Dear Pastor and Friends,

This is a special invitation to you to attend the Grace Pastor’s Fellowship set for Thursday, June 18, 2009 at Southside Baptist Church in Fulton, MS. It is our privilege to host the Grace Pastor’s Fellowship this month. We sincerely trust that you will be with us. We are looking forward and trusting GOD for a good day of fellowship together around the Preaching of the Gospel of GOD’s Grace.

8:00 AM Fellowship over coffee and donuts
(for those who arrive early)

10:00 AM Pastor Jim Gables, Trussville, AL

11:00 AM Evangelist Miles McKee, Kingston Springs,TN http://www.milesmckee.com/index.html

Lunch will be provided by Southside

2:00 PM Pastor Larry Dean, Nesbit, MS

By His Grace,
Bobby Crenshaw, Pastor
Southside Baptist Church
807 Cummings St.
Fulton, MS 38843
Home phone: (662) 862-5669
Cell phone: (662) 891-8290
e-mail: bobbycrenshaw08@yahoo.com

…sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear… (1 Peter 3:15)

America is truly a wonderful place to live. We are without a doubt more technologically advanced than any other nation on this planet. We have sent men to the Moon, unmanned spacecrafts to Mars and some are even traveling throughout the Galaxy as you read this. We have studied volcanoes on other planets, learned the secrets of Comets and photographed the unimaginable glories of God’s creation which were once only dreams. Yet, in spite of the fact we live in the greatest time of technological advancement and academic achievement, as Christians we also live in a time of Biblical illiteracy, traditions replacing God’s Word and a Christian’s worldview being influenced by the world instead of the Word.

It is no longer uncommon for an unbeliever to defend their worldview better than a Christians defend theirs. Biblical Novels (fiction) are replacing Biblical doctrines (truth). Misrepresenting the beliefs of others and unethical behavior among Christians seems to be the advancing dilemma of what is supposed to be Godly living. Religious celebrities dominate pulpits, but only a little more than religious celebration dominates the time of worship. We have ‘a’ god who learns from man rather than man learning from ‘the’ God and a secret code that excites the Christian mind more than the revealed truth of God’s Word.

Perhaps it is time to consider why our Biblical and Baptist roots are withering and the fruit thereof is either rotting and/or the branches are becoming barren. It seems as though the ‘forbidden fruit’ is still more enticing than ‘fruit-bearing’ obedience to God.

Our Baptist fathers knew quite well the exceeding value of not only knowing the Holy Scriptures but understanding, living and defending the truths of God’s Holy Word. In fact, they left us a legacy that is all but forgotten today found in the use of Catechetical training. A small sampling of more than 300 years of Baptist history concerning what our Baptist fathers believed and taught to their generations is found in the following documents:

The Baptist Catechism, 1677:

Q. 6. May all men make use of the Scriptures?
A. All men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Scriptures.
(John 5:39; Luke 16:29; Acts 8:28-30; 17:11)

The Philadelphia Baptist Catechism, 1742:

Chapter 1

Q. 11. Is it all right for men to choose whether or not they are to read the Bible?
A. No, but God commands everyone to read, to hear, and to understand the Bible.

A Catechism or Instruction for Children and Youth, 1820:

Is not ignorance of the scriptures a cause of great errors?
Yes; the Sadducees greatly erred, because they knew not the scriptures. Mar. xii. 24, 27.

Is it not great folly to reject or despise the scripture?
Yes; they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them? Jer. viii. 9.

And is it not very dangerous to do so?
Yes; whoso despiseth the word, shall be destroyed. Prov. xiii. 13.

Ought we not to practice what the scripture requires, as well as hear it?
Yes; be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James i. 22.

And are they happy who do hear and practice it?
Yes; blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it. Luke xi. 29.

The Baptist Scriptural Catechism, 1850:

Q. (7) Should we esteem the Scriptures as of the highest value to us?
A. We should. “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold.” Ps. xix. Io.

Q. (8) For what are the Scriptures profitable?
A. They are “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. iii. 16.

Q. (9) How should we receive the word of God?
A. We should “give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Heb. ii. 1. Luke viii. 18.

Q. (10) For what were the Bereans particularly commended?
A. For searching the Scriptures, “They received the word with all the readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.” Acts xvii. 11. 2 Thes. ii. 10, I 1. I Pet. ii. 1, 2.

