My name is Ken Nichols. I pastor a local church in Georgia, and I want to see God glorified among the nations.
I have been given the tremendous opportunity to travel to South Asia in January, 2012 for the privilege of teaching and training pastors and leadership of a burgeoning Church Planting Movement among Hindu and Muslim background believers. Our goal is to train pastors, and thereby affecting the hundreds of new local churches that have sprung up in the last 18 months. The impact of our ministry to them will be hard to quantify, but the potential for great Kingdom impact in an area where God is moving is tremendous.
I will be travelling with three other men from our local Baptist Association and we will be joining forces with a local IMB missionary. The trip, spanning nearly 2 full weeks, will cost approximately $2,000.
If you are able, please consider supporting this mission adventure by sending check or money order, with the notation #8 MISSIONS FUND, to:
SARDIS BAPTIST CHURCH
PO BOX 280
SARDIS, GA 30456
Your contribution is Tax Deductible and you will receive a giving statement from our church.
Sanctification is anything but passive. Though it does not occur without God, both by His calling and by His power, we have a part to play. It is in the continual yielding to His grace, day by day, moment by moment (a la Francis Schaeffer). Sanctification is either hindered or helped by our decisions and actions. We can choose whether to grow in sanctification, or not, even though it is God alone who enables it.
Make sure you are availing yourself of every means possible to be sanctified by God. Make sure you are yielding all, body, mind and spirit, to God. Though you cannot produce sanctification, you take great responsibility for it in your life. Your salvation has been purchased by Christ on the cross. Believers are saved from the penalty and power of sin. This is all of grace. Now, avail yourself of the power of the Living Christ, and “be ye holy” as He Himself is holy. The entire Godhead stands ready to conform us to the likeness of Christ Jesus. Though you don’t bring sanctification about, what you do matters. But, remember, what you do is only a response to what He’s already done.
I found this quote from the first President of the Southern Baptist Convention compelling…
Now, now, O fellow-sinners, you have it in your power to place yourselves under influences that are spiritual and saving; or under influences that are carnal and damning. You can read the Bible, or the book of infidelity; the sermon of truth, or the novel of fiction; you can attend the party of sinful pleasure, or the meeting for holy prayer; you can go to the midnight revel, or to the house of God. You can lift up the prayer of the publican, or the howl of the bacchanal. You can utter the praise of the Most High, or belch out the blasphemy of the arch fiend. How solemn the responsibilities that are upon you!
W.B. Johnson, “Free Agency of Man,” The Baptist Pulpit of the United States, ed., Joseph Belcher (New York: Edward H. Fletcher, 1853), pp. 125-127.
I know little of this movie. I didn’t see the first one. But, I know alot of this movie from seeing commercials on TV, and the preview trailer that was shown as I waited to see “Soul Surfer.” I know enough from those few glimpses that immorality is celebrated and humor hides the dark underbelly of a life lived in pursuit of fleshly desires. I know enough from those few glimpses that in this movie the beauty and significance of sex is perverted, that women are objectified.
In the article some interesting demographic info was posted. Of those who attended this movie, 54% were under the age 24. Of those who attended, 51% were female. Why are the young people, especially young girls, so drawn to this type of humor? What does that say about our culture?
This brings up another experience I had with our culture. My wife and I enjoyed this past season of American Idol. We pulled for Scotty. I loved his humility, and I saw something special in him during Hollywood Week when he confessed his failure in sticking up for the husky kid with the beautiful soprano voice.
Yet, in the midst of the great storyline of real human drama, the producers continually injected the professional acts, many of which are ridiculously erotic. From Lady Gaga, to J-Lo, to Beyonce… I couldn’t watch. I had to fast forward the DVR rather than watch these women do things in public that are bound in heaven. While Americans cheered, I am sure the angels stood aghast.
My biggest concern as a Pastor is how many of the young people in the families of our church will go see this movie? How many of the young people in my church listen to this music, and watch these videos? What does it say of their walk with Jesus Christ that they would willingly pay money to sit under the teaching of a culture where drunkenness, promiscuity, and even bestiality are seen as fodder for humor?
