The Challenge of the 21st Century

Seminar Review
by Robert J Bailey
''Perhaps the most successful and stimulating Atlanta
Christian Training Seminar Jo date." This was a
familiar comment expressed by many who attended
The Christian Vision of Victory held June
8th--10th at Chalcedon Presbyteri_an Church.
top-notch SJX;akers and advocates in the
Christian Reconstruction movement spoke on 15
different topics preparing the people of God with a
vision for victory -in the future based .upon the Word
of God. The thr.ee-day seminar concluded. on the
Lord's day, June lOth, a day which was filled with
teaching, preaching, intercessory prayer and praise,
as over 400 people from all over the United States,
Canada and South America united to worship the
Living God. '
Time and again each speaker challenged the audience
with the sole-sll,fficiency and adequacy of the .
Scriptures to solye the problems of our day and
exhorted us to }d!ep working for the advance of
God's kingdom both in our own lives and in the
world we live in. Loving Goo with all our heart,
soul, strength and mind must be the motivation
'behind all of our efforts at Christian reconstruction.
Vividly do I remember Joe Morecraft saying, in his
message on The Future of Preaching, the
most powerful message of the conference) that "we
must be just as busy in conquering our own sinful
hearts as we are in conquering the world for
Christ."
It was good to be refreshed by the presence of
people from all over the western hemisphere who
desrre to take" every thought captive to the obedience
of Christ." There were familiar faces and many new
faces as we see that more and more . are
hungering for a relationship with the Lord that
touches every part of human existence. Unlike the
doomsaying prophetic conferences of the 1970's that
led to pessimism and gloom, this conference was
marked by a sense of optimism as we were
continually challenged to read the future based upon
the promises of God and not on the newspapers.
One of the best of Jeff Donnan's message
on The Future of World Missions was simply a
recitation of portions of Scriptures dealing with the
present and future glories of Christ's mediational
kingdom. How can you be gloomy . when you
believe that Christ is on His throne (Acts 2:30-33),
your life has been ordered for good (Romans 8:28,
Ephesians 2: 1 0), and victory in time has been
predestined (!Corinthians 15: 20-26)?
What follows is a short synopsis of some of the
seminar messages with the hope that you might be
encouraged to work for the advance of God's
kingdom in your life and community . These brief
sketches are certainly a poor substitute for the power
of preaching so I do hope you may be stimulated by
reading them to consider ordering the tapes and
using them as mini-seminars in your own locality.
Brief biographical sketches of the speakers were
included in the last two issues of The Counsel of
Chalcedon and will not be repeated here. I did have
the opportunity to interview many of the speakers
and plan to share those with you in future issues <;>f
The Counsel.
THE FUTURE OF
WORLD MISSIONS
by JeffDonnan
. Jeff Donnan, a missionary to Central and South
America. with the .Reformed Presbyterian Church in
the Americas (formerly RPCUS), was the leadoff
speaker for this year's Atlanta Christian Training
Seminar. The subject of World Missions seems to
be one that receives great attention in some churches,
is neglected . in others and is often limited by all.
Therefore this was an important starting point in
discussing the future from a Reconstructionist
viewpoint. How broad is the scope of the Great
Commission? "This most known command of
Christ in the New Covenant must not be limited by
us in an sense. J said 'AU authori has been
Page 10 August-September, 1990 The Counsel of Chalcedon
given to Me in heaven and earth. Go therefore and
make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age' (Matthew 28:18-20)."
Mter analyzing the
growth and development
of world missions from
the late 1400's until this
century, Mr. Donnan
critiqued the decline in
effectiveness of world
missions in the 20th
century. This he attri-
buted to a division in the
church which saw the
liberals take on the social
aspects of the Gospel
while denying the power
of God to save. On the
other side conservatives, l
who became discouraged
over the necessity of
Jeff Donnan
fighting for doctrinal accuracy, became "too quick to
reduce the Christian message to a few simple truths,
non-offensively packaged, and thus became so
heavenly minded they were actually no earthly
good."
