Sufficiency of Scripture Conference - Summary of Sessions 12 & 13 (12/12)

The Sufficiency of Scripture and Family Integration – Kevin Swanson

If you have ever seen, or heard, Kevin Swanson speak you know that he is passionate about whatever it is he talks about and this time was no exception.  He spoke on the family with a focus on education/discipleship.  He shared that how we educate our children will influence the nation.  It was not long ago, 1844, that the Supreme Court made a decision that argued against the establishment of the first secular school but today the fight is to do anything but educate in a secular school.

Kevin said that we may ask why faith is dying in the western world and shared that there are a number of answers.  One of he major causes is our educational system that is antagonistic to God.  Another cause is a dualism that exists among professing believers.  This dualism creates; a separation of faith and practice, separation of the spiritual and secular,  and a removal of the fear of God from all of life and in every subject.  Also faith is dying because people are separating equation and discipleship.

Kevin Swanson’s looked at the motives for education and how this greatly effects the way we educate our children.  Sadly most homeschoolers, professing believers included, motives for educating at home are to get their children to a good college so as to get a good job and make good money.  He spoke on how our motivation should be a focus on the character of the child and to prepare them for the correct city – The City of God and not The City of Man.  Often we just need to put aside “education” so that we can focus on what God desires and seek His word for direction.

In speaking on God’s word and education Kevin shared how the book of Proverbs is a whole book on education with a focus on character. We need to follow this lead and be focused on teaching our children wisdom and knowledge as God’s word reveals.  Proverbs 1:7 is the most important basic lesson on education as it speaks of knowledge beginning with the fear of God.  This type of starting point for education is not where secular schools begin but it is where Christians MUST start.  All subjects must be taught with the fear of God as the beginning and this relates to all subjects.

The natural conclusion from all of this is that the government school system cannot do what God calls for.  The conclusion that we should see from this talk is that if we are to rely on God’s word as sufficient for directing the discipleship of our family we cannot let others take this responsibility.  Not only are we to be responsible but we need to take charge of the discipleship of our children as directed by God’s word.

As usual Kevin Swanson made his point and made it emphatically.


The Sufficiency of Scripture for the importance of the Sabbath – Dan Horn

Dan Horn, an elder at Hope Baptist Church, spoke at one of the breakout sessions on the Christian Sabbath.  This is a subject that irks many as if one says the Sabbath is still commanded of us to keep today the usual cry is one of legalism.  But as Dan Horn shared it is not for us to decide this issue by feelings or culture but it needs to be discerned by the word of God itself.

Dan looked at the picture of the church as the bride of Christ and that the Sabbath is a call to spend time with our Husband.  That the church has by in large abandoned the Sabbath is a sign of effectively being divorced from God.  Dan shared also that we need to not confuse simply showing up for a couple hours on Sunday with observing the Sabbath.  Again, the Sabbath is about spending the day with our Husband as His bride the church.

Mr. Horn then dealt with what God is showing us in the Sabbath.  The focus of the Sabbath is not work and rest but the holiness of the day.  How we deal with work and rest are important but they are part of the Sabbath not its focus.  We need to also see that the Sabbath is a sign that God has sanctified us to Himself and points to God’s holiness.  He also shared how God sets the patterns for our days and God is the one that set it apart and thus so should we.  We should also see that the 4^th commandment proclaims God’s sovereignty over time and the calendar.  From all of this we need to see the Sabbath as a blessing not a curse.

Dan Ford also shared that when we go into the world on the Sabbath we tell the world much about what we think of God, that God is not over all days but we are.  We need to remember every week Who and What God is and What God is over thus to keep it holy is to remember that it is a Holy day because of God.  Dan reminded us that it is not just about what we do or do not do but about what God has done.  Keeping the Sabbath tells the world we trust God to provide as well as telling people we trust God for all things and obey because He is God.

Dan did share some of the practical outworking of observing the Sabbath in speaking on how not to pollute the Sabbath.  One of these ways is to not work, to not do what could be done on another day.  However, works of mercy are valid on the Sabbath as the Sabbath is itself a sign of mercy.  One other aspect of observing the Sabbath is that of taking part in no buying and selling.  As a conclusion we need understand that to see the Sabbath as a punishment is to pollute it – we need to desire the Sabbath. 

I think this is one of the harder subjects to broach as it so often goes against natural desires.  We need to seek out God’s word for our desires so that they coincide with what God wants us to desire.  One of those areas is to observe the Sabbath as god calls us to observe it.  Dan has written a book on this subject: Sanctified By God: A Call to Keep the Christian Sabbath

Sufficiency of Scripture Conference - Summary of Sessions 10 & 11 (12/11)

Session 10 - Scripture is Sufficient for Ministry to Youth – Scott Brown

Scott Brown spoke on Youth Ministry and how we are to see it in light of the sufficiency of scripture.  The issue is not that the Bible does not say that we need to care for youth it is just that modern youth ministry is blind to what scripture says about ministry to youth.  Due to this there is a form of youth ministry that is harmful but to critique the modern youth ministry movement is not to say there were no successes.  There are youth ministries that seek to foster godliness in youth and that are not all about fun and games but this does not mean they are biblical.  The end does not justify the means. 

The issue with modern youth ministry is that it by its actions and often its words does not see God’s word as sufficient for defining ministry to youth.  Throughout the 20th Century the church has adopted a programmatic age segregated method of youth ministry.  The effects of this move in modern youth ministry is at an emergency level and this calls for a great response.

Scott Brown then spoke about the biblical record on youth ministry.  Ministry to youth is a well developed theme in scripture and shows the consequences of the  neglect of youth ministry (Judges 2:10-11).  The stress of Scott Brown’s talk was that ministry to youth must conform to scriptural patterns and commands and that the family has the primary responsibility for ministry to youth – especially fathers (Mal 4:6).  The Church also has specific duties for youth ministry and has been designed by God to minister to youth in His manner.  Contrary to the modern youth movement in the church the youth are to be seen as members and thus should not be segregated as they are now.

As far as the content of the instruction in biblical ministry to youth we need to see what scripture specifies.  The focus needs to include the supremacy of God and should lead people away from ungodly culture rather than to it as modern youth ministry has a penchant to do.  Another aspect is that generational faithfulness is to be emphasized in biblical ministry to youth.