What kind of damage to their souls is being done with the type of entertainment they subject themselves to? What can we do to help? How can I equip the parents to beat back a world system that is increasingly immoral and ubiquitous?
What does this entertainment say about us? I am no culture warrior. I am a simple preacher of the Gospel. And, as an average pastor, I need help.
“How can we in the church best unleash the people of God in the Spirit of God with the Word of God for the glory of God in the world?“
That’s the question David Platt confronts us with in Radical Together. It is a serious question which every pastor, church leader, and Christian should be concerned with. It is a question that has no easy answers. But, it is a question we should seek to answer in every area of our personal lives and in our lives together in the local church.
What I enjoyed most about this book is the fact that David Platt never claims to have the answer to “the question,” but he invites us to join him and his church as they are seeking to find it. I found his arguments compelling, and the personal stories recounting the struggles he and his church have encountered in pursuing a “radical” relationship with God through Christ. There are also a great many what I would call “success stories” about how members of his church family have bought in and are making life-changing decision to follow Christ in the context of “total abandonment to the global purpose of God.”
That phrase “total abandonment to the global purpose of God” may scare people into thinking that Platt believes only foreign missionaries are serving God faithfully. That’s not what he’s saying. What I believe he is saying though is that a church that is totally committed to living out the gospel in its local context will necessarily be committed to living out the gospel in the global context. What we do here affects what we can do there. I agree with Dr. Platt because Dr. Platt merely recounts God’s plan and methodology as we find it in God’s Word.
Platt proposes six ideas which can help govern our decision-making, our structures, and priorities as individuals and churches, and I would say even Associations, Conventions, and Denominations.
One of the worst enemies of Christians can be good things in the church.
In chapter one Platt discusses how this principle led Brook Hills church to lay everything their church did, from ministries, events to budget items, on the table and ask the question, “Are these the best ways to spend our time, money, and energy to spread the gospel in our neighborhood and in all the nations?” At Brook Hills it led to downsizing what they did and where they spent their money, but has led to greater Gospel impact locally and globally.
The gospel that saves us from work saves us to work. In chapter two Platt discusses how this principle rightly understood compels us to “radical” commitment to Christ. The gospel must be our motivation for commitment to Christ, or we have the wrong motivation. If our primary motivations are guilt or duty, they will not sustain “radical” living. We must understand that we have been loved greatly by God, and our deepest joy is found in displaying that same sacrificial love to others because God loves them.
The Word does the work. In chapter three Platt focuses on the centrality of the Word in the life of the believer, and of the church. The basic building block of disciple-maker is the ability to teach people to obey the Word of God. Many have forgotten this simple, but important element. The Word of God must be taught, believed and lived in the church. Pastors, church leaders and teachers must pray for the Spirit to cause God’s work in His people, and then trust that it will. The kicker to the chapter is this: There is only one thing God has promised to bless, that is the plan for global evangelization given in His Word.
Building the right church depends on using all the wrong people.
In chapter four Platt focuses on countering the upside-down model of church growth many churches employ. The prevailing model is for church members to spend their energies inviting people to church so that the “professionals” can share the Gospel with them and then disciple them. Platt proposes the more biblical model of the purpose of worship and church activities is to equip the believers to share the gospel with others so they can lead them to Christ, and to equip the believers how to disciple them to live as followers of Christ. Platt states, “church leaders are intended by God no to plan events but to equip people.” In other words, “Building the right church, then, is dependent on using all the wrong people.” The goal, Platt says, “is always for all of the people of God to be equipped and empowered to lead as many people as possible to Christ.”
We are living-and longing-for the end of the world. In chapter five Platt reminds us that “the end of the age will come when people from every single ethnic group have come to Christ.” He then challenges those who believe that to live as if they believe it by being “intentionally engaged in taking the gospel to unreached people groups.” If we are not intentionally engaged, Platt says, we are in “disobedience to the command of Christ.” Platt quotes G.E. Ladd, “Christ has not yet returned; therefore the task is not yet done.”
