Blog https://www.providencebaptist.us Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:03:44 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Why We Should Clean-up Our Membership Rolls https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/why-we-should-clean-up-our-membership-rolls-brian-fourroux-chairman-of-elders https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/why-we-should-clean-up-our-membership-rolls-brian-fourroux-chairman-of-elders#comments Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/why-we-should-clean-up-our-membership-rolls-brian-fourroux-chairman-of-elders Recently we gathered for our annual business meeting and received many great testimonies of God’s faithfulness throughout the year while looking forward with great hope and anticipation of the upcoming new year. During the pastor’s annual update, we announced that we would be “cleaning up” our church rolls and focusing on those who are not functionally participating in our local body. The pastors’ plan is to bring a list to the congregation to vote on removing current members who fit this description. The Bible does not explicitly set down laws that detail how we should go about cleaning up the rolls for circumstances that do not require church discipline, but there is enough biblical and historical evidence to guide us. Allow us to suggest three helpful points as to why we are cleaning our rolls:

  1. It’s Biblically Reasonable. The Bible places a heavy emphasis on the importance of membership for both front end membership vetting (Matt. 16:19) and back-end membership protection (1 Cor. 5:1-5) which we call membership entry and church discipline respectively. However, there is an overwhelming biblical emphasis on loving one another in the context of the local church every day. In fact, there is an entire letter (1 John) written about how we go about the business of loving one another.

The Bible issues multiple encouragements and commands that require love in close proximity. We are commanded to walk in the light with our fellow believers (1 Jn. 2:7-11), sacrificially give according to the specific needs of our fellow believers (1 Jn. 3:16-18), and to evidence gospel motivated love with those fellow believers that we can see (1 Jn. 4:20-21). All of these ordinarily require believers to be in regular physical contact.

Therefore, it is biblically reasonable that if there are those who are not providentially hindered (homebound, military, season work, etc.) from enjoying the regular fellowship of the saints, then it is incumbent on both the leadership and the congregation to ensure that the membership rolls of the church reflect the actual membership activity of the church if we are to be as biblically faithful as we can.

  1. It’s Historically Responsible. Historically, Baptists have sought to have their membership (regenerate church membership) reflect the kingdom of heaven. In fact, amongst the reformed, Baptist have the greatest biblical claim to having a membership that reflects heavenly membership with our emphasis on “credible professions of faith” and credobaptism. By no means did the Baptist make a claim to a perfect church on this side of eternity (2LBCF, Ch. 26: para. 3), but they did believe that the NT places the responsibility on the local church to as much as it depends upon them to guard the membership of the church through proper vetting and accountability. If we cannot keep a professing believer accountable, then history suggests that we should remove them from the rolls to aid in upholding proper biblical accountability. By removing some from the rolls, we are not saying that they have or don’t have a credible profession of faith. We are saying that we cannot properly judge their profession of faith.
  1. It’s Practically Loving. As mentioned in the first point, the Bible places an emphasis on both front end and back-end membership. The goal of this is of course to glorify God in love (1 Tim. 1:5). The responsibility to guard the sanctity of the church falls both on the leadership and the congregation. Pastors are told that they have to give an account to God for how they shepherd the flock (Heb. 13:17). That’s a sobering thought and a very real warning. It’s practically loving for the pastors to know who they are responsible to shepherd. Accurate membership rolls are one way that we can practically love our pastors.

Jesus also says clearly that the congregation is responsible for expelling members who have lost their credible procession of faith through discipline (Matt. 18:15-17). This implies that the members of the church are accountable to the local church. It is impossible to keep someone accountable who is not part of the regular fellowship of the church. It’s practically loving to the congregation to have their rolls reflect the participating membership.

Again, there is no law regarding exactly when and how to purge membership rolls, but there is a lot of guidance in both the scriptures and throughout church history that encourages us that we should keep accurate church rolls. May Christ comfort you as you contemplate your vote. 

In His Service,

Brian Fourroux, Chairman of Elders

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Recently we gathered for our annual business meeting and received many great testimonies of God’s faithfulness throughout the year while looking forward with great hope and anticipation of the upcoming new year. During the pastor’s annual update, we announced that we would be “cleaning up” our church rolls and focusing on those who are not functionally participating in our local body. The pastors’ plan is to bring a list to the congregation to vote on removing current members who fit this description. The Bible does not explicitly set down laws that detail how we should go about cleaning up the rolls for circumstances that do not require church discipline, but there is enough biblical and historical evidence to guide us. Allow us to suggest three helpful points as to why we are cleaning our rolls:

  1. It’s Biblically Reasonable. The Bible places a heavy emphasis on the importance of membership for both front end membership vetting (Matt. 16:19) and back-end membership protection (1 Cor. 5:1-5) which we call membership entry and church discipline respectively. However, there is an overwhelming biblical emphasis on loving one another in the context of the local church every day. In fact, there is an entire letter (1 John) written about how we go about the business of loving one another.

The Bible issues multiple encouragements and commands that require love in close proximity. We are commanded to walk in the light with our fellow believers (1 Jn. 2:7-11), sacrificially give according to the specific needs of our fellow believers (1 Jn. 3:16-18), and to evidence gospel motivated love with those fellow believers that we can see (1 Jn. 4:20-21). All of these ordinarily require believers to be in regular physical contact.

Therefore, it is biblically reasonable that if there are those who are not providentially hindered (homebound, military, season work, etc.) from enjoying the regular fellowship of the saints, then it is incumbent on both the leadership and the congregation to ensure that the membership rolls of the church reflect the actual membership activity of the church if we are to be as biblically faithful as we can.

  1. It’s Historically Responsible. Historically, Baptists have sought to have their membership (regenerate church membership) reflect the kingdom of heaven. In fact, amongst the reformed, Baptist have the greatest biblical claim to having a membership that reflects heavenly membership with our emphasis on “credible professions of faith” and credobaptism. By no means did the Baptist make a claim to a perfect church on this side of eternity (2LBCF, Ch. 26: para. 3), but they did believe that the NT places the responsibility on the local church to as much as it depends upon them to guard the membership of the church through proper vetting and accountability. If we cannot keep a professing believer accountable, then history suggests that we should remove them from the rolls to aid in upholding proper biblical accountability. By removing some from the rolls, we are not saying that they have or don’t have a credible profession of faith. We are saying that we cannot properly judge their profession of faith.
  1. It’s Practically Loving. As mentioned in the first point, the Bible places an emphasis on both front end and back-end membership. The goal of this is of course to glorify God in love (1 Tim. 1:5). The responsibility to guard the sanctity of the church falls both on the leadership and the congregation. Pastors are told that they have to give an account to God for how they shepherd the flock (Heb. 13:17). That’s a sobering thought and a very real warning. It’s practically loving for the pastors to know who they are responsible to shepherd. Accurate membership rolls are one way that we can practically love our pastors.

Jesus also says clearly that the congregation is responsible for expelling members who have lost their credible procession of faith through discipline (Matt. 18:15-17). This implies that the members of the church are accountable to the local church. It is impossible to keep someone accountable who is not part of the regular fellowship of the church. It’s practically loving to the congregation to have their rolls reflect the participating membership.

Again, there is no law regarding exactly when and how to purge membership rolls, but there is a lot of guidance in both the scriptures and throughout church history that encourages us that we should keep accurate church rolls. May Christ comfort you as you contemplate your vote. 

In His Service,

Brian Fourroux, Chairman of Elders

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How We Address the Absent Member https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/how-we-address-the-absent-member https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/how-we-address-the-absent-member#comments Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/how-we-address-the-absent-member Hebrews 10:24-25  24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Dear Brothers and Sisters of PBC,

In this season of the life of our church we have been thinking about and discussing the importance of meaningful church membership. We have been considering what it means to live in covenant relationship to one another as the local body of Christ, and these ponderings have spurred many questions and conversations and a small degree of reform.

While my intention is to keep this article brief, we must first consider why church membership is so vital. Many lengthy and thorough treatments of church membership exist, and I certainly recommend an in-depth study of this topic. For our purposes here, though, it should be sufficient to point out that the New Testament is abundantly clear that covenanting with a particular local expression of the Body of Christ is necessary for the proper fulfillment of many NT imperatives. Fulfilling the call to evangelize and disciple (Matt 28:18-20; 2 Tim 2:1–2; Heb 3:12–14) obedience to leaders (Heb 13:17), the charge of leadership (1 Pet 5:2; Heb 13:17), church discipline (Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:11-12), member care (Acts 6:1-4; 1 Tim 5:3-16), and mutual service (1 Cor 12; Rom 12:3-8, 13) - just to mention a few - all require a formal accounting of who is a part of the particular community of faith. If we could boil down the question of membership to anything it is this: Meaningful church membership is vital to properly loving and caring for our brothers and sisters with whom we partner to fulfill the Great Commission, to the glory of Christ.

Inevitably, in conversations regarding meaningful membership the question of what to do regarding members who no longer faithfully attend will come up. This question is, admittedly, a difficult one for a couple of reasons. The first, most obvious one is because there are many different explanations for why a member may become an irregular or non-attender. The life circumstances and motives of each individual are so varied that it would be unwise to apply a formulaic principle to this issue. For example, should we treat someone who has a debilitating medical condition the same as someone who simply has developed a distaste for the hymn choices? The answer is no, of course, but that is because we implicitly understand that this issue requires wisdom, tact, and a highly nuanced approach.

Also, this question is a difficult one because Scripture does not give us an explicit answer as to how long a member may absent themselves. There are many matters of faith and practice in which the Bible is explicit and clear, but also others that require us to draw down on implications of the text and synthesize its teaching to come to conclusions. We should not take a lack of explicit instruction as silence, for “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,” (2 Peter 1:3) including matters of church membership and discipline.

Perhaps the clearest and most helpful text in this regard is Hebrews 10:24-25 (quoted above). In this text, the author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, makes an imperative statement regarding stirring one another up to love and good works. He then moves in the next few phrases to qualify that imperative with how one is to obey his command. So, how are we to obey? Two ways: by not neglecting to meet together and by encouraging one another. The first is a negative expression - what not to do. The second is a positive expression - what to do. Because we have a clear command here and explicit explanations on how to obey that command, doing the opposite of those explanations is disobedience to God’s word and thus sinful. I would conclude that, on both the corporate and personal level, neglecting to meet regularly with God’s people and doing anything that discourages others in their walk of faith are sinful. We know from other places in Scripture that matters of sin are subject to church discipline (Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:11, etc.), and thus the pattern of church discipline should be exercised with someone who is neglecting to meet with the local body with which they have covenanted.

The most natural question that comes next is this: what exactly does “neglecting” mean? When has a member gone too far and neglected to meet together? The words for “not neglecting to meet together” can be rendered literally as “not abandoning the assembly of ourselves,” and I think, combined with the positive participle “encouraging,” convey the idea of someone who has detached themselves from the Church to the point that they are no longer meaningfully contributing their gifts and service to their fellow members (compare also: 1 Cor 12). These words carry with them a conscious negligence or willful abandonment of the Body.

At this point, we must be careful to recognize that there are circumstances that unintentionally prevent a member from being meaningfully involved in the life of the Church. Easy examples we might consider are those who have chronic health conditions or disabilities that legitimately prevent them from leaving their home. Of course, in those cases, willful neglect or abandonment is not present and many of those individuals long for fellowship and lament their absence. The Church should do all they can to bring comfort and peace to such members. Another example of such unintentional absence may be someone who is in active-duty military service and is being deployed - similarly, a temporary job assignment may be conceived. In such cases, long term absentees should avail themselves of the means of grace where they are. Attend a Bible-preaching, Christ-exalting church and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Participate in the ordinance of the Supper and testify at the ordinance of baptism. Engage in evangelistic opportunities and always remember that their church family at home loves and cares for them.

In all cases we ought to heed the call of Hebrews 10:24-25 to stir one another up to love and good works, and thus all members should reach out to those who seem to have withdrawn from church life. Pray for wisdom, for those that engage with absent members should use care and tact and, most of all, embody the “one another” described throughout the New Testament so as to accurately assess a particular situation.

If someone is identified as having willfully and consciously neglected meeting with the Church with which they have covenanted, what then? Simple: the steps of Matthew 18 are followed with great care, grace, and humility. The ultimate goal is that an individual would be restored to full fellowship with the Body and the preeminent glory of Christ is displayed. As the heart of church membership is love and service, not control, so too the heart of church discipline is love and restoration, not punishment. If an absentee has some grievance or reason to avoid church, then lovingly, we ought to help them work through the grievance or find another fellowship that can provide their spiritual growth. We want to do our best to point the absentees to Christ above all.

As a final note, I would like to reiterate why this issue is important enough to deal with this way. God, through His word, places supreme importance on the members of the Body being clearly known. Elders/Pastors should know with certainty whose souls they are called to watch over (Heb 13:17) and who is included in the flock that they shepherd (1 Pet 5:2). Members should know with whom they have covenanted and to whom they owe the “one another” of Scripture. In the end, we all need each other and the gifts that we have been given because Christ has not only saved us as individuals, but corporately as His Body and Bride. [T]o him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:21)

 

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Hebrews 10:24-25  24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Dear Brothers and Sisters of PBC,

In this season of the life of our church we have been thinking about and discussing the importance of meaningful church membership. We have been considering what it means to live in covenant relationship to one another as the local body of Christ, and these ponderings have spurred many questions and conversations and a small degree of reform.