Also covered in Scott Brown’s talk was to speak about the characteristics of modern youth ministry.  Significant financial resources and personnel are dedicated to it.  Also, modern youth ministry has created its cottage industries that also hamper changes in its functions due to the jobs and money involved.  Another characteristic is that often church leaders set aside the commands of God for church and family life in order to grow their youth ministry.

Some of the effects of modern youth ministry include fathers being eliminated from the ministry to youth.  Also worldly practices are employed to popularize it and cultural fragmentation is used to unify it.  The result of all of this is biblical evangelistic impotence.

The conclusion is that we need to replace the Modern Youth Ministry with the biblical view of youth ministry, a youth ministry derived from God’s word and not from our own inclinations.  All too often this is a very touchy area of conversation because so much effort has been expended and to admit it is a failure and that the whole idea of how we are to minister to youth must change elicits emotional responses.  But something has to be done and that something needs to be derived from God’s word and must start with family and the church.  It will not be easy to change but it has to start somewhere and it needs to start now.

Scott Brown also spoke about a documentary/movie they are working on that will be coming out in 2010 that would deal with youth ministry.


Session 11 - The Sufficiency of Scripture and the Gospel – Paul Washer
As usual Paul Washer’s sermon was passionate.  He spoke to the youth of the gathering primarily but the message was equally applicable to all present..  He spoke of how the youth were well behaved, well dressed but this did not matter if Christ was not an all consuming passion of theirs.  He shared that the externals they may have relied on cannot hide sin and we need to realize this.

Paul basically spoke on the reality of sin and the nature of the heart so that we see how great Christ’s work was.  He shared about how embarrassed we would be if our sin was shown on a screen to those around us and asked the question if we are embarrassed that God sees all our sin.

On speaking about sin Paul Washer worked to give the picture of sin that we need to have.  A view that sin is a stench and only God can deal with that stench through the cross and the washing of our heart by the blood of Jesus Christ.  No works can cleanse the heart.  With this view of sin we need to ask what we long for – our lifestyle or Christ.

Paul Washer then spoke on Romans 3:10–12 &19 and that none of us are righteous in ourselves.  Thus, looking back to his initial comments to the youth, he related how it is not about externals but about the heart and who we seek.  He stressed that since no works, no matter how good they are perceived as being,  can reconcile us to God and it is this that strips us of any hope in the flesh and thus our only hope is in Christ.

In whole the sermon was one that was to lead to a focus on Christ not self and to truly realize the great gift of grace  that God has bestowed on us when there is nothing in us to deserve it.

This was a good end to long day and great teaching.

Contact Form Has Not Worked Correctly

If anyone has tried to contact me through the “Contact Me” tab I apologize for not responding. It appears my account with Kontactr did not get set up correctly as the emails never went through. I just checked it and it seems to be working now. Again I apologize if you have tried to contact me.

God is with Us

I had not intended to have a special sermon this past Lord’s Day for Christmas. My views on celebrating Christmas have changed over the years, that is a subject for a differ post, so I figured I would simply continue on in Genesis and look at Genesis 28:10-22 and Jacob’s Dream. Well, as I was doing my final review of the sermon on Saturday and then Sunday morning it occurred to me that the “God is with Us” theme is part of this passage. That is the message we need to remember all year long not just once a year.

As I read the front page of the Sunday morning paper there was an article about a family that cared for the homeless and the paper boldly proclaimed that this was what the season was all about. As great as it is that people would care for those who do not have that is not the reason to celebrate the incarnation. The reason for the incarnation was for God to be with Us in His Son. Moses message to the Hebrews as they prepared to cross the Jordon and the message to us as we journey in the City of Man is that God is with us. Jacob needed to be reminded that God was with him wherever he was and we need to remember that God is with us as His people wherever we are. We need to not simply see God as “for us” but that He is that and just as important “He is with us.”

For those that celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense keep this in mind as the externalities of this time of year vie for your affections. For those that do not celebrate Christmas as many do let us not for the sake of avoiding Christmas forget this message that we are to carry with us daily. Jacob was not given his dream by God for informational purposes; it was to change his life. We are not to read about his dream for informational purposes as it is to change our lives as if we had the dream ourselves.

Let us never forget that if we are one of God’s children through His electing grace God is with us no matter the circumstances. No matter what goes on in the world God will not forsake us or leave us. It is truly a message of victory to know that “God is with Us” and not just a victory spiritually but it is a victory in every aspect of life. Let us live as such. The martyrs of the past died knowing this and did not let their circumstances influence this great truth so let us also not let the circumstances that surround us hinder us living out this great truth.

If you would like to hear this past Lord’s Day message here it is: Jacob’s Dream – God Is With Us

Sufficiency of Scripture Conference - Summary of Sessions 8 & 9 (12/11)

Session 8 - The Regulative Principle in Worship in the NT – Joseph Morecraft 
I missed the talk on the Regulative Principle (RP) and the OT but was able to make it to Pastor Morecraft’s talk on the RP and the NT.  This is an important subject as many in the church today think that how we worship God is not regulated by God and feel it is just important that we worship Him. 

Pastor Morecraft related that some object that the NT does not have a book of Leviticus with a detailed list of does and don’ts on worship and would say due to this worship is now open to interpretation and thus we have more freedom.  However this contradicts the NT view on the Sufficiency of Scripture for worship and also denies that the NT is clear on worship.  However the view of there being more freedom in NT worship sets up a barrier or wedge between the OT and NT that does not exist. 

Pastor Morecraft also looked at what we are to draw from there not being a book of Leviticus in the NT and that we actually have less freedom as we have much light and are more accountable.  He also related that NT worship is more simple but at the same time more powerful in its ordinances.  The Westminster Confession of Faith (CH7:6) speaks to simplicity yet a fullness of worship.  We see that worship is different in the OT and NT but the principle is the same as the symbolic embellishments are gone. We also looked at John 4:1-24 and Col 2:6-10, 16-23 to see how they related to the RP. 

At the end of the day we need to realize that the depravity of man necessitates God telling us how He is to be worshipped.  It is arrogant of us to think that we can worship God apart from how He calls us to worship Him in His word.  So as with most things ones view of SoS will drive how one views worship.  Let us realize that for us to worship God as He is to be worshipped we need to worship as He dictates.


