Mid-America Messenger-Summer 2016 by Mid-America Seminary

FOCUS ON THE WORD AND BIBLICAL PREACHING

MID-AMERICA BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

President’s Page

TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PREACHERS BY DR. MICHAEL SPRADLIN

For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. —Psalm 119:89–90 The defining words of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary are: BIBLE, MISSIONS, and EVANGELISM. These words represent not only our personal values but also our commitment to our students and our donors. We are the only seminary that I know of that requires all of our students to witness the entire time they are enrolled in seminary.

Our stance on the Bible as the inerrant Word of God has never wavered. We believe that the Bible is God’s Word to every generation. This is why we are passionate about expository preaching. The Bible itself declares the essential nature of preaching, and we must preach the Bible in our churches to be obedient to Scripture. As you read this edition of the Messenger, join me in praying that the Lord will raise up a new generation of preachers. Pray that this generation will preach with power and fire and that a revival of the Word of God will sweep our nation and our world. As you pray, continue to pray that Mid-America will be used to light the fire of a new generation of young people that will carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Dr. Mike Spradlin, President Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary

The Preaching Chapel at Mid-America offers a setting for preachers in training to practice and hone their craft.

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COVER FOCUS This issue of the Messenger is dedicated to one of MidAmerica’s distinctive focal points: the Word, and more specifically, the expository preaching of the Word. MABTS is committed to teaching Gospel ministers how to preach expositionally.

VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1 SUMMER 2016

Published by Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary PRESIDENT

Michael Spradlin, PHD EDITOR

Randy Redd CONTENT COORDINATOR

Deanna Coscia DESIGN

Eternity Communications

NEW DEGREE OPTIONS

12 14 20

MABTS introduces two new degree options: a nonvocational track BACS degree and a modified residency format for the PHD program.

THE ELEMENTS OF PREACHING

MABTS alum Dr. Bartholomew Orr gives a definition and defense of expository preaching. P.O. Box 2350 Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu MABTS.edu

MORE NEWS President’s Page 2 Practical Missions Report 4 Witness:One Seven 9 Save the Date 17 Alumni News 23

EXAMINING EXPOSITION Dr. T. Van McClain, MABTS Northeast Campus professor, takes a close-up look at true preaching.

Practical Missions

PRACTICAL MISSIONS REPORT 2015–16

TENNESSEE NEW YORK

TOTAL

PRACTICAL MISSIONS

7,167

468

7,635

PERSONS WITNESSED TO

5,380

296

5,676

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH

560

659

SERMONS PREACHED

1,222

117

1,339

Practical Missions reported August 2015–April 8, 2016

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH SINCE 1972 = 163,183 PRACTICALLY WITNESSING EVERYWHERE BY DR. KIRK KILPATRICK

Twice weekly we are blessed and encouraged to hear reports from our students on campus about their opportunities to witness. In addition to leading the report hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays before Chapel, I also enjoy reading the reports from our students online of their witnessing activity. WHAT A BLESSING it is to read accounts of witnessing on the street; of prison ministry to adults and juveniles; witnessing in hospitals to doctors, nurses, and other patients; on airplanes; witnessing to drug addicts; witnessing at many restaurants (sometimes while studying for classes); witnessing to cultists and those of other religions; witnessing

through “Discipleship Now” to young people; witnessing after church services; witnessing as opportunities arise on the job; witnessing to children; witnessing while helping with a flat tire; witnessing to atheists and agnostics; witnessing at book shops; witnessing to cancer patients; witnessing to lost family members; witnessing to the homeless; witnessing to the mentally ill; witnessing at the grocery store; witnessing at drug and alcohol treatment centers; and witnessing on missions trips. It is a blessing to see that our

students—on campus and online— are busy sharing with others the riches that we have in Jesus Christ.

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RIGHTLY DIVIDED

39 OT BOOKS 27 NT BOOKS 66 TOTAL INSPIRED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

WORD OF GOD

Expository Preaching

THE WORD OF GOD GOVERNS THE EXPOSITORY MESSAGE BY DR. TIMOTHY C. SEAL

n the cult classic movie, the Princess Bride, the character Vizinni repeatedly misuses the word inconceivable. In response, the main character, Inigo Montoya, makes famous the line, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Montoya’s line is apropos regarding the modern day use of the expression expository preaching. Just about everyone who preaches these days claims to preach in an expository fashion. However, is it inconceivable that it does not mean what many selfprofessed expositors think it means? To avoid confusion, it is imperative to define the term expository preaching. To give an abbreviated definition, expository preaching is Spiritempowered proclamation governed by the text of God’s Word. In an expository message, then, the Word of God controls