While my intention is to keep this article brief, we must first consider why church membership is so vital. Many lengthy and thorough treatments of church membership exist, and I certainly recommend an in-depth study of this topic. For our purposes here, though, it should be sufficient to point out that the New Testament is abundantly clear that covenanting with a particular local expression of the Body of Christ is necessary for the proper fulfillment of many NT imperatives. Fulfilling the call to evangelize and disciple (Matt 28:18-20; 2 Tim 2:1–2; Heb 3:12–14) obedience to leaders (Heb 13:17), the charge of leadership (1 Pet 5:2; Heb 13:17), church discipline (Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:11-12), member care (Acts 6:1-4; 1 Tim 5:3-16), and mutual service (1 Cor 12; Rom 12:3-8, 13) - just to mention a few - all require a formal accounting of who is a part of the particular community of faith. If we could boil down the question of membership to anything it is this: Meaningful church membership is vital to properly loving and caring for our brothers and sisters with whom we partner to fulfill the Great Commission, to the glory of Christ.

Inevitably, in conversations regarding meaningful membership the question of what to do regarding members who no longer faithfully attend will come up. This question is, admittedly, a difficult one for a couple of reasons. The first, most obvious one is because there are many different explanations for why a member may become an irregular or non-attender. The life circumstances and motives of each individual are so varied that it would be unwise to apply a formulaic principle to this issue. For example, should we treat someone who has a debilitating medical condition the same as someone who simply has developed a distaste for the hymn choices? The answer is no, of course, but that is because we implicitly understand that this issue requires wisdom, tact, and a highly nuanced approach.

Also, this question is a difficult one because Scripture does not give us an explicit answer as to how long a member may absent themselves. There are many matters of faith and practice in which the Bible is explicit and clear, but also others that require us to draw down on implications of the text and synthesize its teaching to come to conclusions. We should not take a lack of explicit instruction as silence, for “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,” (2 Peter 1:3) including matters of church membership and discipline.

Perhaps the clearest and most helpful text in this regard is Hebrews 10:24-25 (quoted above). In this text, the author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, makes an imperative statement regarding stirring one another up to love and good works. He then moves in the next few phrases to qualify that imperative with how one is to obey his command. So, how are we to obey? Two ways: by not neglecting to meet together and by encouraging one another. The first is a negative expression - what not to do. The second is a positive expression - what to do. Because we have a clear command here and explicit explanations on how to obey that command, doing the opposite of those explanations is disobedience to God’s word and thus sinful. I would conclude that, on both the corporate and personal level, neglecting to meet regularly with God’s people and doing anything that discourages others in their walk of faith are sinful. We know from other places in Scripture that matters of sin are subject to church discipline (Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:11, etc.), and thus the pattern of church discipline should be exercised with someone who is neglecting to meet with the local body with which they have covenanted.

The most natural question that comes next is this: what exactly does “neglecting” mean? When has a member gone too far and neglected to meet together? The words for “not neglecting to meet together” can be rendered literally as “not abandoning the assembly of ourselves,” and I think, combined with the positive participle “encouraging,” convey the idea of someone who has detached themselves from the Church to the point that they are no longer meaningfully contributing their gifts and service to their fellow members (compare also: 1 Cor 12). These words carry with them a conscious negligence or willful abandonment of the Body.

At this point, we must be careful to recognize that there are circumstances that unintentionally prevent a member from being meaningfully involved in the life of the Church. Easy examples we might consider are those who have chronic health conditions or disabilities that legitimately prevent them from leaving their home. Of course, in those cases, willful neglect or abandonment is not present and many of those individuals long for fellowship and lament their absence. The Church should do all they can to bring comfort and peace to such members. Another example of such unintentional absence may be someone who is in active-duty military service and is being deployed - similarly, a temporary job assignment may be conceived. In such cases, long term absentees should avail themselves of the means of grace where they are. Attend a Bible-preaching, Christ-exalting church and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Participate in the ordinance of the Supper and testify at the ordinance of baptism. Engage in evangelistic opportunities and always remember that their church family at home loves and cares for them.

In all cases we ought to heed the call of Hebrews 10:24-25 to stir one another up to love and good works, and thus all members should reach out to those who seem to have withdrawn from church life. Pray for wisdom, for those that engage with absent members should use care and tact and, most of all, embody the “one another” described throughout the New Testament so as to accurately assess a particular situation.

If someone is identified as having willfully and consciously neglected meeting with the Church with which they have covenanted, what then? Simple: the steps of Matthew 18 are followed with great care, grace, and humility. The ultimate goal is that an individual would be restored to full fellowship with the Body and the preeminent glory of Christ is displayed. As the heart of church membership is love and service, not control, so too the heart of church discipline is love and restoration, not punishment. If an absentee has some grievance or reason to avoid church, then lovingly, we ought to help them work through the grievance or find another fellowship that can provide their spiritual growth. We want to do our best to point the absentees to Christ above all.

As a final note, I would like to reiterate why this issue is important enough to deal with this way. God, through His word, places supreme importance on the members of the Body being clearly known. Elders/Pastors should know with certainty whose souls they are called to watch over (Heb 13:17) and who is included in the flock that they shepherd (1 Pet 5:2). Members should know with whom they have covenanted and to whom they owe the “one another” of Scripture. In the end, we all need each other and the gifts that we have been given because Christ has not only saved us as individuals, but corporately as His Body and Bride. [T]o him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:21)

 

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2023 Elders’ Report https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/2023-elders-report https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/2023-elders-report#comments Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/2023-elders-report As we come to the end of the Annual Meeting, I would like to read our 2023 Psalm of the Year:

Psalm 8

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David.

            [1] O LORD, our Lord,

                        how majestic is your name in all the earth!

            You have set your glory above the heavens.

            [2]       Out of the mouth of babies and infants,

            you have established strength because of your foes,

                        to still the enemy and the avenger.

           

            [3] When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

                        the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

            [4] what is man that you are mindful of him,

                        and the son of man that you care for him?

           

            [5] Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

                        and crowned him with glory and honor.

            [6] You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;

                        you have put all things under his feet,

            [7] all sheep and oxen,

                        and also the beasts of the field,

            [8] the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

                        whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

           

            [9] O LORD, our Lord,

                        how majestic is your name in all the earth! (ESV)

 

The declaration of the lordship and glory of Yahweh that bookends Psalm 8 has been the constant cry of our heart here at PBC for the year 2023 and will certainly continue into 2024 and beyond.

If you are new to our fellowship and this is your first Annual Meeting, the elders like to take some time to look back over the year and remember God’s faithfulness and blessings upon our church family. We also look forward to the next year of faithful and fruitful ministry to each other, to our city, to our nation, and to the ends of the earth.

In last year’s report, Dennon made note that 2022 saw unprecedented growth with 26 new members joining us. Well, in 2023 God saw fit to continue - and even outpace - that growth. Within 2023, we have affirmed 28 new members into the Body with 2 more awaiting affirmation. To those of you within that category, we love you and are thrilled to have you be a part of our church family. We look forward to serving the Lord together with you for many years.

As you can tell from the written reports, a growing church means growing ministries, and nowhere is that felt more than our various children’s ministries. To put some perspective on that growth, in Children’s Sunday School we had 56 children on roster at the start of the 2022-2023 year, 75 at the beginning of the 2023/24 year, and currently (mid-2023/24) have 83 children on roster. This expansion has led to some needed logistical changes for this year, but also a continuing need for volunteers. Members, we consistently hear of this need and so I urge you to reach out to Ric and Giselle Crooks if you are willing to serve the children’s Sunday School or Kelly Nichols if you are willing to serve in the worship-care nursery.

Along these same lines, we had another great year of Vacation Bible School! Under the direction of Pam Giles and many others around her, I believe we, once again, had record-breaking numbers. We had 108 kids enrolled in VBS with an average of 97 each day.  Our high day was 101. We had 64 volunteers in total. The total offering collected for Next Step Farms was $1,548.49. 2024 will likely top even that because this next summer we will have 2 additional churches participating with us! Our church plant partners, Gracious Savior and Redeemer, will be participating together with us for VBS 2024. This is a wonderful picture of the unity the gospel brings as we fulfill the Great Commission call to be disciples of Christ who make disciples of Christ. On a bittersweet note, Pam has asked to begin handing off the reins as VBS Director. Kelly Nichols has agreed to transition into that role for 2024, of course with the support and consultation of Pam. Please begin praying for them and all of the volunteers and kids who attend!

Considering now our older students, the Youth Ministry has seen some significant changes this year. With Brian Milby gearing up for the launch of Gracious Savior, Blair stepped into leadership of that ministry several months ago. 2023 was full of fellowships and retreats, missions, and service projects. While we are immensely grateful for Blair’s willingness to step into that role temporarily, it is just that - temporary. The elders have already begun formulating a job description and search criteria for someone to fulfill the role of Student Minister. More on that later. Looking forward to some upcoming events, coming up a week from today (Dec 13) the youth will be caroling at the homes of our homebound members. They have graciously invited everyone to join them. If you are interested, contact Blair for more information. Thus far in 2024 the youth are planning to participate in a retreat in February - the topic of which is Peace & Anxiety. Also, in June, they will be joining a World Changers mission trip to Henderson, KY.

Our Adult Sunday School is continuing to thrive with a vast majority of member involvement (~90%). Even most visitors end up attending Sunday School classes and often cite the robust, biblical teaching as a reason they decide to apply for membership. A hardy “thank you” to the Adult Teaching Ministry Team and Mike Watson for his leadership. Your dedication to God’s Word is a testimony to the glory and supremacy of Christ over all things.

Outside of Sunday mornings, we continued to experience God’s blessing in the use of our facilities. We have enjoyed another year of having room for church-wide fellowships and were able to celebrate God’s faithfulness at our 20th Anniversary fellowship in October. Weddings and receptions, bridal and baby showers, banquets, birthday parties, and Bible studies have all been hosted within these walls and this will surely continue in 2024.

Related to this, we rejoice with our sister, Robin Kramer, that on Sept 30th of this year, after 19 months of hosting them at PBC, Next Step Farms was able to officially open their permanent facility! While our building is certainly quieter, the love, joy, energy, and enthusiasm of the NSF clients will be missed. Praise God for answered prayers and the countless hours of hard work from the many individuals that made NSF happen!

I would also like to point out that there are several other ministries in our community that our members are involved in. Child Evangelism Fellowship, or CEF, is one which engages in gospel education in the nearby Legacy Elementary. Several of our members have been faithfully ministering to those public-school students for many years now through CEF. If you have any questions or interest in also serving in that way, you can reach out to us, and we’ll get you connected with the right individuals.

Likewise, the Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center is a ministry that supports and cares for women (and men) in crisis pregnancies. They provide pregnancy testing, education, and counseling all from a gospel-centered perspective. And again, many of our members are involved in supporting that ministry - if you want more info, reach out.

Each year Providence hosts a conference - alternating between a focus on history and theology. In lieu of that conference this year we held our 20th Anniversary celebration, so in 2024 we will be holding a history conference. The guest speaker and topic are to be determined because our original invitee had to decline due to health concerns. As soon as more details have been nailed down, we will share them with you!

This past Sunday evening we heard from our missionaries and church planters. As we step into 2024, I want to encourage you to continue to faithfully pray for and support them. Missionary work can often be isolating and lonely, so making sure they know they are valued and not forgotten is fundamental to a church’s support of those on the front line. As Pastor Sean emphasized at the Missions Banquet, the local church is the foundation for healthy, effective missions - may we be ever more mindful of the spread of the gospel in 2024. Blair mentioned the 2024 missionary/church planter directory and prayer guide will be available by the end of the year, so please keep an eye out for that.

While we have much to be thankful for and joyful over what God has done in 2023, we must also recognize that moments of grief and loss are a natural part of life. We continue to mourn with the Patterson family over the loss of Joanne Patterson, a dear church member. We grieve but not as those who have no hope. Our hope is that of eternal life with God accomplished on our behalf by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. While death is the ultimate reminder that the final consummation of redemption has yet to be fulfilled, we also see the reality of living in a fallen world as we struggle with health afflictions, emotional turmoil, and broken relationships. There are many members who are walking through these trials of various kinds - both publicly and privately. Please continue to love one another well and bear each other's burdens.

Well, so far, we have been considering the various ministries of the church and there is much more that I could say about each, but I will simply refer you to those written updates in your information packet. As a final note on this front, I would like to draw your attention to the ministry leadership page. With the launch of Gracious Savior Church, several ministry team lead positions will become vacant. The elders are thinking through and working on who could fill those roles, but we were reminded at the Missions Banquet that leadership in the church is recognized and called out primarily by the church. As we seek to fulfill the Great Commission by becoming “disciple-making disciples” we all must take responsibility and ownership of the ministry of the church. Please reach out to an elder if you have any interest in serving in these areas.

