on Biblical Discernment Workshops
• Dr. James Bjornstad
• Mrs. Joan C. Cetnar
• Rev. G.
Richard Fisher
• Dr. Gary E. Gilley
• Dr. Robert L. Griffin
• Mrs. Lorri MacGregor
•
Dr. Paul L. Maier
•
Dr. Richard L. Mayhue
• Mr. Bill McKeever
• Ms. Marcia Montenegro
• Dr. Robert A. Peterson
• Dr. Ron Rhodes
• Rev. Mark Robinson
• Rev. Paul Scozzafava
• Rev. Charles N. Smith
•
Dr. Steven Tsoukalas
• Dr. David M. Tyler
• Mr. Jim Valentine
• Rev. L.L. (Don) Veinot, Jr.
• Dr. Bruce A. Ware
Dr. James Bjornstad
• The Non-negotiable Doctrines of Seventh-day Adventism and Their
Impact on Theology
This session will consider specific aspects of Seventh-day Adventist
teaching, particularly the Sanctuary Doctrine and the Investigative
Judgment, the Seventh-day Sabbath, and the prophetess, Ellen G. White.
Also examined will be what effect these non- negotiable doctrines have
on the theology of the present-day Seventh-day Adventist church and its
members.
• A Study in Contrasts: Jesus and Salvation in
the Qur’an and the Bible
While Islam is marked with radical distinctions between itself and
biblical Christianity, many Christians are unlearned as to even the
basic tenets of this fast growing religion. This workshop will survey
first those explicit passages in Islam's scripture, the Qur'an, which
relate to Jesus and the doctrine of salvation, and then proceed to a
comparison with the Biblical data. Contrasts between Islam and
Christianity will also be noted with an aim to understand and evangelize
Muslims.
James Bjornstad is professor of Philosophy at Cedarville University (in Cedarville, Ohio) and executive director of the Institute of Contemporary Christianity. He serves on the boards of Personal Freedom Outreach and Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center, and serves as the president of Evangelical Ministries to New Religions. Jim has been researching world religions and contemporary religions in America for nearly 40 years.
• Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Have Another Gospel?
All Jehovah’s Witnesses are on a mission. Throughout the world, members
of the Watchtower organization invest more than one billion hours
annually to bring their “good news” to your doorstep. Yet is the
message they take door-to-door really “good news”? How does it compare
to the Gospel found in Scripture? And, most importantly, does their
“gospel” save? This workshop will examine these and other serious
concerns in light of the biblical warning not to be led away by those
preaching “another gospel.”
Joan Cetnar is a former Jehovah’s Witness, and has, for nearly 40 years, educated the Church and general public regarding the cults, specifically Jehovah’s Witnesses. She is the hostess of the annual Witnesses Now for Jesus Convention and has spoken in churches, seminars, and conferences throughout the United States and in Japan. Joan serves on the Board of Directors of Personal Freedom Outreach.
• The Devil and Joyce Meyer
From riding the demonized piggyback, to exposing generational
spirits, to identifying a poverty spirit by the victim’s bad breath and
body odor, popular Charismatic Joyce Meyer deviates widely from the
Scripture in her teachings on demons and spiritual warfare. Her
demonology is an amalgam of imagination, Middle Age mythology,
speculation, and exaggeration. This workshop will survey Meyer’s
lessons entitled, How to Fight the Devil and Win!, a tape series
which claims to be “anointed teaching” and “important information the
devil hopes you will never find out!”
• Joel Osteen’s Appealing But Aberrant Message
Joel Osteen is the epitome of church success. As pastor of
Houston’s Lakewood Church he leads a reported 30,000 people in worship
each week. Yet his success has been achieved at a cost to sound
doctrine and spiritual integrity. His messages are a synthesis of Word
Faith concepts wrapped up in a seeker-friendly environment. This
workshop will examine the meager beginnings of Lakewood Church, founded
by Osteen’s father John in 1959, and further evaluate Joel’s rise to
fame and his doctrine and practice.