Session 9 - Is the Sufficiency of Scripture a Biblical Doctrine – Joseph Morecraft
This summary is from a main session in which Pastor Morecraft spoke on the Sufficiency of Scripture as a Biblical Doctrine.  This is important since if we are to see scripture as sufficient it is scripture itself that should reveal this.  He started by sharing how Deut 4:1-9 tells us about the sufficiency of the OT for faith and practice and that Deut 12:32 builds on that as we see that we are to do all God calls us to do.

Pastor Morecraft then spoke on inerrancy which means that whatever the bible teaches as true on any subject is true and whatever the bible says happened, happened just as the bible describes it.  He then defined Sufficiency of Scripture by first saying that it does not mean that all we need to live the Christian life is the bible and the Holy Spirit and that is it.  We do need the church, teachers and books.  As it relates to the SoS the Bible is authoritative in all that it speaks on and it speaks on all things.  Also, It is the supreme judge on all things and our all sufficient authority for life and thought, being void of any deficiencies.  Due to all of this it is applicable to all things in life and speaks to every issue of the day and provides the only workable solutions.

Pastor Morecraft then went on to go over a number of verse that speak to the Sufficiency of Scripture:

- Psalm 19:8

- Psalm 36:9

- Psalm 119:105

- Psalm 119:128

- Prov 30:5-6

- Is 8:19-20

- Matt 28:18-20

- 2 Tim 3:16-17

- 2 Peter 1:3

- 1 John 2:20-27

- Rev 22:18-19

Many think that the battle for the inerrancy of scripture is all we need to fight for.  But if one simply stops there they stop short of the scriptures call to see it as sufficient.  We need to avoid the autonomy our flesh so desires and see the need to rely on God and His word to direct our lives by His power.

Sufficiency of Scripture Conference - Summary of Sessions 6 & 7 (12/11)

Session 6 - The Sufficiency of Scripture - English Bible Translations - Bill Einwechter
 In this session William Einwechter spoke on English Bible translations and issues relating to them.  Mr. Einwechter spoke on the languages used for the Old  and New Testaments and how they are the final place we go as a church when there are questions in English translations.

He then spoke of the doctrines of Verbal Plenary Inspiration of Scripture and the doctrine of the Providential Verbal Preservation of the Scriptures as they apply to seeking a faithful translation.  This is key to finding the best English translation to use.

The next topic concerned to principles and philosophies of translation as this is important when seeking to find an English translation that is the closet to the original languages. The two main philosophies are the formal equivalent philosophy and the dynamic equivalent approach.  The formal equivalent seeks to be as word for word accurate as possible to the original languages while the dynamic equivalent is focused on relating the meaning of a text rather than dealing with the individual words.  Examples of formal equivalent translations are the KJV, NKJV, NASB and ESV.  While an example of the dynamic equivalent are the NIV, Message among others. 

As time was running out Mr. Einwechter only spoke briefly on textual criticism as it relates to the original Greek texts used in English translations.  Mr. Einwechter shared that he did not hold to the KJV as being inspired but did feel the Textus Receptus was a more accurate text than the Majority Text used for the newer translations and thus makes the KJV the best English translation.  It was unfortunate that he was not able to finish as this was to me a critical point as a translation can be an excellent English translation but if it is from a less than excellent original text it will still be flawed.  So this is an area I need to spend more time in.  One resource shared was a book by Mr. Einwechter called: English Bible Translations: By What Standard. 

Session 7 - The Sufficiency of Scripture and the Law of Nations - Doug Philips 
Doug Philips spoke on the law of God and how it relates to all of life and even to nations.  He spoke on how one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a love for the law of God.  This love for the law is not about legalism but about seeking God for His direction and not ourselves.  The alternative to God’s law is chaos.

Mr. Phillips also shared what he calls the Law Pyramid:

1. At the top is the Greatest Commandment which is he defining law from which all laws proceed.
2. The next level down is the Ten Commandments which are basic law declarations which proceed from the greatest Commandment.
3. At the bottom of the pyramid is the Case Law which are illustrations of the basic principles in terms of specific cases.

He then gave an example as to how the case laws which are so easily dismissed by many actually do have application today and are included in many of the laws we rely on daily.

Mr., Philips also showed how even the Ten Commandments can be seen in the garden:

- We are to worship and obey God alone

- Do not establish physical things as God

- Do not conspire with those who vainly use the name of God

- They rested on the Sabbath

- They were to honor the heavenly father

- So not do that which leads to the killing of humanity

- Marriage is sacred

- Do not testify falsely
- Neither steal nor covet that which is not yours

Mr. Philips also related that we need to realize that every legal system reflects the religion of that place.  As an example of the law of God being the law of a country Massachusetts took much of Deuteronomy and in many ways inserted it into its law books.  Blackstone adamantly tied God’s law to man’s law and that it is not to be any other way.  Since man due to sin is corrupt we can only rely on God and His Law-Word. 

While objections are put forth for not using the law of God as the law of nations there is no viable substitution given.  We are called to disciple/teach all nations all things including God’s law and this cannot be done if we feel God’s law does not apply.

This is often a controversial subject so it was good to hear this spoken of so openly since how we as believers view God’s law says much about how we view God.  Our choices are God’s law or autonomy and unfortunately many today in the professing church choose the later.

Homeschool Dropouts DVD

We just watched the new DVD Homeschool Dropouts last night and it is a must see for homeschool families. This DVD deals with the question of the current (2nd) generation of homeschoolers and how they will deal with homeschooling with their families. The conclusion of the documentary is that if the next generation is not diligent and does not deal with some specific sin issues they will lead their families down a different path.

I have long seen the issue with Christian homeschooling and its often inordinate focus on academics with a lesser focus on the biblical mandate to homeschool. This misguided focus will lead to the next generation not basing homeschooling decisions on scripture but on a myriad of other reasons all of which will probably lead them away from homeschooling. As with all things if they are not grounded in God’s all sufficient word they will not stand the test of time.