"The future of world missions is bright. The Great
Commission will be accomplished because God
does the agenda-setting." That which He has
promised He will certainly bring to pass, (Psalms
22:27-28, 72:11, 86:9, Isaiah 2:2-4, 9:7, 60:3,
60:12. Daniel 7:14, Revelation 11:15).
Our role in the future of world missions involves
"casting down all imaginations and taking every field
captive for Christ." "The more Christians recover
from their deficient theologies and rediscover
Reformed Theology and properly apply it, the more
we will see more of this taking place in each of these
fields. The day is soon corning that Christians will
be considered missionaries in science, politics, law,
constitutions and all the other areas of life, in the
same way that they presently are considered
missionaries when they are preaching the simple
Gospel."
"We need to recognize that Reformed Theology is
the only theology that is relevant to eternity (as the
evangelicals seek to be) and the present (as the more
liberal seek to be)." This makes it the theology of
the future .

THE CHRISTIAN FUTURE VIEW
by Joseph C. Morecraft, ill
Joe Morecraft began his message by saying that, "a
future view is essential to a world view. A theology
without an eschatology is deficient and
We must determine to live this life in accord with the
Scriptures and not in the light of what we see going
on around us, being confident that God controls the
future and that victory is promised to His people in
His Word.
Pastor Morecraft outlined three types of future views
extant today that are competing for the minds of
men.
(1) Coercive Utopianism
The goal is the capture and keeping of the
power of control. It is man's effort to predestine the
future and create his own heaven on earth. This is a
sinful, humanistic dmpinion orientation.
(2) Escapism
This modem view "believes in the
inevitability of defeat in history for the people of ,
God." Its "adherents seek to escape not only the
tribulations of history but deny their responsiblity to
the cultural mandate found in Genesis 1 :28."
(3) Biblical/Dominion
This victory-oriented view of the Christian
religion is built on the rock of a Sovereign God who
will accomplish all of His purposes in accord with
all that He has spoken in His holy Word. The basis
of this victory is the already accomplished death and
resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Joe Morecraft
The Counsel of Cbalcedon August-Septembert 1990 Page 11
The Scriptures teach clearly the "progressive and
consummate victory of the kingdom and covenant of
our God."
This message contained an excellent section
commenting on Romans _11: 12-32 which deals with
"the coriversion of the Jews and the World", and
also a section dealing with 1 Corinthians 15:23-28
oir "the. triumphant reign of Christ and the end of the
world.''
Pastor Morecraft concluded this message With an
incisive analysis of the three-fold . emphasis
(planting, and harvesting ) of Christ's
parables concerning 'the Kingdom of God, showing
clearly the necessity of holding to this three-fold
emphasis in order to avoid the pitfalls of neo-
. orthodox and fundamentalist

THE FUTURE OF POLITICS
by R. J. Rushdoony
After an interesting and enlightening study of the
etymology of the word politics, Rev. Rushdoony
commented that "we fail to understand politics,
outside of Christ, unless we see that its purpose is
redemptive, .. .. but redemptive."
Prior td the corning of Christ, "God or the gods have
had a role in the relation to the state only as
subordinates. The gods were invoked but not
worshipped ... they were looked on as a cype of
cosmic insurance."
"With the rise of Christianity we begin to see the
shift from. man to God in the political sphere.
Salvation was not to be found iri .Augustus Caesar
but in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). This wa.s the most
radical teaching then imaginable which also explains
why theonomy is such a cuss-word today.''
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In commenting the political aspects of-Acts 4:12,
Rev. Rushdoony stated the following, "Jesus Christ
is God incarnate. By His atoning blood we are
redeemed from the old humanity, which is
dominion to sin and death. We are redeemed into
the new humanity of the :last Adain, Jesus Christ,
and are regenerated irtto life arid righteousness or
justice. Our community does not begin in a polis
nor a polity but in membership in Jesus Christ and in
communion with Him and with one another through
Him and our participation at His Royal Table.''
"Having received grace we are to manifest. grace."
The future belongs to dominion. men and families
living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ
Dr. Rushdoony

THE FUTURE OF CALVINISM
by Walter Bowie
This sermon was preached to a ,packed audience
during the Sunday morning worship service. Rev.
