Around The Web-January 18, 2019

Practical Applications of the Doctrine of Justification by Nate Pickowicz

WTS Books has a special on the For You Series

Does the Bible Condone Slavery? (Philemon 1) by Alistair I Wilson

Grooming the Next Generation by Greg Morse

Learn How to 'Adult' Before You 'Missionary' by Alex Kocman

How To Understand The End-Times Prophecies in Daniel by Michael Horton

We Beg You, Church-Member, Pray For Your Elders! by Geoffrey Kirkland

Book Review: The New Elder's Handbook by Greg R Scharf and Arthur Kok

The New Testament is clear. The church is to be led by a plurality of elders. 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 give us the qualifications for elders. Each church has their own expectations of the elders, but nothing should be outside the Biblical requirements.

The church will always be in need of good godly, maturing believers who are called to be elders. How does a church look for elders and what should be expected out of them. Greg R Scharf and Arthur Kok have developed a book to assist churches not only in identifying potential elders, but help also train them. The book is titled, The New Elder's Handbook.

This book echoes what the Bible says about those who aspire to elders, they desire a noble task. An elder must be grounded in the gospel so that they make teach it to others in the church. An elder is a man who is growing in the word of God and prayer. An elder desires to work with the other elders and seek to live life together with the church. This process does take time, but there is no clear direction as to how long the process should be. It could be months or a couple of years.

A big chunk of the book deals with 75 questions that pastors can use to ask their potential elders. I don't think the authors mean for this to be the standard for every church to use, but it does give an idea on what to ask potential elders. These are theological questions along with ministry questions and questions in regards to our walk with Jesus. The authors give scripture that will hopefully back up the potential elders' answer to the questions. The last two chapters are practical studies that pastors may want to take their potential elders through. These studies is deal with practical Christian living and a study of 2 Peter.

I found this book very helpful for those who are looking for new elders in their church. I think it is very practical and down to earth while remaining faithful to the Scriptures.

Thanks Baker Books for letting me review this book.

Elders Are Not To Be Domineering

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory (1 Peter 5:1-4).

In this chapter of the book of 1 Peter, we see the Apostle Peter addressing the leaders of the churches in Asia Minor. He instructs them to shepherd the flock of God is among them. The elders are to care for the members of the church. They are to watch over them as one who cares about their walk with Jesus and may not even get something in return for it.

Elders are charged with the care of God's people. When elders ask about how are things, they want to know what is going on. Elders should care about the spiritual and physical well-being of their congregation. It is not "Big Brother is watching over you," it is caring leaders looking out for you. They may speak about things in your life that could lead to sin and wants to prevent that from happening. They are to speak the truth in love and it may hurt at times.

Notice that this passage also says that elders are not to be "domineering over those in your charge" (1 Peter 5:3). Other translations may say, not being lords or lording over them. What does this mean? A study note in the Reformation Study Bible says, "Peter warns against haughty abuse of power and exhorts his audience to be like Jesus."

Elders are not to be men who are abusive in their power. They are not to be men who should be intimidating you to do something that could actually lead you into sin or become very legalistic in your walk with Christ. Lets take the issue of attendance for example. You're faithful on Sunday mornings, you attend every Bible study possible, and you even serve in an area of ministry at church. Then one day an elder comes and asks why are you not attending prayer meeting on Wednesday evenings, which is a common practice in most churches. You give a valid reason why you are not there. Its not because you don't want to pray with the church, but you might have a work schedule that prevents you from coming. You might have to help an aging family member to make sure they are taken care of. You have good reasons for not being there, however, the elder starts attacking your character and your commitment to the church because you are not there every Wednesday night and even questions if you are a true believer.

That is an example of being domineering. An elder who wants to lead Christ-like would be considerate about the situation this particular person was in. Was this person faithful to worship on the Lord's day? Yes, but the elder, in this particular situation, judged this church member unfairly because of a lack of attendance for one service.

