A Discussion on Multisite Churches

As far as I can remember, the issue of multisite churches has been a hot topic. For those not familiar with this topic, a multisite church is where one church has a worship service happening in more than one location at the same time. Most of these churches with have the preacher on a livestream preaching the sermon at one campus while he preaches in the main campus.

There are several churches that have gone with this model. We have one here in our city even though we are not a metropolitan area. Jonathan Leeman's new book, One Assembly, addresses this issue.

In these videos, Leeman talks with Mark Dever on why he wrote the book and what is the Biblical case against multisite churches:

Book Review: How The Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman

When it comes to politics and the church, you usually see one of two extremes. You see one church that is engaging to politics where the pastor addresses voting for a certain candidate and making sure the right policies get voted one. The other extreme is one church that just withdraws from the political landscape. They have nothing to do with politics which also includes their discussions with one another.

While the church is a holy nation unto God itself (1 Peter 2:9) that does not mean we should not care about the politics of a nation especially here in the United States of America. It also means we can be faithful Christians as we engage politics whether by how we vote or express our political view. Jonathan Leeman's new book, How The Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age, is a perfect book for such a time as this as we continue to see heated political discussions inside and outside the church.

Leeman wrote that while the political landscape of our country has changed for the past few years, the church has not. We still worship the same Savior and still have the same citizenship even though the nation we live might see us as a blemish in society. The church is still committed to be law abiding citizens as long as it does not conflict with God's Word.

Leeman goes on to say that we must invest our political hopes in the church above all. Does that means the church takes over the culture at large? What Leeman is saying is what Scripture says about our true citizenship. All who are in Christ are citizens of heaven, God's kingdom. We are ambassadors to the people in every nation we live and each church is an embassy representing the Kingdom. We are sojourners and exiles on earth and waiting for a Savior to appear to take us home. When we become a believer the most important thing about us is not our gender or race, but our union with Christ. Leeman goes on to say that our baptism testifies that we are united with Christ and we should represent Christ's "righteousness, justice, and love everywhere we go."

The rest of the book is a reminder of what the church is to be in the culture. Yes, we should be involved in politics and not put our head in the sand. The church is called to represent the Kingdom, as mentioned above, regardless of what nation we live in. There is nothing wrong with being patriotic in the nation we live in, but we should be patriotic for the Kingdom because in the end, that is where our citizenship truly lies.

Every year there are books that every Christian must read because it covers the difficult cultural issues of our day. How The Nations Rage is a book the most important book Christians need to read this year.

Thanks Booklook Bloggers for letting me review this book.

Book Review: Word-Centered Church by Jonathan Leeman

What is needed to build and grow a church? Some would say lots of passion. Other would say fog machines, laser lights, and loud music. Many churches think that using the latest gimmick will help a church grow. How did they do that in days of old when technology was not as advance as it is today. Granted we can use technology and other things for the glory of God, but is that what builds a church?

Jonathan Leeman wrote, "What is the one thing we need to create and grow a church? Leaving aside the matters of the ordinances and ministerial office, what is absolutely necessary? A building? A program? Answer: God's Word working through God's Spirit." The Word of God is the tool to be used to build and grow God's church. Leeman shows how central the Bible is to the church, in his book, Word-Centered Church. Some of you might be thinking, did he already write about the importance of the Bible in the church. The answer is yes. This book a revised edition of his previous book, Reverberation: How God's Word Brings Light, Freedom, and Action to His People.

Leeman shows us what the Word does in the life of the church. First, God acts through His word through the use of human preachers. The Bible is used to invite people to come to faith in Christ through the preaching of it and show us how we can be free in Christ. The Word also calls the church to gather in one accord.

Next, Leeman deals with the purpose of the sermon. The Word is used in the sermon to expose our sin and rebellion toward God. The Word announces the gospel message where it is pointed to Jesus. Every sermon must have Christ especially if it is expositional, which Leeman fully endorses as the proper mode for sermons to be delivered in the church.

Finally, Leeman talks about the impact the Word has on the church. The church is to sing songs praising God for all He has done through the cross of Christ. The church is to pray for God's will to be done. It is not a bad idea to pray God's Word back to God, not reminding Him of His Word, but as declaration for us in trusting God in His Word. The church is to disciple all believers. What is the proper method? Using the Bible. Yes, there are many good books to use, but the Bible must be the center of all discipleship. The church is called to scatter and invite more people to hear this gospel message.

