Glory Road: Sherard Burns

Sherard is the Pastor for Christian Education at Glendale Baptist Church in Miami, FL. His survey questions were answered as follows:

1. What was the first book you read that introduced you to Reformed Theology? Chosen By God, R.C. Sproul

2. List the five most influential books in your Reformed Theological journey: Chosen By God, R.C. Sproul; The Institutes of Christian Religion, John Calvin; Reformation Thought, Alistair McGrath; The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, John Owen; Christ of the Covenant, O. Palmer Robertson

3. List three preachers and/or teachers who were most influential in your journey. Lehman D. Bates, R.C. Sproul, John Piper

4. If you could give one book to someone interested in Reformed theology, what book would you give? Chosen By God, Sproul

5. What doctrine would you say distinquishes Reformed theology? The doctrine of God's atoning work - Limited Atonement

Glory Road: Anthony Bradley

Anthony Bradley is Assistant Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He is also a Research Fellow for the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty in Grand Rapids, MI. He can also be found sharing his thoughts on his popular blog The Institute.

And his survey answers said:

1. What was the first book you read that introduced you to Reformed Theology? Putting Amazing Back Into Grace, Michael Horton

2. List the five most influential books in your Reformed Theological journey: The Institutes of Christian Religion, John Calvin; Puritan Race, Virtue, Vice, and Value 1620-1820: Original Calvinists' True Believers Enduring Faith and Ethics Race Claims, Joseph R. Washington, Jr.; From Creation to Consummation, Gerard Van Groningen; Christ-Centered Preaching, Bryan Chapell; Van Til's Apologetics: Readings and Analysis, Greg Bahnsen

3. List three preachers and/or teachers who were most influential in your journey. Cornelius Henderson, David C. Jones, Gerard Van Groningen

4. If you could give one book to someone interested in Reformed theology, what book would you give? As Far as the Curse is Found, Michael Williams

5. What doctrine would you say distinquishes Reformed theology? The doctrine of Creation, with emphasis on the covenant story of God's sovereign redemption of all creation.

Glory Road: Thabiti Anyabwile

Thabiti Anyabwile is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. He is also blogger at Pure Church, where he goes by the name Fellow Elder. These are his answers:

1. What was the first book you read that introduced you to Reformed Theology? Knowing God, J.I. Packer and Great Doctrines of the Bible, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

2. List the five most influential books in your Reformed Theological journey.
Knowing God, J.I. Packer; Great Doctrines of the Bible, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones; Bondage of the Will, Martin Luther; What Is Reformed Theology (previously Grace Unknown), R.C. Sproul; Chosen But Free, Norman Geisler (I read as a defense of the non-Reformed view. Its weaknesses pushed me more conclusively to a Reformed understanding)

3. List three preachers and/or teachers who were most influential in you journey.
R.C. Sproul
John MacArthur
Mark Dever

4. If you could give one book to someone interested in Reformed theology, what book would you give? What is Reformed Theology, R.C. Sproul

5. What doctrine would you say distinguishes Reformed theology?
The centrality of the doctrine of God sets Reformed theology apart from other perspectives. It’s not that the glory, sovereignty and centrality of God are somehow unique ideas to Reformed theology, for other systems would in their own ways acknowledge these issues. And it’s not as though Reformed theology has found an inventive niche here that makes this a marketing advantage. Rather, God is central in the entire body of Scripture and Reformed theology most accurately perceives that truth and puts God at the center of its theological outlook.

Glory Road: Reddit Andrews

Reddit Andrews III is the Senior Pastor of Soaring Oaks Presbyterian Church in Elk Grove, CA. His answer to the aforementioned questions are:

1. What was the first book you read that introduced you to Reformed Theology? Lectures to My Students, C. H. Spurgeon

2. List the five most influential books in your Reformed Theological journey.
Knowing God, J. I. Packer.
Systematic Theology, Louis Berkhof.
The Biography of D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, Ian Murray.
The Works of Jonathan Edwards
Our Reasonable Faith, Herman Bavinck.

3. List three preachers and/or teachers who were most influential in you journey.
Leroy Bailey, Jr.
Gary Cohen
D. Martyn Lloyd Jones
John Piper
Allan Joseph

4. If you could give one book to someone interested in Reformed theology, what book would you give? Systematic Theology, Louis Berkhof.

5. What doctrine would you say distinguishes Reformed theology?

The Glory of the Sovereign God, as opposed to the supposed free will of man.

Glory Road

I currently have the pleasure of working on a new book project entitled Glory Road: Our Journeys into Reformed Christianity. It is a wonderful project and we are eagerly anticipating its publication in the near future. I say "we" because I have enlisted the help of some good friends and faithful co-laborers in the gospel. These men have agreed to contribute to this book and I for one could not be more happy and excited. As I have been editing the chapters, I found myself strengthen and challenged as they shared their unique insights and perspectives on Reformed Theology. I believe this book will be a must read, not because I am editing it but because of the men who are contributing to it.

