Today, October 14th, at 2:00 pm, Chris Arnzen and I will discuss the numerous implications regarding Corporate Theology. Chris hosts a daily radio program called Iron Sharpens Iron that’s broadcast in NY and CT which is also live streamed on the internet. You can find the link at www.sharpens.org or go to http://www.wnygspiritofny.com.
About the Conference…
Conference Date: October 26th, 2009
Conference Location: FBC Raytown, Raytown, MO
Conference Time: 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM
Conference Speakers: Dr.’s Russell Moore, Alan Tomlinson, Gordon Dutile, & Joe Braden
What comes to mind when you consider the words, “Look to Christ?” For most, these words produce images of lost souls being urged to trust in Christ and His saving work. This ought to be the case. How else is one to avoid eternal wrath? We have the distinct privilege of proclaiming the Gospel to a lost world in need of what only Christ has provided. They must ‘Look to Christ!’
Are there, however, any other thoughts that come to mind as you consider these words? I hope so. You see, the lost are not the only ones who must ‘Look to Christ.’ We too, must ‘Look to Christ’ as we serve as His co-laborers. We are saved by His gracious work. We are His sheep. We are to represent Him. We are to proclaim His truth. We are to worship Him. We are to minister in His name. All that we are, all that we believe, and all that we do is affected by our great and glorious Savior Jesus Christ. We, as ministers of Christ, must continually ‘Look to Christ’ if we are to remain faithful in our service to His church. In each session, we will be brought face-to-face with this reality.
I trust that you will find the conference messages challenging, thought provoking, and most importantly, Christ honoring. May God grant each of us the grace to hear and obey His truth.
On behalf of your Pastors’ Conference officers, thank you for allowing us the honor of serving you.
Your Fellow-Partner,
Doug Richey
President
Missouri Baptist Pastors’ Conference
“Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4
Can you remember what it was like to turn 16? Thoughts of obtaining your driver’s license, freedom, and buying your first set of wheels, all seemed to occupy your thoughts. I don’t know about you but I can certainly remember. For me it was excitement beyond description. I could finally get a real job. I would no longer have to depend on my parents for rides. No more school bus. Why? Mustang!
That’s right, I had purchased a Mustang. Even though my dad made sure it came equipped with a 4-cylinder, it was still a Stang. Look out world.
Life involves several opportunities for similar excitement, but none of these will ever come close to the opportunity we have with God. Why do I say that? You guessed it; God is Read the rest of this entry »
Q. Are Christians supposed to be Republican?
A. Here are some points to consider in developing a response to this question:
1. A Christian is to be obedient to Christ. It seems difficult at times to know how this obedience works out in the public arena and yet it is quite simple. Read the rest of this entry »
‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’
Hebrews 13:8
We readily acknowledge the reality of change. What, in this life, isn’t affected by it? Change surrounds us like the air we breathe. This has always been the case, but the pace of change has rapidly increased in the past century.
What will change in your life? Beyond the daily changes of gas prices and interest rates, you will likely face significant change. Some good. Some bad. At times you may feel like Solomon and cry out, ‘vanity of vanities!’ In any event, no matter what comes your way, you can stand sure knowing that the most important thing is eternally constant – Read the rest of this entry »
For some time I have struggled with various forms of Eschatology. As I have studied Scripture, I have adjusted my views, though I’m still undecided regarding a few matters. What I can say is that I tend more toward an Amillennial approach. I have come to reject a number of key elements associated with Dispensational Pretrib Premillennialism. The following may help to explain my budding position. I say ‘budding’ because I am still working to formulate a confident understanding of what Scripture teaches in this area. What all who study Eschatology must understand is that this area of doctrine is secondary in the specific details beyond the return of Christ and the resurrection of the saved/lost to life in Heaven/judgment in Hell.
A Brief Summary
It seems that Scripture describes a simultaneous event when Christ returns. . . Read the rest of this entry »
Who do you think I am? Jesus asked this question of His disciples in Matthew 16. After addressing the perspective of others, Peter declares, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’ (v16). Since that discussion, people of every generation have wrestled with this eternally significant question. Critics have worked to undermine the message of Christ. Proponents have worked to proclaim it. In the midst of these voices, however, it’s important to ask the question, Read the rest of this entry »
ἐκληρώθημεν (we were made an inheritance); συγκληρονόμα (fellow-allotted ones)
Eph.1:11-14, 18; 3:6
Whereas Colossians mentions the inheritance that believers receive (3:24), Ephesians places the emphasis upon the inheritance God receives. In verses eleven, fourteen, and eighteen of chapter one, Paul reveals this reality to his readers. Believers are made an inheritance (ἐκληρὠθημεν, v 11; τἢς κληρονομἰας ήμὢν, v 14) and are sealed as such by the Holy Spirit. Though these texts are often translated as though believers are those receiving the inheritance, they ought to be Read the rest of this entry »
Συγκληρονὀμοι (fellow-heirs)
Rom. 8:17
As Paul works to encourage believers in Rome to recognize and appreciate their unity in Christ, he identifies the reality that we as believers, those who have received adoption by the Spirit, share in the inheritance of Christ (Rom. 8:17) Read the rest of this entry »
Recovering a Biblical Maintenance of Church Membership
Submitted by Doug Richey
Messenger from Pisgah Baptist, Excelsior Springs, MO
October 30, 2006
Approved by the Messengers of the MBC w/o dissent October 2006
WHEREAS, our 2005 Annual Church Profile reveals that though we have a total of 592,902
members, we run an average of 187,654 people in worship attendance , which includes non-members such as children, guests, and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the continual reporting of inflated membership numbers creates a distorted picture of ministry,
can breed integrity problems, and perpetuates a misunderstanding of the nature and significance
of membership in the local church; and
WHEREAS, a faithful New Testament church that maintains Biblical membership standards will
experience a broader more effective Gospel witness ; and Read the rest of this entry »