Whoa, who saw that one coming? Nick Saban’s teams do not catch a beatdown very often. The Alabama fans didn’t see it coming. They moaned and wailed every time Clemson scored, and sounded like they were on the Titanic. (People dying from hypothermia is not funny, but the sounds emanating from my television were akin to the sounds from James Cameron’s epic) Dabo Swinney didn't see it coming. Did you see his face at the post game interview? Guy looked like he just won the powerball jackpot. Dabo Swinney expressed his love for Jesus Christ and his belief in the sovereignty of God over his … [Read more...] about Whoa, who saw that coming?
The Obit Page and Hope for 2019
When do we become old enough to scan the obituary pages each day? My mother has taken to notifying my siblings and myself of pertinent deaths in our hometown. I'm afraid I may be crossing the threshold where this is expected behavior. I was speaking with a man outside the local grocery store yesterday. I asked what his hopes were for 2019. His response: I just want to hang in there. I asked if he was OK as there were no obvious physical ailments, and his next response: it just beats the alternative. I used to make resolutions for the coming year, mostly resolutions about which … [Read more...] about The Obit Page and Hope for 2019
Fort Worth Star Telegram Report on Sexual Abuse
The Forth Worth Star Telegram has published a four part series detailing a culture of sexual abuse within the Independent Fundamental Baptist Network. The series was written by Sara Smith. She reported on the Paige Patterson situation earlier this year, and, from my research, has been a leading journalist in exposing abuse in religious institutions and denominations. If you have time, go read the series. It is scary. The Star Telegram interviewed over 200 people who were subjected to all kinds of abuse including rape, intimidation, and underage sex. The perpetrators, in most cases, … [Read more...] about Fort Worth Star Telegram Report on Sexual Abuse
John Allen Chau–An Introspective Look
John Allen Chau was martyred while trying to bring the gospel to the Sentinelese people sometime between November 16 and November 19. There have been numerous stories written about Chau’s martyrdom. Baptist Press wrote this story if you’re not familiar with Chau’s death. I’d like to take an introspective look at Chau’s martyrdom. Instead of asking questions about his methodology, we should examine our hearts. Here are five questions: Are we willing to be martyred for Christ? That’s the obvious question, but it’s a tough question. Every believer should answer in the … [Read more...] about John Allen Chau–An Introspective Look
Character Matters: George H. W. Bush
George Herbert Walker Bush was the first President I remember. I was eight years old when he was elected and I remember he beat that guy whose tank helmet was too big for his head. George Bush was beacon of civility in a cruel profession. What I have learned about him since his exit from office is the exact opposite of what we see in politics today. His character was above reproach and his character mattered to him. Here are some of the highlights: He was the son of a wealthy Senator, yet chose to serve as a fighter pilot in World War II. He could have found a place of service in … [Read more...] about Character Matters: George H. W. Bush
10 Christian Phrases That Need to Go Away
The Christian vernacular has always consisted of unique words and phrases. We are supposed to be separate from the world and our shared theology has produced some barely understood phrases outside of our Christian circles. Some of these expressions are necessary. How else can you describe what Christ has done for us? There is no better tag than #salvation. Some of the verbiage, however, needs to go the way of the dinosaur. Here are my 10 Christian phrases I wish I never had to hear again. Connect: This one is popular among us millennials. I've never understood why this word is … [Read more...] about 10 Christian Phrases That Need to Go Away
Can We Avoid Hiring Based on Race?
I'm asking this question because I used to be one of the "just hire the right man for the job" crowd. Then, I had lunch with a millennial. I asked him how I could reach millennials with the gospel. His answer was blunt, to the point, and surprising. He said, "Get a millennial to reach them." I expected him to tell me to be more active on social media, or tell me where millennials hang out these days. The quickest way to reach millennials is to get a millennial to reach them. How does this relate to the current SBC conversation on minorities in leadership? The quickest way to reach … [Read more...] about Can We Avoid Hiring Based on Race?
What Should I do: Thoughts on Political and Cultural Engagement
I'm struggling. I'm struggling with how to engage culture for God's glory. The recent nomination fight over Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh forced that struggle to the front of my conscience. There are five realities guiding my decisions on cultural engagement, and five action steps I'd like to take in the future. 5 Realities I have friends who I want to influence with the gospel: This reality hits me hard. I have many friends who don't think like me, vote like me, share my background, etc... I want be a Christ like influence in their lives. I see our society moving in a … [Read more...] about What Should I do: Thoughts on Political and Cultural Engagement
Women Can Speak in Church–1 Corinthians 14:34-36
I wrote an article earlier this week exhorting women to speak up in their churches and local association meetings. My post generated a fair amount of comments, accusing me of, among other things, being a leftist, feminist infiltrator, and not knowing God’s word. The scripture used to support a position in opposition to my post was 1 Corinthians 14, Paul’s instructions for orderly worship. I’d like to explore Paul’s instructions in this post, and specifically, Paul’s instructions for women to be silent in church. Paul writes, beginning in verse 33 of 1 Corinthians 14, “Since God is not … [Read more...] about Women Can Speak in Church–1 Corinthians 14:34-36
Ladies, We Need Your Voice
I was moderating our association meeting when a resolution was brought to the floor. We almost never have resolutions submitted except for the obligatory thank you resolution to the host church. This resolution was heavy, and I knew the discussion would be emotional. The resolution was about abolishing abortion.. I moderated the discussion fairly. There were two amendments proposed; one passed and one failed, and after 10 minutes of discussion, the resolution was passed by an overwhelming majority. I brought my seven year old daughter to the meeting (I always try to bring one of the … [Read more...] about Ladies, We Need Your Voice