In a recent Internet discussion, the use of Catechetical training was sharply criticized because the answers to the questions are given, thus discouraging the student/child to ‘draw their own conclusions about God’. Encouraging the student/child to ‘draw their own conclusions about God’ is the example of a ‘loving Father’ toward his children, this person stated. However, when this person was asked if he allowed his children to think whatever they want about God he said no because they lacked the ability to understand God in a correct manner without proper guidance. Of course, the ‘proper guidance’ to which he was referring is the answers his children did not have in order to understand God properly, of which he had no problem providing for his children. It is easy to see this person had not only contradictory reasoning but an incorrect understanding of the proper use of Catechisms. He first criticized giving answers found in a Catechism but then insisted his children be given answers to better understand God correctly. There is a serious danger allowing children to draw their own conclusions about God and it is no less dangerous for adults, even adult Christians, to do the same. God has revealed Himself to us in Scripture. The only conclusions we are allowed to draw about God are those God Himself has clearly revealed to us in Scripture.

The God-breathed words always be ready are mirrored in our Baptist Catechisms. Why? Because our Baptist fathers regarded a correct understanding of and a readiness to explain the Holy Scriptures as an essential element of the Christian life which reflects obedience to the Lord who sovereignly reigns over every aspect of our lives.

The Apostle’s teaching is not a request. It is a command from God, therefore, it is the law of God. It is neither a suggestion nor an option for the believer. It is the law of Christ by which Christians are commanded to live (1 John 2:3). It is not reserved for Theologians, Seminary Professors and/or students, Pastors, Elders or Sunday School teachers. It is required of each and every believer who uses the name ‘Christian’. It is, in fact, the outworking of our love for Christ as our Redeemer commanded, if you love me, keep my commandments who also commanded, study to show yourself a workman who does not need to be ashamed, correctly interpreting the Word of God.

The Nature of God

2009 Deep South Regional Founders Conference

January 15-17, 2009

Grace Chapel at Reformed Theological Seminary
&
Grace Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi

This year the Deep South Regional Founders Conference will delve into the deep waters of the Nature of God. From God’s perfect justness to His all encompassing mercy; His immense power over creation to His intament knowledge of every hair on our head, God’s nature is more vast than can be contained in the universe yet we are called to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). We pray that this year’s conference will be edifying when we reflect on the very essence of God, and what makes God–God. We also pray that it will be a time of fellowship for pastors and church leaders from across the South as we gather together on the campus of the Reformed Theological Seminary and at Grace Baptist Church of Jackson.

Rev. Jeff Noblit

Rev. Jeff Noblit of Anchored in Truth Ministries will be delivering our keynote messages and will be joined by other solid preachers from around Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.

Please go to our new site, Deep South Regional Founders Conference for more more details. Please click on Speakers and Registration for more information.

I know that we have taken a long break from posting, but stay tuned for new and exciting news from MS Founders Fraternal and the Deep South Regional Founders Conference.

Near my home in Canton a local Baptist church is hosting a Sunday night conference this next Sunday that is titled “5 Points to Calvanism” with special guest Jerry Grace. I am not sure why Calvin all of a sudden became hard to spell but this is not the first time we have seen this.

Nevertheless, I do not know Jerry Grace personally other than the blog that he writes that I found this morning. Most of his topics dealing with Calvinism (and yes he knows how to spell it) have been rather subdued and reasonable. Although, I was only able to skim the most recent they seem to be somewhat fair. At least they were not hateful. However, when I decided to go back further and see what he had previously written in years past it seems that Mr. Grace has toned it down in the recent months. I can’t be for sure, because I have not had time to read everything. Grace is more dedicated to writing than most and his entries can be rather lengthy. According to his earlier post, he has a problem with Calvinist, Founders Ministries, Al Mohler, and the leadership in the SBC, not necessarily in that order.

Regardless of how Jerry Grace feels about any of these things, the fact that churches in the central Mississippi area are actually discussing doctrine rather than musical taste is really encouraging. I mean, wasn’t that the point of the Conservative Resurgence? When the Conservative Resurgence decided to hang their hat on the inerrancy of Scripture debate, I wonder if they ever imagined that they would have to discuss what Scripture actually taught after they won the battle.

No matter what is taught this Sunday night and no matter what light that the doctrines of grace is shown in, we will at least know that God is still in control and He will glorify Himself. Please pray for Jerry as he has a hard topic to discuss in a one hour presentation. I do not envy him.

Mid-South Men’s Rally

with Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Friday, January 25 at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson

Men, this is an opportunity for fathers and grandfathers to spend quality, spiritual, relational time with their sons and grandsons. This is also an opportunity for Christian men to invite both Christian and non-Christian friends, neighbors, colleagues and acquaintances to an uplifting gathering of men. And, in general, for all of the men to join with others from around the state and region—to share time in the Word, to enjoy rich fellowship, and booming male voices belting out praise to the Redeemer. We expect a big crowd, so plan to be here and be here early. Following supper, Dr. Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, will speak at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. A frequent guest on network news programs, he has been called “an articulate voice for conservative Christianity at large.” Dr. Mohler hosts a daily radio program for the Salem Radio Network. For more, access his website, www.albertmohler.com.

