Presented by Warm / Interactive / Relevant / Challenging / Action Oriented When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-13 (Living Translation) Trends in Theology Theology

The Gospel According to Java Bistro “So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. Proverbs 9:7-9

Theology Why 1.We must be prepared to “handle” the truth. Read 2 Timothy 2:15. To be able to recognize and stay true to the Truth. Read Matt. 7: It is our duty to “test the spirits”. Read 1 John 4:1, 1 Cor. 14: How do we test the spirits? 3.I want you to be armed and ready for battle. Read Ephesian 6:11. Why do we need armor? 4.I want you to know it when you see it, know the consequences and have given some thought to an initial response.

Theology 5 Trends 1.This series focuses on 5 contemporary theological trends – Reformed Theology (Calvinism) – Contemplative Spirituality – Ecumenism – Lordship Salvation – The Emerging Church 2.Study framework – 4 questions 1.what is it 2.does it have biblical support 3.major questions 4.Baptist position

Theology First Look 1.Reformed Theology (Calvinism) 2.Contemplative Spirituality 3.Ecumenism 4.Lordship Salvation 5.The Emerging Church (Emergent Movement)

Theology Next Week Reformed Theology

Presented by Warm / Interactive / Relevant / Challenging / Action Oriented When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-13 (Living Translation) Trends in Theology Theology

The Gospel According to Java Bistro “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:18-19

Reformed Theology (Calvinism) ?

Theology What is it? 1.Calvinism (or reformed tradition or faith) is a protestant theological system developed in the 16 th century by theologians (Bucer, Bullinger, Vermigli, and Zwingli) which bears the name of the French reformer John Calvin. 2.It is a continuation of the Protestant Reformation (breakaway from the Catholic “state church”). 3.“Calvinism” was the term which was coined to refer to one of the bodies of doctrine that was developing after the Catholic breakaway; i.e. after Calvin one of the early leaders. 4.The early settlers in the US brought it with them from Europe with concentrations in Mid-Atlantic and New England (e.g. English Puritans, French Huguenots and Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam (NY), and Scotch- Irish Presbyterians).

Theology What is it? 1.Southern Baptists have reformed roots but the Baptists of America (e.g. Roger Williams) leaned toward Armenianism of Methodist revival partners (note strong missionary movement of modern Baptists). 2.It is often summarized in the Five Points of Calvinism and is best known for the doctrines of predestination and total depravity, stressing the total contingency of man’s salvation upon the absolute sovereignty of God.

Theology 5 Point Calvinism

Theology Major problems / questions? 1.Total Depravity (requires sovereign grace?) – Man is totally inadequate of to choose grace / God – Redemption is the work of God; divine intervention – God changes unwilling hearts from rebellion to eager obedience. 2.Limited Atonement – Jesus Christ's substitutionary atonement on the cross is specifically designed for the elect only, that He only died for them. 3.Unconditional Election (Predestination) – God chooses to show mercy to some, not all – One person is saved while another person is condemned because God chose to have mercy on him.

Theology Major problems / questions? 1.Why the resurgence – Reformed theology’s emphasis on doctrine (i.e. depth) – seeker sensitive and charismatic churches left people starving. – Reaction to rampant narcissism – turning attention back toward God. – Somehow tied to renewed emphasis on worship to the exclusion of service 2.Where the resurgence – Some seminaries and colleges (& a few churches) 3.Impact / consequences of the resurgence – Will undercut our commitment to evangelism and missions – New Calvinist seem to be pushing for a radical alteration of the long-standing arrangement of co-existence (i.e. divisiveness, controversy, misplaced priorities).

Theology Does it have biblical support? 1.Divine election – (John 6:35–40, 44, 65; Rom. 8:28–30; 9:6–24; Eph. 1:3–6), they believe “God in eternity past chose a number of fallen creatures to be reconciled to himself. In time Christ came to save the chosen. 2.Christ died for and obtained redemption and forgiveness of sins for all, but these benefits are effective only for those who believe on Christ – (1 John 2:2, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Tim. 2:3-6, Romans 11:32, 1 Cor. 15:22, Titus 2:11, Acts 17:30-31, John 3:16-18, 1 John 1:14, Phil, 2:10-11, 1 Tim. 4:10, Col. 1:20, Heb. 2:9, John 1:29, 1 John 2:2, Rom. 5:18, 2 Cor. 5:14-15, Is. 55:1,7, Matt. 11:28, Heb. 9:26, Is. 53:6, Rev. 22:17, 1 Tim. 1:15, Rom. 5:6-8, John 12:46, 47, 2 Peter 2:1) 3.Perseverance of the Saints – John 10:28

Theology Baptist position? 1.The majority of Southern Baptists, including Billy Graham, accept Arminianism with an exception allowing for a doctrine of perseverance of the saints ("eternal security"). 2.Many see Calvinism as growing in acceptance, and some prominent Reformed Baptists, such as Albert Mohler and Mark Dever, have been pushing for the Southern Baptist Convention to adopt a more Calvinistic orientation. 3.Recently an “advisory team” was formed in the SBC to develop a strategy to work together in missions and evangelism.”

