Omaha Bible Church Blog

Register for the Fall Family Conference this Weekend!

mholloway — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:18:02 -0500

Entitled the "Greatness and Grandeur of God" this year's Fall Family Conference on October 1st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. features Dr. Bruce Ware, Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. where Albert Mohler is President. Dr. Mohler has called Bruce Ware a courageous and world-class theologian and we have the benefit and priviledge of having him at Omaha Bible Church next weekend. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss.

We will be diving deep into the Word of God with Dr. Ware through study of the book of Isaiah and God's revelation of himself through this prophet. Your entire family is invited as there is child care and age appropriate children's program for those too young to attend the general sessions. Lunch and snacks between sessions are provided as part of your registration.

You can register at church this Sunday or anytime at our registration website found at http://www.omahabiblechurch.org/home/events/2011-fall-family-conference/2011-family-conference-registration

The cost is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. The registration fee will be collected on the day of the conference.

Dr. Ware 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. He has also written numerous journal articles, book chapters, and book reviews and, along with Thomas Schreiner, has co-edited The Grace of God and the Bondage of the Will and Still Sovereign.

Time to (Re)Discover Hebrews

mholloway — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:10:24 -0500

As we embark on our study of Hebrews on Sunday mornings I think you will find this blog post by Sinclair Ferguson helpful (it is edited very lightly). - Pastor Pat
- - - - - - - - - -

Of all the New Testament letters, Hebrews seems to be one many Christians find strange and alien. Here we enter the world of Melchizedek and Aaron, angels and Moses, sacrifices and priests. It all seems so Old Testament, so intricate, and even confusing.

If so, it is time to (re)discover Hebrews. But how?

Seeing the Big Picture

One of the first things to do when studying a book of the Bible is to try to get “the big picture.” The second easiest (but usually the best) way to do this is to skim through the book, note the natural divisions, isolate the main themes, and write out a brief outline of the argument or plotline.

The easiest (but actually second best!) way is simply to consult a good study Bible.

But a compromise method may be a good place to begin: attempt our own outline, consult our study Bible, and then compare notes.

In fact, the big picture in Hebrews is fairly straightforward. Put simply, it is “Jesus is the greatest.”

Jesus is: greater than angels (chaps. 1–2); greater than Moses (3:1–4:12); greater than the priests and high priests (4:13–7:28); a nd greater than the Old Testament sacrifices (chaps. 8–10).

Since this is so, like those heroes of the faith who looked forward to the Messiah’s coming, we need to: keep our eyes glued to Him as we persevere in faith (chaps. 11–12) and live together as the new covenant community (chap. 13).

If we get lost in the details, Hebrews will appear to be a long, maze-like book. But if we grasp the big picture, we will see why the author thought he had “written … only a short letter” (13:22, NIV).

Sparkling Diamonds

Within this framework there are priceless treasures to be found. Here are five of the jewels:

First, Hebrews is a Jesus-filled letter and shows us His glory. The more we read the letter, the more we realize that it is not about angels, Moses, Melchizedek, Aaron, or old covenant worship. The truth is that God has so ordered the course of redemptive history that they are all about Jesus.

Second, Hebrews helps us to see how the relationship between the old and the new covenants is one of unity and diversity. The author tells us this right at the beginning: “Long ago,” at many times and in many ways, God spoke to the fathers, but He did so by the prophets. “In these last days,” God spoke to us, and did so by His Son. In these two statements, the whole of the Bible’s message is summed up: The Old Testament revelation is fragmentary and multiplex; Jesus is full and final. He reveals God perfectly, because He is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (1:3).

The Old Testament is full of copies and shadows (9:23; 10:1). Jesus is the original and the reality.

Third, Hebrews movingly describes the reality of Jesus’ humanity. At first — if we get bogged down in the unfamiliarity of the Levitical system — we may not notice this. But read again, and it will become clear.

The Son of God became like us, shared our human origin, was tempted, experienced suffering, and tasted death (2:10, 11, 14, 18). He became a brother to us (v. 17). That is why He is able to help the tempted (v. 18).

The Son of God shared our weakness and has taken into heaven the very humanity in which He tasted it. Through Him we can come with confidence to God’s throne, knowing that there is mercy to be found there for our weakness and grace for our sinfulness (4:14–15).

The Son of God became a man of prayers and tears. His obedience was exercised in suffering. We can trust Him as the source of our salvation (5:7–9).