 

5:15 – 6:30 p.m. Dinner in Miller Hall
Bookstore Open

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Session I

7:30 – 8:00 p.m. Break
Refreshments in
Miller Hall
Bookstore Open

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Session II

*No advance registration is necessary, and there is no charge for dinner. A freewill offering will be taken during the service.

**Adapted from First Presbyterian Church, Jackson’s website.

This has been the first time that I have been by a computer since the beginning of the conference. I would have tried to update everyone while at the church, but lighting struck the power lines and knocked out all but one of our computers and everyone has been using it for one reason or another. Coincidently, our phones were knocked out as well. So if you have been trying to get a hold of someone at the church, please call me on my cell phone (601) 906-7710 and I will try to forward your message. If you get my voicemail, which you will if you call me during one of our sessions, please leave a message and I will try to call you back.

All these things aside, we have had a wonderful time. Dr. Joe Nesom preached on the “Consistency of the Word” and showed how through both the Old and New Testament that Christ is shown as our Prophet, Priest, and King. Rev. David Miller preached on the “Conversion and the Word” and admonished us stop using programs or and modern tactics to try to “grow” our churches but “preach the Word.” He reminded us that it is the only way that we are going to see true conversions of sinners into disciples. It was incredible to hear such wonderful preaching. What a great way to start the conference. We also had a great time of fellowship afterwards at our dessert fellowship.

This morning Rev. Huey Moak preached on the “Power of the Word.” He showed that the word of God knows us through and through and has the power to reveal to us our own sin and the power to change us. Next, Rev. Todd Wilson preached on the “Sufficiency of the Word” and showed us that although the Southern Baptist may have fought and won the battle over inerrancy, we have a long way to go before we win the battle on sufficiency.

Tonight we return to hear Rev. Isaac Makashinyi preach on the “Perspicuity of the Word” and Rev. David Miller will be preaching on “Calling and Election of the Word.” I can’t wait.

All sessions are available at Sermon Audio for a free download.

We also nominated several men to serve on a future board of directors for the Deep South Regional Founders Conference. We will vote on the nominations tomorrow morning.

If you have not joined us yet, there is still time.

The reason I chose this image was because it reminds me that the Word of God is like a double-edged sword and that as “iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” These two thoughts quickly lead me to the upcoming Founders conference.

As January 10th draws near I am getting more excited about the upcoming Deep South Regional Founders Conference. Although I am looking forward to hearing the great preaching that is surely to edify our souls, I am also looking forward to seeing brothers and sisters in Christ that share our views and goals for the Southern Baptist Convention. In fact, just last week I was able to talk to a couple of brothers that live on opposite ends of the state. One is a young pastor that is a recent graduate of a seminary and has recently taken a position with a FBC in north Mississippi. The other is an evangelist from the coast that has spent many years making trips to Mexico and Guatemala working with local pastors to help reform their churches. Both are from different backgrounds and circumstances, but both working for the same Lord for the same purpose, “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” What a great encouragement to know that I have brothers all across this state, some known but most unknown, working together yet separately in the field that our Lord has placed us.

I hope that you will use the upcoming conference to meet your brothers and sisters that are “contend[ing] for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” It is always an encouragement to see so many of our brothers and sisters. Most are shocked to know that there are so many Reformed Baptist ministers in the state and region. The second thing that usually shocks us is that our story is not that different. We are not alone in our struggles to see the churches that our Lord has placed us in start reforming, to see our congregants lead holy lives, and the lost come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Please consider joining us during January 10-12 for fellowship and edification.

If you have not already listened to the debates given at the recent Founders/Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary conference on Calvinism then please take time to listen to them for free here.

I would love to know your opinion about the sessions. I know that I might jump ahead to listen to Dr. Yarnell’s session, because because of the following quote from the November 29, Baptist Press:

The “classical” Calvinism of the 16th century advocated doctrines unacceptable to Baptists: the baptism of infants, sacraments as means of grace and an amillennial view of the end of the world, among other doctrines, Yarnell said in the session titled “Calvinism: A Cause for Rejoicing, a Cause for Concern.” By the same token, he added, 16th-century Calvinism would reject Baptist emphases such as adult baptism and being born again, and would be uncomfortable with evangelicals talking about a “personal relationship” with Jesus Christ. (Emphasis Added)

Should be interesting to say the least.

I will be heading down to Lakeshore Baptist Church with two other families from CBC to spend the Thanksgiving holidays. I will be taking my family with me, so please pray for us. Jude, my youngest son, seems to be suffering from a cold. It ought to make the trip interesting to say the least.

Lakeshore BC is still working really hard to rebuild their community and proclaim Christ to a lost world that has been almost completely ignored by the mainstream media. Please visit Rebuild Lakeshore to find out how you can help.

Also, there has been a special call for seminary students who would like to spend their spring and summer semesters volunteering in Lakeshore can be credited through the NAMB. Please check out their information here.