Dr. Timothy C. Seal Academic Vice President, MABTS

every portion of the message, whether that message is topical, textual, or a verse-byverse exposition of a book of the Bible. THE WORD OF GOD GOVERNS THE THEME OF AN EXPOSITORY MESSAGE Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2-3, “preach the Word . . . . For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires.” Notice that Paul, under the inspiration of the Spirit, does not encourage Timothy to preach his opinions, his ideas, and his proclivities. No, his command to Timothy was to preach the Word! True expository preaching always allows the Word of God to govern the theme of the message, not the people’s desires or the preacher’s desires (Galatians 1:9–10). Therefore, let all that desire to handle accurately the Word of Truth be diligent in deriving the theme of the sermon from the text of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15). In doing so, it is vital to identify the overall theme of a book of the Bible and to demonstrate how the chosen sermon text or pericope fits within that overall context. For example, in 1 Peter the overall theme is found in 1 Peter 5:12, namely, to stand firm in the true grace of God in the face of the occasion of the epistle, pending persecution. If the text to preach is 1 Peter 2:1–3, it is vital to demonstrate how 2:1–3 fits within the overall theme of the epistle of Peter. The

theme of the message derived from the text would be that believers are to grow in respect to salvation to stand firm in the true grace of God considering the coming storm of persecution. A failure to understand the context of a text is the main reason for preaching a message whose theme is not consistent with the text. In this regard, it is

The Word of God controls every portion of the message, whether that message is topical, textual, or a verse-by-verse exposition of a book of the Bible. important to remember that a person is never more like the devil than when they proclaim texts out of context (Matthew 4:1–11). THE WORD OF GOD GOVERNS THE MAJOR POINTS AND SUB-POINTS IN AN EXPOSITORY MESSAGE How many major points or sub-points should a message have? The answer, in an expository sermon, is the number of points and sub-points governed by the text. The text, once again, should determine the structure of an expository message. To discern how to structure a text, it is vital to learn how to do a structural analysis of the preaching text. Structurally analyzing a text involves dividing the text rightly or accurately. The process begins

by identifying the main sentence and pinpointing all the phrases that modify that main sentence. For example, 1 Peter 2:1–3, structurally analyzed, would look as follows: Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy MODIFIERS and envy and all slander 2 like newborn babes [you] long for the pure milk of the Word that by it you may grow in respect to salvation 3 if you have tasted the kindness INCENTIVE of the Lord. 1

Notice the words in bold above represent the main sentence, namely, believers are to long for the Word that, by it, they may grow in salvation. By rightly dividing the Word through structural analysis, it is apparent that Peter provides the reader with the instructions for growing (vv. 1–2) and the incentive for growing (v. 3). The remaining sub-points would flow out of the modifying words in the text.

A failure to analyze a text, or as Paul put it, “to handle accurately the Word,” is one of the main reasons plagiarism in the pulpit occurs. Too often, the process of forming the structure of a sermon comes about by consulting the commentaries of others and by surfing the Internet to borrow points and subpoints. Preach the Word, then, by deriving your points and subpoints directly from the text. THE WORD OF GOD GOVERNS THE PURPOSE IN AN EXPOSITORY MESSAGE Luke records regarding Jesus, in Luke 24:27, that “. . . beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” In essence, Jesus teaches us here that the OT Scriptures are all about Him. Likewise, Paul, in the NT Scriptures, teaches in Ephesians 2:20, “having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.” In others words, Jesus is the focus of the NT Scriptures as well. Hence, as Adrian Rogers repeatedly said, utilizing a play upon words, “the Bible is a Him book, it is all about Him.” Hence, when a message is expository, when the Word of God governs it, it will always be about Jesus! Preach the Word! Preach it expositionally! Preach about Him! Borrowing the words of Vizzini, in the Princess Bride,“It is absolutely, totally, and in all other ways inconceivable” that anyone should preach any other message than one governed by the Word of God in the power of the Spirit. To preach any other way and call it expository preaching should elicit the response, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. —John 1:7 Where is this elusive people group? Half a world away? Three years of language study away? No. This unreached people group is all around you. Only you have the unique network, inside relationships, and special giftings which God has given you. No other missionary under Heaven could do the job God wants you to do. That’s what Witness One:Seven is all about. Mid-America is inviting the pastor of every Southern Baptist Church—and everyone else who will take the challenge—to join us in committing to “Witness One:Seven.” It’s a commitment to witness to at least one person every seven days during 2016. If only the pastor of each of the 46,000 SBC churches made the commitment…more than two million people would hear the Gospel during 2016. It all begins with you, and it’s not too late to start. Please contact us at witness@mabts.edu to let us know you’re making the “Witness One:Seven” commitment.

