The Last Word on Harold Camping...

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve all been made loathsomely aware of the doomsday prediction of Harold Camping. The news media was quick to pick up on his ruminations about the end of the world partly (I think) because it gives them opportunity to ridicule Christianity in general. I’ll admit that I, too, made fun of Mr. Camping as the day of his prediction drew near. To not distance yourself from his foolishness made it too easy for people to lump you together with him, since he claims to be a Christian and follow the Bible. I also joked about his prediction because it was incredibly presumptuous on his part, setting aside the sheer heresy of making such a claim. It was either laugh at his overt arrogance or boil over with anger for the shame and reproach he was bringing on the name of Christ. I chose the first over the latter for the sake of my own sanity. Of course, he is not the first to lay claim to possessing an inside track to God’s sovereign timetable, nor, I'm sure, will he be the last. Unfortunately, there always seems to be somebody waiting in the wings that thinks God has given him a special knowledge that has been withheld from every other diligent student of the Bible throughout the ages.

Now that Mr. Camping's mathematically deciphered “doomsday” prediction has passed (though he's now changed the date to be October, 2011), I feel compelled to make one final, clarifying statement about this whole matter before closing the chapter on him and moving on. 

While I believe that Mr. Camping and all others like him are to be dismissed out of hand whenever they make such ludicrous predictions, I do not want people to also dismiss the biblical truth that one day Christ will return. The Second Coming of Jesus is as theologically true as the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, the virgin birth, the sacrificial and vicarious death of Jesus, the bodily resurrection of our Savior, the infallibility/inspiration of the Bible, etc. There will be a time when Christians are caught out of this world followed by a terrible time of judgment known as the Tribulation (Revelation 4-19) before Christ establishes His Kingdom on earth. That's the eschatology that I believe is systematically revealed in Scripture. Though good theologians may debate some of the finer points of the doctrine of the Second Coming, ultimately, they all affirm the orthodox position that He will come again. The primary problem with Mr. Camping (and others like him) was that he presumed to know the exact timing of end-time events when God has clearly indicated that no man knows the day or hour they will occur (Matthew 25:13).

There are numerous references that affirm the biblical truth of the Second Coming. For instance, when Jesus ascended back to Heaven following His resurrection the angels said He would come again (Acts 1:11). Jesus Himself told His disciples that if He went away He would return for His followers (John 14:1-6). Paul speaks about the coming of Christ being a comforting hope for the believer (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and the writer of Hebrews says we should eagerly await His return (Hebrews 9:28).  John says that those who are expecting His coming will spiritually prepare for it (1 John 3:1-3) and he also closes the Revelation with a prayer for His coming, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). I wholeheartedly affirm what the Scripture teaches...one day Jesus will answer John’s prayer. Until that day, you and I should be busy about the Lord’s work seeking to glorify Him and leading others to faith in Him.

Don’t let yourself be deceived by any person who says he knows the exact timing of our Lord’s return, but neither let yourself be cynical about the promise of His coming.

Clarifying My Position On Two Important Issues

One of the things I learned early in my ministry is to “take with a grain of salt” every report I hear that people find necessary to pass along to me. The reason for adopting this policy is because so much of what is said by people isn’t just verbal, but visual, too. That is, they say things in jest that unless you are there to hear the statements (i.e., their tone) for yourself, as well as see how they said it, you simply cannot tell if it was offered in good humor or as an actual criticism. Consequently, too often people take offense at things that were never intended to be offensive and end up hurt when they should have been laughing.

