Investments and an Interview with Evangelist Tim Thompson

This week on the Delve into the Depths Podcast…

Song – Crucified Heart
Gospel Light Teen Choir - It’s Through the Blood
Sermon – Investments
Evangelist Tim Thompson - The Bill Rice Ranch
Interview – Evangelism
Evangelist Tim Thompson - The Bill Rice Ranch

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Tim Thompson

Related Links:

North Baptist Church – Brockton, MA

For a complete listing of all archived podcasts,
please visit our podcast page at:

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I’m Baaack…!

   

Well, all good things must come to an end.  As of this afternoon, my vacation ended as Jill boarded her plane and headed back to Miami.  I already miss her dearly.

So, what have the two of us been up to these past two weeks?  Well, keep checking back here and I will be posting a few pictures to keep you all informed. But, not to leave you all hanging, here’s a brief look at our first day together.

Jill came into Logan Airport on Saturday, July 15.  Because of the huge tunnel problem there in Boston, we took the Logan Express shuttle into Braintree.  From there it was off to Scituate, MA. 

There in Scituate is a lighthouse that was built back in the early 1800’s.  During the war of 1812, two young ladies manned the lighthouse and actually prevented an attack from a British vessel.  This lighthouse still stands as a memorial to their bravery.  You can read more on the sign down below (if you can read it).

 Jill and I had a great time there, walking along some of the beach front and enjoying each other’s company.  Until that day, we had not seen each other since April.  I cannot describe the joy she brings into my life.  It was, to say the least, a very special day.

Well, I hope that tidbit will tide you over till my next post.  There is so much here I am ready to share with you, including some thoughts concerning recent events – the Boston Tunnel Tragedy, the Dave Jaspers scandal, and some other things here and there.  Keep checking back here at Delve!

Warren’s Idea of Worship

“If we don’t use contemporary music to spread godly values, Satan will have an unchallenged access to an entire generation.” 

I recently read the above quotation in an article written by famous author and pastor Rick Warren.  I thought it was fairly interesting.  I’ve grown up all my life reading or listening to the works of Frank Garlock, Tim Fisher and Mac Lynch – The fundamental trio when it comes to the area of music and morality.  I wonder if they can’t go on tour together, like the Three Tenors or something…  Throw in Ron Hamilton and you have the ultimate quartet group in fundamental history!  Imagine the record sales!  Move over Casting Crowns and Petra!  Anyway, where was I?  Oh yes, the Warren quote…

This quote interested me because for the first time I am reading this first hand.  In other words, I didn’t pick up this quote from a Garlock book or hear it in an over-zealous fundamental, pulpit-pounding session.  Here it is, he said it.

What did he say?  According to his article, popular music of the day must be used to reach the lost.  This is a part of his purpose-driven mentality – a seeker sensitive church.  But I think it says more than that.  He said that we as Christians need to take something (here-music) and use it to communicate our values.  By this statement, I would assume that Mr. Warren considers this tool (music) to be an outside, a-moral entity.  It would be like saying, we need to use radio to reach the lost.  Or, we need to use books and pamphlets to reach the lost. 

But let us not be mistaken here.  He does not simply say we need to use music to reach the lost.  So, in this sense, the debate about whether music in general is moral or amoral does not apply here.  He is speaking of a particular form a music.  That form is contemporary.  What does contemporary mean?  In this sense, according to Mr. Webster, it would mean, “Marked by characteristics of the present period.” 

I choose that definition because of the context in which Warren speaks.  He wants to use the music of this age to reach this age.  In a sense, he wants to use their own music against them.  Back to the quote – he wants to take contemporary music to communicate godly values.  In other words, this form of communication does not already communicate godly values.  Notice, he did not say he wanted to use CHRISTIAN contemporary music (CCM) to communicate.  He wants to use music marked by characteristics of this present period.  In Biblical terms we would simply call that the world’s music. 

Also notice, this music does communicate – the very musical notes themselves.  He admits that.  By promoting the use of contemporary music, I am sure even Mr. Warren would not condone the lyrics of contemporary music to be played in his church service.  After all, he wants to use this form of music to communicate a gospel message.  So he is music that is marked (known for, associated with) by characteristics of the world.  The world uses this music to communicate messages of immorality, ungodliness and debauchery.  This music then would be marked by those ideas. 

