T4G and TGC

by Lig Duncan
Posted April 29, 2009 | Link to this post

At the Gospel Coalition Conference in Chicago last week, I was asked by Stephen Um (during a Panel discussion) and by many others (in private conversations): what is the difference between the Gospel Coalition and Together for the Gospel?


I tried to give a brief response to that during the panel discussion, but more could be said. I will say a few things about that here.


1. T4G is a biennial conference that grew out of a set of (now 8) Gospel friendships. Mark Dever, Al Mohler, C.J. Mahaney and I had all been friends for a number of years (Mark, Al and I have known one another since the 1980s, and Mark introduced Al and me to C.J.). Furthermore, Mark and C.J. had fraternal relationships with and deep appreciation for John Piper, Al had a close friendship with and profound respect for John MacArthur, and I had a good friendship with and had worked alongside R.C. Sproul - though all of us knew, appreciated and gladly worked with each of these brothers. Meanwhile, Thabiti Anyabwile was an elder at Mark’s church and now pastor in Grand Cayman. Mark introduced C.J. and me to him, and then to Al and John Piper. We all get together as often as we can. We so enjoy and spiritually profit from the rather unique fellowship we have (composed as it is of Calvinstic Baptists, Confessional Presbyterians, a Reformed Continuationist and a Reformed-Dispensational Independent who disagree about many things, but agree on many more and share a common concern for central Gospel issues), we thought that there might be a wider Gospel benefit in inviting others to join in on and in extending that friendship. From that root idea grew the T4G conferences.


1. The Gospel Coalition is a biennial conference that grew out of a collaboration that grew into a friendship between Don Carson and Tim Keller. Don was editing a book on worship in which Tim was participating and got to know Tim while visiting NY (having admired Tim’s ministry from afar for some time). The two of them started wondering how they could foster a “network of networks” that would be Gospel-driven, and robustly biblical and theological. They called together about 40 or so folks and began exploring how we could work together for the sake of the Gospel, and how this “network of networks” might speak prophetically to evangelicalism (and to the wider culture) from the center rather than from the margins of evangelicalism (as is so often done today), as well as resource and encourage church leaders, churches and families of churches.

more to follow . . .

By Lig Duncan | Posted April 29, 2009 in Uncategorized | Permalink | Comments Off

Philip Schaff and Brooks Holifield on a tendency in American Christianity

by Lig Duncan
Posted April 8, 2009 | Link to this post

Here’s a quote to chew on (even more relevant in an internet age than when its sentiments were uttered in the nineteenth century).


Philip Schaff observed, with dismay, the popularity in America of self-educated theologians, unexposed to the traditions of the academy, who presumed to establish themselves as authorities in matters of religious truth. He lamented that “every theological vagabond and peddler may drive here his bungling trade, without passport of license, and sell his false ware at pleasure.”


E. Brooks Holifield, Theology in America: Christian Thought from the Age of the Puritans to the Civil War (Yale University Press, 2003). Quote is on page 17, in the introduction.

By Lig Duncan | Posted April 8, 2009 in Uncategorized | Permalink | Comments Off

Our cross and our Christ

by Lig Duncan
Posted March 25, 2009 | Link to this post

"If we have not got a cross, alas! we may conclude that we have not got Christ, for it is the first of his gifts." John "Rabbi Duncan (1796-1870)

By Lig Duncan | Posted March 25, 2009 in Uncategorized | Permalink | Comments

“The Sin of Infant Baptism”, written by a sinning Baptist

by Mark Dever
Posted March 19, 2009 | Link to this post

In my article in the new 9Marks e-journal, I wrote, "I have many dear paedo-baptists friends from whom I have learned much. Yet I see their practice as a sinful (though sincere) error from which God protects them by allowing for inconsistency in their doctrinal system, just as he graciously protects me from consistency with my own errors."

That statement, much to my surprise, has caused concern among some.  That a Baptist thinks infant baptism is wrong was no news to earlier generations of paedobaptists.  Today, it seems to be a surprise.  Now, the truth is out, all of these years, I have been cooperating with those I take to be sinners-Ligon Duncan, Peter Jensen, Phillip Jensen, Philip Ryken, J. I. Packer and many others too numerous to name-sinners specifically on this point of infant baptism.  I have been speaking with them at conferences, having them as friends, reading their books, learning from them and inviting them to preach in our congregation, even as I happily preach in theirs.  Indeed, several paedobaptist ministers even have articles in that same 9Marks e-journal.