“From the producers of Return of the Daughters and Father to Son comes a revealing documentary featuring homeschool graduates who take a critical look at how to preserve the modern home education movement. Their findings may surprise you. Homeschooled children have unique advantages as well as a unique legacy. Will they build on it, or drift back into the spiritual wilderness? What will tomorrow’s homeschool graduates do with the vision, the foundation, and the freedom that their parents have provided for them? Careful research by the seven Botkin children opens a window on the true state of American homeschooled youth ages 15-30, revealing six specific sins that could lead to the death of the homeeducation experiment if not dealt with directly by second-generation Christian homeschoolers. This controversial documentary addresses the spiritual threats to the movement, and explores how faithfulness can be maintained for a hopeful future.”

Sufficiency of Scripture Conference - Summary of Sessions 4 & 5 (12/10)

Session 4 - The Sufficiency of Scripture for Manhood and Womanhood - Voddie Baucham

If you have ever seen Voddie speak before then you know he is passionate about whatever it is he speaks on and this session was no different.  The topic was manhood and womanhood and how our move from the sufficiency of scripture has affected how we look at these two areas.

Voddie spoke on how it is a myth that the cause of women taking  the roles of men is the passivity of men.  The reality is that feminism was birthed by men being men and the reaction of women to change things.  Thus feminism was a result of women fighting the biblical view of manhood and womanhood so as to seek to blur the gender lines.  Sadly this happens even in the church.

He listed a number of practical effects of radical feminism, on the church - also on the world:
-Masculinized Girls
-Feminized boys
-Delayed/confused marriages
-Plummeting birth rates
-Abortion
-Normalization of single parent homes
-The acceptance of Homosexuality
-An epidemic of unprotected women
-Gender confusion

Voddie then spoke to the effect of  errors in the biblical view of manhood and womanhood.  Errors in the biblical view of marriage lead to marriage patterns that do not portray the relationship between Christ and the church and thus effect the biblical view of manhood and womanhood.  Also, errors in the biblical view of manhood and womanhood lead to parenting practices that do not train boys to be masculine and girls to be feminine.  Often these errors lead to homosexual tendencies and increasing attempts to justify homosexual alliances.  Another place these errors affect is in patterns of unbiblical leadership in the church that promote confusion over the true meaning of manhood and womanhood

He concluded that since it is a move away form the sufficiency of scripture in the area of manhood and womanhood the only way back is to regain the doctrine of the Sufficiency of Scripture so that we define manhood and womanhood and marriage by scripture.  Strong words that need to be heard not only by the world but also the professing church.



Session 5 - The Sufficiency of Scripture and the Heart of the NCFIC - Doug Phillips

Doug Phillips shared a number of things around the theme of the Sufficiency of Scripture and the NCFIC with his usual passion.  As he spoke I thought of the great number of people that take pot shots at the NCFIC.  If they were to hear not only the words but also the hearts of the speakers it is clear that what is of prime importance is God’s word in all things.  Yes, the NCFIC has as part of its focus families but only as a result of seeking to promote God’s design for His creation.  Above all the focus is on God and His word.

Doug shared how there were 2600 people attending the conference and in context of this gave some history of the NCFIC which was basically started in 2001.  This gave an overview to show where the NCFIC came form and where it is today.

He also shared how the NCFIC is a focused ministry and does not have a goal of solving all the problems of the church.  I would add though that if the NCFIC would be used by God to move the church back to a reliance on the sufficiency of scripture it would have gone a long way to help in correcting many of the churches errors.  Doug shared that we are watching the Babylonian captivity of the church, as the reformers spoke of the church in their day, as the church then and now moves away from scripture as what guides it.  This move includes cultural syncretism where people often delight in these things that Scripture sees as an abomination. 

The results of this move from scripture as being sufficient for the church are such things as:
-Debt-Driven churches
-Selfishness-Driven Churches
-Cleric-Driven Churches (pastor led churches)
-Pagan Culture-Driven Churches
-Women-Driven Churches (where men disconnect)
-Youth-Driven Churches
-Emotion-Driven Churches

So the church needs to move back to the Sufficiency of Scripture to extricate itself from its captivity by the world.  The church needs to regain its moorings in the word of God and to see it not only as inerrant but also sufficient.

Sufficiency of Scripture Conference - Session 3 (12/10)

The following are  my notes and thoughts during the talks at the Sufficiency of Scripture Conference so they may not be the exact wording of the speaker but their words and the ideas I took from the speaker.  Also I apologize for typos as this was done so as to get it online ASAP:

Our Declining Church and Culture: The Genesis Connection and how to Continue a Godly Heritage (The Genesis 3 Attack) - Ken Ham

• 1 Chron 12:32
• We are in interesting times
• Do we know our times?
• Atheists have a vast advertising campaign and are aggressive in their campaign 
• While they are a minority, atheists are being heard and influencing the culture
• Moral relativism is rampant in the US

• Judges 21:25
• This verse speaks to the moral relativism of the day
• That people simply want to do what is right in their own eyes

• 2 Cor 11:3
• Paul is warning that Satan even today will seek to get people to not believe the bible
• This is the Genesis 3 attack
• An attack on the veracity of God’s word
• An attack on the Sos

• Psalm 11:3
• Speaks to the foundations being attacked
• That is what the world seeks to attack

• Why are young people leaving the church - Study done for the book Already Gone
• Study showed that the major reason given was hypocrisy
• Hypocrisy in that the church leaders were saying to believe the bibles but they did not live that out
• The study also found that children were not only being lost in college but more were lost as early as 1st grade
• The study revealed that doubting of the bible starts early
• Also found that those who went to Sunday School were more likely to have issue with believing Scriptures veracity

• God’s word has been under attack since Genesis 3
• It has been attacked in various ways
• But it is being attacked
• And the attack today has been particularly focused on questioning the truth of Gen 1-11
• Which in the end erodes the foundation for marriage and other doctrines
• The schools the children are being sent to are attacking the foundations that Genesis lays
• Teaching is instead to be about what God said not what man said
• Even Christian colleges will not take a stand on Gen 1-11 and the students see this and then also do not trust the foundations in those passages
• Since the 1800’s churches have come up with any number of ways around the clear teaching of Scripture
• They have put their theories into the Bible rather than taking them out of Gods word
• So the Genesis 3 attack of our day is the attack on the word day
• By supposing millions of years into the bible
• Many theologians have admitted to the word day in Genesis being a regular 24 hour day but then say that it could not be due to other outside influences
• So again the Bible is being defined by outside influences even in light of the clear reading of a text
• Again many admit this bias
• This is not just liberal theologians but includes many conservative and even reformed theologians
• Ones that we would agree on much but when it comes to Genesis 1-11 they defer to science
• So again man is put in authority over God’s word instead of the opposite
• We need to anchor everything to the word of God

