Balance, schmalance..."beer is a gift to be enjoyed in moderation" sayeth my neighbor Georgian evangelical pastor...and brewer. Heavenly balance? A craft-beer-brewing, evangelical pastor Alas, the dilemma of today's newspaper editors. If an evangelical pastor founds a brewery, where should the story go? Better put it in the business, not religion, section of the paper, but be sure to include more than a little about the church angle; you know, details like the brewery founder has a degree from the venerable Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the concept that "beer brings people … [Read more...] about Crafting that delicate balance: the church and alcohol
Archives for February 2016
Pursuing Unity in Disagreement: A Foundation
Near the end of Philippians, a letter you could call Paul’s Book on Joy, we get a glimpse of his heart-felt and loving concern for two church ladies in the midst of a disagreement. There is plenty that we don’t know about this situation including what the disagreement was about, what caused it, how long it had been going on, and how it affected others. Whatever the answer to these questions, the issue was significant enough for Paul to publically call out the ladies and urge others in the church to help correct the issue: I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I … [Read more...] about Pursuing Unity in Disagreement: A Foundation
Do what you want! But…
Do what you want! Do what makes you happy!—these seem to be modern mantras for many people. Life is short, don’t waste your time doing a bunch of things that make you miserable, and enjoy being happy while you can. In a way, the Bible agrees. But in the pages of scripture we also find a fence drawn around this idea—a boundary to help guard one’s heart from destructive things that will ruin a life and an eternal soul. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote about his experiences. He tested various pleasures and withheld nothing from himself that he desired. Yet, with time, it all proved … [Read more...] about Do what you want! But…
IMB overseas personnel reduced by almost 1,000
OK, David Platt, one in five SBC overseas personnel have either retired or resigned and we have moved from about 4,800 such to around 3,800. Now that's a reset, recalibration, retrenchment of the first degree. IMB:1,132 missionaries, state staff accept VRI, HRO NASHVILLE (BP) -- The International Mission Board announced today (Feb. 24) that 983 missionaries and 149 stateside staff have transitioned outside the mission entity during the past six months as a result of its voluntary retirement and resignation programs. The number of missionaries on the field is now around 3,800, according … [Read more...] about IMB overseas personnel reduced by almost 1,000
What Can We Learn from “Dr. Phil” and Thabiti?
On February 11 Phil Johnson used a Facebook post to accuse Thabiti Anyabwile of mission drift. The following is a screenshot of Phil’s original post: For those who are not aware, Phil is the Executive Director of Grace to You (John MacArthur’s resource and media center), and Thabiti is pastor of Anacostia River Church in southeast Washington, D.C. What followed was a brief interaction between Thabiti and Phil, which can be viewed at the following links: Thabiti’s initial article replying to Phil Phil’s article replying to Thabiti’s initial article Thabiti’s closing … [Read more...] about What Can We Learn from “Dr. Phil” and Thabiti?
In Pursuit of Unity – Small Steps for Everyday Baptists
As a followup to our proposal for a Baptist future, I wanted to offer a few thoughts about unity - especially unity in SBC life. Unity doesn’t just happen. In fact, our natural tendency given our various opinions, personalities, temperaments, priorities, callings, contexts, theological bents, and our common sin nature all make DISunity the more natural outcome. Yet, the New Testament, over and over again, makes an appeal for the unity of believers – both within the local church and among churches who were markedly different from one another. To achieve such unity, we can’t just sit back and … [Read more...] about In Pursuit of Unity – Small Steps for Everyday Baptists
2016 Pastor’s Conference
Live This: SBC Pastors Conference 2016, St.Louis Speakers: David Platt, Greg Laurie, Ed Stetzer, Jack Graham, James MacDonald, Byron McWilliams...and "more to come." __________________ Session sponsors: Southern Baptists of Texas, Harvest America Greg Laurie, Compassion In Jesus' Name Diamond sponsors: Our journey of Hope, NAMB, Midwestern Seminary, Maranatha Tours, Inc. Platinum sponsors: Auxano ________________________ Compassion in Jesus' Name is Compassion International, Inc., an enormous charity based in Colorado Springs, Colorado with revenues exceeding $700 … [Read more...] about 2016 Pastor’s Conference
You Replicate What You Celebrate (Dustin Lair)
Many men smarter than me have made this point before, but after a year of coaching Junior Varsity sports it really makes sense to me. On the football field all of my receivers wanted to try to catch the ball with one hand and shout Odell, in reference to the Giants receiver that made this catch last year. Meanwhile their ability to catch probably doesn’t exceed that of Adele, the musician who sings this. On the basketball court every single player thinks they’re a shot blocker ignoring the fact that you couldn’t slide a quarter under their feet when they jump. Blocked shots get the crowd … [Read more...] about You Replicate What You Celebrate (Dustin Lair)
Voices for a New Baptist Future: A Group Proposal
“We must, indeed, all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” That quote, of questionable provenance, is attributed to Benjamin Franklin (or to Richard Penn, or to an anonymous American General) at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Whether he actually spoke the words, the sentiments are beyond dispute. In such a time of extremity unity is essential, not optional. Those who came together to craft, discuss, debate, and finally sign that document had disparate backgrounds, beliefs, agendas, and purposes. Yet, they were able to unite in the belief that the course … [Read more...] about Voices for a New Baptist Future: A Group Proposal
Next week’s a big week at IMB
David Platt gave a little preview when meeting with state baptist paper editors, some of whom are critical of his recent actions. Platt asks state paper editors to encouage unity Gleaned from the address as BP reported it: 1. Numbers for the Hand Raising opportunity will be given next week at the IMB trustee meeting. We should have a good feel for total numbers in both the earlier VRI and now the HRO. 2. Platt explained the elimination of the Richmond communications department. Bluntly put, they were not needed. The function had not advanced with the digital mindset, etc etc. My … [Read more...] about Next week’s a big week at IMB