In this chapter he gave the compelling example of “Brook Hills Bob” and “Brook Hills Baruti” as a reminder to keep balance in our local and global focus. Platt states, “we are going to reach Bob and all kinds of other people in our community. But as they come to Christ, we are going to encourage them to spend their lives spreading the gospel to Baruti.” We are to grow God’s kingdom here for the sake of the nations.
We are selfless followers of a self-centered God. In chapter six Platt concludes by reminding us of God’s self-focus. Of “radical” believers Platt says, “they know they belong to a God who desires, deserves, and demands absolute devotion in their lives and in their churches, and they want to give Him nothing less.” We must continually remind ourselves to foster humility concerning ourselves, but an exalted view of God if we are to live for Him and His purposes.
There is another great feature to this book I truly enjoyed and look forward to implementing. The discussion guide at the end of the book was good for my personal reflection, but will be a great help as I encourage people in my church to read the book. I look forward to interacting with them and discussing some of the questions as we will be able to communicate to one another how these principles challenge our church.
Conclusion
I have appreciated David Platt’s ministry ever since hearing him speak at a youth evangelism conference in Georgia some years back. Since then, I have followed his ministry at Brook Hills Church via the church website. I have listened to many sermons and Secret Church sessions online. In recent years he has burst on the scene as a reluctant “evangelical rock star” being present at the Southern Baptist Convention Pastor’s Conference and Together for the Gospel in 2010, both of which I attended. Needless to say, knowing what I know of Dr. Platt, I trust him and I commend this book to all, especially to my church.
What can a self-professed “raging discontent” teach others about contentment? Turns out, quite a bit. Altrogge reminds us that the desire for contentment is part of the spiritual war in which we are constantly embroiled in (p. 18). The image of the “Greener Grass Conspiracy” is quite helpful in helping us see the things that fight against our contentment. Altrogge reminds us of the Scriptures’ teaching that the world, our hearts, and our enemy Satan are all working against our true and greatest happiness, joy in God (p. 12). It’s a theme and a point he makes clear throughout the book.
I appreciated Altrogge’s unflagging commitment to Jesus Christ as the means and the end of our pursuit of true joy and contentment. Jesus Christ is clearly presented as our ultimate hope. The Gospel is presented and the Scriptures are held up as God’s promises, and our weapons in the fight for contentment (p.94).
A Fun Read Altrogge is funny. His seemingly effortless wit shines through in literally every page of this book. The use of self-effacing humor and transparency helps the reader to see the experiences and effects of discontentment in Altrogge’s own life. The humor has another effect, it disarms the reader, allowing the reader to see the irrational discontentment in their own lives; at least that was experience of this reviewer.
A Deep Read
This is a relatively short book, but don’t be fooled by its brevity, or by Altrogge’s levity. There is much to consider as you read this book. Altrogge begins the journey to contentment by probing the question, “What makes us unhappy?” The “if-only” things in our lives become the idols in which we seek contentment. The “if-only” things are insufficient for long and lasting happiness because those things were never intended to bring us contentment. It boils down to an issue of worship (p. 36). We often worship the wrong things. Often, it is an idol our very own hearts have manufactured. We were made for God, to worship Him, to relate to Him, enjoy Him.
Contentment is learned. Paul is held up as a human example of one who learned contentment (Phil. 4:11-12). Despite all the miserable experiences Paul endured, contentment was his. In times of betrayal, imprisonment, physical danger, and in material deprivation, Paul was able to remain contentment because his happiness was not tied to his circumstances. This is what Altrogge aims to teach us: to find contentment in knowing that our every spiritual need has been met in Jesus (p. 20).
Altrogge takes us through the Scriptures, and he points out the dangers of discontentment, and more importantly, the blasphemous nature of it. Discontment based on our circumstances leads to complaining which turns us into blasphemers who dishonor God by bringing His goodness into question (pp. 108-110). I doubt many of us chronic complainers have considered the insidious nature of our discontentment, and its fruit, but Altrogge lovingly and tenderly helps us to see it. The goal of this mini-tome is to help the reader see that true contentment is grounded in eternally joyful God, Himself (p. 30).
