[Pastor raising one hand slightly cupped toward the ceiling]
“Come. The doors of the church are open. Just come. I know there is one more. Come.” <organ plays to stir emotions> “Today is the day of salvation thus saith the Lord. Choose ye THIS day! Come.”
This should sound familiar to you if you’ve ever been part of or currently are part of a traditional worship service; perhaps even more so in the African-American context. For those unfamiliar, these are the typical phrases heard at the end of a service known as the altar call or the invitation. Sounds harmless, right? After all, isn’t the pastor supposed to “lead people to the Lord”? Obviously, this isn’t an article on pastoral theology, so I won’t get into the role and responsibilities of the shepherd.
(Scenario 2)
Using belligerent speech to convert people to Christ after you’ve given the gospel. This usually happens after a person has given a clear presentation of the gospel and the listener appears the least bit concerned. “So you’re telling me you’d rather go to hell, than accept the forgiveness Christ offers? Why would you want to do that?” If that is not your experience, great. But believe me, it happens.
Or perhaps you’re the kind of person that frets over your gospel presentation or you feel condemned after the listener walks away in rejection.
It is my conviction that both of these very common scenarios are evidences of an inaccurate understanding of the gospel. These two scenarios represent common tactics of the Decisional Regeneration or Decision Theology Movement. It’s antithesis is Reformation Theology.
As the title says, I hope that this provides some encouragement for the evangelist (all believers for that matter) as we biblically assess salvation and how it comes about.
Decisional Regeneration / Decision Theology
Decisional Regeneration is the teaching that after hearing the gospel man can respond by choosing to follow the Lord and it is by that decision that he is regenerated or born again.
Decisional Regeneration gained mass popularity by the preaching of Charles Finney in the early 19th century. It was his unbiblical position on depravity, justification, atonement, imputation and other key doctrines that led to his pragmatic revival style of preaching, which evangelicalism has yet to fully recover from.
Concerning depravity, which will remain my main focus, Finney believed that depravity resulted in a person after a freewill immoral decision was made. In his Lectures on Systematic Theology, Finney states that the idea of moral depravity is “absurd”, “anti-Scriptural and non-sensical dogma”. He went on to say, “Moral depravity, as I use the term, does not consist in nor imply a sinful nature in the sense that the substance of the human soul is sinful in itself. It is not a constitutional sinfulness. It is not an involuntary sinfulness.”1
This is nothing more than the resurrection of the condemned teachings of Pelagius, called Pelagianism. Under this spurious view, it proports that Adam’s sin was not imputed to rest of the human race. Subsequently, a denial of Adam’s imputation of sin naturally leads one to reject the idea of the necessity of Christ’s imputation of righteousness through faith, and Finney did deny that. However, Finney did believe that depravity was universal because every man everywhere makes immoral decisions. Yet, Finney believed and taught each man is born in a state of innocence. The conclusion – all man has to do is to stop desiring and choosing the wrong things and desire and choose the right things, namely God. Can it be so simple, Mr. Finney? Why does man naturally desire and choose things that God prohibits without the full revelation of God’s order?
Concerning inherent sin and the imputation of sin, Psalm 51:5 and Romans 5:12-14 reject Finney’s doctrine.
Concerning the ability and desire to choose God, Romans 3:11 and 5:6 silences that position. In Romans 3:11, quoting Psalm 14, the Apostle Paul says of man in his natural unredeemed state: “…..no one understands, no one seeks for God.” The word the Holy Spirit led Paul to used for seeks is the Greek word έκζητων (ekzeton). This comes from the words “ek” and “zeteo”. “ek” is a preposition which means out of and “zeteo” is the verb to seek. When used like this ekzeton means to make a diligent or careful search. In this context, it is in the present tense and its mood is functioning as a participle. Literally, Paul is saying no one from their own initiative is carefully or diligently seeking the Lord. Man doesn’t do this because he is in bondage to his sin, his desires are constantly for sin and he is spiritually dead. That’s how bad the fall affected us. We do not desire God! We are dead to God naturally. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that man cannot freely choose Christ on his own for the forgiveness of his sins and regeneration.
It is on the foundation of Jesus’ words in John 6:44 that Paul instructs us through the Holy Spirit.
“44No one can come to me unless the Father who sent medraws him….”
The results of Finney’s soteriological beliefs led to rowdy evangelistic pragmatism like the “anxious bench” (the forerunner to the altar call) and emotional tactics that often resulted in fainting, uncontrollable weeping and sobbing, and proclaiming “new words” from the Lord. Sound familiar? It should as these trends have had a long lasting global impact. Unquestionably, the worst effect of Finney’s doctrine is that it is a departure from the gospel as the Bible puts forth and the fruits of a false gospel aided by humanistic pragmatism are false conversions.
In my next installment, we will consider the biblical soteriological beliefs characteristic of The Reformation and how that affects evangelism.
Grace & Peace,
d.
1 Charles Finney, Lectures on Systematic Theology, p. 245
The sovereign work of God never ceases to amaze me. Truly as Jesus said, the Father is always at His work, even to this very day. I know the context of that (John 5:17) is speaking about Sabbath laws, nevertheless it still rings true. Let me explain.