Fourth, Hebrews wonderfully expounds Jesus’ glory. Every chapter points to this. It is worth taking the time simply to read the big texts. These include Hebrews 1:3; 2:9; 3:3; 4:14; 5:9; 6:20; 7:22; 8:1; 9:15; 10:12; 11:40–12:2; and 13:8. Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever,” that is, He is the One who was fragmentarily and preliminarily revealed in the old covenant, has been fully revealed in the new, and will finally be revealed in the eschaton (at the end of days).

Fifth, Hebrews speaks to us with great pastoral sensitivity. It is, after all, a “word of exhortation” or encouragement. It is realistic about suffering, the fear of persecution, the danger of discouragement, the struggles we have against sin, the possibility of backsliding, the spiritual paralysis produced by the condemning voice of conscience, and the possibility that we may lack assurance. Its remedy for every spiritual disease is stated in a theology marked by great simplicity married to rich complexity:

Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our calling, the Founder and Perfecter of our Faith (3:1; 12:2). See everything in the light of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He continues to do today. You cannot go wrong there.

State St. is Open and so is the Auditorium

mholloway — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:23:22 -0500

The State St. construction has been completed and the road east of church is open again. Also with the cooler weather we are moving back into the Auditorium for Sunday morning services. Since we still don't have air conditioning it will be cool in the Auditorium for first service and it will be warmer during second service as the temperature outside rises. Dress appropriately and prepare your hearts to see the greatness of Christ on display in the book of Hebrews at OBC this Sunday!

- Mike Holloway

State St. is Still Closed just East of OBC

mholloway — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:30:44 -0500

While the work is moving forward on State St, access to Omaha Bible Church from the east will be closed again this Sunday. You must approach church from the west on Wenninghoff Rd in order to get on State St. Even though there are Road Closed signs, the road is only closed east of the church driveway so you can approach from the west.

The positive part to all this is you get to drive right past Swenson Park just west of Wenninghoff Road and see where we are having the Fall Family Picnic this Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner is served at 4 p.m. with a baptism service to follow immediately after. The weather is forecast to be beautiful with sunny, skies, light winds, low humidity and highs in the low 80's, so come out and enjoy fun, fellowship and the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

If you do appoach church from the east on State St. follow the detour signs south on 78th St. to Sorenson Parkway, then go west on Sorenson Parkway until you go past the Wenninghoff Farms building, and then turn north onto Wenninghoff Rd. to State St. Now you can drive right past the Road Closed signs to OBC.

Get your hearts prepared for a great Lord's Day this Sunday at Omaha Bible Church!

- Mike Holloway

Wed Eve Activities Begin Tonight and State St is Still Closed East of Church

mholloway — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:17:54 -0500

A full slate of Wednesday evening activiites begins tonight at Omaha Bible Church with the Children's Truth Academy (CTA), Junior High group and the Wednesday Evening Bible Study joining with our Senior High group for a time of learning about Christ and the gospel beginning at 7 p.m.

State St. is still closed to the east of the church driveway for water main repairs so you will need to access State St. and approach church from the west on Wenninghoff Rd.

State St. east of Church is Closed this Sunday

mholloway — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:22:22 -0500

Access to Omaha Bible Church from State St. from the east is closed this Sunday. You must approach Omaha Bible Church from the west from Wenninghoff Rd in order to get on State St. Even though there are Road Closed signs, the road is only closed east of the church driveway so you can approach from the west. You have a number of options.
#1) Coming from the west you can take Interstate 680 to the Fort St. exit. Take Fort St. east to 90th St, stay on 90th St. north and it will turn into Sorenson Parkway, stay on Sorenson Parkway until you see the Wenninghoff Farms building, and then turn north onto Wenninghoff Rd to State St.
#2) Coming from the east you can stay on 72nd St. until you get just north of Interstate 680, turn west on Lake Cunningham Rd, take Lake Cunningham Road to Wenninghoff Rd going south and turn onto State St, which is immediately south of Interstate 680.
#3) Coming from the northwest you can take State St. and turn south onto Wenninghoff Road to State St. which is immediately south of Interstate 680.
#4) Coming from the mid-town Omaha area you can take 72nd St to Sorenson Parkway, go west on Sorenson Parkway until you go past the Wenninghoff Farms building, then turn north ontp Wenninghoff Rd. to State St.

See you Sunday!