• The leaders of he church need to call people back to the SoS
• If they will not then the church needs to do so
• But the SoS needs to be instilled in everyone from the youngest to oldest
• But for sure it needs to start early as shown by the statistics show

Sufficiency of Scripture Conference - Session 2 (12/10)

The following are  my notes and thoughts during the talks at the Sufficiency of Scripture Conference so they may not be the exact wording of the speaker but their words and the ideas I took from the speaker.  Also I apologize for typos as this was done so as to get it online ASAP:

The Defining Battles in the War Against the Sufficiency of Scripture - Doug Philips

• Psalm 119:1-16
• Prov 30:5-6
• Every word of God is tested and is proven
• As fathers how we raise our children with regards to the SoS can have generational implications of vast proportions
• The first battle was the battle against Satanic Deceptions as seen in the garden and dealt with the word of God and the questioning of it
• There is also a battle against Greek rationalism and it infests all areas of life
• There is the battle against Roman Syncretism
• We also have the battle against Neo-Evangelical Revivalism
• That of relying on mans methods rather than God’s word
• There is also the battle against Evolutionary Hegemony
• We also have a battle over Christian Orthodoxy

• From this comes the question over the “Authority of All of Scripture”, or only parts of it
• There is also from this a struggle over the regulative principle of worship
• If we do not rely on the SoS where do we get our ethics from
• We need to find out how the Christian family is to function via the SoS
• There may disagreements over the answers but the goal is that all would be found in Scripture
• Our basis for freedom derives from men who sought scripture for the answers and thus the SoS
• The great Commission and the Dominion Mandate are derived from the SoS because it is scripture that we are to use to disciple the nations

• This all comes back to what is our answer to “hath God said”
• We are to be rational as truly only those changed by God can be rational but we are not to be rationalists and rely on our autonomous rationalism for answers but are to rely on God’s word
• This issue has infiltrated the church
• The church all to often questions if God has spoken to various issues and thus they feel it is allowed to do as it feels is right
• The SoS says that God does speak to these issues
• The church has created neutral zones that truly do not exist and created lawlessness and chaos

• The world and unfortunately the church seem to look everywhere for answers to what to do in life everywhere but in the bible
• Theology by Maxim
• “The Bible is silent on that subject”
• “God told me to do it”
• “Jesus is about grace not law”
• Etc

• God’s word covers in explicitly, by precept and in principle in all areas of life
• So God’s word and thus the SoS touches all areas of life 
• It is God’s world and He is sovereign over all of it
• God speaks to everything
• Other world views speak to every area of life but for many in the church they fail because they do not think the word of God speaks to everything

• The Christian View of Reality
• The View of the One and Many
• There is no higher authority on which to judge God’s word
• Christ is the central principle of interpretation for every fact and all reality and nothing is truly understandable apart from HIm
• There is no neutrality
• Three viewpoints
• The Rationalist - Autonomous mind is sufficient
• The Semi-rationalist - Mind is sufficient on some things (such as Aquinas)
• The Revelationist - Those who see God’s word as sufficient for faith and practice.  So as to have orthodoxy and orthopraxy

Sufficiency of Scripture Conference - Session 1 (12/10)

The following are  my notes and thoughts during the talks at the Sufficiency of Scripture Conference so they may not be the exact wording of the speaker but their words and the ideas I took from the speaker.  Also I apologize for typos as this was done so as to get it online ASAP:

Do Not Learn the Way of the Gentiles -  Scott Brown

• The church has set aside the Sufficiency of Scripture (SoS) and the church has suffered
• The battle for the 20th century was for the inerrancy of scripture but the battle for the 21st century is for the SoS
• Worldliness has made the church look like there is no God in heaven
• The church has become a mirror of the world instead of a mirror of God
• There needs to be an urgency to the state we are in
• The time is now to act to return to the sufficiency of Scripture

8 Things we must know about the SoS

1) The SoS is the sufficiency of God

• There is a message of woe to be given as those given by Isaiah if one does not seek the counsel of God and His word (Is 30:1)
• Paul tells us that His word is where we are to go for our counsel (II Tim 3:16)
• In speaking of the SoS we speak of the sufficiency of Christ
• God breathed His scripture so it is about and from God and thus is to be seen as more than words on a page

2) The war against the SoS is the consistent theme of Scripture

• Scripture reveals many that sought to deny God’s word and instruction
• To find their own way
• From Adam to Cain to Babel and Lot and many others
• But we have others such as David claiming the law of God being perfect
• God’s commands are constantly thrown off by man
• And Christ, the word made flesh, came and He too was warred against
• The book of Revelation speaks a warning about adding to and subtracting from Scripture

3) The SoS must be defined

• The  Inerrancy of Scripture is also to be defined(Ps119:9-11)
• But that is not enough as one may hold to the Inerracny of Scripture but not the SoS
• II Tim 3:16 speaks to the SoS
• Scripture is to be seen as sufficient for faith and practice
• The Regulative Principle of worship speaks to the SoS and flows out of it
• “Whatever is not warranted by Scripture is forbidden” - John Knox
• There may be debate on elements of worship in light of the regulative principle but at least the focus is on scripture so the issue can be settled there
• The normative principle however in essence says that scripture is not sufficient and does not say all there is as it relates to worship

4) The SoS is a whole and you cannot detach a single section of genre

• SoS relies on the whole Bible
• Not select sections or those sections that are palatable
• In choosing what we deem acceptable we act as God

5) It is complete and it cannot be added to or subtracted from

• Deut 4, Prov 30 & Rev 22:18
• Both are temptations
• Antinomianism - subtracting from God’s Law
• Phariseeism  - adding to God’s law
• So we must know His word’s so as to not add or subtract from it
• “Ignorance of scripture is the mother of error not devotion” - Thomas Watson

6) You can cast yourself on every single word

• We should seek every word for all of life

7) The SoS forces a battle that will leave scars

• To stand for the SoS will truly lead to battles as it has for centuries
• But this is not to stop us from battle and preparing our children for battle

8) The SoS brings a vision of hope and happiness for the people of God

• No matter the issues that arise when one seek sot uphold the SoS there is hope
• The word mixed with faith brings hope, faith supplied by God
• This is what transforms

Jacob's Journey Begins

Yesterday we looked at Gen 27:46-28:9 and the beginning of Jacob’s journey. A journey I am sure he could not have imagined. He thought he would be gone for a short while as Esau cooled off and he found a wife but oh there was so much more to come. He would not return for 20 years as God would work in that time to make him the man He desired him to be.