More Than A Read
This book is a strong practical help for those who are willing to make application of the truths presented by Altrogge. In Chapter 6 the Gospel of Jesus Christ is presented with clarity and power. Believers and unbelievers alike will benefit from this chapter, as the blessings of the Gospel are shown as precious jewels. Chapter 7 shows the necessity of “learning” contentment. It does not come naturally, but God uses good times and bad times to help us to learn to be content at all times. Chapter 8 holds up Jesus Christ as the source of power in the fight for joy. Chapter 9 shows how sinful it is be discontent with what God provides. Chapter 10 encourages us to literally “count our blessings” as a weapon in the war for joy In Chapter 11 the author walks us through finding contentment in suffering through developing a deeper understanding for, connection with, and dependence on God through Jesus Christ. In Chapter 12 the author nails the landing with the long-term perspective of the believer’s complete and unhindered joy in heaven. We can be content now, even though we long for more, because we know that a time is coming when all of our longings will be fulfilled, in a way we can’t even begin to comprehend.
I love the addition of the “STOP-THINK-DO” questions found at the conclusion of each chapter. The questions are masterfully posed to help the reader truly digest what the author has asserted. The questions were helpful for me personally, but I think this also makes this book a ready-made curriculum for small-group, a reading club or accountability relationships.
Conclusion
I first became aware of Stephen Altrogge on Twitter. I knew of his father’s ministry with Sovereign Grace, and I decided to follow him. Since then I have enjoyed his quirky humor in 140 character chunks. I was glad to hear he had written a book. Now, I am glad to have read this book. As a local church pastor, I would love to see my congregation read and apply this book to their lives.
Disclaimer:Crossway has offered a free copy of this book to me in exchange for my promise to read and publicly review the work. The publisher has exercised no influence over this review, given no compensation or promise thereof. I was asked that the review be honest and substantive.
My 5 year old daughter has a problem. She likes to be in control. There are times when she wants to do everything for herself, usually in the most inconvenient times. There are times when she claims to be unable to do anything for herself. In both of these scenarios she is bucking for control, of me, of my wife, and of the situation. (more…)
While it may be necessary at times to leave your church, the reasons should be grave, and the occasion rare. They should be well thought out, prayed over, and by all means discussed with your pastor(s). Unfortunately, many people take this decision lightly, and/or fail to handle the departure in a way that honors God.
Here, Mark Dever gives good advice on thinking through when to leave, and turns the table a little, explaining that God uses long-term relationships to help grow us into Christ’s likeness.
It may be that your sticking it out, i.e. continuing to serve, attend and give, during times when you are displeased is exactly what God uses to show you to be less concerned about your own preferences and desires, and be more concerned about His! How do you really, really learn to bear with others, and love others if everything is always as you please? Rather, we really grow in our obedience to Christ when its hard to be obedient.
Honor meaningful church membership as a relationship worth working on. Realize God is at work in His churches where His Word is being preached and taught. Don’t give up quickly, stay humble, stay patient, and expect God to work in you and others.
I am a big believer in the old adage “To fail to plan is to plan to fail.” For that reason, I try to set goals for growth each year. Because I pastor a local church, and I have a family, and I live life daily, I don’t always achieve my personal goals, but I don’t allow that to stop me from setting them. (more…)
I recently preached a message on the Parable of the Soils from Mark 4. As much as I could, I tried to get the congregation to understand that we all, even believers, are susceptible to various levels of resistance to the Word of God. (more…)
It’s Thursday evening and I’m waiting for a counseling appointment to show up. I thought I’d pass along some articles I encountered the past few days. They are here because I found them interesting, and/or very helpful. I hope you will, too! Enjoy!
Saturating Your Children With God’s Word – Aaron Menikoff posted this helpful summary of a little booklet by Andy Davis. This is helpful for all parents who need to be reminded of their mission to teach their kids about the God of the Bible, using the Bible.
The Grace of God in the Bible – Dane Ortlund posts a helpful review of the grace of God as seen in every book of the Bible. You may not see some of these items as grace, but grace is a thread throughout the Bible.
