Trials are “for a little while”

“When God permits His children to go through the furnace, He keeps his eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat.” –Warren Wiersbe

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Be clear: Mormonism is not Christianity

In light of the very public discussion of Mormonism due to the rise of Mitt Romney in the presidential race, there is one group of believers who are very concerned that Christians make clear the distinction between Mormonism and historic, orthodox Christianity.  In part the document reads:

It is our contention that the general population should not be left with any uncertainty whether the theological cult of which Mitt Romney is a faithful member, namely The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and historic evangelical Christianity are one and the same faith.  This we adamantly deny!

Though the Mormon religion sets moral standards for its members that appear to be consistent with many evangelical morals, thereby appearing to project a Christian world and life view, it would be a serious theological error to equate Christianity with Mormonism simply based upon some common values.

Since the Mormon religion was founded in the early part of the nineteenth-century, it has always been classified as a “theological cult” by virtually every Bible-believing Christian denomination in the United States and the world. The reason they were given this “cult” label is based upon their theology. The doctrines espoused by this sect are not only unbiblical, but clearly anti-Christian.

These theological differences are not at all to be compared to the dissimilarities one finds between evangelicals in Christian denominations, such as, Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, Pentecostals, etc. These denominations (in their original, historic confessions and doctrinal statements) embraced a foundational theology that is Biblical, historic, and orthodox. Although these evangelicals are divided on some points of Christian theology, often secondary issues, they actually agree more than they disagree. The historic evangelical Church has always maintained that orthodoxy (correct thinking or belief) is required in order for a denomination to be considered Christian. We refer to these doctrines collectively as “the essentials of the Christian faith.” Our doctrines are derived from the Bible alone and not from man-made theology.

Since its inception in the 19th century, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has deceptively labeled itself a “Christian” church. Its leaders used the historical accounts and key figures found in the Bible, but they ignore or contradict the Bible’s central theology.

 Read more about the differences between Mormonism and Christianity and why they published this document here. 

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Why we must continue to oppose same-sex “marriage”

Kevin DeYoung:

1. Every time the issue of gay marriage has been put to a vote by the people, the people have voted to uphold traditional marriage.

2. The promotion and legal recognition of homosexual unions is not in the interest of the common good.

3. Marriage is not simply the term we use to describe those relationships most precious to us. The word means something and has meant something throughout history. Marriage is more than a union of hearts and minds. It involves a union of bodies

4. Allowing for the legalization of gay marriage further normalizes what was until very recently, and still should be, considered deviant behavior.

5. We are naive if we think a laissez faire compromise would be enjoyed by all if only the conservative Christians would stop being so dogmatic. The next step after giving up the marriage fight is not a happy millennium of everyone everywhere doing marriage in his own way. The step after surrender is conquest.

Read his whole article here which elaborates on each of these points.

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Bargain e-book but hurry!

Andrew Jackson’s The Mormon Faith of Mitt Romney is worth the read; it’s free today and tomorrow. (May 14/15)

Haven’t read this book but is recommended by some trustworthy sources.

 

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Suffering: designed by God

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,” (1 Peter 1:6, ESV)

Dr. Tom Schreiner writes, “The New Testament regularly sees sufferings as the road believers must travel to enter into God’s kingdom (cf. Acts 14:22; Rom 5:3–5; Jas 1:2–4).37 We should not deduce from this that sufferings are somehow enjoyable or that a specific reason should be assigned to each suffering; nor should we minimize the evil actions of others in inflicting suffering (Acts 2:23). Peter assured his readers, however, that God is working out his plan even in their anguish. [Schreiner, T. R. (2007). Vol. 37: 1, 2 Peter, Jude in The New American Commentary Series].

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Why attending conferences is helpful for pastors

I’m off with several other men from our church to the BASICS Conference for a few days. We are looking forward to hearing Alistair Begg, Voddie Baucham, and Mark Dever.  Why take time out to go to a conference such as this?  How does it help us who serve others?

Tim Challies and David Murray explain why attending conferences designed for pastors and church leaders are beneficial in this article/podcast.  You can read it or listen to it here.  They talk about the value of the teaching, of building relationships, and of just the plain excitement of going to a conference.

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