Respectful audacity. That particular phrase is not one that springs to mind when pondering prayer. Perhaps it should be something we consider. In Exodus 33, we can read an account of Moses' boldness. Moses had previously ascended the mountain to receive God's laws. Back at the base, the people grew impatient and crafted for themselves a golden idol. Moses returned and disciplined the people severely. He moved his tent outside of camp and spent time there communing with God. Starting in verse 12, Moses begins to beg for God to teach him. He says, "Please, if I've been good … [Read more...] about Respectful Audacity: A Proposal for Prayer
Electric Fences and Missionary Kids: A Study in Situational Judgment
Stacy and I have three children. This story is about two of them, Preston (age 13) and Zach (age 10). Our kids are what many people call MKs, missionary kids. Preston has lived just about 3 years in the US in his life, while Zach only has about 2 years in the US. The rest of the time has been spent in other countries, places with different rules and opportunities. This is important for our story. Zach came up to me last week to tell me about something in the parking area behind our apartment. Now, you have to understand how different my children are. Preston is the math guy. Zach is … [Read more...] about Electric Fences and Missionary Kids: A Study in Situational Judgment
What’s Our Doctrine of Yard Implements?
In today’s “Theology Corner” we’re taking questions from our readers. The first question comes from A Paul in Seabrook, TX. A assures me that his entire first name is simply A, and that his initial and name are in fact identical. I imagine this causes all sorts of excitement when traveling internationally in places where the American alphabet is not in use. Please do not send me emails, Facebook postings, text messages via cell phone, or actual paper letters correcting me on whether our alphabet is Roman or Hindu or anything else. We live in America (well, I don’t) and we use that … [Read more...] about What’s Our Doctrine of Yard Implements?
Does Intent Trump Impact?
Ever watch a bunch of cows jammed into a pen before an auction, branding, or health check? Too many bovines packed into too little real estate; the crowding makes it easier to direct them all out the one-cow gate and down the chute. It’d be fine if they didn’t all weigh 2,000 pounds and didn’t go around manuring all over the place while having large pointed weapons on their heads. Invariably, one steer will back into another. Somebody gets poked in an unpleasant place and before you know it, a large four-legged steak is lying on his rump roast wondering what in blue blazes just … [Read more...] about Does Intent Trump Impact?
Alcohol and IMB Workers
A consistent topic of discussion on blogs is the matter of alcohol use. Abstentionists, abolitionists, moderationalists, and free-will imbibers abound. It is safe to say that we lack a unified opinion on the matter. The freedom of the believer, the autonomy of the local church, and the belief in the equal indwelling of the Holy Spirit combine to create an environment in which we can choose to believe what we will on the subject. But what about people who represent the SBC and its agencies? It is one thing for a local church member to support moderate alcohol use. It is an entirely … [Read more...] about Alcohol and IMB Workers
5 Questions with….an IMBer in Contemplation of Past and Future
Hey folks, it's time for a new installment of our award-winning "5 Questions with..." series. We've been taking a brief hiatus, one that was not foreknown but was indeed predestined by my fall workload. Today's subject is Fuzzy Goldenblister, an IMB worker for somewhere between 10 and 15 years. He's roguishly handsome, erudite, and cooks a mean mac-and-cheese with peanut brittle casserole, but he possesses almost zero people skills. We caught up with Fuzzy as he was polishing a turtle in the back yard. 1. Looking back at yourself and the IMB, what lessons did you learn or mistakes did … [Read more...] about 5 Questions with….an IMBer in Contemplation of Past and Future
Local Baptist Churches Win Coveted “Most Calvinistic Association” Award
In the midst of the Calvinism/Arminianism storm, a few voices of reason have appeared in the Hickory Stump Baptist Association. Pastor Cal Johnson, author of such books as “Total Depravity: A Study of In-Laws,” and “Irresistible Grace and the Boston Red Sox” is leading the charge towards a purer form of Calvinistic teachings. The key issue on which the pastor has based his appeal? Voting for church membership. “Anyone who has been predestined to be saved will be saved. Since being a Christian apart from the local church is anti-biblical, it follows that anyone who is predestined to be … [Read more...] about Local Baptist Churches Win Coveted “Most Calvinistic Association” Award
Family Struggles Between Protection and Engagement
Every Christian family worries about placing their impressionable family members in secular environments where immoral standards endanger upright lifestyles and godly testimonies. Within the Christian community, there is little consensus as to whether protectionist policies are better than active engagement, or if withdrawal from the world amounts to cowardice. The issue even divides families. Stan, a 67 year-old retired pastor and minister, works at WalMart to make ends meet. He usually works the front zones as a greeter, but Eric the day manager has been thinking about reassigning … [Read more...] about Family Struggles Between Protection and Engagement
The Hardest Part of Humility
The Biblical call for humility among believers is common, well-known, and needs no citation here. The implications of humility, though, require some attention. Humility is not saying, "I'm bad, I stink, I'm a loser. I'll never accomplish anything for Him because I can't." Statements like this simply assert that the Spirit has bestowed nothing on us and that Christ did not die for us. There's a technical word for that: heresy. Oh, and lest you think I am wagging my fingers at others who have behaved shamefully, allow me to add this: To the best of my knowledge, I'm bad. I stink. … [Read more...] about The Hardest Part of Humility
How Many Bags, Mr. Missionary?
Travel, as any missionary will tell you, is a key part of life. My sister says that travel is what makes my life complicated. To hear her tell it, it takes a 45 minute drive to the airport, two flights with a layover, 30 minutes in a taxi, a bus ride, and short jaunt by donkey just to get to my house. My response is that there are no donkeys involved and that once you arrive at our house life is pretty normal, assuming you consider gutting your own chickens to be normal. Of course, I could point out she is being egocentric and we could say that in fact it takes all those things just to get … [Read more...] about How Many Bags, Mr. Missionary?