Bowie's text was Acts 4: 8-20. We were exhorted
by Rev. Bowie to see that "God's word will prevail,
for God has settled from eternity." In order for us to
accomplish great things for God we need at least
three things from this text to be present in our lives.
First of all, we need to be "filled with the Holy
Spirit.'' While many people think of the Apostles as
largely uneducated men. we must remember that
they spent over three years in the presence of the
Master, getting the best theological training
available. Yet in spite of this, Jesus told them to
stay in Jerusalem and wait for the baptism of the
Holy Spirit.
Next, Rev. Bowie speaks of the "witness of an
unanswerable fact." The accusers in Acts 4 were
speechless as as the healed man remained in
their presence. Likewise there must be "something
about our lives that cannot be questioned. People
must recognize that we stand in the counsel of the
Page 12 AugustSeptember, 1990 The Counsel of Cbalcedon
Almighty." How far will we advance God's
Kingdom unless God Himself is the number one
affection of our heart? "As the deer pants after the
water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, 0 Ood."
(Psalm 42: 1)
Walter Bowie
Finally, we must
have a commitment
to the name of Jesus
Christ. Today, just
as also recorded in
Acts 4:17, the name
of Jesus is the bone
of contention. Rev.
Bowie, now sound-
ing like a Reformed
version of Jesse
Jackson, stated that
when we leave Jesus
out of our problem
solving:
"In civil government we get,
politics w/o principle,
leadership w/o statesmanship."
"In economics we get,
greed w/o grace,
prosperity w/o production."
"In jurisprudence we get,
legality w/o justice,
regulation not based on inspiration,"
"In education we get,
knowledge w/o hermenetics,
facts w/o wisdom."
"In the home we get,
bars w/o altars,
comfort w/o community.
"In the church we get,
programs w/o power,
action w/o unction."
Peter and John had a commitment to the name of
Jesus, they had been in the presence of God
Incarnate and were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Together with 120 persons they turned the world
upside down. Should we expect less?

THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL ETIDCS
by Dr. Dan Jordan
What are you going to do when you are faced
the problem of the extent of medical that 1-
given to one of your family members in order t:.C::::::S
sustain life in what appears to be a hopele>
situation? Advances in medical technology continac=.=
to multiply the choices and make likely
possibility that we will face this issue.
Dr. Jordan, a practicing vascular surgeon in AtliUtu:.-
and past President of the Association of America
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Physicians and Surgeons began his discussion by--
quoting from Isaiah 45:5-7. "I am the Lord, and.
there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. [
will gird you, though you have not known me; That
men may know from the rising to the setting
sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the
and there is no other, The One forming light
creating darkness, causing well-being and creatin&
calamity; I am the Lord who does all these." Only 21
we look to the God of the and. His
commandments will we find the solutions
questions similar to the one posed above.
Dr. Jordan
The majority of Dr. Jordan's message dealt with a
case study in order to look at (1) the ethics of
decision making, and (2) the ethics of the physician.
In other words, we might ask "by what standard'
should we make these life and death decisions, and
"by what standard" should we choose a physician?
What framework should we use when faced with
these heart-rending decisions? In Dr. Jordan's
critique of the Physician's response to the case
study, he stated, " ... we must realize that we have
The Counsel of Chalcedon o August-September, 1990 o Page 13
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been created by God in His.image. We have been
created for His purpose and when we are afflicted
with a God is the principal cause (Isaiah
Our ability to know God's Pl;l:p<>se. is
limited but (therefore) we cannot sacriftce life
because of t):ris
Ljfe cannot be treated callously because we are made
in the image of God. "The Physician, in promoting
and well being, carries on a type of priestly
function because that which he treats, namely
disease and illness, are the result of sin. As none of
you would sit . under .a . Preacher __ without
understanding something of his theological base,
. neither should you esG!blish a physician-patient
relationship . without knowing something of the
character and commitment of the physician.'' .