Some may think that such a "wrong" should not be called a sin.  I understand a sin to be disobedience to God (regardless of intent).  When I read Numbers 15:29-30 and Hebrews 9:7 I certainly see that Scripture presents some sins as being deliberate, and others as being unintentional.  I certainly do not think my paedobaptist brethren are intentionally sinning in this.  In fact, they even think that they are obeying God so, short of them changing their understanding of the Bible's teaching on this, I can't expect any "repentance," because they lovingly but firmly disagree with the Baptist understanding of this.

Nevertheless, as I understand the words of Christ in Matt. 28:18-20 Christians are commanded to baptize and to be baptized, and the practice of infant baptism inhibits the obedience of what I take to be a quite straightforward command.  I understand explanations that have been given about the practice of infant baptism (Orthodox/Roman, Lutheran and Reformed) but am sincerely persuaded that none of them line up with God's own Word.  This does not cause me to doubt the sincerity of my reformed paedobaptist brethren, nor even their judgment in general.  It is simply that on this point they've got it wrong, and their error, involving as it does a requiring of something Scripture does not require (infant baptism), and the consequence of a denying of an action Scripture does require (believers baptism) is sinful (though unintentionally so).

I cannot do better than cite a Baptist minister from 150 years ago who made a similar point-J. L. Reynolds:  "On the subject of infant baptism, and what seems to me to be its legitimate tendencies, I have recorded my sentiments without reserve, and, I trust, without offence.  I impeach no man's motives; nor do I question the piety and sincerity of those of my Christian brethren who believe that the practice is sanctioned by divine command.  Many pedobaptists are among the lights and ornaments of the age; their ministry has been blessed of God to the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, and their Churches present numerous examples of pure and unaffected piety.  Such men would not, knowingly, contravene the law of Christ.  They would welcome the obloquy of the world, and even the agonies of martyrdom, in obedience to the command of their Lord and King, and rejoice that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake.  It is impossible not to admire and love men whose faith and practice associate them with Baxter, Leighton, Edwards, and Martyn, and who breathe their heavenly spirit.  While I think I see and regret their errors, I would extend to them the same indulgence which I ask for my own," (Dever, ed., Polity, p. 328).

Of course, my paedobaptist brethren may very well think that I am in sin in withholding from children the sign of God's gracious covenant.  I understand and regret the disagreement, but am well used to it by this point, and look forward to heaven, where all our disagreements will be composed.  Until that time, I intend to encourage ministers to be Together for the Gospel as much as we can, working together in the extension of the Gospel in our own towns and cities, and around the world.  I see no inconsistency in working with others who hold precious the same Gospel, regardless of what other disagreements we may have.

By Mark Dever | Posted March 19, 2009 in Uncategorized | Permalink | Comments

Monday Mirth: ACC Trashtalk

by Lig Duncan
Posted February 23, 2009 | Link to this post

Well, since Maryland, Duke and Clemson all enjoyed weekend success, I guess it's time to let our readers in on the kind of ACC trashtalk that goes on in parts of T4G-land. I stress "parts" because one thing is certain, I cannot imagine John Piper, Mark Dever or Al Mohler caring a hoot about this!

Nevertheless, I can see R.C. and Thabiti having opinions. Although Thabiti's N.C. State has fallen on hard times. The following is an exchange between C.J., Michael Lawrence (Associate Pastor with Mark Dever at Capitol Hill Baptist Church) and yours truly. It will perhaps give you a feel for the kind of banter in which we sometimes engage, and maybe even some moments of light mirth in the midst your heavy ministerial duties. Read, email-style, from the bottom up!

More on the Gospel Course coming soon, btw.

From:Michael Lawrence
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 12:52 PM
To: CJ Mahaney
Cc: Ligon Duncan
Subject: Re: Duke

C.J.

I think what you're proving is that there is an inverse relationship between a team's ability on the court and its fans' abilities to talk trash. In which case, I'm not only happy to concede defeat, but even happier that you have claimed victory!

Michael Lawrence

—- Original Message —-
From: CJ Mahaney
To: Michael Lawrence
Cc: Lig Duncan
Sent: Fri Feb 06 12:29:35 2009
Subject: Re: Duke

Michael

My friend you are on the ropes and I can send you to the canvas anytime I desire.

C.J.

