Character not Color

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's now famous dream, that we would be judged, "not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character" apparently has come home to roost at his alma mater. This year the esteemed Morehouse College will graduate for the first time a white student as valedictorian.

From his first day at Morehouse College — the country's only institution of higher learning dedicated to the education of black men — Joshua Packwood has been a standout. Read more.

Congrats to Joshua Packwood for a job well done.

It's Going Down!

I want to thank Collin Hansen for his recent and much-anticipated book Young Restless and Reformed. In it he detailed the rise and impact of Reformed theology among a new and energetic generation of evangelicals. Colin detailed the impact of such men as John Piper, RC Sproul, CJ Mahaney, Mark Dever and others. Surely we can not truly assess the contributions of these men to the growth of reformed theology in our time. Their impact on me alone has been tremendous. I enjoyed reading Collin's well written account of how Reformational truth is spreading. However, if you read Collin's book you would get the impression that the impact is on young white evangelicals and very little impact is being made among other cultures and ethnic groups. Yet, I for one want to say without fear of contradiction that there is a growing move among young (and older) African-Americans toward the historical and biblical truths of Reformed theology. No, it is not a tidal wave. We won't expect CNN to do an expose on Young, Restless, Black, and Reformed (we'll leave that to Lionel Woods). Nevertheless, all evidence points to the reality that Reformed theology is growing among African-Americans, and I for one could not be more pleased, grateful, encouraged, and challenged.

Brothers and sisters, I honestly believe that a move of God is going down among African-Americans and I am challenged by our responsibilities to be faithful stewards of this move. Our calling is to do all we can to make sure this move does not end with this generation, but is faithfully and emphatically passed on to the next. How do we do this? What are some of the ways in which we can be faithful stewards of this dispensation of God's grace? Here are four ways (I am sure there are many more):

1. Write. As Reformed African-Americans we must write books, articles, booklets, songs, and testimonies on who we are and what God has done and is doing. We must not fear writing on theological subjects that have already been covered by our esteemed brothers of lighter skin tone. Most truth is worthy of being said again. Besides, the historic reformed truths need to be stated in our voice so as to demonstrate that they don't belong to just one ethnic group. Also, surely God desires to testify to the whole body of Christ the glories of his grace through us and thereby encourage our brothers and sisters of different cultures. Unfortunately, we didn't have a large corpus of theological and pastoral material, which was passed down to us. Yet, let not that be said by the generation that comes after us. We must write. To this end, at the New Life Bible Conference in June (I will have more to say about this later), I hear that there will be quite a few offerings from the brothers:

On Being Black and Reformed

Faithful Preacher by Thabiti Anyabwile

The Decline of African-American Theology by Thabiti Anyabwile

Experiencing the Truth by Anthony Carter (with Michael Leach and Ken Jones)

What is a Healthy Church Member by Thabiti Anyabwile

Where Are All the Brothers by Eric Redmond

And I hear more is on the way. Praise God!

2. Plant and Reform Churches. Church planting continues to be God's means of spreading the message and impact of the gospel. A movement that does establish faithful churches is a movement destined for extinction. So we must plant churches. To this end, here in Atlanta I am leading a team of people in the planting of East Point Church. In fact, this evening we are having our first public meeting in which we are inviting all to come out and hear our vision for a church in the city with a passion for gospel truth and gospel living. Also in Atlanta there is planned the Issachar Fellowship, led my man Dhati Lewis. Prayerfully this church plant will be coming to our fair city in the next year or two. This is exciting news! We need more. Yet, not only must we plant churches, but we must also be willing to assume existing churches and do the work of bringing reform to them. This is being illustrated to us by such men as Eric Redmond at Hillcrest Baptist Church and Roger Skepple at Berean Bible Baptist Church. These men are not alone in there reforming efforts. I know there are many others around the country doing the same. We must make sure we continue this labor.

