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RenewingMinds
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The Journal
The following is a list of 2000 changes to the various related web sites or information bulletins. Most recent changes are shown first:
- 12/8/2000
- Given the widespread influence of feminism and effect of gender inversion on American culture (even conservative Christian circles), we are impelled (recently propelled) to endorse the Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. With that said, we further acknowledge the vital necessity of genuine spiritual growth via the identification truths. These specific truths form the only foundation for authentic personhood as well as biblical complementarianism in marriage. This is the same position Miles expressed in his writings--e.g., The Making, the Breaking...
- 11/23/2000
- For our current devotional reading, we have begun going through MJS's A Spiritual Anthology series. This three volume set, published in 1994, consists of 750 gleanings (position papers) authored by many of the early Plymouth Brethren and later dispensational leaders. This unique collection embodies the best of Miles' life-long library and represents a mini systematic theology on the subject of spiritual growth. As we read, we will be making regular entries to an online subject and author index. See MJS - A Spiritual Anthology Index.
- 11/11/2000
- We finally have become established with a national Web Hosting organization. Even.....electric lights and hot water! No need to type the "www" any longer, just withCHRIST.org. This new site will eventually support several enhancements and advanced features which were unavailable at the old location. We're just getting started, so look for added materials, better design and navigation, audio, and even MS PowerPoint teaching materials you can download! Thanks for your support and we continue to look forward to hearing from YOU!
- 10/7/2000
- After approximately eight months, I have decided to
take down the Fellowship Contacts page created at the first of
the year (see January 29, 2000 post). The decision wasn't easy, but
after some prayer, discussion, and waiting before the Lord, the step was
taken. Problems arose from the diversity of visitors wanting to be
added to our list, combined with a growing number having an inadequate
understanding of the doctrinal positions of our websites. Consequently
and probably inadvertent, some appeared to be interested in establishing
links for the purpose of advancing doctrinal agendas fundamentally at odds
with our moderate* Calvinistic,
Pauline dispensational framework.
Examples would include: the doctrinal cancer of free will (indeterminism)
and variations of its unscriptural complement--
conditional election. The websites associated with
withChrist.org were not created to serve the agendas of others.
To Link or Not to Link? - We have regularly received inquiry and requests to establish both incoming and outgoing links to websites. Of course given the nature of the Internet, anyone is free to establish a link TO us or any site. However, since outbound links can be interpreted by the undiscerning Christian to convey broad approval, we are very judicious in their use. All online ministries need to be careful and exercise discernment when establishing such links. As a general rule and consistent with Miles Stanford's desire and ministry approach, his website was established and will be maintained with a strictly limited number of outbound links.
Several 'deeper life' and 'spiritual growth' discussion groups have been spawned on the Internet. Of late, a growing number use excerpts from Miles Stanford's literature as source material to spark discussion. These forums can serve as a blessing to numbers of growing believers...and for that we are thankful! However, given the typical 'cross-current' dynamics and lack of leadership in online discussion forums and chat rooms, we will not recommend these groups as a general rule. Granted, our visitors may in time discover these groups on their own, but we believe it best not to expose new believers to realms where they may become confused or drawn astray before having an opportunity to become established in safe and sound doctrine.
* The "moderate Calvinism" we refer to is historic position held by early dispensationalists like Darby, Chafer, Scofield, as well as later authors like Miles Stanford. It excludes popular positions like those presented in Norman Geisler's book, Chosen But Free which borrow the term but advocate philosophic indeterminism.
- 8/25/2000
- This weekend found us the inconspicuous attendees at a better-known, 3-day, conservative Christian conference. The final speaker, a long-time national voice in evangelical Christianity, ask the 1,000+ attendees the following question, "How many of you believe that you are 'saved by faith'?" "Please raise your hands." Nearly the entire auditorium raised their arms toward the ceiling. Diane and I sat motionless. The popular speaker fired back, "WRONG! That is heresy." "We are saved BY GRACE, through faith, in the Lord Jesus Christ." WOW! Maybe the individual has been reading our website?
- 8/5/2000
- A number of new articles have been placed on the websites. They are not all obvious, and will require some searching. We regularly update the local search engine, so please use that resource. It's been a very busy summer, and work on the new website mentioned in April has languished. We are becoming familiar with the new computer and upgraded software. Again, thanks to all for their faithful support.
- 4/15/2000
- How time flies! During the past several months, the amount of substantive correspondence has increased while the total volume has declined. We're happy to report that the new computer hardware/software has been installed, a domain name registered (withChrist.org), and I am in the midst of a major re-design of the websites. Given my busy schedule, I'm shooting for June 30th. Upon completion, we plan to use a national web hosting company with direct access to OC-192 fiber-optics communications. On a lighter note, I am also happy to report the birth of my first grandson--Caleb William--born March 17, 2000.
- 1/29/2000
- Long overdue, we have created a Network page (link on the left) to facilitate online fellowship among believers who hold positional and identificational views. We pray the Lord will bless this effort to create a clearinghouse for like-minded Christians. If you want to be included--just email us your comments and provide a viable email address.
Mail this page to a friend- SEATED
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