G. Richard Fisher is the senior researcher and writer for Personal Freedom Outreach’s newsletter publication, The Quarterly Journal. He has served as pastor of Laurelton Park Baptist Church in Bricktown, N.J., for over three decades. Dick is also a member of PFO’s Board of Directors, is the co-author of The Confusing World of Benny Hinn, and is a frequent guest on radio broadcasts nationwide.
• The Emerging Church — From and To Where?
Does cultural change require the Church to redefine and reshape itself —
emerging as fresh and sundry expressions of worship? And is the style
of our worship more important than the substance of our worship? If
the seeker-sensitive church epitomizes modernity, then the emergent
church is created in the image of postmodernity. This seminar will
examine the key players, philosophy, and theology of the “emerging
church,” along with its history, future and threat to evangelical
Christianity.
Gary Gilley has been pastoring at Southern View Chapel in Springfield, Ill., for over 30 years. He is author of three books, ‘‘I Just Wanted More Land,’’ – Jabez, This Little Church Went to Market, and the soon-to-be-published This Little Church Stayed Home. He also writes the monthly study paper, Think on These Things which examines important contemporary theological issues, and is a contributing author for PFO’s The Quarterly Journal.
• An Obsession with Death
Radical Muslim fundamentalists are infamous for their use of terrorism —
even to the point of taking their own life in homicide bombings. This
workshop will present an examination of how the fanaticism of modern day
Islam is rooted in its foundation and early history. This session will
also explore that the keys to today’s dilemma are found in 7th-century
Arabic culture.
• Be Ready to Defend the Faith
The Christian faith is reasonable, intelligent, grounded upon objective
and verifiable evidences, and, as such, can be defended. Yet many
Christians retreat from the biblical command to be prepared and ready to
give an answer for the hope that lies within them (1 Peter 3:15). This
session will offer a study of the Scriptural imperative for each and
every believer to be prepared to defend the faith “once for all
delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
Robert Griffin retired as the pastor of Parker Road Baptist Church in 2004, where he served for twelve years. He continues to be engaged in a Bible teaching ministry. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1973. His ministry opportunities include preaching, teaching, mission trips, and Bible Camp direction throughout the world. Bob served as the Executive Director of Bible Memory Association International from 1977-1989, and was a Trustee of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2000-2004. He currently serves on PFO’s Board of Directors.
• Fads in the Church
Every so often some new fad appears in the Church. Many Christians join
right in, believing absolutely that this newest fad will elevate them
spiritually. As the fad fades, another one is on the horizon, and the
old one is discarded. We will examine the life cycle of the fad, and
show video clips of some of the recent ones, and discuss why the church
seems so vulnerable, often eagerly embracing the latest fad. Included
will be a discussion on the “Purpose Driven Church.”
• Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Real Jesus
Jehovah’s Witnesses have always presented “another Jesus” to the
unsuspecting public and their own members. They even published an
altered Bible to complete their deception. This workshop will include
video clips from the recent production, “Jehovah’s Witnesses and the
Real Jesus,” which will emphasize the depth of Watchtower deception on
the person of Jesus Christ. This warning is timely, because aberrant
groups in the Church are also misrepresenting Jesus in a similar manner.
• Word-Faith — Neither the Word, nor the Faith
of Scripture
Just how far has the Word-Faith Movement gone over the years into
increasingly aberrant doctrine? What began as an overemphasis on
material prosperity has spiraled downhill through their “revelation
knowledge” claims. This session will present video clips of outrageous
teachings by leaders in the Word-Faith Movement, showing how far they
have wandered from the true faith of Scripture.
Lorri MacGregor with her husband, Keith, founded in 1979, MacGregor Ministries, a Canadian countercult discernment ministry. They have researched, written, and co-produced eight videos dealing with Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, and the counterfeit Christianity found in some Churches. They also have written and produced numerous booklets, tracts, and audio tapes on the subject of the cults and aberrant Christianity. They have a quarterly magazine, as well as maintain two web sites with information on the cults. They are now known as MM Outreach, in partnership with Media Ministries.