Theology

Next Week Contemplative Spirituality

Presented by Warm / Interactive / Relevant / Challenging / Action Oriented When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-13 (Living Translation) Trends in Theology Theology

The Gospel According to Java Bistro “Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.” Psalm 33:22

Contempla tive Spirituality ?

Theology What is it?

Theology What is it? 1.A belief system that uses ancient mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped in Christian terminology; the premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic (God is all) and pantheistic (God is in all). 2.It promises a deeper intimacy with God through meditation as well as freedom from fear, guilt, and psychological hang-ups and difficulties. 3.It combines Eastern mysticism, psychology, the New Age Movement, liberation theology, Catholicism and Protestantism.

Theology What is it? 1.A counterfeit spirituality; i.e. it promises intimacy but actually has the potential to move you away from Him and focus on you 2.Modern movement began in Roman Catholic Church within the last 30 years 3.In the mid-seventies three monks wanted to bring contemplative prayer to Evangelical Christianity.

Theology “Players” 1.Brennan Manning - (books Ragamuffin Gospel & The Signature of Jesus) 2.Quaker mystic Richard Foster 3.Southern Baptist minister Dallas Willard 4.Sometimes advertised under the term; “Spiritual Formation”

Theology Major questions / problems? 1.Unhealthy emphasis / reliance on “feelings” and self; i.e. mystical experiences 2.Promotes direct revelation to individuals as opposed to scripture 3.Introduces pagan practices into Christianity which will weaken and confuse practitioners 4.Mysticism promotes Pietism; an emotional, sentimental, emotion-driven form of worship. Another form of elitism 5.Promotes universalism

Theology Does it have biblical support? 1.Quote by proponents: – Rom 8:26, Ex. 14:14, Hosea 2:14, Ps 46:10, Zech. 2:13, Luke 17:21 2.Quote by opponents: – Matt. 6:6-8, Hosea 4:6 3.Tiebreaker: – Rom 12:2, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 4:4

Theology

Baptist position? 1.Spiritual growth and spirituality occur by studying and applying scripture 2.There is a clear biblical precedent for remaining silent before the Lord (Lamentations 3:26, 28; Psalm 4:4; 46:10). 3.However, where these contemplative practices rely on feeling and experience rather than the truth of Scripture, they can be detrimental to the spiritual life of the believer.

Theology Next Week Ecumenism

Theology Presented by Warm / Interactive / Relevant / Challenging / Action Oriented When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-13 (Living Translation) Trends in Theology Theology

The Gospel According to Java Bistro “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’” Mark 16:15

Theology

Ecumenism ?

Theology Unity? Is it a bag thing?

Theology What is it? 1.The principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian churches. It is used predominantly by and with reference to Christian denominations and Christian Churches separated by doctrine, history, and practice. 2.“The organized attempt to bring about the cooperation and unity among Christians.” 3.Goal: a single Christian Church

Theology “Players” 1.World Council of Churches 2.Federal / National Council of Churches 3.Document: Evangelicals and Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium (1994)

Theology Major questions / problems? 1.Biblical Christians are usually marked by a strong pro-life belief, a strong traditional view of the family, a strong emphasis on compassion for the homeless and sick, and a strong desire to see justice in the world. 2.Diverse church groups are often marked by the same desires. Thus, the temptation to “pool resources” in pursuit of a common cause is sometimes great.

Theology Major questions / problems? 1.Depends on compromise – pushes us all toward “watered down” cores 2.Tends to rally around our common interests (e.g. agreements) but de-emphasizes theological beliefs (e.g. tensions). 3.Traditionally Christianity includes not only a community (the church), a code (guidelines for moral conduct), and a cultus (a set of worship practices), but a creed (set of beliefs). 4.Struggles with some intractable obstacles

Theology Does it have biblical support? 1.Unity? Eph 4:3, Matt. 24:24 2.Core purpose. Col 3:17, Matt 5:16, Matt 28: Ultimate goals. Eph 2:1-3, Luke 15:10 4.Key question? Does ecumenical ventures support our primary goals? Are we striving for biblical purposes or political and social achievement?

Theology

Baptist position? 1.The Convention has avoided entanglements that would compromise doctrine, restrict the freedom and independence of the Convention, or violate basic issues of Baptist conviction. 2.The Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) was represented in meetings of the Foreign Missions Conference of North America from 1893 to The FMB joined the Conference in 1938 as international tensions reached a fever pitch. It withdrew from the Conference in 1950 when the National Council of Churches was formed and the Conference merged with that body.

