The Baptists and the Bill of Rights

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“Because the Bible teaches that individuals, not the state or some other entity, are accountable for themselves to God, Leland and the Baptists believed in the rights of conscience….They also believed in separation of church and state.” - P&D

Discussion

Why One Presbyterian Appreciates a Baptist Systematic Theology

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Review of Stephen J. Wellum’s ‘Systematic Theology’ – “Healthy theology involves both reading Scripture and thinking about how to follow it. Therefore, Wellum refuses the false choice sometimes posed between biblical theology and systematic theology.” - TGC

Discussion

On Church, Part 2: What’s in It for You

Read the series.

We’ve noted that some people resist committing to a local church, and I think we’ve demonstrated that their reasons for doing so are short-sighted. Even in a broken world with broken institutions full of broken people, surrounding yourself with your fellow travelers—and committing to them—is not only worth it, but it’s a mark of personal and social health.

So why get involved? Several reasons.

Discussion

John 14:1-3 and the Rapture (Part 1)

Many American Christians have been raised in a church culture that stresses that Jesus will return to “rapture” or snatch away “the church” before the Great Tribulation. They believe “the church” is a different people than ethnic Israel, with a complementary but distinct future.1 Because this great tribulation is “a time of trouble for Jacob” (Jer 30:7), it is not for “the church.” Therefore, the rapture is the point where “the church” slips out the door just before this tribulation begins.

Discussion

The Church Could Not Exist Prior to the Resurrection (Part 1)

Here are some thoughts about the relation of the Church to the resurrection of Christ. If this is sound, it destroys any notion that the Church can be found in the OT, and eliminates one of supersessionism’s major arguments for throwing off the label of replacement theology (i.e., that the Church has always existed). This comes from the forthcoming book.

Discussion

How Biblical Is Your Demonology?

Pastor Mark Minnick preached a very helpful message this morning from Mark 1:21-24 that treats the subject of demonology in considerable detail:

A Powerful, Indwelling Demon Reacts to Jesus Christ

I heartily recommend the careful consideration of this treatment of the subject of demonology and examining your own beliefs in light of it to see how biblical is your demonology.

Discussion

‘A More Sure Word’: A Critical Review

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“R.B. Oullette is the author of what I consider to be the best and most influential popular-level defense of the King-James-Only position…. I believe R.B. Ouellette made a sincere effort to write it with a gracious spirit.” - Mark Ward

Discussion