A lecture on Elder Plurality: Part 16
The Reformed Baptist Movement has given rise to a new form of church leadership not practiced by Baptist churches prior to the 1950′s. The majority of modern books and articles almost invariably assert that each church should be overseen by a plurality of elders. While many churches have conformed to the new trend, others staunchly cling to their traditional practice of having a single pastor assisted by a group of deacons. It is unwise to follow a trend, or support a tradition, without knowing the Scriptural, historic and practical reasons undergirding the practice.
This sixteenth study investigates the way in which ‘elder’ is used throughout the Old Testament Scriptures. The term is applied to men and women on four different social levels. Special attention is given to the fourth level—that of the nation. It will be shown how eldership existed in the Kingdom of Judah.
A lecture on The First London Baptist Confession of Faith 1644.
This study considers the Signatories attached to the end of the Preface:—William Kiffen, Thomas Patience; John Spilsbery, George Tipping, Samuel Richardson; Thomas Skippard, Thomas Munday; Thomas Gunne, John Mabbatt; John Webb, Thomas Killcop; Paul Hobson, Thomas Goare; Joseph Phelpes, Edward Heath.
Special attention is given to the last thirteen names, representing the churches meeting at Wapping, Southwark, Glasshouse, Petty France and Crutched Fryars. In addition, three lessons are drawn from the study of these churches: (1) It is wise for each church to know what it believes; (2) It is wise for each church to associate with like minded churches; (3) It is wise for each church to strengthen its witness by standing together on their most holy faith within a nation.
A challenge from Romans 10:14,15: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”
These four questions provide a helpful introduction for anyone visiting a Baptist church for the first time. The outstanding feature for any given service will invariably be the address of the preacher. An average of thirty minutes to an hour is given to such men, and it will no doubt seem strange to the visitor that the congregation attentively listens to the preacher’s sermon. “Who is this man”, urges the visitor, “and why are his opinions more valid than the rest of us?” This is a legitimate question and the Apostle Paul provides an excellent answer.
An exposition of Psalm 7:1-17.
The ancient Hebrews have attached the following inscription to the Psalm: “Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.” These words provide three pieces of information: First, they tell us the Psalm is a song, for David “sang [it] unto the LORD”. Second, they tell us the name of the song is “Shiggaion [or wanderings] of David”. Third, they tell us the content of the song is with reference to “the words of Cush the Benjamite”. Cush was a companion of King Saul and responsible for bringing a series of false allegations against David’s character. As David had become a fugitive, he was unable to defend his reputation, and the slanderous rumors spread throughout the kingdom. The words of Cush deeply wounded his heart and Psalm 7 is the expression of his innermost thoughts.
This first study provides an overview of the Psalm as a whole.
The following structure is an overview of the exposition:
A lecture on church discipline.
Upon instructing Timothy on how pastors and deacons are to conduct themselves as servants of Christ, the apostle Paul adds, “These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14,15) Every disciple of Christ should know how to behave himself in the house of God. Maintaining good order in the church of the living God is called discipline.
This is the fourteenth study on the subject of church discipline. The term church is first used by Jesus Christ and recorded in Matthew 16 and 18. Its reference in 18:15-20 relates to the subject of church discipline. However, the larger context begins with 17:24 and runs through 18:35. Therein we discover six sections, each dealing with the issue of ‘offenses’.
Special attention is given to the subject of forgiveness as highlighted by Christ in Matthew 18:21-35. The formula for resolving relational conflict (study eight) is now supported by an exposition of this passage.
The following comparison is an overview of the exposition:
Matthew 18:21-35
Matthew 18:22b-35
Matthew 18:24-35
A lecture on Elder Plurality: Part 15
The Reformed Baptist Movement has given rise to a new form of church leadership not practiced by Baptist churches prior to the 1950′s. The majority of modern books and articles almost invariably assert that each church should be overseen by a plurality of elders. While many churches have conformed to the new trend, others staunchly cling to their traditional practice of having a single pastor assisted by a group of deacons. It is unwise to follow a trend, or support a tradition, without knowing the Scriptural, historic and practical reasons undergirding the practice.
This fifteenth study investigates the way in which ‘elder’ is used throughout the Old Testament Scriptures. The term is applied to men and women on four different social levels. Special attention is given to the fourth level—that of the nation. It will be shown that eldership existed in Gentile and Jewish nations.
A lecture on The First London Baptist Confession of Faith 1644.
This study considers the Signatories attached to the end of the Preface:—William Kiffen, Thomas Patience; John Spilsbery, George Tipping, Samuel Richardson; Thomas Skippard, Thomas Munday; Thomas Gunne, John Mabbatt; John Webb, Thomas Killcop; Paul Hobson, Thomas Goare; Joseph Phelpes, Edward Heath.
Special attention is given to the first two names who represented the church meeting at Devonshire Square.
A challenge from Mark 5:30: “Who touched my clothes?”
A destitute woman successfully navigates through a thronging mob and touches the hem of Jesus’ garment. The Lord releases His healing power and restores her to full health. This Gospel challenge examines three parts of the story: (1) The Woman’s Problem; (2) The Crowd’s Perspective; (3) The Nature of the Touch. Each of these considerations are applied to the sinner standing in need of salvation.
An exposition of Psalm 6:8-10.
The theme for the Psalm as a whole is the care of the loving Father administering corrective discipline to an erring child. The last three verses are a record of David’s testimony. Having offered his petition to the Lord (1-7), he now rejoices in answered prayer. The testimony highlights a two-fold principle: (1) Separating from the world; (2) Consecration to the Lord. In addition, David’s consecration suggests a three-fold aspect to a returning backslider’s prayer.
The following structures are an overview of the exposition:
Psalm 6:8-10
Psalm 6:8,9
A challenge from John 3:9: “How can these things be?”
Nicodemus thought the doctrine of Christ unreasonable—”How can a man be born when he is old?” Even after Jesus explained the meaning of this birthing experience, Nicodemus responded with unbelief—”How can these things be?” Such is the response of many non-christians when they first hear the Gospel message. This study unfolds the teachings of Jesus on how a person is able to become a child of God.