How have I missed this blog for so long??? The Reformed Baptist Fellowship is literally a "who's who" of Reformed Baptist leaders today, including Richard Barcellos, Mark Chanski, Bob Gonzales, James Renihan, Jim Savastio, Geoffrey Thomas, Sam Waldron, and James White. Needless to say, this blog is now in my feedreader and my blogroll.

While checking it out, don't miss today's post by James Renihan: "Success is Simple." He writes about his visit to Lifechurch.tv. His conclusion?

In musing over this, the conclusion is really very easy to draw: success is simple. All you really need is a product that appeals to the contemporary culture, and this one really does. Lifechurch.tv has obviously hired the best available musicians, presents a contemporary message ‘relevant’ to the culture, makes its facilities accessible and familiar, and the result is a huge and growing movement. Anyone can do this. It takes money and talent, but the formula is uncomplicated. I admire the zeal of people like this, but question their wisdom.

But is success our goal? To be honest, I am shocked at how often outward success works its way into our minds—whether consciously or unconsciously. We evaluate ourselves and even others by criteria that belong in the board room rather than the prayer closet. While we may not seek after the kind of success evident at Lifechurch.tv, still we judge ourselves and one another similarly. I need to repent of this.

I must bring to mind the reality that the Lord does not call me to anything but faithfulness. My task is to follow His Word carefully and leave the results to Him. I know that many will say that this is simply an excuse and justifies my lack of ‘success.’ But I don’t think that is the case. Sadly, I have to leave the reasons for next time. May God give us light. Amen.

Labels: Christianity and Culture, Other Resources