• The Da Vinci Distortion
Assuming “If it's in print, it must be true” is a fatal mistake, and Dan
Brown’s The Da Vinci Code is a case in point. Probably it is the
most corrosive attack on Christ and Christianity since Celsus, though
Celsus had much better arguments. The Da Vinci Code,
instead, ripples with historical errors on nearly every page, and the
entire novel is based on a hoax in Paris that was exposed several
decades ago.
• Heresies in the Church’s First Three
Centuries: Nothing New Under the Sun
The early church had to fight a two-front war: externally against the
greatest military power on earth — the Roman Empire — and internally
against heresy within its own ranks. That it not only survived but
triumphed in both contests is testimony enough to the intervention of
God and the courage of the early Christians.
Paul Maier is Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, the Second Vice-President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and a much published author of both scholarly and popular works including Josephus - The Essential Writings, and the theological thriller that became a #1 national bestseller in religious fiction: A Skelton in God's Closet. Several million Maier books are now in print in a dozen languages, as well as over 250 scholarly articles and reviews in professional journals. Paul appears frequently in national radio, television, and newspaper interviews, and has received numerous awards.
• The Healing Promise
Faith
healers draw crowds by the tens of thousands and even by the hundreds of
thousands to their healing campaigns. But is God using these faith
healers to bring healing and hope? Does Christ heal today as He did as
reported in the Gospels? Is it always God’s will to heal? Are
Christians showing a lack of faith when they consult with physicians?
These and additional nagging questions will be answered from the Bible
in this workshop session.
• Unmasking Demons
Can true Christians be indwelt with demons? Do believers in Christ need
demons cast out? What can demons do to those who are truly redeemed?
Several prominent “Christian” authors and teachers answer the first two
questions in the affirmative and through testimonials, anecdotes, and
sensational stories attribute much power to the forces of darkness
against Christians. These relevant issues and concerns will be
addressed from Scripture in this session.
Richard L. Mayhue is the Executive Vice-President of The Master’s College and Seminary in Santa Clarita, Calif. He has authored, contributed to, and/or edited over twenty-five books including The Healing Promise, Unmasking Satan, Seeking God, How to Interpret the Bible for Yourself, and Think Biblically plus numerous other periodical and journal articles. Dick has also served on the pastoral staff of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., and as pastor of the historic Grace Brethren Church of Long Beach.
• Mormon Forgiveness: Now? Later? Ever?
The Mormon Church places a lot of emphasis on repentance as a means of
receiving forgiveness. Though no one would deny that repentance is
certainly a part of the Christian life, the problem lies in how
Mormonism defines the word. In this workshop we will examine the
relationship between repentance and forgiveness within Latter-day Saint
thought and offer ways of using this information in a witnessing
situation.
• Is Joseph the
Reason for the Season?
During 2005 the LDS Church spared no expense to commemorate the 200th
anniversary of the birth of their founder and prophet Joseph Smith. With
all that was said and done did this celebration go beyond the limits of
propriety? What kind of a man was Joseph Smith and what have LDS leaders
said about him that should cause Bible-believing Christians concern?
• Why Are We Not Allowed to be Skeptical About
The Book of Mormon?
The Mormon Church has made grand declarations about The Book of
Mormon, but insists that these claims can only be realized through
“spiritual understanding.” In this workshop we will examine some of
these grandiose claims for The Book of Mormon and demonstrate the
danger of accepting it as scripture without substantial evidential
support.
Bill McKeever is the founder and director of Mormonism Research Ministry, a missionary/apologetics organization based in the Salt Lake City area. MRM has been challenging the claims of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1979. Bill is the author of Answering Mormons’ Questions and co-author of Questions to Ask Your Mormon Friend and Mormonism 101.
• Feng Shui and Other Popular
Spiritual Trends
Led by a former New Ager, this workshop will explain the beliefs behind
the new spirituality of today that we see in practices such as Feng Shui,
Reiki, and Yoga. We will learn about the red flags that help us identify
these types of beliefs, and look at these practices in the light of
God’s Word.