God moved Jacob out of his comfort zone to mold him into that which most glorified Him. Jacob had lived at home for over 70 years and was now sent on a 500 mile journey with nothing, to a land he had not seen, and to a people he did not know, now that is discomfort. But that is often what God does to us so that we become the most useful instruments in His hands to accomplish His purposes and most glorify him.

We often look at life through the lens of how things most affect us but God looks at His creation to see how it can be molded to most glorify Him. That is a radically different view than the one man naturally has which is a view that sees himself above all. That was Jacob’s view but God would change that outlook and God would take some time to do so. He will do the same with us. He will move us out of our comfort zone to move us into the place He desires us to be, God glorifying worshipers of Him.

Venture Academy Basic Entrepreneurial DVD Training Series Sale

We have been watching the Venture Academy Basic Entrepreneurial DVD Training Series and it has been great. I would highly recommend this for families and it would work especially well as a homeschool curriculum with regards to business.

The Venture Academy is divided into six primary areas of business fundamentals; Sales and Marketing, Finance and Accounting, Operations, Technology & Service Management, Human Resources, Business Communications & Legal, Venture Analysis.
• features renowned Harvard MBA, serial entrepreneur, Wade Myers
• a"mini-MBA" Harvard-modeled experience
• a small fraction of the cost of university study
• teaches the language, terms, concepts, and practices of the business world
• provides a Christian worldview perspective to business practices
• equips students to evaluate business opportunities
• includes real-world case-study methodology

Right now you can order this DVD set which is on sale at a savings of $120 and with the coupon code, shipmyvafree12, get free shipping.  ORDER HERE

Around the Web and Blogosphere (12/04/09)

The November edition of the Continuing Collapse is on Voddie Baucham’s blog: Welcome to the Continuing Collapse.



PyroManiacs ask some good questions in their post: Nineteen questions for signers of "The Manhattan Declaration.” The issues the declaration addressed were important but not more important than the Gospel it downplayed to allow for unity of the signers. While I think that many of the signers were well meaning I think the message given with regards to the Gospel is that some issue are just too important.

Also here are some comments from James White on the declaration:
The Troubling Aspects of the Manhattan Declaration
Further Thoughts on the Manhattan Declaration and a Response to Frank Beckwith

And from John MacArthur: The Manhattan Declaration

From Steve Camp: The New Downgrade….12 dangers of Evangelical Co-belligerence related to The Manhattan Declaration.

Also here is Al Mohler’s reasons for signing the declaration: Why I signed the Manhattan Declaration

Here is a review by The New American of the new DVD  "The Mysterious Islands" produced by Vision Forum: "The Mysterious Islands" Challenges Darwin. We saw it a couple nights ago and it is very well done. I am sure that many an evolutionist will despise it but that is of no consequence. What is sad is that there will likely be many a professing Christian that will dislike it as well. I have read a few comments around the web that speak about bias in the move but who is not biased, just as evolutionist are biased. Better to be biased by the very word of God than the word of man.

Vision Forum December Kick-off Specials

Around the Web and Blogosphere (11/24/09)

At VisionaryDaughters.com they have some good insights as it relates to the Twilight series and the draw it has on many women and girls, even those professing Christ, on their post: How Twilight is Re-Vamping Romance.



Voddie has a couple disturbing videos on the direction Arne Duncan would go with schools in Voddie’s blog post: Education Secretary Arne Duncan in his own frightening words. Duncan couches his talk in words that may sound good to the world that sees the state as messiah but the truth is he is seeking to move the center of life from the family to the school and thus the government. You may also notice that when he speaks of non-profits using the school grounds he does not say who will dictate their agenda as it will undoubtedly be the government. When he mentions family issues he does not seek to correct those problems but instead makes plans to accept those problems and work around them. This all from a man that ran what could be termed a failed school system in Chicago. This man along with his president has an agenda and it is far form biblical.



Steve Camp has a good post, He must increase – I must decrease, with regards to the issue of the cult of personality. I am saddened when churches decide to expand by having satellite churches where the lead pastor is piped in to the service in some form or fashion. I always wonder why the church does not have others to fill that role and why one person needs to be so front and center. But, before we dump the entire problem on the pastor alone remember it is the people that make up the cult and we need to check our fleshly desires at the door so as to avoid this. This is not saying we cannot have a pastor we enjoy to listen and learn from but we always need to make sure it is the word of God that is the draw not the person delivering it.



On the J.C. Ryle Quotes blog they are having a giveaway of a set of his commentaries: Win A Free J.C. Ryle Commentary Set

Our Family Move

As I write this I want to make sure it is known that this is not done to get an “ataboy” or any such compliment but I write this to help remind us of the importance of family. Before someone runs off and says “there goes one of those people who worship the family” you could be no further from the truth. What I do worship is the God that ordained the family as a means of manifesting His glory in His world. We do this when we obey and follow God’s all sufficient word, by His power. Unfortunately today the professing church has taken on the cultural norms of the world that minimizes family. We are often a church that will sacrifice the family for any number of seemingly important endeavours, some even sounding spiritual. When we minimize family we say we know better than God. This is not about maximizing or lifting the family up but instead is about simply seeking to live the life God calls and seeing the family as God calls it to be seen.

As you read this I am in no way seeking to make others feel guilty. There may be situations and circumstances that lead families down different roads but in all of this I would pray we would first ask the question; “Is what I am about to do what God’s word calls me to do.”