Leeman is a gifted writer. I enjoy every book he has written including his previous one. I am delighted to recommend Word-Centered Church to all church leaders and teachers.

Thanks Moody Publishers for letting me review this book.

Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman Talk About Marks of a Healthy Church

Nathan W Bingham chats with Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman on what are marks of a healthy church and why the church still needs to be reformed.

What Most Christians Don't Know About Church Discipline

When it comes to church discipline, most in the church have no idea what it. The concept is very foreign to many Christians. In this video, Jonathan Leeman addresses what Christians may not know about church discipline.



Jonathan Leeman has written two excellent books on church discipline that I highly recommend:

Church Discipline: How the Church Protects the Name of Jesus

The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love: Reintroducing the Doctrines of Church Membership and Discipline

Book Review: Understanding The Congregation's Authority by Jonathan Leeman

Some time ago, I reviewed a book by Jonathan Leeman called, Don't Fire Your Church Members, which talked the congregation's role and authority in the church. Throughout the book, Leeman laid out Biblical reasons for the support of congregationalism in the church, which he communicates once again in a smaller book called, Understanding The Congregation's Authority.

This book is one of the many that has been released, with many more to come, in a series of book called "Church Basics". This book nearly follows the same pattern as Leeman's other one, but it addresses the same topics. Leeman defines what is congregationalism along with what the church is suppose to do with its authority.

Leeman also talks about the role of the pastor to his congregation. A pastor is to equip the congregation for the work of ministry and offer guidance. At the end of the book, Leeman answers the common questions/critiques as it relates to congregationalism.

This book is basically the cliff notes of Leeman's last book on congregationalism. I think this book will be a great starting point for new pastors as they begin their ministry. I do recommend that church leaders do read Leeman's Don't Fire Your Church Members for a more detailed look at congregationalism.

Thanks B&H Publishing for letting me review this book.

Around The Web-March 18, 2016

“I Don’t Feel At Home In the Republican Party Anymore” by Trevin Wax

The Theology of Donald Trump by Michael Horton

Does The Bible Have Errors by R.C. Sproul

Confessions: Thick or Thin? by Jonathan Leeman

Confessions: Old or New? by Bobby Jamieson

Joe Thorn on the These Go to 11 Podcast discussing did Satan wanted Jesus to die and Easter services

Dave Jenkins and Jason Garwood on the meaning of Good Friday

John Piper discusses his new book, A Peculiar Glory, which is on sale along with other books



Time for a little humor and theological truth from Donall and Conall as they talk with Richard Dawkins

Book Review: Don't Fire Your Church Members by Jonathan Leeman

As a Christian who has been in Southern Baptist Churches from most of his walk with Jesus, one thing that was drilled in every church member was that there are two offices in the church, Pastor and Deacon. The pastor preaches and gives direction for the church while the deacons help make decisions for the church. If you read the entire Bible, you will see that it almost true, Yes, there are deacons in the church, but they serve the physical needs of the church while the elders (notice the plurality) take care of the spiritual needs of the church.

A great majority of the Bible shows that Elders and Deacons are the main two offices of the church. Jonathan Leeman contends that there is another office in the church. This office is one not discussed a whole lot. That office is church member.

Leeman writes about what he causes the case for congregationalism, in his book, Don't Fire Your Church Members. He does state that Elders and Deacons are essential in the church and you cannot have a church without them. The same thing can also be said about church members.

This book provides a good foundation as to why the congregation is important for discipleship as well as being leaders in ministry. Yes, Elders and Deacons fill that role, but they cannot be everywhere and do everything. Leeman gives solid, Biblical arguments as to why The Bible supports Congregationalism.

Congregationalism in no way diminishes what the Lord has established in the offices of Elder and Deacon, in fact, it affirms it. If you are not aware of what congregationalism is or don't support it, this book is for you. Elders and Deacons will benefit from this book as they begin to study on making their church healthy.

Thanks B&H Publishing for allowing me to read this book.