Of course this music (not lyrics) communicates a message.  That is why rock artists and others use it.  It fits with their messages.  Warren, later in the article, confirms it.  When advising on how to determine which music is best for your church, he asserts this is one of the questions to be asked, “How does the tune make me feel?”  How should music typically used to promote sin make me feel? 

This tainted music now, according to Warren, is to be Christianized and used in worship to a holy God?    Have we completely lost any concept of that word holiness?  Pure, without spot, clean – these synonyms do not seem to fit the world’s message or the music characterized by it.  Four times in Scripture we are told to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (I Chron 16:29, II Chron 20:21, Ps 29:2, Ps 96:6).  Using the world’s music in this fashion does not seem to fit this qualification.  Worldly music dressed in Christian words is still worldly music at its core.  Nothing has changed.  By the way, this is the very definition of CCM.  Warren did not need to use that term (CCM), he was defining that term.

Before we are saved, we are the wretched enemies of God according to Romans 5.  We can make it sound nice to say we are “seeker-sensitive,” but this philosophy is more accurately giving aid and comfort to God’s enemies!  Why is our worship of Holy God dictated and formed by the very people who oppose God?  This is not the God of Isaiah 6.

Yet, after salvation, a great change is brought about.  All of our sin is wiped away and cleansed in the precious blood of Christ.  We are new creatures.  Replacing our sin is the very righteousness of Christ Himself.  It has been placed on our account.  One day, in a glorified state, we will be brought before the Lord as a glorious church not having spot nor wrinkle. 

In the meanwhile, we who have been sanctified (made clean) are constantly commanded to “put off the old man.”  We are told that we are dead to sin and should not live any longer therein.  We are told to separate ourselves and touch not the unclean thing.  We are even told not to love the world or anything in it.

As regenerated Christians, this idea of worshipping with worldly music should be abhorrent.  It goes against our very “new” nature.  God spared no expense in making His children pure and spotless.  How dare we suggest that worldly music, coming from a culture He died to save us from and commands us to leave, be used in worship. 

Later in this article Warren writes, “In Psalm 40:3 (NCV) David says, ‘He put a NEW song in my mouth … Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the Lord.’ Notice the clear connection between music and evangelism: ‘Then they will trust the Lord.’”  First of all, what is leading these people to trust in the Lord?  To agree with Warren and the context of his statement, I would have to assume David is telling us of a person listening to great music and then coming to conversion.  Yet, this is not what the text pictures for us.  are they coming to the Lord because of something they heard, or something they saw?  The text says, “…Many shall see it…”  That is the KJV rendering.  Yet even in the NCV Warren quoted, the many are seeing not hearing.  What they are seeing is the power of a transformed life.  They are seeing former inhabitant of the miry clay, standing up on a rock.  He is now praising the Lord in word and song.  That is an incredible sight.

Yet, for moment, let us assume then that it is the song itself, not just the testimony that brings others to Christ.  Still, it is the changed life that brings a NEW song.  A new song is just that, new.  It is not like the old song.  In other words, to be new, it was not something the “many” were accustomed with. Again, Mr. Warren suggests we use contemporary (worldly) music to reach the lost with the gospel.  This verse says quite the opposite. 

Mr. Warren further suggests, getting back to our original quotation, that unless worldly music is used, “Satan will have an unchallenged access to an entire generation.”  I would take issue with that statement.  Let us always remember that God is sovereign over all.  The only power Satan has is that which is allowed by God.  The power of Christ comes through the obedience to Christ.  He has given us all authority, let us not think we are in a fierce struggle and desperate for any measures to win.  Instead, we put on the whole armor of God.  With His weapons we fight, not with the enemy’s sword.  We move ahead knowing the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. 

We wish not to lower ourselves to the level of our enemy, instead we are to lift up the fallen and point them to the One who is high and lifted up.  We are to show them the stark contrast between a world filled with deceitful uncertainty and a Holy, Righteous God in whom there is no shadow of turning.  I cannot see how worldly music can speak of a transcendent, supernatural God.  