Many of you that know me may already know about our forthcoming move to Tennessee but you may not know why. There may be those that think this may be to simply move from Southern California and its bankrupt government and decaying morals. Others may see it a move to change lifestyles from the fast paces world of California to a more agrarian life. Both of those are reasons we as a family have thought of moving and they may have led us to move years down the road but that is not why we have decided to move in the next few months. Those are not the reasons that I have given notice and really am not entirely sure what is ahead. The reason we are moving is that to do as God would have us do we need to leave California. Let me explain:

For some time we have known that the call of scripture is not to send ones parents off to retirement homes or other places to spend their last days but it is our duty as children to care for them. The call in 1 Tim 5:4 in reference to families caring for widows can be applied to parents as a whole depending on their situations. We know from Eph 6:1-2 which refers back to Ex 20:12 and the 5th commandment that we are called to honor our parents and this does not end at adulthood but is a lifelong commandment. The OT is full of pictures of this honoring and in fact the OT is a wonderful picture of how we are to care for one another in families. Even jesus on the cross did not leave Mary to fend for herself but gave that duty to John as sort of an extended family member. Thus, from scripture we have come to the conviction that caring for our families is not an option even though how this would work out was not fully known to us

I would like to interject here that there may be cases where a family cannot care for their parents due to some extenuating circumstance or the parent may even refuse care. But I would add that we are to always start with the family being the ones to directly, and primarily, care for family members. As a society we have all too often given this duty up to the state and have been indoctrinated over the years to rely on Uncle Sam to care for our family. However, that is not the plan of God but the plan of man. We need to get back to God’s design for families and leave the world’s humanistic, narcissistic, me centered plan.

So back to our story: Over the last year we have known of health issues in one of my wife’s parents but did not think much of it with regards to how it would directly affect us now and how God would use it to build us up. However, over the last few months we came to realize that our so called plan for the future was to be for the present. We realized that we would need to help Donna’s father and mother and to do so we had to make some changes. God does not simply ask us to do what is convenient but to do what is called for in His word. The joy and hope that we have is that He does not ask us to do more than we are prepared to do. He prepares us by His word (2 Tim 3:16-17), by the path He leads us down and by the changed heart He provides. So we have headed down the path He has set before us. We do not know all that is ahead but we do know that God will provide and will not forsake us as we seek to be obedient to His call.

I was asked at work by a well meaning co-worker if we really knew what was ahead and my answer was as simple as God will provide. The world does not understand this and sadly much of the church does not either. I would encourage you not only in family matters but in all things to trust God and obey His word. Not just those parts that are easy, comfortable, or culturally acceptable but all that God calls us to do in His word. Will things be easy, probably not but God never promised ease but says that what He commands us to do will not be burdensome (1 Jn 5:3). I am confident that God will not only provide but that He is with us in this endeavour and since He is not only the God of the ends but also the God of the means He will provide those means in His way and in His timing so that He is most glorified.

So I would ask a couple things. First, that in your families you would seek God’s word for how they are to function, in all areas of family life. Seek God’s guidance and power so as to have families that are directed by His word and not the culture that surrounds them and that we would be families that most glorify God and expand His kingdom. Secondly, I would ask that you to pray for our family as we head off into this new adventure. This is not an adventure that others have not entered into but we need to bathe all things we do in prayer so your prayers are appreciated.

New Franklin Springs DVD Release

Franklin Springs Family Media has a new DVD coming out that is available for pre-buy:  The Art of Cooking.

Here is a preview of part of the DVD:

NCFIC Articles on the Church as a "Family of Families"

The NCFIC has added some articles on the often complained about saying that the church is a “Family of Families”:

Here is the series of posts to date on this subject:

The Church is a “Family of Families” A History -- Part 1
The Church is a “Family of Families” -- Part 2
Did the Puritans have a “Family of Families” Ecclesiology?
“Family of Families” in the News
The Church is a “Family of Families” -- Part 3
The Church is a “Family of Families” -- Part 4
The Church is a “Family of Families” -- Part 5

Around the Web and Blogosphere (11/10/09)

For those that still want to complain about the Family Integrated Churches use of the term “Family of Families” here are some further responses from the NCFIC: The Church is a "Family of Families" -- A History, Part 1 , The Church is a "Family of Families" -- Part 2 and The Church is a "Family of Families -- Part 3.  Unfortunately this same complaint keeps surfacing and by the way the question is usually phrased it is apparent that the people raising it do not read the many answers given to the complaint. Of course there may be churches that misuse the term and put family above all else and do not recognize the different justifications God has set up but this is not the position of the NCFIC or most Family Integrated Churches I know of.
(Updated with Part 3 of series on 11/12/09)


At the Voddie Baucham Ministries post on Answering Your Questions the question of the Month is: What are practical ways to involve and teach your preschoolers during your family devotional times (ie: morning pray/read/sing).



If you have seen the documentary Demographic Bomb: Demography is Destiny, sequel to Demographic Winter, you will know who Paul Ehrlich is. But have you made his connection to Barak Obama, well you should. John Holdren whom Barack Obama recently appointed Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, and Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology – aka. The United States' Science Czar has connections to Paul Ehrlich. In a WND post entitled Demographic Bomb Explodes the article states:

“In 1977, Holdren co-authored a book with the original population hysterics, Anne and Paul Ehrlich. In the chilling, apocalyptic tract ("Ecoscience: Population, Resources, Environment"), Holdren and the Ehrlichs mused that a coming "Planetary Regime might be given responsibility for determining optimum population for the world and for each region and for arbitrating various countries' shares within their regional limits. … The Regime would have power to enforce the agreed (population) limits."” 

“At his confirmation hearing, Holdren assured senators that he does not believe government should set population goals. Still, in the course of three decades, Obama's science czar never bothered to disavow these 1984-ish views until he was up for confirmation.”

Some Answers for Critics from the NCFIC

The National Center for Family Integrated Churches (NCFIC) has posted: Some Answers for Critics. They answer the seven most common misconceptions people have about the NCFIC. I would encourage you to read this post if you have concerns about the FIC, and even if you do not, as it is not a new movement as what they, we, seek to be is what the church has historically been; a multigenerational biblical assembly of believers committed to worshiping God as His word directs.

Around the Web and Blogosphere (11/2/09)

This months free audio book from Christian Audio is John Piper’s Desiring God. Just sign up for a free account, if you do not already have one, and then enter the coupon code NOV2009.



This looks like a good documentary: Homeschool Dropouts.