Theology for Breakfast Starts Sept. 13th

mholloway — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:07:52 -0500

The fall launch of Theology for Breakfast is Tuesday, September 13th. Show up at 6:30 AM with a big appetite (for theology as only coffee is served!) and bring a friend. To start the year we are reading and discussing Louis Berkhof’s,
A Summary of Christian Doctrine. The book is available free online, $1.95 Kindle version, or for $8.00 from the OBC Well bookstore. Read and be ready to discuss the first two chapters on the 13th (Religion and Revelation). This men’s group is open to all except for theological sissies and meets in the OBC library.
- Pastor Pat Abendroth

Turning Up the Heat on the Hell Series

mholloway — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:07:34 -0500

The heat will be turned up for the “Hell Matters” series, but in a way we didn’t quite expect. Thieves stole the main air conditioning unit on Tuesday night leaving the auditorium without AC. Until the unit can be replaced, we will have Sunday services in the fellowship area. See you Sunday at Omaha Bible Church where our aim will be the exaltation of Christ regardless of where we are meeting.

Pastor Pat Abendroth

Getting Started Redux

mholloway — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:07:08 -0500

A brand new newcomers class starts at Omaha Bible Church on Sunday, July

10th. We will meet in the conference room at 10:00 AM for eight weeks and I will be leading the discussion. Please plan to participate if you want to know more about Christ and his ministry through OBC. I am prayerfully anticipating our time together.

- Pastor Pat Abendroth

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
- 2 Corinthians 2:14

Resources for Your Dual Citizenship

mholloway — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:20:59 -0500

As promised, I have a couple of resources to highlight in light of the sermon entitled Getting the Church to Mind Its Business. I have found the following two books helpful in formulating a biblical understanding of our responsibilities as citizens of heaven and citizens of this world.

1) A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State by D. G. Hart

2) Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture by David VanDrunen

In the same vein as Hart and VanDrunen is this encouragement from Mike Horton in a book that many at OBC have been reading recently:

“I can work, vote, and dialogue side-by-side with non-Christian neighbors on a host of issues related to improving our neighborhoods, society, and the world. We do not need more Christian service organizations but more churches that serve the sheep and send them out to love and serve their neighbors alongside non-Christians as employees, employers, volunteers, friends, and family members” (Christless Christianity), 209.

If you have not heard the message entitled Getting the Church to Mind Its Business, you can find it by clicking here, on itunes or on the OBC website.

Pastor Pat Abendroth

Thinking Theologically About Memorial Day

mholloway — Sat, 28 May 2011 14:25:09 -0500

This is a blog article from Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan. It is longer than our usual posts, but I found it to be biblical, edifying, and thoughful.on the issues of God and country. And very appropriate for Memorial Day. Enjoy!

- - - - - - - - - -

This is post probably has something to make everyone unhappy. But here goes.

With Memorial Day on Monday (in the U.S.) and, no doubt, a number of patriotic services scheduled for this Sunday, I want to offer a few theses on patriotism and the church. Each of these points could be substantially expanded and beg more detailed defense and explanation, but since this is a blog and not a term paper, I’ll try to keep this under 1500 words.

1. Being a Christian does not remove ethnic and national identities.

In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free (Gal. 3:28), but this does not mean men cease to be male or Jews ceases to be Jewish. The worshiping throng gathered around the throne is not a bland mess of Esperanto Christians in matching khaki pants and white polos. God makes us one in Christ, but that oneness does not mean we can no longer recognize tribes, tongues, nations, and peoples in heaven. If you don’t have to renounce being an American in heaven, you shouldn’t have to pretend you aren’t one now.

2. Patriotism, like other earthly “prides,” can be a virtue or vice.

Most people love their families. Many people love their schools, their home, and their sports teams. All of these loves can be appropriate. In making us for himself, God didn’t mean to eradicate all other loves. Instead he wants those loves to be purer and in right proportion to our ultimate Love. Adam and Eve should have loved the Garden. God didn’t intend for them to be so “spiritual” that they were blind to the goodness around them. In the same way, where there is good in our country or family it is right to have affection and display affection for those good things.

Of course, we can turn patriotism into an idol, just like family can be an idol. But being proud of your country (or proud to be an American or a Canadian or a Russian or whatever) is not inherently worse than being proud of your kids or proud to be a Smith or a Jones or a Dostoevsky. I find it strange that while it is fashionable to love your city, be proud of your city, and talk about transforming your city, it is, for some of the same people, quite gauche to love your country, be proud of your country, and talk about transforming your country.

3. Allegiance to God and allegiance to your country are not inherently incompatible.

Sometimes Christians talk like you should have no loyalty for your country, as if love for your country was always a bad thing. To be sure, this must never be ultimate loyalty. We must always obey God rather than men. But most Christians have understood the fifth commandment to be about honoring not only your parents but all those in authority over you.