The battleground for Christian music, as Tim Fisher refers to it as, is not simply a fundamentalist mantra.  Nor is it an argument over style and preference.  We worship a holy God.  How are we to come before a holy God?  Psalm 24 shows us the answer.  Verses 3-4 say, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?  He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”  Do the words clean and pure describe contemporary, worldly music?  I do not believe so.  Yet, vanity and deceit certainly seem descriptive of such music.  We worship the Lord on His terms, not our own.  God’s standard is holiness.  God’s standard has always been holiness.  How can we bring Him anything less?

Rick Warren’s Article may be found here:

http://www.christianpost.com/php_functions/print_friendly.php?tbl_name=ministries&id=1846

The God You Can Trust With Evangelist Steve Pettit

This week on the Delve into the Depths Podcast…

Song – Lord, Speak to Me
The Heritage Strings - We Adore Thee
Sermon – The God You Can Trust
Steve Pettit - The Steve Pettit Evangelistic Association

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Steve Pettit

Related Links:

Trinity Baptist Church of Concord, NH

For a complete listing of all archived podcasts,
please visit our podcast page at:

http://delveintothedepths.podomatic.com

Galilean Baptist Church Camp

I wanted to take some time and put in a plug for camp that has meant so much to me in years gone by.  Galilean Baptist Church camp will be taking place July 24 – 28.  The week will be filled with hot preaching, fun games, exciting competition, delicious food, and lots of good Christian fellowship. 

I can honestly say this camp changed my life.  I first started attending when I was 16.  At that time, I was a nominal Christian, attending church somewhat regularly.  God used that week to set my soul afire and give me a burden to start living right.  Later I would realize God’s call to preach there at GBCC.  Many of my dearest friends and counselors in the ministry I met there at camp.  I have seen entire youth groups changed after one week.  God is using the folks there at Galilean.

The camp is camp, roughing it out in tents and sleeping bags.  No air-conditioned cabins here!  But before you start thinking that’s not for you or your children, give it a chance.  Sure, initially some complain and ache, but by the end of the week they are begging to stay just a little longer. 

It has been my honor to have been associated with Galilean Baptist Church Camp now for over 13 years.  It saddens me that due to ministry restraints here that I will not be able to attend and participate this year.  (I will be there to visit though) However, I do pray that if you are in the New England area, you will prayerfully consider this camp.  For more information, please contact Pastor Keith Main at (860) 684-9902, or visit the website at www.galileanbaptistchurch.org. 

Operation Romney Update

This morning at about 9:15 I once again called the Governor’s press office and once again was forced to leave a message for Ryan Williams.  I assumed this was yet another run-around performance, until I got the call.  Only a few minutes after leaving the message, Mr. Williams returned my call.  We spoke for a little bit and he informed that the request would be taken to the governor for his consideration in the near future.  Currently, due to the Governor’s heavy involvement in the tunnel tragedy, all interview request such as our will be postponed, as they should be.  The Governor’s leadership during this crisis is both inspirational and encouraging.  This is the same take-charge management style that saved the Salt Lake City Olympics, and may lead him eventually to the White House.  We will keep you up to date with any further details concerning this interview.

Christ-Likeness in the Home and an Interview with Rand Hummell

This week on the Delve into the Depths Podcast…

Song – Steal Away
The Wilds A Cappella Chorale – On My Journey Home
Sermon – Christ-Likeness in the Home
Rand Hummell – The Wilds Christian Camp
Interview – The Wilds of New England
Rand Hummell – The Wilds Christian Camp

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Rand Hummell

For a complete listing of all archived podcasts,
please visit our podcast page at:

http://delveintothedepths.podomatic.com

A Haven of Rest

Starting on Saturday (July 15), I will be going on vacation for a week.  Though I will be staying here in the area, I will not be blogging on a regular basis.  I will try to update the blog from time to time, describing some of the places I have gone and activities I have done.  What makes this vacation oh so special is that I will be spending it with the beautiful Jill Caucutt.  As you can imagine, I am greatly looking forward to this!