Tonight, I went to the gym, washed my car and noticed that I needed gas. Now, I’m a bit particular these days about where I purchase my gas because of the varying prices. The gas station next to the carwash typically runs a bit higher than all of the other gas stations in my area, so I passed on going there. I decided on a particular gas station to go to and there are 3 of those within a 5 mile radius of the carwash.
I ended up going to the one probably the furthest away, but the easiest to get to based on the way the streets are laid out. As I pull into the gas station, I see this maroon Chevy Impala pull up bangin’ some rap music. As I am getting ready to pump my gas, I hear:
“Say man, you wanna check out some free music I’m promotin’?”
“What is it?”
“Typical dope music from the south.”
“What are they talking about?”
“Everyday life type of stuff. You know just trying to make it.”
“Nah, but let me tell you why I don’t want it. I’m a Christian and I don’t desire to listen to that.”
(I said this respectfully)
“Ah, that’s cool man. I understand. I go to church every Sunday.”
“Oh word? What’s your name?”
“Red.” (He had red hair)
“I’m Dave.”
“So tell me, what do you know about the gospel?”
As we begin to discuss the gospel and what it means to be forgiven, “Red” insisted that he’s good with God, how he lives moral life, etc. I explained to him that a truly forgiven person won’t attain perfection in this life, but that person will demonstrate fruits of repentance and no longer continually lives to please his flesh, but rather advance the kingdom of God. After 10 minutes of further dialogue he finally admitted that he isn’t a believer and he’s not ready to make that commitment.
“You know it’s funny that you bring this up. My boss at work always talks to me about this stuff, so it’s really strange that I walk up to you and you talk about this.”
“Red, can I give you some music?”
“Sure. That’s what’s up!”
I gave him a copy of the Before You Die music tract from Reach Records and wrote my phone number on it.
“Yo Red, if you ever want to chop it up, just call me and we can rap.”
“Thanks man!”
Do you see the love of God in directing me to that gas station, the one furthest away, so “Red”could hear the gospel again? It reminds me of the route Jesus took on the way back to Galilee from Judea through Samaria. Jews typically avoided going through Samaria for many reasons, but John 4 tells us that he had to go through Samaria. Though there was no geographical necessity to travel through Samaria to Galilee from Judea, the Father had appointed a conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well that led to a harvest of conversions.
If you remember, please pray for the Lord to open “Red’s” eyes to his sin and the beauty of the cross!
2. God designed sex to occur between one man and one woman.
3. God designed sex to occur between one man and one woman that are married to each other.
4. God designed sex to occur between one man and one woman that are married to each other to point to the intimacy and commitment Christ has with and toward His church.
Primarily, sex was meant to glorify God.
Sex outside of His parameters is sin because it misrepresents Him and His love for the church.
The 60’s were a pivotal time in American history on many fronts. Perhaps none more revolutionary was its drug/sexual revolution. This decade marked the manifestation of drastic change regarding gender roles and behavior and sexual behavior. These manifested in the forms of the advent of the FDA approval of the birth control pill (which wouldn’t be available to single women until 1972), recreational dating and sex, the feminist movement and the infant stages of the gay rights movement. Not only were these new attitudes being expressed in the politico-social arena, but also in music arena of pop culture through artists such as The Beatles, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, The Jimi Hendrix Experiment, Deep Purple, Sly & The Family Stone, The Miracles, The Marvelettes, and The Supremes. Ponder the quote by Jim Morrison, deceased lead singer of The Doors.
Sex is full of lies. The body tries to tell us the truth, but it’s usually too battered with rules to be heard. We cripple ourselves with lies. Most people have no idea what they’re missing. Our society places a supreme value on control, on hiding what you feel. It mocks primitive culture and prides itself on the suppression of natural instincts and impulses.
In a nutshell, Morrison is saying that sex should be uninhibited. This is nothing more than evidence of God’s wrath spoken in Romans 1:18-32. These are ideas we once held when our minds were darkened.
As believers, how are we to view sex? As singles? As married? How are to we view our singleness? Our matrimony status? If one struggles being single, how does God address that?
Currently, we’re going through 1 Corinthians 7 at church and today’s sermon was very encouraging as it challenged us to think about the typological and the temporariness of singleness, earthly marriage, sex and the consumation of our salvation where we will be with our Bridegroom for all eternity.
As soon as the sermon is available, I will post it here for your listening and encouragement.
Update : Here is the link to the archive of the 1 Corinthian series. It is the message from 9/27/09.
The more I attend my new church, the more I am encouraged about the church, the more I love the church. When I say the church I mean the catholic or universal true church, not my local assembly alone. This is a huge turning point for me because for the past few years, I have been very disappointed in the American church as it has generally succumbed to prosperity theology, liberal theology or outright heresy in doctrine and ecclesiological practice. It’s not out of bounds to even question the authenticity of many professing churches when I compare them to the church and pastoral epistles in the New Testament.
