Ben Simpson is the pastor of West Main Baptist Church in Alexandria, TN and his blog is part of that church's site. The Bible makes it clear that those who follow Christ are to smell like Him. No, don’t go running out to try to find a bottle of pure nard perfume to anoint yourself with (John 12:3). God is talking about a spiritual aroma and not a physical one. He tells us through Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of … [Read more...] about Of Garbage Dumps, Cesspools, and Outhouses: Aromas That Repel (by Ben Simpson)
Archives for 2013
How Disney & India Taught Me That I Was Wrong About Our Need for Institutions, Part Two (By Alan Cross)
Alan Cross blogs at Downshore Drift. My first post in this four part series was about how I am rethinking the need for Christian institutions and seeing that organization and building something that will last is a lot more important than I used to think. Of course, I wanted to see gospel movement last, but I thought that if we just preached the gospel and lived it out, then everything else would take care of itself. I am finding that we need a bit more than that. We need strong churches and ministries and Christian hospitals and colleges and businesses. We need people to work in all different … [Read more...] about How Disney & India Taught Me That I Was Wrong About Our Need for Institutions, Part Two (By Alan Cross)
The Licentious vs. The Legalist
The Licentious vs. The Legalist Observations from the Prodigal Son The parable of the Prodigal Son has provided a plethora of instruction, application, and edification. To grasp the fullest understanding of the parable you must take a glance backward to verses 1-10. There is the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin. In the first, there is a shepherd who ventures off to look for the lost sheep. Noticeably, he is the only person who is aware the sheep is lost. The emphasis seems to be placed upon the lost sheep, but is that the most accurate portrayal of the passage??? In the lost … [Read more...] about The Licentious vs. The Legalist
Is It Okay to Vent?
“I feel like I am going to explode. I know that it is unhealthy to hold stuff in. So I just need to vent to someone. I don’t need advice, counsel, or anything—I just need to express all of my feelings.” I’ve heard such statements numerous times. In fact I’ve heard something similar pouring from my own lips. Social media has given a new medium in which we can vent; namely Facebook. Just scroll down your news feed and within 15-20 posts you are likely to read some sort of complaining, whining, griping, or venting. But is it biblical? Is it okay for us to vent to other people? Is it … [Read more...] about Is It Okay to Vent?
Why Educate your Children? How Should You Educate your Children? (by Christie Wright)
This article was originally posted at "A Mother Far from Home: On Becoming a Supermom." Christie Wright is a teacher and assistant principal at Highland Rim Academy in Cookeville, TN. She has three children, and is married to a Southern Baptist pastor (Jeff Wright). When my dear friend, Rachel, asked me to be a guest blogger on the topic of “Educating Rescuers” I knew instantly this would be an opportunity to tell a dragon story. I blame J.R.R. Tolkien for my love of dragon tales, but I’ll begin by quoting his good mate, C.S. Lewis, who knew quite well how to tell a dragon tale of his own. … [Read more...] about Why Educate your Children? How Should You Educate your Children? (by Christie Wright)
Missions Is Sometimes a Bunch of Bulls
A few years ago, a local (Ecuadorian, Deaf) buddy of mine invited me to a big anniversary party up in Riobamba. The Deaf association was having a huge soiree and the entry fee was only $2. I had a car, a free Saturday, and $2 I could live without, so I went. The event that day consisted of three main events: drinking, talking, and bull fighting. The drinking didn't interest me, of course. The talking - well, that's the national Deaf hobby so how could I not participate? In reality, it was pretty hard for me to engage them. I had only been in the country nine months, and I had … [Read more...] about Missions Is Sometimes a Bunch of Bulls
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE D! DETROIT AND BANKRUPTCY…..(by Marc Bewley)
Since 2008, Marc Bewley has served in the metro Detroit area through the BSCM and NAMB as a Church Planter Catalyst. He blogs at MarcBewley.com. D town, Motor City, Motown, Hockey town and even Day-twah(French pronunciation) are nicknames of Detroit. It is also a place I love and a place I share God’s Word. Let me be frank, if you’re interested in church planting, you probably can’t or don’t want to handle Detroit. Since 2008, Marc Bewley has served in the metro Detroit area through the BSCM and NAMB as a Church Planter Catalyst. He blogs at MarcBewley.com. Detroit added a new name … [Read more...] about YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE D! DETROIT AND BANKRUPTCY…..(by Marc Bewley)
Why do we make this so hard?
What is the whole point of our lives on this earth? What is the purpose of every church? What is the task of every Christian? Just what exactly are we supposed to do with the handful of decades that God has given to us? How many books have been written, sermons preached, and videos directed in our attempts to answer these questions? We ask these questions as if they exist as mine shafts miles deep when really the answer to each is so straightforward and simple: We are to be disciples of Jesus who live to make disciples of Jesus. Individually and collectively, the answer remains the … [Read more...] about Why do we make this so hard?
I Love Seminary!
I love seminary. I’m a non-traditional student: I have a full-time secular job and take one class per semester, usually via the internet (curse you internet fees!). Because of my work and life situation, I can get my education while serving in my church, spending time with my family, and earning a living, all without going into debt. Times are changing and educational opportunities are expansive. I told you, I love seminary. Every once in a while I’ll read an article or hear someone talk about what seminary didn’t teach them. The methods and reasons for writing such articles are varied. Some … [Read more...] about I Love Seminary!
How I Disappointed Mr. T
Watch about a minute of this: Hopefully you didn't watch much more than a minute. If you did you’re likely tearing through your house looking for scratch & sniff stickers, Hulk Hogan T-shirts, and stonewashing your jeans—anything to magically transfer you back to the wonderful world of the 80’s. The 80’s were amazing. And also deadly. Mr. T’s message here isn’t as bad as it could be. Actually Mr. T could be helpful as he says, “you don’t have to be famous to be somebody”. Unfortunately, that message was drowned out by the pervasive narcissism of the 80’s. Us children of the … [Read more...] about How I Disappointed Mr. T