The Church That Disciplines – Jim Eliff provides a front lines look into the need for Church discipline. It is one of the most loving acts a church can do in seeking to restore wayward members. It requires a long-range view, and a desire to please God. Read and be blessed.
X-Ray Questions – David Powlison is a gift to the church. This link takes you to a link to a pdf where Powlison provides this helpful document rife with heart-searching questions that help you diagnose the “functional gods” in your life, those things you are really depending on, loving, and trusting in, more than God.
The recent scandalous accusations against Bishop Eddie Long have expectedly resulted in the flood of talk and news shows devoted to this issue. This article does not address the Bishop’s issues, but an issue that it reveals in the heart of so-called “American Christianity.” (more…)
One of the essentials of my ministry is communicating the importance of meaningful church membership. It has been on my radar since before I entered the pastorate, and has been the subject of many posts, sermons, newsletter articles, committee discussions and private talks since becoming the Pastor of a local church. (more…)
Nathan Finn writes an informative and touching article blending church history and personal testimony on the beauty and meaning of Covenant Church Membership historically espoused by Baptists.
Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY posted this helpful guide to recommended resources for children’s ministry. As a Pastor looking to expand the theological and historical depth of our children’s curricula, I really appreciated this post and look forward to browsing some, or all, of these resources.
A few months back I took a poll via the Twitterverse and Facebook asking whether or not my friends/followers supported the role of women deacons. I asked this question for two reasons: (1) I was working on a sermon on biblical church government, and (2) had recently overheard some pastors in my local Baptist association referring to the concept of deaconesses with no small amount of derision.
The responses I received were not wholly unexpected. (more…)
I am preparing to lead a Men’s book study of Greg Gilbert’s recently published What is the Gospel?
I am looking forward to leading this study and prepared a reading/discussion guide for our group. I hope it can be a help to others who are conducting similar groups. Feel free to download and print as many copies as you need.
Being a local church pastor is not for the faint of heart nor for those lacking perseverance. It is a position that requires great patience and endurance. The results of your ministry are not instantly seen. You don’t see the “fruit of your labors” for years, even decades. You have to settle in for the long haul, and you must have the conviction that the knowledge and application of the Word of God is God’s method of building His people.
This helpful, strengthening statement from Dr. John MacArthur really encourages me in my ministry:
Show me a church where there is strong Bible teaching over an enduring period of time, and I will show you a congregation that is studying the Word of God on their own, skilled in the science of interpretation that has been modeled for them by their pastor. But show me a church where the Word of God is not taught in the pulpit, and I’ll show you a place where biblical illiteracy, doctrinal confusion, and spiritual apathy at the personal level is rampant. The people will not rise to a level that is higher than their teacher. They will follow the example of their leaders. So, if we love God’s Word, our people will too. If we don’t, they won’t either.
It is my great desire, my great hope and my prayer that the fruit of my ministry will be people who love the Word of God. Make it so, Lord!
As part of my research for a sermon on Ruth 3, I wrote this brief excursus to help understand Boaz’ risky acceptance of Ruth. God was at work before Boaz was even born to prepare Boaz for the Moabitess who was to come, and through whom the line of David, and of Jesus, would come. (more…)
I have always appreciated and benefitted from the work of Mark Dever and the entire 9Marks crew. They’ve produced another great eJournal on the office of Deacon. You can find it here…
I have prayed for, watched, read about, and dialogued about the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force of the Southern Baptist Convention. I, like many others, am excited to hear the final report in Orlando this summer. I acknowledge I am not well steeped in the intricacies of the Mission Boards. I do not quite understand the interrelationship of the NAMB and the State Conventions. I am not really sure where the State Conventions end and the Associations begin. But, what I do know is that the call to MAKE DISCIPLES is still applicable to me, and to my church. Consequently, I preached a message this past week entitled “The Only Church on Earth” from Matthew 28:16-20. (more…)
A healthy church understands the importance of, and practices, meaningful church membership. It is through active, meaningful membership in a local church that Christians live out the commands of Scripture. The preaching ministry of the elders is the primary means by which God saves and grows His people in the local church. Through the preaching and teaching ministry the church is equipped to serve and do ministry.
