(By: Eddie Goodwin)

RBAP is pleased to announce the release of Dr. W. Gary Crampton’s From Paedobaptism to Credobaptism: A Critique of the Westminster Standards on the Subjects of Baptism.  This new work can be purchased for $14.30 when using the coupon code: drcrampton during the checkout process.

From Padeobaptism to Credobaptism has recommendations from ARBCA members Drs. Fred Malone, James Renihan, Mike Renihan and Sam Waldron along with our friends Greg Nichols and Robert W. Oliver, Ph.D.

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Following the Westminster Confession’s definition of baptism, Gary Crampton presents a compelling argument for credobaptism versus paedobaptism. He examines each phrase of this definition as the outline of his work, finding that neither Scripture, the Apostolic Fathers, the Church Fathers, nor many modern paedobaptists support the definition in favor of infant baptism. His work is thorough in its research, broad in its survey, forceful in its irenic argument, and very readable for all. It betrays Dr. Crampton’s own wrestling with the Scriptures, historical theology, and his own personal convictions as a former paedobaptist to become a convinced and biblical Baptist.

I highly commend this work for those studying paedobaptism versus credobaptism. For the open heart, it should make you a Baptist. May the Lord use it to raise up more Reformed Baptist churches! 

Fred A. Malone, Ph.D.

Pastor, First Baptist Church, Clinton, LA

Author of The Baptism of Disciples Alone

(By: Christopher Powell)  For those of you who might not know our church,  a good many of our members and adherents are ESL (English as a second language).  In fact, most of our congregation was not born in Canada or the USA.   I had someone just last week ask me what “Thee” and “Thy” meant  in our hymnal.  When I told him what it meant he rejoiced and said he would have more benefit from the hymnal now that he clearly knew what he had been singing.  Having spent some time last year in a monolingual French environment, I both understand his confusion and share his joy at recognizing truth in what he was singing! 

 

So, recently, when it came to seeking to communicate a simple understanding of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith to everyone in the church, we looked for resources that use very simple language without compromising theological depth.  One of the aids that we have discovered is an online guide written by Pastor Stuart Olyott.  If you’re not familiar with Pastor Olyott he is a Reformed Baptist preacher who has the God-given gift of simplicity in preaching without compromising truth or depth. He has written simple commentaries (I’m currently benefiting from his simple exposition of Ephesians in the Welwyn commentary series) and books on important doctrines like the Trinity. Because of their simplicity and faithfulness,  I think that his books, study guides and commentaries make excellent resources for church members.  His commentaries read a bit like a modern J.C. Ryle “Expository Thoughts” devotional commentary.   As such, his resources are ideal for use in family worship.

Here are some of his material  to consider:

• His simple commentary on the 1689 “This we Believe”
• His commentary on Ephesians
• His book on the Trinity: “The Three are One”
• His latest book “I wish someone would explain Hebrews to me“
• His other books sermons and various other materials are available on this website.

(By David Giarrizzo)

In April of 2007, after a round-table discussion about the possibility of a nation-wide conference for young Reformed Baptists, Don Donell, serving at that time as a missionary in Argentina, expressed the following thoughts in an email to me:

I believe there exists a great opportunity to mobilize young people in godly living and purposeful preparation of their lives for gospel labors through such planned events. …That by His grace and blessing upon it we might see many lives transformed and kingdom priorities established in the lives of many young people that will impact whole nations for the gospel in their lifetimes.

Now in its 3^rd year of existence, the Building Tomorrow’s Church conference is aimed at impacting Reformed Baptist young adults, ages 18 years and older, with a deepening love for Jesus Christ and a renewed appreciation for His the church. Both singles and married couples from across America will be meeting together in Prescott, Arizona, August 6^th-9^th, for a weekend full of biblical teaching and sweet fellowship with like-minded believers. Indeed, we long to see “many lives transformed and kingdom priorities established” for the glory of God and the growth of the Kingdom.