Theology Baptist position? 1.In 1939 the Convention received an invitation to join the World Council of Churches. The Convention thanked the Council for its invitation, but declined based upon two considerations. First, the Convention lacked any ecclesiastical authority. Second, the Convention resisted “totalitarian trends” that threatened the autonomy of the churches. 2.Later, the SBC would also decline to join the National Council of Churches (and the Federal Council, its predecessor). Despite the urgings of significant SBC leaders, the Convention also declined to join the National Association of Evangelicals. In so doing the Convention sought to be consistent in the application of its polity.

Theology Next Week Lordship Salvation

Presented by Warm / Interactive / Relevant / Challenging / Action Oriented When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-13 (Living Translation) Trends in Theology Theology

Who Are We, Anyway? Highlights from the SCBC meeting in Greenville two weeks ago. – Adopted $28.6 MM budget – The allocation to IMB increased from $400,263 to $583,768 (up almost 50%) – Coop Program contribution is $11,685,000 – Remaining $16,815,000 goes to SCBC ministries, WMU, and 7 state institutions – Goals: Increase IMB allocation to % over 3 years Split 50/50 with Coop Program

Theology

Lordship Salvation ?

Theology What is it? 1.Theological controversy regarding key soteriological questions within Protestantism (involving some non-denominational and Evangelical churches in NA). 2.Traditional view - salvation by “grace alone” received by “faith alone” 3.“Free Grace” vs. “Lordship Salvation” 4.Read Col. 2:6 – do we accept Christ as Savior or Lord at conversion? 5.Can a person receive Jesus as his Savior without receiving Him as his Lord?

Theology “Players” 1.Article in Eternity Magazine, Sept Contemporary – John MacArthur – published “The Gospel According to Jesus” in Several took issue with MacArthur’s book and published responses – under the umbrella of the modern Free Grace movement – Chuck Swindoll, Charles Ryrie, Charles Stanley, Norman Geisler, and Bill Bright

Theology Major questions / problems? 1.Legalistic view of salvation 2.Could imply that salvation is attained by works rather than by God’s grace. 3.MacArthur is careful to point out that it is willful rejection of Christ's Lordship that proves one's confession of faith not valid. 4.MacArthur challenges the contemporary "gospel" that merely calls people to make a decision without telling them the full implications of that decision. 5.if "the Lord is not Lord of all, he’s not Lord at all."

Theology

Does It Have Biblical Support? 1.Submitting to Christ as Lord goes hand-in-hand with trusting Christ to be saved. 2.Salvation is by faith alone, apart from works. 3.Life changes after salvation. The pace of spiritual growth differs by individual. 4.We are not to judge another 5.A person who has been delivered from sin by faith in Christ should not desire to remain in a life of sin.

Theology Does It Have Biblical Support? 6.Submitting to the Lordship of Christ is an issue of spiritual growth, not salvation. It is a process. 7.A person simply has to recognize that he or she is a sinner, in need of Christ for salvation, and place trust in Him. 8.Jesus is Lord and we should and will submit to Him. 9.A changed life and submission to Christ’s lordship are the result of salvation, not a requirement of salvation.

Theology Baptist position?... Salvation includes being accepted just as you are when you turn from your sin. Salvation includes being set apart for His work. Salvation includes being made to worship God. There is no salvation without personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's kindness. Believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart created by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit shows us our sin. The sinner begins by turning from sin and turning to God. The sinner has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Turning from sin and turning to God and faith are experiences of God’s kindness that are never separated. Repentance is a real turning from sin to God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the whole person to Him as Lord and Saviour.

Theology Next Week The Emergent Church

Presented by Warm / Interactive / Relevant / Challenging / Action Oriented When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-13 (Living Translation) Trends in Theology Theology

The Emerging Church ?

Theology What is it? 1.The emerging church, is a recent Christian movement that crosses a number of theological boundaries: Protestant, post-Protestant, Catholic, evangelical, post-evangelical, liberal, post-liberal, conservative, post-conservative, anabaptist, adventist, reformed, charismatic, neocharismatic, and post-charismatic. 2.Transcends such "modernist" labels of "conservative" and "liberal“. 3.Disillusionment with the organized and institutional church and their support for the deconstruction of modern Christian worship, modern evangelism, and the nature of modern Christian community.

Theology What is it? 1.Relevants – theologically conservative who are uninterested in updating to current culture. 2.Reconstructionists – evangelicals that speak of new forms of church that result in transformed lives. 3.Revisionists – theologically liberal, openly question whether evangelical doctrine is appropriate for the postmodern world.