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Continuing advartces in medical technology require a
Biblical ethical base on which to operate if we are to
be. served by the Physician. He will either aid us in
fighting the. effects of sin in o1,1r bodies by bowing to
the Lordship of Christ; or we face a new age of
technologically advanced Mengele's to terrorize us. .

THE FUTURE. OF-CHRISTIAN A,CfiVISM
by Gary Demar
Mr. Demar critiqued tbe rise and fall of Jerry Falwell
' and the Moral Majority and the failure of
fundamentalism to challenge the world. with the
living Christ. The Moral Majority was an activist
. organization that ultimately failed due to the
following three factors: -,
(1) "It adopted a. position of neutrality in regards to
having a distinctly Christian world-view."
(2) "It abandoned. Biblical law as the guide for
societal chartge." .
(3) ;'It shrunk back from adopting a view of the
future. built on the promises of God."
Fundamentalists have been willing to apply Biblical
principles to the home "in order to avoid confusion
in.Jhe home but they have been unwilling to apply
them to society at large:'' Since fundamentalism has
historically been a defensive :reactionary movement
it has "no agenda, no compass artd hence no future."
fensive . strate ies rna hel ou kee our
Page 14 August-September, 1990 The Counsel of Chaltedon
opponents score down, but it doesn't put many
points on the board.)
Gary Demar
Instead of pouring so much money into cursing the
darkness, today's Christian activists should be
investing their money ,in shining the light and
preparing and building for the future.,- As an
example he mentioned the fact that 500,000 people
recently protested the sin of abortion in our nation's
capital. (The march was rtot condemned by Delnar,
but simply used as an example to make his point.)
"Assuming that each person spent a mi.nitnum of
$200 in this effort (probably more with lost wages)
then over $100,000,000 was spent on this protest
Would the same people be willing to spend the
money, time and effort toward establishing
institutions to prepare effective Christian leaders for
the future?" When this happens, our efforts toward
reconstruction will be greatly .advanced.

THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATISM
by John Lofton
John Lofton, referred to affectionately by his friends
as the "pit bull" of the body of Christ, took a large
bite out of conservative thinkers and some of his
former colleagues in his messages on The Future of
and The Future of the Media. His
considerable comedic ability is a combination of
timing, wit and a large dose of Van Tillian analysis .
of the current scene, since most of his. material
comes straight from the mouths of his colleagues; It
is amazing how pitifully humorous their writings can
be. Perhaps I am beginning to understand Psalm2:4
better. "He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord
shall have them in derision." :Mr. Lofton's style
reminds me of Proverbs 26:5 which states that we
"answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise
in his own eyes."
The message on The Future of Conservatism was
subtitled, "Mama, don't let your babies grow up to
be conservatives." Concerning the congressional
scene Lofton reported that when former Senate
Chaplain, Edward Everett Hale, was asked if he
prayed for the Senators, Hale replied, "No, I look at
the Senators, and then I pray for the country." :Mr.
Lofton mentioned that "God saved him out of the
conservative movement, which is profane, Godless,
Christless, and not a movement because nothing
unites it." "Secular conservatism and secular
liberalism are two peas in the same pod, equally
Godless and thus predestined to fail."
Picking up on Gary
Demar's idea of
Christians using
their money for
positive purposes
instead of cursing
the darkness, :Mr.
Lofton would like to
see this source of
funds used to begin
distinctly Christian
media alternatives
which would be
owned and operated
by Christians. On
John Lofton a personal note, he
mentioned that this
is an area that he
would greatly desire to labor in and covets our
prayers for the Lord's leading in that direction.

THE FUTURE OF THE ARTS
by Barry Hause
"Every area of life and thought captive to the Lord
Jesus Christ." Surely we have heard Rev.
Rushdoony and his followers say that before--but
did they mean to include the arts? :Mr. Hause asks
the question, "What is the value for non-artists in
thinking about and appreciating art. Why should
people who are not directly involved in the creative
or performing arts spend precious time and energy
exposing themselves to and getting to know and
understand the works of artists and musicians both
those in our own time and those in past centuries?"
Since I certainly qualify as a non-artist, (people
usually clear the aisle in front of me to avoid
listening to me sing), this is a relevant question fot
me.