Speaking of church planting, this has been a major focus of our ministry in 2023 and you have just heard from our brother, Brian Milby, on the state of Gracious Savior Church and the plan for that launch in just a few short weeks. Also, earlier this year, a unique opportunity was presented to us to come alongside and partner with another local church planter. Zach Carter approached the elders early this year and asked that we advise and support him as he sought to plant a like-minded church in the Midcity area. As you all know, Redeemer Church constituted as a church in October and is faithfully preaching the gospel in that community. Our partnerships with Redeemer and Gracious Savior will only be strengthened in the coming months and years as we seek to grow the gospel witness in the Huntsville area.

Concerning our own gospel witness, the faithful preaching of God’s Word will remain central to life here at PBC. Blair has indicated he anticipates completing the exposition of Genesis in 2024 and will keep us updated on what is next for our preaching ministry.

Moving into 2024 the elders are, as always, seeking to grow in our ministry of the Word and prayer and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Before saying more on that, allow me to point out some updates to the elder council itself. With the launch of GSC, Brian Milby and Tommy Hogue will no longer be elders at PBC, and Dennon will be stepping down as an elder as well. As we often do, I will remind you that if you have a nomination for someone that is gifted and qualified to be an elder, mention that to any elder.

With these changes, Providence really is stepping into a new season of life. Becoming a church-planting church has made us think deeply about what it means to establish healthy churches in our community, and how to be one ourselves! It has helped us reinforce meaningful church membership and that every member, having covenanted with one another, is called to be a disciple who makes disciples. The Scripture’s image of a properly functioning body calls us all to be committed to using our gifts, as they have been given to us, for the building up of one another. The heart of Baptist congregational policy is that each member, as a regenerate child of God, is called to love one another, build up the church, do the work of the ministry, and be the ambassadors of reconciliation to a broken world. We believe that the tweaks to the new member process will help to fortify that and display our conviction that we care for each other.

Intimately tied to this concept is the need to clean up our member roll. Inevitably, some members will leave our fellowship and not request a formal transfer of their letter, therefore their name remains on the roll. The reasons for this are myriad, but the fact remains: they are not functionally participating in the body. The elders are in the process of communicating with such individuals and in the first quarterly update, we will bring a list of names and updates to you for a vote. If you have any questions about that in the meantime, I or any other elder will be available to you. Plus, there will be a blog post or two published on the website that details the biblical reasons and historical precedent for this practice.

Paul also instructs Timothy to raise up leaders who develop others into leaders - who will in turn do the same, and so forth. We seek to do that by continually conforming to the biblical standards for both church offices, elders and deacons, and calling on our members to rise up and take ownership in meeting the needs in our church. With that said, I am pleased to announce that the elders have asked Nate Nichols to consider serving as the deacon of benevolence and he has agreed to begin that process. Over the next few months, we encourage you to speak with him about this calling, and at the first quarterly meeting of 2024 we will put him forward to be formally voted on by the church and installed as a deacon.

Related to this are our continual efforts to care for and protect our pastoral staff. This time last year we had Blair returning from his sabbatical and brought on Daniel as associate pastor, all while anticipating Brian launching out with Gracious Savior. This has led to many conversations about staffing at PBC: What are our staffing needs? How might they change in the coming season? How do we further develop and clarify the roles and responsibilities of each staff member? And in the midst of that, how do we properly care for each staff member in their physical, emotional, and spiritual life? I will not pretend we have figured out all the answers, but we are working on them. In the past several months a sub-team of elders has focused on building a robust compensation system for our staff. This work and more will transition to a Personnel Ministry Team that will consist of several lay elders and members. One of the first objectives of this team will be to begin the search for a student minister in earnest. As mentioned earlier, Blair directly leading that ministry is a temporary measure for an area that needs stability and permanency.  The goal in all this is to be faithful stewards of all things that God has entrusted to us - including our personnel.

In that spirit, I would like to take a moment as we look forward to the launch of a new gospel work and say a special thank you to our brother Brian Milby for 12 years of direct service to PBC. This is in no way a goodbye - he will still be around! - but really a beginning. So, thank you, brother. And many others have thanked you with cards and notes of appreciation.

To sum all this up, we might say that 2023 has been a challenging, but incredibly fruitful year. 2024 may prove to be more of the same, but I am certain of one thing: that God will be faithful to us in every way for His name’s sake. I echo the words of Paul when he says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

To conclude in much the same way that we began, I would like to introduce our 2024 Psalm of the year to you:

Psalm 104.

[1] Bless the LORD, O my soul!

                        O LORD my God, you are very great!

            You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

            [2]       covering yourself with light as with a garment,

                        stretching out the heavens like a tent.

            [3] He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;

            he makes the clouds his chariot;

                        he rides on the wings of the wind;

            [4] he makes his messengers winds,

                        his ministers a flaming fire.

           

            [5] He set the earth on its foundations,

                        so that it should never be moved.

            [6] You covered it with the deep as with a garment;

                        the waters stood above the mountains.

            [7] At your rebuke they fled;

                        at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.

            [8] The mountains rose, the valleys sank down

                        to the place that you appointed for them.

            [9] You set a boundary that they may not pass,

                        so that they might not again cover the earth.

           

            [10] You make springs gush forth in the valleys;

                        they flow between the hills;

            [11] they give drink to every beast of the field;

                        the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

            [12] Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;

                        they sing among the branches.

            [13] From your lofty abode you water the mountains;

                        the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.

           

            [14] You cause the grass to grow for the livestock

                        and plants for man to cultivate,

            that he may bring forth food from the earth

            [15]     and wine to gladden the heart of man,

            oil to make his face shine

                        and bread to strengthen man’s heart.

           

            [16] The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly,

                        the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

            [17] In them the birds build their nests;

                        the stork has her home in the fir trees.

            [18] The high mountains are for the wild goats;

                        the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.

           

            [19] He made the moon to mark the seasons;

                        the sun knows its time for setting.

            [20] You make darkness, and it is night,

                        when all the beasts of the forest creep about.

            [21] The young lions roar for their prey,

                        seeking their food from God.

            [22] When the sun rises, they steal away

                        and lie down in their dens.

            [23] Man goes out to his work

                        and to his labor until the evening.

           

            [24] O LORD, how manifold are your works!

                        In wisdom have you made them all;

                        the earth is full of your creatures.

            [25] Here is the sea, great and wide,

                        which teems with creatures innumerable,

                        living things both small and great.

            [26] There go the ships,

                        and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.

           

            [27] These all look to you,

                        to give them their food in due season.

            [28] When you give it to them, they gather it up;

                        when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.

            [29] When you hide your face, they are dismayed;

                        when you take away their breath, they die

                        and return to their dust.

            [30] When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,

                        and you renew the face of the ground.

           

            [31] May the glory of the LORD endure forever;

                        may the LORD rejoice in his works,

            [32] who looks on the earth and it trembles,

                        who touches the mountains and they smoke!

            [33] I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;

                        I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

            [34] May my meditation be pleasing to him,

                        for I rejoice in the LORD.

            [35] Let sinners be consumed from the earth,

                        and let the wicked be no more!

            Bless the LORD, O my soul!

            Praise the LORD! (ESV)

]]>
As we come to the end of the Annual Meeting, I would like to read our 2023 Psalm of the Year:

Psalm 8

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David.

            [1] O LORD, our Lord,

                        how majestic is your name in all the earth!

            You have set your glory above the heavens.

            [2]       Out of the mouth of babies and infants,

            you have established strength because of your foes,

                        to still the enemy and the avenger.

           

            [3] When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

                        the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

            [4] what is man that you are mindful of him,

                        and the son of man that you care for him?

           

            [5] Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

                        and crowned him with glory and honor.

            [6] You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;

                        you have put all things under his feet,

            [7] all sheep and oxen,

                        and also the beasts of the field,

            [8] the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

                        whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

           

            [9] O LORD, our Lord,

                        how majestic is your name in all the earth! (ESV)

 

The declaration of the lordship and glory of Yahweh that bookends Psalm 8 has been the constant cry of our heart here at PBC for the year 2023 and will certainly continue into 2024 and beyond.

If you are new to our fellowship and this is your first Annual Meeting, the elders like to take some time to look back over the year and remember God’s faithfulness and blessings upon our church family. We also look forward to the next year of faithful and fruitful ministry to each other, to our city, to our nation, and to the ends of the earth.

In last year’s report, Dennon made note that 2022 saw unprecedented growth with 26 new members joining us. Well, in 2023 God saw fit to continue - and even outpace - that growth. Within 2023, we have affirmed 28 new members into the Body with 2 more awaiting affirmation. To those of you within that category, we love you and are thrilled to have you be a part of our church family. We look forward to serving the Lord together with you for many years.

As you can tell from the written reports, a growing church means growing ministries, and nowhere is that felt more than our various children’s ministries. To put some perspective on that growth, in Children’s Sunday School we had 56 children on roster at the start of the 2022-2023 year, 75 at the beginning of the 2023/24 year, and currently (mid-2023/24) have 83 children on roster. This expansion has led to some needed logistical changes for this year, but also a continuing need for volunteers. Members, we consistently hear of this need and so I urge you to reach out to Ric and Giselle Crooks if you are willing to serve the children’s Sunday School or Kelly Nichols if you are willing to serve in the worship-care nursery.

Along these same lines, we had another great year of Vacation Bible School! Under the direction of Pam Giles and many others around her, I believe we, once again, had record-breaking numbers. We had 108 kids enrolled in VBS with an average of 97 each day.  Our high day was 101. We had 64 volunteers in total. The total offering collected for Next Step Farms was $1,548.49. 2024 will likely top even that because this next summer we will have 2 additional churches participating with us! Our church plant partners, Gracious Savior and Redeemer, will be participating together with us for VBS 2024. This is a wonderful picture of the unity the gospel brings as we fulfill the Great Commission call to be disciples of Christ who make disciples of Christ. On a bittersweet note, Pam has asked to begin handing off the reins as VBS Director. Kelly Nichols has agreed to transition into that role for 2024, of course with the support and consultation of Pam. Please begin praying for them and all of the volunteers and kids who attend!

Considering now our older students, the Youth Ministry has seen some significant changes this year. With Brian Milby gearing up for the launch of Gracious Savior, Blair stepped into leadership of that ministry several months ago. 2023 was full of fellowships and retreats, missions, and service projects. While we are immensely grateful for Blair’s willingness to step into that role temporarily, it is just that - temporary. The elders have already begun formulating a job description and search criteria for someone to fulfill the role of Student Minister. More on that later. Looking forward to some upcoming events, coming up a week from today (Dec 13) the youth will be caroling at the homes of our homebound members. They have graciously invited everyone to join them. If you are interested, contact Blair for more information. Thus far in 2024 the youth are planning to participate in a retreat in February - the topic of which is Peace & Anxiety. Also, in June, they will be joining a World Changers mission trip to Henderson, KY.

Our Adult Sunday School is continuing to thrive with a vast majority of member involvement (~90%). Even most visitors end up attending Sunday School classes and often cite the robust, biblical teaching as a reason they decide to apply for membership. A hardy “thank you” to the Adult Teaching Ministry Team and Mike Watson for his leadership. Your dedication to God’s Word is a testimony to the glory and supremacy of Christ over all things.

Outside of Sunday mornings, we continued to experience God’s blessing in the use of our facilities. We have enjoyed another year of having room for church-wide fellowships and were able to celebrate God’s faithfulness at our 20th Anniversary fellowship in October. Weddings and receptions, bridal and baby showers, banquets, birthday parties, and Bible studies have all been hosted within these walls and this will surely continue in 2024.

Related to this, we rejoice with our sister, Robin Kramer, that on Sept 30th of this year, after 19 months of hosting them at PBC, Next Step Farms was able to officially open their permanent facility! While our building is certainly quieter, the love, joy, energy, and enthusiasm of the NSF clients will be missed. Praise God for answered prayers and the countless hours of hard work from the many individuals that made NSF happen!

I would also like to point out that there are several other ministries in our community that our members are involved in. Child Evangelism Fellowship, or CEF, is one which engages in gospel education in the nearby Legacy Elementary. Several of our members have been faithfully ministering to those public-school students for many years now through CEF. If you have any questions or interest in also serving in that way, you can reach out to us, and we’ll get you connected with the right individuals.

Likewise, the Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center is a ministry that supports and cares for women (and men) in crisis pregnancies. They provide pregnancy testing, education, and counseling all from a gospel-centered perspective. And again, many of our members are involved in supporting that ministry - if you want more info, reach out.

Each year Providence hosts a conference - alternating between a focus on history and theology. In lieu of that conference this year we held our 20th Anniversary celebration, so in 2024 we will be holding a history conference. The guest speaker and topic are to be determined because our original invitee had to decline due to health concerns. As soon as more details have been nailed down, we will share them with you!

This past Sunday evening we heard from our missionaries and church planters. As we step into 2024, I want to encourage you to continue to faithfully pray for and support them. Missionary work can often be isolating and lonely, so making sure they know they are valued and not forgotten is fundamental to a church’s support of those on the front line. As Pastor Sean emphasized at the Missions Banquet, the local church is the foundation for healthy, effective missions - may we be ever more mindful of the spread of the gospel in 2024. Blair mentioned the 2024 missionary/church planter directory and prayer guide will be available by the end of the year, so please keep an eye out for that.