So the reason for my encouragement you ask? In today’s service I witnessed two expressions of the gospel that seems foreign to the church. I witnessed an elder’s public confession of sin and church discipline. Without going into unnecessary detail, the former elder tearfully admitted his violation of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and how his sin affected his employment, his relationships including his marriage resulting in the heavy discipline of the Lord.
Some still may be wondering why this was encouraging for me. I was encouraged by: the conviction and discipline he experienced which validates his sonship (Hebrews 12:5-11), his humility to confess which testifies of his agreement with the truthfulness of God (1 John 1:8-10), and the mercy he received and will receive from God and from the body (Proverbs 28:13 & Psalm 32).
It is imperative that we understand the scope of the gospel. I think when we think of the term “the gospel” we relegate that to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ only. While that is the foundation of it, it is not the totality of it. The gospel is evidenced not only in justification, but in sanctification and ultimately our glorification. The Apostle Paul said in his introduction to the Romans:
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Working backwards in these two verses, it’s obvious the believer or the one who has been imputed righteousness by faith will live by that same faith. The same faith that justified us is the same faith we’re called to live in. This is what Paul meant when he said from faith to faith. Or it can be said this way: from initial faith (justification) to the consummation of faith (glorification). Saying it this way implicitly includes our sanctification, which occurs as a result of being justified and is a precursor to being glorified.
The key issue is to notice from what and what is being revealed from faith to faith. Paul says from the gospel, the righteousness of God is being revealed. More specifically, the evidence of this gospel is the imputed righteousness of God progressively manifesting practically in our lives. This progressive manifestation of God’s righteousness is evidenced in our continual growth not only through love, patience, kindness, etc., but also in humility, submission, confession, correction, and repentance. Confession and repentance are signs of a contrite heart, which please the Lord.
While I do not rejoice in the sin of the former elder, I do rejoice because of the faithfulness of God to glorify Himself and to continually conform him to the image of His Son and bring him to glory.
We currently live in an age where truth is projected as a fleeting fantasy or it’s reconstructed as an oppressive notion. The ideas of our postmodern age, sadly, have infiltrated and contaminated the professing church through enemies of the cross and undiscerning ears. It is because of the failure to adhere to truth that the church exhibits stagnation and retarded growth. The failure of adhering to truth is not of a theoretical issue alone, but a practical one. We do the truth of the gospel no good when we fail to exhibit it practically. We bear the fruit of postmodern theory when we fail to walk in truth. So what does it mean to walk in truth? Psalm 86:11 says this:
Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
First, walking in truth involves understanding His ways, His commands and precepts. So there is an instructional aspect. Next, the Psalmist prays for the effect of the LORD’s instruction: to obey His truth. The Psalmist is praying for comprehensive obedience. And this comprehensive obedience is for what end? To deliver him from the duplicity resident in his heart. We must have undivided, right and reverent affections, with the chief affection being the glory of His name. This is what it means to fear His name.
But let’s be a little bit more specific. I am going somewhere with this!
What does walking in truth look like in the relational dynamic of the brotherhood, which is united in one Spirit?
To put it simply, we are to walk in love toward one another for the advancement of the gospel for the glory of Christ.
Let us not be naïve to think that this love is a cocktail of warm thoughts, nice gestures, and complimenting words. It is much more. It is much harder. Why?
The core of our relationships with one another is about the glory of Christ. I believe this should be the primary focus of our relationships, which takes grace from God to comprehend such a blessed reality. (Philippians 1:27) But the precursor to that is to see the beauty and perfection of Christ Himself to rejoice in such a privilege. Such is the reason for our sanctification. We were predestined and saved to be His image bearers. (Romans 8:29) And in the wisdom and love of God, He’s designed for that sanctification to happen through relationships, which involves transparency, honesty, humility, and at times painful rebukes. Yes, rebukes!
It angers me that it seems like the church (at least in America) thinks it’s above being reproofed. As long as we are on this side of glorification, biblical reproofing is to be done when necessary. It is the foolish and prideful person that refuses to take heed of his sin. It is also the jaded individual who accuses the reproofer of being uncharitable. That is severely unbiblical! In fact, Scripture tells us that discipline is an expression of love. The writer of Hebrews says to Israel:
”My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
That’s grace!! The purpose of reproofing is that we may turn from sin, share in His holiness which leads to the peaceable fruit of righteousness. It would be highly unloving of God to not discipline His children and instead let them persist in sin and reap the damaging consequences thereof.
There will always be a constant fight to preserve our self image versus abandoning ourselves humbly to the obedience and glory of God. Abandoning ourselves to God involves a constant tearing down of the high place of self-idolatry. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “Abide in me…”
I can guarantee that before we go to be with our Lord, we will find ourselves on both sides of this issue. When we see the need to rebuke someone, let our motivation be love for our brother or sister, their repentance and God’s glory. When we find ourselves on the receiving end, let us respond humbly understanding that this a practical demonstration of the love and grace of God toward us. That is walking in truth! That is walking in the fruit of the gospel of grace!
Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it.
Psalm 141:5
Lord, continue to give us the grace to not be practical postmoderns and soften our hearts to receive your correction when needed.