WitnessOneSeven.org

Expository Preaching

MABTS ALUMNUS GIVES KEYS TO SOUND PREACHING BY DR. WES GEORGE

Expository preaching is an urgent need today. The sanctification of the church, the salvation of the lost, and the significance of the preacher’s ministry depends upon expository preaching. Its definition has as many variations as preachers. Sidney Greidanus argues expository preaching must be biblical, Christ-centered rather than humancentered, and good news. Expository sermons explain the biblical text and apply the original meaning of the text to a modern audience. Expository preaching fleshes out a commitment to biblical inerrancy and infallibility. Preaching is commanded and commended in the Bible. God’s Word first shapes the preacher to the will of

God. It is not a proof text for opinions, politics, or prejudices. Scripture sets the agenda and shapes the thought. In submission to the authority of Scripture, the preacher humbly yet confidently echoes the Word of God to the congregation. When the preacher strays from the text, he abandons his source of authority. PREPARING THE EXPOSITORY SERMON has been described by Ramesh Richard as “an art, a science, a discipline, and a relationship.” Exegesis of the text requires a macro view of the entire biblical record. Then, the micro analysis considers genre, grammatical, syntactical, and lexical matters. The thematic and theological emphasis are assessed. These disciplines uncover the original meaning of the text. The exegetical analysis produces an outline to be stated in complete sentences to demonstrate understanding and development of thought. The exegetical

idea states the meaning of the selected passage in one sentence. The expositor explains the original meaning to a contemporary audience. John Stott correctly observes, “Expository preaching does not merely obligate preachers to explain what the Bible says, it obligates them to explain what the Bible means in the lives of people today.” The one sentence exegetical idea should be molded into a homiletical idea and outline. The expository sermon is organized into a coherent presentation that remains true to the biblical text. The message should not be a series of “disjointed remarks on successive verses,” as John Broadus observes. The main points and the transitions should be written out in complete sentences to ensure clarity of the main ideas and communication of these important biblical truths. The sermon

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should demonstrate clear movement to a conclusion. Application should be woven throughout the message as the preacher interacts with the text. Bryan Chappel says, “Exposition does not merely involve the transmission of biblical information, but further demands establishment of the biblical basis for an action or a belief God requires of his people.” Illustrations should illustrate and not overshadow the message. The introduction and conclusion are best written after the message has been completed. The introduction should entice people to join the journey. Conclusions should leave people with what they should do. PREACHING THE EXPOSITORY SERMON relies on the Bible’s authority and the Spirit’s anointing. The humility of the preacher engages God’s grace.

Expository preaching is passionate and persuasive. The preacher connects the text to his audience. He cares about those who hear the message and cares about how they respond to the message. Expository preaching affirms biblical inerrancy, edifies the church, evangelizes the lost, and glorifies God. Preparing and preaching expository sermons is difficult work. The message erupts out of a biblical text through disciplined study and prayer. The expository sermon is crafted true to the text, connects with the audience, and is delivered by a humble, anointed, passionate, persuasive preacher who cares deeply about what he preaches and to whom he preaches.

MABTS alum Dr. Wes George (MDIV 1993, PHD 2000) Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church Rogers, Arkansas

MABTS.edu | Mid-America

Academic Degrees

NEW! NONVOCATIONAL TRACK FOR BACS PROGRAM

Mid-America is expanding our ministry to serve students who want a biblical education for vocations other than pastoral ministry, for example, a guidance counselor position at a Christian school. The nonvocational degree will allow students who do not feel a call to vocational ministry to earn a BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES (BACS) degree. Students in the nonvocational track would substitute the courses “Principles of Teaching” for “Biblical Preaching” and “Church Ministries” for “Pastoral Ministries.” The new nonvocational track fills a need that is going unmet in today’s churches. Like all Mid-America degrees, the nonvocational track BACS is fully-accredited.

NEW! MODIFIED RESIDENCY FORMAT FOR PHD PROGRAM

Beginning fall 2016, Mid-America will begin offering the DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) degree in a modular format that offers ultimate flexibility for students. PHD seminars will be offered in a new modified residency format which allows students to complete their degree without having to leave their current place of ministry. As with all Mid-America courses, excellent faculty teach PHD courses and maintain high standards for academic excellence in these intensive classes. Fully accredited, the Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed to equip students for creative scholarship, independent research, graduate-level teaching, and specialized leadership.

