“Be sure your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23, KJV Many people are naturally fascinated with mysteries and confidential information, which is obvious when observing popular American culture. Several dozen movies and documentaries are produced each year involving stories of the CIA and covert military operations, and countless internet sites are devoted to exposing (suspected) conspiracy theories and hidden government agendas. It’s no secret…people love secrets! Some things, however, just can’t be kept hidden. No matter how hard we try, no matter what measures we take to prevent … [Read more...] about Sin is no Secret
The Seeds of Slaughter
“…choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” – Deut. 30:19, KJV What if the 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade had never occurred? What would happen if the High Court’s decision to legalize abortion was reversed? How many babies, if given the chance to simply live, would grow up to make a difference? How many parents would, in the end, be glad that they let their children live? What if we’ve murdered a future president at some point within the last 38 years? What if we’ve callously killed blameless babies that would have become doctors, loving mothers, teachers, and preachers? How … [Read more...] about The Seeds of Slaughter
The Fragrance of Forgiveness
My favorite cologne is Curve. I've grown so fond of it that I'm experimenting with all sorts of different Curve scents - Wave, Crush, Chill, and Connect, just to name a few. I consider Liz Claiborne to be a genius when it comes to men's cologne - but not even she could manufacture the fragrance poured on me last night. "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." - Mark Twain Yesterday I rediscovered the joy of forgiveness. It has been said that you can't undo anything you've already done, but you can face up to it. You can tell the truth. You can … [Read more...] about The Fragrance of Forgiveness
Two Statements That Hinder Baptist Cooperation
1. Calvinism IS the Gospel. Some of the people who make this statement will capitalize "Calvinism" and fail to capitalize "gospel," which makes me wonder what takes priority in their minds. Are you saved by understanding systematic theology or by knowing the Gospel? Actually, you are saved by knowing Christ intimately with a regenerated, repentant heart. But I still believe the term "Gospel" should be capitalized. Nevertheless, this ridiculous statement may be genuinely believed by a person, but it implies that a biblical interpretation of soteriology other than a Calvinistic one is … [Read more...] about Two Statements That Hinder Baptist Cooperation
My Take on the Doctrine of Election
Election is both conditional and unconditional. Election is unconditional in that it doesn't stem from any merit found within a human being; God simply chooses to provide salvation because of His inherent goodness, grace, and mercy (cf. Titus 3:5). A major advantage of examining soteriology from the perspective of unconditional election results in the understanding that salvation can't be "earned" or even "obtained" from one's inherent ability. Salvation is truly the gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9) and comes from God alone. Election is conditional, however, in that it requires a faith and … [Read more...] about My Take on the Doctrine of Election
The Difficulties of Divorce and Remarriage
On Henry Ford’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, he was asked for some advice on how to achieve marital bliss and longevity. He replied, “Just the same as in the automobile business, stick to one model.” The Bible is crystal clear; divorce is a sin. According to the Bible, marriage is a lifetime commitment. Jesus referred to married couples by saying, “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). Malachi 2:16 further reveals God’s heart in regards to this issue: “I hate divorce, says the LORD God ofIsrael.” Clearly, … [Read more...] about The Difficulties of Divorce and Remarriage
A Tribute to the Teeth
Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone.” – Song of Solomon 4:2, KJV Sometimes we notice things that are just plain silly. I was once on a date with a young woman who noticed every flaw that our waitress seemed to have: her hair was too frizzy, her shirt was wrinkled, she talked too nasally, etc. That kind of insecurity is not only unattractive, but also self-destructive, and cultivates an internal inclination to find faults in others. Unhealthy jealousy spawns from pride (excessive self-focus) and breeds … [Read more...] about A Tribute to the Teeth
The Importance of Theological Triage (by Ed Goodman)
(Ed Goodman writes an excellent blog called "Living with Fire" - well worth regular reading.) It is both a privilege and a challenge to witness the events taking place in the Kingdom of God worldwide in what SBC President Bryant Wright calls "the Golden Age of Theological Education" for our denomination. Today, seminary graduates are biblically astute, extremely well-versed in systematic theology, and amazingly adept at articulating their theological convictions. These graduates almost always affirm two foundational concepts: 1) the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of … [Read more...] about The Importance of Theological Triage (by Ed Goodman)