3. Hold Conferences. The gathering of a people for mutual challenge, encouragement, and edification is not only necessary, it is also biblical (Heb. 10:25). One of the ways in which we can fulfill this command is the regular holding of Church and Bible Conferences. Not only does it continue the integrity and accountability of theology, but it encourages the brothers and sisters to know that they are not alone. We already have some good ones going, namely New Life Bible Conference in the Chicago area and the Miami Pastors' Conference in Miami, FL. Both of these are quickly establishing themselves as bulwarks in the movement. Let us remember to attend and support them. Also, let us plan more around the country. Surely the west coast and Texas can use some.

4. Train Disciples. The health and strength of any movement ultimately lies in its ability to disciple the next generation. We must make sure we are developing ways and means by which we are introducing others, particularly those younger, to the faith we profess. If we are not successful in passing the torch of theology and faith to our sons and daughters, we can not - we must not - claim success or faithfulness at all. Therefore, we must identify those among us who have giftedness and a heart for the ministry. And once identified, we must encourage them, train them, and provide them opportunities to serve and to hone their gifts. Let us never begrudge the younger minds or doubt their sincerity, as it too often happened to some of us. But let us strongly encourage them and challenge them to go above and beyond what we are doing.

Brothers and sisters, it's going down! I pray we will be faithful stewards and that future generations will look upon this time and thank God for our labors and be challenged to labor all the more.

Books I'm Reading (or have recently read)

I have been reminded that I have not listed a current reading list lately. Actually my overall blogging has been slow because of my preoccupation with church and writing responsibilities. Yet, my continuing education continues. A couple of books that have recently contributed to that education are:

Questioning Evangelism: Engaging People's Heart the Way Jesus Did by Randy Newman. I really like Newman's approach. Admittedly, it is not for everyone because not everyone is as engaging as Newman. But for those who can be, this is an excellent resource.

For Us and Our Salvation: The Doctrine of Christ in the Early Church by Stephen Nichols. Nichols is one of my favorite writers. I tend to read all that I can by him.

Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken. Ryken is a good writer and preacher. With the New Life Conference quickly approaching, books on Galatians are at the top of my list. (BTW: Do all the pastors at Tenth Presbyterian Church have to use their middle name? Just wondering.)

Doctrine that Dances: Bring Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life by Robert Smith. This is my casual reading. I am slowly but rewardingly making my way through this one.

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Lincoln once said, "How do you destroy an enemy? You make him your friend." Lincoln embodied this and it is what set him apart as a politician and a man. I love reading and learning about Lincoln.

An African-American Vision in the PCA

Let me say this, "I am not a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)." I say that because it is frequently assumed that I am in the PCA. This is probably because I have some good friends in the PCA and my theology is probably more closely related to that of the PCA than any other group. I find there is much in the PCA to commend and would not hesitate recommending them as a faithful gospel preaching denomination. The PCA also has some good African-American preachers seeking to contextualize the gospel without losing the gospel. In fact, within the PCA is an African-American Ministry, which seeks to promote reformed theology and the PCA among African-Americans. The ministry has a vision. Take a look.

Remembering Elder DJ Ward

For a copy of the Program from the funeral of Elder Ward, click here. He was truly a unique, gifted, and faithful preacher of the gospel. He will be missed.

Doctrine that Dances

Here are a couple of good quotes from a book I am reading entitled Doctrine that Dances: Bringing Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life. It is written by Dr. Robert Smith, professor of preaching at Beeson Divinity School (a couple of years ago I mentioned Dr. Smith here). The quotes are seeking to define what doctrinal preaching is:

As Jesus admonished that the Scriptures be searched because they testify of Him (John 5:39), preachers of Christian doctrine make Christ the heart of their preaching. If the Bible is read backwards, one will see that Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, was slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). This means that in the mind of God, Calvary was a forethought and not an afterthought. God did not react to the fall of Adam and Eve, but rather He pre-acted before the the fall of Adam and Eve. The Old Testament proclaimed that Christ is coming. The New Testament announced that Christ has come and will come again (p. 23)

Doctrinal preaching must have an object. We cannot have faith in faith; we do not worship worship; and doctrine does not exist fro doctrine's sake. Doctrinal preaching carries out the mission of magnifying Jesus Christ (p. 25).

