Proposal : A New Magazine

[Brandan Kraft]

Friends,

For a few weeks now, I've been thinking of creating a new periodical. One in which WE write the actual articles and publish it through the REAL mail including online. Of course subscriptions would be free, but donations would be accepted to pay for the cost of distribution. I'm willing to contribute the equipment and time and resources for such an endeavor. After all, I would like the mag to be branded by 5solas.org. What I need more than anything are contributors.

The mag would be published quarterly, or even yearly. Overtime, I hope that it might become a great addition to your library!

So what do you think?

Sincerely,
Brandan

[Odyssey]

I think that would be great!

May god grant unto you the grace for such an endeavor.

jak

[Christ_†_Alone]

Sounds good to me...

[Fledge]

Actually, funny thing is...I've been considering doing something like that too. I was thinking on the internet, with print versions available (of course, people could just download and print whatever they wanted, but hey...I was just mulling it over).
So yea, I like the idea and would love to be a part of it!

[disciple]

sounds like a great idea. count me in! i'd be willing to contribute.

[GreekPrincess]

Awesome idea! :)

[countrymouse]

I like it!

:cool:

[Brandan Kraft]

I've come up with a name for the newsletter/magazine.... This isn't written in stone; and I'm not quite sure about it yet.

Standing Alone : A 5solas.org Publication
or
Standing Alone Together

Let me know what you think! I'm still thinking of other possible names... Ones that use "Pilgrim", "Baptist", "Grace", and other words.... Can anyone think of a name that uses a form of the word "separate?" If anyone has an article they'd like to contribute, I'd appreciate it....

Also a note to my beloved preterist friends.... I'd like to shy away from any articles on eschatology for the time being....

The themes of this magazine are:
Baptist Ecclesiology
Calvinistic Soteriology
Baptist Eschatology (I'd like to stick with partial pret - amill - but that's not set in stone)

[disciple]

Originally posted by kermie
I've come up with a name for the newsletter/magazine.... This isn't written in stone; and I'm not quite sure about it yet.

Standing Alone : A 5solas.org Publication
or
Standing Alone Together

Let me know what you think!
the first sounds sort of negative and separatistic (which is commonly looked at negatively). the second sounds like an oxymoron (i.e., alone together) but the word play may be good.

how about "New Covenant Herald" or "New Covenant Gazette"?

[disciple]

Originally posted by kermie
If anyone has an article they'd like to contribute, I'd appreciate it....
do you have anything specific in mind? what does the length need to be?

[Brandan Kraft]

Doug, right now I have nothing in mind.... An article teaching against infant baptism would be nice!

I'm thinking of writing an article on consesus decision making.

An article on predestination would be nice also....

[disciple]

Originally posted by kermie
Doug, right now I have nothing in mind.... An article teaching against infant baptism would be nice!
i think you should have the one i wrote. if not let me know and i'll send it to you. actually i think it's an attachment to a thread somewhere...i'll find it, clean it up, and send it to ya.

[Brandan Kraft]

Carla brought up "peculiar grace" - I like that a lot!

"particular grace broadcaster"
"peculiar grace broadcaster"

I also LOVE the idea of "New Covenant Herald"

hmmmmm so many choices.

[countrymouse]

hmmm...

I also like the "New Covenant Herald" name. 'Peculiar Grace" is nice, too, perhaps as the title of a regular column; we could never write enough about grace! And here's an idea for another column: "In but not Of the World." Or something like that.

[Alan Stevens]

Hi

Sounds a great idea!

If i'm not too late, i would be interested in contributing.

Cheers

[Brandan Kraft]

Alan, there is plenty of time to contribute! Right now I'm working on the printing details... We may not print for many months, but that's ok. I'm going to research my options first! I also might talk to Jon Zens of searching together and see how he does it.... Have you ever seen the Banner of Truth magazine Alan? I want "New Covenant Herald" or whatever its called to be like that....

I'm really excited about this!!

Also, depending on the cost of the printing I might not be able to give everyone free copies (depends on the number of subscribers).... So I am contemplating either supporting the mag with donations or a small subscription fee for distribution costs only - with free copies made availble to those who can't afford a copy.

[Odyssey]

Hey k!

I could redo my article 'Grace and Covenant Eschatology' and submit that for the grace section if you would like. Or, maybe, just write a new one that could cover each of the 5 points for about 6 issues or so. What do you think?

Grace to you,

jak

[Brandan Kraft]

Hmm Od... I'd like to leave eschatology out of it for now. However, I'd like to see what you might have for the "5 points".. :P Are those the "5 solas" or the "5 points of Calvinism?"

[disciple]

kermie-
i have an article i wrote on the 5 solas, the reformation, and anabaptists. would you like me to send it to ya?

[Brandan Kraft]

Would I???? OH YEAH! Thanks!

[Odyssey]

Kerm,

I was not planning on putting in the eschatology part. That was what the edit would deal with. However, not right now, but in the future (no pun intended), you will probably have to deal with eschatology at some point.

The 5 points would be the 5 points of Calvinism.