It is my conviction that if there is any doctrine worthy of study and repeated study, it is the doctrine of redemption or atonement, which is the focal point of the Christian faith. Before I offer my thoughts on the book, it is worthy to note the etymology of atonement.
The word atonement was created by the multi-lingual English Protestant reformer and scholar, William Tyndale. Realizing there was no English word to accurately describe God’s forgiveness and reconciliation, he described it as “at” “onement”. Let us not also forget, it was Tyndale who first translated the Scriptures into English in 1525 under severe persecution which he was eventually hanged and burned.
The last two years have been particularly rich for me regarding my soteriological studies, maybe almost to a fault, somewhat neglecting other doctrines of the faith. But since this is the centrality of the faith, logically I assume that it will benefit me in the other areas as I continue to study the Scriptures from this reference point. I admit that I am in awe of God’s grace toward us in Christ before time began and when mentally digested and meditated on, who wouldn’t be? The gospel is beautiful and taking time to gaze at the intricacies of that beauty does my soul well.
The title aptly describes the two perspectives of redemption which Murray richly explores: its accomplishment by Christ and its application for the believer. Specifically, part one of the book looks at the necessity, the nature, the perfection and the extent of the atonement. Part two takes the reader through the application of the atonement looking at the ordo salutis from effectual calling to glorification. Murray’s reformed soteriological views are biblically linked with well thought precision. Though his verbosity can make the read laborious, it is well worth the time and effort to understand and appreciate so great a salvation.
From whence does God work His own
redeeming plan to its end
From His sovereignty He did atone
and freed us from our sin
Part I – Redemption Accomplished
The onset of the book delves into the necessity of the atonement. But Murray’s intent isn’t to elaborate on the necessity itself, but rather the necessity of the peculiar manner in which our redemption was met. He calls it “consequent absolute necessity”. Concerning consequent, Murray’s point is that salvation arose merely out of the pleasure of God’s good will, though He didn’t have to. Concerning the absolute necessity aspect, he labors from Scripture to show why Christ alone is uniquely qualified to secure the salvation of God for sin, which includes redemptive eschatological implications.
Next, Murray leads us to understand the nature of the atonement, highlighting in thoughtful detail, the propitious and reconciliatory nature of Christ’s sacrifice stemming from God’s love. (1 John 4:10) Murray says, “God appeases his own holy wrath in the cross of Christ in order that the purpose of his love to lost men may be accomplished in accordance with and to the vindication of all the perfections that constitute his glory.”
It would do no man any good to celebrate atonement if for some reason it lacked security and could be perverted. So as to establish men with confidence, from Scripture, Murray draws out the perfection of the atonement. Murray defends the perfection of the atonement from four perspectives: its historicity (Gal. 4:4-5), its finality (Heb. 1:3, 5:12, 25-28), its uniqueness and its intrinsic efficacious nature. (Eph. 2:4-5, Heb. 5:9) Murray stresses why Christ’s atonement is perfect in a few, but resounding words. “Christ procured redemption and therefore he secured it. He met in himself and swallowed up the full toll of divine condemnation and judgment against sin.”
Concluding the first part of the book, Murray now turns his attention to the extent of the atonement. After defending the sufficiency of atonement, it is only natural to focus on to whom is the atonement applied. In other words – For whom did Christ die? Was Christ’s death meant to make men savable? Or was His death meant to actually save men from God’s wrath? Both views contain the idea of limited atonement, but with contrasting ends in mind. From one perspective, Christ died for the sins of every person, but only those who effect the atonement by their resident faith will be saved. From the other perspective Christ died for those given to Him by the Father and procured salvation, including saving faith. The first view is typically noted as the Arminian view which limits the effect of the cross while widening the scope of the cross. The second view is typically noted as the Calvinist view which limits its scope but effectually saves the elect. In his interbiblical defense of justification, Murray says, “Christ did not come to make people redeemable, but to actually redeem a people to Himself.”
Part II – Redemption Applied
After laboring to show the sufficiency and beauty of atonement in Christ, Murray turns his attention to the order of the acts and processes of each stage of redemption or ordo salutis. The chief text that sheds light on God’s wisdom in salvation is Romans 8:28-30. Murray keenly points the reader to the first cause of redemption, namely the purpose of God as the end of verse 28 declares. It is this fact that sets in motion the succeeding acts and processes of redemption in verses 29-30 : foreknew, predestined, called, justified and glorified. This unbreakable chain starts in eternity, continues in time and culminates in eternity.
Dutifully, Murray adds implicit links to this chain and spends a few chapters explaining how each implicit issue links to the explicit issues perfectly together to give us a detailed view of God’s redemption. Respectively and logically ordered, the chapters focus on effectual calling, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, union with Christ and glorification.
In my estimation, Murray’s thoughts on the believers mysterious union with Christ is the pinnacle of the entire book. Murray draws out the trinitarian aspects of our union with Christ and makes this definitive statement:
Union with Christ is the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation.
Murray closes the curtain spending the last chapter discussing glorification and its Christocentric implications (Philippians 3:21). Murray says the congruity of redemption shall be revealed when the glory of Christ and the glory His body, believers, are revealed on that day. What an amazing scene!