•
The Kabbalah Goes Global
Madonna, Bette Midler, Demi Moore, and other stars have been studying
the Kabbalah for years. There is now a growing interest in this around
the world. What is the Kabbalah? Where did it come from? What does it
teach? We will examine the Kabbalah teachings such as the Tree of Life,
and how we should view the Kabbalah biblically.
•
Teen Psychics, Teen Witches: Youth and the Occult
An increased desensitization in society to the occult and promotion of
occult books and movies aimed at teens has increased the availability
and appeal of the occult. A former astrologer who speaks to youth groups
across the country will lead you through the mazes and disguises of the
occult, and suggest ways in responding to this issue with youth.
Marcia Montenegro, who trusted Christ in December 1990, is a former professional astrologer, past president of the Metropolitan Astrological Society, and taught astrology for over five years. She was also involved for a number of years in psychic development, and in various Eastern, New Age and occult beliefs. She now has a ministry, Christian Answers for the New Age (CANA), and is an off-campus student at Southern Evangelical Seminary, Charlotte, NC. Marcia is a member of Cherrydale Baptist Church.
• The Best Arguments for Conditionalism Today
Conditionalism is the view that human beings are by nature mortal and
that immortality is a gift given by God to persons in regeneration.
Conditionalists maintain that the unregenerate, who never receive the
gift of immortality, will, after judgment, be exterminated and exist no
more. This workshop will critically examine conditionalism as presented
in the important British book, The Nature of Hell. The significance of
the historic view of hell will be emphasized.
• An Evaluation of
Inclusivism
Inclusivism is the view that Jesus is the only Savior of the world, but
that someone can be saved by Jesus without ever hearing and believing
the Gospel in this life. This workshop will present the inclusivist
views of John Sanders and will answer the five main arguments used to
support inclusivism. These include arguments from theodicy, general
revelation, “holy pagans,” implicit faith, and the world’s religions.
The necessity of proclaiming the Gospel to all the nations will be
stressed.
Robert Peterson is Professor of Systematic Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in Saint Louis. He formerly taught Theology and New Testament at Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, Pa., and has pastored several churches in Pennsylvania. Robert earned a B.S. from Philadelphia College of Bible, an M.Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in historical theology from Drew University. He has authored (or coauthored) several publications, including Hell on Trial: The Case for Eternal Punishment; Getting to Know John’s Gospel: A Fresh Look at Its Main Ideas; Two Views of Hell: A Biblical and Theological Dialogue; Calvin and the Atonement, Adopted by God: From Wayward Sinners to Cherished Children; Why I Am Not an Arminian, with Michael Williams; and Hell under Fire co-edited with Chris Morgan. He has written numerous articles, was a contributor to the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, and edits Covenant Seminary’s journal, Presbyterion.
• Sexual Deviations in the Kingdom of the Cults
This workshop will focus on the relationship that often exists between
cults and sexual deviations of various kinds. Included will be
discussions of such sexual deviations as Mormon polygamy, the Mormon
view that the Father had sex with Mary to produce Jesus, the “flirty
fishing” doctrine of the Children of God, Unification leader Reverend
Moon’s past practice of sexually “purifying” female members prior to
their marriages, sexual rituals in Satanism, sexual imagery and
sacraments in Wicca and other pagan religions, “love feasts” among
followers of Rajneesh, New Ager Matthew Fox’s view that both
homosexuality and heterosexuality are equally acceptable to the cosmic
Christ, and the Identity Movement’s emphasis that the Jews came from an
illicit sexual relationship between Eve and Satan. Also included will be
a discussion of what the Bible says about sex and its relationship to
false religions. (This workshop is rated PG-13; though the subject
matter is for mature audiences, it will be handled with delicacy).
• Subjectivism, Emotionalism, and Mysticism in
the Modern Church
People today often base their “truth” on what FEELS right — it can’t be
wrong if it feels so right. People in the church also often say things
like, “the Lord spoke to my heart last night and I feel I must...” How
did the Lord “speak”? Was there a voice? An intuition? Gas pains? What
if two board members of a church both claim the Lord spoke to them, and
their views conflict on a particular issue? From Benny Hinn to Henry
Blackaby, subjectivism, emotionalism, and mysticism have taken dangerous
root in the modern church.