For the last few months I have taken this approach with comments that have been passed along to me which are reportedly being spoken by people that are outside the direct responsibility of my ministry and our church. Most of the time these types of things ultimately die on their own and never need to be addressed. On other occasions, though, it is important to say something about the comments primarily because you want those who follow your leadership to understand your thinking on specific issues. The later of the two is what prompts me to write this blog post today. Let me state clearly that I am not writing to "return fire" by pointing out some “contrived errors” where I believe my fellow servants have gone astray or veered from acceptable tradition. Actually, one of the greatest days in my life was the day I discovered that God didn’t hold me responsible for what every other church is doing. He only holds me accountable for being faithful to follow Him in my own ministry. Consequently, I don't have to concern myself with other Bible-believing churches or feel like I'm the worship police, called to enforce my preferences on other congregations. Neither am I writing to be argumentative with the people that have made these statements, but only so that you will know the facts about my position.

Needless to say, I am, however, deeply saddened by my fellow servants and their comments, primarily because these men have known me for years, have been friendly with me (though we don’t see each other frequently), and know my strong doctrinal beliefs. You can’t pastor one church in one city for twenty-eight years and it not be known where you stand on most issues, especially when you have a ministry that broadcasts its services on weekly TV. Neither do I believe that talking about another Bible-believing church or pastor in a derogatory manner aids the cause of Christ or helps our churches win more people to Jesus.

Apparently, the two major concerns that have caused these individuals to speak against me and our fellowship are as follows: first, they disagree with the style of music we use, which entails our blending of contemporary praise music with traditional hymns, as well as our choice of instrumentation to accompany the music. And, the second concerns the fact that I use something other than the KJV from the pulpit (I use the NKJV) and will not affirm their position that it is the "only" translation in the English language for the English speaking people. When I first heard about their statements I dismissed them out of hand and never thought another thing about them. But, because they have been repeated to me now on several occasions over the last few months I think it is appropriate to address them so that people who are fair-minded will know my heart and see that these criticisms are likely agenda driven.

Of these two accusations, the most disheartening one for me is their criticism of me for not using the KJV translation from our pulpit and not affirming that it is the “only” Bible in the English language for the English speaking people. I respect my brethren for their sincere desire to honor and defend the authority of God's Holy Word. I, too, want to honor and defend God's Word against the attacks of liberal skeptics. But, the fact is, I am neither a liberal, nor a skeptic. It should concern all of us whenever we hear someone maligning the Scriptures or denying the inspiration of the Bible. But, I have always preached the Bible as the Word of God and I will continue to call people to follow Scripture in whatever it affirms. I’m also very grateful that God has preserved His Word for us in approximately 6000 ancient manuscripts and manuscript fragments, as well as other languages where the Bible was translated in early church history and in the preaching manuscripts of the early church fathers. There is no other book in all of antiquity that is as well attested as God's Holy Word. Further, I have great respect for the King James Version as it is the text God chose to use for nearly 400 years in bringing people to faith in Christ and it was the translation I used for many years in my own ministry. Sadly, though, the battle over Bible translations has become so vitriolic that harsh and extremely defamatory comments are now common fare in this discussion. It seems to me that when the substance of your argument is insufficient to win the debate, that people too often resort to ad hominem attacks on those who disagree with them.  

What you should know about this issue is that the  KJV "only" perspective is not the historic position of the church, nor is it the view of most Bible-believing, evangelical scholars. It is not even the view of the translators of the King James Version or Erasmus in whom the KJV “only” proponents place so much confidence. If you really want to get a feel for how differently good people can see this issue you need only look at two of the most rigidly fundamental schools in the USA: Bob Jones University and Pensacola Christian College. Would it surprise you to know that they strongly disagree with one another on the issue of the KJV being the "only" Bible in the English language for the English speaking people? I have never heard anyone say that either of these two institutions are liberal in their theology. On nearly every (if not every) major point of Bible doctrine these two colleges are in agreement, as well as in their musical preferences, I might add. As the old saying goes, “even a greased BB wouldn’t fit between them.” But, on the KJV "only" matter they are miles apart. I use this not to endorse or critize either school, but only to illustrate that differing on this subject does not necessarily make you a liberal or mean you have compromised the truth. Further, it shows that this whole KJV "only" debate is not quite as simple as some people would like you to believe. From my own study on both sides of this issue I cannot personally see how the explanations that are offered by KJV "only" advocates can be supported historically, textually, and/or logically by the evidence. I simply do not believe the facts bear out their position, but that doesn't make me a liberal or our church worthy of hurtful criticisms.