—- Original Message —-

From:CJ Mahaney
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 12:28 AM
To: Michael Lawrence
Cc: Ligon Duncan
Subject: Re: Duke

Actually it was a brilliant move you didn't see coming!


—- Original Message —-
From: Michael Lawrence
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 12:26 PM
To: Ligon Duncan; CJ Mahaney
Subject: RE: Duke

C.J.

To pull out the humility card in the midst of trash talking is surely the equivalent of an intentional foul!
       
Michael

—- Original Message —-
From: CJ Mahaney
To: Ligon Duncan
Cc: Michael Lawrence
Sent: Fri Feb 06 11:48:38 2009
Subject: Re: Duke
    
Humbly said Lig!

C.J.

—- Original Message —-

From: Ligon Duncan
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 10:40 AM
To: CJ Mahaney; Michael Lawrence
Subject: RE: Duke

Michael:

Well, at least you can’t accuse me of pulling for a winner!

Lig

________________________________
From: Michael Lawrence
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 10:25 AM
To: Ligon Duncan; CJ Mahaney
Subject: RE: Duke
      
A Clemson fan holds the pulpit at First Presbyterian? Say it isn’t so!

Michael

—- Original Message —-

From:Michael Lawrence
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 9:26 AM
To: CJ Mahaney; Ligon Duncan
Subject: RE: Duke

But, as you say, WE have a very good team. More to the point, WE have a team, WE have a coach, and WE will be invited to the NCAA tourney. YOU on the other hand, have a turtle for a mascot and that’s about it (though honestly, you might do better if you let the turtle do the recruiting and coaching from here forward).

Michael Lawrence

—- Original Message —-

From:CJ Mahaney
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 8:28 AM
To: Ligon Duncan; Michael Lawrence
Subject: RE: Duke

Lig,

Thank you for recognizing where I am indeed gifted. I grew up barbecuing smart guys like Michael. Actually it seems to me the smarter they are the easier it is to do this. And it’s certainly more fun.

Your friend,

C.J.

—- Original Message —-

From: Ligon Duncan
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 8:23 AM
To: CJ Mahaney; Michael Lawrence
Subject: RE: Duke

Brilliant C.J. I wondered how you’d handle that amazingly deft and clever and typically Dukie snappy comeback from Michael. But you did it. You just side-stepped it. Ignored it. Superb. Just superb.
  
And then you forced him to (once again) wallow in the unmitigated shame and humiliation of a crushing loss (yay, blowout) to the lowly Tigers. You are the master!
  
Truly the first shall be last, eh?
       
Lig

________________________________
From: CJ Mahaney
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 8:15 AM
To: Michael Lawrence
Cc: Ligon Duncan
Subject: RE: Duke
    
Yep, there is no spin one can put on the Clemson game! Your boys were flat beat up the entire game. It was further evidence you have a very good team but not a great one.
   
Hey, where is my sermon evaluation! I will pay cash for this!
       
Your friend,
       
C.J.       
____________________________

From: Michael Lawrence
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 7:35 AM
To: CJ Mahaney; Mark Dever
Cc: Lig Duncan
Subject: Re: Duke
    
CJ,
              
I admit, I am still recovering from the shame of it all. Losing to Wake by 2 in the last 8 seconds was respectable, if disappointing. Losing to Clemson by 27 and being behind most of the game was embarrassing.  If I were a

Maryland

fan, I would probably have words to describe the feeling, it being so familiar. As a Duke fan though, I'm left speechless.
              
Your chastened brother,
Michael Lawrence
Associate Pastor
CHBC

—- Original Message —-
From: CJ Mahaney
To: Mark Dever; Michael Lawrence
Cc: Ligon Duncan
Sent: Fri Feb 06 06:10:51 2009
Subject: Duke
              
Mark and Michael,
              
I knew I would hear from you boys when

Md.

lost by 41 to Duke.
              
I didn’t think I’d hear from you boys when Duke lost by 27 to Clemson.
              
C.J. 

By Lig Duncan | Posted February 23, 2009 in Uncategorized | Permalink | Comments

Praying for President Obama

by Lig Duncan
Posted January 20, 2009 | Link to this post

Watching the inauguaration today, while in Louisville with some of the T4G posse, we both discussed praying for and did some praying for our new President.

A few thoughts on that, here.