“The Botkin siblings have been talking to their peers around the United States, many of whom are planning futures that do not include home education.”

Are we preparing our children to carry the mantel to the next generation.  For far to many professing believers that homeschool their main reasons are not firmly grounded in the commands found in the word of God. When this mindset is passed down to the next generation there is little stability and when a seemingly better alternative to homeschooling presents itself they will turn to that. It is when we ground our reasons for homeschooling in the all sufficient word of God and pass that on to our children that the next generation will be more intent on homeschooling themselves. It will be interesting to see what this DVD has to say.



At Kevin Swanson’s Blog he writes in his post Not Much Has Changed in 400 Years that the warning of Richard Baxter concerning who our children associate with is as true today as it was then.



Don’t forget the upcoming Sufficiency of Scripture 2009 Conference in December.

Coming to a Town Near You

Here is a video of a British couple who were arrested for arguing against Islam.




Here is a British couple who were questioned by police after making comments against homosexuality.




Before you think these things could not happen here think again. The new hate crimes bill recently signed by President Obama is vague enough that it is not too hard to imagine someone complaining about the truth of God’s word being hateful and thus being illegal. What is interesting is that it seems the idea of something being hateful only flows in one direction, against Christianity, as many make hateful comments against Christianity but that is to be considered free speech.

What if my husband says he does not want to homeschool?

I was on Facebook the other day and the question came up with regards to homeschooling as to what a wife was to do when a husband wanted to send their children to the government schools. So this led me to add this question to my previous list, see the bottom of this post for links to past posts. While this is not really along the same lines as the other usual objections to homeschooling it is a very important question that needs to be addressed.

First I would like to address the opposite of this question, what if my wife does not want to homeschool. I will admit this question is heard very little but there may be those that hear it. For those husbands that have this issue the key is not to dictate that the wife is to school the children, husbands need to lead by example. I hope it has been clear throughout this entire series that the issue of homeschooling needs to be grounded in scripture and God’s decrees and not in the ineptitude of the government system, as inept as it is. So, as the leader of the family, husbands need to lead their wives to see that homeschooling is not simply a choice but God’s design for the family. However, things must not stop there as it is also not enough for husbands to convince their wives but they must also help as they are able. We as husbands need to serve our wives and sacrifice ourselves as Christ sacrificed himself for His church (Eph 5:2,25). This may take the form of moving from where you live and even taking a different job, doing whatever it takes to disciple your children as God calls us fathers to do. The bottom line is as husbands we need to lead in more than just words but also in action.

So in the instance where the wife is the reluctant spouse, husbands need to lead by action and not just dictate what needs to be done. Find ways to help in the process of homeschooling and show your commitment to the process. In all of this bathe everything in prayer and in leading your wife to see this is all being done in obedience to God’s word.

Now for the question I started with which is by in large the norm for most families. I will confess it was for our family as it was my wife that saw the need to homeschool years before I did, yes I said years. It was her diligent and prayerful conviction that allowed her to convince me to homeschool over what I am sure were years of frustration. But even then it took more years than it should have for me to come around. I was convinced that this homeschool business would be OK for the primary years but once high school came we would need to seek change. I thank God that He changed my heart before then. That gives you some background so you can see that what I am sharing here is what I should have done and not what I did. It is only by the grace of God that we are where we are today, but that is God. He is faithful when we are not.

So what are wives to do if their husbands do not want their children homeschooled? Well, I can do no other than start with scripture which says that wives are to submit to their husbands (Eph 5:22-23) and work to help their husbands see the need for homeschooling (1 Ptr 3:1), in a God honoring way. If you honor your husband, and thus honor God, God will strengthen you in discipling your children, along with your husband, until God changes his heart. The tough part of this for wives is that they are not required to submit to that which God forbids and so the question arises as how does this relate to homeschooling. Scripture places husbands as responsible for the family so the wives submission to them in this area is not the same as the wife desiring for their children to go to government schools. This is one of those areas where one needs place full trust in God for their children and I realize this is not easy with all that transpires in the government schools. If wives will submit to their husbands in a God honoring way I am convinced God will honor them and care for them and their children. God can give you the stamina and strength to disciple your children and to counteract the government schools until their husbands comes along. Remember that God does not simply call us to Himself for salvation and leave us but is working in all we do as well as having His hand on all those around us, even disobedient husbands. We may not know why God does not change their hearts but as with me He does this in His way and in His time.

As far as practical advise I would suggest wives give their husbands biblical reasons for homeschooling and resources that will help them see this. Some very good resources I have found and would have liked to have had earlier are: When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr. as well as the CD series from the 2009 Leadership Summit. Both these resources are biblically grounded and challenging. I know when I read R.C. Jr.’s book the lights went on for the first time as it related to God’s plan and reasoning for homeschooling/discipling. For too long I had simply been looking at what form of schooling appeared to offer the best education but I had neglected to look at what we are truly called by God to do and that is disciple God honoring children first and foremost. Education will happen but it is not our primary reason for homeschooling, raising children that honor and glorify God is. Another resource I have found is an article written by Israel Wayne called A Christian Education Manifesto which is chock full of verses and biblical evidence for the need to home educate.

While I do not like to tell people to change churches I do fear that there are too many churches with pastors that are falling short by condoning Christians sending their children to the government schools. If possible speak to your pastor and work to help him see what God desires but at the end of the day you may need to find a church that supports homeschooling. Pastors need to realize that by their lack of conviction with regards to homeschooling they are enabling fathers to keep their children in the government schools and they are in the process not doing wives or children any favors.

So that is a short overview of this issue and I pray it has been some help. You can read over the previous posts I have done on the subject of homeschooling, see below, as there is much biblical evidence in them and they may also help to answer some objections that are commonly used to avoid homeschooling.

Series Posts
1) Christian Homeschooling and Charter Schools
2) What is the purpose of Christian Education: Part 1 & Part 2
3) Should the Government be involved in the Education of our children
4) Why are we so easily swayed by the money & items offered by charter schools?
5) Should not my children be in the public school to be lights in a dark place?
6) Why do we need to meet man’s standards for education?
7) Why do we need relief or a respite from the presence of our children?
8) Isn't how we educate our children a preference?
9) What if my husband says he does not want to homeschool?