The book is so far so good. I am enjoying the read. You may want to consider the investment.

Imam calls for an end to Black Theology

The respected Muslim leader Imam W. Deen Mohammed has publicly called for a move away from Black Theology.

The irony of Black Liberation Theology is that it was established for the purpose of empowering black people. Yet, like all aberrant teachings, instead of empowering it weakens. Just as a son of Black America is positioned to attain what those in the Civil Rights era did not believe was attainable, it is Black Theology which may prove to be his undoing. Unfortunately, Senator Obama has discovered what we have understood for quite some time, namely that Black Liberation Theology is not just unbiblical, but it does not truly liberate. He has discovered that it is not a help but a hindrance to truth and reconciliation. Did James Cone intend for his theology to be an albatross around the neck of the first truly viable Black candidate for the presidency of the United States? Probably not. Yet, the fact of the matter is that Obama's problem is that black liberation theology is coming home to roost. Perhaps, after this episode in his life, if he is truly a Christian, Barack Obama and his family will seek out a more biblical, evangelical Christian church in which to serve and worship. Only time will tell. In the meantime, a Muslim voice has joined the discussion and calling for an end to the folly of Black Theology. Will we hear him?

Again, Wright is Wrong

The latest socio-politico-religious discussion has been over the recent publicity tour of Dr. Jeremiah Wright. Here our brother and fellow elder gives some insight into why, once again, Wright is wrong.

At Home with the Lord

I was informed yesterday that on Friday, April 25, 2008 Elder DJ Ward was found absent from his body yet present with the Lord. Elder Ward was an elder in every since of the word. His warmth for people and his dedication to the gospel will be missed. Yet, the roll of elders in heaven just became one more closer to being complete. For this we rejoice.
Here is a clip I posted earlier this year. I just believe it captures the heart of the man, whom I knew only briefly but felt his passion for the gospel deeply. I can imagine him getting to heaven and proclaiming one more time, "I'm a grace case!"

Here John Piper gives his reflections on Elder Ward.

Tim Keller on The Reason for God

Westminster Bookstore and the Westminster Gospel and Culture Project has made available three videos recently recorded with Tim Keller on the theme of his recent book The Reason for God.

Tim Keller panel discussion with WTS Faculty
Tim Keller at UPenn
Tim Keller at UPenn Q and A

Thabiti on the Abolition of Race

Last night at the Together for the Gospel Conference Thabiti Anyabwile delivered a message entitled "Bearing the Image: Identity, the Work of Christ, and the Church". In no uncertain terms he called for the abolition of race. Thabiti began by suggesting that our entire outlook on life has been so misplaced, so wrong-headed, and so inadequate that we either need to change it now or commit ourselves to the closest mental health institution. Why? Because believing in race is like believing in unicorns. You can listen to the entire message here.

Also, here is a short clip of his message:

(HT:Challies)

Heidelblogging "On Being Black and Reformed"

R. Scott Clark, professor of historical and systematic theology at Westminster Seminary California and blogger at Heidelblog, has written a review of my book "On Being Black and Reformed." You can read part one here. In part one he identifies four strengths in the book. He promises at the end of the review that in part two he will give four weaknesses. I appreciate Dr. Clark taking the time to read my book out of what I imagine is a never ending stream of recommended book titles that cross his desk. Yet even more than appreciation, I am amazed by two things: one, that he found four strengths in my writing; and two, that he only found four weaknesses (he probably found more, but is being kind).

Thanks Dr. Clark. Your review reminds me that, like all of us, my gifts must continue to be used for God's glory. Also, these gifts are far from perfected and I need God's grace and the challenging encouragement of men like yourself if I will continue to faithfully exercise those gifts for the glory of God and the good of His people.

Update: Dr. Clark has posted part 2 of his review here.

Ken Jones on Multiculturalism

Yesterday, Ken Jones preached on the gospel's impact on the issue of multiculturalism in church. You can listen to his message from Eph. 2:11-22 here.