Let me again personally affirm that I believe in the inspiration, infallibility and preservation of God’s Word, as do my brethren that criticize me. However, after diligent pursuit of this matter over many years I cannot affirm that the KJV is the “only” translation of the Bible that is reliable for our use today. And, it is untenable and illogical to me for a person to take a modern translation and compare it to the KJV to determine if it is a faithful rendering of God’s Holy Word (which most KJV “only” advocates do). The Bible was not written in English and only when a translation is compared diligently to the copies of the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic manuscripts, can you discover the quality of a Bible translation. Further, I believe that it is in the totality of this manuscript evidence, carefully compared by textual scholars, that we find God’s preserved Word in the original languages.

Simply put, God wants us to know His Word and I think that using a good modern translation is one of the legitimate ways we can better grasp what He is saying to us. If you choose to use the KJV because it holds a special place in your life and ministry, then by all means make it your preferred text. But, when a fellow Christian affirms his belief in the inspiration and infallibility of Scripture, but uses a different translation than the KJV, I don’t believe God is pleased when division is created over the issue.

As to the matter of our music program, I want you to know that I have never been more pleased with our worship music than I am today. We still sing hymns, but we have broadened our musical horizons to include other excellent compositions that move the heart and soul toward God. I have read and studied the Scripture consistently for the last thirty-seven years and I have never read one verse that states that a particular style of music is commanded, endorsed or specifically blessed by God. It is also undeniably true that many different types of instruments were used in the praise of God throughout the Bible, including percussion instruments. Unfortunately, too much of the debate concerning church music is generationally driven rather than Biblically driven. People grow up hearing and liking a particular style of music and that’s what they prefer when they come to church. There is nothing wrong with having a preference, but you cannot make it a law that everybody else has to follow or they’re not right with God. Most people don’t even know that some of the melodies for the hymns they love started out as secular songs that were adapted for church use by changing the words. It’s gloriously freeing when you finally discover that God can and does use people and things that are outside your own personal comfort zone.

For years I have said that Southern Gospel music is not my favorite style of music. It just doesn’t fit my ear, but I don’t belittle people or think them Biblically unsound because they love it and will travel hundreds of miles just to hear their favorite group sing. As long as the music is theologically sound and is enabling people to exalt Christ, then each of us is entitled to enjoy the style of our preference.

In our church we use many different styles and usually everyone eventually hears something they specifically like best. I think some people would like their church music tailored so that everything is exactly to their own personal preferences. Maybe we should develop personal sound booths in each pew with individual dials that permit you to choose your musical style each Sunday. Possibly we could make each seat a recliner pew so that people can be fully relaxed while doing their listening. We might even develop a means of allowing the individual worshipper to chose the specific sermon he wants to hear on any given Sunday. Of course, you know that I’m being facetious and trying to be somewhat humorous. The truth is, we all have to learn to be tolerant of each other when it comes to worship music. The older members of a congregation must accept that the young people aren’t necessarily going to like the same style of music in church that they liked growing up. But, neither should the young people be allowed to tailor all of the worship service specifically to their own personal tastes. Church is to be a blending of all types of people from many different walks of life with different tastes and preferences all praising God together...in unity. Aren’t we suppose to prefer our brother before ourselves and not just demand our own way? Shouldn’t the more mature Christians be among the most flexible in the realm of personal preferences? Isn’t it the immature that usually make the most demands and the mature that know the value of sacrifice? I make no apologies for the wonderful music we enjoy every Sunday in our services, nor for the diversity that God has allowed us to experience in this realm. We are among the most blessed congregations when it comes to singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord. Whether it’s a hymn, psalm, or spiritual song all our music brings glory to God.

