There was a father who loved his children very much and he was willing to do whatever it took to make them happy. If they wanted something, he got it – nothing was too good or too expensive for his son and his daughter. But no matter what he did, his children were not truly happy. Christmas was coming, but still his children had no joy. They complained and whined. They fought and called names. The father sat in his easy chair one evening, thinking. Why can’t my children be happy? I have given them everything they could possibly want. What more can I do? Suddenly, a thought … [Read more...] about The Perfect Gift: A Children’s Story
Don’t Celebrate Christmas. Celebrate Christ!
Do you ever find yourself wondering at Christmastime, “What’s it all about?” Why do I go through all of this? Why do I brave the insane crowds at the mall, or the traffic on the streets? Your schedule is so busy that there is little time to enjoy the season. There are concerts and parties and gatherings galore. Is it really worth it? I want to affirm that there is something worth celebrating during this season. There is more to it than decorations and presents and trees. There’s certainly more than egg nog or fruitcake (that stuff is disgusting). And there is way more than Santa and … [Read more...] about Don’t Celebrate Christmas. Celebrate Christ!
A Personal Conviction: Pastors Should Not Make Salary Demands!
I got my first paycheck from a church in 1980, and have been receiving them on a regular basis ever since. I served as a youth pastor for five years in Tequesta, Florida, as a pastor for 4 years in Drakes Branch, Virginia, and am approaching my 20th year of ministry in Iowa - over 14 in Cedar Rapids and the last 5+ years in Sioux City. Since I left the lawn care company I worked for Ft. Worth (the "Lawn Rangers" - "fighting for lawn order around the Metroplex") we have derived our living from our ministry at these four churches. In all that time, I have never negotiated my salary with … [Read more...] about A Personal Conviction: Pastors Should Not Make Salary Demands!
Brick Walls, Picket Fences (5): Who is God? Who Are We?
There seems to be a continuing misunderstanding of what it means to build a “Brick Wall.” I have tried to define it in these posts, but I am aware that it is not likely that people are reading every word in this lengthy series. The purpose of a Brick Wall is not to separate Christians from the lost! Jesus never separated himself from the lost and we cannot either. We are must engage the sinful world if we hope to show the love of Jesus Christ to them. The Brick Wall of separation is not meant to divide us from those who need Christ. But we must separate ourselves from the false … [Read more...] about Brick Walls, Picket Fences (5): Who is God? Who Are We?
“Happy Holidays” from SBC Voices
From the SBC Voices Team! Do I make the "Grinch Alert" Naughty List now? If someone would add me to that list, it would make my day! (For the record, proper permission was neither sought by the editor, nor granted by the unfortunates who write for SBC Voices. Isn't there a Bible verse that says "its easier to get forgiveness than permission"?) (FYI - in addition to my own mug, the pictures are of Matt Svoboda, SelahV, Howell Scott and Mike Bergman - all illegally obtained - Howell's a lawyer, too. I could be in trouble) (FYI part 2 - I know there are some who are grieved that … [Read more...] about “Happy Holidays” from SBC Voices
Brick Walls, Picket Fences (4): Identifying Brick Wall Doctrines, Part 1
I have shared quite a bit about the fantastic, life-sustaining fellowship I experienced with pastors from other churches and other denominations in Cedar Rapids. Because of the grace God gave in our fellowship, we ended up engaging in several citywide ministries, most of which were also blessed. But one such attempt led me to a Brick Wall moment. I was asked to serve on a “marriage task force” that was working to develop a unified approach to promote marriage in the community. We believed that if we developed common standards to prepare couples for marriage, we might make a dent in the … [Read more...] about Brick Walls, Picket Fences (4): Identifying Brick Wall Doctrines, Part 1
Brick Walls, Picket Fences (3): Building Brick Walls – Doctrine That Must Divide!
In the 1930’s an ominous power was rising in Europe. Adolph Hitler was consolidating his power and preparing his campaign to devour Europe and eliminate the Jewish People. Great Britain’s prime minister, Neville Chamberlain, tried everything he could to avoid war. He coddled and appeased Hitler, trying to make peace with an evil man. As Hitler moved forward, he stepped back, and the curse of Nazi Germany spread. Finally, under the leadership of Chamberlain’s successor, Winston Churchill, Great Britain took a stand against the Nazis. America and other nations eventually joined them and … [Read more...] about Brick Walls, Picket Fences (3): Building Brick Walls – Doctrine That Must Divide!
Al Mohler and the Southern Seminary Singers: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
(I have no idea where this came from, and for the record, Al Mohler had nothing to do with it, but it made me laugh). … [Read more...] about Al Mohler and the Southern Seminary Singers: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
FYI: About Commenting and Moderation
Being named editor of SBC Voices was a birthday present for me (September 13). It is a great privilege. I enjoy writing and interacting with people and this has been exciting. However, there is one aspect of this that is no fun at all. It is moderating comments. We have some pretty "lively" exchanges on Voices. Sometimes it gets out of hand and it falls to me to try to make some order out of the chaos. I do so imperfectly and inconsistently. I thought I should share with you the standards by which I am trying to operate. Our goal is here godly, but largely free … [Read more...] about FYI: About Commenting and Moderation
My Three Churches: The Church in the New Testament
A few days ago, Mike Bergman asked the question, "What is a Church?" His post and the good discussion that followed put me in mind of a post I did some time ago at sbcIMPACT. I thought it might be good to update and repost that article. For a couple of years, when Baptist Identity bloggers were much more active than they are today, the subject of ecclesiology was one of the most hotly debated topics. BI adherents focused almost entirely on the local church and some even questioned the present reality of the "universal church" - even calling it illusory or imaginary. Those who give more … [Read more...] about My Three Churches: The Church in the New Testament