Many men smarter than me have made this point before, but after a year of coaching Junior Varsity sports it really makes sense to me. On the football field all of my receivers wanted to try to catch the ball with one hand and shout Odell, in reference to the Giants receiver that made this catch last year. Meanwhile their ability to catch probably doesn’t exceed that of Adele, the musician who sings this. On the basketball court every single player thinks they’re a shot blocker ignoring the fact that you couldn’t slide a quarter under their feet when they jump. Blocked shots get the crowd … [Read more...] about You Replicate What You Celebrate (Dustin Lair)
Local Church Autonomy At Its Worst (Anonymous)
I received this by email - I know the source, a reliable one. He did not want to publish with his name attached because of personal relationships. Southern Baptists hold to autonomy steadfastly, defiantly, obstreperously, and obnoxiously. It is not only part of our common statement of belief but also part of our DNA as Southern Baptists. Local church autonomy means that every crossroads, white frame Baptist church, every county seat 'Fust' Baptist church, every hipster PizzaSojourn Church is a law and unit unto themselves. The church arranges for their own clergy, pastor, and staff with a … [Read more...] about Local Church Autonomy At Its Worst (Anonymous)
Am I Coveting? (Paul Thompson)
In my recent read through 1 Kings 21, in preparation to preach this coming Lord’s Day, I decided to get a better understanding on (evil) King Ahab’s condition. The last verse of chapter 20 says he “went to his house sullen and vexed.” In 1 Kings 21:4 he went “into his house sullen and vexed” again, for a second time. in 1 Kings 21:5 he was “so sullen” that he was not eating. Then in 1 Kings 21:27 he was described as being “despondent”. Those are very descriptive words. They represent a condition of ones countenance. What brings on this kind of condition that one is described as … [Read more...] about Am I Coveting? (Paul Thompson)
There Are Some Things I Just Don’t Get – Bill MacKinnon
I like to dialog with people, either personally or online, as long as things don’t get ugly. I’m not good with real conflict. I will happily stake out a position and defend it. Sometimes I’m good at it, sometimes I’m not. If you’re like me, sometimes you just throw something out there and realize that you don’t have the tools or knowledge to defend it well. In that case I do a little more research to see if my case is stronger than I think, or perhaps I need to rethink my position. But one thing I always try to do now, and I’m getting better at it, is to see the other side. I no longer … [Read more...] about There Are Some Things I Just Don’t Get – Bill MacKinnon
The Story of an Established Church Pastor who Became a Church Planter… And Returned Again (by Josh Hall)
Josh Hall is the pastor of Selmore Baptist Church in Ozark, MO. I always said I wanted to be a church planter someday. Even before church planting became "cool," I always thought it would be a great adventure to start a new church from scratch, particularly in an under-reached area. I distinctly remember attending a conference where a bi-vocational church planter spoke, and being moved to tears by his story of walking by faith and seeing God do amazing things. I thought, "I want to try that before my ministry is done." But then reality set in. I was the pastor of a 100 year-old church. I had … [Read more...] about The Story of an Established Church Pastor who Became a Church Planter… And Returned Again (by Josh Hall)
Finding Daily Delight in God (by Dr. Kevin Blackwell)
Dr. Kevin Blackwell is director of Samford University's Ministry Training Institute. “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4. One of the greatest tragedies of our lives is to let a day go by without finding delight in our relationship with God. We have the power of the Holy Spirit within us, the intercession of the Son for us and the daily love of the Father surrounding us. As believers in Christ we live in perpetual blessing as the whole trinity works in perfect union to fit us ready for heaven’s glory. Yet, most days we miss it. … [Read more...] about Finding Daily Delight in God (by Dr. Kevin Blackwell)
First World Problems (by Andy Addis)
Andy Addis is lead pastor of Crosspoint Church in Hutchinson, KS. I am attending a meeting this week in Atlanta… well, at least, I hope I am. Right now I am sitting in Dallas, stranded with about 300 of my newest friends at the airport. We should have been to Atlanta about…. wait for it… one minute ago, but here we sit in the Lone Star state. It started with the captain saying they couldn’t close the forward cargo door, and they were sending for a mechanic. I heard a joke a few rows up, something about getting a bigger hammer. A nearby gaggle of passengers laughed. But, the … [Read more...] about First World Problems (by Andy Addis)
Teens and the Bible—Hearers or Doers? (by Bernie Diaz)
Bernie Diaz is pastor of Christ Community Church in Pembroke Pines, FL. Our church launched a new congregation-wide Bible reading plan this month that has begun to stir up quite a bit of buzz, enthusiasm and anticipation of what God may choose to do with the intake of His Word in our community of faith this year. That’s a good New Year’s resolution I think, and am grateful for the momentum which seems to have begun among us, but am also wary of the fact that New Year’s resolutions- even the best of them, often fizzle out in many before even spring arrives. Do not merely listen to the … [Read more...] about Teens and the Bible—Hearers or Doers? (by Bernie Diaz)
What I Wish Southern Baptists Were Known For (by Tony Jones)
Tony Jones is pastor of the First Baptist Church of Rich Hill, MO. I was watching the State of the Union address tonight. I have not watched one of these speeches in many years, but I am a history buff and State of the Union Speeches, especially final speeches, give presidents an opportunity to be and sound historic. I have no idea how history will judge the President's speech from last night, but I began thinking about what will appear in the social media news feeds of most politically motivated Southern Baptists. Sadly, I'm not expecting many positive thoughts. The following is my list of … [Read more...] about What I Wish Southern Baptists Were Known For (by Tony Jones)
I Just Preached a Bad Sermon (by Barrett Case)
Barrett Case pastors in Rich Hill, MO. I just preached a bad sermon. Well, let me clarify: during this particular sermon, about 70% of the congregation seemed to fall asleep or check-out mentally; others opted to go see if the nursery needed help (true story). It was a deflating experience for a pastor whose main task each week is preaching. And it was a humbling experience for a pastor whose previous sermon was well-received and highly-praised. So I just preached a bad sermon. It happens. In fact, I’d say it happens every fourth or fifth time I stand behind that old, wooden pulpit. From … [Read more...] about I Just Preached a Bad Sermon (by Barrett Case)