I was taught a simple hermeneutical principle long ago, one that makes sense if we actually believe the Bible is inerrant and sufficient for faith and practice. When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense. I realize that sometimes there are addenda to that concept. We need to understand the plain sense of Scripture as it would have been understood by the audience that received it – Ancient Israel, the First Century Greek culture, etc. Archeology and historical studies, as well as language studies can inform our “plain sense of Scripture.” Having said all … [Read more...] about Litigious Believers: We All Lose
Microwaved Restoration
I love my microwave oven. I can reheat my coffee or have a bag of popcorn in a couple of minutes. No muss, no fuss. There are things you cannot microwave. Biblical restoration from sin is one of those things. That is a process that must be slow-cooked or it will be ruined. Yesterday, a group of Johnny Hunt’s close friends announced that 7 months after reports surfaced that he had abused a woman in his church around the time he was the president of the SBC (details are sketchy on the timing of all of this) he was now fully restored and ready to return to ministry. Hunt has left Woodstock and … [Read more...] about Microwaved Restoration
Finding Our Political Sweet Spot
I am sitting in JFK airport putting the final touches on this, after an overnight flight that ended my two week stay in Senegal. While there, I’m pretty much cut off from most things I do that distract me, but when the sun is in the east, the breeze out of the west, and phase of the moon is right, I can get a bit of bandwidth and browse Facebook, even Twitter at times. I’m sure you haven’t noticed that there’s a bit of hysteria out there about the elections on Tuesday. My first encounter with electio-mania was with a high school friend who basically anathematized anyone who would … [Read more...] about Finding Our Political Sweet Spot
The Consequences of Evil…and Social Media
I am not an expert in the history of War, but I’ve read articles that said that Hitler had every chance to win World War II, if not for his own bizarre choices. Most criminals who get caught do so because of their hubris, foolishness, and self-destructive choices. Self-immolation is inherent in the nature of sin. The arrogance of turning against the will and ways of Almighty God brings with it a natural outcome. Sin is spiritual suicide and will always bring both God’s active judgment and natural consequences. “Be sure your sin will find you out.” That principle applies to the interactions … [Read more...] about The Consequences of Evil…and Social Media
It’s Official: Greenway Has Resigned
After some serious whiplash today, it has become official. Dr. Adam Greenway has resigned at SWBTS. It appears that both of the "sources" we reported were accurate to an extent. Mark Wingfield had his facts essentially in order but the reports that the resignation was a done deal were a bit premature. We have suspected since this morning that this would happen but that certain details were being finalized. Anyone who speaks to the "why" of all this is spreading rumors. I think it is safe to say that no one knows at this point. … [Read more...] about It’s Official: Greenway Has Resigned
A Word about a Confusing News Day
I am in Cincinnati today and awoke to news from Baptist News Global that Dr. Greenway had resigned. I trust Mark Wingfield as a reporter, though I seldom agree with the opinions of BNG. The story was also being widely disseminated on social media. We report on stories here but generally do not break them. I reported this one with a link to BNG. Again, I consider them a reliable source. I was contacted by another source, authoritative and trusted, who told me that BNG had jumped the gun. Dr. Greenway may still leave SWBTS soon, but I was told it had not happened yet. I also reported … [Read more...] about A Word about a Confusing News Day
Breaking: Greenway Has NOT Resigned
I have received a reliable report from an authoritative source saying that BNG jumped the gun. There may be some issues at SWBTS but at this point Greenway is still at the helm. The situation is fluid and could change. Count me among those who are pleased this is so. My guess is that this will be a story for days to come. Hopefully, clarity will come soon. … [Read more...] about Breaking: Greenway Has NOT Resigned
BNG Report: Greenway Resigns from Southwestern
Baptist News Global has reported that at a trustee meeting, Dr. Adam Greenway has tendered his resignation after only three and a half years at SWBTS. According to their report, the issue was financial management. We have enough information to believe this may be an accurate report, though there has been no official announcement or Baptist Press statement. I have appreciated Dr. Greenway's work and respected him. I would be pleased if this turned out to be false but we have every reason to believe it is true. … [Read more...] about BNG Report: Greenway Resigns from Southwestern
Dr. Mohler’s Growing Political Partisanship
Dr. Albert Mohler will have an honored place in SBC history for people like me who lived through the Conservative Resurgence and were pleased to see the tide of our denomination's history turn. I appreciate what he did to restore confessionalism and a more biblical theology at Southern, even if I do not share many of his theological distinctives. I fear his legacy may be tarnished by his recent turn toward a focus on strident political partisanship. Once a noble statesman and a force of unity among us, he is now in danger of being remembered as a divisive political opportunist whose focus … [Read more...] about Dr. Mohler’s Growing Political Partisanship
The “Billy Graham Rule” – Biblical Mandate or Sexist Relic?
During my long years of ministry, I have, for the most part, observed the so-called Billy Graham Rule. I wasn't legalistic about it, but I used it as a general guideline. It was considered a ministry mandate in my early days of ministry, as if it were written on a third stone tablet from Sinai. I remember a seminary professor, way back in the 70s, telling our all-male class, Men, there are many problems that will hinder your ministry. There are two that will destroy it - money and women. Don't mess around with either. As I shush the downhill slope of my ministry, I see the wisdom of that … [Read more...] about The “Billy Graham Rule” – Biblical Mandate or Sexist Relic?