Moreover, Jesus shows its possible to honor God and honor Caesar. This is especially clear if you know some of the Jewish history. The tax in question in Mark 12 is about the poll tax or census tax. It was first instituted in AD 6, not too many years before Jesus’ ministry. When it was established a man by the name of Judas of Galilee led a revolt. According to Josephus, “He called his fellow countrymen cowards for being willing to pay tribute to the Romans and for putting up with mortal masters in place of God.” Like the Zealots, he believed allegiance to God and allegiance to any earthly government were fundamentally incompatible. As far as they were concerned if God was your king, you couldn’t have an earthly king.

But Jesus completely disagreed. By telling the people to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” he was saying there are duties to government that do not infringe on your ultimate duty to God. It’s possible to honor lesser authorities in good conscience because they have been instituted by a greater authority.

If you read all that the New Testament says about governing authorities in places like Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2, you see that the normal situation is one of compatible loyalties. The church is not the state and the state is not God, but this does not mean the church must always be against the state. In general, then, it’s possible to be a good Christian and a good American, or a good Ghanaian or a good Korean. Patriotism is not bad. Singing your national anthem and getting choked up is not bad. Allegiance to God and allegiance to your country do not have to be at odds.

4. God’s people are not tied to any one nation.

When Jesus says “go ahead and give to Caesar what belongs to him” he is effectively saying, “you can support nations that do not formally worship the one true God.” Or to put it a different way: true religion is not bound with only one country. This means–as we see in Revelation 7 and Isaiah 49 and Psalm 87 and Matthew 28 and Acts 1and a hundred other places–the Church will be transcultural and transnational.

While American churches are in America, they must never be only American churches. We must keep in mind (and when applicable, explicitly state) that our congregations are filled with brothers and sisters from all over the world. Likewise, we must work hard to help people see that Christianity is not just a Western religion or American religion. Christianity started in the Middle East and quickly spread to North Africa, and parts of Asia and Europe. The Church was always meant to be international. Today there are more Anglicans in church in Nigeria than in England, more Presbyterians in South Korea than in the United States. The promise to Abraham way back in Genesis is that through his family God would bless the whole world. Christianity is not tied to just one certain nation. Following Christ is not an ethnic thing. You can be from any country and worship Jesus.

5. All this leads to one final point: while patriotism can be good, the church is not a good place for patriotism.

We should pray for service men and women in our congregations. We should pray for the President. We should pray for the just cause to triumph over the evil one. We are not moral relativists. We do not believe just because all people are sinners and all nations are sinful that no person or no nation can be more righteous or more wicked than another. God may be on America’s side in some (not all) her endeavors.

But please think twice before putting on a Star Spangled gala in church this Sunday. I love to hear the national anthem and “God Bless America” and “My Country, Tis of Thee,” but not in church where the nations gather to worship the King of all peoples. I love to see the presentation of colors and salute our veterans, but these would be better at the Memorial Day parade or during a time of remembrance at the cemetery. Earthly worship should reflect the on-going worship in heaven. And while there are many Americans singing glorious songs to Jesus there, they are not singing songs about the glories of America. We must hold to the traditions of the Apostles in our worship, not the traditions of American history. The church should not ask of her people what is not required in Scripture. So how can we ask the Koreans and Chinese and Mexicans and South Africans in our churches to pledge allegiance to a flag that is not theirs? Are we gathered under the banner of Christ or another banner? Is the church of Jesus Christ–our Jewish Lord and Savior–for those draped in the red, white, and blue or for those washed in the blood of the Lamb?

In some parts of the church, every hint of patriotism makes you a jingoistic idolater. You are allowed to love every country except your own. But in other parts of the church, true religion blends too comfortably into civil religion. You are allowed to worship in our services as long as you love America as much as we do. I don’t claim to have arrived at the golden mean, but I imagine many churches could stand to think more carefully about their theology of God and country. Churches should be glad to have their members celebrate Memorial Day with gusto this Monday. We should be less sanguine about celebrating it with pomp and circumstance on Sunday.

Church HOLIdays

mholloway — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:25:42 -0500

The New Testament calls Christians and Christian churches to assemble regularly and to do so with the focus upon worshipping Christ for his vicarious work (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:2; Matthew 28:1ff; Hebrews 10:24-25). The church assembles in a formal manner on the first day of the week in order to worship together. Such worship in the early church focused on his completed work of redemption and is portrayed as the ongoing focus.

What is not given in the New Testament is any sort of liturgical calendar. For example, the birth of Jesus was a definite cause for celebration when it happened (cf. Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2), but the church was never instructed to pick a date on the calendar for an annualized celebration of the event. Conversely, what is mandated and exemplified is a constant emphasis upon the work of Christ (Colossians 1:28).

