"What is the Gospel: A Theological Debate"

    The Holiday Express Inn in Florence, AL, played host to a theological debate concerning "What is the Gospel" between Barry Carpenter of Revival or Ruin Ministries and Micah Armstrong http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micah_Armstrong. This debate was centered on the facets of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Micah Armstrong, accompanied by his wife Elizabeth, is a Trinitarian Holiness Pentecostal who is an open air preacher. Armstrong preaches mostly on college campuses throughout the United States. The debate was moderated by Pastor Josh Miller of Tharptown Baptist and the details for the debate was handled by Frank Rollberg of Jeremiah Cry Ministries. The debate was to answer three questions: What is the current spiritual condition of man? What is necessary for salvation? What is the importance of the cross?
     To open the debate Barry Carpenter gave a gracious commendation toward Micah on his traveling from Miami, FL for this debate. The main vein to this theological debate centered on biblical hermeneutics or the science of interpretation of Scriptures. Barry argued in his introduction a wrong interpretation of Scriptures will lead to a false understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
     Micah gave his opening statement regarding questions on the facets of the gospel, which he agrees, "twisting scripture you can make them mean anything you want them to say." Micah said, "you have to come to the scriptures with an honest heart." The problem with such a statement is what Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it. After this he gave a brief testimony and introduction of himself.
 
    Each speaker was given 5 minutes to give their answer to the questions and a 3 minute rebuttal response to each question. After three questions the speakers were allowed 3 cross reference questions, for the other to answer. At the end of the debate the audience was allowed to submit questions asked by the moderator. Here are the three main questions which were presented at the debate:

1. What is the current spiritual condition of man?

2. What is necessary for salvation?

3. What did Jesus do on the cross?

    Although, I wonder how two men can come to two completely different interpretations of Scripture, Barry's approach to interpreting Scripture comes from a historical and grammatical approach. In other words, Barry's hermeneutic tries to answer, what did the original author mean as he wrote to the original audience? Micah did not give his position to his hermeneutical approach to the Scripture, although he (Micah) did quote a lot of Scripture. Of course, quoting Scripture does not mean you are properly interpreting the text which has been quoted!
   
  A couple of things which I took away from this debate is:

1. A proper biblical interpretation of the Scripture is of most importance. I was reminded again today the importance as a teaching pastor my need to understand the text which I am to interpret and preach. I learned as well, the importance not to take Scripture out of its historical and grammatical context. This is dangerous! Pastors must give themselves to understanding what the author of the text is conveying to the audience to whom he is writing. This is so very important!
2. Christ secured the salvation of "all" those who would believe. One of the biggest blessings of my time at this debate was the assurance of what Christ did for "me." Christ took my sin and bore the wrath I deserved upon the cross. Therefore, my sin has been atoned for and I have been forgiven of my sin by faith in the finished work of Christ. This atonement was not made possible because of what I have done, rather what Christ accomplished upon the cross. Hallelujah what a Savior!
3. The Gospel is the power of God to salvation.  Today I was reminded again which I need everyday and that is the gospel of Christ. I was reminded through the debate of my helplessness as a dead sinner, who was an enemy of God, could not redeem myself, and that Christ died for my sins. Through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection God made a way for sinners to be made right with him. Hearing the truth of the gospel was very edifying for my soul. I was thankful my son, Logan was privileged to witness and hear the gospel of Christ as well.
 4. Finally, I enjoyed "one on one" time with my middle son, Logan.  Having 3 boys it is difficult to find time to escape for just "one on one" time with each one of them. Logan and I rode 2 and a half hours (one way) listening to sermons, memorizing Scripture, and talking about salvation in Christ. I thoroughly enjoyed our time and the joy of seeing my son engaged in the debate. Being a father is a difficult task but at the same time the most rewarding, especially days like today!
 
  I was greatly encouraged and edified through through this debate. I am also grateful for Revival or Ruin Ministries for making today possible.

Here is the links to the debate from Saturday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uaFGKTg6fU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAx25LROHYk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8Fs4TiSr1E

"Being Among the Multitudes"

Luke 6:17 "And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon."    

