The Third Q&A Session, Part Two

8) Is it possible for a nonelect person to truly want to be elect? No.

9) Contextualization? That is, putting the gospel into the context of the local cultural milieu. Because we're finite we inevitably think in a particular framework. But this can be taken too far, especially in postmodern thought. Adapting the gospel to a particular culture? It is wise to begin with where those you are trying to reach are, but recognize that no culture will accept the Bible. God is in the process of of creating a new people that will subvert the existing culture. Maintaining ethnic boundaries weakens our love for the church.

10) Predestination, election, and John 3:16. The verse is a call to faith, to belief in Christ. Predestination is best understood as a hedge against pride. We can't be boastful of our faith. What do you have that you have not been given? The believer is not better than those who don't believe, although he's certainly better off. Note the position of Paul's discussion of election in Romans and then in Ephesians. It is not fruitful to discuss this with unbelievers. "A family secret." Per Dr. Carson: a) That God is absolutely and utterly sovereign does not mitigate human responsibility, and b) human beings are responsible but not so as to make God absolutely contingent. What is the right way to balance a) and b)?

11) Did the fathers before Augustine teach the doctrines of grace? Each generation wrestles with peculiar problems of their times and cultures. Thomas Oden has shown that ideas of justification were present in the early fathers but it has to be admitted they didn't get everything right. So as with the doctrines of grace.

12) The difference between a prophet and a preacher. "Prophet" should not be applied in the sense of new revelation given authoritatively. Look at the range of meanings of these words in Scripture.

13) How to be an effective preacher with all the burdens we carry. Four-five hours in the morning devoted to study. The better educated you are before going into the ministry the more effective/efficient you can be in the pastorate. The most important way to serve the congregation is the right preaching and teaching of the word. Plan to pray, plan to study. Things will change according to the different stages of life.