While we have much to be thankful for and joyful over what God has done in 2023, we must also recognize that moments of grief and loss are a natural part of life. We continue to mourn with the Patterson family over the loss of Joanne Patterson, a dear church member. We grieve but not as those who have no hope. Our hope is that of eternal life with God accomplished on our behalf by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. While death is the ultimate reminder that the final consummation of redemption has yet to be fulfilled, we also see the reality of living in a fallen world as we struggle with health afflictions, emotional turmoil, and broken relationships. There are many members who are walking through these trials of various kinds - both publicly and privately. Please continue to love one another well and bear each other's burdens.

Well, so far, we have been considering the various ministries of the church and there is much more that I could say about each, but I will simply refer you to those written updates in your information packet. As a final note on this front, I would like to draw your attention to the ministry leadership page. With the launch of Gracious Savior Church, several ministry team lead positions will become vacant. The elders are thinking through and working on who could fill those roles, but we were reminded at the Missions Banquet that leadership in the church is recognized and called out primarily by the church. As we seek to fulfill the Great Commission by becoming “disciple-making disciples” we all must take responsibility and ownership of the ministry of the church. Please reach out to an elder if you have any interest in serving in these areas.

Speaking of church planting, this has been a major focus of our ministry in 2023 and you have just heard from our brother, Brian Milby, on the state of Gracious Savior Church and the plan for that launch in just a few short weeks. Also, earlier this year, a unique opportunity was presented to us to come alongside and partner with another local church planter. Zach Carter approached the elders early this year and asked that we advise and support him as he sought to plant a like-minded church in the Midcity area. As you all know, Redeemer Church constituted as a church in October and is faithfully preaching the gospel in that community. Our partnerships with Redeemer and Gracious Savior will only be strengthened in the coming months and years as we seek to grow the gospel witness in the Huntsville area.

Concerning our own gospel witness, the faithful preaching of God’s Word will remain central to life here at PBC. Blair has indicated he anticipates completing the exposition of Genesis in 2024 and will keep us updated on what is next for our preaching ministry.

Moving into 2024 the elders are, as always, seeking to grow in our ministry of the Word and prayer and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Before saying more on that, allow me to point out some updates to the elder council itself. With the launch of GSC, Brian Milby and Tommy Hogue will no longer be elders at PBC, and Dennon will be stepping down as an elder as well. As we often do, I will remind you that if you have a nomination for someone that is gifted and qualified to be an elder, mention that to any elder.

With these changes, Providence really is stepping into a new season of life. Becoming a church-planting church has made us think deeply about what it means to establish healthy churches in our community, and how to be one ourselves! It has helped us reinforce meaningful church membership and that every member, having covenanted with one another, is called to be a disciple who makes disciples. The Scripture’s image of a properly functioning body calls us all to be committed to using our gifts, as they have been given to us, for the building up of one another. The heart of Baptist congregational policy is that each member, as a regenerate child of God, is called to love one another, build up the church, do the work of the ministry, and be the ambassadors of reconciliation to a broken world. We believe that the tweaks to the new member process will help to fortify that and display our conviction that we care for each other.

Intimately tied to this concept is the need to clean up our member roll. Inevitably, some members will leave our fellowship and not request a formal transfer of their letter, therefore their name remains on the roll. The reasons for this are myriad, but the fact remains: they are not functionally participating in the body. The elders are in the process of communicating with such individuals and in the first quarterly update, we will bring a list of names and updates to you for a vote. If you have any questions about that in the meantime, I or any other elder will be available to you. Plus, there will be a blog post or two published on the website that details the biblical reasons and historical precedent for this practice.

Paul also instructs Timothy to raise up leaders who develop others into leaders - who will in turn do the same, and so forth. We seek to do that by continually conforming to the biblical standards for both church offices, elders and deacons, and calling on our members to rise up and take ownership in meeting the needs in our church. With that said, I am pleased to announce that the elders have asked Nate Nichols to consider serving as the deacon of benevolence and he has agreed to begin that process. Over the next few months, we encourage you to speak with him about this calling, and at the first quarterly meeting of 2024 we will put him forward to be formally voted on by the church and installed as a deacon.

Related to this are our continual efforts to care for and protect our pastoral staff. This time last year we had Blair returning from his sabbatical and brought on Daniel as associate pastor, all while anticipating Brian launching out with Gracious Savior. This has led to many conversations about staffing at PBC: What are our staffing needs? How might they change in the coming season? How do we further develop and clarify the roles and responsibilities of each staff member? And in the midst of that, how do we properly care for each staff member in their physical, emotional, and spiritual life? I will not pretend we have figured out all the answers, but we are working on them. In the past several months a sub-team of elders has focused on building a robust compensation system for our staff. This work and more will transition to a Personnel Ministry Team that will consist of several lay elders and members. One of the first objectives of this team will be to begin the search for a student minister in earnest. As mentioned earlier, Blair directly leading that ministry is a temporary measure for an area that needs stability and permanency.  The goal in all this is to be faithful stewards of all things that God has entrusted to us - including our personnel.

In that spirit, I would like to take a moment as we look forward to the launch of a new gospel work and say a special thank you to our brother Brian Milby for 12 years of direct service to PBC. This is in no way a goodbye - he will still be around! - but really a beginning. So, thank you, brother. And many others have thanked you with cards and notes of appreciation.

To sum all this up, we might say that 2023 has been a challenging, but incredibly fruitful year. 2024 may prove to be more of the same, but I am certain of one thing: that God will be faithful to us in every way for His name’s sake. I echo the words of Paul when he says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

To conclude in much the same way that we began, I would like to introduce our 2024 Psalm of the year to you:

Psalm 104.

[1] Bless the LORD, O my soul!

                        O LORD my God, you are very great!

            You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

            [2]       covering yourself with light as with a garment,

                        stretching out the heavens like a tent.

            [3] He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;

            he makes the clouds his chariot;

                        he rides on the wings of the wind;

            [4] he makes his messengers winds,

                        his ministers a flaming fire.

           

            [5] He set the earth on its foundations,

                        so that it should never be moved.

            [6] You covered it with the deep as with a garment;

                        the waters stood above the mountains.

            [7] At your rebuke they fled;

                        at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.

            [8] The mountains rose, the valleys sank down

                        to the place that you appointed for them.

            [9] You set a boundary that they may not pass,

                        so that they might not again cover the earth.

           

            [10] You make springs gush forth in the valleys;

                        they flow between the hills;

            [11] they give drink to every beast of the field;

                        the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

            [12] Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;

                        they sing among the branches.

            [13] From your lofty abode you water the mountains;

                        the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.

           

            [14] You cause the grass to grow for the livestock

                        and plants for man to cultivate,

            that he may bring forth food from the earth

            [15]     and wine to gladden the heart of man,

            oil to make his face shine

                        and bread to strengthen man’s heart.

           

            [16] The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly,

                        the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

            [17] In them the birds build their nests;

                        the stork has her home in the fir trees.

            [18] The high mountains are for the wild goats;

                        the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.

           

            [19] He made the moon to mark the seasons;

                        the sun knows its time for setting.

            [20] You make darkness, and it is night,

                        when all the beasts of the forest creep about.

            [21] The young lions roar for their prey,

                        seeking their food from God.

            [22] When the sun rises, they steal away

                        and lie down in their dens.

            [23] Man goes out to his work

                        and to his labor until the evening.

           

            [24] O LORD, how manifold are your works!

                        In wisdom have you made them all;

                        the earth is full of your creatures.

            [25] Here is the sea, great and wide,

                        which teems with creatures innumerable,

                        living things both small and great.

            [26] There go the ships,

                        and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.

           

            [27] These all look to you,

                        to give them their food in due season.

            [28] When you give it to them, they gather it up;

                        when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.

            [29] When you hide your face, they are dismayed;

                        when you take away their breath, they die

                        and return to their dust.

            [30] When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,

                        and you renew the face of the ground.

           

            [31] May the glory of the LORD endure forever;

                        may the LORD rejoice in his works,

            [32] who looks on the earth and it trembles,

                        who touches the mountains and they smoke!

            [33] I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;

                        I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

            [34] May my meditation be pleasing to him,

                        for I rejoice in the LORD.

            [35] Let sinners be consumed from the earth,

                        and let the wicked be no more!

            Bless the LORD, O my soul!

            Praise the LORD! (ESV)

]]>
Pastor Blair’s Top Ten Books of 2023 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/pastor-blair-s-top-ten-books-of-2023 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/pastor-blair-s-top-ten-books-of-2023#comments Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/pastor-blair-s-top-ten-books-of-2023 Reviews can be found in previous blogs.

  1. Hamilton, Pauline. To A Different Drum. 10ofthose Publishing: Leyland, UK, 2023
  2. Beale, G.K. D.A. Carson, Benjamin Gladd, and Andrew Naselli (eds.). Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, 2023.
  3. Ventura, Robin (Ed). A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Christian Focus: Fearn, Scotland, 2022.
  4. Schilder, Klaas. Christ On Trial: Gethsemane to the Condemnation. Eerdman’s Publishing: Grand Rapids, 1939.
  5. Swarns, Rachel. The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church. Random House: New York, 2023.
  6. Park, Abraham. The Genesis Genealogies: God’s Administration in the History of Redemption. Periplus Editions: Singapore, 2009.
  7. Tautges, Paul. A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing. New Growth Press: Greensboro, 2020.
  8. Piper, John. When the Darkness Will Not Lift. Crossway: Wheaton, 2006.
  9. Hillman, Chris. Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond. BMG publishing, 2020.
  10. Deford, Frank. The Old Ball Game: How John McGraw, Christy Mathewson, and the New York Giants Created Modern Baseball. Atlantic Monthly Press: New York, 2005.
]]>
Reviews can be found in previous blogs.

  1. Hamilton, Pauline. To A Different Drum. 10ofthose Publishing: Leyland, UK, 2023
  2. Beale, G.K. D.A. Carson, Benjamin Gladd, and Andrew Naselli (eds.). Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, 2023.
  3. Ventura, Robin (Ed). A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Christian Focus: Fearn, Scotland, 2022.
  4. Schilder, Klaas. Christ On Trial: Gethsemane to the Condemnation. Eerdman’s Publishing: Grand Rapids, 1939.
  5. Swarns, Rachel. The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church. Random House: New York, 2023.
  6. Park, Abraham. The Genesis Genealogies: God’s Administration in the History of Redemption. Periplus Editions: Singapore, 2009.
  7. Tautges, Paul. A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing. New Growth Press: Greensboro, 2020.
  8. Piper, John. When the Darkness Will Not Lift. Crossway: Wheaton, 2006.
  9. Hillman, Chris. Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond. BMG publishing, 2020.
  10. Deford, Frank. The Old Ball Game: How John McGraw, Christy Mathewson, and the New York Giants Created Modern Baseball. Atlantic Monthly Press: New York, 2005.
]]>
What Pastor Blair Has Been Reading (October 2023 through December 2023) https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/what-pastor-blair-has-been-reading-october-2023-through-december-2023 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/what-pastor-blair-has-been-reading-october-2023-through-december-2023#comments Fri, 29 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/what-pastor-blair-has-been-reading-october-2023-through-december-2023 Ascol, Thomas (ed.), Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry. Founders Press: Cape Coral, 2016.

This is a collection of essays written in the form of letters to a fictional young minister (“Timothy”) as he begins his first pastorate. The wisdom comes from a variety of well-respected Reformed ministers and scholars from the United States and International. Such names as Mark Dever, Conrad Mbewe, Ted Tripp, and Joel Beeke are represented. As typical of such works, some of the essays are outstanding and some are mediocre. In my opinion the better ones were Tom Ascol on watching your priorities in pastoral ministry, Conrad Mbewe’s on watching your life, Ligon Duncan on keep studying, and my friend, Geoff Thomas on settling is superior and worthy to be passed out in the ministerial classrooms for their wisdom. I would say the book is comprehensive and would offer good discussion while training elders.

Beale, G.K. D.A. Carson, Benjamin Gladd, and Andrew Naselli (eds.), Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, 2023.

For ten years I have been using Beale and Carson’s Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament and it has been a wonderful tool as I exegete the text of New Testament Books. But I have often desired a topical based resource for easier use when I am studying the text of an Old Testament book. Now that is available to me. And it has been extremely helpful studying Genesis. For example, how did the New Testament writers understand the person of Abraham? Now I can merely look up the article on ‘Abraham.’ What did they think about circumcision? Or Idolatry in the period of the Old Testament. This has made studying quick and easy to use. I will confess I have not read this book cover to cover. But I have worked with it enough now for a few weeks, that I am comfortable endorsing it. The articles are written by over sixty conservative and accomplished scholars. I highly recommend this for someone teaching a text of scripture.

Hamilton, Pauline. To A Different Drum. 10ofthose Publishing: Leyland, UK, 2023.

This is a reprint of the autobiography of Dr. Pauline Hamilton (1922-1988), an OMF missionary in China and Taiwan. Every now and then, I stumble upon a truly inspiring story of one of God’s servants. Hamilton was addicted to drugs as a college student. It prevented her from getting into medical school. And due to this, in shame she tried to take her own life. But God had other plans. The car she planned on plummeting over a cliff ‘happened’ to have a flat tire. And from that moment on her life changed. Hamilton found Jesus and began studying as a scientist. She eventually acquired a PhD but left behind a teaching job at an ivy league university to become a missionary in China. Her years of service were incredibly fruitful as she ministered primarily to Chinese gangsters and young people. She developed cancer and had to return home when she was told she had 2-3 months left to live. That eventually stretched to 20 more years of service as a speaker to university students seeking to do missions. This was an incredible story - one of those only God could orchestrate this type of narratives. I highly recommend it.