If you have an appetite for understanding the doctrine of the atonement or redemption, I highly encourage you to purchase and thoughtfully read this book.
About the Author (from back cover)
John Murray (1898-1975) was born in Scotland and educated in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Princeton. He spend most of his distinguished career teaching systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelpha. He also wrote Principles of Conduct: Aspects of Biblical Ethics and the volume of Romans in the New International Commentary on the New Testatment series.
If New York City is known as the birthplace of hip hop, then Philadelphia has to be known for its infectious soul music. The Delfonics, The Stylistics, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Hall and Oates, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes featuring Teddy Pendergrass are some of the artists that have given Philadelphia its rich soul music history. Of course being only 95 miles away from New York City, Philadelphia has its own notable hip hop history. So just imagine the boom bap of New York City hip hop fusing with the soul rich sounds of Philadelphia!
As of recent, it is unquestionable that Philadelphia has become the hotbed of Christian Hip Hop and one of its native sons has quickly gained recognition due to his unique blend of soul samples, melodies and that classic east coast boom bap. I remember the first time I heard the remix to Young Josh’s “Gotta Move”. That track took me back to the sound reminiscent of the golden era of hip hop (circa 1993-1998). A classic drumbeat, a soulful melodic sample, and just the right amount of scratching had me on a quest to figure out who created such a rhythmic concoction. Then I got blitzed with the “I GOT IT FOR FREE Remix” EP by E-PISTLE featuring the standout track, “HIS-HOP remix” with the now well known signature phrase “Teddy P on the beats!” This one called Teddy P captured my ear and I was going to make it a point to follow his work.
After three trips to Philadelphia, I finally had the pleasure of meeting Teddy P, though I must admit the course of events didn’t allow us to build as I would’ve liked. Enter e-mail and text messages. The joy of technology! Over the course of our communication, it has become evident where his passions lie and how he wants to use his life for the glory of Christ. I certainly appreciate his contribution to the kingdom and I thought it would be good for others to get an inside scoop on the one they call Teddy P.
UR: First of all, thank you for being willing to share a bit of your life. Getting started, tell us a little bit about yourself outside of music.
TP: Yes sir, and thanks for this opportunity, famo! My name is Harry Wesley Pendleton, Jr. I have been married for four years to my wife Leticia, and we have a beautiful daughter, Taylor, who recently turned 3. Currently, I attend Faith & Love Center, pastored by my father, Harry W. Pendleton, Sr., and serve as the organist/pianist. I used to drum for 13 years, but those days are long gone!
UR: At what point did you become a follower of Jesus Christ?
TP: One day in 2006, I was on the computer checking e-mail and all of a sudden an overwhelming sense of conviction came over me. I immediately saw my sin SO CLEARLY. I went to the floor and cried out to the Father for forgiveness, repented, truly believed Christ was my savior, and haven’t looked back since!
UR: Prior to that, was there anyone in your life sharing the gospel with you or urging you to consider eternal matters?
TP: No. I spent most of my life in church, not a follower of Christ.
UR: What do you love most about being a husband? Being a father? Your wife? Your child?
TP: The best part about being a husband is having a godly wife! She certainly is my backbone, and has my back 100% of the time, which has truly been a blessing! She is my best friend, and I praise God for our union. Being a father and husband has had an awesome affect on my life naturally and spiritually. In seeing that I am truly the head of my house, I strive to put God first in everything that I do, and He has certainly blessed us beyond what we could’ve ever imagined, both in the natural and spiritual.
UR: What is the most challenging about all of these roles?
TP: The most challenging issue is staying consistent at all times. Usually in times of uncertainty in my family life, it’s a total reflection of my own walk with the Lord. If I am shaky, it ultimately affects my family as well.
UR: When the waters get a bit rough in the Pendleton home, what course of action do you normally take?
TP: MUCH MUCH prayer! However, it actually takes a bit to get me rattled, but there are times when I feel like a failure or I feel like I’m not doing enough. But through prayer and getting in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit gives us so much comfort man.
UR: Describe your journey to producing.
TP: Well, like I touched on briefly earlier, I have always had an instrument in my hand for as long as I can remember. At 4, I could handle a tambourine like the best of them. LOL! At 5, my mother signed me up for piano lessons, which I hated! I couldn’t stand the piano then, not understanding God’s sovereign will to see me where I am today. In the meantime, I learned to play the keys, trumpet, drums and bass guitar. When I was 22, I came across a program that came with my Mac computer: a little program called Garage Band. That started the bug to start producing and I haven’t looked back since. At that age I wasn’t saved, so my focus was on secular placement which, praise God, never worked out.
UR: You have a very identifiable sound. Who were/are some of your musical influences?