:Mr. Hause answers quite well. After quoting from
Isaiah 6:3, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts,
The whole earth is full of His glory" he states that,
"As we work with, develop and study any area of :
life we are called to self consciously look . for the :
excellence, beauty, grandeur, majesty, purity and
perfection that is in God, and which He placed in
this earth for us to view and enjoy."
Although sinners apart from Christ can do nothing in ;
the ultimate sense that is pleasing to God we do ;
understand that they are capable of making things of :
beauty because they are still image-bearers of their
Creator. This helps us to understand the common '
grace of God to all men while reminding us of our '
need to be ambassadors of Christ in communicating
the news of His redeeming grace to them as well. :
As Mr. Hause states, "Through the arts modem :
man expresses his fear, rebellion, and misery in a
powerful and poignant way. As we listen to what
artists and their culture are saying we will be able to
more compassionately and effectively communicate
the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them."

THE FUTURE OF EVANGELISM
by John Otis
Have you ever been accused of having a great ,
knowledge of the Scriptures and a lack of '
evangelistic zeal? Do you know the details of the
Law and yet have difficulty in telling people about
the great Lawgiver? Rev. Otis began his message by .
saying that "one of the sad plights of the reputation '
of modem day Calvinism from the perspective of
many conservative Christians is that they do not
associate evangelistic zeal with Reformed
Theology." Whether this appellation is deserved or .
not "it is time that we Calvinists and truly theonomic '
Christian reconstructionists not only proclaim but :
demonstrate our commitment to evangelism."
The bulk of this message was a challenge for us to
be "great champions of evangelism." Rev. Otis
listed five things that he believed were crucial factors '
in preparing us to be used of God in sharing His
Word with unbelievers.
The Counsel of Chalcedon August-September, 1990 Page 15
(1) We must be a holy people! "An ungodly life or
a life thatis short in manifesting vividly the fruit of
the Spirit is a sure embarrassment to Christ and a
stumbling block to unbelievers." "God's will for
your life is for you to be holy." (1 Peter 1: 14-16)
(2) Christ's body must exemplify its true unity in
Christ. As opposed to false ecumenism, "true unity
is a unity of truth, purpose and love, and has great
implications for evangelism in order that 'the world
may believe that Thou didst send Me'."
(3) We must have faith in the promises of God.
"One's zeal for evangelism is inescapably linked
with one's perspective of history." As we look in
faith at the promises of God concerning the future,
(1 Cor. 15:24,25; Psalm 2:7,8; Psalm 110:1,12;
Genesis 22:17,18: Matthew 16:18) we should be
like inodem day Joshua's and Caleb's. Away with
newspaper exegesis and forward to victory. "The
true church.is an invincible army. We are invincible
because Jesus promised to always be with us .and He
has given us all the necessary weapons for winning
the spiritual war."
(4) Christians are
entrusted with the
Gospel. ''A fourth
great principle that
we must focus upon
as we look to the
future of evangelism
in the 21st century is
that we Christians,
the true church of
Jesus, are the ves-
sels entrusted with
the Gospel. An
amazing fact is that
our sovereign God
who is all powerful
to accomplish His
divine decree has
chosen to bring that
decree to fruition by John Otis
means of weak
human . beings. 2
Corinthians 5:18-20 is astounding. We are told that
God has given us the ministry of reconciliation and
that we are ambassadors of Christ through whom
God begs men to be reconciled to Himself." The
King of Kings leads us forth into battle, therefore
we should be bold like a lion.
(5) Prayer is a means of fulfilling Godly dominion.
''In accomplishing the great evangelistic task before
us, there is a vital weapon God has given to us in
addition to the spoken Word. In a real sense it is a
Page 16 August-September, 1990 The Counsel of Chalcedon
truly secret weapon because this weapon is often
unseen. This weapon is prayer. Prayer is the
Christian's glorious privilege by virtue of the the
priesthood of Jesus Christ of beseeching the throne
of grace, asking God to grant us our desires which
are in full accord with His divine purpose."