Davis, Dale Ralph. Faith of our Father: Expositions of Genesis 12-25. Christian Focus Publications: Fearn, UK, 2015.

I typically love reading Dale Ralph Davis. He has a brilliant way of explaining the Old Testament in a very accessible way. He is always good for a clever quote or anecdote. When I saw he had two books on Genesis, I was really looking forward to reading them. However, this one missed the mark for me. It was too much of a broad overview to very edifying. And there were times I found his illustrations to be confusing to the point of the Biblical text (extremely rare for Davis). There are a few nuggets here that I will use in preaching through this text, but I am not sure I would recommend this one- especially to start you off on reading his books!

Davis, Dale Ralph. God’s Rascal: The Jacob Narrative in Genesis 25-35. Christian Focus Publications: Fearn, UK, 2022.

So, after my review of Faith of our Father, I was somewhat reluctant to continue with this volume. But I did, and I am glad I did so. This book still suffers from some of the weaknesses of the previous book in that it tries to cover too much material in as few pages as possible. There are several times that Davis fails to address some pretty important topics. But this is also vintage Davis. His remarks were poignant, and the illustrations fit the themes much better than the previous volume. Again, I would recommend this book more for more devotional use than for proper study. But with the exception noted, Davis always makes reading the Old Testament entertaining.

Gibson, Jonathan. O Come, O Come Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany. Crossway: Wheaton, 2023.

Last quarter, I reviewed Jonathan Gibson’s Be Thou My Vision. And much like that volume, I struggled through O Come, O Come Emmanuel. The liturgy just doesn’t seem to suit me on a daily basis. I like being reminded of the Church’s early confession (and this time he supplies the questions from the Heidelberg and Westminster Catechisms that pertain to the incarnation. But I find it to be too repetitive for my tastes. I do not feel as though I am connecting with the Bible like I should. The historical prayers and meditations on the incarnation from figures like Calvin, Ambrose and Augustine are golden. But that is not enough to feed me daily. There are some who might enjoy this book. And I do think it is better to read in this format in the advent setting than his previous devotional. But I probably will not pick it up again.

Ventura, Robin (Ed). A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Christian Focus: Fearn, Scotland, 2022.

Our Presbyterian brothers have been publishing expositions of the Westminster Confession regularly over the past two hundred years. But we Baptist have failed in this. The last solid exposition was Sam Waldron’s back in 1989. So, it is delightful to see that Robin Ventura has selected a number of capable authors to explain our great confession of faith. As is typical of such a work, some chapters exceed others. Ventura’s chapter on adoption and Chanski’s chapter on the Supper are exceptional. But every chapter is worthy of study as it leads you through the confession. This is a much-needed work. And I commend it to every person who wants to understand the Reformed Baptist position.

]]>
Ascol, Thomas (ed.), Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry. Founders Press: Cape Coral, 2016.

This is a collection of essays written in the form of letters to a fictional young minister (“Timothy”) as he begins his first pastorate. The wisdom comes from a variety of well-respected Reformed ministers and scholars from the United States and International. Such names as Mark Dever, Conrad Mbewe, Ted Tripp, and Joel Beeke are represented. As typical of such works, some of the essays are outstanding and some are mediocre. In my opinion the better ones were Tom Ascol on watching your priorities in pastoral ministry, Conrad Mbewe’s on watching your life, Ligon Duncan on keep studying, and my friend, Geoff Thomas on settling is superior and worthy to be passed out in the ministerial classrooms for their wisdom. I would say the book is comprehensive and would offer good discussion while training elders.

Beale, G.K. D.A. Carson, Benjamin Gladd, and Andrew Naselli (eds.), Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, 2023.

For ten years I have been using Beale and Carson’s Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament and it has been a wonderful tool as I exegete the text of New Testament Books. But I have often desired a topical based resource for easier use when I am studying the text of an Old Testament book. Now that is available to me. And it has been extremely helpful studying Genesis. For example, how did the New Testament writers understand the person of Abraham? Now I can merely look up the article on ‘Abraham.’ What did they think about circumcision? Or Idolatry in the period of the Old Testament. This has made studying quick and easy to use. I will confess I have not read this book cover to cover. But I have worked with it enough now for a few weeks, that I am comfortable endorsing it. The articles are written by over sixty conservative and accomplished scholars. I highly recommend this for someone teaching a text of scripture.

Hamilton, Pauline. To A Different Drum. 10ofthose Publishing: Leyland, UK, 2023.

This is a reprint of the autobiography of Dr. Pauline Hamilton (1922-1988), an OMF missionary in China and Taiwan. Every now and then, I stumble upon a truly inspiring story of one of God’s servants. Hamilton was addicted to drugs as a college student. It prevented her from getting into medical school. And due to this, in shame she tried to take her own life. But God had other plans. The car she planned on plummeting over a cliff ‘happened’ to have a flat tire. And from that moment on her life changed. Hamilton found Jesus and began studying as a scientist. She eventually acquired a PhD but left behind a teaching job at an ivy league university to become a missionary in China. Her years of service were incredibly fruitful as she ministered primarily to Chinese gangsters and young people. She developed cancer and had to return home when she was told she had 2-3 months left to live. That eventually stretched to 20 more years of service as a speaker to university students seeking to do missions. This was an incredible story - one of those only God could orchestrate this type of narratives. I highly recommend it.

Davis, Dale Ralph. Faith of our Father: Expositions of Genesis 12-25. Christian Focus Publications: Fearn, UK, 2015.

I typically love reading Dale Ralph Davis. He has a brilliant way of explaining the Old Testament in a very accessible way. He is always good for a clever quote or anecdote. When I saw he had two books on Genesis, I was really looking forward to reading them. However, this one missed the mark for me. It was too much of a broad overview to very edifying. And there were times I found his illustrations to be confusing to the point of the Biblical text (extremely rare for Davis). There are a few nuggets here that I will use in preaching through this text, but I am not sure I would recommend this one- especially to start you off on reading his books!

Davis, Dale Ralph. God’s Rascal: The Jacob Narrative in Genesis 25-35. Christian Focus Publications: Fearn, UK, 2022.

So, after my review of Faith of our Father, I was somewhat reluctant to continue with this volume. But I did, and I am glad I did so. This book still suffers from some of the weaknesses of the previous book in that it tries to cover too much material in as few pages as possible. There are several times that Davis fails to address some pretty important topics. But this is also vintage Davis. His remarks were poignant, and the illustrations fit the themes much better than the previous volume. Again, I would recommend this book more for more devotional use than for proper study. But with the exception noted, Davis always makes reading the Old Testament entertaining.

Gibson, Jonathan. O Come, O Come Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany. Crossway: Wheaton, 2023.

Last quarter, I reviewed Jonathan Gibson’s Be Thou My Vision. And much like that volume, I struggled through O Come, O Come Emmanuel. The liturgy just doesn’t seem to suit me on a daily basis. I like being reminded of the Church’s early confession (and this time he supplies the questions from the Heidelberg and Westminster Catechisms that pertain to the incarnation. But I find it to be too repetitive for my tastes. I do not feel as though I am connecting with the Bible like I should. The historical prayers and meditations on the incarnation from figures like Calvin, Ambrose and Augustine are golden. But that is not enough to feed me daily. There are some who might enjoy this book. And I do think it is better to read in this format in the advent setting than his previous devotional. But I probably will not pick it up again.

Ventura, Robin (Ed). A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Christian Focus: Fearn, Scotland, 2022.

Our Presbyterian brothers have been publishing expositions of the Westminster Confession regularly over the past two hundred years. But we Baptist have failed in this. The last solid exposition was Sam Waldron’s back in 1989. So, it is delightful to see that Robin Ventura has selected a number of capable authors to explain our great confession of faith. As is typical of such a work, some chapters exceed others. Ventura’s chapter on adoption and Chanski’s chapter on the Supper are exceptional. But every chapter is worthy of study as it leads you through the confession. This is a much-needed work. And I commend it to every person who wants to understand the Reformed Baptist position.

]]>
Our 20th Anniversary! https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/our-20th-anniversary https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/our-20th-anniversary#comments Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/our-20th-anniversary Next Sunday, October 29, we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary as a congregation. It falls on the choicest of days, as it is Reformation Sunday. We love celebrating these anniversaries as they are a homecoming to us. While everyone is invited, if you were a part of our initial work here at Providence, we would especially love to see you at one of the two events of the day.

On Sunday morning, 10:15 AM, we will have a special service dedicated to the Lord’s sustain this place of worship. Then on Sunday afternoon at 4:00, we will have our annual chili supper cook off! We ask you to bring a chili to share and enter the competition for the coveted ‘Golden Ladle’s, and maybe some cornbread, or other side items and a dessert to share. The church will be decorated with lots of pictures and artifacts from our past. And there will be hayrides for the kids.

We hope you will join us to celebrate what God is doing at Providence Baptist Church.

]]>
Next Sunday, October 29, we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary as a congregation. It falls on the choicest of days, as it is Reformation Sunday. We love celebrating these anniversaries as they are a homecoming to us. While everyone is invited, if you were a part of our initial work here at Providence, we would especially love to see you at one of the two events of the day.

On Sunday morning, 10:15 AM, we will have a special service dedicated to the Lord’s sustain this place of worship. Then on Sunday afternoon at 4:00, we will have our annual chili supper cook off! We ask you to bring a chili to share and enter the competition for the coveted ‘Golden Ladle’s, and maybe some cornbread, or other side items and a dessert to share. The church will be decorated with lots of pictures and artifacts from our past. And there will be hayrides for the kids.

We hope you will join us to celebrate what God is doing at Providence Baptist Church.

]]>
What Pastor Blair Has Been Reading (July 2023 through September 2023) https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/what-pastor-blair-has-been-reading-july-2023-through-september-2023 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/what-pastor-blair-has-been-reading-july-2023-through-september-2023#comments Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/what-pastor-blair-has-been-reading-july-2023-through-september-2023 Adams, Isaac. Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations. Zondervan: Grand Rapids, 2022.

I started this book back in February during Black history month. I had to lay it aside as a bigger project interfered. But I resumed reading it this summer. This is a great book regarding race and much needed. Note the title- this is not a book about race- but a volume on how to talk about race. Too often Christians are talking past one another and not to one another. This book helps one to understand why that is the case and how we can do better. The book begins with a fictional shooting of a black man. And then it examines the different perspectives about how different sides may feel about it- making no judgments on the opinions. The second part of the book explains why- as difficult as it must be- Christians need to have conversations about racial relationships. This is a helpful tool that can help with that difficult conversation- particularly in a small group setting. I was encouraged as I read it that it could open great dialogue among evangelicals.

Bevins, Vincent. The Jakarta Method: Washington’s Anticommunist Crusade & the Mass Murder Program that Shaped our World. BBS Public Affairs: New York, 2020.

I was browsing through the book store when this title caught my eye. I have long been interested in the history of Indonesia. And the Suharto (second President of Indonesia) years have often been shadowed as many refuses to talk about his dictatorship. Bevins does a decent job demonstrating how Suharto came to power by eliminating left leaning opposition forcefully. Like Pol Pott, thousands died under his regime. And because he was willing to cooperate with the U.S. in holding back communism, he had the blessing of Washington. His strong-arm tactics were so effective that the phrase ‘The Jakarta Method,’ was the used as term to eliminate opposition by branding them ‘communistic’ in other countries. Guatemala, Brazil, and Chile adopted this ‘method’. As one reads, they must keep in mind the author is sympathetic to the left. But he is completely justified in being outraged at the sheer evil involved. 

Bray, Gerald. Preaching the Word With John Chrysostom. Lexham Press: Bellingham, WA, 2020.

I was recently reading some of the sermons of John ‘Golden Mouth.’ He was a fourth century patriarch and a contemporary of Augustine. John is credited with returning Biblical interpretation from allegorical to literal.  I had some confusion over some of the ideas John was addressing.  So, I picked up this little primer on his life. It did the trick. Gerald Bray does and excellent job covering the pertinent details of this great preacher’s life. Then he addresses his major thought in his sermon series in Genesis, the Gospels, and the letters of Paul (who was a role model for John). This little volume is readable and a sufficient introduction. It makes me want to know even more about the John Chrysostom.

Downs, Tim & Joy. Fight Fair! Winning at Conflict Without Losing at Love. Moody Publishers: Chicago, 2010.

Every year I seek to read a book on marriage. I was at a conference recently and was intrigued by this topic. The authors desire to minimize conflict and improve communication. I am glad I read this, because it reminded me just how dangerous integrative psychology can be. Supposedly, ‘integrationists’ believe they are using both the Bible and the best observations of secular psychology. This is combining the best of ‘both worlds’, hence the word ‘integration’. However, most integration is putting forth secular counseling and then seeking support in scripture that proves the point of the authors. This is an excellent example. In over 150 pages, I counted only twenty-three verses that were referenced. Most of these were from the New Living Translation and The Message and were cited in the margin apart from the text; and a few in the text were taken out of context. And providing quotes out of context was consistent with citing other authors was an issue as well. Sadly, there was very little practical advice they proffered that I disagreed with. Yet hardly any dependence upon the Holy Spirit mentioned. As Jesus taught, when the principles are built upon sand, it is doomed to fall down once the storms come. While I know this couple are popular speakers, I do not recommend this book.

