The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” ~ Luke 17:5 The Christian life is built on the foundation of faith. It is by faith we are saved and it is by faith we are to live each day as followers of Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10, Hebrews 10:36-39). Faith starts with belief, specifically a belief that Jesus is the crucified and resurrected Savior-King who gives us life from death, but faith is more than mere belief. Faith is a life-altering trust. Because we have faith in Jesus, we trust that he is the greatest treasure and hope we can have, and we trust that his way is better. So, we … [Read more...] about A prayer for every day
Archives for August 2015
Thoughts on IMB’s new plan
Having read what's available on this and some of the discussion here are some things to ponder: To me, the IMB has been more open in laying out the facts and figures on this than they have in the past, perhaps because of the severity of the crisis I'd speculate. There are almost 100 trustees who will make the broad policy decisions and the way forward has a number of permutations and uncertainties. Are we to sit back and wait for some consensus or majority decisions before having all the facts and options available? I recognize the trustee role but it is not written that they must huddle in … [Read more...] about Thoughts on IMB’s new plan
It Just Ain’t Right: Hiding Sin Solves NOTHING!
Let me lead off this post by saying that in my involvement with the SBC, I've seen some of God's great servants doing great service to our Great God under the SBC banner. It is easy to look at the problems and despair - I've been at that precipice - and become one of those anathematizers! There are some serious problems in the SBC and they need to be dealt with, but they are not the majority. We cannot focus on the problems, as significant as they are, and then assume that they are the whole of the denomination. I've seen entity leaders and their staff working with integrity and passion to … [Read more...] about It Just Ain’t Right: Hiding Sin Solves NOTHING!
The IMB’s New Paradigm: Summary and Reflection from the Field
This post comes from an IMB worker whose is based in an area that requires security and prevents him from using his real name in public, especially on a blog such as this. A quick review seems necessary for late arrivers to the party. - The IMB has been running on an annual deficit for the past few years. We're allocating funds from reserves and worldwide property sales in order to keep people on the field, but we just cannot keep it up. - The finance department identified two problematic areas: cash flow and cash reserves. Flow is simply money in/money out. For now, we have more going … [Read more...] about The IMB’s New Paradigm: Summary and Reflection from the Field
David Platt’s IMB Report: When the Deficit Discussion Began
A couple of people have said, "Why is this the first we are hearing about this?" There is one answer. Because you didn't listen to David Platt's wonderful, home run, blisteringly passionate, (yes) radical statement at the SBC in Columbus. The fact that the SBC is deficit spending was his OPENING POINT. He led off with this, before he began to deal with the new policy changes. David Platt's IMB Report at SBC 2015 from David Tarkington on Vimeo. If you haven't watched this, do so. He made it clear that financial problems existed at the IMB. Evidently they were not ready to roll out … [Read more...] about David Platt’s IMB Report: When the Deficit Discussion Began
FAQs related to IMB Organizational Reset
Here is an addendum to the previous post. I don't know who the "Editor" is - I guess it is IMB personnel. Editor’s note: International Mission Board leaders have outlined a plan to address IMB’s revenue shortfalls and complete a reset of the organization in order to move forward into the future with innovative vision, wise stewardship and high accountability. The plan was presented by senior IMB leadership, including President David Platt, during an Aug. 27 town hall meeting including missionaries and staff, who collectively attended either in person or through digital communication. IMB … [Read more...] about FAQs related to IMB Organizational Reset
Breaking News from the IMB: IMB leaders announce plan to balance budget, prepare for future
(This is the full text from the press release that has just come out from the IMB - thought you might be interested. More information is coming. This appears to be BIG.) Summary: IMB leaders outline plan for innovative vision, wise stewardship and high accountability. By IMB staff RICHMOND, Va.—International Mission Board leaders have outlined a plan to address IMB’s revenue shortfalls and complete a reset of the organization in order to move forward into the future with innovative vision, wise stewardship and high accountability. The plan was presented by senior IMB leadership, … [Read more...] about Breaking News from the IMB: IMB leaders announce plan to balance budget, prepare for future
Homeschooling Post-Duggar
It has been a difficult year for fans of the TLC's celebrity Duggar family. The show "19 Kids and Counting" reaches a lot of constituencies. Quiverfull fecundity fans, conservative Evangelicals, Arkansans, debt-avoiding coupon-clippers, and hash-brown casserole fans all alike can find something entertaining in the show. Alongside all of these, the show also has a strong following among homeschoolers—particularly those who reside in the general neighborhood of Tier 2. For the people in this last category (and perhaps no less to the others), the scandals surrounding Josh Duggar can evoke more … [Read more...] about Homeschooling Post-Duggar
Ashley Madison: The Storm IS Coming…There IS a Harbor!
I have been assured by people who know that the Ashley Madison data dump may well be an EF5 tornado blowing through Christian churches and denominations, including my beloved SBC. In the last few days, I've been told things that turn my stomach. In the last few hours, I've heard things that make my heart break. The Ashley Madison information is out there. It's viral. We can quibble about how it got released, but the fact is that it is out there and it is not going away. I'd like to share some facts and some advice. Some Ashley Madison Facts (As I Understand Them) I am most certainly not … [Read more...] about Ashley Madison: The Storm IS Coming…There IS a Harbor!
15 Helps for Developing Trust in God
It really should be easier to trust God. But we are silly creatures and so trusting the Almighty is difficult. Of course if he only asked us to do tiny things then it wouldn’t be as tough. But God doesn’t make small promises—he makes big promises that blow our minds and require big trust. Richard Baxter in his Christian Directory gives 15 directions for developing a “quieting and comforting trust in God”. I’ve modernized them a bit to make them more helpful to you: Meditate on the greatness of God, and remember that “all things that we can fear are nothing, and can do nothing, but by … [Read more...] about 15 Helps for Developing Trust in God