     Jesus not only ministered to his disciples, but was often out among the "multitudes." They would come to hear him teach and watch him heal the diseased among them. There was something which drew the crowds to Christ, of course, he was God in the flesh, "who dwelt among us full of grace and truth (John 1:14)." Although, Jesus would teach his disciples privately, there were several occasions where he was among the multitudes as well. There is something about Christ's ministry "being among the multitudes" which I myself am learning, by God's grace.
      In the providence of God, my family moved to the Orlinda/Cross Plains, TN area to pastor a rural church. I had no ideal what God had in store for me and my family as we journeyed 180 miles north from Alabama, selling our home, and leaving our family to follow God's will for our lives. After arriving here in northern TN the reality we had left everything we knew in Alabama did not take long to set in. Several weeks, if not month passed as my children and wife would cry themselves to sleep at night missing what they knew as our home in Alabama. I was not able to console them very much, except I knew this is where God had called us to be and to serve Him.
    Now, fast forward 3 years and 4 months. God has been gracious in using our family to minister the gospel of God's free grace to the people in this community. This little community where everybody knows everybody is like nothing I have really been apart of before. Just this past week a gentleman I got to know through our sons playing baseball together suddenly passed away. To my surprise, Monday I received a phone call from his wife asking me to have a part in the funeral service. I have been in the gospel ministry now for 7 year and I have never seen the turn out of people in support for a family from such a small community. The funeral service on Tuesday was standing room only in the funeral home. There was estimated 300-350 people who attended the services themselves (not counting visitation), as I had the privilege to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of our community.
      The point I am trying to make is this; this family did not have any direct connection to our church, except our children had played ball together for the last 3 summers and we spent alot of time with this family. What I am learning is the importance of community and the building of relationships, which leads to open doors for the ministry of the gospel. I see the need (like that of Christ being among the crowds) for being among the people of our community, getting to know them more, and listening to them. People have "real" struggles and often just need someone to listen to them in their struggles. I have found myself often at a basketball game, the country market, or even a bar listening to the people. These are "real" people, living in a "real" world, wanting someone who would care enough to listen to their "real" problems and who might can give them hope.
      I am grateful to God for the past 3 years and 4 months, for the tears shed, the struggles of moving my family away from our "old home" to a new place to call it our "new home." My prayer is God would allow more open doors to be used not just in the local church setting at PHBC (which is more comfortable), but to be among the people of our community to share the love of Christ, through his glorious gospel. I believe God has "more sheep in his fold, which have not yet come John 10:16)." I want nothing more than to honor the Lord and be a blessing to the people of this community for the next several years to come, if that be God's will. As one older pastor reminded me years ago, "bloom wherever the Lord plants you, for His glory."
      So, I want to encourage pastors and Christians get out in your community, find places people congregate to talk and listen to the people. Perhaps it is at a local gas station, cafe, or a ball field. There are "real" people out there and they are looking for "real" answers, to life's "real" problems. As Christians we say we have those answers which are found in the gospel of Jesus Christ, so lets get out and give them the answers, to the glory of God.
     One last thing, I am grateful to PHBC, a local church which sacrificially supports their pastor in order for me to build such relationship within our community to minister the gospel of God's grace. For that I am grateful.

To God Alone Be the Glory!
Pastor Chad  
   

"The Sting of Sin"

     I was reminded today of how much I hate sin and Satan. I spoke to my sister via phone, as she was on her way to a rehab center for her drug addiction in Birmingham, AL. My heart literally was breaking as I sat in my study weeping for her (and children) not so much for her drug addiction, but for her soul. My sister in unconverted and if she does not repent will spend eternity under the wrath of God. She needs Christ, she needs to be turned from her sin, she needs to experience the forgiveness and joy found in Christ.
     Thankfully, I was able to share the gospel with her again urging her to trust Christ, turn to God, and to enjoy him rather than herself and sin. Only God knows when or if salvation will come to her. Although, I am trusting God the Holy Spirit, which opened Lydia's heart in Acts 16, that He will also open my sister's heart as well. As one of my deacons often quotes, "sin will take you further than you want to go, keep longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you ever afford."
     Through all this I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful God can and will forgive those who turn from their sin trusting in the finish work of Christ. I know because He has forgiven me through Christ. Even today, I hate my sin more now more than ever. It was only 18 years ago I was exactly where my sister is. So, I know God is able to save from the uttermost for His glory.
     Some of you who read this are friends with my sister and love her, for that I am thankful. But, there are some of you who might not be in jail or rehab, but you are not at peace with God. I am urging you as well to seek the Lord before it is too late. Just by this post on fb, God in His mercy and grace is calling you to repent and place faith in Christ. If I can help you in anyway or if you have any question please in box me, I'll get back with you.

So if the Lord would would be pleased to place my sister on your heart, I would be honored to have you pray for her conversion. To God Alone Be the Glory!

