June 2007 Update

Florida Baptist Truth Project

A special message from our Executive Director, Tom Ascol:

As you probably know, in addition to my responsibilities with Founders Ministries I also serve as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida. Two week ago, the Florida Baptist Convention mailed out a set of CDs containing sermons by Dr. Jerry Vines entitled, "Baptist Battles." Included in those sermons was one entitled, "A Baptist and His Election: Calvinism." Unfortunately, Dr. Vines perpetuates many of the caricatures of the doctrines of grace that have been regularly trotted out and repeatedly debunked through the years. When this sermon first appeared on the internet last year, I reviewed it and pointed out several of the errors it contains. You can read my comments here.

In response to this recent mailing, we are preparing to send out a copy of the DVD entitled "Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism." This two-disk DVD presentation contains more than 4 hours of professionally produced interviews, quotes and explanations of the issues surrounding the doctrines of grace. Among those interviewed are Dr. Tom Nettles, the most prominent historical theologian among Southern Baptists today and Dr. Tom Ascol, Executive Director of Founders Ministries. Other who contributed include Pastor Walt Chantry and Pastor Walter Bowie.

It will only cost $20,000 to get a copy of this powerful presentation into the hands of every Southern Baptist pastor in Florida. A special fund has been established for this very purpose. Let me encourage you to contribute to this project, as you are able and are led by the Lord, to help give Florida Baptist pastors the other side of the story--the side that was seriously caricatured by Dr. Vines' sermon.

Riverbend Church of Ormond Beach, Florida, under the leadership of Dr. Roy Hargrave, has offered to match up to $5000 that is given by July 8, 2007. That means that your gift can be doubled if you give in the next two weeks.

In addition to supporting this effort by giving, We are asking that over the next several weeks you commit to fast and pray that the Lord will use this project to renew and rekindle a deep love for His Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ not only in the churches of Florida but beyond them throughout the whole Southern Baptist Convention. Specifically, from June 24 through July 31, pray that those who receive this DVD would honestly watch it and open their hearts and minds to the truths from God's Word that it presents. Please encourage or lead your church to join in this prayer effort, as well.

Read more about the Florida Baptist Truth Project in our Executive Director's Blog.

You can send your tax exempt contributions to:

Founders Ministries
PO Box 150931
Cape Coral, Florida 33915
ATTN: Florida Baptist Truth Project

Or Contribute online.

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