ASSOCIATE

MASTER

(60 hours) zz Divinity zz Christian Education zz Applied Science (NE Campus only)

(60 hours) zz Christian Education zz Theology zz Worship

Associate Degree

Master of Arts

Master of Divinity

(90 hours) zz Pastoral Ministries zz Christian Education zz Missions zz Biblical Counseling

BACHELOR

Bachelor of Arts

(120 hours) zz Christian Studies ●● Vocational Track ●● Nonvocational Track

DOCTORATE

Doctor of Ministry zz Practical Theology ●● Pastoral Ministry ●● Biblical Counseling ●● Expository Preaching zz Missiology ●● International ●● North American zz Christian Education

Doctor of Philosophy zz zz zz zz zz zz

Old Testament New Testament Church History Missions Theology Practical Theology ●● Pastoral Ministry ●● Biblical Counseling zz Education

PRACTICAL PRACTICAL MISSIONS MISSIONS| |ACADEMICS ACADEMICS| |ADMISSIONS ADMISSIONS| |ADVANCEMENT ADVANCEMENT| |ALUMNI ALUMNI Messenger Messenger || Summer Summer2016 2016

THE

Elements OF PREACHING THE INSTRUMENT Spirit-filled preacher who is humble, holy, and hungry

THE INGREDIENTS Passionate proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

THE INTENT Intentional teaching that informs, instructs, and influences

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Expository Preaching

A DEFINITION AND A DEFENSE OF EXPOSITORY PREACHING BY DR. BARTHOLOMEW ORR

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18–19). And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people” (Matthew 9:35). Jesus spent His earthly ministry as a preacher and by doing so, He has defined and demonstrated the purpose and power of expository preaching. Many books have been written on expository preaching, but to understand it fully one need only examine the preaching of Jesus Christ. Gleaning from the Lord’s life, expository preaching can be defined as “the Spiritfilled, systematic proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus with the intent to inform, inspire, and influence the hearers.”

THE NECESSARY INSTRUMENT Jesus’ purposeful statement in Luke 4:18 identifies Himself as the instrument used by the Holy Spirit to carry out the ultimate will of God. Hebrews 1:1 reminds us that God spoke through prophets, and the Holy Spirit moved these men to record God’s Word (2 Peter 1:21). Despite the all-powerfulness of God, He chose to utilize man as His instrument for declaring His Word. Therefore, expository preaching must involve a Spirit-filled man of God who is humble, holy, and hungry. The preacher must be Spirit-filled. The disciples were given strict orders to wait until they received “power from on high” (Luke 24:49). The Holy Spirit would equip, enlighten, and empower them to be effective “witnesses” (Acts 1:8) because all spiritual responsibilities had been bestowed upon the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ’s absence (Luke 16:7–15). The Spirit-filled life is not an option but a command (Ephesians 5:18), and it is the preacher’s requirement and responsibility to avail himself to the leading and filling of the Holy Spirit. The preacher must be humble, holy, and hungry. In humility, the preacher understands that he is only the earthen vessel and not the heavenly treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7) so that the spotlight

will shine on God and not on him. In holiness, the preacher strives to be a vessel “meet [fit] for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). The MABTS alum Dr. Bartholomew Orr preacher’s (MDIV 2003) Senior Pastor, Brown Missionary Baptist Church hunger is his Southaven, Mississippi passion for the Word of God and the Will of God. Jesus declared that His “meat” was to do the will of the Father and “finish His work” (John 4:34). THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS Jesus preached the Gospel which the Apostle Paul later defined as the Good News concerning Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Jesus was systematic in His approach as revealed with the disciples on the Way to Emmaus. Luke 24:27 states, “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” When present with the 11

disciples, Jesus shared with them from the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:44), neglecting no Scripture. Thus, expository preaching is the systematic proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus. The Apostle Paul could say that he had provided the people of God a healthy diet because he had preached “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) unto them. In a fast-food, microwave age when people’s taste buds have been reduced to junk food, the preacher must resist the temptation to water down the Gospel, to sweeten up truths (i.e., avoid sin and consequence) and to serve up TV dinners (the latest televangelist’s name it claim it). Politically-correct, contemporized philosophies have no place on the church’s sermon menu. Jesus’ words should ring in every preacher’s ears, “. . . preach the gospel . . .” (Mark 16:15). Finally, the Gospel must be proclaimed—not whispered, not just shared, but proclaimed. Preaching is passionate, dynamic. The passion of Jesus’ preaching is seen in the two words He used in Luke 4:18, euangelizō and kēryssō.

