We only have one hope in America - we must pray for revival. If I had a nickel for every time I've heard some variation of that phrase over the last 4 decades of my walk with Christ and my ministry, I would have a very large nickel collection. It is an interdenominational plea, a heart-cry of millions who know that what is isn't what should be and that only God can fix it. It's often a sign of exasperation at the end of a long discussion of politics or other world problems. "There's no hope - we need a revival." It is used to stop theological discussions. "Let's stop arguing about this … [Read more...] about A Theory on the Absence of Revival and the Plight of the American Church
Colloquium at Southwestern: Pastors’ Conference Speakers Gather to Immerse Themselves in Philippians
After months of anticipation, our "colloquium" is finally here. We have gathered here in Ft. Worth with the speakers for the Pastors' Conference for 2017. D. Paige Patterson, Dr. David Allen, and the rest of the Southwestern Seminary family have bent over backwards to make us welcome and to help us make this two-day event a success! Since the day I was elected to this office, no one has been more gracious to us than Dr. Patterson. We are greatly in his debt. Soon after my election last June, Bart brought to me with this idea - gathering all of the preachers together to immerse ourselves … [Read more...] about Colloquium at Southwestern: Pastors’ Conference Speakers Gather to Immerse Themselves in Philippians
When a Celebrity Sings about God
I saw a link to a song on Facebook this morning, a song called “Back to God” by Reba McEntire. I listened to it because I was killing time and the other option was to read more analysis of Nancy Pelosi’s insane comments about Justice Gorsuch. I love country music about as much as I love Boston sports so I was less than enthusiastic but I clicked through anyway. I also know the long track record of celebrity songs about God – a toxic blend of bad theology, American civil religion, and a tendency of Christians to exhibit little or no discernment about them. It was morning, I was being lazy and … [Read more...] about When a Celebrity Sings about God
Imitation Courage: Preaching against OPS – Other People’s Sins
It is one of my favorite sermons ever. Someday, when I grow up, I want to preach one just like it in a Baptist church somewhere as my last sermon. I say "last sermon" because when I preach this sermon it will likely be my last! The prophet Amos began so well as he preached to the northern 10 tribes, known as Israel. He spoke of the sin of the nations around Israel and the judgment God would bring on them. First, he addressed the sins of Damascus (modern-day Syria). God said through him, “For three sins of Damascus, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath.” And the people’s ears perked … [Read more...] about Imitation Courage: Preaching against OPS – Other People’s Sins
Consider This My *Resignation (There’s a NEW Sheriff in Town)
*Sorry, guys, just temporary. I know, I shouldn't have gotten your hopes up!! I am finding the demands of the Pastors' Conference to be overwhelming. Wonderful. A blessing. Fun. I've got the greatest group of guys helping me - well, a couple of knuckleheads, but God loves knuckleheads, doesn't he? When I ran for this position, I knew there would be a lot of work. I did not realize how time-consuming it would be. I have this other gig here in Sioux City - a church that gives me a paycheck periodically and expects my time, effort, heart and soul. I love blogging. Frankly, if you guys can … [Read more...] about Consider This My *Resignation (There’s a NEW Sheriff in Town)
A Day of Hope…and Fear
I boldly told people that this day would never happen. Republicans would come to their senses and nominate someone other than Donald Trump. The nation would never elect a man like Donald Trump president. I was fearful that by nominating Donald Trump as its nominee the GOP was guaranteeing that I would have to utter 3 words I never wanted to have to say, "President Hillary Clinton." I was wrong about all of that. In a few moments, Donald Trump will appear at the Capitol and be sworn in as the President of the United States. By the time you read this, it will be a done deal. … [Read more...] about A Day of Hope…and Fear
Rounding the Turn with the Pastors’ Conference – A Progress Report
We are doing everything different this year in the Pastors' Conference at the SBC Annual Meeting. In the past, it has been normal to elect a president and then hear almost nothing about the PC until sometime in February or March when the slate of speakers is unveiled and promotion begins. We have pulled back the veil and included the average SBC pastors in every aspect of the process. It was about this time last year when our little band of blogging brethren started a conversation about the idea of embarking on this journey. It all started with a private conversation I had with a highly … [Read more...] about Rounding the Turn with the Pastors’ Conference – A Progress Report
Funeral Trends: Is It Just Heaven…uh, Iowa?
I used to live on the "Field of Dreams" side of the state of Iowa and I've been by there a few times. Recent weather patterns leave no one questioning whether this is heaven. It's certainly not the Lake of Fire either - too cold for that. But my silly little title leads into my silly little question. I've seen some odd trends developing in funerals in my neck of the woods recently and I wonder if it is just a western Iowa/eastern Nebraska/southern South Dakota thing (we aren't called the Tri-State region for nothing) or if it is a national trend. I raised it on Facebook and got some … [Read more...] about Funeral Trends: Is It Just Heaven…uh, Iowa?
Credit Where Credit Is Due
I am not an ACC fan. In basketball I cheer against them like I do against the SEC in football. Historically, Clemson has been my least favorite ACC team in football. But I think it's clear right now. The ACC is far and away the best football conference in America. There were times during the season I thought we might grasp the ring for the Big 10, but our teams swirled the bowls and got flushed. The SEC had Alabama and not much else. We won't even talk about those "12" conferences. The ACC is at the top of the heap this year. And the best team in America is … [Read more...] about Credit Where Credit Is Due
Meryl Streep and Christian Engagement: The Need for a Principled Church
I can't remember the last time I watched one of those Hollywood or Nashville awards shows. They seem to have one every other week and I know about them because I have a few friends who breathlessly tweet about who sang what song and who won what award. I don't care. I am hopelessly uncool and un-hip. If you offered me a million dollars I couldn't name a song by U2 or Taylor Swift and I have no idea who won the Academy Award for anything last year - except that I know it was for a movie I didn't watch - they always award the movie with the best liberal political message and ignore any movie I … [Read more...] about Meryl Streep and Christian Engagement: The Need for a Principled Church