Though we may be setting records in CP giving, figures that are available from the Executive Committee show that the percentage of increase in giving is not even keeping up with inflation. During the 90s the average yearly increase was 2.06% per year. In an economy that averages somewhere around 3% inflation the whole dollars may be going up, but what those dollars will buy/fund is going down.

Add to that the declining dollar in world markets and it is having a real negative impact on missionaries overseas. I recently visited Western Europe and it cost me $1.50 for 1 Euro (and when the Euro was introduced it was 1 for 1). Of course, I’m not saying the declining dollar is the fault of Southern Baptist churches. I’m only saying that the decline in percentages may not reflect a decline in real dollars, but when you factor in inflation there is still a negative trend in giving.

I think you bring up an excellent point. “all teaching of doctrine necessarily implies interpretation of the text.”

Interpretive value is what makes for distinction. How the value is derived is a critical characteristic of doctrine that reflects the teaching of the text. All believers are held to the standard of “rightly dividing” the word of God. So doctrine is extremely important and essential for the maturing of the saints.

1 Timothy 4:14-16 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. (15) Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. (16) Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

It is hard work to rightly divide God’s word. As Paul exhorts Timothy…. “pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching”. Paul makes an effort to focus and shine the light on the life of Timothy as being an important and visible instrument in the proclamation of the Gospel doctrine. We are to “be in them”, not just give lip service to them. The power of the church is revealed in this context. The people of God involved in the things of God in their homes and community of worship is where the practice of doctrine brings about what Paul says….”as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”

The SBC has only and will only echo the strength of its communities of worship and their grasp on the doctrines of God. It will never be the other way around.

Blessings,
Chris

In answer to Debbie’s question as to what is pure doctrine you respond, “Pure doctrine is teaching the Bible as it is written absent what man says.” While I think I understand what you mean by that statement and would wholeheartedly concur with the sentiment behind it, all teaching of doctrine necessarily implies interpretation of the text. Unless our preaching is strictly the reading of the biblical text itself, any commentary we make on it in the form of preaching or teaching of necessity and by definition involves our interpretation of the text.

It is at this point that much of the misunderstanding and disagreements in the SBC have arisen in recent years. Proponents of the CR accuse their opponents and critics of “not believing the Bible” when what these critics are rejecting isn’t the biblical text itself but certain interpretations of it by others. Just appealing to the inerrancy of the text doesn’t resolve this issue either, for even an inerrant text must be interpreted.

Practice betrays doctrinal beliefs.

I do think that much of what people think about others is warped by much of the way people think about others! :)

mormons have growing numbers and budget, but they are not faithful to God, nor to His Word.

jw’s are seeing growing numbers and budget, but they are not faithful to God, nor to His Word.

there are many madison avenue techniques and ear tickling and compromising with the culture of the day that could result in numbers and bigger budgets…..but that is not success in God’s eyes.

in order for our churches and the sbc to be faithful to God and to His Word(real success), then it might mean that we decline in attendance and money. oh my, did volfan just say that????? yes, i did. there are many people out there who dont want to hear the true Word of God preached and taught in the power of the Holy Spirit. there are some people out there who dont like to hear the Bible taught just as it is. and, sometimes, you have to prune a tree before it grows and produces more fruit…better fruit.

david

I am not always “right on.” I really am not.

I am far too war orientated to be right on. I have miles to go before I can be right on.

Frankly, I will not be “right on” until God calls me home and my sword and shield have been left behind to burn.

It will be guys you and others who will build bridges for peace in the Kingdom.

cb

ABClay,
You are right on in your comment, about not being true Christians.

CB,
I Say a BIG AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!
We need to be Christians first and then Baptist for teaching doctrine As always you are right on.
In His Name
Wayne

cb

Vol says souls are important above nickels and noses. Scott and Tim G seem to agree with him.

A question relating to the definition of doctrinal purity arises. A link to a pastor making apology for intolerance toward specific life-styles has been given as a “best example of being a witness for Jesus Christ.”

Tim G says doctrinal is, “Being clear and holding to the Lordship of Christ above human ideas.”

Scott says, “To win someone and then not to disciple them properly is neither complete evangelism, nor is it solid discipleship.”

If it is possible for a group of Baptist bloggers who were originally connected due to theo-political embattlements to keep away from their natural party alignments it may be possible to identify our real problems and our real needs. If that could happen maybe blogging could have more value than to set the stage for strategic moves for a few days every June.

cb

PS: My anti-spam word is “hope.”