According to Strong’s Concordance, kēryssō means: To be a herald, to officiate as a herald. a. To proclaim after the manner of a herald. b. Always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed.” Euangelizō means: “To bring good news, to announce glad tidings.” As Isaiah 58:1 instructs, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” THE PURPOSEFUL INTENT Jesus had a purpose in His preaching. Therefore, He was intentional in where He went, what He did, and what He said. His goal was to reach the poor, heal the brokenhearted, free the captives, heal the blind and bruised and to shed light on the times (“the year of the Lord’s favor”). The preacher informs the hearers of the truths of God’s Word. In this sense, preaching is teaching, instructing individuals.

The preacher is responsible for dispensing accurate and clear principles of God. The preacher inspires the hearers with the hope of God’s Word, which can comfort and encourage. Finally, the preacher influences the hearers with the power of God’s Word. When properly handled, the Word of God is powerful in the changing of lives. The preacher preaches to persuade. CONCLUSION Jesus’ purpose statement of Luke 4:18 offers a clear and compelling definition and demonstration of expository preaching. Addressing the source of the preacher (the Holy Spirit), the subject material for the preacher (the Gospel), and the purpose of the preacher (changed lives), it is easy to see how God has used expository preaching in accomplishing His perfect will. Although some call it foolishness, “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).

REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER SESSION

May 9–15

FINAL SONRISE BREAKFAST OF SPRING

May 18

GRADUATION

LAST DAY TO SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR FALL SEMESTER

July 29

AUGUST MINI-TERM WEEK 1 & 2

August 1–12

May 20

ORIENTATION AND REGISTRATION

JUNE MINI-TERM WEEK 1 & 2

August 5

June 13–24

SBC ALUMNI & FRIENDS LUNCHEON

June 14

REGISTRATION FOR AUGUST MINI-TERM

June 27–July 3

REGISTRATION FOR FALL SEMESTER

July 5–August 12

FOR NEW STUDENTS FOR FALL

FOUNDERS’ DAYS ALUMNI & FRIENDS DINNER

August 15

FALL SEMESTER CLASSES BEGIN

August 18

FALL PREVIEW DAY

October 11

NEWS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | MINISTRY

Faculty Tribute

BELOVED PROFESSOR DR. STEVE WILKES GRADUATES TO HEAVEN BY DR. STEVE MILLER

“To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” —Philippians 1:21 Our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Steve Wilkes, went home to Heaven on March 29, 2016. We are saddened by his absence, yet we know for believers “to be absent from the body” is “to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8, NKJV). Therefore, we take comfort in the fact that our friend is in the very presence of Christ. DR. WILKES GAVE HIS LIFE TO JESUS in early 1967 as a sophomore in high school. A fellow classmate had glowed for Jesus, and after 4–5 months of his influence, Dr. Wilkes surrendered to the Lord and changed dramatically. He attended the University of Alabama and married his only true love Carol Cameron in 1971. It was the same year that he also surrendered to preach. Shortly afterwards, he was invited to be summer youth director at FBC West Point, Mississippi. Later, he attended Mid-America in Little Rock and forged the best friendships of his life with several fellow students. He began his pastoral career in 1976 in a part-time church in Arkansas. From there he moved to a church in the Mississippi Delta and then to First Baptist Church of Maumelle, Arkansas. It was after months

of very dry ministry that he and three others began to pray that God would send revival. After weeks of fervent prayer, God sent revival to the church, and many people came to Christ in a genuine way. Dr. Wilkes describes the church at that time as having an atmosphere of genuine revival. It was something he said he had never seen since. It was during his time at Maumelle that Dr. Wilkes and his wife adopted their daughter Meredith Wilkes Tipton. He also finished his PHD through MidAmerica. Later, he completed a second doctorate, the Doctor of Missiology degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. In 1985, Dr. Gray Allison asked him to teach at the seminary. Dr. Wilkes worked as the Director of Summer Missions and then moved into direct missions work in the former Soviet Union in 1992. Since then, he has led approximately 30 shortterm missions projects around the world to help missionaries and national leaders start new churches. At the time of his passing, he was President of World Wide Church Planters, a small missions organization that has helped start several hundred churches around the world. He was also serving as Research Professor of Missions at MABTS. Dr. Wilkes was an inspiration to numerous alumni and always challenged us to win the world for Jesus. In fact, in March he published a story in the Mid-

America Witness (tiny.cc/wilkeswitness) encouraging readers to take advantage of the open doors he saw in the current culture to share the Good News. DR. WILKES NEVER LOST HIS PASSION FOR SOULS. He faithfully served Jesus and shared his faith until the very end. On his last conscious day on earth, he led a Bible study at a local hospital where several people made professions of faith. May we all likewise be found faithfully sharing the Good News about Jesus until the Lord returns or calls us home.

