tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415216177401538805.post8664477400808429838..comments2023-08-04T12:50:34.652-04:00Comments on THEOparadox - The Biblical Paradox Blog: Five Solas of the Reformation ConferenceTHEOparadoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214982083585956095noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415216177401538805.post-33369045654171154282009-02-11T09:01:00.000-05:002009-02-11T09:01:00.000-05:00Natasa,The J316 Conference was held in Woodstock, ...Natasa,<BR/><BR/>The J316 Conference was held in Woodstock, Georgia in November 2008. There is some video of James White commenting on the conference here:<BR/><BR/>http://www.reformedvoices.com/2008/11/james-white-on-john-316-conference.html<BR/><BR/>I didn't write anything on it, but many others have. I view the conference as a reaction from Southern Baptist leaders who do not agree with the recent Calvinistic trends in their denomination. Men like Al Mohler have created a stir by calling Southern Baptists back to their Reformed and Biblical roots. Unfortunately, as the largest denomination in America, many in their ranks have fallen under the influence of our culture and embraced a more distinctively American theology that exalts human freedom above God's sovereignty.THEOparadoxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214982083585956095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415216177401538805.post-19043524885294165132009-02-11T08:47:00.000-05:002009-02-11T08:47:00.000-05:00Steve,Over the last 10+ years, I have been been in...Steve,<BR/><BR/>Over the last 10+ years, I have been been in two churches that were heavily influenced by Sovereign Grace Ministries, and I have been a member of two actual Sovereign Grace Churches.<BR/><BR/>I have been aware of some of the critical sites for quite awhile. Two years ago I spent some time reading through the complaints and criticisms on one of the blogs you mentioned, and I found myself immediately puzzled by some questions:<BR/><BR/>1. Why haven't I seen anything remotely like this in my experience with Sovereign Grace Ministries? Why have I found only a thoroughly Biblical doctrine and practice guided by a humble, Gospel-centered approach?<BR/><BR/>2. Why are people spending this much time and energy attacking what seems very obviously to be a work of the Holy Spirit in an organization that is admittedly flawed because human beings are involved - as ALL churches are?<BR/><BR/>Here are my answers to these questions:<BR/><BR/>1. Some people dislike Reformed theology and therefore attack Sovereign Grace Ministries (one of your blogs almost states this directly).<BR/><BR/>2. Some people are unfamiliar with Biblical practices of church discipline, and they view these matters from a man-centered, Americanized perspective that simply won't submit to any authority God has established.<BR/><BR/>3. Some people have been genuinely hurt by the imperfect shepherds who lead the church. This will be true of any denomination or church body on earth. In the case of Sovereign Grace Ministries, some people have chosen to viciously attack rather than forgive.<BR/><BR/>My experience in Sovereign Grace Ministries has been one of utter blessedness, strong edification, grace abounding, mercy displayed, Biblical truth practiced and God glorified. I recommend Sovereign Grace without reservation. But as with any church, I would call on every person to be a Berean and test all that is said and done by the infallible standard of the Word of God. If someone disagrees strongly after such an examination, he should move on and get into a church he likes - and leave it to God to judge His own house.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, our critics do us a service by forcing us to re-examine our practices and make necessary changes. Every leader I've met in Sovereign Grace has welcomed the opportunity to change and grow, openly admitted a proneness to steer off course, and humbly asked for accountability and guidance.<BR/><BR/>Steve, I hope you will find the grace to move on, stop attacking, and point the spotlight toward Christ.<BR/><BR/>Earnestly,<BR/>Derek AshtonTHEOparadoxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214982083585956095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415216177401538805.post-30193705483479740912009-02-11T05:07:00.001-05:002009-02-11T05:07:00.001-05:00anti-Calvinistic John 3:16 Conference??? Did you w...anti-Calvinistic John 3:16 Conference??? Did you write about it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415216177401538805.post-53323745539331142922009-02-11T05:07:00.000-05:002009-02-11T05:07:00.000-05:00anti-Calvinistic John 3:16 Conference??? Did you w...anti-Calvinistic John 3:16 Conference??? Did you write about it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415216177401538805.post-68165560392644879162009-02-11T00:11:00.000-05:002009-02-11T00:11:00.000-05:00Have you seen the recent blogs about SGM and C.J. ...Have you seen the recent blogs about SGM and C.J. Mahaney. They show another side. <BR/><BR/>www.sgmsurvivors.com<BR/><BR/>www.sgmrefuge.com<BR/><BR/>Hope this helps.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01527099698623190200noreply@blogger.com