"When the church begins to pray with vigor and
with faith for God to raise up spiritual soldiers; for
Christ's Lordship to be.extended to the four comers
of the earth; for all nations to bow before that
Lordship; and for the Gospel to be preached with
great boldness; then we shall see majestic things
happen ~ our midst." Let's get on our knees and
, get to work!
.......... ............ -........ .
THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
by Robert T. Lester
Can a bad tree produce good fruit? Jesus did not
think so (Matthew 7: 15-20). Is your child's
education the. responsibility of the state? Not
according to Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Won't more tax
dollars spent on the yublic education system solve.
the problem? No, mstead, more dollars seem to
equate with more rotten fruit. Consider the
following lists of the top disciplinary offenses listed
in the Gabler's Educational Research newsletter of
November, 1982. '
The 1940
top offenses were:
1. Talking in class
2 . chewing gum
3. Making noise
4 Running in the halls
5. Getting out of turn
The 1982
top offenses were:
!.Rape
2. Robbery
3. Assault
4. Burglary
5.Arson
"If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to
impose on America the mediocre educational
performance that exists today, we might well have
yiewed it as an act of war. As it stands, we 'have.
allowed this to happen to ourselves." So reports the
1983 National Commission on Excellence in
Education.
Maybe we should continue to try to polish the public
education apple? Not so, according to Mr. Bob
Lester, Administrator of Chalcedon Christian School
in Dunwoody, Georgia. He says, "Christian
organizations have naively and sinfully made vocal
attempts to return the public school system to it's
more moral past. Valiant attempts have been made
to restore prayer in state schools or the teaching of
creationism as a valid scientific option. What these
brethren have failed to see, and in fact have by
default embraced as their own, is the irnrnonil
philosophic presuppositions of natural man. They
have believed the myth of epistemic neutrality, that
is, that man can honestly consider any fact of
creation apart from or independent of the God who
created it"
"True Christ -centered education is the only education
that does have a future. It's very nature is future
oriented because it focuses on the next generation.
It's goals are the developing of a Christian mind,
transmitting a Christian culture and civilization and
the glory, praise and honor of God.''
Mr. Lester outlined three areas that he believed were
crucial for the development and improvement of
Christian schooling in the future.
1. Parent Education
The parents of Christian school students need to be
co-laborers in their child's education. "You cannot
turn over children to any institution, and that
includes the Christian school." Furthermore there
exists a strong correlation between responsible
family life and the development of orgamzational
skills in the home with student performance in the
classroom.
2. Teacher Education
a. "There exists an on-going requirement for
professional improvement, curriculum development,
and interpersonal relationships between students and
teachers."
b. "Teachers must understand their place in
the marketing strategy of a Christian institution."
c. "There must be increased instruction in
and access to computer technology."
d. "Teachers need to see themselves as
representing Christ to students in the classroom. In
doing so, they reflect Christ as Prophet, Priest and
King. The Prophet is an interpreter of God's created
and revealed truth. He knows and loves his subject.
The priest knows and loves his students. The king
exercises godly authority in the classroom. He does
so in a Christ-like spirit, not as a tyrant. He is given
the res t as the ima e bearer he is and is alwa s
Sunday morning worship during the conference
explicitly pointing to Christ, the one greater than the
teacher and thus teaching an important aspect o1
worship, e.g., fear, humility, and service to o ~
appointed authority."
3. Marketing Strategy
a. "Full classrooms are the goal of efficien1
school administration."
b. "Develop programs that are aimed al
those that make the enrollment decisions."
c. "Develop the ability of turning so called
"negatives'' into the differential advantages that make
your school an easy market choice."
to it."
d. "Develop a mission statement and stick
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THE FUTURE OF
CHURCH PLANTING _
by Wayne Rogers
I have had the pleasure of working with Rev.
Rogers in the past three years in the planting of
Christ Community Presbyterian Church in
Lawrenceville, Georgia. The subject of church
planting and church growth for the glory of God is
one that is constantly before us. We share a
common zeal to see the Kingdom of God advance in
our community, through people coming to Christ in
faith and repentance and in the Christian growth and
character development of the membership.