Dr. Wilkes was dearly loved by the seminary family and will be greatly missed. Please continue to pray for his wife Carol, daughter Meredith, his mother, and other family members during this time of sorrow.

MABTS.edu | Mid-America

Expository Preaching

TRUE PREACHING IS EXEGETICAL AND EXPLANATORY BY DR. T. VAN McCLAIN

There are many today who claim to speak in the name of Christ and understand the Christian faith. How can one know the truth? Quite simply, the Scripture is the source of truth for the believer, and the Holy Spirit can guide the believer in understanding and applying the truth. Since God has gifted the church with teachers, it is also clear that Christians should seek to learn from other believers. Indeed, Christians are called to make disciples, teaching others to observe all that Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:20). We are not called to preach what we believe. We are called to preach what the Scripture teaches. Of course, what we believe should be consistent with what the Scripture teaches, but how can we be sure our beliefs are consistent with the teaching of Scripture? EXPOSITORY PREACHING SHOULD BE EXEGETICAL. In expositional preaching one is seeking to proclaim the truth of Scripture, so every effort should be made to understand correctly the truth of Scripture as

inspired by God’s Spirit in its original historical, linguistic, and cultural context. In exegesis, one wants to draw out the meaning of the text. Eisegesis, reading into the text what one wants to find, should be avoided. So when Jesus commands His disciples to baptize new believers, does that mean to pour water over them, sprinkle them, or dunk them all the way under? The English word for baptism is simply a transliteration of the Greek word baptízœ, so if one wants to obey the commandment of Jesus correctly, he must understand what this Greek word means. A. T. Robertson was one of the greatest Greek scholars of the past century, and he put the matter succinctly: It may be remarked that no Baptist has written a lexicon of the Greek language, and yet the standard lexicons, like that of Liddell and Scott (LSJ), uniformly give the meaning of baptízœ as “dip,” “immerse.” They do not give “pour” or “sprinkle,” nor has anyone ever adduced an instance where this verb means “pour” or “sprinkle.” The presumption is therefore in favor of “dip” in the NT. . . . The Greek language has had a continuous history, and baptízœ is used today in Greece for

baptism. As is well known, not only in Greece but wherever the Greek Church prevails, immersion is the unbroken and universal Dr. T. Van McClain, Professor practice. of Old Testament and Hebrew, Director of Library Services, The MABTS Northeast Campus Greeks may surely be credited with knowledge of the meaning of their own language. Baptists hold that immersion alone is to be practiced since immersion alone was commanded by Jesus and practiced in NT times. Immersion alone sets forth the death to sin, burial in the grave, and the resurrection to new life in Christ. Baptism, as taught in the NT, is “a mold of doctrine,” a preacher of the heart of the gospel. Baptists deny the right of disciples of Jesus to break that mold. The point of a symbol is the form in which it is cast. . . .

The disciple is not above his Lord, and has no right to destroy this rich and powerful picture for the sake of personal convenience, nor because he is willing to do something else which Jesus did not enjoin and which has no association with Him. EXPOSITORY PREACHING SHOULD BE EXEGETICAL, AND IT SHOULD ALSO BE EXPLANATORY. If one examines the teaching methods of Jesus, one will find that Jesus used stories (parables), object lessons, drama (baptism), lectures, questions, and discussions to explain the truth or help one understand the truth. The most effective expository preaching will also use various teaching methods. One of my former pastors was named Ron Dunn. Ron was a master illustrator of the truth of the Scriptures. Ron once spoke about what it meant to pray in the name of Jesus. He said that for many years he did not know what it meant to pray in the name of Jesus, so he asked the Lord to

show him what it meant to pray in Jesus’ name. Many years ago, Ron said he took his children to a county fair. He bought a roll of dimes so the kids could take the rides. He would stand at the entrance of each ride and give a ticket to each of his children as they passed by. At the entrance to the tilt-a-whirl, he had given out the tickets to his children, and a boy he had never seen before was standing just behind his son, Steve. The little boy held out his hand for a ticket! Ron wasn’t about to give that boy a ticket! Then his son turned around and said, “Dad, he’s my friend. I told him you’d give him a ticket.” Ron then tore off a ticket and gave it to that boy—in Steve’s name. He really had no right to the ticket, but Ron gave the ticket because his son asked him to do it, and he did. God does not hear our prayers because of who we are or what we have done. God hears our

prayers because of who Jesus is and what He did at Calvary. Jesus is always holy and faithful, even when I am not. I can pray in His name and have confidence the Father hears me because of what Jesus did on the cross of Calvary. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” The person who seeks to preach or teach expositionally will study the Scripture carefully to determine exactly what God is teaching under the guidance of the Spirit, and they will seek God in prayer to determine how to explain the Scripture so that people will know how to apply it to their lives.

