I hope I am wrong, and Dr. Ascol’s seemingly unrestrained optimism is vindicated.

But the prediction I have about this that personally causes me to look forward happily is this: The Reformed and Calvinistic response to the conference will be lightning-fast and overwhelming.

There used to be a day when you could have an event like this one and get away with saying whatever you wanted. Those days are gone, and good riddance.

My cheerful expectation is this: the Scriptural response to whatever is said there will be nearly instantaneous, from many sides.

I encourage Calvinistic SBC bloggers to committ even today to blogging seriously about this conference during the run-up to it, through it, and after it; and to committ to doing so with the intention of seasoning their words with the greatest possible grace and humility; and to base their responses on their own diligent study of the Word of God; and to leave personalities out of the whole deal, from the get-go.

I’m sure everyone saw this, but perhaps the significance isn’t apparent. There is a $115 registration fee for this event (according to Vine’s website). That kind of $$ is not an incentive for the average 30188 lamb or sheep’s attendance; it’s also a disincentive for outsiders. If you agree with this thinking, then whatreason would they have for charging this kind of $$? Perhaps only ‘church staff’ whose expenses are covered by their congregations, are the target. And why would a reformed pastor ask his congregation to pay for such slurry?
On the OTHER hand, if one pays to attend such an event, haven’t they then BOUGHT the right to speak and challenge what’s said and heard? See where that could go?

Blessings,

The Porterhouse Prince

Ya think that Dr. White has them in his sights. Perhaps a shot across the bow, to keep them on course.

I bloggened David Allen. He kinda made me mad. I revised a response I placed at SBC Today. Wes didn\’t like the first one (deservedly so) if you want you can catch it here. You can view both the hot salsa version and right above it the saccharinized still spicy but sweeter version.

I suppose he was testing his pet theory to see how well it would sell to his homeys. I don\’t expect much that will be different. I am not very kind, so Nate, you can kill this link if you want. Ban me, if you must.

$$$

We’d go a long way to follow his example. I find that most arguments about what the word says are emotional rather than exegetical. They run more along the lines of “I would never love a God who only saves some!” rather than..”well, I see what you’re saying about the “pas ho pistewn” as designating a specific group, but have you thought about…?”

bob

For many Christians, I must think it entails a decision. Most of us can’t rely on whether we feel something to be true, since feelings tend to fluctuate with the wind. Being human, our emotions tend to have more power over our minds than I think we admit, and emotions are not always reliable.

However, if it an involves an act of will, one must admit that there is less than compelling evidence for that which we believe. We don’t need to believe in the existence of the sun: its existence is plain to see.

This may not make sense, but I’ve often wondered what constitutes the substance of “faith”.

And as to your second point, you seem to be saying that unless you can see it…then it’s “less than compelling” evidence….

Question: Did George Washington exist?
How do you know?
Have you ever met him?
Have you ever seen anything he’s written?

How can you possibly believe that he existed based on second hand evidence that could be tampered with and faulty?

The truth is; all history is “record” and as such; the bible is a very reliable, well preserved record. It’s historicity isn’t questioned by serious theologians, only the ones who’s aim is to discredit it at any cost.

The bible also does what no other document’s ever done…tell the future with 100% accuracy.

If you’ve never heard of the exercise; please read the post I’ve linked to, it explains the chances of just a few of the prophesies concerning Jesus Christ coming true by chance. Here is the link:
http://goshareyourfaith.wordpress.com/2008/03/02/can-jesus-divinity-be-proven-statistically/

God bless,
bob

I propose:

1. We decide how many of us can commit to going if we raise enough cash to cover 1/2 to 100 percent of the money required for the Conference. $115 is steep, but $57.50 is pretty reasonable. I could do that and then pay for food and fuel for the five hour drive down from NC.

2. Allow your church or Scott’s, if they are willing, to administer the fund for us to avoid any suggestions we’re doing this as a gimmick.

3. Any money left over from what is necessary to cover the SBF people who attend should be used to help fund any other Reformed bloggers, pastors, students, etc. who also wish to attend, like a scholarship fund.

4. Set it up so that each attendee registers and pays the initial outlay, presents their receipt to the administering church and then the church reimburses them from the scholarship fund.

5. Continue selling the T-shirts, mugs, etc through December, and give the money to the Lottie Moon offering, through the administering church, in December as a means of thanking the church and using the extra cash that we may not use for evangelism/missions.

I love it!!
Count me in with $115 to support the project. Nathan knows I’m good for it.
I have a real angst about so-called ‘men of God’ using a bully-pulpit.’ It’s time to hold them accountable.
Keep us posted.

No more milk and pablum…we want the ‘meat’of His Word.

PP

Great idea, and I would be happy to spread the word about it all I can from my blogs, which will get about ten more people involved.

Another strategy for saving the money is to budget a certain amount every month. I imagine the only way they’d stop taking entries is to limit them. I can’t imagine they’d have enough people to fill FBC Woodstock sanctuary. If they do, that’s a lot of potential poor information being feed to thousands of people.

Mark

PP

I’m open to the plan, Gene, but let me think/pray more about my personal involvment. I have many friends and even family that attend FBCW, and I would not want to offend any of them by making it seem that I was looking for a fight. My interaction with Hunt over two years ago still closes doors that would otherwise be open.

Good thoughts and ideas, brothers. Let’s hold our leaders accountable, but strive to do so with love, kindness, and great respect, even if they do not return the same.

I heard about this conference this evening. I am going to pray about going as well. I don’t know anyone at the church so I could just go, but I bet there will be conference tapes afterwards. I’d like to live blog it myself.

I know several guys that are going, but I think I’m going to stay out of it. After my personal experience at that church and stuff, I think my attendance would cause more bitterness and anger in me than anything –so I better stay home. But let me know if you’re serious about it. I’ll hook you up with some of my friends, one of which is going to live-blog it as well (on a blog I used to be a member of, strangebaptistfire.wordpress.com).

BTW, are you going to the Michael Horton conference at Grace Presbyterian next month? I will be with a group of guys. Love to have you join us.

–
Nate