Recently, while standing in the middle of a cornfield conversing with a farmer whom has been a committed Christian, Southern Baptist and a deeply spiritual man for nearly 20 years, the subject of general revelation came up.“I just think if that tribe in Africa doesn’t have a chance to hear the Gospel then God will honor anyone of them who looks at creation, puts his faith in the fact that something out there is bigger than Him.Yeah, God will let those people in heaven.”
It is my proposal to prove that the general revelation given by God in nature and conscience is not enough to warrant salvation to individuals.Furthermore, I intend to demonstrate that the proclamation of the Gospel is necessary for salvation.
It has been my experience, on multiple occasions, to discover that many Southern Baptist church members have a very shallow and unorthodox view of the nature of general revelation, its purpose and abilities.It is my hope that this paper can be used to defend the position that the proclamation of the Gospel is necessary in order for people to be converted, no matter their geographical, socio-economical or socio-religious situations.
After a long wait I have finally gotten the Mexico mission trip pictures up on the web. You can view them in the slide show below or download them here.
I have for the last several months been preaching itinerantly across several states. I love meeting new people and sharing the Word of God with different congregations. In my recent travels I have come to some conclusions about itinerant preaching, both pro’s and con’s.
Let’s start with the pro’s first. This type of ministry is good because it supplies a need to congregations who may not have the means to hire multiple staff members. If a church has staff, generally in the absence of a pastor the staff would fill in. A lot of SBC churches simply can’t afford this luxury.
It is also a good thing for congregations to be able to get a different perspective on the word of God. Pastors, just like everyone else, can get in ruts and they have their own hobby horses and soap boxes. This can, sometimes, lead to apathy in hearing on the part of the congregation. Even the best pastor, who is very passionate, communicates very well in his own style and is very dedicated to Godly service can sometimes become dull. It’s good to get a different perspective on the word in a different style. It can stir the congregation and bring a breath of freshness into the church. It’s always encouraging being used of God in this way. Continue Reading »
Today we are doing more church construction. I did not post yesterday because I was sick. I had a 101.2 temperature last night and did not feel well all day. Needless to say I was not much help on the construction site. However, today I feel a bit better and have been able to at least help dig a hole.
I had the privilege of preaching the main service for Pastor Jose on Sunday. The church was full and people were standing outside the gates that open out from the sanctuary to the sidewalk listening intently to the Gospel.
I am amazed at the joy of the people in Mexico. They have been very gracious and welcoming. They worship with much joy and love in their hearts for God.
How you can pray.
There have been a few of us who have been sick. The weather is hot in the day and cools down considerably at night. Please, pray that God will give us much grace in our health.
Pray for the people of Playa Del Carmen. Thousands of Mexicans per week are flooding into this city looking for work in resorts that can afford them a better life. The mission field here is ripe.
Pray for Antonio, our translator, he left his wife and children with his mother to come to Playa for work. He desperately wants them to move here but is lacking the funds to make that work.
Here are a few pictures to share with you what we have been doing the last few days.
A concrete form for columns that will support the roof of the church.
Pastor Jose’s office. The rebar sticking out of the hole will be the corner support.
Stephen and myself digging the other hole for the the second corner pillar. Stephen did more of the work but I had the most fun.
The top part is stadium seating. You can see the concrete form that will eventually support the roof. To fill the forms with concrete they mix it on the ground by hand and pack it to the forms in 5 gallon buckets. They have church under that during the meantime. You can see the pews under the structure.
The salvation of my trip. I was really starting to be a bit overwhelmed by tacos and mystery food. This was a good choice for supper last night.
Today we just finished attending the 10am service of Filidelphia Baptist Church in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Sunday morning service is more like a Sunday School program from 10-12. After the service the church then feeds the children that come.
Please pray for me tonight as I preach during the evening service. The past few nights we have been evangelizing in the local park and inviting people to come to this service. Please pray that God will grant grace with the translator and that He will anoint the service.
I am sorry that I have not been able to post more to this point but internet access has been limited. However, I should have access from now to the end of the trip. So please come back and learn more about these precious brothers and sisters in Christ.