Let me close this lengthy article by saying that I love my brethren, even though they choose to misrepresent our church. You could go down the list of basic doctrinal beliefs and probably the only significant difference between us will be in the areas I’ve already addressed. I have not, nor am I going to compromise my doctrinal stance. It is the foundation on which I have built my ministry. Nor will I acquiesce on some of these secondary matters in order to please critics that apparently don’t know my heart or commitment to the truth very well. I’ll just keep loving them and seeking the best for them in the fashion Christ sought the best for those that misunderstood and misrepresented Him.

Jesus Saves

Because this is Memorial Day weekend and many people are traveling and away from church...I am going to take a break from our series: Are You A Fan or a Follower? We will resume the series next weekend by asking one of the most important questions you'll ever have to answer. 

This Sunday I'm bringing one of my all time favorite messages. I haven't shared this specific message in several years, but there is none that I like preaching more than this one. I believe that your appreciation of what Christ did for you on the cross will grow exponentially as you consider the wisdom of the cross. Hope you'll be in attendance tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. 

Tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. we will have an abbreviated service and then head outside to enjoy some ice cream and fellowship together, as well as raise some much needed funds to help Lauren Gibson with her summer missions internship. 

Hope you'll be there and bring someone with you, too.

Are You A Fan or A Follower?

Matthew 16:21-26 this week

This Sunday morning will be the second message in this new series about whether we are fans or followers of Jesus Christ. Kyle Idelman has written about this subject in a new book that comes out at the end of May 2011 (can't wait for my copy to arrive).  I was so intrigued by the title that I built a series of messages around the idea of what it means to be a devoted follower (disciple) of Jesus. You can check out Kyle's web site notafan.com to order his book or to read testimonies of people that are "crossing the line" to become followers of Jesus. The decision to trust Christ is only the first step to following Him. There's so much more He wants to do in us and through us. Join us at 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church or watch one of the services live online at lmbc.tv.

You can order the first message in this series from the Daily Walk Ministry table in the lobby of the Worship Center or online at dailywalk.tv. The title was, "Leaving So Soon"- May 15, 2011 - AM service.

Is it possible to know when Jesus is coming back?

Is it possible to know when Jesus is coming back?

Harold Camping

So many have been talking about Harold Camping and his prediction that the rapture of living Christians will occur today, May 20, 2011, that I decided to post something for people to check out for guidance. In spite of the fact that the scripture says no one can know the day or hour that Jesus is to return there are people like Camping that believe these texts apply to everyone but themselves. And, this is not the first false prophecy of the end of the world for Camping. He did this in 1994, as well. Rather than write about this ludicrous prediction you can click on the blue link above and read the article at the "GotQuestions.org" web site. As a matter of fact, I'd recommend that you bookmark this web site and return to it often. It has some great answers to common questions people ask about scripture and many other matters of religious life.

Dr. And Mrs. Jeremy Shaffer

I'm not sure how to adequately express the pride we feel about our son-in-law, Jeremy Shaffer, earning his Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary today. Anyone that has ever done doctoral work knows that there is a tremendous amount of research, writing, classwork, study, memorization, etc., etc., that goes into this educational accomplishment (Oh, and did I mention the Doctoral dissertation and then having to defend it?) From the first time we met him more then ten years ago we knew that he was something special and he has proven himself to be a man after God's own heart. We believe that this is a major milestone in his life that further positions him to be even more effective for the cause of Christ's Kingdom. They don't just give these things away...you have to EARN them!! (Ignorance may be "bliss" to some people, but it is deadly for a minister of the Gospel and the people he leads.) As far as we are concerned he has already earned his "doctorate" in Christian character and now he has earned his educational D.Min. Congratulations, Jeremy! We are proud of you and we're so glad God placed you in our family. Keep your eyes on Jesus and believe God for even greater things in your life. Your best ministry days are all ahead of you.


- Posted from my mobile device

Location:Lynchburg Hwy E,,United States

Our Son Needs Your Prayers...