Gibson, Jonathan. Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship. Crossway: Wheaton, 2021.

First let me comment on the construction of the book. This is beautifully done. It has a cloth cover, three ribbons for place marking and comes in an ornate bookcase. It makes the reader desire to read each day and gives the feeling that the contents are holy. The book is a forty-day liturgy that leads the devotee through scripture of calls to worship, law and gospel, and a daily Bible reading. It also contains prayers and confessions from historical Church figures (I was delighted to see Jay included). And it encourages a daily reading in one of the historical church catechisms. While I enjoyed the exercise, I did find it to a little too rote for my tastes. It is definitely presbyterian in its design. But it did give me an appreciation of the liturgy. The author has released an advent addition and I look forward to trying that.

Hamilton, Victor P. The New International Commentary of the Old Testament: The Book Of Genesis Chapters 18-50. Eerdmans Publishing: Grand Rapids, 1995.

This is the second volume on Genesis by Hamilton. I would almost repeat word for word what I wrote when I reviewed the first volume. This is a well done commentary on Genesis. Hamilton is conservative and argues against the documentary hypothesis throughout, but he is kind when presenting their views and offers alternatives to their criticisms. This is an academic and technical work. And it shows throughout. That is its drawback. Too many times Hamilton chases needless rabbits that have nothing to do with the Biblical text. One feels that he is trying to get the first work in on ancient subjects. I still prefer Waltke’s commentary overall. But this was a good technical companion to it.

Ursinus & Olevianus. The Heidelberg Catechism. Banner of Truth: Edinburgh, 2013.

As part of the Gibson reading above, I chose to read this leather-bound edition of the Heidelberg Catechism. It was produced in 1563 and remains a monument of sound theology. Bill VanDoodewaard provides a nice introduction preceding the catechism. The first question of ‘what is our hope in life and death? Still cannot be answered any better. Of course, I would disagree on their statement on infant baptism. I also would disagree that the Lord’s Prayer is to be prayed repetitively (as Jesus said that it is a model). But I prefer their answer on how to celebrate the Christian Sabbath better than I do the 1689. If you have not read the great catechisms recently, I would encourage you to do so.

Heiser, Michael S. Angels: What the Bible really Says About God’s Heavenly Host. Lexham Press, Bellingham, WA, 2018.

Sadly, the world lost Michael Heiser last year. He was a brilliant scholar and from all accounts a humble Christian. Heiser’s specialty is the Unseen World. I reviewed his book on Demons a few years ago. This is the companion volume. It is not as strong as the other but still a worthy read. Few have the scope and knowledge of second temple literature as Heiser. And he is very good at language. However, like the previous volumes, I struggle with the authors understanding of Genesis 6 where the sons of God mingle with the daughters of man. Heiser sees these as spiritual beings who marry humans. I am not inclined to agree as the phrase ‘sons of God’ can also mean the redeemed. I tend to think these are the sons of Seth and Adam. That being said, much of what Heiser says is valuable.

Najapfour, Sarah. When I Am Afraid. Reformation Heritage Books: Grand Rapids, 2023.

This is a new children’s book that is designed to help children cope with their anxiety. The story follows a little girl named Anna who gets scared often. She is trying to determine what to do with her fear. The plot is overly simplistic, and the illustrations leave much to be desired. However, that portion of the book is only a tool to help a parent speak to their child about their fears. The real substance of the book is the appendix where Dr. Rebecca Huizen gives parents really practical exercises for parents. And that is followed by a second appendix with an article on practical strategies to help children deal with anxiety. I like what Huizen says. Her advice is Biblical, and it also takes into account the way children’s bodies react to fear. Those two appendices are worth the price of the book. I have purchased multiple copies and put them on the bookshelf. I encourage parents to pick up a copy then share it with others.

Schilder, Klaas. Christ On Trial: Gethsemane to the Condemnation. Eerdman’s Publishing: Grand Rapids, 1939.

Klaas Schilder (1890-1952) was a Dutch Reformed pastor who did much to combat the neo-orthodoxy of his day. This is the second volume in a trilogy based upon the sufferings of Christ. It is Schilder’s magnum opus and it does not disappoint. The reader will be drawn deeper into the considerations of the sufferings of Jesus. It will make one love God, his sovereignty, and the sacrifice of our Savior even more. I will say this is stout reading. I cannot tell if it is Schilder or his translator that makes him so verbose. It can be tedious reading. Schilder does say a few speculative things (like there being no need for blood in heaven). But despite such drawbacks it is worth it. I love Jesus more because of these two books. I look forward to reading the third volume in the upcoming year.

Spurgeon, Charles. Encouragement for the Depressed. Crossway: Wheaton, 2020.

This is a volume in the Crossway Short Classics series. They have taken sermons from several historical preachers and arranged them topically. Spurgeon was a pastor that suffered often from bouts of depression. (You can read Zach Eswine’s excellent work on this titled, Spurgeon’s Sorrows). These sermons address the church on how to help one battling discouragement and also how the minister might cope with depression. I found both subjects to be very helpful. Spurgeon is a master with words. He still encourages today.

Swarns, Rachel. The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church. Random House: New York, 2023.

I have dear brother who is a pastor in Baltimore. He told me about a book that had recently been released that chronicled the history of his family. It also had affected him emotionally. I picked up my own copy and I can say it had an emotional effect on me as well (though not nearly as deep as my friend). Rachel Swarns tells the story of the men and women descending from an indentured servant, who were unjustly enslaved. Eventually they became the property of the Jesuits. Then as the families grew larger were eventually sold and parceled off in Louisiana in order to finance Georgetown University. Swarns writes with some speculation, but with fairness and equity in her comments. The reader cannot help but feel the tragedy of the situation. The fact that this was the family of my friend made it more impactful. But the book also reveals the resiliency of these former slaves as they gained their freedom and made a new life for themselves after the Civil War. This is a difficult read due to its content, but it is an important historical work.

]]>
Adams, Isaac. Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations. Zondervan: Grand Rapids, 2022.

I started this book back in February during Black history month. I had to lay it aside as a bigger project interfered. But I resumed reading it this summer. This is a great book regarding race and much needed. Note the title- this is not a book about race- but a volume on how to talk about race. Too often Christians are talking past one another and not to one another. This book helps one to understand why that is the case and how we can do better. The book begins with a fictional shooting of a black man. And then it examines the different perspectives about how different sides may feel about it- making no judgments on the opinions. The second part of the book explains why- as difficult as it must be- Christians need to have conversations about racial relationships. This is a helpful tool that can help with that difficult conversation- particularly in a small group setting. I was encouraged as I read it that it could open great dialogue among evangelicals.

Bevins, Vincent. The Jakarta Method: Washington’s Anticommunist Crusade & the Mass Murder Program that Shaped our World. BBS Public Affairs: New York, 2020.

I was browsing through the book store when this title caught my eye. I have long been interested in the history of Indonesia. And the Suharto (second President of Indonesia) years have often been shadowed as many refuses to talk about his dictatorship. Bevins does a decent job demonstrating how Suharto came to power by eliminating left leaning opposition forcefully. Like Pol Pott, thousands died under his regime. And because he was willing to cooperate with the U.S. in holding back communism, he had the blessing of Washington. His strong-arm tactics were so effective that the phrase ‘The Jakarta Method,’ was the used as term to eliminate opposition by branding them ‘communistic’ in other countries. Guatemala, Brazil, and Chile adopted this ‘method’. As one reads, they must keep in mind the author is sympathetic to the left. But he is completely justified in being outraged at the sheer evil involved. 

Bray, Gerald. Preaching the Word With John Chrysostom. Lexham Press: Bellingham, WA, 2020.

I was recently reading some of the sermons of John ‘Golden Mouth.’ He was a fourth century patriarch and a contemporary of Augustine. John is credited with returning Biblical interpretation from allegorical to literal.  I had some confusion over some of the ideas John was addressing.  So, I picked up this little primer on his life. It did the trick. Gerald Bray does and excellent job covering the pertinent details of this great preacher’s life. Then he addresses his major thought in his sermon series in Genesis, the Gospels, and the letters of Paul (who was a role model for John). This little volume is readable and a sufficient introduction. It makes me want to know even more about the John Chrysostom.

Downs, Tim & Joy. Fight Fair! Winning at Conflict Without Losing at Love. Moody Publishers: Chicago, 2010.

Every year I seek to read a book on marriage. I was at a conference recently and was intrigued by this topic. The authors desire to minimize conflict and improve communication. I am glad I read this, because it reminded me just how dangerous integrative psychology can be. Supposedly, ‘integrationists’ believe they are using both the Bible and the best observations of secular psychology. This is combining the best of ‘both worlds’, hence the word ‘integration’. However, most integration is putting forth secular counseling and then seeking support in scripture that proves the point of the authors. This is an excellent example. In over 150 pages, I counted only twenty-three verses that were referenced. Most of these were from the New Living Translation and The Message and were cited in the margin apart from the text; and a few in the text were taken out of context. And providing quotes out of context was consistent with citing other authors was an issue as well. Sadly, there was very little practical advice they proffered that I disagreed with. Yet hardly any dependence upon the Holy Spirit mentioned. As Jesus taught, when the principles are built upon sand, it is doomed to fall down once the storms come. While I know this couple are popular speakers, I do not recommend this book.

Gibson, Jonathan. Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship. Crossway: Wheaton, 2021.

First let me comment on the construction of the book. This is beautifully done. It has a cloth cover, three ribbons for place marking and comes in an ornate bookcase. It makes the reader desire to read each day and gives the feeling that the contents are holy. The book is a forty-day liturgy that leads the devotee through scripture of calls to worship, law and gospel, and a daily Bible reading. It also contains prayers and confessions from historical Church figures (I was delighted to see Jay included). And it encourages a daily reading in one of the historical church catechisms. While I enjoyed the exercise, I did find it to a little too rote for my tastes. It is definitely presbyterian in its design. But it did give me an appreciation of the liturgy. The author has released an advent addition and I look forward to trying that.

Hamilton, Victor P. The New International Commentary of the Old Testament: The Book Of Genesis Chapters 18-50. Eerdmans Publishing: Grand Rapids, 1995.

This is the second volume on Genesis by Hamilton. I would almost repeat word for word what I wrote when I reviewed the first volume. This is a well done commentary on Genesis. Hamilton is conservative and argues against the documentary hypothesis throughout, but he is kind when presenting their views and offers alternatives to their criticisms. This is an academic and technical work. And it shows throughout. That is its drawback. Too many times Hamilton chases needless rabbits that have nothing to do with the Biblical text. One feels that he is trying to get the first work in on ancient subjects. I still prefer Waltke’s commentary overall. But this was a good technical companion to it.

Ursinus & Olevianus. The Heidelberg Catechism. Banner of Truth: Edinburgh, 2013.

As part of the Gibson reading above, I chose to read this leather-bound edition of the Heidelberg Catechism. It was produced in 1563 and remains a monument of sound theology. Bill VanDoodewaard provides a nice introduction preceding the catechism. The first question of ‘what is our hope in life and death? Still cannot be answered any better. Of course, I would disagree on their statement on infant baptism. I also would disagree that the Lord’s Prayer is to be prayed repetitively (as Jesus said that it is a model). But I prefer their answer on how to celebrate the Christian Sabbath better than I do the 1689. If you have not read the great catechisms recently, I would encourage you to do so.

Heiser, Michael S. Angels: What the Bible really Says About God’s Heavenly Host. Lexham Press, Bellingham, WA, 2018.

Sadly, the world lost Michael Heiser last year. He was a brilliant scholar and from all accounts a humble Christian. Heiser’s specialty is the Unseen World. I reviewed his book on Demons a few years ago. This is the companion volume. It is not as strong as the other but still a worthy read. Few have the scope and knowledge of second temple literature as Heiser. And he is very good at language. However, like the previous volumes, I struggle with the authors understanding of Genesis 6 where the sons of God mingle with the daughters of man. Heiser sees these as spiritual beings who marry humans. I am not inclined to agree as the phrase ‘sons of God’ can also mean the redeemed. I tend to think these are the sons of Seth and Adam. That being said, much of what Heiser says is valuable.

Najapfour, Sarah. When I Am Afraid. Reformation Heritage Books: Grand Rapids, 2023.

This is a new children’s book that is designed to help children cope with their anxiety. The story follows a little girl named Anna who gets scared often. She is trying to determine what to do with her fear. The plot is overly simplistic, and the illustrations leave much to be desired. However, that portion of the book is only a tool to help a parent speak to their child about their fears. The real substance of the book is the appendix where Dr. Rebecca Huizen gives parents really practical exercises for parents. And that is followed by a second appendix with an article on practical strategies to help children deal with anxiety. I like what Huizen says. Her advice is Biblical, and it also takes into account the way children’s bodies react to fear. Those two appendices are worth the price of the book. I have purchased multiple copies and put them on the bookshelf. I encourage parents to pick up a copy then share it with others.