Grace to you,

jak

[Brandan Kraft]

Jack, that sounds great. I look forward to seeing it.

As for the eschatology part - are you suggesting I'm not dealing with it? <grin>

Brandan

[Odyssey]

I'm sorry. I was just assuming you were because you wrote, 'I'd like to leave eschatology out of it for now'.

[batteredsheep]

Hi ,

A few friends and I tried this 10 years ago with a newsletter called "Sovereign Grace Herald". It was fun and rewarding while it lasted, and our mailing list included J.I. Packer!

What was interesting was that privately, many pastors of a reformed persuasion applauded and encouraged us, but none were willing to write any articles for us.

We had articles, book reviews, conference listings, and a few other miscellaneous columns.

Anyhow, I think it's a great idea .. go for it!

Paul

[disciple]

Originally posted by batteredsheep
We had articles, book reviews, conference listings, and a few other miscellaneous columns.

Anyhow, I think it's a great idea .. go for it!
any ideas or articles to contribute? i'm sure you've got something from your site that you could contribute.

[batteredsheep]

any ideas or articles to contribute? i'm sure you've got something from your site that you could contribute.

yeah, I think I could contribute some book reviews since I'm quite a bookworm! Also perhaps an article on some exegetical or theological issue (can't think of anything specific at this point)

[Brandan Kraft]

That would be great!

Right now I'm investigating printing options... This is pretty exciting!

Brandan

[Brandan Kraft]

OK, I'm still serious about this... new name...

5solas.org Review

or 5solas.org Theological Journal

Any opinions?

[disciple]

OK, I'm still serious about this... new name...

5solas.org Review

or 5solas.org Theological Journal

Any opinions?I like the second. The first one doesn't flow well or make sense to me.

[Skeuos Eleos]

I am very interested in this idea and would support it and encourage you in it. I could maybe even help extend your readership into the UK where I think it would be much needed! Most Calvinistic churches in the UK are either strict presbyterian or strict reformed baptist. Most of them have never even heard of NCT. Those that have dismiss it out of hand - so strong are their pre-suppositions.

I think it is the rare combined supralapsarian/NCT view that would be unique about such a magazine and that is what excites me about the idea - but that is also why I think that the name should reflect that. The problem is I can't come up with anything suitable - "Supralapsarian New Covenant Herald" doesn't quite roll off the tongue! :D

Every blessing,

[Brandan Kraft]

5solas.org Theological Journal : Upholding our Lord's Pristine Grace.

[Mrs. Gill]

Sounds good

[Mrs. Gill]

By the way, isn't this picture adorable???

[Brandan Kraft]

You mean this one?



http://www.5solas.org/images/photos/angie-11-03-2003-front-pregnant.jpg

[tomas1]

I have a suggestion for the new magazine. How about a systematic theology in serial form? Let me explain. The problem with all of the systematic theologies that I know of is that they are the opinions of just one man. Even when the man is a giant of the faith like Calvin or Gill his incite will always be truth mixed with error. But all of us taken together (I mean the whole Church past present and future together) will not error. This is why I like Confessions of Faith they are usually made by committee. Although they are too short and vague.
One of the big brains among us could write a chapter on a subject like the Authority of Scripture then you could post it on the forum for comment. The posters would then come to a consensus on the details. If there is a valid minority point it could be included in the footnotes. Talk about Priesthood of the Believers in action. Finally the completed article would be published in the magazine. After a period of time by saving issues we would have a definitive statement of theology from a 5solas perspective. This would be a huge contribution to the new reformation that God seems to bringing to the Church. What do you think?

[Brandan Kraft]

I have a suggestion for the new magazine. How about a systematic theology in serial form? Let me explain. The problem with all of the systematic theologies that I know of is that they are the opinions of just one man. Even when the man is a giant of the faith like Calvin or Gill his incite will always be truth mixed with error. But all of us taken together (I mean the whole Church past present and future together) will not error. This is why I like Confessions of Faith they are usually made by committee. Although they are too short and vague.
One of the big brains among us could write a chapter on a subject like the Authority of Scripture then you could post it on the forum for comment. The posters would then come to a consensus on the details. If there is a valid minority point it could be included in the footnotes. Talk about Priesthood of the Believers in action. Finally the completed article would be published in the magazine. After a period of time by saving issues we would have a definitive statement of theology from a 5solas perspective. This would be a huge contribution to the new reformation that God seems to bringing to the Church. What do you think?Interesting ideas Tomas. I'll have to think about it... Eventually with enough articles we could publish a book, but I don't know about a complete systematic theology book. Getting all of us to agree on every topic seems daunting - even amongst the people I have asked and will ask to contribute. - Brandan

[Skeuos Eleos]

A Systematic Theology would indeed be a daunting project! However, I am reminded of your post in the Common Grace thread:
I will use this thread for a long time as reference in discussion of this topic. As Boar said over at bible fellowship, he has never seen an in-depth conversation on the topic of common grace online until he's seen this one.The problem is that you have to go rummaging around, ignoring the rhetoric, repetition and pithy comments and so on to find the bits you're looking for. What would be really neat would be something that condensed some of these topics (but not summarised) so that nothing is lost but only what needs to be said is said. Anyway, this led me to think what about an updated "Confession", in the style of the Belgic confession and/or Canons of Dort?

