Ardent Fidelity

If you want to find an instance of true gratitude for the infinite grace of God, do not go to those who think of God’s love as something that cost nothing, but go rather to those who in agony of soul have faced the awful fact of the guilt of sin, and then have come to know with a trembling wonder that the miracle of all miracles has been accomplished, and that the eternal Son has died in their stead.

—J. Gresham Machen, “What the Bible Teaches About Jesus,”
quoted in Rid of My Disgrace, by Lindsey A. Holcomb, Justin S. Holcomb

[The Southern Baptist] convention built its legacy on reaching white people. But we’ve got to do whatever it takes to change this legacy. The gospel demands that we do so. God the Father sacrificed his son to reach the diverse peoples and tribes, and to bring them into gospel unity. As the USA becomes increasingly diverse, our all-white churches increasingly appear as a contradiction to the gospel. If we are not careful, public perception will be along these lines, “If you want racial integration and unity, rely on the US government. But if you want all-white gatherings that are bizarre anomalies in a diverse culture, go to a SBC church.”

—Bruce Ashford, in “Theology & Practice of Mission: An Interview with Bruce Ashford,”
Danny Akin, Between The Times [www.betweenthetimes.com]

The best way for a white church to serve alongside black pastors is to first think of themselves in a subordinate role—to first listen to what black pastors say the needs are and then to submit to black pastoral leadership. Far too often white churches approach black pastors assuming they know what is best for communities in which they do not live and for people they do not know. It is the same posture that is needed in international missions: Americans go to other countries and follow the lead of people who are there on the ground. Cross-cultural relationships in America are not different. This posture of humility will yield amazing dividends for the Kingdom.

—Anthony Bradley, in “The Black Church and the Black Community: A Conversation with Anthony Bradley”,
Trevin Wax, Kingdom People

Church-switching is pernicious. Not only does the church “market” breed selfishness, it also makes pastors market-oriented… We cannot build institutions when our focus is on building the self.

—David French, “Evangelicals’ Collapsing Cultural Influence,” National Review Online, March 14, 2011

…teaching headship and submission in marriage is only safe if we are also teaching women their responsibility to be an Abigail if married to a Nabal.

—Douglas Wilson, “How Jerks Define the Golden Line”, Blog and Mablog

Faith is not a private reality that arises from inner reflection or as a result of philosophical investigation. People receive the Spirit “by hearing with faith” (Galatians 3:2-5). When human beings hear the word of the gospel and believe, they are saved. The oral proclamation of the word is necessary for faith.

—Thomas R. Schreiner, Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ

The centrality of Christ and the new humanity formed in him signifies that all other human classes, organizations and distinctions are outmoded.

—Thomas R. Schreiner, Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