Schilder, Klaas. Christ On Trial: Gethsemane to the Condemnation. Eerdman’s Publishing: Grand Rapids, 1939.

Klaas Schilder (1890-1952) was a Dutch Reformed pastor who did much to combat the neo-orthodoxy of his day. This is the second volume in a trilogy based upon the sufferings of Christ. It is Schilder’s magnum opus and it does not disappoint. The reader will be drawn deeper into the considerations of the sufferings of Jesus. It will make one love God, his sovereignty, and the sacrifice of our Savior even more. I will say this is stout reading. I cannot tell if it is Schilder or his translator that makes him so verbose. It can be tedious reading. Schilder does say a few speculative things (like there being no need for blood in heaven). But despite such drawbacks it is worth it. I love Jesus more because of these two books. I look forward to reading the third volume in the upcoming year.

Spurgeon, Charles. Encouragement for the Depressed. Crossway: Wheaton, 2020.

This is a volume in the Crossway Short Classics series. They have taken sermons from several historical preachers and arranged them topically. Spurgeon was a pastor that suffered often from bouts of depression. (You can read Zach Eswine’s excellent work on this titled, Spurgeon’s Sorrows). These sermons address the church on how to help one battling discouragement and also how the minister might cope with depression. I found both subjects to be very helpful. Spurgeon is a master with words. He still encourages today.

Swarns, Rachel. The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church. Random House: New York, 2023.

I have dear brother who is a pastor in Baltimore. He told me about a book that had recently been released that chronicled the history of his family. It also had affected him emotionally. I picked up my own copy and I can say it had an emotional effect on me as well (though not nearly as deep as my friend). Rachel Swarns tells the story of the men and women descending from an indentured servant, who were unjustly enslaved. Eventually they became the property of the Jesuits. Then as the families grew larger were eventually sold and parceled off in Louisiana in order to finance Georgetown University. Swarns writes with some speculation, but with fairness and equity in her comments. The reader cannot help but feel the tragedy of the situation. The fact that this was the family of my friend made it more impactful. But the book also reveals the resiliency of these former slaves as they gained their freedom and made a new life for themselves after the Civil War. This is a difficult read due to its content, but it is an important historical work.

]]>
The Ugly Parts of the Scriptures https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/the-ugly-parts-of-the-scriptures https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/the-ugly-parts-of-the-scriptures#comments Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/the-ugly-parts-of-the-scriptures I recently went on record in my sermon three weeks ago, that I believe the Bible is the most wonderful book on the earth. It is supernaturally composed and can reveal to us not only our great God but also who we are as well (James 1:22-25). The construction of 66 books written over two millennia having a complete story from beginning to end and the fact that it still has relevance for us today is stunning. It is a beautiful book!

But since the scriptures reveal the corrupt nature of our hearts it also has its ugly parts- places where we might want to look away. Within our study in Genesis, we are about to arrive at some ‘ugly parts’. We will be looking at episodes we might prefer to avoid. In chapters nineteen and twenty, we will see the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, the violent destruction of those cities, the incestuous behavior of Lot’s daughters and Abraham’s attempted infidelity by giving Sarah to Abimelech in return for his own safety. These behaviors should be repulsive to our sensibilities.

So naturally a question might arise, ‘should I keep my children in the service to hear these stories?’ And I would say the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. We need the entirety of scripture! Paul told the Corinthians that the Old Testament stories were for their (and our) benefit. “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.” (1 Co 10:6–7). And the major problem with our view of sin is thinking that it’s not a big deal. But sin evolved and spreads. Just a little leaven pervades the whole bunch. Children need to hear the outcome of growing sin and its consequences before a holy God. But a natural tendency is to shield them from negativity in order to protect them. But let me remind you what Paul wrote- ‘that we might not desire evil, as they did.’ We actually protect our children by letting them read and hear of these Old Testament examples.

This is where parenting needs to come alongside the pulpit (I hope you are doing this in your homes already). As we discuss these stories, talk with your kids. Ask them pertinent questions that will have relevance to their own character development. Ask them questions like ‘how did the children of Sodom and Gomorrah become sinful adults? Did they watch what their society was doing or consult the Bible? Why is it an advantage to grow up in Christian home? How important are the warnings in the Bible? Why should we study it each day? Just how bad is sin? Where can it lead?’ Dialogue like this will help your child make sense of the world. It will connect their hoped-for faith with the reality of our sinful condition. You can never go wrong sharing the truth (John 8:32), but there could be massive consequences avoiding it. These are hard topics. But you have a gracious Holy Spirit that allows you to communicate these difficult matters to your kids. Know that your pastor will be praying for you as you do.

]]>
I recently went on record in my sermon three weeks ago, that I believe the Bible is the most wonderful book on the earth. It is supernaturally composed and can reveal to us not only our great God but also who we are as well (James 1:22-25). The construction of 66 books written over two millennia having a complete story from beginning to end and the fact that it still has relevance for us today is stunning. It is a beautiful book!

But since the scriptures reveal the corrupt nature of our hearts it also has its ugly parts- places where we might want to look away. Within our study in Genesis, we are about to arrive at some ‘ugly parts’. We will be looking at episodes we might prefer to avoid. In chapters nineteen and twenty, we will see the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, the violent destruction of those cities, the incestuous behavior of Lot’s daughters and Abraham’s attempted infidelity by giving Sarah to Abimelech in return for his own safety. These behaviors should be repulsive to our sensibilities.

So naturally a question might arise, ‘should I keep my children in the service to hear these stories?’ And I would say the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. We need the entirety of scripture! Paul told the Corinthians that the Old Testament stories were for their (and our) benefit. “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.” (1 Co 10:6–7). And the major problem with our view of sin is thinking that it’s not a big deal. But sin evolved and spreads. Just a little leaven pervades the whole bunch. Children need to hear the outcome of growing sin and its consequences before a holy God. But a natural tendency is to shield them from negativity in order to protect them. But let me remind you what Paul wrote- ‘that we might not desire evil, as they did.’ We actually protect our children by letting them read and hear of these Old Testament examples.

This is where parenting needs to come alongside the pulpit (I hope you are doing this in your homes already). As we discuss these stories, talk with your kids. Ask them pertinent questions that will have relevance to their own character development. Ask them questions like ‘how did the children of Sodom and Gomorrah become sinful adults? Did they watch what their society was doing or consult the Bible? Why is it an advantage to grow up in Christian home? How important are the warnings in the Bible? Why should we study it each day? Just how bad is sin? Where can it lead?’ Dialogue like this will help your child make sense of the world. It will connect their hoped-for faith with the reality of our sinful condition. You can never go wrong sharing the truth (John 8:32), but there could be massive consequences avoiding it. These are hard topics. But you have a gracious Holy Spirit that allows you to communicate these difficult matters to your kids. Know that your pastor will be praying for you as you do.

]]>
Why K Groups? https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/why-kgroups https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/why-kgroups#comments Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/why-kgroups If you think relationships are an essential part of healthy church life, and I hope you do, then small groups (K Groups) should also be important to you. They are actually crucial to the life of any healthy church.

A lot of Christian discipleship deals with what you need to know, not who you need to be with. That is sad because if we get our relationships right, the information will follow. If we connect with people in real gospel togetherness, we will learn.  We often don’t take relationship-based discipleship seriously enough.  When we preach the gospel to one another (reference The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent) in close-knit groups, there is spiritual growth that changes us individually and as a whole. That change causes an outward focus in us and encourages gospel transformation in groups outside the church walls. As much as I love gathering with the body of believers at Providence Baptist for corporate worship on Sunday mornings, there is something powerful about an intimate gathering in a living room or at a dining room table that forces us to think differently than when we are in a big room for worship. Small groups are where much of the theology taught in our pulpit is “fleshed out” in conversation and action using the questions from the sermons.

Ed Stetzer and Eric Geiger in their book Transformational Groups describe four factors that are evident in transformational churches that are foundational to small group success. First, personal discovery happens in small groups better than in large groups for a number of reasons. You can learn, ask questions, involve yourself in the lives of others, and make yourself vulnerable among other people who are doing the same in small groups. Spiritual growth happens better with others with open lines of communication and freedom to speak into one another’s lives. Second smaller groups have a level of intimacy easily lost as numbers grow.  You simply cannot know everyone beyond a certain point, and you most likely will not open up about your struggles in a large group of people you don’t know. The third factor is that small groups deliver deeper friendships that lovingly allow us to be held accountable. When people know you, your life becomes far more transparent, including your struggles. Others can encourage you and point you to Scripture where there is hope and help to deal with real-life difficulties as they surface. This is part of what we should expect from good friends. Finally, small groups deliver maximum participation. Church life issues can be discussed openly among trusted friends. Lives are sharpened and leaders are developed. Small groups are an absolute necessity for involving as many people as possible in the life and ministry of your church.

K Groups at Providence Baptist are not an afterthought; they are part of our personal growth focus as we daily are conformed into the image of Christ Jesus.

Don’t miss out.  Sign up for a K Group and build healthy relationships with fellow believers who love you.

]]>
If you think relationships are an essential part of healthy church life, and I hope you do, then small groups (K Groups) should also be important to you. They are actually crucial to the life of any healthy church.

A lot of Christian discipleship deals with what you need to know, not who you need to be with. That is sad because if we get our relationships right, the information will follow. If we connect with people in real gospel togetherness, we will learn.  We often don’t take relationship-based discipleship seriously enough.  When we preach the gospel to one another (reference The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent) in close-knit groups, there is spiritual growth that changes us individually and as a whole. That change causes an outward focus in us and encourages gospel transformation in groups outside the church walls. As much as I love gathering with the body of believers at Providence Baptist for corporate worship on Sunday mornings, there is something powerful about an intimate gathering in a living room or at a dining room table that forces us to think differently than when we are in a big room for worship. Small groups are where much of the theology taught in our pulpit is “fleshed out” in conversation and action using the questions from the sermons.

Ed Stetzer and Eric Geiger in their book Transformational Groups describe four factors that are evident in transformational churches that are foundational to small group success. First, personal discovery happens in small groups better than in large groups for a number of reasons. You can learn, ask questions, involve yourself in the lives of others, and make yourself vulnerable among other people who are doing the same in small groups. Spiritual growth happens better with others with open lines of communication and freedom to speak into one another’s lives. Second smaller groups have a level of intimacy easily lost as numbers grow.  You simply cannot know everyone beyond a certain point, and you most likely will not open up about your struggles in a large group of people you don’t know. The third factor is that small groups deliver deeper friendships that lovingly allow us to be held accountable. When people know you, your life becomes far more transparent, including your struggles. Others can encourage you and point you to Scripture where there is hope and help to deal with real-life difficulties as they surface. This is part of what we should expect from good friends. Finally, small groups deliver maximum participation. Church life issues can be discussed openly among trusted friends. Lives are sharpened and leaders are developed. Small groups are an absolute necessity for involving as many people as possible in the life and ministry of your church.

K Groups at Providence Baptist are not an afterthought; they are part of our personal growth focus as we daily are conformed into the image of Christ Jesus.

Don’t miss out.  Sign up for a K Group and build healthy relationships with fellow believers who love you.

]]>
What Pastor Blair Has Been Reading (April 2023 through June 2023) https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/what-pastor-blair-has-been-reading-april-2023-through-june-2023 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/what-pastor-blair-has-been-reading-april-2023-through-june-2023#comments Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.providencebaptist.us/blog/post/what-pastor-blair-has-been-reading-april-2023-through-june-2023 Akenson, Donald Harman. A Protestant in Purgatory: Richard Whately, Archbishop of Dublin. Archon Books: Hamden, CT, 1981.

I have frequently come across Richard Whately’s (1787-1863) name in my studies. He has been considered somewhat of an enigma in history as to what his purposes were when he became archbishop of Dublin for the Church of England. Many wonder if he was a closet evangelical or a latitudinarian of the old school. It is obvious that he cared for the Irish People and was concerned about doing his job well. But Akenson has made a case that Whately was in over his head and most likely NOT an evangelical. If he was, he did not finish well as he got involved with ‘spiritism’ prior to his death. This was a fascinating volume, but probably only important for the niche historian.

 

Deford, Frank. The Old Ball Game: How John McGraw, Christy Mathewson, and the New York Giants Created Modern Baseball. Atlantic Monthly Press: New York, 2005.

As soon as Spring hits it makes me think of baseball. Frank Deford was a legendary writer for Sports Illustrated. In this volume, he retraces the friendship of John McGraw and Christy Mathewson and how that affected the game of baseball. But men are considered ‘Giants’ in the game (not just from their mutual team). Mathewson was one of five men voted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame due to his pitching prowess. McGraw followed in the second class due to his managerial skills. Matthewson was the first superstar in Baseball. McGraw was the determined mastermind to lead New York to its first major championship. And no two men were more unlike one another in temperament than these two- and yet they were lifelong friends. The story is wonderful. The writing is even better. I hated for the book to end.

 

Duguid, Iain. Living In the Gap Between Promise and Reality: The Gospel According to Abraham. P& R Publishing: Philipsburg, NJ, 2015.