I know there are other examples like this or maybe some completely different, but God's word says that elders are not be "lording over us." They are not be the "God police." Yes, they are suppose to care for us and shepherd us, but not in way where you feel you must do something in order for them to get off your back.

I pray that our churches are filled with elders who care for the flock, speak in grace and truth into their flock's lives, and not be domineering.

Around The Web-December 15, 2017

Giveaway: The Complete 16-Volume John Owen Collection

Advent and the Genealogy of Christ by Christy Britton

Five Reasons the Homogeneous Church Is Declining and Dying by Thom Rainer

God is not silent: What the Bible teaches about sexual assault by Katie McCoy

Alan Jacobs on How to Think

Why Discipleship Works with a Plurality of Elders by Josh Buice

What Makes a Good Sermon? Five Questions to Ask by Josh Vincent

5 Most Ridiculous Books to Ever Become Christian Bestsellers by Tim Challies

What Is the ‘Sin Not Leading to Death’ in 1 John 5? from Ask John Piper

Christ in the Old Testament by Thomas R Schreiner

Jesus was born in a barn?

Around The Web-November 24, 2017

Church Members Must Keep an Eye on Their Elders by Erik Raymond

Blessed Even in the Worst by Nancy Guthrie

Church Planting Green Light from Doctrine and Devotion

Benjamin Keach on Justification by Tom Nettles

Knowing God by Fred Malone

What Role Do Good Works Play in Salvation? by R.C. Sproul

Vlog: What’s a Reader’s Bible All About? by Tim Challies

Jared C Wilson has a new book coming out in January. This video is the trailer for it.

Normally, I reserve a music video for Mondays, but considering this song is titled, "The Day After Thanksgiving," I think we can make an exception. This song is performed by Brandon Heath.

Around The Web-November 15, 2017

A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life is 50% off right now at Westminster Bookstore

The Beauty and Power of Sound Doctrine with Ligon Duncan from The Center of Public Theology

Is There a Different Process of Church Discipline for Elders? by Erik Raymond

Living With Hurt by Landon Coleman

Understanding Free Will by R.C. Sproul

Popcorn Theology on Thor: Ragnarok

Pastor's Talk on How Churches Should Find a New Pastor

The State of Evangelicalism in America and all that Blah Blah Blah by Tim Challies

David Mathis gives some basics on how to study the Bible

Around The Web-September 20, 2017

Ultimate Systematic Theology Collection Giveaway

How the Protestant Reformation Started

Don’t Be Caught without a Confession by Michael Reeves

Answering frequently asked questions about The Nashville Statement from Denny Burk

Ask John Piper: Did Adam and Eve Sin Before the Bite?

Must Elders Be Skilled in Teaching? by David Mathis

What to Do If You’re Chronically Frustrated at Church by Brett McCracken

R.C. Sproul shares the story of his conversion which took place 60 years ago this month.

Podcast Wednesday: Creeds & Confessions, Reading of Systematic Theology, Call to Ministry, and more

Two episodes from Doctrine and Devotion:

Elder Training

Creeds and Confessions

Dr. Jason Allen– Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know For Sure and What to Do About It from Equipping You In Grace

Check out Calvinist Batman Reads Systematic Theology on iTunes

Three episodes from the Worse Youth Ministry Podcast:

Sanctification in Student Ministry

How to Grow Your Youth Group

Sunday School versus Youth Group

On Pastoring in the Age of Social Media from 9 Marks

Builing a Church Brand from the Est. Church Podcast

Why Should a Church Have a Plurality of Elders?

Ligon Duncan once said, when you read the New Testament, you see a plurality of elders in the church. Some churches have elders while others do not. Some see the benefits of elders while others don't think it really applies to their congregation.

Dave Harvey recently spoke about why there should be a plurality of elders in the church.

You can listen to the sermon here.

Books by Dave Harvey:

Am I Called?