Further evidence of the church not having specified religious holidays to observe are those biblical texts that declare all days equal. Romans 14:5 is a case in point. The context demonstrates that the immature Christian (the “weak in faith” of 14:1) who has come from a religious background that mandated religious holidays is to be loved as a fellow believer and member of the same local church, but is the one who has not matured into understanding that such things are unnecessary for Christians. In Colossians, religious holidays are things of the past as they are shadows finding their fulfillment in Christ (2:16-17). Yes, the days in view in Colossians seem to be Old Testament holy days, but nothing in the New Testament indicates that the old are ever replaced. Instead, the substance is in Christ Himself. In Galatians 4:9-10 Paul warns believers not to depend upon the spiritual significance of observing holidays. This does not prove that Christian holidays are wrong, but it does show that dependence upon a holy day is problematic.

Where did the so called church calendar or liturgical calendar come from if it did not come from the Bible in the form of a prescribed calendar? This is a difficult question to answer apart from a doctoral dissertation unearthing loads of historical data. But with a Jewish background in holy days, one can see how Christians might be prone to follow the example. Likewise, the negative cultural influence of pagan festivals likely contributed to the church’s desire to sanctify such practices and declare them holy days. The third contributing strand is so called sacred tradition whereby traditions are elevated to authoritative status because of ecclesiastical decree. Finally, a need to simplify and control church practices because of an uneducated and/or untrustworthy clergy may have contributed to the formalization of a church calendar. This sort of background has led some in history to purposely ignore any and all such holidays. The pastor would simply preach the next passage in the book he happened to be preaching through even if it was Christmas.

By and large, I do not want to follow the so called church calendar. Here are several reasons: First, it is not a biblical mandate. Second, it has a history that I am less than excited about being associated with. Third, if we followed the plethora of liturgical holidays, it would be impossible to cover the rest of the wealth of Scripture. Fourth, the liturgical calendar is typically, though not exclusively, associated with sacramentalism inseparably linking salvation to our religious performance.

Nevertheless, I think a day is a day (Romans 14:5) and given the opportunity to proclaim Christ to some who would not typically listen, Christmas and Easter are acknowledged as days where I will be sure to speak of the birth and resurrection with extraordinary attention. But this is more of a cultural accommodation than anything else and is not due to a mandate from Jesus whose vicarious life, death, and resurrection I seek to always proclaim.

- Pastor Pat Abendroth

The End of the World as We Know It?

mholloway — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:01:18 -0500

Harold Camping of Family Radio has been at it again and says that May 21, 2011 will be the end of the world. Since you may have seen the billboards or heard about Camping in the news, I want to direct you to some resources that expose him as a fraud. The Lord Jesus will return and he will return as judge, but we do not know when this will happen. James White at Alpha and Omega provides these helpful resources and links.

http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=3983

- Pastor Pat Abendroth

Men's Breakfast - April 23rd

mholloway — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:09:10 -0500

The Art of Manliness is the theme of our Men’s Breakfast on Saturday April 23rd. With Ted Kluck as the speaker, you can be sure that it will be interesting. After all, the guy has got a boxing ring in his basement! Not only that, he is brave enough to write controversial books like “Why We’re Not Emergent” and funny enough to write “Younger, Restlesser, and Reformder” (can you say satire?!?!). So put on your manly face and show up at OBC on Saturday April 23rd at 8:00 am. Register at www.omahabiblechurch.org -Pastor Pat

Rob Bell - Part 2

mholloway — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:23:45 -0500

In light of the media frenzy surrounding Rob Bell’s new book which denies essential Christian teachings, I am reaching out to you. It is no news to many of you that Rob Bell is a false teacher, but I thought it might be helpful to remind you of where Bell is coming from. Below is an article I wrote for the church newsletter some time ago that sheds some light on his perspective. You might call it Rob Bell - Part I. You can also find a thoughtful review of Bell’s new book Love Wins by Pastor Kevin DeYoung here:http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2011/03/14/rob-bell-love-wins-review/

The Emergent Church and Old Liberalism will be the topic of this Sunday night’s message which will be a Christian evaluation of the emergent movement and the likes of Rob Bell.

Praying that this is helpful.

- Pastor Pat Abendroth

A Pastoral Response to…

Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith by Rob Bell

(Zondervan 2005)

Time magazine recently called Rob Bell “The Hipper-Than-Thou-Pastor” (Thursday, Dec. 06, 2007). This, along with the fact that his influence seems to only be growing, led me to read his book Velvet Elvis. Since it has been done, there seems to be little need for a comprehensive book review. But as I read Velvet Elvis I became personally motivated to do my part and duty as a pastor and expose some of the dangerous content lurking behind Bell’s hip veneer.

