For the last several years I have attended and lectured at the Texas meeting of the Sovereign Grace Bible Conference. But, this year I was prevented from traveling, due to some ongoing (and very annoying) back troubles. Nevertheless, Elder Gregg Wren from The Saint’s Chapel in Mesquite, TX asked if I would record and submit teaching for this year’s conference, which I was happy to do. This year, he left it up to the lecturers to choose their own topic. Over the years, I have touched on various aspects of “tracing the seed” here at GCA. But here, for the first time, I was able to set it out in a more organized systematic way. I have titled this teaching “Seedology,” after a suggestion from David Morris. It’s in four parts. The first three sections lay out the Old Testament evidence and the fourth segment pulls it all together.

Once again, I’m so very grateful for the friendship and encouragement I have received from the Sovereign Grace Bible Conference through these many years. And here, for your dining and dancing pleasure, is Seedology —-

I am still making videos, I’m just not very good at updating my blog. 🙂

It’s been a while since I fired up the recording software to make some new music. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve returned to one of my most beloved hymns and gave it a bit of a sonic update. I continue to enjoy Studio One 5 and the multiplicity of sounds and instruments that are available on the internet for free (or close to it).

Our friend in India has been hard at work updating the translation of By Grace Alone. He writes, “Greetings in our Lord’s name. I am glad to write to you after so many years. I just wanted to inform you that I had to make many translatory improvisations in the Telugu version of your book “By Grace Alone” and it’s really come out good.“

At present, it is available online as a printable html page. We are working on getting a downloadable PDF version. But, you can access the new, updated version of the book here:

https://hithabodha.com/books/salvation/137-grace-alone.html

It’s hard to express how much I appreciate the hard work that has gone into this translation for the people of India.

On Wednesday, July 1, 2020 we began our study in the book of Isaiah. Here is the downloadable chart of Isaiah citations in the New Testament that we handed out to the congregation during that meeting.

I frequently use the phrase “Be The Christian.” Of course, when I say that, I am emphasizing the importance of individual commitment to the things of Christ. Even if everyone else should turn their back, you stand firm. Be the Christian.

But then I was asked whether that’s even a good moniker to Christ’s followers.

The email question read —

Pastor Jim,

Should we call ourselves a Christian? Christ never called himself a Christian. Christ never called his followers Christians. The apostles never called each other Christians. Christ never used that adjective to describe Himself.

How are we to identify ourselves then? The disciples called each other brethren. Or, disciples, apostles, servants, believers, followers, the faithful, the elect, the called, saints, bondservants of Christ. But, not Christians. So, should we?

To which I replied:

Actually, the word “Christian”  (Greek Χριστιανός – Christianos) is a perfectly good name to call ourselves.  The Greek word actually has a Latin adjectival ending that denotes “adhering to”, or “belonging to.” So it essentially means “one belonging to Christ.” 

Naturally then, Jesus would never be called a Christian. But, His disciples can be. 

And, although the other names you mentioned are indeed biblical names that disciples called one another, the Bible tells us that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:26).  And then Peter uses the term in a positive way in 1Peter 4:16 — “but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”

So, I have no problem with the disciples of Jesus Christ referring to themselves as Christians.  It’s biblical and it’s complimentary.  We do belong to Him and I am not ashamed of a name the points out that fact. 

I said it before, I’ll say it again … Be The Christian.

Grace and peace,

Jim Mc.