Other books by Jonathan Leeman:

Church Discipline

Church Membership

Reverberation

The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love

Baptist Foundations with Mark Dever

Around The Web-February 12, 2016

Westminster Bookstore is offering the Crucial Questions booklets at a good affordable price

Is Church Membership Really Required? by Ricky Jones

Does Sin Cause Sickness? by Sam Allberry

Dave Jenkins and Jason Garwood on the importance of mentorship

We are not Saved by our Enjoyments of Him, but by His Efficacy for Us by Sam Storms

Do Church Elders Have to Agree on Everything? by Jonathan Leeman

Jared C Wilson, Shane Barnard, and Matt Boswell discuss gospel-shaped worship

In this "Look At The Book" video, John Piper shows us that Jesus suffered to keep us from sinning.



R.C. Sproul on the ultimate source of power in the universe.



Okay, for a little bit of humor, when you are on Family Feud, if your teammate gets something wrong, saying it another way does not work.

Around The Web- December 18, 2015

WTS Books has a sale for Commentary on the Gospel of Mark for Kids

Exec who jacked up price of a lifesaving drug is arrested

We Were Made to Marvel by Erik Raymond

Fruitful Vines: 7 Reasons to Read the Bible in a Year by Melissa Kruger

Thinking Theologically About Islam by Kevin DeYoung

What's The Big Deal With Plagiarizing Pastors? by Jonathan Leeman

The Irresistible Force of ‘Star Wars’: 3 Popular Approaches by Michael J. Svigel

Be a Yoda, Not a Grinch by Marshall Segal

The following videos are from a two part lesson from John Piper's "Look At The Book" lab where he takes a look at John 1:14

Around The Web-December 4, 2015

What is Doctrine? by Scott Swain

Seven Reasons to Celebrate Advent by Ryan Shelton

How to Pray the News by Joe Carter

6 Principles for Student Ministry by Jonathan Leeman

In case you have not heard, all ESV Bibles from Crossway are 50% off through the month of December

Mark Dever and Tim Keller discuss why Martyn Lloyd-Jones matters today.



Be sure to check out this post on who was Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

If you are on Christian Mingle, they will send an inspector.

Around The Web-August 28, 2015

The Bible is Not an Instruction Manuel by Jared C Wilson

WTS Books has two specials going on. The first with Russell Moore's latest book, Onward along with other books. The second is with The Reader's Gospel.

Joe Thorn was on the Reformed Pubcast in the episode called, Grumpy Old Baptists

Scholars Say "Gospel of Jesus's Wife" Probably a Fake

Cough Drop Christianity by Jeremy Wilson

Should Christians “Disown” Gay Sons and Daughters? by Jonathan Leeman

Five Words Which Could Change Your Bible Study by Mike Leake

Michael Boling on The Doctrine of Election

Jonathan Leeman on the Importance of Church Membership

Books by Jonathan Leeman:

The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love: Reintroducing the Doctrines of Church Membership and Discipline

Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus

Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus

Reverberation: How God's Word Brings Light, Freedom, and Action to His People

Baptist Foundations: Church Government for an Anti-Institutional Age

Around The Web-July 24, 2015

Is the Kingdom of God Strictly in the Future? by R.C. Sproul

Why I Don't Do Evangelism by Tim Chester

Getting into the Weeds of Church Membership and Baptism with Bobby Jamieson and Jonathan Leeman

Why I’m Hosting Presidential Candidates by Russell Moore

Today is the last day to purchase Donald Whitney's new book, Praying The Bible

What to Do With 'Some People Are Saying . . .' by Jared C Wilson

Professional surfer fights off a shark during a surfing competition on live TV.



And for your entertaining pleasure, I present to you, Jedi Cats.

Book Review: Baptist Foundations edited by Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman

We live in an age that does not like authority. What I mean is we don't like authority that does not benefit us. We like when those in governmental positions tell us what we are doing is okay, but don't like them when they say we are wrong. For the church, many do not like the authority that the church has established. Some churches have authority figures but they really do not exercise it because it might offend people. Is there healthy church government? Yes, there is.

Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman have put together a book that teaches about church polity called Baptist Foundations. Dever and Leeman wrote a few chapters in the book, but other Baptist leaders have contributed to it as well. In the Forward of the book, James Leo Garrett wrote that the doctrine of the church has always been a concern for Baptists, which is has more truth in this day and age. Why is church polity (government) important? Leeman goes over that in the introduction to the book.

Baptist Foundations deals with the historical cases for congregationalism and the purpose of the ordinances of the church which are The Lord's Supper and Believer's Baptism. This book also makes a really good case for the plurality of elders in the church. Many Baptists think it is not for their congregation because that is what happens in other denominations which that is not the case. There have been Baptist churches throughout history that are lead by elders. By the way, the book deals with what the Bible says about elders and deacons than all the other topics.