Rescuing Ambition

When Sinners Say "I Do"

Books on Elders:

Church Elders by Jeramie Rinne

Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons by Thabiti Anyabwile

Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch

Resources on Elders

The topic of the plurality of elders in the local church is still a hot topic especially in Baptist circles. Why does a church need elders and what is their purpose?

The following videos are from Bethlehem College and Seminary during the 2016 Pastors Conference.

First, Juan Sanchez on the necessity of elders in the midst of trials and persecution:



Next, David Russell on the power of setting an example and the character to shepherd a church:



Finally, John Kimball, on Christ's reign in the church:



Here are some more resources on elders:

A Theology of Eldership by Andrew Wilson

Church Elders by Jeramie Rinne

Finding Faith Elders and Deacons by Thabiti Anyabwile

Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch

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.

Should An Elder's Child Be A Believer?

As a church studies the qualifications for elders, there is always a question of the elder's family, whether he is a lay elder or an elder on staff of a church. One of the questions that come up is the elder's children. Should they believers in order for that man to serve as an elder?

One of the verses that has caused this question is Titus 1:6, which says, "if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination." Most translations have it worded that the children of an elder must be a believer. The King James Version has it like this, "If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly." Faithful children which could mean a variety of things.

John Calvin writes:

Seeing that it is required that a pastor shall have prudence and gravity, it is proper that those qualities should be exhibited in his family; for how shall that man who cannot rule his own house — be able to govern the church! Besides, not only must the bishop himself be free from reproach, but his whole family ought to be a sort of mirror of chaste and honorable discipline; and, therefore, in the First Epistle to Timothy, he not less strictly enjoins their wives what they ought to be.

First, he demands that the children shall be “believers;” whence it is obvious that they have been educated in the sound doctrine of godliness, and in the fear of the Lord. Secondly, that they shall not be devoted to luxury, that they may be known to have been educated to temperance and frugality. Thirdly, that they shall not be disobedient; for he who cannot obtain from his children any reverence or subjection — will hardly be able to restrain the people by the bridle of discipline.

A study note from the ESV Study Bible says:

His children are believers can also be rendered “his children are faithful” (Gk. pistos). The primary argument for rendering it as “believers” is that in the letters to Timothy and Titus, this word almost always refers to saving faith. Those who think it should be rendered “faithful” would argue that no father can guarantee the conversion of his own children, but he can ordinarily ensure that they act in a “faithful” way. Also, the parallel passage in 1 Timothy 3 says only that the children must be well-behaved, not that their conversion is a requirement for their father to be an overseer. The concern in the passage is that the children behave appropriately and are not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. The word “children” (plural of Gk. teknon) would apply only to children living at home and still under their father’s authority.

1 Timothy 3:4 speaks of the elder keeping his children submissive as he manages his household. No where in 1 Timothy 3 do we see an elder's children must be saved in order to serve as an elder. The passage in Titus can also be translated as faithful children. Children who are submissive to their father's authority and guidance in Biblical truth.

Many have assumed the Titus passage meaning the dad is responsible for the salvation of his kids. If that were the case then the God is not sovereign nor responsible for our salvation. What do you say to an elder who has an infant son who cannot mutter a word, he is not saved.

What churches need to do in looking at elders is to see how the children respond to their father and what the father does in correcting them in discipline. No child is perfect especially when they become teenagers and think they are smarter than you. Should the father correct his children, yes.

Churches also need to look at the spiritual leadership of the elder. Is the elder teaching the Bible in his home? Elders manage God's household not only in leadership in direction of the church but also in teaching the Bible.

We need to be careful not to put a misinterpretation of this passage or any other regarding eldership as a church seeks elders to lead the church.