But can we be faithful to the Westminster Standards
and market ourselves to a consumer-oriented
The Counsel of Chalcedon August-September, 1990 Page 17
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society? Of course! In his usual low-key style Rev.
.. Rogers .CWayne often introduces .himself as
Judy Rogers) ta.ckles this problem ill his message on
church growth which was subtitled "McChtirch vs.
My Church.''
Pastor Rogers begips by citing .a newspaper article
entitled, "Gimme that New-Time religion", which
includes the following cormrieQ.ts for today's church
. growers. ''To attract churchgoers today, got
to please the That means high.,.tech
entertainment. -Day care. Self-help groups; No
pleas for money . . No Bible .. thuinP.ing ... People
patromze restal1Ianrs and stores they like, and they'll
attend a church for the same reason."
,"But," responds pastor Rogers, "is this Mc::Church
the same church that Jesus identified when He .said,
'I will build MY cHURCH, against which the gates
of hell shall not prevail?' Should we as Burger l(ing
says, 'Let them have it their way?' Should we
replace the steeple with the Golden Arches; replace
the Order of Worship with a Menu?''
"The church groWth movement, like two ofthe three
little pigs, is building with wood, hay, and straw, (1
Cor. 3: 12). They will not stand the test of time and
storm like the house built of brick, or as Jesus said,
the house built :on the rock, (Matthew 7:24-27).
Perhaps in examining the biblical foundations of the
church growth movement we should borrow the
slogan from W enpy's and ask, 'Where's the beef?"'
I .
In . looking for biblical for church
growth and church planting, Rev. Rogers cites that it
must be built on three foundation stones: "The
Promises of God, the . Principle of God and The
Practices of God." Pastors, if this. sounds like a
sermon outline--it was, and a good one.
. .
This message was concluded with a section entitled,
"How can you plant a Church?'' It was excellent and
very practical in nature. I will conClude with this
quote. "Develop a church where visitors and people
off the street will be welcome and accepted, by
providing for basic things that they are looking for
which are not wrong in and of themselves. People
. . today are. looking for family help, children's
programs, financial help, friendship; . and . the like.
While our priorities are greater than buildings and
. nurseries, we need to recognize that preaching to
empty chairs doesn't help You and I can
be worshippit:tg in. a barn, lis to
bab1es, and reveling m bemgpresuppos1t1onally self-
conscious. However, we also have to have as a
priority the creating of a base where we can teach
those things. That means, to some degree,
.recognizing what people do expect, providing it .for
them, in order to keep them long enough !O bring
them along in the truth. That means some patience
on the part of preachers and people with people who
may truly be believers, and are teachable, but . who
might choke on some doctrines if presented too
quickly or carelessly."

OF
by TedBaehr

Whatever happened to good movies? Why is there
so much anti-Christian content in the films today?
Will we ever have a return to the "golden age" of
moviemaking? Perhaps Ted Baehr is one of the key
men that God intends to use to bring Hollywood to
Christ The Lord has certainly opened up some key
doors for Ted to begin influencing moviemakers .
with the Word of God. He is a man who needs our
prayers for the challenges and opportunities that lie
m frortt of him.
. Mr. Baehr attributes the "golden age'' of
moviemaking to the presence of organizations like
the Protestant Film Office in Hollywood. For 33
years, from 1933 to like the
PFO read every fllm scnpt and sat m on all the ftlm
productions. The Motion Picture Code at this time
stated that "no picture should lower the moral .
standards of those who see it. Law must not be
belittled, ridiculed nor must a sentiment against law
be created. As far as possible lif should not be
misrepresented,at least not in such a way as to place
in the mind of youth false values on life."
What happened? . "In 1966 the PFO was closed
down to save $36,000 per year. Within three
months Anton Lavey, the avowed Satanist, opened
up a film office. Today he is listed as a consultant
on many of the horror films that are produced.
Within that same .year the National Orgartization of
Women opened an office and shortly thereafter they
were.joined by the Gay/Lesbian (Sodomite) Task
Force."