TP: My journey in hip-hop didn’t start until I was 19 years old. We weren’t allowed to listen to “devilment” in my parents’ house growing up. LOL! When I started college, I was out of the house 24/7, and my homey from school put me on to Mos Def’s “Black on Both Sides”. I was hooked immediately! Since I went to school for graphic design, we all had computers at our desks and I would log online to see who was associated with Mos Def. I learned about Talib Kweli, Common and the Roots, who I was actually pretty familiar with living in Philly. I remember one day I walked to Tower Records and spent roughly $100 on “conscious” hip-hop. Because I was 19, and had my own mind at that age, I wasn’t persuaded by what was on TV. I felt like these guys were intellectually stimulating and were actually saying something. This style has influenced me tremendously, which I’m sure you can hear in my music. Also, gospel music from the early 60’s to the 80’s has a direct influence on the soul in my music.
UR: What is your perspective on the progress and hindrance of CHH?
TP: Great question. On the progressive side of things, CHH has grown in leaps and bounds directly attributed to people getter better at their crafts from all perspectives, including production, stylistically, and more importantly in their ability to inform folks about things concerning the faith. The surge of reformed theology (Yes, I said it! LOL!!) among the youth of today, and them seeing the importance of expressing the truth through Scripture in rhyme form has been amazing to watch. It has forced listeners to pick up their Bibles, various commentaries and books to dig deeper into the vast knowledge in Scripture that may not always be attainable on the surface. Expository lessons through rhyme, like what Lampmode Records does, instead of everything being topical has truly blessed many fans and supporters.
On the flip side, things have slowly but surely started to become expensive for many. As we all know, we are in a recession, and many folks have cut back on spending. I think CHH has been affected by this, and maybe some reform on how we can get this message out should take place. I think the recession in a way could be an eye opener to remind us of our first focus, and that is for the gospel be spread without any hindrances.
UR: What led to the formation of 317 Media and its financial philosophy?
TP: Well, I have been blessed to have various talents from the Lord. I figured it would be great to use those talents to hi-lite Christ through the various mediums we offer. Music is what I focus on primarily, but through school I was introduced to video and graphic design, so I try to use those mediums as well. 317 is actually going through somewhat of an evolution. I’m starting to reshape it as a ministry outlet than an actual company. I have to be honest and say initially 317 Media was not necessarily a ministry. Yes, we used our talents to promote Christ, but the focus on serving wasn’t as strong as it’s becoming. I have been convinced that this is where 317 Media is headed. Serving others through giving so the Gospel of Christ may be spread is my heart. After Word & Deed drops, my desire is everything done through media will be done on a donation principle. Our aim is that Lord led giving would be done, not out of necessity, but that we can keep pressing forward.
UR: This might seem controversial to some, but what positive effects do you see resulting from your decision?
TP: Man, the gospel going out is my main goal! And through this, I would love to see the light of Christ shine through. Human thinking would look at what I’m doing and say it’s not too bright, because financially I might be taking a setback. But I trust God wholeheartedly that whatever we receive will be what He wanted us to receive. My faith is in God’s will being done, not the comfort of my flesh. The great thing is though, that I have been at more peace going this route than before, so I’m truly blessed.
UR: Amen! So describe your process in making a beat.
TP: It varies. Most of the time, I have a melody first, then the drums follow. Sometimes the drums come first, then the melody follows. Music is a great gift from the LORD!
UR: Your latest project is titled Word & Deed. What inspired that and the diverse selection of artists such as Wonder Brown, Eddie Nigma, Ackdavis & Braille?
TP: 317 Media’s (soon to be Ministries “wink wink”) mission is stated in Colossians 3:16-17.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Verse 17 is literally what I live by; worshiping God in everything I do. This message seemed more clear to me after I injured myself about 3 months ago. During the first 3 weeks I couldn’t do anything but sit in the bed, watch TV, read my Bible, or pray. It was during that time I began to understand more and more why I have the gifts and talents that were given to me freely from the LORD. I began to see my purpose, which should every Christian’s purpose, and that is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I see this as a chance to give back to God what was first given to me, but also to give to the very people who need music that glorifies our heavenly Father. I wasn’t going to let anything hinder that message getting out to anyone who might be interested. So I set out to do a project including people I know and respect whose main goal is to see the gospel spread. I worked with some artists on this project, who at times don’t fall in the typical “CHH” category, whose love for Christ may have been questioned in the past. However, I know they have a heart for God’s people, and in turn I wanted to provide them an opportunity to use their gifts. They all have blessed me in this process, and I hope that they in turn can be a blessing to others as well.
UR: So…..what are you reading right now?
TP: Right now I am reading Thabiti M. Anyabwile’s, What is a Healthy Church Member?It’s an awesome book, with great insights on healthy discipleship and leadership among believers. I am also doing a study on the Gospel of John, which has been SO RICH! I literally began a few days ago and I’m still stuck in the first 18 verses! I love this gospel account, especially considering the fact that John helps us to see the deity of Christ very very clearly.
UR: Tell me something in Anyabwile’s book that has made an impression on you.
TP: I really appreciate his points on being an expositional listener. Over the years topical preaching has replaced expository sermons, which I think has played a part in the numerical size of many churches. Churches that emphasize expository preaching don’t seem to have the numbers like churches that have a topical emphasis. I mean, I do enjoy topical preaching when it’s done expositionally. However, Pastor Anyabwile states that expository listening creates a hunger for God and His Word, and I agree!
