Christian Nationalism from a Baptist perspective
I don’t usually link to social media posts, but I think this thoughtful comment from John Stevens, National Director of FIEC, warrants an exception.
Peter, James, and the Question: Who Actually “Ends the Debate”?
‘If you listen carefully to a lot of Catholic apologetics on Acts 15, you can almost hear the script. It goes like this: the council argues; Peter stands up as the unique rock and voice of the Church; he defines the doctrine; everyone falls into line; James simply works out the pastoral details. In that telling, Peter “ends the debate,” and we are meant to see here an early snapshot of Vatican I. The trouble is that Luke’s narrative refuses to cooperate with that script.’
Should elders be ordained?
‘The New Testament never uses the word “ordain” (in the modern, technical sense) in connection with a Christian leader who is installed to an office. Thus, it is often misleading to use the term “ordain” in our modern context if one has in mind the biblical concept of publicly appointing or installing someone to an office… The New Testament does not teach that those chosen to lead the church are “ordained” to a sacred, priestly office. It also does not teach that only so-called “ordained” clergymen possess the right to preach, baptize, conduct the Lord’s Supper, or pronounce a benediction.’
What If I Don’t Enjoy the Christian Life?
‘You’ve recently shared your frustrations about the Christian life. It is difficult; “somewhat miserable,” you say. You begin to see more victory over sexual sin, but the heart of the matter remains — you still don’t enjoy this new life in Christ like you expected. You confess, “I think I was happier before I became a Christian.”’ This one looks at what we might do with that kind of feeling.
A Challenge to the Church from Tommy Robinson on International Men’s Day
Whilst I would want to put more distance between Tommy Robinson and the church – recognising his ‘Christ is King’ is one of the counterfeit offerings mentioned – this one is otherwise really very good: ‘I don’t believe that men are looking for a violent gospel, or a nationalist gospel, or a swaggering gospel. They are looking for a costly gospel that demands something of them, forms them, disciplines them, and sends them out with purpose.’
Treat People like Adults
This one, though focusing on a different question and dealing with altogether different matters, has considerable crossover with the last one above. You may quibble about some of the details in this one, but I think its essential point is absolutely right: you can and should treat people like adults.
From the archive: What’s the big problem with our evangelism?
‘Speak to the average evangelical who affirms the general principle that we ought to be about the business of evangelism and you will probably find someone who feels quite guilty that they don’t feel they are doing the requisite amount of evangelism either. Given that we all seem to agree we’re not doing enough evangelism, you would think the solution to that problem is relatively easy. Essentially, just get on and do some. Go and tell some people the gospel and start doing what you currently don’t feel you are doing enough. Simple. But people are rarely so straightforward.’