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls...(Jer. 6:16).

Part of their contributions has been the answering of a few survey questions. The questions were as follows:

1. What was the first book you read that introduced you to Reformed Theology?
2. Besides the Bible, list the five most influential books in your Reformed theological journey
3. List three preachers and/or teachers who were most influential in your journey?
4. If you could give one book to someone interested in Reformed theology, what book would you give them?
5. What doctrine would you say distinguishes Reformed Theology?

Over the next few days I hope to post their responses.

Character not Color

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's now famous dream, that we would be judged, "not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character" apparently has come home to roost at his alma mater. This year the esteemed Morehouse College will graduate for the first time a white student as valedictorian.

From his first day at Morehouse College — the country's only institution of higher learning dedicated to the education of black men — Joshua Packwood has been a standout. Read more.

Congrats to Joshua Packwood for a job well done.

It's Going Down!

I want to thank Collin Hansen for his recent and much-anticipated book Young Restless and Reformed. In it he detailed the rise and impact of Reformed theology among a new and energetic generation of evangelicals. Colin detailed the impact of such men as John Piper, RC Sproul, CJ Mahaney, Mark Dever and others. Surely we can not truly assess the contributions of these men to the growth of reformed theology in our time. Their impact on me alone has been tremendous. I enjoyed reading Collin's well written account of how Reformational truth is spreading. However, if you read Collin's book you would get the impression that the impact is on young white evangelicals and very little impact is being made among other cultures and ethnic groups. Yet, I for one want to say without fear of contradiction that there is a growing move among young (and older) African-Americans toward the historical and biblical truths of Reformed theology. No, it is not a tidal wave. We won't expect CNN to do an expose on Young, Restless, Black, and Reformed (we'll leave that to Lionel Woods). Nevertheless, all evidence points to the reality that Reformed theology is growing among African-Americans, and I for one could not be more pleased, grateful, encouraged, and challenged.

Brothers and sisters, I honestly believe that a move of God is going down among African-Americans and I am challenged by our responsibilities to be faithful stewards of this move. Our calling is to do all we can to make sure this move does not end with this generation, but is faithfully and emphatically passed on to the next. How do we do this? What are some of the ways in which we can be faithful stewards of this dispensation of God's grace? Here are four ways (I am sure there are many more):

1. Write. As Reformed African-Americans we must write books, articles, booklets, songs, and testimonies on who we are and what God has done and is doing. We must not fear writing on theological subjects that have already been covered by our esteemed brothers of lighter skin tone. Most truth is worthy of being said again. Besides, the historic reformed truths need to be stated in our voice so as to demonstrate that they don't belong to just one ethnic group. Also, surely God desires to testify to the whole body of Christ the glories of his grace through us and thereby encourage our brothers and sisters of different cultures. Unfortunately, we didn't have a large corpus of theological and pastoral material, which was passed down to us. Yet, let not that be said by the generation that comes after us. We must write. To this end, at the New Life Bible Conference in June (I will have more to say about this later), I hear that there will be quite a few offerings from the brothers:

On Being Black and Reformed

Faithful Preacher by Thabiti Anyabwile

The Decline of African-American Theology by Thabiti Anyabwile

Experiencing the Truth by Anthony Carter (with Michael Leach and Ken Jones)

What is a Healthy Church Member by Thabiti Anyabwile

Where Are All the Brothers by Eric Redmond

And I hear more is on the way. Praise God!

2. Plant and Reform Churches. Church planting continues to be God's means of spreading the message and impact of the gospel. A movement that does establish faithful churches is a movement destined for extinction. So we must plant churches. To this end, here in Atlanta I am leading a team of people in the planting of East Point Church. In fact, this evening we are having our first public meeting in which we are inviting all to come out and hear our vision for a church in the city with a passion for gospel truth and gospel living. Also in Atlanta there is planned the Issachar Fellowship, led my man Dhati Lewis. Prayerfully this church plant will be coming to our fair city in the next year or two. This is exciting news! We need more. Yet, not only must we plant churches, but we must also be willing to assume existing churches and do the work of bringing reform to them. This is being illustrated to us by such men as Eric Redmond at Hillcrest Baptist Church and Roger Skepple at Berean Bible Baptist Church. These men are not alone in there reforming efforts. I know there are many others around the country doing the same. We must make sure we continue this labor.

3. Hold Conferences. The gathering of a people for mutual challenge, encouragement, and edification is not only necessary, it is also biblical (Heb. 10:25). One of the ways in which we can fulfill this command is the regular holding of Church and Bible Conferences. Not only does it continue the integrity and accountability of theology, but it encourages the brothers and sisters to know that they are not alone. We already have some good ones going, namely New Life Bible Conference in the Chicago area and the Miami Pastors' Conference in Miami, FL. Both of these are quickly establishing themselves as bulwarks in the movement. Let us remember to attend and support them. Also, let us plan more around the country. Surely the west coast and Texas can use some.