Pleasantries

Based upon what I read in Bell’s book, he is both funny and hip. I say this because he made me laugh and because he does cool things like play in a punk band and surf (even the infamous Trestles!).

Continuing on with the positives, Bell seems sincere and appropriately calls for Christians to love those in need (not just fellow Christians) as is called for in the second greatest commandment. This is a great point and something that needs to be said and re-said before being said once more.

Anger Management

So with a hip rock dude writing a book addressing the need for Christians to act more like Jesus, why the anger on my part? Here are some of the reasons:

Rob Bell makes me mad because he preaches an anti-gospel. He craftily does this by portraying the essence of Christianity as following Jesus and treating people the way Jesus did. While this is important, living the “Jesus life” is not the essence of Christianity and neither is obeying the commands of Jesus (as important as that is). The essence of Christianity centers upon the work of Christ on behalf of sinners (i.e. substitutionary atonement). This is the matter of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3) that was the prioritized message of Jesus’ apostles (e.g. 1 Corinthians 2:2). Missing this is no small oversight by Bell. It is missing that which is of first importance! Over and over again he talks about living the way of Jesus and being like Jesus, but without the essence of the gospel, which is Jesus’ work! This is scandalous.

Rob Bell makes me mad because he writes off the virgin birth of Jesus as non-essential (pp. 26-27). You heard right, he writes off the virgin birth of Jesus as not essential! To state the obvious, this is entirely out of step with the Bible. Sure, one can redress and then mimic once-trendy quasi arguments by unbelievers about the word used for virgin in Isaiah 7:14 possibly meaning young woman. But theNew Testament leaves no wiggle-room on the intent and therefore meaning of the word. We know this because the Isaiah text is quoted and essentially interpreted in the New Testament. In Matthew 1:23-25 the word virgin is used twice and shown by the context to mean virgin in the classic sense of the term. To ignore this is to show gross negligence which seems to depend upon an assumed biblical illiteracy by his readers. Far from being not essential, the biblical reality of Christ’s virgin birth is vital to His unique status as the sinless God-Man. As troubling as this unorthodox teaching by Bell is, he commits a more dangerous foul. Bell continues with arguments against the virgin birth of Jesus followed by an attempt to defuse would-be critics by slipping in a token affirmation. Bell professes to be a Christian. But given his disregard for Christian doctrine, the name “poser” comes to mind (borrowing an old title from the punk rock scene).

Rob Bell makes me mad because he downplays the vital role of conversion. In a horrible overreaction against professing Christians wrongly not being compassionate, Bell says “the most powerful things happen when the church surrenders its desire to convert people…” (p. 167). He then proceeds to establish a supporting argument that would surely set well with most anyone who is either ignorant of or ignoring what Jesus says in Matthew 18:3—unless someone is converted, they will not see the light of day in the kingdom!Bell’s tactic is entirely unacceptable and irresponsible, but dare I say, fits with his mimicking the likes of the quintessential theological liberal Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969). Certainly Christians must love those in need if they are going to truly follow Christ. But such love is to augment the need to proclaim a gospel of repentance which calls for conversion according to Jesus.

Rob Bell makes me mad because he does violence to the clear words of Jesus. On page 21 for example, when he talks about Jesus’ claims of exclusivity in John 14:6, he spins them to mean something other than what they clearly say and have been recognized as saying by Christians throughout the ages. At first I was surprised at how much Bell sounded like a radical theological liberal likeMarcus Borg, but then I saw that the very first endnote in the book was an unqualified recommendation of a book by Borg! Bell’s recommended reading on his church’s web site promotes reading by John Dominic Crossan, the former co-director of the Jesus Seminar, so endorsing Borg is not a matter of isolation. Such men have a reputation for shamelessly doing violence to Jesus and His gospel.

Rob Bell makes me mad because he is the pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church. I am not suggesting that churches with “Bible Church” in the name are anything special per se, but historically they have not been places where things like the virgin birth is considered non-essential. In my estimation this is downright deceptive.

A New Dress

Simply put, Rob Bell is a theological liberal resembling the mainline denominations of the early 1900s. The difference is that Bell is sporting a fashionable new dress or in his case, a new pair of geek-chic glasses.

If J. Gresham Machen were alive today, I suspect he would do what he did with Bell’s theological predecessors. Machen would remind him that while he has the freedom to start a new religion, he really should call it something other than Christian given that his religion does not resemble what Christ actually established as recorded in the Christian book, the Bible.

