R.C. Sproul and James White discussion

R.C. Sproul joined James White on his webcast The Dividing Line on August 7.  They discuss the subject of God’s sovereignty and man’s free will, which is Sprouls subject for the upcoming Ligonier Conference.

They also discuss briefly how Christian’s are bombarded today with all kinds of worldly ideas and concepts that are on a crash course with Biblical thinking, and we need to be proactive in developing the mind of Christ so that we can guard against this onslaught.  One of the casualties of this worldly onslaught is the gospel itself.

White comments on the reality that 16,000 pastors leave the ministry every year is partially due to the fact that they are trying to lead a flock of unregenerate people who are not true believers, but are false professors of faith.  The pressure on pastors to ‘perform’ and gain converts is very strong, but the numbers standard isn’t the standard that pastors should strive for.  Rather the standard is what he brings before the throne of God.

Sproul suggests that many pastors are conflicted because they are forced by churches to be CEO’s and guidance counselors rather than shepherds of the Word, which is what Scripture calls them to.

This is a lively and timely discussion that covers some very important information for the church today.

Sproul & White webcast page >>>

Panel Discussion: 2007 Desiring God Pastor’s Conference, The Holiness of God

I’m a sucker for panel discussions with good preachers.  I love the candid insight they often bring forth that might not come in a prepared message.

The panel discussion at the Desiring God 2007 Pastors Conference on the Holiness of God is one of the most encouraging and insightful.  John Piper, William Mackenzie, and Thabiti Anyabwile discuss the doctrine of election, sanctification, faith, child salvation, legalism, revival, sufficiency of atonement and the very real differences and gifting required for true ‘missionaries’ who wrestle with a completely new culture, versus the old cliche that ‘we are all missionaries where ever we are.’

 Here are some tidbits.  How can one be helped to come to grips with the doctrine of election in light of the Biblical commands and admonitions for man to act in human will?  Piper suggests the reading of Martin Luther’s ‘The Bondage of the Will,’ and for the more adventurous, to wrestle through Jonathan Edwards ‘The Freedom of the Will.’  Thabiti sketches his personal journey from Islam to Arminian Christianity, to the doctrines of grace.

Panel Discussion>>>