Founders Baptist Church

In the latest episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell explore the timely topic of pastoral transition and mentorship, drawing parallels with the Apostle Paul's lifelong, dedicated ministry and mentorship towards Timothy, Titus, and others, even until his last days. Dr. Caldwell underscores the importance and intricacy of multigenerational mentorship within the pastoral context, emphasizing that aging pastors, through wisdom and experience, should not merely step aside but rather actively engage in preparing the subsequent generation of leaders. He dismisses conventional retirement for pastors, advocating instead for a transition approach where an elder pastor, given their mental and physical faculties are intact, meticulously grooms a familiar, younger individual for leadership, ensuring continuity, and stability within the church, while remaining integrally involved and facilitating a smooth, non-disruptive transition that glorifies God and caters to the well-being of

In the recent episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell explore the nuanced perspective of church growth and success, challenging the common belief that numerical expansion indicates health and vitality in a church. Dr. Caldwell emphasizes that equating growth with success can be perilous, advocating instead for a definition of success rooted in fidelity to the Word of God and Christ's imparted responsibilities to the church. Highlighting principles like faithful shepherding, biblical baptism, and addressing sin within the church community, he underscores that while numerical and financial increases in a congregation might seem encouraging, they should not be the focal point, as they can invite a potentially detrimental, pragmatic approach to ministry. Dr. Caldwell urges churches to prioritize spiritual faithfulness over growth strategies, aligning actions with biblically expressed ministry goals and celebrating genuine conversions and spiritual maturation as blessings,

Introduction--We have considered what is necessary for a local church to enjoy and live out the unity that we have been given in Jesus Christ.-We have seen--The ambition necessary for local church unity - a worthy walk.-The attitudes necessary for local church unity - humility, gentleness, and patience.-The actions necessary for local church unity - forbearance and holy zeal for its preservation -we treasure it and put effort into the maintenance of it-.-The awareness necessary for local church unity - all the things we have in common in our fellowship with the Spirit, with the Son, and with the Father -what we live out is based on knowledge, doctrine, theology-.-So, having considered the need for unity, and the elements of it, HOW IS IT LIVED OUT--

Introduction--Words tell the story about a person's life. Out of man's mouth comes the abundance of his heart.-ESV Matthew 12-36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.--ESV Luke 6-45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.-Out of the mouth comes the content of one's character.-What is true of careless words - what is true of evil words - is true of unconsciously accurate words.-SOMETIMES PEOPLE UNCONSCIOUSLY TESTIFY AGAINST THEMSELVES.-THEY TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT THEMSELVES IN MATTERS WHERE THEY SEEK TO DENY THAT TRUTH.-This was true of Judas.-ESV Matthew 26-24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed- It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.- 25 Ju

On the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell discuss the profound influence of online connectivity and social media in contemporary life. While technology has enhanced our ways of communication, especially in the last 20-30 years, it has also transformed the manner in which we engage with life and relationships. For instance, Founders Baptist Church streams its Sunday services for remote members, but such conveniences can sometimes distract from real-life relational engagement. Dr. Caldwell observes how people often mistake digital interactions for genuine relationships and confuse information overload with knowledge. He encourages introspection, asking if we've placed too much importance on devices and online information. Pondering on the dangers of digital connections, Dr. Philpot notes that online platforms, contrary to their intent, may actually isolate individuals more. The two experts highlight the irreplaceable value of face-to-face human interactions, emphasizing the spirit

In the recent episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and Dr. Josh Philpot delve into the complexities of Biblical interpretation in light of one's cultural and personal perspective. Dr. Caldwell asserts that while individual backgrounds and -standpoints- can influence interpretation, they shouldn't. The meaning of the Scripture, according to him, isn't subjective but objective, rooted in its original context, writer's intent, and the divine inspiration behind it. While a passage can have multiple applications depending on the reader's personal circumstances, its intrinsic meaning remains constant. Dr. Caldwell emphasizes the importance of discerning the true meaning of Scripture using the grammatical-historical principle and warns against imposing personal experiences or cultural viewpoints onto the text, as it detracts from its divine intent and authority.

On the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Josh Philpot delves into the complexities of the Bible's teachings with Dr. Caldwell, who recently explored controversial passages in Matthew concerning marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Dr. Caldwell emphasizes the pivotal role of church elders, asserting their primary duty is genuine adherence to God's Word rather than personal opinions. Their genuine devotion to scripture cultivates trust within the congregation, ensuring teachings are received with reverence. This faithfulness, combined with honesty and charitable disagreements, sets a foundational tone for the congregation. Congregants are encouraged to approach contentious teachings with respect and open-mindedness, even when in disagreement. Dr. Caldwell advocates for the importance of dialoguing with church leaders when teachings evoke uncertainties, emphasizing a collaborative journey in scriptural understanding.

In 1 Corinthians 12-7, Paul speaks of the manifestation of the Spirit for communal benefit, a concept often misinterpreted among believers. Dr. Richard Caldwell, on the Straight Truth Podcast, clarifies that every believer has a spiritual gift received through salvation and regeneration, not chosen or sought after. While these gifts might align with one's natural inclinations, they remain distinct. New Testament scriptures denote two gift types- temporary sign gifts and permanent edifying ones. Each believer's gift, though unique like varying colors on a painter's palette, is for serving others. Identifying one's gift emerges as one matures in faith and commitment to the church. However, gifts shouldn't be misconstrued with personalities- even if they sometimes align, the primary purpose remains serving the community and aiding spiritual growth, transcending individualistic tendencies.

Introduction-- We have been called to live the -worthy life- and now we see the character of it. And we are specifically thinking about the unity of the church, and how that unity is a part of something larger than unity. The worthy walk is the way to a unified church.-There are two themes that will make up the last part of this letter.-1. Unity -4-4-16--2. Godly living in every part of our life -4-17 - End--To live out either, however, there is a larger aim -the worthy walk- and there are attitudes that we must live with. -Paul gives us 5 attitudes of heart that are necessary to walk in a manner worthy of our calling.-Note- There is progression here. The genuine exercise of one leading to the genuine exercise of the others.