Causes

In my opinion, the reason this book is resonating with so many is because we have seen the evangelical church abandon the EvangelHimself. Yes, much of evangelicalism is empty because the Evangel of our evangelicalism is gone or as David Wells so aptly put it: He has been dislodged from its center. Couple this with a general ignorance of the Bible and church history and you have a book like Velvet Elvis actually seen as publishable by a “Christian” publisher and selling as if it were something novel and good.

Because I love the Evangel of the Bible and therefore historic Christianity, I guess it is off to anger management class for me.

- Patrick Abendroth

The Pulpit Horizon at OBC

mholloway — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:14:29 -0600

Romans Wrapping Up
In case you are wondering about what’s around the corner for our Sunday morning studies of God’s Word, here is what awaits us. I anticipate that Romans will conclude in the spring given that we are into chapter 15 and nearing the end. This has been a great journey and one that makes me want to start all over again. But don’t worry; we won’t for another decade or two!

Hebrews in the Fall
Hebrews will be before us in the fall with its extraordinary focus on the greatness of Christ. Hebrews will kick off with a reading of the entire book (remember it was originally a sermon so why not read it as a sermon?!?!) and be followed by more of a big picture study that will cover an entire chapter per week. I suspect that we will return to Hebrews another time for a more detailed look, but the fall will bring us a fourteen week big picture encounter with Hebrews.

Hell for the Summer
So what about the summer? As things begin to heat up in the summer, the always unsettling topic of hell will be before us. That’s right, the awful reality of divine condemnation and punishment will call for our attention this summer.

Please pray for my heart as I pray for yours so that the Lord Jesus Christ is anything but marginalized among us.

- Pastor Pat Abendroth

New Men’s Study Opportunity

mholloway — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:10:56 -0600

One of the most impactful books upon my life over the long haul is J. Gresham Machen’s book entitled Christianity and Liberalism. Starting Tuesday morning, March 8th, my men’s theology for breakfast group will begin a study of this watershed book. If you know of a man who would benefit from this discussion, please pass on the invitation. The details can be found here: www.theology4breakfast.blogspot.com. - Pat Abendroth

Rare Video Interview of Martin Lloyd-Jones

mholloway — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:47:41 -0600

One of the greatest preachers of the last generation who continues to impact ours for the glory of Christ is Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. This rare video of an interview he did in 1970 is worth watching. Of particular interest are his comments about authority and expository preaching. If you are an old fan of Lloyd-Jones, I am sure you will appreciate the clip. If this is your first introduction to him, may it be the first of many meetings you have with him through his preaching and writing. Enjoy!

CTA, Jr/Sr High & IBS Canceled

mholloway — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:39:30 -0600

Children's Truth Academy, Junior High/Senior High and Institute for Biblical Studies classes are canceled for tonight. This is due to the extreme cold along with State St. and our parking lot being very icy. The Music Ministry is having practice.

Sunday 1/23 Cancellations

ekennedy — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 19:36:17 -0600

All Sunday morning and Sunday evening activities for OBC are cancelled due to the Winter Storm Warning in effect until noon on Sunday Jan 23rd. This includes evening Care Groups. We want to balance our love for fellowship around the Word of God with wisdom in regards to having families and children out in weather not recommended for travel. Redeem the day well and enjoy the warmth and safety of your homes.

The Reformation Conference

mholloway — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:28:51 -0500

Like a kid in a candy store, I am excited about the upcoming Reformation Conference.

We will be privileged to have one of my favorite authors, Stephen Nichols, speaking and engaging us with thoughts about one of the most significant events in all of history! Capturing the real crux of the issue is this statement from Steve himself:

“In studying the Reformation, we remember what the church is about, and we remember how easy it is for the church to lose its grip on the gospel” (The Reformation), 17.

Make time for a grand historical look at the work of God in recovering the gospel. As our tour guide, Steve Nichols will not only play the role of faithful historian, he will actually make learning history interesting and even fun. If you don’t believe me about the fun part, just look at his new children’s book The Church History ABCs. Also check out his The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World. Both are great reads.

The Reformation Conference will appropriately be held on reformation weekend (Saturday, October 30^th) at the Omaha Bible Church facility. The schedule and registration can be found by clicking here.

Semper Reformanda!