UR: The Prince of Preachers, C.H. Spurgeon once said, “If the man does not live differently from what he did before, both at home and abroad, his repentance needs to be repented of, and his conversion is fiction.” What do you think about that?
TP: WOW! Very true and to the point! One thing that seems to be clearer now than ever before is the Word is very straightforward. No bells, no whistles, no autotune (LOL! Had to say it!), just straight to the point. Many times we seem to lose that perspective and try to make God’s agenda match our agenda and desires that are contrary to His mandates. Salvation is a miracle and we cannot tread lightly concerning God’s standards. So if there’s no fruit in our lives, we need to wonder about ourselves and truly repent.
UR: P, it was great choppin’ it up with you, fam! Again, thank you for letting us in your world!
TP: Ay bruuvm, it’s always a pleasure to get up with you. Keep persevering! Grace and Peace!
Word & Deed drops Tuesday, July 28, 2009 and can be purchased for $1 as a digital download or $7 as a physical cd at 317 Media.
On Monday, June 29th, I had an interesting exchange with a woman. Let me clarify. I’m going to be moving in a couple of months and I thought I’d get a head start on pre-leasing an apartment, while the summer specials are in full effect!
I arrived at a particular property on Monday expecting the usual routine: look at an apartment, visualize my furniture, take note of the amenities, etc. This particular property was located in a great spot – literally across the street from my church. The price was a bit more than what I wanted to pay, but I could still afford it. After I introduced myself, the leasing agent and I hopped in the golf cart and rode to the apartment building. She was a free spirited gregarious woman and uncommonly transparent, considering I was virtually a stranger. She also bragged about her baby. Such a proud mom!
As we headed back to the leasing office, she shared more about her migration to Austin and all of the bumps in the road she’s experienced that she is trying to smooth out. Turns out we’re the same age and her son and I share the same birthday month.
“So what are you? Capricorn, right? Capricorns are very cool people.”
So either she picked up on my coolness or she just said that because her son was born in the same month. I’m leaning toward the latter.
“Well, I don’t believe in astrology, but I guess that’s what they say.”
“Well, I believe in astrology, David, and Capricorns are totally cool! Just be you!”
Ah, there it was – my inroad to sharing the gospel. You see, all the while, I had been keenly listening to her to get a grasp on what she thought about spiritual things. This is why I love conversing with people. Sooner or later an opportunity will arise to inject the gospel or inquire people’s thoughts on the Messiah based on listening to them spew their worldviews.
So we wrap up the evening, I get all forms, etc. and ride off into the setting sun of Central Texas!
“Dag! I left my driver’s license in the leasing office. I’ll get it tomorrow on my lunch break!”
I arrive at the leasing office on Tuesday, June 30th, and lo and behold, we’re basically the only ones in the office. She grabs my license and we begin to chat more.
“You want to see him? I have a picture!” I knew she was talking about her son.
“What a handsome little man!”
“Isn’t he though?”
“What’s his name?”
“Zion.”
Ding! Ding! Another inroad. Isn’t it obvious, y’all?
“Well, I was around it a lot and it’s really peaceful, but…I just can’t get into the Bible.”
“Really? Why not?”
“It’s irrelevant. It doesn’t apply to what’s going on here now. I’m such a wild girl and it’s too suffocating. I used to be a born again Christian. I went to church, but it wasn’t for me. I think all religions are true.”
“So you don’t believe there is one way?” (Yes, I caught the used to be born again line…)
“Nope.” <shaking her head>
“You don’t believe in an absolute objective truth?”
“Love is the only objective truth! I believe we are all God; all of us and our unique experiences. I pray to God everyday. Me and God are tight!” <crossing her fingers>
“Well, I’m a Christian and I believe objective truth has to exist.”
I then approached her on having a discourse on Christianity and Rastafarianism.
“David, you’re cool and I love discoursing, but if you start preaching to me, I’ll shut it down. There is no way you’ll ever convince me to believe the Bible. I’m a hard headed girl and once my mind is made up, it’s set. And I’m not going to church with you, so don’t invite me”, she said with huge smile.
I love the conquering grace of God on such undeserving rebels. Such was I!
“I won’t preach to you and don’t worry about church. Let’s just….discourse”
“Ok, here’s my e-mail address.”
Resident blindness and spiritual lifelessness has caused her to miss her contradiction and inconsistent thinking. According to her, all religions are right, save one because it’s irrelevant and antiquated. Why discount Christianity if all religions are right? Can the Jesus of Rastafarianism be the same Jesus of Christianity? These are questions I plan on asking. But first I will ask her, “Why do you believe God exists?” Then I will ask her, “Has God made himself knowable?” Think about the two possible answers to this question and imagine the conversation.
Pray for God to grant me an unhindered chance to share the gospel with her and for her eyes and heart to be opened to the truth and necessity of Jesus Christ.
It is my conviction that if there is any doctrine worthy of study and repeated study, it is the doctrine of redemption or atonement, which is the focal point of the Christian faith. Before I offer my thoughts on the book, it is worthy to note the etymology of atonement.