A Dream Come True?

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. As we are bombarded with people giving us their assessment of the progress we have made in fulfilling MLK Jr's dream, I thought it would be interesting to wonder if this is how the fulfillment of his dream would look and sound.



Two men judged not for the color of their skin, but the content of their vocal chords. If the King of Soul and the King of the High C's can get together and get along, surely we all can.

Southwest Christian Fellowship Men's Retreat '08

This past weekend was the annual Men's Retreat at Southwest Christian Fellowship. The theme for this year's conference was "Act Like Men" - taken from 1Cor. 16:13-14: Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

We spent 2 days and 2 nights at Woodlands Camp and Conference Center in Helen GA. It was time well spent. Not only were we refreshed by the relaxation and recreation of the camp, but we were encouaged and challenged from the Word of God by the teaching and fellowship of our guest preacher, Roger Skepple, pastor of Berean Bible Baptist Church in Atlanta GA. Joining Skepple in the primary teaching was Robert Benson and Ed Pugh. You can listen to and download all four of the messages by going here.

The scope and impact of the Men's Retreat is more than I can cover in this brief blog post. However, let me say that just as God says in his word, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity...For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore" (Psalm 133), our time at the retreat was a blessed witness to the glories of this truth. Men prayed. Men played. Men confessed. Men embraced. Men fell down. Men got up. Men cried. Men laughed. Men shared. Men listened. Men ate. Men relaxed. Men loved. Men learned. Men taught. Men caught. Men grew. Men rested. Men worked. Men sang. Men read. Men prayed. All of this was because Men worshipped.

One of the many highlights of that worship was the Men's Retreat Trio (Ed Pugh, Kelvin White, and Allan Bynoe) singing The Gospel Song by Drew Jones and Bob Kauflin. The words are simple yet profound:

Holy God, in love, became

Perfect Man to bear my blame

On the cross He took my sin

By His death I live again

It was a glorious reminder that the only way we can really act like men is to believe and live upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. Men are never more manly than when they are praying and worshipping.

RC Interviews Ben Stein

There is a new documentary that is gaining steam and is due out in theatres next month. It is Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. It is hosted by the actor/comedian Ben Stein and it takes up the issue of intolerance in the academic world against those who would challenge modern theories of Darwinism. The film looks interesting. Apparently it has even caught the eye of RC Sproul. Recently RC interviewed Ben Stein and the both of them discussed the folly of Darwinism and the inescapable reality of an Intelligent Designer of the universe. The dialogue between the two men is really interesting and enlightening. My favorite part is toward the end. As RC is concluding some of his remarks, Stein looks at him and wonders out loud, how RC could know so much about the subject. What Stein discovered is what I learned during my years of working at Ligonier. RC has a mind like a steel trap! He remembers everything. He is literally one of the most informed and diverse thinkers I have ever met. I don't recall ever having a conversation with RC and not going away from it having learned something new. In fact, I was recently listening to a Panel Discussion from the Ligonier National Conference in which RC was joined on stage by CJ Mahaney and Sinclair Ferguson. CJ made the point that the only thing about which he was confident that he knew more than Sinclair and RC was sports. RC did not respond, but I knew from personal conversations that CJ would be quite surprised to find out that RC is very proficient and informed concerning professional athletics. Furthermore, if the question was baseball or golf or the Pittsburgh Steelers, I would put my money on RC. Sorry CJ. But I digress.

Here is the video of the interview. You'll see that it isn't long before Stein realizes that RC's is a mind to be reckoned with.

(HT:Challies)

Eric Redmond on Black Liberation Theology

Yesterday, our brother Eric Redmond was on The Albert Mohler Radio Program discussing Jeremiah Wright, African-American Theology, and the Church. At his blog, A Man From Issachar, Eric gives an excellent overview of Black Liberation Theology and its grandchild, the insidious Word-Faith Theology, or as Eric calls it Nuevo Negro Liberation Theology. You can read his thoughts here.