"A Faithful Witness"

     Sunday I had the honor to officiate the funeral service of Doyle Hall. Doyle suffered a stroke after having open heart surgery in May. At that time Doyle and his wife (Jane) had visited our church a few times and were looking for a church which would be faithful to preach the word.

I want to share just a few things which would honor the Lord, the life of Doyle, encourage others, and pastors to "shepherd the flock of God who is among you (1 Peter 5:2)."
Over the course of 9 months ministring to the Hall family, I witnessed the grace of God in this precious families life. A few thing which encouraged me as a Christian, pastor, husband, and a father as I ministered to this family.

1. I witnessed that a good name is something which a man chooses to have.
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1)." Solomon reminds his readers a mans name is worth much more than any material gain. The last 9 months of getting to know the Hall family, it was evident Doyle fit this verse well. Testimony after testimony was offered of the sacrifices which Doyle had made for his family and for others. I was blessed in hearing the testimony of Tommy Bond, as he shared the love Doyle had for the Lord and the friendship they shared in Christ. One testimony was Doyle as a carpenter would often go above and beyond in his work, often not charging for the extra which he had done. Doyle desired to honor the Lord by choosing to have a good name among those in the community and most of all with his heavenly Father.
   
2. I witnessed a wife who submitted, loved, and honored her own husband.
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22)."
     The past 9 months I witnessed the love of Doyle's wife (Jane) had for him in ministering unselfishly to her husband. Jane served her husband sacrificially, not to mention having a son who needed her daily attention as well. Jane made countless trips to the hospital and rehab in Nashville. She had to fight the hectic traffic, making sure her son was able for her to leave him, and all the while dealing with health issues of her own. Through it all,  Jane remained submissive and faithful to her own husband. I witnessed a wife who loved her Lord, her husband, and wanted to be faithful by serving him until the end.

3. I witnessed children who honored their parents.
"Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you will live long in the land (Ephesians 6:2-3)." 
     Doyle and Jane have four sons who were there to minister to their parents. I know in the last 9 months there was a lot of sacrifices which was made by their children in 'honoring their father and mother.' I know of trips they drove their mother to the hospital, or days one had to stay with their other brother while their mother went to Nashville. Daughter in-laws who worked their jobs, took care of their children, and would serve their mother-in-law in any way they could to ease the load.  At the final viewing of the body I witnessed all the brothers gather around their mother at the casket, which was the grace of God in these mens lives, as they desired to 'honor their father and their mother.'

4. I witnessed a man who was faithful to the end.
"But the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 10:22b)."
     The truth that God's people are saved, sealed, and will persevere until the end was evident in Doyle's life. I remember speaking and praying with Doyle before his surgery in May, as he assured me his faith and trust was in the finished work of Christ for salvation. He knew either way he would be fine. Doyle understood what Christ had done for him on the cross by paying a debt he could not pay. Doyle knew he was a redeemed child of the King. Even after the stoke and the complications which he went through after the surgery, Doyle always gave testimony of his faith in the Lord. Doyle's faith was the faith which did not waver at the end, but rather held to Christ until the end. I witnessed a man who held firm in the fact, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil.1:21)."

5. I witnessed a local church show the love of Christ toward others. 
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34)."
     I do not say this just because I am the pastor of this church, but I witnessed God growing PHBC in her faith as they ministered to this family. I witnessed countless cards that was written, phone calls made, meals prepared, and prayers offered on the behalf of this family. The Hall's were never 'officially' church members at PHBC, but nonetheless God joined them to us spiritually. God sent them to us, and in doing so, the church grew in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. I witnessed men who worked in Doyle's garden, cut the grass, and served in any other way they could. This was helpful for PHBC, in we had to fulfill the commandments of 'one another.' I am thankful to serve a church who has an understanding that 'church' is not somewhere we go, but rather it is people living out their faith in serving each other for the glory of God!

     As a pastor I never get used to the emotional, physical, or spiritual drain when it comes to funerals. I know my faith has grown in the last nine months while ministering to this family. There has been testimony of church members and other believers who has said the same. God used this man and family to bring him glory in many ways we may never know on this side of eternity.
 
  I witnessed gracious of our God in allowing the family to be at the side of their husband, father, and brother as he went to be with the Lord on Thursday evening. God's grace in this families life is evident, that their faith and hope is in the truth of God's word, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor.5:7)." And I echo the words of the psalmist in Psalms 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

Please do pray for this family, as they grieve their loss.

Overwhelmed By Grace

"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11).