• Understanding Similarities and Differences Among Christian
Denominations
This workshop will focus on similarities and differences among
Adventist, Baptist, Brethren, Calvary Chapel, Catholic, Christian,
Congregational, Episcopal/Anglican, Friends (Quaker), Fundamentalist
(Bible), Holiness, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Orthodox,
Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Reformed, and Salvation Army churches. The
workshop will also address the question: How big a deal are these
differences? A detailed handout with comparison charts will be provided.
Ron Rhodes is the founder and president of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries, a Frisco, Texas-based apologetic ministry. He is heard regularly on nationwide radio and is the author of over forty works, including The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations, Why Do Bad Things Happen If God is Good?, and the heralded Reasoning from the Scriptures with... series. Ron holds a Th.M. and a Th.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary.
• Biblical Separation: Optional or Obligation?
Biblical separation seems to have fallen into disfavor in our
evangelical world. In our political correct society, we are told this
is not the “loving” approach to those who disagree with us. This session
will look at the purpose of separation and the groups we are commanded
to separate from. Examples of abuse of this biblical teaching will be
described and examined.
• Ezekiel's Vision: Space Vehicle of the Gods or
God's Glory?
What did Ezekiel see in his vision? UFOs or something else? The first
chapter of Ezekiel is one of the more difficult sections in the Bible
for many. UFO proponents have often appealed to this chapter as
evidence that the Bible does speak about UFOs. Many Christians are
confused by this chapter. This workshop will look at what Ezekiel saw
and present a sound, reasonable, biblical explanation of his vision.
Mark Robinson is the Director of Shalom Outreach Ministries in El Cajon, Calif., and is the editor of the ministry’s newsletter, Thy God Reigns. Mark has served in Jewish ministries for nearly three decades and has authored articles for such publications as Israel My Glory and Voice magazines.
• The Gay Christian Movement
Can you be gay or lesbian and claim to be a Christian who adheres to
the Word of God? The Metropolitan Community Church maintains that the
Bible and homosexuality are compatible. This workshop will present a
brief history of the MCC and will survey its use of Scripture in an
effort to sanction its pro-gay theology. The session will also review
and respond to the arguments and misuse of Scripture by the gay
Christian movement to validate its claims that homosexuality is
“biblical.”
• The Generational Curse Craze
The Generation Curse Craze has gone from obscurity to the mainstream.
Proponents, who range from the bizarre (i.e., Bob Larson) to mainline
evangelicalism (i.e., Beth Moore), believe that “the sins of the father,
grandfather and great-grandfather are passed down from generation to
generation” (Exodus 20:5). There will be a video\audio presentation to
show, in context, the current Generation Curse proponents (Bob Larson,
Neil Anderson, Beth Moore, Stormie Omartian, etc.) and how to defend
against this unbiblical view.
• How to Defend the Trinity with the Oneness
Pentecostals
This session is designed to lovingly present the gospel to those
wrapped up in the United Pentecostal Church International deceptions on
the nature of God. There will be a video\audio presentation to show, in
context, the current thought processes and theological presuppositions
from a UPCI pastor. This class will explore what the UPCI believes about
the Trinity and how to witnesses the truth of who God truly is as
revealed in His Holy Word.
Paul Scozzafava is senior pastor at Calvary of Santa Fe and formerly served as assistant pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque for 15 years. He has been involved in apologetics ministry work since 1985. Paul appears monthly on an apologetics radio program, “Ask the Pastor,” which is broadcast on a local Albuquerque radio station. He has also been featured on Christian Research Institute’s “Bible Answer Man” broadcast, taught apologetics at the Calvary School of Ministry Bible School for over 10 years, and participates in various debating arenas.
• Blood, Medicine, and the Law of the Watchtower
Jehovah’s Witnesses are well known for their refusal to accept blood
transfusions — even if necessary to save one’s life. Countless lives
have been forfeited because of the Watchtower's unscriptural ban on
blood. Despite calls to abandon this unbiblical doctrine from both
internal and external forces, the Jehovah’s Witness organization remains
steadfast in its prohibition. This workshop will present an examination
of the Watchtower history concerning medicine and blood transfusions.