In Christ,
Martin

[PILGRIM313]

I hate to be the wet noodle on the tail of this hoopla about creating a magazine, but has anyone bother to 'pray' about it and seek the Lord's Will on this matter?
Just a thought.
Pilgrim313

[Brandan Kraft]

Of course I've prayed for God's guidance in this matter. I'm sure He'll give it to me! I believe God would have me to proclaim truth, and this is one thing that has come to my mind that I think would glorify Him and edify His Saints. I'm commanded by Scripture to love the brethren and this is one way I thought of that would allow me to do so.

Am I concerned about financing this project? Not a bit. If I can't afford it, then it's not God's will that the magazine proceed. Am I concerned that I have writers to contribute articles? Nope. No authors - no articles - no magazine. Same thing goes for subscribers - am I concerned that there be any? Not at all. If there are no subscribers then it must not be God's will that there is a mag.

Now the question I have is this... did you seek God's will before posting your last post dear Sister... what about before signing up on this site and contributing all of your posts... did you pray about it? If so, I must commend you but are you sure you're in God's will simply because you prayed? If you didn't pray before signing up for an account on the Internet and started posting on 5solas.org then how can you be sure it's God's will that you're posting on this site? (p.s. you don't have to answer these questions)

My point is this. I am not aware of any command in Scripture I would be breaking by creating this magazine. I am not putting my family under burden, nor am I attempting to spread heresy. I'm attempting to serve God and edify His saints. I don't think we need to pray long and hard to see if this is His will.

So for starters -

1. This magazine does not violate any clear commandments of Scripture as far I know.

2. If God calls me to do something, He will providentially perform it for me.

3. If I can't manage to create this magazine and get it off the ground then it stands to reason that this is not God's will.

4. Nobody has given me a good reason why I shouldn't do this. If you have a good reason, let me know. Maybe God will reveal His will to me through your kind words.

5. This has been on my mind for over a year now. If I lose interest in it, then it's obviously not God's will.

6. God always gets what He wants! So whatever I do will be His will :D

Yours in Him,
Brandan

[PILGRIM313]

Brandon, my post was not meant to stir up your anger, but simply to ask a question. Had you laid this burden of your heart before the Lord in prayer. The Scriptures are plain about out taking all to the Lord in prayer. Are we dependent on this? Or do we only use it when it suits our need? Or when we are in difficulties. We humans are prone to run on our own fuel until we hit a snag, and only then do we possibly take it to the Lord. I know, I see myself contiually!! It struck me as this thread began that it was 'human' nature running full tilt....Hey someone has an 'idea'......yeah, that sounds goood, count me in! ......I'll contribute......Hey, I've got an article....and on the ball rolls. My point was that possibly those concerned should gather for prayer over the matter before it is made public. Letting the Lord 'guide' you as opposed to attempting something and waiting to see if it falls flat or not. Again, there is the 'human' idea....'I'll 'try' this and if it doesn't work, well it wasn't God's will'.....I don't think that is honoring to God....but rather take it to Him in prayer, await the answer from Him....and 'if' there is no answer....don't go forward.
See Ecc.12:12....Do we really need more 'books' 'magazines' or do we need to get on our knees in prayer, repenting of our self righteous, and seeking the Lord with broken, contrite hearts, awaiting and praying for His Spirit to come and revive His people.

Just some food for thought
Pilgrim

[Brandan Kraft]

Pilgrim I wasn't angered one bit. I love you too much to get angry about it. I thought it was an interesting topic that warranted my response. :D

[disciple]

pilgrim-

i just want to personally let you know that i thought your comment was exactly what was needed. you were obeying God in telling us what He laid upon your heart. and it was exactly what we (and you) needed to hear. personally, i very much appreciated your comment. we can't have too many reminders to bring things to our Lord in prayer. thanks.

doug

[Brandan Kraft]

If I sounded too defensive I apologize. It was not my intent to come off as angry or defensive. I agree that we should pray about it. I also want to tell everyone that I have in case they were wondering. The point of my post was to simply communicate that we don't need to be spending hours in prayer agonizing to see if something is God's will or not. Whether or not Pilgrim was thinking this or not, I don't know.

Yours in Him,
Brandan

[r4mdh2o]

The magazine you're wanting to write may already exist. Check out http://www.go-newfocus.co.uk/articles/frames.htm . I distribute it in the USA for Peter Meney aka sons_of_scotland on paltalk. :)

[Brandan Kraft]

Thanks Mike - yes - as you know I'm already a subscriber - I agree that it is VERY GOOD and a major breath of fresh air.

[wildboar]

There was a short quote by me in one of the recent issues so it has to be good:p

[Brandan Kraft]

LOL Charles - I saw that quote! It was pretty cool.

[Robert R. Higby]

Regardless of how many gospel issues a publication waxes eloquent on, if the ultimate objective is promotion of a sectarian system, it will never continue the Reformation. Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.