If one examines the teaching methods of Jesus, one will find that Jesus used stories, object lessons, drama, lectures, questions, and discussions... Effective expository preaching will also use various teaching methods. MABTS.edu | Mid-America

Alumni to allProfile the world...

1983 MABTS ALUM

RECEIVES OBU PROMISING TEACHER AWARD

TRACY JAGGERS (MARE) received his DMIN in Church Revitalization from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2013 and recently accepted the position of Associational Director of the Gateway Baptist Association in Mid-America alum Dr. Alan S. Bandy Edwardsville, Illinois. was recently honored with the Promising Teacher Award at Oklahoma Baptist University, where he is an Assistant JONATHAN ”BLAKE” VAUGHAN Professor of New Testament. (MDIV) accepted appointment as a Foreign Bandy credits his time at MidService Officer with the U.S. Department America for helping prepare him for of State beginning in April 2016. teaching, saying that at MABTS, “I was able to get up close to my professors both in and outside of the classroom. They RUSTY KELTNER (MDIV, PHD) is the were men who lived their calling, and senior pastor of Central Baptist Church, they were role models to me for teaching Brighton, Tennessee. excellence that emphasizes the supremacy of Christ.” BANDY GRADUATED FROM JAMES NOBLE PHD)inwas Mid-America with(MDIV, a DEGREE? elected vice ofcomplete the Tennessee YEAR? and president went on to his Baptist Convention for 2016. PhD at Southeastern Baptist Theological

2007

2012 2013

Seminary. Before joining the faculty at Oklahoma Baptist in 2009, Bandy served as assistant director of PhD studies JIM COLLIER (MDIV, PHD) wasfor Southeastern Baptist Theological, elected president-elect for the 2017as assistant professor of Christian Studies Tennessee Baptist Pastors Conference. at Louisiana College, and as an adjunct professor at Liberty University Online. During the presentation of Bandy’s award, which honors outstanding teaching potential, OBU President David Whitlock described him as an exemplary teacher, involved not only on campus but in the lives of his students. “His classes are rigorous and filled to capacity,” Whitlock said. “His personal concern and commitment reach far beyond the classroom. His students seek him out for assistance, encouragement,

2015

UPCOMING ALUMNI FELLOWSHIPS

and service as a mentor.” Bandy says this commitment and dedication to students, for which he was honored, was modeled for him by SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION faculty at MABTS. “They took time to ALUMNI & FRIENDS LUNCHEON invest in me personally as I hammered June 14, 2016 out my theology or struggled with issues 12:00–1:00 p.m. in ministry,” he said. “They took me St. Louis, Missouri witnessing and showed me their love for America’s Center, Rooms 228–229 people and passion for the gospel. I have Cost: $10 per person sought to reproduce all of these traits in MAKE my life, YOUR ministryRESERVATIONS and teaching.” AT MABTS.EDU/SBCLUNCHEON BANDY HAS BEEN ACTIVELY involved in church ministry since 1992, FOUNDERS’ DAYS holding positions including senior pastor, ALUMNI & FRIENDS DINNER associate pastor, August 15, 2016and student pastor in churches in North Carolina, Tennessee 6:00–7:00 p.m. and He has Events led OBU students BettyKentucky. Howard Special Room on Global Outreach Cost: $5 per person trips to the work among people groups in the Amazon MAKE YOURrecalled RESERVATIONS AT jungle. Bandy the Mid-America MABTS.EDU/FOUNDERSDAYS alma mater as he described his desire to take students on international trips “so that they will go ‘to all the world for Jesus’ sake.’” He also expressed his passion for his students to be “amazed and captivated by the Word of God and the God of the Word.” “I want them to think through the text for themselves as I was HAVE YOU ORDERED BRICK YET encouraged to do whileYOUR at MABTS,” he IN THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS LEGACY said. “I learned how to read the Bible WALKWAY? RESERVE YOURS TODAY at MABTS, and I learned how to thinkAT MABTS.EDU/LEGACYWALKWAY. about its implications for all areas of life. I want to produce a generation of brilliant young minds who are submitted to the authority of Scripture, who are knowledgeable of the entire canon, and who are skilled at interpreting the text accurately.” BANDY’S AREA OF EXPERTISE includes the New Testament and Greek, with a specialization in The