Pastor Pat Abendroth

Come on Parents and Pastors!

mholloway — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:47:41 -0500

Just days ago I had a good conversation with a young man who I have gotten to know through different conferences where I have spoken. He is one of those young adults that is just plain likeable. He grew up in a Christian home, went to Christian schools, and has now moved away for college. Can I say that he's just one of those great kids and one that I look forward to seeing whenever we happen to be at the same function? But here's the problem (and it isn't with him). The problem is that when I asked what church he was going to be a part of while away at college, he mentioned three that he was going to check out and each of the three he mentioned are unqualifiedly unhealthy churches to put it mildly. More specifically, one is a cult theologically (though they are a "pretty church"), one is a cult sociologically, and the other is so shamefully market-driven that even Charles Finney might blush.

I put no real blame on my collegiate friend, though I wish he would have a bit more discernment. But COME ON PARENTS! (not to mention pastors). Are you responsible for recommending these churches? If not, have you not given any effort whatsoever in making yourself aware of what the church scene is like in the largest college town in your state where this young man is now living? Come on! All of the conservativism and sheltering you have offered and now this? What about the gospel, which the Bible says is of first importance (1 Cor. 15:3)?!?! One of the churches denies the gospel, one so compromises the gospel that it essentially denies it, and the other seemingly strangles the gospel with legalistic means of sanctification.

I am taking this opportunity to plead with all OBC parents and beyond to so know the gospel and so know sound doctrine that you will actually care for your son or daughter's spiritual well being. This obviously does not mean finding a perfect church. However, it does mean doing whatever is necessary to know that the gospel is not only understood, but that it is central. These are formidable years mom and dad. Have an interest. And don't be the parent who doesn't really know heads from tails and then somehow at the end tries to sort it all out or have someone else do so. Know the gospel yourself. Make the gospel the priority of your life as it is in Christ's! And thereby be ready to truly care for your child.

As for my student friend, I kindly mentioned my concerns with the churches he mentioned and then named four other options in the city where he is now living. I also explained in some detail why I said what I did. I was clear that no church is perfect, but was also clear that if they do not have the gospel, then they have less than nothing. He thanked me for the direction and I am praying that he lands somewhere where he can truly grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

- Pastor Pat Abendroth

New Location for Fall Family Picnic!

mholloway — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 16:20:06 -0500

Our Omaha Bible Church Fall Family Picnic is Sunday, Sept. 12th and we are at a new location this year. The OBC Picnic will be held at Zupan's Hill Haven, which is 1 1/2 mile south of Chandler Rd on 36th St. in Belleuve. The address is 8806 S 36th St., (just over one-half mile north of Cornhusker Rd. on 36th).

Join us beginning at 2 p.m. for games and fellowship, followed by dinner at 4 p.m. and we will close our time together with a worship and baptism service beginning at 6 p.m. We recommend you bring any recreational equipment, sunscreen, lawn chairs and bug spray that you want. As for food, the main dish is provided, but you should bring a side to share with others. Details on which side dish to bring is on a bulletin insert card you will get at church on Sunday morning

Mike Holloway

Dogmatic Elder Reading

mholloway — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:56:29 -0500

How is that for a title that can be taken the wrong way? It is for impact alone, I assure you. Read on and see.

About seventeen years ago, I was assigned Louis Berkhof's classic Systematic Theology as a textbook at Master's Seminary. It was like getting reacquainted with a long lost friend last month when the elders of Omaha Bible Church began reading this same classic work. We are three or so meetings into our discussions and reflections which have been tremendous times together. I share this so you can know what we are reading this year (and likely next!) and so that you can pray for our maturity in Christ as we learn from one of his gifted teachers.

Here is a semi-random, but excellent sampling of Berkhof's ability to think clearly about culture and Christianity:

"Every Church has its dogmas. Even the Churches that are constantly decrying dogmas have them in effect. When they say that they want a Christianity without dogma, they are by that very statement declaring a dogma. They all have certain definite convictions in religious matters, and also ascribe to them a certain authority, though they do not always formulate them officially and acknowledge them candidly. . . . A Church without dogmas would be a silent Church, and this is a contradiction in terms. A silent witness would be no witness at all, and would never convince anyone" Louis Berkhof, Introductory Volume to Systematic Theology in the new combined edition of Systematic Theology), 31.

- Pat Abendroth

God, the Gospel and Glenn Beck

mholloway — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:55:17 -0500

When American Evangelicals forget the gospel, bad things happen. Bad things like swooning to be led in spiritual revival by someone whose religion is patently antichristian.

Russell Moore of Southern Seminary posted an important response to this event that is worth reading. You can find it here.

http://www.russellmoore.com/2010/08/29/god-the-gospel-and-glenn-beck/

Pat Abendroth