Theology “Players” 1.Relevants – Dan Kimball, Donald Miller, & Rob Bell 2.Reconstructionists – Neil Cole, Michael Frost, & Alan Hirsch 3.Revisionists – Brian McLaren & Doug Pagitt

Theology Major questions / problems? 1.Deals carelessly with Scripture and compromises the Gospel 2.Thinkers in the movement shy away from asserting that Christianity is true and authoritative, often accepting different / multiple answers or no answer 3.Claim to uphold historic Christian faith and simultaneously avoid articulating truth in propositional form is self-contradictory. 4.Adherents believe that following Jesus’ today means something different than a hundred years ago. 5.Emphasizes relationships over truth (i.e. doctrine)

Theology

Does It Have Biblical Support? 1.Authority of scripture. Josh. 1:8, Psalm 1:2, Matt. 5: Jesus is the way. John 14:6, John 17:3 3.Preach the gospel / evangelism. Mark 16:15, 2 Tim 2:15 4.Jesus same today, yesterday, forever. Heb. 13:8, 5.Doctrine / Scripture is useful. 2 Tim 3:16-17,

Theology Baptist position? While some Baptist churches may be involved in EC experiments, it is not consistent with scripture so as a whole we are not in agreement or supportive of the goals of the movement We should be alert to the erosion of doctrine that such a movement encourages

Theology Why 1.We must be prepared to “handle” the truth. Read 2 Timothy 2:15. To be able to recognize and stay true to the Truth. Read Matt. 7: It is our duty to “test the spirits”. Read 1 John 4:1, 1 Cor. 14: How do we test the spirits? 3.I want you to be armed and ready for battle. Read Ephesian 6:11. Why do we need armor? 4.I want you to know it when you see it, know the consequences and have given some thought to an initial response.

Theology Holiday Schedule Dec. 9 – Trends in Theology Bonus Round – 6 Assumptions for Every Group Dec. 16 – Lottie Moon Emphasis Dec. 23 – Happy Birthday Jesus Party Dec. 30 – New Year Resolutions? Jan. 6 – New Series Into

Theology Next Week Trends in Theology Bonus Round 6 Assumptions for Every Group

Presented by Warm / Interactive / Relevant / Challenging / Action Oriented When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-13 (Living Translation) Trends in Theology Theology

Holiday Schedule Dec. 16 – Lottie Moon Emphasis Dec. 23 – Happy Birthday Jesus Party (bring goodies) Dec. 30 – New Year Resolutions? Jan. 6 – New Series Into

Theology 6 Assumptions 1.Everybody wants to be loved. 2.Everybody wants their lives to count, to have purpose. 3.No matter how wealthy and successful they are, life is empty without Jesus. 4.Many people are carrying a load of guilt. 5.Many are consumed with bitterness. 6.A universal fear of death.

Theology Everybody wants to be loved 1.God is love. 1 John 4:8, 16 2.God acts / reaches out in love. John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4: God’s love is unconditional. Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:21 4.God’s love is sufficient / great. John 15:13 5.God’s love is eternal. Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 8:39

Theology Everybody wants their lives to count, to have purpose. 1.God has a plan for “you”. Jer. 29:11 2.Each life has a reason for existence. Romans 12:1-5 3.God equips us with what we need. 2 Cor. 12: God’s purpose is worth a commitment. Mark 8:35 5.Our purpose is challenging. Heb. 12:1 6.Our purpose is achievable. Phil 4:13 7.Fulfilling our purpose is invigorating. Eph. 2:1-10

Theology No matter how wealthy and successful you are, life is empty without Jesus. 1.God created us for a relationship with him. John 10:10, 1 John 5:12 2.There is a hollowness to a life without Jesus. Eph. 2:1b 3.God is approachable and integrated into the life of His people. Lev. 26:12 4.A Spirit filled life is empowering. 2 Cor. 3:5 5.God wants us to be a part of His family. 2 Cor. 6:14-18

Theology Many people are carrying a load of guilt 1.Guilt comes from a life with sin. Psalms 51:7-12, 1 Cor. 6: God wants to remove our guilt. Psalm 101:12, Isaiah 43:25, John 8:31-32, Hebrews 10:22, Luke 7: Confession of sin leads to forgiveness. James 5:16 4.Having a relationship with Jesus liberates us from sin & guilt. 1 John 1:7-10

Theology Many are consumed with bitterness 1.Bitterness, regardless who or what it's about, defiles a man (Hebrews 12:15). 2.Bitterness isolates us from God. Eph. 4: One cause of bitterness is when we will not forgive offense against us and it opens us up to Satan to derail us. 2 Cor. 2: You can’t harbor bitterness and praise God at the same time. 1 Thess 5:18.

Theology A universal fear of death 1.Death should not be feared, God walks there with us. Psalm 23:4 2.Death is actually a victory for Christians because it represents a transformation to a better place. 1 Cor. 15: Death escorts us into God’s presence. 2 Cor. 5:8 4.Death is better than where we are now. Phil. 1: Death leads us to a “special” place that God has prepared for us. John 14:1-3

Theology

Next Week Lottie Moon Emphasis