     Jesus speaks to his disciples and reminds them "they can not and are unable to do anything without him." He gives them a contrast between a bad tree, which bears no fruit and a good true, which bears good fruit. This analogy is given to show them the difference between a true disciple and a false disciple. He also tells them, "those disciples which bear good fruit bring much glory to his Father (v.8)." The disciples which bear good fruit have the love of the Father as they keep the commandments, thereby giving them much joy and satisfaction in serving the Father.

     The Apostle John said in 1 John 5:3, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not burdensome."For the disciple of Christ who follows God and has the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), the commandements of God brings great joy. No longer does the disciple have to read his Bible, have to pray, have to meet with the other saints, have to give, have to visit the sick, or have to share the gospel, now the disciple has the distinct privilege in doing so. It is no longer a burden, but rather a blessing which brings great joy in ministering to others!
     Yesterday was one of the most difficult days I have had in the ministry in awhile, yet as I was traveling home I had a peace and a sense of joy which surpassed all understanding. Yesterday I drove to Alabama to do a funeral of a gentleman who I worked with at Books-A-Million for over 5 years and 2 years we rode in the same truck together. Doug, a.k.a. "Bigfoot" and I were together more than we were with our wives and that is the truth. We logged several thousands of miles over the road and we became close friends, like brothers. Of course, he was the big brother since he was 6'7" and was 47 years old and I was the little brother.
     "Bigfoot" was a kind and gentle person, but if you every was on his bad side you had better watch out! I had the honor while we shared the cab of an 18 wheeler to tell Doug about Christ and how He had changed my life. Often he did not want to hear about it, but at other times he was very opened. One night traveling from Ownesboro, KY back to Florence, AL, "Bigfoot" woke up and sat in the "jump seat" (passenger seat, trucker talk) and I could tell he had something on his mind. He had been having family problems and told me he was sick of being a bad person. As I drove I kept my eyes glued to the road and let him speak his heart. He cried while speaking about his childhood, the hard life he lived on the road as a trucker, and about marital problems he was experiencing.  Of course, I was shocked but knew the Lord was at work in his heart.
      That was on a Friday night as we were heading home. The following Sunday, Bigfoot shows up at church and then the Sunday after, and the Sunday after. Finally, after several weeks in the truck with me and talking about the Bible and what Jesus had done for sinners, he shows up to church on Sunday and shares with the church what Christ had done for him on the cross. I thought he was going to tear the 'pew' out of the floor that morning. It wasn't too long after his conversion he called me and said, "guess what?" And I said, "there is no telling!" Bigfoot said, "I have only said, 10 cuss words today." I said, "that is awesome, at least your keeping up with them." It was evident God had done a work of grace in "Bigfoot's" heart. As I traveled home last night I became emotional thanking God for allowing me the opportunity to share Christ with 'Bigfoot' and to know him.
      After the funeral I was able to go to the county jail and visit with my sister. My sister is 32 years old and a drug addict with serious problems of being a kleptomaniac  She has been arrested and will serve some serious time due to her drug problem. As I traveled to the county jail  again was reminded of God's grace and how 18 years ago it was me in the jail. I remembered how depraved I was, how desperate I had become, and how far a person can really sink to with drug and alcohol addictions. I remembered Ephesians 2:4, But, God being rich in his mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our sins and trespasses - by grace you have been saved..." As I spoke through the phone seeing my sister through the video camera my heart ached and my eyes filled with tears seeing my little 'Sissy' in such a condition. She shared with me she felt good since she had been unable to get drugs in jail and had been reading a Bible and trying to pray. My heart hurts for my niece (11) and nephew (5), as their mother was not home for Thanksgiving nor will she be there for Christmas holidays. Again, on my way home last night I thank God for his grace and mercy in allowing my sister to be in jail and prayed He would open her heart to repent of her sins and turn to Christ for salvation.
     As I was away ministering in Alabama, the people of PHBC meet for our mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study without their pastor. One of our young men led our meeting and things seemed to go well. Again, as I was driving home I praised God for raising up able men to teach God's word and giving them a desire to do so.
      My words can not express the gratitude I have for such a great God who I serve and his mercy and grace toward such a sinner as myself. God has giving me and others the desire to serve others with the grace he has extended to me and I count it all joy! It is a pleasure, a honor, and a joy to minister the word of God to others for the sake of their good and His glory!

Yesterday, was a day with mixed emotions, but most of all it was a day of great joy in serving my great God? Do you have this joy in serving God? If not, why?

A Purposeful Pastor/Deacons Meeting

"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder...shepherd the flock of God that is among you...(1 Peter 5:1-2)"
"For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that this in Christ Jesus (1Tim.3:13)."