However, the weekly Delve into the Depths podcast will still be up and running on its normal schedule, at least that is the plan.  I will also try and keep everyone updated on Operation Romney if further details are learned.  As of today, no response from the State House.

Personal Reflections from the Baptist Singles’ Conference

 

For those of you who have been asking, a review of the Baptist Singles’ Conference is now available on the Fundamental Baptist Singles’ Fellowship website. I believe the conference went well, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the preaching I was able to hear. Let me share with you a few personal reflections.

1. From the bottom of my heart, I must say that I was greatly challenged by the preaching of Pastor Brad Wilkinson. His sound Biblical exposition was matched only by his zeal, passion and enthusiasm. You could tell that study, prayer and research did not result in coldness or deadness here. Pastor Wilkinson is yet another example of what Jeremiah declared to be a fire in his bones. The fellowship we had was truly a blessing. I suppose what I would admire most about Wilkinson’s quality is his willingness to think for himself. Many within fundamentalism are trapped in the bondage of fellowship. What I mean is, they are worried about offending those in their particular fellowship, whether it be the FBF, BBF, or some other local fellowship of pastors. Too often we get so segmented into our particular camps that we lose the ability to simply think on our own. The autonomy of the local church sometimes is lost in such cases. Even within historic fundamentalism, we are quick to label every thought, idea, method and activity. Oh, you can’t say this, because Hyles once did… You can have that in your church, sounds too much like something out of Bob Jones…

2. There was one statement I heard that day that challenged me the most. However, it was not heard in any of the messages. I was speaking with Pastor Roger Maxwell and I asked if he would be staying for the entire conference or leaving after his workshop was finished. Some speakers had to make such a decision because of busy schedules, and I completely understand. Maxwell’s answer is what convicted me. He said, “No, I’m here to get everything I can get out of this.” Here is a pastor I respect. His reason for attending was to teach, his reason for staying was to learn. Even as a respected pastor and sought-after speaker, he had the humility to realize God has something for him through the preaching of His Word. May we pastors and ministry workers never forget that.

3. It was a pleasure once again to spend time with Evangelist Edward Jesanis and his wife Christine. The one (of many) lessons I learned from working as his assistant was the importance of a servant’s heart. Both Ed and Chris typified that spirit. They were a tremendous help, seeking out ways to help and be a blessing to both me and the conference. Like Pastor Maxwell, they were there to teach, they were not hired hands. But without an ounce of pride they pitched in whenever they could, constantly asking if there was anything else they could do. Not only did they teach me this lesson years ago, but they are still setting the example today.

4. I still get chills down my spine whenever it is my job to introduce Pastor James Wilkes. Growing up there at New England Baptist Church, I always had a great sense of awe about Pastor Wilkes. I never dreamt of the day that he would be preaching for me! I can honestly say that he is one of the major reasons I am in the ministry today. I remember hearing his preaching, seeing his personal warmth, admiring his walk with Lord, and thinking, I want to be just like that someday. That is still a goal I keep in mind whenever I see him.

Operation Romney Update – At 2:30 today called the media office again and got no reply to our request. However, I was given the e-mail address for the Director of Media Services, Ryan Williams. So, I have e-mailed him today and I will report back when and if he replies. However, I later discovered this same e-mail address is attributed to Eric Fehrnstrom, the Director of Communications on the official MA state website. We shall see what happens.

Operation Romney

 

Our latest goal here at Delve into the Depths is an interview with Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. 

Governor Romney first stepped on to the political scene with his challenge to oust Ted Kennedy from his well-entrenched Senate seat.  He entered the national spotlight saving us from national embarrassment in his rescuing the Olympics a few years back from political corruption.  Now as Governor of Massachusetts, Romeny has taken the lead in the fight against homosexual marriage,  has tried to revive the failing Mass GOP., and in the past few days has shown great leadership and decision making in light of the big dig tunnel tragedy.  Some political pundits even have Romney as a potential front-runner in the 2008 Presidential race.   

We will keep you up to date in our progress in traking him down.  Daily phonecalls and e-mails will be sent out.  We will air the podcast as soon as it is recorded.