanderous. Now I appreciate the comment that current FBFI leadership cannot and will not defend every resolution, but if we are indeed to confess our sins appropriately, what about walking some of these back?

Now there’s a Gospel issue in my mind. When Peter chose to sin by refusing to eat with Gentiles, God chose to remember his confrontation and repentance forever. Same thing with David and a bunch of others.

Looking at the actual text, there are a few things that strike me. First is an overall negative tone—“we’re agin’ it” and all that. Also, the doctrine of secondary separation seems to overflow at times into “guilt by association” arguments used in the statements against modern music, among others.

If I were involved with the FBFI, I’d be looking to walk a certain amount of these things back in the same way that a lot of southern churches have had to walk their prior behavior back.

The people who wrote the articles in the current issue of Frontline are not the same as “current leadership.” As far as I know, none of them are on the board. MWJr. writes a column. That’s about it.

So again, it’s going to take time. Some of these people may gain more influence. But that hasn’t happened yet.

Time. More time is needed.

I’m not sure the FBFI has much time. I’m reminded of a guy I met once who’d been the Youth Pastor at his church for 25 years. I asked if he was interested in being a Senior Pastor.

“Oh, yes,” he replied. “My Senior Pastor says I’m almost ready!”

This senior Pastor was 82. The Youth Pastor was 50. Make the connection.

…but if people like those featured in this issue have anything to say about it, they might. And if they don’t, and the FBFI does go out with a whimper, something will arise out of the ashes should the Lord tarry His coming. The bottom line is there is a future… what it will look like has yet to be determined.

There’s more than one possible outcome, by the way.
http://religiousaffections.org/articles/articles-on-church/im-still-her…