We are privileged to have as this year’s speakers Pastor Don Donell from Crosspoint Church in Fletcher, NC, and Pastor Raymond Perron from Église Baptiste Réformée de la Capitale in Quebec, Canada. This year’s theme, “The Church and Missions,” deals specifically with the wonderful responsibility that Christ left with His disciples to take God’s Word to the ends of the world. At this summer’s conference Pastors Donell and Perron will address the parts that all of the church’s members should play in reaching the lost with the gospel. Through this conference we want to communicate that same evangelistic sentiment that C.H. Spurgeon expressed in his 1856 sermon on Gospel Missions:

We feel persuaded that all of you are of one mind in this matter, that it is the absolute duty as well as the eminent privilege of the Church to proclaim the gospel to the world. We do not conceive that God will do his own work without instruments, but that, as he has always employed means in the work of the regeneration of this world, he will still continue to do the same, and that it becomes the Church to do its utmost to spread the truth wherever it can reach the ear of man.

Thus, the activity of missions is an important part of the ministry of the local church, and therefore deserves our attention as individual Christians and faithful church members.

We have yet to find out how many future missionaries, church planters, elders, deacons, or Sunday school teachers may be raised up through one of these conferences, but we look forward to what the Lord might do. “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” (Psalm 90:17).  May God alone receive all the glory.

“Pity the nations, O our God, Constrain the earth to come;
Send Thy victorious Word abroad, And bring the strangers home.

We long to see Thy churches full, That all the chosen race
May, with one voice and heart and soul, Sing Thy redeeming grace.”

For more information about this summer’s BTC conference in Arizona, visit www.buildingtomorrowschurch.com or email us at buildingtomorrowschurch[at]gmail[dot]com.

To take advantage of the early registration discount, register online before May 31^st!

(By: Nick Kennicott)

I am amazed at the skills of my friends who are plumbers, carpenters, and tile men, to name a few. Their ability to utilize a few simple tools to complete very difficult and sometimes very beautiful projects gives me reason to rejoice in their gifts, thankful that God has given us all different abilities for the common good. While I have virtually no experience in the trades, I have a few tools to do minor tasks around the house when necessary, and when I think it possible without creating a bigger problem! When asked about my numerous books and peculiar reading habits, I typically refer back to my friends – the ones with skills. I firmly believe that for the pastor, a book can be compared to the plumber’s pipe shears, a carpenter’s hammer, or a tile man’s trowel. And yet, while this is certainly true for a pastor, I believe there are certain tools (books) that every Christian should own and become acquainted with – to have available when the necessity arises. Obviously, this can be somewhat subjective, but I’ve tried to offer what I believe to be some of the most universally helpful books for Christians.

1. English Standard Version Study Bible
Without hesitation, I believe that the ESV Study Bible is one of the greatest resource to have ever been printed in the English language. A lofty statement, I know. Obviously, the primary advantage rests in that it’s a Bible – but the extensive notes, sound essays, colorful embedded maps, and long list of notable scholars who worked on it make it the number 1 tool that every Christian should have in their toolbox.

2. An Exhaustive or Comprehensive Concordance
Most Bibles have a small concordance in the back, and some are better than others. While these may be helpful to find common verses and words, one will quickly see the need for something more extensive. A comprehensive concordance lists the use of every word in a Bible version except for “common-use” words such as a, about, after, also, and, the, etc. An exhaustive concordance lists these common words. Both (typically) include word study references in the back for the Hebrew and Greek, pointing out various nuances of words that may have multiple meanings in the original languages.

3. Systematic Theology
Christians are commanded to “make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe” all that Christ has commanded his Church (Matthew 28:19-20, emphasis mine). In order to fulfill this mandate, Christians must learn and understand the theological teachings of Scripture. A systematic theology is essentially the collection and summarizing of the truths of Scripture, divided into various theological topics for explanation. There have been many different systematic theology books written throughout Christian history, many of which are incredibly insightful. Some of my favorite systematic theologies are written by Wayne Grudem, Millard Erickson, Charles Hodge, James P. Boyce, and Louis Berkhof. I frequently use my systematic theology books and believe that every Christian should have at least one.