I'd like to ask you to remember our son in your prayers this evening and for the next several days. He leaves from Dallas, TX, in the morning (5/14) and travels to Athens, Greece, where he will be working with "The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts" (http://www.csntm.org) for the next two weeks. This is the third year for him to travel with them for the purpose of photographing these ancient biblical treasures and it is something he dearly loves to do. Nothing could be more important than making sure that these ancient documents remain available for future generations, as well as for scholarly study. God has preserved His Word for us in thousands of manuscripts and fragments of manuscripts, as well as in ancient translations and quotes from the early church fathers. These documents are not available to anyone in a single location (which CSNTM is working to change), but are in many different libraries, seminaries, monasteries, etc., of the world, often requiring delicate negotiations just to see the manuscripts. We would ask that you would remember to pray for his safety in his travels and that they will have great success in this year's endeavor. He is working with a world renown Greek scholar (Dr. Daniel Wallace) along with several other men who will be on this trip. Will you also remember to keep his wife Katie in your prayers as she remains behind to continue her teaching job in a mission school in south Dallas? This is a work she dearly loves and to which she has become increasingly more committed. Thank you for your consideration in remembering them daily by calling their names to our Lord.

P.S. The picture is of him holding an eighth/ninth century manuscript. This is not the oldest manuscript he has seen, but, as you can imagine, he considers it a great privilege to have seen some of these ancient documents God has given us.


- Posted from my mobile device

Happy 400th Birthday KJV

This year (2011) marks the 400th birthday of the King James Version of the Bible. Most of us grew up reading and memorizing many poetic passages/verses from this marvelous translation of scripture. And, while I do not believe the KJV is the only Bible in the English language worthy of use by Christians, it has a storied history that deserves to be studied by all serious students of the Bible. I have included a short video by a professor in England that gives some of this history concerning the KJV. I hope you will enjoy this resource and that it will prompt you to want to learn more about the history of the English Bible. (I have an earlier blog post from 2010 that includes the names of two books on this subject that I read during that time period - http://wvrevdave.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-bible-only_16.html)

By the way, I personally like the English Standard Version, New American Standard Version, and the New King James Version as my preferred English translations, though I still often find myself quoting the old KJV.





- Posted from my iPad

It Might Be Colder Than We Thought...

We drove through torrential rain and hail to be met by two of our dearest friends. I hope they weren't too damaged by the warm weather and sun exposure, but I do appreciate them waiting until we finally got home from our trip. They were a bit hollow and mostly speechless, but if you'd been waiting out in this weather you wouldn't have been too talkative either. And you thought Frosty melted at the end of each Christmas season...




- Posted from my iPad

Home At Last...

Well, after nearly 2400 miles, almost 40 hours of driving through nine states (YES…I said 9 states), detours around the flooding Mississippi, a cracked windshield, an upper respiratory infection, laryngitis, pink eye, a visit to a medical clinic in Dallas, 4 prescriptions (and their aftereffects), a hail storm we drove through, pre-graduation festivities and GRADUATION (YAY!!) of our son from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Master of Theology Degree...we are finally home!

Here's the thing, if we had to do it all over again...we'd do it in a heartbeat. Sure, we'd like a little less drama than we experienced on this past trip, but there is nothing like seeing your children seeking the Lord and preparing themselves for even greater usefulness in His Kingdom.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us while we were gone. Without a question we felt His presence in spite of the reversals we experienced. We're not of the opinion that following God guarantees you'll never have adversity. Actually, being devoted to Him may well increase the challenges you face as He matures you through the tests you experience. 

Most importantly, please continue to pray for JD and Katie as they finish their work there in Dallas and then begin looking for their next opportunity of service. I wish it could be here with us at LMBC, but that's not God's will at the present time. Maybe in the future he'll be called to return to his home church and help us do an even greater work for God in this place. Right now our desire is for he and Katie to be clearly directed to the right church or ministry opportunity that will allow them to further develop as servants of God, while impacting people for Christ's Kingdom.