This book also talks about the importance of church membership. The individualistic nature of our society is one of the reasons why church membership has been going through a downfall for the last few years. Churches have not taken the role of church membership seriously. Some make it look like you will become a member of an exclusive club where you dress up and look down on people. Church membership is important because it symbolizes that we are members of the Kingdom of God and the church is an embassy of that Kingdom.

This book is important for all of those in a Baptist church to read whether you are a church leader or a layperson. I think people in a Baptist church have no idea why it is important for them to know what the church believes or why they need to governed by a healthy church. This is also good for those who are not part of a Baptist church to read and understand what we believe about the church.

Thanks B&H Publishing Group for letting me review this book.

Around The Web-June 12, 2015

God's Sovereignty Over Sin by Les Lanphere

Scripture is Not a Choose Your Own Adventure Book by Mike Boling

Letting the Bible Speak by Mark A Howell

Why Church Discipline Goes Awry and How To Avoid It by Jonathan Leeman

Albert Mohler talks on How to Survive a Moral Revolution.

Can A Pastor's Wife Work Outside The Home?

This has been a question that I have been in debate with a few Christians because I know a few pastors where their wives work outside the home and other do not. This question was addressed in the recent mailbag from 9 Marks which is written by Jonathan Leeman:

•The office of elder belongs to the elder, not to his wife. As such, there are no extra requirements that fall on her that don’t fall on any other wife in the church, at least formally speaking.

•I don’t understand Titus 2:5 (“working at home” ESV; “homemakers” HCSB; “busy at home” NIV) to teach that a woman must work exclusively at home. If it did, it would seem that that paragon of womanly virtue in Proverbs 31 is not such a Proverbs 31 woman after all. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard (v. 16). She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes (v. 24). I suppose it’s possible she does her real estate speculation and market trading sitting in her front porch rocking chair with baby at breast. But that strikes me as both unlikely and arbitrary.

•I do believe that Titus 2:5, Proverbs 31, 1 Timothy 5:14, and such passages teach that a woman should have a general orientation toward the home and to household management. As the womb has been assigned to her, so has the household. Notice that the Proverbs 31 woman is buying fields and trading garments for the sake of her household. What this looks like, I assume, will differ from family to family.

•I believe it’s a luxury of modern economies and Christendom that we expect pastors to do anything other than bi-vocational ministry, and perhaps for their wives not to work. Do you think churches in Pakistan today or pre-Constantine Europe could afford to pay one or several pastors enough money that they could devote themselves to pastoring full-time, while their wives do or did nothing to help fill the pantry with food?

•I’ve never heard of people complaining about wives volunteering at church or in some sort of community event. It would seem strange to say she can participate in such volunteer activities so long as they don’t pay her.

If a (pastor’s) wife is working so that the couple can afford nicer cars while the kids are in daycare, I have a problem with that. If a husband is being neglected in some way because she has career ambitions independently of him, I have a problem with that. Every wife, pastoral or otherwise, should work to ensure that her husband and children are cared for with the quality of care that she alone has been gifted by God to give them, assuming there is freedom to do so. For many wives, this might mean working exclusively in the home. For others, it might mean working outside the home, assuming it does not compromise her primary duty but assists in it


Source: Mailbag #6: Pastors’ Wives, Taking Oaths, Pastors & Administration Work

Around the Web-January 9, 2015

What to Say to Church Members Leaving for Bad Reasons by Jonathan Leeman

4 Ways to Win the Battle Against Busyness by J.D. Greear

Four Keys to a Consistent Prayer Life by Michael Boling

5 Obedience Killing Lies by Brad Watson

It seems that referees are under a lot of scrutiny as of late especially after the Lions/Cowboys game this past Sunday. This short video shows a ref on his phone as he calling the game. What was so important that he had to take a call in the middle of a game?

Jonathan Leeman on The Preaching of The Word of God

Back in 2011, Jonathan Leeman spoke on the Word of God at Graham Bible Church in Graham, TX. This series of talks was based on his book, Reverberation. These messages are not long but I do hope they challenge you, whether you are a pastor of a church or a layman, on the importance of the preaching of the Bible.













Other Books by Jonathan Leeman:

The Church and The Surprising Offense of God's Love

Church Membership

Church Discipline