4. The Pilgrim’s Progress
The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is one of the most significant works in the English Language. Bunyan wrote this Christian allegory from prison in 1678. Since its initial publication, it has been translated into over 200 languages, has never been out of print, and has repeatedly been one of the world’s most popular books, 2nd only to the Bible. Many cultural references come from this great American work. The journey of the main character Christian, from his hometown The City of Destruction to the Celestial City on mount Zion, typifies the Christian journey as it is described in Scripture, and as it plays out in everyday life. Every Christian should read The Pilgrim’s Progress.

5. Spurgeon on Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
Aside from Bible reading/intake, prayer is the most important, yet most neglected Christian discipline. This collection of Spurgeon’s sermons on the subjects of prayer and spiritual warfare are some of the most helpful, soul-stirring words to date. In six “books”, the prince of preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon expounds on the following:

1. The Power in Prayer
2. Praying Successfully
3. The Golden Key of Prayer
4. Finding Peace in Life’s Storms
5. The Practice of Praise
6. Satan, a Defeated Foe

6. Commentary and Reference Survey
John Glynn’s comprehensive guide to biblical and theological resources is invaluable for any student of Scripture who wants to build a reference library. Currently, this book is in its 10thedition and is a reliable resource that rates various Christian commentaries and reference sources on several different levels. Glynn has rated some 900 different commentary series’ and over 1600 other biblical resources to include new chapters on Bible software for the computer. This is a great tool to point you to other, more specific tools that will greatly enhance your study.

7. The Mortification of Sin
John Owen was arguably the greatest of the puritan theologians. In The Mortification of Sin, Owen shows the great need for Christians to engage in the daily war against sin, striving for personal piety and holiness. Of greatest importance, Owen emphasizes the need to depend on the strength of God through the Holy Spirit to achieve the great end for which God created man, namely to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. Owen warns against self-righteousness, superstition, and “anxiety of conscience.” Owen is insightful and practical, but be forewarned that he takes time and concentration to read – but it’s well worth every effort.

8. Institutes of the Christian Religion
It’s big and intimidating, but incredibly rewarding to read through and study repeatedly. Even 500 years later, John Calvin proves to be highly readable, practical, and biblically faithful (unless we’re talking baptism, of course!). I spent time reading through this entire volume last year and am eager to read it again.

9. The Valley of Vision
Arthur Bennett has done the church a great service in bringing together and editing nearly 200 puritan prayers and devotions from various sources. This book has proven to be incredibly helpful in stirring my soul in prayer as I strive to deepen my affections for Christ. Honest, heartfelt, and inspiring, these prayers express to God what I could never in my own words begin to piece together. I use this book every day in my private worship and commend it as a tool for anyone who desires to know God more deeply in prayer.

10. 1689 London Baptist Confession: A Modern Exposition
I promise this is not a plug to help my brother ARBCA pastor Sam Waldron sell more books! I have bought and distributed many copies of this important work as the most thorough and helpful examination of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith available to date. Now in its third edition, Dr. Waldron has provided an invaluable tool to assist in understanding the “things most surely believed among us.” For anyone interested in knowing more of what confessional baptists (like the men on this blog) believe, this book is a great place to start.

As I stated in the beginning, I know this is very subjective, and in time as I read more works, I am certain my list will change. Nevertheless, I am certain I will always find these tools to be important and valuable for every Christian.

What book(s) would you add to the list?

(By: John Miller)

As we think about leadership in the church, one of the most dominant metaphors used for leadership in the Bible is the image of a shepherd. Just think of the great leaders of God’s people in the Old Testament, men like Moses and David. Both were men who were literally shepherds of sheep before they became shepherds of God’s people. Even more striking is the reality that God Himself uses the metaphor of a shepherd to describe His loving leadership over His people. In Psalm 23:1, we read the familiar words that David wrote, “The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” And not only this, Jesus Christ said of Himself, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Thus, it is clear that those who would be leaders in the church of Jesus Christ must be shepherds. Even the Apostle Peter recognized this when he wrote in 1 Peter 5:1-3, “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”

 

Sadly, in many churches today, there is a lack of shepherding the people of God by the elders of the church. And in some churches today, the LORD Himself is against their leaders because the word of God through Ezekiel applies to them: “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them…therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: Thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I am against the shepherds…’” (cf. Ezekiel 34:1-10).

