We are a Calvinistic Church? Huh?

You don't have to be a Christian for very long before you start bumping up against ideas like Calvinism and Arminianism. For a lot of folks, the issues involved either seem too complex to devote any time to, or else they seem irrelevant to anything. Both these ideas are wrong.

If you were not aware, Immanuel Baptist Church holds to the New Hampshire Baptist Confession of 1833. That means that we believe that document is an accurate summary of Bible teaching, and we require ministers to preach in accordance with it.

The New Hampshire Confession is a Calvinistic document. The Calvinism of our confession is very mildly stated: we're not out to argue with anybody about it; and we're not hoping to pick a fight about it, but we are willing to state it plainly and stand behind it.

If you are new to some of these issues, here is a short book review that presents an overview of the issues involved.

In addition, here is a link to a conference presentation by one of the best Bible scholars of our day, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, in which he provides a helpful background and overview for beginning to think about these things.

Notes for 3/24/10

1. The folks setting up the Camp Meeting in June met here at the church this last Monday. Doyle has volunteered to be Dan Pearce's assistant camp director as we move forward. The most important item of business is that we moved the location of the camp from Conchas Dam to the lake at Logan. We've also, coincidentally, changed the name of the event to The Ute Lake Camp Meeting. It's still set for June 22-28. Some of those days are for setup and take-down. The actual Camp will run from Wednesday through Saturday.

We still need volunteers, especially in the area of publicity; and the logistics surrounding food and meals. Contact either Doyle or me to talk about this more.

Most especially, please commit to praying regularly for an outpouring of God's grace in Christ during this time. We want to see many people converted through the Spirit-empowered preaching of the Gospel. Please pray to that end, fervently.

2. Tonight at 6 PM, our overview of the Old Testament continues with the fascinating and largely misunderstood book of Daniel. I'm personally excited about highlighting the main themes of this book and I urge you to attend. Choir practice is scheduled to take place afterward.

3. Easter is nearly upon us. I trust you all are inviting people....?? The title of the sermon will be "Easter and the End of the World." It ought to be a pretty straightforward Gospel message, highlighting Christ's resurrection and the Judgment to come, so think of someone to invite, and then do it!

4. Thank you again to all of you who have been praying for me and inquiring about my minor health issues. The best thing you can do for your pastor is pray. I know, I know, everybody says that. But I mean it. The next best thing is to let him know, honestly, what God is doing in your life through the ministry of the Word. The third best thing is to buy him an occassional doughnut.

5. Vanessa and Marvin have had some rough days, health-wise. Please continue to pray for them as well.

6. I've started recording the messages and Bible studies. If you've missed something in the last few weeks, and would like to go back and catch up, let me know and I'll see if I can get it to you on a CD.

I am your servant for the sake of Christ our King,
Gordan