The Gospel According to the Old Testament is a rich series that draws out a full Biblical Theology from the Old Testament. Its purpose is to show how the Old Testament writers anticipate and foreshadow the coming of Jesus. Think more in terms of reading sermons rather than reading a commentary. I have found the series overall to be helpful. And I typically enjoy reading the writings of Old Testament Scholar, Iain Duguid. But I must confess, this particular volume frustrated me. There were numerous times the interpretations were forced to be reflexive of Christ, where I saw none. In many ways, this is an example of how NOT to do exegesis. However, that doesn’t mean that I did not find places where the book was not helpful. The last four chapters of the book were illuminating whereas the first eleven were unclear. The study questions at the end of the chapter were also helpful. But overall, I would be hesitant to recommend this volume.

 

Gabreski, Francis (with Carl Molesworth), Gabby: A Fighter Pilot’s Life. Dell Books: New York, 1991.

Every year around Memorial Day I try to read a book about American Military History. I think it is fitting to honor our veterans in such a manner to provide real remembrance. I have actually corresponded with Gabreski (nicknamed Gabby). He is America’s highest ace between World War II and the Korean Conflict. Amazingly, he was also a prisoner of war. He was married to the same woman for all of his life and appears to have been a model citizen. I found myself captivated by his narration of going into battle and his interaction with Polish pilots fighting for the Allies.

 

Johnson, Marshall. The Purpose of Biblical Genealogies (2nd edition). Wipf & Stock Publishers, Eugene, 2002.

Originally, published in 1969, I can see why this work was reproduced over forty years later. It is probably the definitive academic work on Biblical Genealogies. Johnson argues that the Genealogies both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament are intended to convey historical information not just list accurate names. The ultimate goal is to get us to the person of Christ. I found his work to be helpful in my study of genealogies in Genesis. This is not light reading, but it is profitable. Be forewarned, Johnson came from an age when the documentary hypothesis was the prevailing theory in Old Testament studies. While I would disagree with it, it doesn’t mar his conclusions.

 

Park, Abraham. The Genesis Genealogies: God’s Administration in the History of Redemption. Periplus Editions: Singapore, 2009.

Abraham Park was a Korean Presbyterian Scholar. His work on genealogies reveals why more Western theologians need to read and engage with more Asian theologians. To date, Park has done some of the best work on the genealogies contained in Genesis. He was both conservative and consistent with the Biblical storyline. He is a master of Hebrew and communicates well. I was thoroughly impressed with about three-quarters of the book. But one quarter was not impressive. Too many times Park speculates regarding the meaning of the names in Hebrew. And second, he believes that the long lives of the line of Seth were due explicitly to their righteous living (which again is very speculative but a common thought among Asian culture). But aside from those two issues, I found his arguments for Biblical Theology to be spot on.

 

Schaeffer, Francis A. Genesis in Space and Time. Intervarsity Press: Downers Grove, 1972.

This is a classic work of the great apologist, Francis Schaeffer. The key argument of the author is that Genesis 1-11 are historic events. Man was created in the image of God as the pinnacle of creation. He and the woman fell. Hence there are two humanities. The seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. And God’s plan of redemption preceded all of this and He is sovereignly in control. Note that Schaeffer refuses to debate the age of the earth (basically stating that it’s impossible to tell based on the linguistics of the Hebrew word for ‘day’). There are a few places where Schaeffer’s language is dated. But the arguments still hold well fifty years later.

 

Sequeira, Aubrey. Why Is the Lord’s Supper So Important? Crossway: Wheaton, 2021.

This is part of the 9Marks questions series. These are brief books that attempt to answer some of the fundamental questions regarding church practice. Sequeira has done an adequate job covering this particular question. He sees the supper as a meal of remembrance, a meal of unification, and one of nourishment. I particularly like this last category in that the Supper builds our faith (especially from a Baptist perspective). I can highly recommend this little book for those seeking a quick answer as to why Communion is so important to the church.

 

Tautges, Paul. A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing. New Growth Press: Greensboro, 2020.

After I read the Welch book (reviewed below), I picked up this devotional. It operates in the same manner as the other ‘small books’. These are brief daily devotions for Christians struggling with a sense of loss (which can include health, relationships, and jobs as well as being bereaved). I was not familiar with Paul Tautges, but he writes well. He addresses the topic consistently with passages of scripture and offers ‘extra homework’ at the end of each reading. Once again, the strength of this book is to feed the soul when experiencing great loss. The Christian who is enduring such a struggle is usually unable to concentrate adequately. This book meets that need.

 

Welch, Edward T. A Small Book for the Anxious Heart.: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust. New Growth Press: Greensboro, 2019.

Ed Welch is a renowned teacher and speaker at CCEF. At first, I thought I might be reading a devotional full of clippings from his previous writings. But I was pleasantly surprised to find the book full of fresh new daily devotions. This isn’t to say he hasn’t repeated many of the themes he has written about before. But they all are brand new to the reader and come from a more mature Welch. These 50 devotions are good for someone suffering from depression. Usually, a depressed person has a hard time focusing. These devotions are brief but pack a healthy spiritual punch for each truth they communicate. They give the reader confidence in a God who is in control and that His word is sufficient as a balm in your need. 

 

Winchester, Simon. The Men Who United the States: America’s Explorers, Eccentrics, and Mavericks and the Creation of One Nation, Indivisible. HarperCollins Publishers: New York, 2013.

This is my second Winchester book (which was about the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa) and you could not get further from extremes. The author, who is British, seeks to investigate what brought our great nation together from a physical sense rather than an ideological sense. Here he tells the story of Lewis and Clarke with their cartography, the riverways, the railways, the telegraph, the national highway system, and more. He uses a unique device of placing each ‘uniter’ under the category of the five ancient elements of wood, earth, water, fire, and metal. Somehow, he is able to make it work. The reader comes away with a better perspective of what devices played a pivotal role in uniting us as a nation in a very interesting and entertaining manner.

]]>
Akenson, Donald Harman. A Protestant in Purgatory: Richard Whately, Archbishop of Dublin. Archon Books: Hamden, CT, 1981.

I have frequently come across Richard Whately’s (1787-1863) name in my studies. He has been considered somewhat of an enigma in history as to what his purposes were when he became archbishop of Dublin for the Church of England. Many wonder if he was a closet evangelical or a latitudinarian of the old school. It is obvious that he cared for the Irish People and was concerned about doing his job well. But Akenson has made a case that Whately was in over his head and most likely NOT an evangelical. If he was, he did not finish well as he got involved with ‘spiritism’ prior to his death. This was a fascinating volume, but probably only important for the niche historian.

 

Deford, Frank. The Old Ball Game: How John McGraw, Christy Mathewson, and the New York Giants Created Modern Baseball. Atlantic Monthly Press: New York, 2005.

As soon as Spring hits it makes me think of baseball. Frank Deford was a legendary writer for Sports Illustrated. In this volume, he retraces the friendship of John McGraw and Christy Mathewson and how that affected the game of baseball. But men are considered ‘Giants’ in the game (not just from their mutual team). Mathewson was one of five men voted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame due to his pitching prowess. McGraw followed in the second class due to his managerial skills. Matthewson was the first superstar in Baseball. McGraw was the determined mastermind to lead New York to its first major championship. And no two men were more unlike one another in temperament than these two- and yet they were lifelong friends. The story is wonderful. The writing is even better. I hated for the book to end.

 

Duguid, Iain. Living In the Gap Between Promise and Reality: The Gospel According to Abraham. P& R Publishing: Philipsburg, NJ, 2015.

The Gospel According to the Old Testament is a rich series that draws out a full Biblical Theology from the Old Testament. Its purpose is to show how the Old Testament writers anticipate and foreshadow the coming of Jesus. Think more in terms of reading sermons rather than reading a commentary. I have found the series overall to be helpful. And I typically enjoy reading the writings of Old Testament Scholar, Iain Duguid. But I must confess, this particular volume frustrated me. There were numerous times the interpretations were forced to be reflexive of Christ, where I saw none. In many ways, this is an example of how NOT to do exegesis. However, that doesn’t mean that I did not find places where the book was not helpful. The last four chapters of the book were illuminating whereas the first eleven were unclear. The study questions at the end of the chapter were also helpful. But overall, I would be hesitant to recommend this volume.

 

Gabreski, Francis (with Carl Molesworth), Gabby: A Fighter Pilot’s Life. Dell Books: New York, 1991.

Every year around Memorial Day I try to read a book about American Military History. I think it is fitting to honor our veterans in such a manner to provide real remembrance. I have actually corresponded with Gabreski (nicknamed Gabby). He is America’s highest ace between World War II and the Korean Conflict. Amazingly, he was also a prisoner of war. He was married to the same woman for all of his life and appears to have been a model citizen. I found myself captivated by his narration of going into battle and his interaction with Polish pilots fighting for the Allies.

 

Johnson, Marshall. The Purpose of Biblical Genealogies (2nd edition). Wipf & Stock Publishers, Eugene, 2002.

Originally, published in 1969, I can see why this work was reproduced over forty years later. It is probably the definitive academic work on Biblical Genealogies. Johnson argues that the Genealogies both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament are intended to convey historical information not just list accurate names. The ultimate goal is to get us to the person of Christ. I found his work to be helpful in my study of genealogies in Genesis. This is not light reading, but it is profitable. Be forewarned, Johnson came from an age when the documentary hypothesis was the prevailing theory in Old Testament studies. While I would disagree with it, it doesn’t mar his conclusions.

 

Park, Abraham. The Genesis Genealogies: God’s Administration in the History of Redemption. Periplus Editions: Singapore, 2009.

Abraham Park was a Korean Presbyterian Scholar. His work on genealogies reveals why more Western theologians need to read and engage with more Asian theologians. To date, Park has done some of the best work on the genealogies contained in Genesis. He was both conservative and consistent with the Biblical storyline. He is a master of Hebrew and communicates well. I was thoroughly impressed with about three-quarters of the book. But one quarter was not impressive. Too many times Park speculates regarding the meaning of the names in Hebrew. And second, he believes that the long lives of the line of Seth were due explicitly to their righteous living (which again is very speculative but a common thought among Asian culture). But aside from those two issues, I found his arguments for Biblical Theology to be spot on.

 

Schaeffer, Francis A. Genesis in Space and Time. Intervarsity Press: Downers Grove, 1972.

This is a classic work of the great apologist, Francis Schaeffer. The key argument of the author is that Genesis 1-11 are historic events. Man was created in the image of God as the pinnacle of creation. He and the woman fell. Hence there are two humanities. The seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. And God’s plan of redemption preceded all of this and He is sovereignly in control. Note that Schaeffer refuses to debate the age of the earth (basically stating that it’s impossible to tell based on the linguistics of the Hebrew word for ‘day’). There are a few places where Schaeffer’s language is dated. But the arguments still hold well fifty years later.

 

Sequeira, Aubrey. Why Is the Lord’s Supper So Important? Crossway: Wheaton, 2021.

This is part of the 9Marks questions series. These are brief books that attempt to answer some of the fundamental questions regarding church practice. Sequeira has done an adequate job covering this particular question. He sees the supper as a meal of remembrance, a meal of unification, and one of nourishment. I particularly like this last category in that the Supper builds our faith (especially from a Baptist perspective). I can highly recommend this little book for those seeking a quick answer as to why Communion is so important to the church.

 

Tautges, Paul. A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing. New Growth Press: Greensboro, 2020.

After I read the Welch book (reviewed below), I picked up this devotional. It operates in the same manner as the other ‘small books’. These are brief daily devotions for Christians struggling with a sense of loss (which can include health, relationships, and jobs as well as being bereaved). I was not familiar with Paul Tautges, but he writes well. He addresses the topic consistently with passages of scripture and offers ‘extra homework’ at the end of each reading. Once again, the strength of this book is to feed the soul when experiencing great loss. The Christian who is enduring such a struggle is usually unable to concentrate adequately. This book meets that need.

 

Welch, Edward T. A Small Book for the Anxious Heart.: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust. New Growth Press: Greensboro, 2019.

Ed Welch is a renowned teacher and speaker at CCEF. At first, I thought I might be reading a devotional full of clippings from his previous writings. But I was pleasantly surprised to find the book full of fresh new daily devotions. This isn’t to say he hasn’t repeated many of the themes he has written about before. But they all are brand new to the reader and come from a more mature Welch. These 50 devotions are good for someone suffering from depression. Usually, a depressed person has a hard time focusing. These devotions are brief but pack a healthy spiritual punch for each truth they communicate. They give the reader confidence in a God who is in control and that His word is sufficient as a balm in your need. 

 

Winchester, Simon. The Men Who United the States: America’s Explorers, Eccentrics, and Mavericks and the Creation of One Nation, Indivisible. HarperCollins Publishers: New York, 2013.

This is my second Winchester book (which was about the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa) and you could not get further from extremes. The author, who is British, seeks to investigate what brought our great nation together from a physical sense rather than an ideological sense. Here he tells the story of Lewis and Clarke with their cartography, the riverways, the railways, the telegraph, the national highway system, and more. He uses a unique device of placing each ‘uniter’ under the category of the five ancient elements of wood, earth, water, fire, and metal. Somehow, he is able to make it work. The reader comes away with a better perspective of what devices played a pivotal role in uniting us as a nation in a very interesting and entertaining manner.

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