     Tonight the leadership (pastor and deacons) of Pleasant Hill Baptist church will meet with a purpose. I wanted to briefly share what our meeting will look like and pray it would help someone or perhaps someone could help us. My last church I pastored my deacons and I meet monthly to discuss the business of the church. This was very much needed seeing our congregation was not very large. But, one thing which always concerned me was we never discussed the peoples spiritual well-being or if their physical needs were being met.
    I have purposed our meetings at PHBC to be grounded in the Word of God, in prayer, and discussion about spiritual/physical well being of the flock at PHBC. As God ordained leaders of His church we must submit ourselves to hear from the Him and His word in order to get our marching orders. After receiving our orders, we must seek Him through prayer. As pastor and deacons we must give our attention and prayers in interceding for God's people at PHBC. We will pray for our sick, our faithful, those who are visiting our fellowship, and those who need to be converted by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here is a sneak peek in what our pastor/deacons meeting will consist of tonight:

I. Scripture Reading

• Galatians 5:13-15

II. Pray For PHBC

• Pray for the saints of PHBC
• Pray for our shut-ins
• Pray for those who have been visiting our fellowship.
• Pray for the community, that God would open doors for the gospel

III. Discussion of Biblical Church Leadership

• Introduce Lay Elders 
• Present the need of new deacons to serve the body

IV. Deacon Care Ministry

• Discuss the needs spiritual/physical needs of each member
• Discuss updates on shut-ins and widows
• Discuss any pressing needs for members in the fellowship

V. Miscellaneous Items 

If you see or know of anything we could do differently  please feel free to let me know. Most of all, my desire as the pastor of PHBC is not allow one of God's sheep to fall between any cracks. Shepherding souls is a serious task, which one should never take lightly.

"Happy Thanksgiving"

Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,..."

      "Thanksgiving" is to be about the worship and giving thanks to our great God. The early Pilgrims who immigrated to America in order to gain religious freedom understood, God by His grace had allowed them to make it to the new land through toils and snares. This caused the Pilgrims to rejoice, to worship, and to give thanks for His goodness toward them. (For more information on the history of the Pilgrims and first Thanksgiving click here: http://pastorhistorian.com/2012/11/21/thanksgiving-american-history-and-parental-responsibility/).
         As I reflect upon the true meaning of Thanksgiving there is so much more than eating turkey, seeing family, and watching football. Meditating on scriptures like Ephesians 1:3, "how God has blessed me with "all" spiritual blessings in the heavenly places" causes my heart to worship, give thanksgiving and gratitude toward my God. I may lose my family, I may lose my career, I may not have any turkey to eat...but God has "blessed" me with all spiritual blessings, because I am REDEEMED! Our gratitude and giving of thanks is not based upon our material blessings but rather our spiritual blessings in Christ.

So, as I reflect on Thanksgiving I want to name a few of my "spiritual blessings:"

1. Salvation: 2 Corinthian 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he s a new creation. The old is passed away; behold, the new has come." Perhaps this is the most important. Without salvation in Christ and being reconciled to God in Christ no one can truly celebrate Thanksgiving. For they have no one to give thanks to. I am thankful God has redeemed me through the blood of Christ by granting repentance and faith to me. I am thankful God is continually making my sin known to me, the need for the gospel, and forgiveness each day of my life.

2. God's Word. Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." I am thankful for the inerrant, infallible, all sufficient word of God which guides me as I seek His will for my life. The word of God which is so accessible to read, study, and to memorize I often fail at taking advantage of learning and knowing his word more than I do. I am thankful God's word will "leads in the paths of righteousness for his name sake (Pslam 23:3)." I am thankful God has called me to teach and preach his word to his people week in and week out.

3. Prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing." I am thankful I can seek God through Christ anywhere, at anytime, for any reason. My Father longs to hear from his children and desires to answer his children according to his will. I am thankful to intercede on the behalf of my flock which have needs.

4. The church: Matt. 16:18 "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." I am thankful for the church, especially the church at Pleasant Hill in Orlinda, TN. I am thankful God chose me to serve the people at PHBC as thier elder/pastor it is truly a blessing. I am thankful for a group of blood bought believers who gather each week to worship, encourage, pray, and fellowship with one another. I am thankful for our sweet fellowship in the word, prayer, and sharing a meal each Lord's Day with each other. I tell the Lord's people at PHBC we have a special thing. I love the Lord's church and am thankful for it!

    Will you give thanks just for material blessings (which we should be thankful to God for)? Or, will you give thanks for the "spiritual blessings" we have in Christ Jesus?