The grace of forgetfulness

...a Reformed Baptist attending a Presbyterian church...

What a mouthful! And what a pity that these days, identifying what sort of Christian we are can take a fortnight.

But the main reason I thought I'd speak up today has to do with Bill Ascol, one of the Ascol brothers so noted for their connection to the Founders group in the SBC. Mr. Ascol has recently taken over the pastorate at Bethel Baptist Church in Owasso. Those interested in what a "Reformed Baptist" approach might be like might care to visit. There are others in the Tulsa area. Tom Woodson at Sheridan Road Baptist Church is clearly Reformed in his soteriology, for example. It is interesting to note that a former Sheridan Road pastor, also noted for firmly Calvinistic soteriology, wound up being head of Oklahoma's Baptist Convention.

Dan, thanks for relaying that news about Bethel. I had heard the church went through a pretty rough patch, although I never heard the details. You hear about conflicts in Baptist churches where the pastor is committed to the Doctrines of Grace, but the lay leadership isn't yet persuaded, and when a pastor leaves under those circumstances, his successor is unlikely to hold Reformed views. It's good to know that Bethel will continue to be a place where the Doctrines of Grace will be taught.

A friend is a member at Trinity Baptist in west Tulsa and says their pastor also has Reformed views. You mentioned a former Sheridan Road pastor who served as president of the BGCO -- what was his name? Several years ago, I was chatting with a fellow who came to work on our air ducts and was interested in the contents of our bookshelves. He said he was a long-time Sheridan Road member, and that the church had had Reformed pastors back as long as he could remember.

Going further off-topic: If you're wondering why a Reformed Baptist would go to a Presbyterian Church, the short version of the story is that once upon a time we were looking for a missions-minded evangelical church with dignified, God-honoring worship and a commitment to sound doctrine. We found that at Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA) in 1990, and over time (five years or so) came to understand and agree with the Calvinist doctrines concerning salvation. We also came to appreciate godly leadership that saw the church through some tough times and a congregation that takes care of those who are hurting. David O'Dowd's preaching is excellent and grace-full.

I still am not persuaded that infant baptism is a Biblical practice, so because of that I describe myself as a Reformed Baptist. On the other hand, I appreciate the Presbyterian form of church government and think it is more resilient than the Congregational form.

Michael, thanks for the kind words. Just don't let my pastor find out you used my name and Proverbs 31:6-7 in the same post. ;-)

...a former Sheridan Road pastor who served as president of the BGCO -- what was his name?

If my memory isn't playing tricks on me, that was Wade Burleson.

He said he was a long-time Sheridan Road member, and that the church had had Reformed pastors back as long as he could remember.

According to one of the oldest members of the church, the original pastor was distinctly Arminian in his doctrine--but after that, the fellow you ran into would seem to be correct.

It does seem to me that the SBC in general is, bit by bit, returning to its Reformed heritage. An excellent thing altogether!

...I appreciate the Presbyterian form of church government...

If it weren't for paedobaptism, I could put up with Presbyterian ecclesiology--but my eyeballs still pop when someone starts talkin' 'bout sprinkin'.

Speaking of forgetting....if anyone watches Commander in Chief (a t.v. show some feel was put in prime time this season to soften some Democrats up to position Hillary Clinton as a possible "commander in chief" candidate for 2008.
Geena Davis is co-producer which many will find hilarious because of the previous acting roles she has done before this t.v. series such as
Thelma and Louise. What a 360 degree acting role change for Geena! On prime time we often see serious t.v. advertisements as these cost big bucks, but during Commander in Chief, one of the commercials just happened to be for a doll!
Usually this would mean you are gearing your commercials towards the type of people viewing the t.v. show......the doll commercial came on and flip went the t.v. control.....

Geena Davis thanks you for the free publicity, Susan.

As for me, I haven't seen it yet. Of course, I watch so little TV that I've never seen "The West Wing," either.

I think you would prefer The West Wing.

The way Geena Davis solves the problems of the world as president is typical Hollywood style. As co-producer, Geena makes herself look as though she is a hero each week...you'll understand why the actor/president that died on the show asked her to step down.

You will understand the mentality of who they think is watching...they had a doll commercial last time I watched on prime time in October.

The Tulsa World needs to do a complete review from the very beginning of all the deal makers that had a part in the Great Plains Airline deal and since banks including BOK has rules and regulations of who they will accept as a "good risk" BOK Stan Lybarger was quoted as having turned the loan request down at first. What you need to do now is see what type of arm twisting would cause a very large bank to MAKE SUCH A RISKY LOAN and have a strong possibility of having to write it off as a bad debt.