Critical Theory – 3 Problematic Components

Posted on by markwchristy
1. One's identity is based on a group or category to which they are associated with. Membership in these groups (race, sex, etc) is not based on personal choice; even so, those in these groups are guilty by default. So, this is how you can be a racist, misogynistic homophobe. 2. Your duty is to liberate the oppressed. Bear in mind that someone else gets to determine who these people are. Ultimately, most people in society are oppressors of a still more oppressed group. For example, a black h...
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Challenges of Social Justice Theory (SJT) to the Biblical Worldview (adapted from By What Standard, ed. Jared Longshore)

Posted on by markwchristy
1. The promotion of the sense of entitlement - Those who are from underprivileged classes (as defined by these theorists) are told that they should seek to be first and society should make it so. Jesus teaches us to be a servant (Matt 10:42-43). 2. Personal offense becomes the focus - Those who are underprivileged and those who are the cause of their lower status are told to focus exclusively (much of the time) on acknowledging privilege in others (judgementalism by category which is unbibli...
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The Foundation of Evangelism (Taken from J. Macarthur’s Commentary on Galatians)

Posted on by markwchristy
"The most important pursuit for all Christians, individually and corporately, is holiness. The first mission of the church is to honor and glorify God, and He can be honored and glorified by His children only as they grow to be like Him in character. Although evangelism is the cutting edge of the church’s ministry, holiness is the only foundation on which effective evangelism or any other ministry can be built. The supreme priority of the church is holiness, purity of inward life. God can accom...
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Impact of a Discipleship Ministry on the Future of the Church

Posted on by markwchristy
Let me start by demonstrating what happens when discipleship is not prioritized. Looking back over the last several decades of church history, we can see the effects of the church-growth movement together with the seeker-sensitive (and seeker-driven) movement. These did help churches come to grips with some of the cultural changes in our communities and some of the abiblical aspect of our traditional approaches to ministries. Nevertheless, many churches found themselves overly focused on the co...
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Challenges Facing the SBC

Posted on by markwchristy
The SBC faces multiple challenges. Currently, there seems to be a great debate over the theological merits of Calvinism and Arminianism. Many are choosing sides but most seem to have a poor understanding of the differences. Historically, Baptists (SBC) chose to embrace both camps under the banner of evangelicalism. In my view, proper understanding of these two opposing views requires significant and systematic study of Scripture. Given this, Christians probably need time to work through the var...
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Discipleship is Personal

Posted on by markwchristy
As Christians, we are not called to live out our faith in isolation. The Bible does not present a sort of Lone Ranger/John Wayne style of Christianity. Unfortunately, many often choose to either attend church sporadically or simply attend the Sunday morning service more regularly. In the Bible, church is so much more than a service on Sunday morning. Rather, it is an interactive fellowship centered around God’s word where Christians come together to “accept one another” (Rom 15:7), be “concern[...
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The Slippery Slope of Using Numerical Growth as an Evaluation Tool

Posted on by markwchristy
No doubt, there are many false teachers who could give accounts of how their ministries swelled and filled auditoriums with leaders who would like to replicate such ‘success’. As a young minister, I struggled greatly with this. I have come to realize several things. First, too many churches worship success (that they can count) and end up perverting God’s church in the process. Second, church size may rise and fall, but a true church remains faithful in all circumstances. Third, too many church...
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How to be an Example to Others Inside and Outside of the Church

Posted on by markwchristy
Inside the church Encouraging fellow believers in the Word. One of my brothers here in China struggled with loneliness. His stance for Christ left him abandoned by his family and his social circle. Instead of just giving him a quick encouraging word, I made time to go eat with him on a weekly basis. Besides having many discussions at the table over the teachings of our Lord, we would also spend some time studying God’s word back at my home.Confronting those who are not living in accordance w...
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6 Commitments for Christian Ministers (i.e. All Christians)

Posted on by markwchristy
Besides remaining faithful in prayer and regular study of God’s Word, Christian ministers (like every other Christian) should always keep Christ first, examine themselves, walk in the light of truth, practice obedience, rely on God’s grace, and maintain fellowship with God’s church. Each of these commitments is discussed in the following paragraphs. The first commitment, keeping Christ first, involves the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with al...
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Discipleship and the Local Church: 8 Commitments Necessary to Accomplish the Gospel Mission (with Additional Comments)

Posted on by markwchristy
In the Great Commission, Christ points out two separate categories of people: disciples and non-believers. By examining this passage in Greek, we learn that making disciples involves going, baptizing, and teaching God’s Word. God’s people must, therefore, engage in mission by carrying God’s Word to unbelievers, testifying to them concerning its gospel message, and baptizing those who make the good confession. This commission was given by our Lord to all believers, so all believers should be eng...
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