Charles Smith was associated with the Watchtower Society for the first 38 years of his life. He served as a ministerial servant, pioneer and elder. Following the failure of the organization’s 1975 Armageddon prophecy, he began to question Watchtower truthfulness, and left the sect. His active Jehovah’s Witness wife divorced him after he was disfellowshipped. Following his conversion to Christianity, he serves as an Interfaith Outreach Associate, a Volunteer Home Missionary and is bi-vocational, serving as Pastor of a Southern Baptist Church in Bonne Terre, Mo. Charles has remarried and he and his wife lead a support group called Witness to Witness Ministries.
• A Christian Case Against Freemasonry
Is Freemasonry compatible with Christianity? Many Masons answer,
“Yes!” This session will present a biblical analysis of the basic
teachings of the first three degrees of the Masonic Lodge. Through this
workshop, Christians will develop a more airtight apologetic/approach
than what has commonly been used by Christians in the past.
• The Theology of Scientology
L. Ron Hubbard’s religion of Scientology promulgates a theology
influenced heavily by eastern philosophies/theologies. This workshop
will probe some Scientology literature in order to lay out Scientology’s
theology, including the claim by L. Ron Hubbard that he is the
fulfillment of a Buddhist prophecy that a successor to Gautama Buddha,
the Metteya or Maitreya, would arise 2,500 years after Gautama Buddha.
Steven Tsoukalas is adjunct faculty at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. He is Executive Director of Sound Doctrine Ministries. Steven received his Ph.D. from The University of Birmingham (England), an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Seminary and a Th.M. from The Divinity School, Harvard University. He is the author of Masonic Rites and Wrongs, Knowing Christ in the Challenge of Heresy, Christian Faith 101, and The Nation of Islam.
• Biblical
Counseling or Psychology? What’s a Discerning Christian to Do?
Most Christians, including pastors, dread even the thought of
counseling. Leave the problems — like depression, anxiety, parenting,
marriage and so forth — to the psychologists, that is, the “trained
professionals.” Yet two very important issues face the Christian with
this attitude. First, the fact that the Bible is
crisis/problem-oriented; and second, a survey of psychology reveals that
none of the “experts” agree. This workshop will explore why there is so
much confusion in the field of counseling today, with a focus on the
need for the Church to return to the one true standard of behavior and
change.
• Mislabeling Sin: Faulty Diagnoses and Faulty
Treatments
Are we to assume that there is no connection between one’s standing
with God and depression, anxiety, or even a nervous breakdown? Is the
Bible really silent on the issues like ADHD (Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), and other
problems with psychological labels? Why is it that many people today
see a categorical difference between psychological and spiritual
problems and how to solve those problems? This workshop will establish
the premise that you cannot separate issues of counseling from theology
and that man simply cannot lift himself out of his theological context
in which God has created him.
David Tyler, a native of Illinois has served as a pastor in Southern Baptist churches in Illinois and South Carolina. He holds a B.A. in Theology, an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry, and a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling. Presently, David is the Director of Gateway Biblical Counseling and Training Center located at Edgemont Bible Church in Fairview Heights, Ill., and is certified by the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors and the International Association of Biblical Counselors. He is the author of Jesus Christ: Self-Denial or Self-Esteem?, Self Esteem: Are We Really Better Than We Think?, and has co-authored Deceptive Diagnosis: When Sin is Called Sickness.
• The Baha’i Faith: Embracing “Truth” in All
Religions
In an age of increased religious pluralism, the message of the Baha’i
faith -- uniting all people into a common faith and world government --
has fertile ground upon which to proselytize. Do all religions
originate from the same source? Has God manifested Himself through
individuals such as Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Krishna, Buddha, Confucius,
the Bab, and Baha’u’llah? This workshop will be a survey of Baha’i
history and doctrine. In addition, suggestions for Christian witness to
members of the Baha’i faith will be given.
