Author Archives: WesWoodell

David Platt: ‘What is a Biblical Response to the Gospel?’ Answer: Calvinism?

Well known Reformed Southern Baptist pastor David Platt caused a stir last year by criticizing the sinner’s prayer – the traditional prayer most Baptists (and several other groups) teach new believers to pray to “accept Christ.”

At that time David passionately pointed out that the practice is not in the Bible, that our role is not to “accept” Christ, and that Christians should not practice something that is not in the Bible.

Recently, David sat down to answer some follow up questions about his statement last year. In this short video, David answers the question, “If there is not a specific prayer to pray, how then should we respond to the gospel?” Here’s his answer: Continue reading →

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New Wineskins: Disciplemaking and the Vanity of the Status Quo

I sat across the table from a pastor friend listening as he told a story.Cross path

“I had this youth minister growing up named Stan. Stan wasn’t the most eloquent guy. You’d never see him headlining a conference, read a book he’s written, or hear about him at all. His ministry wasn’t flashy – it was really simple. He’d pick a couple of kids each year, decide to invest in them, and then he’d spend time with them. They’d be mentored by Stan until they graduated high school and moved on, then he would find a couple more and repeat the process. I was one of those kids, and wouldn’t be the person I am today if Stan hadn’t discipled me like he had.”

My pastor friend went on, “If everybody in the church tried to do what I do, the church would be so ugly! Everyone would be competing for speaking engagements and trying to sell books – it would all be driven by ego – it’d be terrible!”

He paused before continuing.

“But if everyone in the church tried to be like Stan and simply do what he did, then the church would be beautiful.”

He was silent a moment.

“Sorry – I just put that together for the first time just now. Wow!”

‘Wow’ is right!

Continue reading in New Wineskins ->…

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Our Next Church Plant Location

Where will be the next plant to come out of The Crossings Church be?

Drumroll please …

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Where we’ve been:

Greater Alton Church of Christ – est. 1989

Continue reading →