I have a question. Are you pursuing God? I mean really striving after him? That is a question for you whatever your season in life. God’s desire is that we pursue Him and that as a result of that pursuit, we find our joy in Him and Him alone. I’ve been thinking about the different places in life in which several people I know are. Some are facing a time of uncertainty, wondering how the present circumstance they are in will turn out. Some are in a time of suffering, going through a difficult situation because of physical or relational crisis. Some are in a time of transition, seeking God’s … [Read more...] about Are you pursuing God?
“Calvinism” — Breakdowns in Communication
In our ongoing discussions of important issues, one perennial problem is breakdown in communication. An issue where this problem seems to occur often is in our discussions about Calvinism. Just what do we mean when we use the term “Calvinist”? Because the term is used in a variety of ways we often fail to communicate and misunderstanding occurs. Unfortunately, such misunderstanding too often leads to unnecessary division and offense. For positive dialogue on this or any issue, both the speaker and the hearer have a responsibility to strive for understanding. The speaker must communicate … [Read more...] about “Calvinism” — Breakdowns in Communication
Lord, Move Us!
It was our second day in Asia. The night before, I had experienced my first “English Corner” – an opportunity to meet students, speak to them in English, and share with them my culture, my experiences, and most of all, my faith in Christ. In our initial English corner, I was the first one Ellen chose to tell that she had become a Christian. Her joy was contagious! Others in the group had not yet believed. “I believe in myself,” one girl offered, but went on to describe her frustration that she could not reach her life’s pursuits. Another agreed, “I want to go forward, but I can only go right … [Read more...] about Lord, Move Us!
An SBC Blog Experiment
How about a little change of pace and mutual encouragement? Answer one of the following questions in the comment stream: What do you love about the SBC? Or What is something God is doing in your church, association, state convention, or other ministry? Here are the guidelines (for this post only and I know we can do it!): Positive comments only – if you don’t have anything nice to say, comment on a different post No hidden or subtle swipes at some other group or position No Convention politics No sarcasm, snarkiness, condescension, orneriness, or mentioning of … [Read more...] about An SBC Blog Experiment
A Great Commission People
It is surprising to me how many believers go through their Christian life with little or no concern for reaching people with the gospel. In a former church I remember one member, a leader in the church, commented that he really did not have a burden for the lost. He admitted that he had never thought of evangelism as an important aspect of his Christian faith. I am thankful that he was candidly honest about where he was. Unfortunately, this man is not an anomaly. His viewpoint is far too common and in many churches is the norm. Multiply that perspective by 100 church members and you have a … [Read more...] about A Great Commission People
A critique of “A Color-Blind Denomination”
My friend Raymond Dix is an African-American, Baptist pastor in a neighboring community. I asked him to read and respond to my post on "color-blindness", knowing that he would disagree with me on some key points. I offer his careful critique with his permission to further this needed discussion. Blessings, Todd ___________ A Critical Analysis of Todd Benkert’s “A Color-Blind Denomination?” By a Black Baptist Pastor Raymond C. Dix Jr. Berean Fellowship Baptist Church Gary, IN Let me begin this analysis by stating two of the most important facts found in my … [Read more...] about A critique of “A Color-Blind Denomination”
A “Color-Blind” Denomination?
When it comes to the issue of race, many today advocate that we take a “color-blind” approach. That is, in our interactions with people we should refuse to allow race to be a factor at all, whether we are interacting with a neighbor, talking about social issues, or choosing a Convention president. At this point in our history, however, a color-blind approach is counter-productive to achieving the racial unity we all desire. Certainly, the sentiment behind a color-blind approach is a positive one. It stems from a desire to act in a way that is free from racism and achieves the dream set … [Read more...] about A “Color-Blind” Denomination?
How to pray for your pastor
As a pastor, one of the greatest encouragements is to hear the words “I’m praying for you.” Truly, one of the great blessings of being a pastor is knowing that prayers are being lifted up on your behalf. Often, people ask how they can be praying for me. While there are particular needs that I have from time to time, here are some prayers for pastors that are always in season: Pray that we stay vitally connected to the Lord in our personal devotion. Like everyone else, the tendency is for people is to drift. Pray that we would maintain a constant fellowship with the Lord, day by day, hour by … [Read more...] about How to pray for your pastor
A Black President for the SBC
Recently, Dr. Fred Luter made the much anticipated announcement that he would allow himself to be nominated for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. With this announcement, Luter is poised to become the first African American to head our denomination. The day Southern Baptists elect our first black SBC president will be an important moment for the history and future of our Convention. The election of an African American president will be a capstone for a series of strong statements of our Convention about our attitude toward race and our understanding of the gospel’s implications … [Read more...] about A Black President for the SBC
Why so much emphasis on being SBC?
On Sunday, during the prayer time at my church (Harvest Baptist in NW Indiana), I shared a report of my participation in the SBC annual meeting and offered prayer for our cooperative missions efforts. Later, I was graciously asked by one of my church members why I talked so much about the SBC and was so loyal to a denomination. Here is my response... _____ Dear XXXXX, I love the SBC precisely because of its "community of churches collaboration." The word "denomination" is an unfortunate label that does not accurately describe Harvest's relationship with the SBC. Rather, we … [Read more...] about Why so much emphasis on being SBC?