Tag Archives: Systematic Theology

Implementing the New Testament Emphasis in Adult Teaching Ministries

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The first article demonstrated that teachers and teaching are two essential components of a New Testament church at any age level. This second article focuses specifically on the Bible teaching ministries for adults. ADULT TEACHING MINISTRIES TODAY Churches today utilize three main Bible teaching ministries for adults: • Adult Sunday School classes (sometimes called adult Bible fellowships), • Specialized Bible studies (such as men’s and women’s Bible studies), and • Small groups (small groups of adults who meet at various times; sometimes called cell groups or life groups).

Senior Saints and Sensibility

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If you have ever heard someone say, “You just had to have been there,” or, “Hindsight is so much better than foresight,” then you are also hearing what senior saints often think in the church. No one knows how seniors think or feel until they’ve become one, and no one sees from their perspective until they’ve been a senior themselves. I turned 67 this year and only feel that I’m beginning to understand what many of these great saints are saying.

Further Thoughts on Eternal Security

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It has been twenty-four years since the topic of eternal security was last addressed in the Faith Pulpit. In the February 1992 issue Dr. Myron Houghton presented the four major views on security and then explained how Romans 8:28–30 supports eternal security. In this issue Dr. Alan Cole, professor of Bible and theology at Faith Baptist Bible College, extends the discussion by presenting additional evidence to support the view that genuine believers cannot lose their salvation. I appreciate the article Dr.

In Defense of the Adult Sunday School Class

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Adult ministries are shifting in churches today. The emphasis seems to be moving away from adult Sunday School classes to small groups. In the first article Don Anderson, professor of Christian Education at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary and a veteran adult Sunday School teacher, calls churches back to the priority of adult Sunday School classes. He believes adult Sunday School classes can do everything small groups can do and more. In the second article he offers some suggestions for how to improve our adult classes so they reach their full potential.

The Importance of Justification

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“How is a person justified before God?” That was the question that ignited the Reformation. Beyond that foundational question, theologians have debated additional questions, such as “What is the importance of justification in relation to the other benefits of salvation?” and “Where does justification fit logically in relation to saving faith?” In this article Dr. Myron Houghton, senior professor and chair of the Systematic Theology Department at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, guides us in an in-depth consideration of these significant questions.

The Active Obedience of Christ

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Many Bible-believing Baptists today are influenced by groups which identify themselves as centered on the gospel but in reality are teaching a Reformed view that the imputed righteousness of Christ is the result of His active obedience to the law. This article considers two important questions: What is meant by “the active obedience of Christ” and is it Scriptural? What Is Meant by “Active Obedience”? Some people hold that the term “active obedience” refers to the fact that Christ kept the law in order to demonstrate His sinlessness, a Lamb without spot or blemish.

A Theology of the Family

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I. God created and designed the institution of the family (Gen. 1:27, 28, 2:18, 20–24; Matt. 19:4–6). A. The family design, structure, and order existed before the Fall. B. The family continues through all dispensations until eternity. C. The family is the means by which God propagates the human race. D. The family unit is the basic building block for both society and the church. II. God’s design for most individuals is to enter into the institution of marriage. A. Marriage is a sacred covenant before God and between spouses (Prov.

Reasons for Holding a Non-Charismatic Position

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Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary has gone on record in its Definition and Direction Statement as holding a non-charismatic position (section 1), i.e., we believe that the sign gifts of the New Testament are no longer in existence. The board of directors, administrators, faculty, and staff members annually agree in writing with this position (section 6). In this article Dr. Myron Houghton, professor of theology at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, explains reasons for this non-charismatic position. In this article the term charismatic refers to a belief that all of the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:14 are available today.

When Does (the Sanctity of) Life Begin?

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When life begins is a question of current interest in theology, science and the media. The issue is clouded by emotion and personal beliefs. Some contend that life begins at conception. Some believe life begins at birth. Others say the beginning of life occurs in various stages of individual development. The “beginning of life” is germane to stem cell research, cloning, abortion rights, and euthanasia. As with many controversial issues, a clear understanding is seldom achieved. Definitions are, many times, drafted to suit a particular personal belief or political position.

Real Religion, Part 1

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The Faith Pulpit presents topics of interest to pastors and interested lay men and women. These two articles should especially benefit those ministering to ladies who have lost their husbands. Readers are welcome to photocopy these articles to make them more widely available. It is our prayer that Dr. Schmidt’s treatment of this vital subject will be a help and encouragement to you as you minister to others, particularly to widows. The word religion usually makes Bible believers nervous. The word is usually associated with man’s attempt to earn God’s favor, but the New Testament does use it a few times in a positive way.