 

There are many reasons why this is the case in today’s church, but as Dr. Timothy Witmer states,”most fundamentally, either church leaders don’t know that shepherding is what they are supposed to do, or they don’t know how to do it” (4). This is one of the reasons why Dr. Witmer, a Pastor at Crossroads Community Church and Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, has written his recently published book The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church. Sinclair Ferguson describes this book in the forward as “an intelligent, biblical, balanced, pastoral, sensitive, and realistic exposition of the nature of true leadership in the Christian church.” In this book, Dr. Witmer desires to:

 

…challenge your thinking on the nature, function, and structure of leadership in your church. This is important because the failure to shepherd in our churches is the simple but dangerous result when church members and leaders fail to embrace this fundamental biblical model. For example, if the church leader is called to be a “shepherd,” those chosen to serve will be different than if he is to be merely a “decision-maker.” Are the elders or leadership team a “board of directors” making decisions, or is it a team of shepherds caring for the flock? The answer to this question will also have an impact on whether the primary qualification for your leadership team is corporate success and experience or a shepherd’s heart. Obviously, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but what is the fundamental orientation of your leaders? (2-3)

 

Therefore, over the next several weeks I will be blogging my way through this book, with hopeful expectation that the Lord will teach us, guide us, correct us, and encourage us. “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)

 

If you would like to learn more about the book and Dr. Witmer’s ministry, visit www.theshepherdleader.com.

 

(By: John Miller)

 

As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to engage the world we live in for the sake of the gospel. At the same time we are called to keep ourselves unstained from the world (James 1:27). So “how do we engage the world meaningfully without compromising the integrity of our Christianity?” How do we as Christians live as those who are “in the world” but “not of the world?” Dr. Azurdia skillfully addresses these issues that are “so essential to the ongoing development and health of the Christian life” by turning our attention to the Scripture in his brief but helpful book, Connected Christianity.

 

The four chapters of this book originated as sermons that Dr. Azurdia preached for the Aberystwyth Conference at Alfred Place Baptist Church where Geoff Thomas ministers.

 

In the first message Dr. Azurdia calls us to a “worldly” Christianity by expounding the words of Jesus in John 17:18, “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” Jesus Christ has given his people a sacred mission to accomplish while they remain on this earth. We have been commissioned to take the gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth, while avoiding the twin dangers of cultural gluttony (becoming so like the world that we succumb to the world’s values, objectives, and desires) and cultural anorexia (radical and decided isolation, insulation, and withdrawal from the world).

 

Instead, as Christians we are called to go into the world as a holy people. Thus, in his second message, Dr. Azurdia expounds Jesus’ request of his Father for his disciples in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth.” If we would be effective Christians in this world, we must be sanctified Christians. As Dr. Azurdia states concerning Christ’s disciples, “The extent to which they would be effective in the carrying out of their role would be directly proportional to the degree in which they had been sanctified by the truth.”

 

This leads thirdly to the basis of Jesus’ request for his disciples in John 17:19, “And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in the truth.” Here we are taken to the heart of Christianity, Christ’s work for us upon the cross. This is the only basis upon which Jesus could petition his Father for sanctifying grace upon our behalf: Jesus consecrated himself and earned salvation (including sanctifying grace) for us upon the cross.

 

In his last message, Dr. Azurdia expounds 4:14-16, reminding us that as we sojourn through this fallen world we have a sympathetic High Priest we can turn to in the midst of temptation and discouragement. We have great encouragement to continually draw near to the throne of grace in our time of need.

 

I hope this brief summary encourages you to take up this book, read it, and live it! As one pastor said, “This book will not only keep the challenge before us but give to us clarity and direction for the Christ-centered and Gospel-driven as well as Holy Spirit-empowered answers from the Word of God. You will want to read this…probably more than once.”