Encouragement For The Evangelist
Posted in Church Issues, Cultural Commentary with tags Charles Finney, Decisional Theology, Evangelism, Martin Luther, Reformation Theology, The Gospel on October 23, 2009 by David(Scenario 1)
[Pastor raising one hand slightly cupped toward the ceiling]
“Come. The doors of the church are open. Just come. I know there is one more. Come.” <organ plays to stir emotions> “Today is the day of salvation thus saith the Lord. Choose ye THIS day! Come.”
This should sound familiar to you if you’ve ever been part of or currently are part of a traditional worship service; perhaps even more so in the African-American context. For those unfamiliar, these are the typical phrases heard at the end of a service known as the altar call or the invitation. Sounds harmless, right? After all, isn’t the pastor supposed to “lead people to the Lord”? Obviously, this isn’t an article on pastoral theology, so I won’t get into the role and responsibilities of the shepherd.
(Scenario 2)
Using belligerent speech to convert people to Christ after you’ve given the gospel. This usually happens after a person has given a clear presentation of the gospel and the listener appears the least bit concerned. “So you’re telling me you’d rather go to hell, than accept the forgiveness Christ offers? Why would you want to do that?” If that is not your experience, great. But believe me, it happens.
Or perhaps you’re the kind of person that frets over your gospel presentation or you feel condemned after the listener walks away in rejection.
It is my conviction that both of these very common scenarios are evidences of an inaccurate understanding of the gospel. These two scenarios represent common tactics of the Decisional Regeneration or Decision Theology Movement. It’s antithesis is Reformation Theology.
As the title says, I hope that this provides some encouragement for the evangelist (all believers for that matter) as we biblically assess salvation and how it comes about.
Decisional Regeneration / Decision Theology
Decisional Regeneration is the teaching that after hearing the gospel man can respond by choosing to follow the Lord and it is by that decision that he is regenerated or born again.
Decisional Regeneration gained mass popularity by the preaching of Charles Finney in the early 19th century. It was his unbiblical position on depravity, justification, atonement, imputation and other key doctrines that led to his pragmatic revival style of preaching, which evangelicalism has yet to fully recover from.
Concerning depravity, which will remain my main focus, Finney believed that depravity resulted in a person after a freewill immoral decision was made. In his Lectures on Systematic Theology, Finney states that the idea of moral depravity is “absurd”, “anti-Scriptural and non-sensical dogma”. He went on to say, “Moral depravity, as I use the term, does not consist in nor imply a sinful nature in the sense that the substance of the human soul is sinful in itself. It is not a constitutional sinfulness. It is not an involuntary sinfulness.”1
This is nothing more than the resurrection of the condemned teachings of Pelagius, called Pelagianism. Under this spurious view, it proports that Adam’s sin was not imputed to rest of the human race. Subsequently, a denial of Adam’s imputation of sin naturally leads one to reject the idea of the necessity of Christ’s imputation of righteousness through faith, and Finney did deny that. However, Finney did believe that depravity was universal because every man everywhere makes immoral decisions. Yet, Finney believed and taught each man is born in a state of innocence. The conclusion – all man has to do is to stop desiring and choosing the wrong things and desire and choose the right things, namely God. Can it be so simple, Mr. Finney? Why does man naturally desire and choose things that God prohibits without the full revelation of God’s order?
Concerning inherent sin and the imputation of sin, Psalm 51:5 and Romans 5:12-14 reject Finney’s doctrine.
Concerning the ability and desire to choose God, Romans 3:11 and 5:6 silences that position. In Romans 3:11, quoting Psalm 14, the Apostle Paul says of man in his natural unredeemed state: “…..no one understands, no one seeks for God.” The word the Holy Spirit led Paul to used for seeks is the Greek word έκζητων (ekzeton). This comes from the words “ek” and “zeteo”. “ek” is a preposition which means out of and “zeteo” is the verb to seek. When used like this ekzeton means to make a diligent or careful search. In this context, it is in the present tense and its mood is functioning as a participle. Literally, Paul is saying no one from their own initiative is carefully or diligently seeking the Lord. Man doesn’t do this because he is in bondage to his sin, his desires are constantly for sin and he is spiritually dead. That’s how bad the fall affected us. We do not desire God! We are dead to God naturally. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that man cannot freely choose Christ on his own for the forgiveness of his sins and regeneration.
It is on the foundation of Jesus’ words in John 6:44 that Paul instructs us through the Holy Spirit.
“44No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him….”
The results of Finney’s soteriological beliefs led to rowdy evangelistic pragmatism like the “anxious bench” (the forerunner to the altar call) and emotional tactics that often resulted in fainting, uncontrollable weeping and sobbing, and proclaiming “new words” from the Lord. Sound familiar? It should as these trends have had a long lasting global impact. Unquestionably, the worst effect of Finney’s doctrine is that it is a departure from the gospel as the Bible puts forth and the fruits of a false gospel aided by humanistic pragmatism are false conversions.
In my next installment, we will consider the biblical soteriological beliefs characteristic of The Reformation and how that affects evangelism.
Grace & Peace,
d.
1 Charles Finney, Lectures on Systematic Theology, p. 245
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