17 “Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" 21 They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." ~ Matthew 22:17-21 Late in Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisees and other religious leaders tried everything they could to entice Jesus into some mistake so … [Read more...] about Give to God the things that are God’s
Archives for January 2015
Sad Revelations at Brewton Parker
Just 10 days ago, on January 20, we published the news, based on the BPC press release, that Ergun Caner had stepped down as president of Brewton-Parker College in Georgia so that he could heal as a result of the tragedy that had befallen his family. In that article, we asked people to pray for the Caner family during this time as the healing process went forward. It is now clear, from published reports and information gleaned from trustees and students, that the official story was designed to cover up the facts of the story and the real reasons that Dr. Caner was forced to step aside at … [Read more...] about Sad Revelations at Brewton Parker
When doing right brings trouble (a devotion)
7 And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, "Lie with me." 8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" ~ Genesis 39:7-9 Joseph’s story is given a lot of space at the end of Genesis. In chapter 37, we see him essentially as a bratty tattletale who … [Read more...] about When doing right brings trouble (a devotion)
“American Sniper” and the Christian Worldview (by Joel Rainey)
Joel Rainey leads the Engagement Team for Evangelism and Missions at the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network. He is on the adjunct faculty of two seminaries, and the author of three books. He blogs at Themelios, where this was originally posted. "It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we would grow too fond of it." -Robert E. Lee In its first 10 days in theaters, "American Sniper" grossed nearly $200 million. While many critics have scoffed at this film, it is obvious that the American populace is enamored with the story of the late Chris Kyle. This past week, I was one of that large … [Read more...] about “American Sniper” and the Christian Worldview (by Joel Rainey)
Why Doesn’t the CP Count?
At a large number of our entities (I suspect that this is true of them all, but am unwilling to do the necessary research to make the universal statement), giving money directly to that entity will win you some enhanced level of recognition or access. In my fifteen years at FBC Farmersville, Dr. Ken Hemphill first admitted us into the President's Club at SWBTS. We've been invited to meals because of our level of contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. Our entities, like virtually all donation seeking entities in the world, show appreciation … [Read more...] about Why Doesn’t the CP Count?
Should Christians Be “Getting Better”?
“The Christian life isn’t about progress… “ “Church isn’t a place for people to get better… “ “Following Jesus is more about realizing my own weakness and insufficiency and finding them in Jesus than it is about growing… “ I keep hearing statements like these and I must confess they leave me baffled. I’m baffled because I know they are meant to be good news—but for the life of me I can’t find the good news in them. I understand the good news of realizing that my identity is totally and absolutely found in Christ. It is tremendous news that there is no condemnation for those who are … [Read more...] about Should Christians Be “Getting Better”?
ERLC, Moore call for integrated churches…but… (by William Thornton)
William Thornton is the SBC Plodder. Southern Baptist Leaders call for integrated churches Russell Moore, our leader for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, The ERLC has a conference coming up in March in Nashville on "The Gospel and Racial Reconciliation". Speakers include Moore, Frank Page, Danny Akin, along with Fred Luter, Tony Evans, and others. Most are African American. Dwight McKissick was not invited to be a speaker, not that I'm saying he should but he did make an appearance in the article where SBC leaders call for integrated … [Read more...] about ERLC, Moore call for integrated churches…but… (by William Thornton)
Is Suffering Always the Trump Card?
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) I’ve always thought the hard part of this verse is what comes after the comma. In fact most of my focus on this passage has centered around obeying the second half of this verse. We’ve all had experiences of insensitive people who refused to weep with us when we were weeping. Nobody wants to be that guy who laughs at a funeral. Picture the scene. A group of guys are hanging out enjoying a ball game. They’re surrounded by hot wings, big screen televisions, and other faithful fans. They are having a great time…at least … [Read more...] about Is Suffering Always the Trump Card?
The Good Life: Enjoyment
Here is a question that I have often wondered about our current world: Is it possible to enjoy something merely for what it is and not for what its outcome will be or what good it serves? Are there some things that are enjoyable just because they are good and you need not explain why? It’s becoming very hard to find much of this anymore. There is much pressure today to enjoy something beyond mere joy. Being happy and enjoying isn’t enough. We not only need a deeper reason, but we need that reason at the forefront and to be explained to us. We are moderns, which means we break everything down … [Read more...] about The Good Life: Enjoyment
God, Don’t Bless America: Thoughts on the 2015 State of the Union Address
Last night President Obama gave his annual State of the Union Address. The occasion undoubtedly aroused political gurus and, well, everyone on social media to parse the speech whilst sharing their thoughts. There is always a torrent of talking points, but there is one line that is included in every State of the Union Speech that I think deserves more attention than anything else–the last line, “God bless America.” President Obama has invoked the line in every single one of his State of the Union speeches: “Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.” -B. Obama, … [Read more...] about God, Don’t Bless America: Thoughts on the 2015 State of the Union Address