• Community of Christ (RLDS): Sizing Up the
Other “Saints”
Following the death of Mormon church founder and prophet Joseph Smith
Jr., the formation of more than 100 factions developed. The two largest
and best known of these groups are the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints (based in Salt Lake City) and the Reorganized Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now known as the Community of
Christ (based in Independence, Mo.). Very few Christians today know
that these two groups are separated not only geographically, but also
doctrinally. This workshop will trace the Community of Christ, the
largest of the “other Mormon” groups, from its earliest days through its
major changes during the past forty years.
Jim Valentine has served for over three decades in Christian ministry to non-Christian sects and religious movements (26 years have been in full-time service). He is the director of Christian Apologetics: Research and Information Service (CARIS). Jim’s ministry efforts expand worldwide, including mission trips to countries in the former Soviet Union. He and his wife, Kathy, reside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• Covenantal Nomism -- Do We Need a New
Perspective on Paul?
In recent years, a further attempt to erode yet another of the very
foundational pillars of Christianity has taken place. This latest attack
asserts that the Reformed theology position of justification by faith
alone is wrong. Scholars, such as E.P. Sanders, N.T. Wright, and James
D.G. Dunn, now claim that for centuries Protestant belief has
incorrectly understood what the Apostle Paul wrote in regard to faith
and justification. This workshop will survey this new — but dangerous —
perspective on justification and explain why this is a battle which
needs to be fought.
• Confessions of a Former Atheist
Everyone, regardless of where they were born, will have basic
questions which they search in an attempt to answer. Finding answers to
these questions brought this workshop leader to a saving knowledge of
Jesus Christ. Yet many Christians will retreat from the common
intellectual challenges to their faith. This session will survey
several of these key issues and questions, and will present how the
Christian worldview can be developed and expressed to provide a positive
apologetic.
Don Veinot is co-founder and President of Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc., a national apologetics ministry and mission to new religions based in Lombard, Ill. He and his wife, Joy, have been involved in discernment ministry as missionaries to new religious movements since 1987. He is also the current President of EMNR (Evangelical Ministries to New Religions), a national coalition of discernment ministries. Don is a frequent guest on various radio and television broadcasts, as well as a staff researcher and writer for the Midwest Outreach Journal, and is the co-author of A Matter of Basic Principles: Bill Gothard and the Christian Life. He was ordained to the ministry by West Suburban Community Church of Lombard, Ill.
• God’s Glory and Our Good: What’s at Stake in
the Openness Debate
This workshop will describe the movement known as open theism and
discuss some of its main dangers to the life of the church. We’ll
consider just what open theism is, what moves open theists to adopt this
position, and what some of its main arguments are. We will then suggest
brief answers to its central arguments and focus on how both the glory
of God and the good of God’s people are harmed immeasurably by the
openness position. We will end by celebrating the strength, hope, joy,
and faith that comes from knowing the God who knows the end from the
beginning.
• Equal in Essence, Distinct in Function: the
Roles and Relations of the Trinitarian Persons of the Eternal Godhead
How much more there is to the doctrine of the Trinity than most
evangelicals have ever thought! We begin with an overview of the
historical development of Trinitarian doctrine. Following this, our
focus will be on the distinction of roles and the uniqueness of
relationships that are apparent from Scripture when examining the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The relevance to our lives
personally, in our homes, and in our churches will also be explored.
Bruce Ware is a highly esteemed theologian and author in the evangelical world. He is the Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Christian Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. He has also served as Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. Prior to this, he taught at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary and at Bethel Theological Seminary. Dr. Ware has written numerous journal articles, book chapters, and book reviews. He also has authored God’s Lesser Glory: The Diminished God of Open Theism, God’s Greater Glory: The Exalted God of Scripture and the Christian Faith, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance.
Alongside
the five plenary sessions, six 75-minute workshop
sessions are scheduled for the 2006 Conference.
Attendees will be able to choose
from seven different workshops during each session.
A complete listing of workshop leaders, titles, descriptions, and biographies are here provided.