Christian influence had abandoned Hollywood and
demons were taking their place. As you recall that
period in history remember that many Christians
were probably too busy making plans to attend a
prophetic conference to see the need of worrying
about what goes on in Hollywood. Looking for a
Page 18 AugustSeptember, 1990 The Counsel or Chalcedon
quick exit . into the next world, this world was
forgotten. The salt had become tasteless. Is it
any wonder that when you have a blocked view
of the future, goal-setting and strategic planning
for victory go out the window. Ted Baehr with his
Legion of Decency is attempting to get back into
Hollywood, and he is beginning to have some
success. Why don't you write and encourage him
and find out how you can help? He publishes the
newsletter Movieguide and can be reached at Good
News Communications. 2876 Mabry Road N.E.,
Atlanta, Georgia 30319., (404) Q
Personal Diary
from
South Africa
Friday, March 2. 1990:
One week ago today we left Atlanta for South Africa-what a
full week it has been. Compared to so many days in my past
which I have squandered in self-interest, this week, spent with
so many who are living out their faith consistently, has
humbled me. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for bringing me here--
thank you for the friends whose generosity made it possible
for me to come, for those here in South Africa who welcome
our ministry and receive us as family, for three children who
are good and trustworthy and who pray for us, for those who
are "stoking the home ftres" and praying faithfully.
Lord, especially, thank you for Joe--one, who in an ever-
changing, immoral; unstable world, is constant, good and
true; a lode star in a darkening sky. You have given me a
noble man, Lord, with a heart for you and your earth. His
passion is to see your kingdom come in all its fullness. It
transcends all he is and does. After 25 years, Joe, you are still
my example, my dearest companion, my best friend. I am
sorely conscious that I do not deserve the honor of being your
wife but I am grateful.
Tonight we attended a banquet in Johannesberg at the Civic
Center. There were 2000 in attendance, black and white, to
proclaim C!uist's Lordship over South Africa atld pray for His
mercy on their nation. The program of singing and speeches
demonsttated a sincere desire to resolve their struggles and
tensions. The theme of the evening was well-stated in a song:
"God bless Africa, guard her children,
guide her leaders, give her peace."
By far the highlight of the evening for Joe was meeting
President de Klerk! He admonished him to rely on God's
principles and not to "cave in" to pressures from within his
country or ours. A very popular and beautiful lady, named
Wendy Millen who is a TV producer and hosts programs on
the radio, met us afterwards and made plans to interview Joe.
We also enjoyed an elegant luncheon today with several
stimulating friends of Claude Moeller at the "Allegeo''
restaurant in the State Theatre building in Pretoria. Somerset
Markel (or "Somie" as his friends call him) was our excellent
host. Those present were as follows: Claude and Elna Moeller
of "Family Focus"; their secretary Hanlie du Preez; Vallie
Gilfillan . a last year theology student at the Universtiy of
Pretoria; Professor Johan POtgieter, a professor in Private Law
at the University; Dr. Fanie (Stephen) Van Huyssteen, a
pastor who has studied nouthetic counseling under Jay Adams
at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia; Col Nic Potgeiter,
Secretary of State Security; Rev. Chin Reddy, an Indian
(Asian) pastor whom we were delighted to learn haS preached
at a church in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, very near my
hometown of Haysi; and Somerset Morkel, with the
Department of Foreign Affairs. Affairs of state were discussed
up and down the beautifully appointed table as we enjoyed our
wonderful meal; but the dominant theme on the lips and in the
hearts of all present was the Lordship of Christ as the
necessary hub of all of life--whether personal, family or state.
I can't imagine a luncheon conversation of this nature taking
place with people of like-status in America! God, grant us
repentance and a return to our godly roots.
It's now about midnight, and Joe is beginning to develop
chills and fever. I'm afraid he is going to be really ill by
morning!
3:
As predicted Joe is very can't really pinpoint a
cause--maybe. fatigue combined with rapid changes in
temperatures and foods. He has started on an antibiotic we
. brought along. Lord, please make him well soon, according
to your will, so that his nlission here can be carried out.
The Counsel of Chalcedon August-September, 1990 Page 19