Bach on his Birthday (SDG)

Johann Sebastian Bach was born on this day in 1865. Though it could be argued that there were those equal to him, we can confidently say that no one as ever been any better. Listening to Bach gives you the sense that there is something more profound, more beautiful, more compelling, and more desirable than you had considered before you listened to him. As much as any composer, Bach's true inspiration comes through in his compositions. Therefore, it should not surprise us that he would sign off on his compositions with the letters SDG, meaning Soli Deo Gloria. Truly Bach sensed his giftedness was for the promotion of God's beauty, truth, and good in the world. In this, he should remind and challenge us all to be more aware of our calling and mandate found in 1Cor. 10:31: "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Yet, not only is it Bach's birthday but it is also Good Friday. As we remember our Lord's passion and call to mine Calvary, I thought it good to consider Bach's interpretation of it in his now incomparable piece St Matthew's Passion. Like Handel's Messiah, Bach's St. Matthew's Passion captures the biblical revelation in music like nothing before or since. If you have some time, listen and appreciate Bach's desire to communicate the suffering of his and our Saviour. Surely, our Lord was forsaken so we would not have to be.

O, the passion! O, the wonder of Christ our God!

Anyabwile a Prophet?

Yesterday Barack Obama acquitted himself well on national TV. With the eloquence of Abraham Lincoln and the presence of Ronald Reagan, Obama reminded us once again, that even if you don't agree him, you still want to listen to him. We have to wait and see if he is able to overcome the latest barrage of political attacks and steady his presidential bid. If he does, he will have no one but his wrong-headed former pastor Jeremiah Wright to thank for it. Because of the erroneous theology of Wright, Obama has been given a platform and opportunity to speak to the American public that neither Hillary Clinton or John McCain has been afforded. As usual, Obama with his eloquence was able to turn what was possibly devastating, into a unprecedented opportunity. Yet we can only lament that it was the decline in African-American theology that has brought this opportunity. Thabiti Anyabwile practically predicted such a scenario.

Anyabwile, author of The Decline of African-American Theology, on Jan. 4 2008 wondered out loud if the decline in African-American theology would derail the campaign of the first really legitimate African-American candidate for president. Thabiti prophetically stated:

People will be more alarmed at the value system at Trinity United Church of Christ where Sen. Obama worships. It is explicitly Black Nationalist in character and, interestingly, introduces "race" in a way that Sen. Obama, to this point, has not. Already several pundits have picked up on this issue and began to discuss it (see here).

One great irony would be if it were finally the weakness of the African-American church that effectively destroyed the first viable presidential bid of an African American. So many people tout the African-American church for its historic role in promoting justice, but few have seen the connection between sound theology and any true effort at justice. In a sad turn of events, it may be by God's hand the Sen. Obama campaign that forces global light on the damnable heresies and errors, the counterfeit Christianity present in so many churches.

White evangelicals may wonder why most blacks, though they disagree with Jeremiah Wright, would still support Barack Obama. Well, there are several reason. But one for sure is that most blacks who support Obama already knew about the foolishness of Wright and thus this is not new information that would change their opinions of Obama. For them, Wright's comments do not change the message or the man who is promising change to them.

Yet, I agree with Anyabwile. The greater issue is not whether or not Obama wins or loses. The real discussion should be around the damnable theology that is spewing forth from such places as Trinity United Church of Christ and the impact such theology is having on the people who hang on every word.

In the final analysis, Rev. Wright has been dead wrong for along time. We will see if Prophet Anyabwile was dead on in his proleptic analysis.

Update: Here Thabiti is interviewed by Collin Hansen of Christianity Today.
(HT:JT)

You, Me, and Computers

Have you ever wondered why we have such a love/hate relationship with our computers? Well, today I came across a quote attributed to Albert Einstein (I say attributed because like Shakespeare in literature, Einstein gets credited for every insightful scientific quote) that just may explain our necessary predicament:

"Computers are incredibly fast, accurate and stupid; humans are incredibly slow, inaccurate and brilliant; together they are powerful beyond imagination." -- Albert Einstein.