A MESSAGE FROM DUFFY GUYTON, Apocalypse of John. In 2010, he CHIEF DEVELOPMENT published his dissertation as “The OFFICER Prophetic Lawsuit in the Book of The entire seminary family Press’s is grateful for Revelation” in Sheffield Phoenix our dedicated friends in providing New Testament Monograph Series. He the financial needs to of God, this great institution. has also contributed Marriage, Our long-time donors and new donors and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical live a lifeThe of conviction reminds one Foundation, Cradle, thethat Cross, of the character of King Asa and the Crown: A Comprehensiveas stated in 1 Kings to 15:19, “AsaTestament, did what was right Introduction the New in the eyestoofBiblical the Lord.” Our current and Invitation Interpretation students (Kregel, 2011).along with our alumni, faculty, and staffofare grateful for youraslife of In terms academic, as well conviction. personal, influences, he remembers IF WONDERING HOW “marveling YOU at theARE vastness of God and the TO MAKE YOURwith FIRST GIFT OR complexity of theology rapturous INTERESTED IN MAKING delight while listening to Dr. John MONTHLY GIVING MORE you might Mahoney lecture,” andEFFICIENT, credits Dr. Kirk consider changinghim yourwith donation method Kilpatrick for instilling a passion to online giving. can create “to teach in such a wayYou to facilitate thean online account by visiting our website presence of God in the classroom.” Heat tracesMABTS.EDU/SUPPORT-MIDhis heart for missions, in part, to AMERICA. There are other methods his study under Dr. Howard Bickers, to contribute, such Miller as stock gifts and and notes that Dr. Steve impacted charitable IRA rollovers. For him to “pursue scholarship in the example, a family wishedand to honor the memory of original languages with attention mother contributing through an to thetheir discipline of by archeology,” while annual stock gift. A charitable acknowledging a number of other remainder trust is an excellent way for donors teachers who were also influential in his with highly as appreciated assets to benefit the maturation a student and teacher. avoid by capital taxes, and “Iseminary, know enough nowgains to know that increase his earn or her income any award I may is current only because so stream. Also, remembering Mid-America in many men and women have impacted me will isBandy a lasting that blesses alongyour the way,” said.legacy “I believe that the mission of the seminary. Regarding this award is a recognition of the great anywho of these optional methods, teachers taught me how to think,please feel free to contact Duffy Guyton, Chief study, love, and teach.” Development Officer, at 901-751-3030 Bandy and his wife, Necoe, have five or dguyton@mabts.edu. children.

NEWS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | MINISTRY Messenger | Summer 2012

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MEMPHIS, TN PERMIT NO. 831

P.O. Box 2350 • Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu MABTS.edu

IDEA #6

HOW TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT MID-AMERICA.

Begin a “Called to Ministry” discipleship group at your church.

A “Called to Ministry” group is formed for the purpose of discipleship and fellowship and brings together young people who are called or might be sensing the call to ministry. It’s a powerful opportunity to disciple young leaders in your church and invest in the next generation of ministryminded students and young adults. Kick it off with a “Called to Ministry” event at your home or church, then meet regularly for discipleship and encouragement. Share information about MidAmerica with your group as you help them explore equipping and educational opportunities.

SPREAD THE WORD. JOIN THE TEAM. According to a recent survey, 91% of Mid-America students heard about MABTS through someone they knew—a pastor, student, alumnus, or other friend of the seminary. In other words, someone like you. That’s why we’ve introduced TEAM Mid-America. It’s a growing network of friends of the seminary, all dedicated to helping Mid-America accomplish our mission. So join the TEAM today. And win for Christ.

JOIN NOW AND RECEIVE YOUR FREE MEMENTO! Sign up at MABTS.EDU/TEAM today, and we’ll send you the special TEAM Mid-America Kit with 40 ways you can help share the good news about MidAmerica. Plus, you’ll receive a free gift!

CALLED TO MINISTRY COACHING THE CALLED

What is TEAM Mid-America? It’s a special team from the seminary family committed to the following goals:

T E A M

elling the Mid-America story. ducating prospective students about our programs and benefits. ssisting the seminary in its mission through prayer and financial support. entoring the called as partners with us.

Discover more about how you can get involved at MABTS.EDU/TEAM.

JOIN NOW AND DISCOVER OTHER WAYS TO SPREAD THE WORD AT MABTS.EDU/TEAM