4. Train Disciples. The health and strength of any movement ultimately lies in its ability to disciple the next generation. We must make sure we are developing ways and means by which we are introducing others, particularly those younger, to the faith we profess. If we are not successful in passing the torch of theology and faith to our sons and daughters, we can not - we must not - claim success or faithfulness at all. Therefore, we must identify those among us who have giftedness and a heart for the ministry. And once identified, we must encourage them, train them, and provide them opportunities to serve and to hone their gifts. Let us never begrudge the younger minds or doubt their sincerity, as it too often happened to some of us. But let us strongly encourage them and challenge them to go above and beyond what we are doing.

Brothers and sisters, it's going down! I pray we will be faithful stewards and that future generations will look upon this time and thank God for our labors and be challenged to labor all the more.

Books I'm Reading (or have recently read)

I have been reminded that I have not listed a current reading list lately. Actually my overall blogging has been slow because of my preoccupation with church and writing responsibilities. Yet, my continuing education continues. A couple of books that have recently contributed to that education are:

Questioning Evangelism: Engaging People's Heart the Way Jesus Did by Randy Newman. I really like Newman's approach. Admittedly, it is not for everyone because not everyone is as engaging as Newman. But for those who can be, this is an excellent resource.

For Us and Our Salvation: The Doctrine of Christ in the Early Church by Stephen Nichols. Nichols is one of my favorite writers. I tend to read all that I can by him.

Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken. Ryken is a good writer and preacher. With the New Life Conference quickly approaching, books on Galatians are at the top of my list. (BTW: Do all the pastors at Tenth Presbyterian Church have to use their middle name? Just wondering.)

Doctrine that Dances: Bring Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life by Robert Smith. This is my casual reading. I am slowly but rewardingly making my way through this one.

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Lincoln once said, "How do you destroy an enemy? You make him your friend." Lincoln embodied this and it is what set him apart as a politician and a man. I love reading and learning about Lincoln.

An African-American Vision in the PCA

Let me say this, "I am not a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)." I say that because it is frequently assumed that I am in the PCA. This is probably because I have some good friends in the PCA and my theology is probably more closely related to that of the PCA than any other group. I find there is much in the PCA to commend and would not hesitate recommending them as a faithful gospel preaching denomination. The PCA also has some good African-American preachers seeking to contextualize the gospel without losing the gospel. In fact, within the PCA is an African-American Ministry, which seeks to promote reformed theology and the PCA among African-Americans. The ministry has a vision. Take a look.

Remembering Elder DJ Ward

For a copy of the Program from the funeral of Elder Ward, click here. He was truly a unique, gifted, and faithful preacher of the gospel. He will be missed.

Doctrine that Dances

Here are a couple of good quotes from a book I am reading entitled Doctrine that Dances: Bringing Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life. It is written by Dr. Robert Smith, professor of preaching at Beeson Divinity School (a couple of years ago I mentioned Dr. Smith here). The quotes are seeking to define what doctrinal preaching is:

As Jesus admonished that the Scriptures be searched because they testify of Him (John 5:39), preachers of Christian doctrine make Christ the heart of their preaching. If the Bible is read backwards, one will see that Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, was slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). This means that in the mind of God, Calvary was a forethought and not an afterthought. God did not react to the fall of Adam and Eve, but rather He pre-acted before the the fall of Adam and Eve. The Old Testament proclaimed that Christ is coming. The New Testament announced that Christ has come and will come again (p. 23)

Doctrinal preaching must have an object. We cannot have faith in faith; we do not worship worship; and doctrine does not exist fro doctrine's sake. Doctrinal preaching carries out the mission of magnifying Jesus Christ (p. 25).

The book is so far so good. I am enjoying the read. You may want to consider the investment.

Imam calls for an end to Black Theology

The respected Muslim leader Imam W. Deen Mohammed has publicly called for a move away from Black Theology.

The irony of Black Liberation Theology is that it was established for the purpose of empowering black people. Yet, like all aberrant teachings, instead of empowering it weakens. Just as a son of Black America is positioned to attain what those in the Civil Rights era did not believe was attainable, it is Black Theology which may prove to be his undoing. Unfortunately, Senator Obama has discovered what we have understood for quite some time, namely that Black Liberation Theology is not just unbiblical, but it does not truly liberate. He has discovered that it is not a help but a hindrance to truth and reconciliation. Did James Cone intend for his theology to be an albatross around the neck of the first truly viable Black candidate for the presidency of the United States? Probably not. Yet, the fact of the matter is that Obama's problem is that black liberation theology is coming home to roost. Perhaps, after this episode in his life, if he is truly a Christian, Barack Obama and his family will seek out a more biblical, evangelical Christian church in which to serve and worship. Only time will tell. In the meantime, a Muslim voice has joined the discussion and calling for an end to the folly of Black Theology. Will we hear him?