By Lig Duncan | Posted January 20, 2009 in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments

Praying for Your Pastor

by Lig Duncan
Posted January 3, 2009 | Link to this post

Because I have a congregation that loves me more than I deserve, I am often asked by them: "how can I pray for you?" I've tried to put some thought into how I answer that question. So, maybe these ideas will help you pray for your pastor, or tell others how they can pray for you.

Pray -

1. That [your pastor] would know and love the living God, would have a saving interest in Christ, being purchased by His blood, and thus would be bound to the Lord by the indissoluble bond of the Holy Spirit.

2. That [your pastor] would know, embrace and ever more deeply understand the Gospel and be shaped by it in life and ministry.

3. That [your pastor] would be useful servant of the Lord, that he would know and love God's word, God's people, and God's kingdom; that he would be used to build it up and so that it prevails even against Hell's gates.

4. That [your pastor] would study, practice and teach the Word of the Lord, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

5. That [your pastor] would love to pray, because he loves to commune with his God, and that he would be a man of prayer, characteristically.

6. That [your pastor] would be ever dependent upon and filled with the Spirit; and that he would possess true Spiritual wisdom.

7. That [your pastor] would be holy unto the Lord. That his tongue and heart would be wholly God's.

8. That [your pastor] would be kept from pride, and especially spiritual pride. That the Lord himself would be gracious to slay pride in him, and that your pastor would endeavor to always be putting pride to death, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

9. That God would give [your pastor] guidance as to where to focus his efforts in ministry.

10. That He would protect [your pastor] from himself, from the enemy of his soul, and from all earthly enemies.

11. That no decision which [your pastor] ever makes or desire that [your pastor] ever pursues would restrict his ability to pour his whole soul into the Gospel ministry.

12.That many would be converted and many built up under [your pastor]'s ministry, to God's glory alone.

13. That the Lord would bless [your pastor]'s wife, [. . . ], with holiness and happiness, Gospel assurance and Gospel rest.

14. That God would make [your pastor] a decent husband and father.

15. That [your pastor] would be a good friend to his wife, and love her self-sacrificially,

16. That [your pastor] would be a good daddy to his children. That they would love God, their parents and the church.

17. That [your pastor] would be a testimony in the home so that his wife might be able to respect him when he is in the pulpit, and so that [your pastor] will be able to feed her soul, along with the rest of the congregation.

By Lig Duncan | Posted January 3, 2009 in Uncategorized | Permalink | Comments

Today in Christian History

by Lig Duncan
Posted January 1, 2009 | Link to this post

J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937) Died

On January 1, 1937, J. Gresham Machen, founder of Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia, and formidable defender of biblical Christianity, died in the hospital, having developed pneumonia while preaching in the cold of December in North Dakota. His famous last telegram to his dear friend and colleague John Murray: "Thank God for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it."

By Lig Duncan | Posted January 1, 2009 in Uncategorized | Permalink | Comments

Geldenhuys does a C.J.

by Lig Duncan
Posted December 28, 2008 | Link to this post

Great quote on Elizabeth's humility in her greetings and song when Mary came to visit (Luke 1:39-45).

"He who elevates himself is constantly engaged in wrecking his own life. But he who is sincerely humble finds richness of life and happiness." Reminded me of C.J. when I read it. The full quote is here.

And I especially like this part of the quote about Elizabeth, which also embodies C.J.'s person and preaching: "her humble attitude opened for her the gates to true, deep and jubilant joy."

By Lig Duncan | Posted December 28, 2008 in Uncategorized | Permalink | Comments

Shrewdness from the Sons of this World

by Lig Duncan
Posted December 17, 2008 | Link to this post

Eric Arthur Blair (George Orwell) once said: "We have sunk to a depth at which re-statement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men." I think this is even truer today than when he first said it. Now, more than then, there is a flood of (trivial) knowledge and a dearth of true wisdom.

And this point certainly applies to our articulation of the Bible’s doctrine of the church, in light of current fads and practices and methods being deployed in evangelicalism. That’s one reason why my favorite Pyro Po-motivator Poster is the one that says: "Ecclesiology: Who Cares Whether We Know How It’s Supposed to Work? We’re Going to Take a Crack at Fixing It."

By the way, I may keep running this title line "Shrewdness from the Sons of this World" when I point to wisdom from unbelievers (ala Luke 16:8) here in a post. For indeed, the sons of this world often have more saavy in dealing with their own than do the sons of light.

By Lig Duncan | Posted December 17, 2008 in Culture | Permalink | Comments