Around the Web-October 30, 2015

How Do You Prioritize Book Purchases on a Limited Budget? by Erik Raymond

Ben Carson Puts Spotlight on Seventh-Day Adventists

Debunking 4 Myths About Religious Freedom by Russell Moore

A Theology of Eldership by Andrew Wilson

Texas seventh grader says teacher told class: ‘God is a myth’

China ends one-child policy

3 Existential Reasons Against Affirming Homosexuality by John Starke

Scripture and the Christian Man by Dave Jenkins

Why don’t believers of a supernatural faith talk about the supernatural? by Aaron Armstrong

The newest "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" trailer was the talk for last week. This is video is the music for that trailer with footage from the Original Trilogy created by a fan. I have to admit it is awesome and makes me want to watch the movies right now.

10 Things You Should Know About Church Elders

There are many references in the Bible that the church should have elders. Most Baptist churches do not even have elders and some think that deacons and elders are the same thing. Both elders and deacons are important roles in the church but elders are not deacons and vice versa. Jeramie Rinne, author of Church Elders, recently wrote on 10 things that every Christian needs to about elders in the church:

1. Elders are shepherds.

Both the Old and New Testaments repeatedly employ the metaphor of “shepherding” to describe the spiritual leadership of God’s people. Not surprisingly, the New Testament views elders as shepherds as well (e.g. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). The elders’ mission is to lead, teach, protect and love their church members the way shepherds care for the sheep in a flock, so that the church members will grow up into spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13).

2. Elders are pastors.

This second point restates the first, but it bears repeating. The word “pastor” means “shepherd.” We often call paid preachers “pastors” and lay leaders “elders.” This distinction can subtly shape our thinking so that we view pastors as the professional ministers and elders as the church’s board of directors who support the ministers. But a pastor is an elder, and an elder is a pastor. Elders should do those things in a local church that they assume a pastor would do, even if they spend fewer hours per week than the paid pastor.

3. Elders are plural.

We always find elders (plural) in New Testament churches (e.g. Acts 15:4; 20:17; Titus 1:5). Each congregation should have a team of shepherds.

4. Elders must be godly.

The New Testament job descriptions for elders focus largely on character qualities (e.g. 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Elders must be self-controlled, sensible, holy, and hospitable. They can’t be drunkards or bullies or money-grubbers. Elders must be “above reproach.”

5. Elders should model godliness.

The elders’ character matters because the elders model Christian maturity for the church (1 Peter 5:3; Hebrews 13:7). Church members should be able to see in their elders inspiring, albeit imperfect, examples of the character of Jesus.

6. Elders should teach.

Elders must be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2) so that they can build up the church in sound doctrine and refute false teachers (Titus 1:9; cf. Acts 20:30-31). Elder teaching can take lots of shapes: one-to-one instruction, small groups, classes, or preaching. An elder doesn’t need a PhD in biblical studies, but he does need to be able to faithfully explain biblical truth.

7. Elders must lead.

Elders have a measure of authority over the local church. That’s why the New Testament also calls them “overseers.” The elders’ authority is not absolute or unquestionable, nor should it be exercised in a domineering manner. Yet God calls his shepherds to provide leadership for the flock, and, in general, God expects the church to submit to that leadership (Hebrews 13:17).

8. Elder leadership starts at home.

If married, an elder should be “a one-woman man” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6), which at the very least means that he is a faithful husband. If he has children, he must parent them well so they’re not out of control (1 Timothy 3:4). You should demonstrate able leadership of your own household before you presume to lead God’s household.

9. Elders must be men.

Male-only eldership is a hotly contested issue. And yet the Bible seems extremely straight-forward: an elder must be a “one-woman man.” Just as God calls men to be the heads of their households, so he calls faithful men to lead his church.

10. Elders are not Jesus.

Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, and elders are merely his temporary helpers (1 Peter 5:4). At their best, elders model Jesus’ character, teach Jesus’ word, and lead the church by pointing it toward Jesus and his mission. Good elders never lose that awareness that they themselves are still sheep, utterly dependent on the grace of the Good Shepherd.

Recommended Reading:

Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons by Thabiti Anyabwile

Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch