Recently, I began preaching through the book of Philippians. What an awesome word from God to us! For my first sermon, I focused in on v1:6, For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. That verse is one of the most encouraging verses in all of Scripture! As I was preparing, I wanted to illustrate how God molds us and makes us into a work of beauty in the image of Jesus Christ. So, my mind immediately went to the potter with clay illustration that we often hear about. I searched YouTube for a video of a potter … [Read more...] about Is the Bible Clay in Our Hands?: The Importance of Authorial Intent
SBC Issues
Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Final Weigh-In
My two weeks on vacation have been great. Lord willing, we are home by supper time tonight. But one thing is for sure, it ruined any chance I had of bragging about the success of my weight loss efforts. Christmas...Vacation...eating out...FAIL. I'm wondering how the rest of you made out. Any great success stories? How did you do it? Why do you think we can't lose weight, though we know we should? Let's talk about it. … [Read more...] about Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Final Weigh-In
The Potency of Proclamations
According to this story, Mayor Tom Hayden of Flower Mound, TX, has proclaimed 2014 to be the Year of the Bible in Flower Mound (complete with website that is performing about as well as healthcare.gov under the increased load that accompanies media attention). Hayden collaborated with area churches in making the proclamation, and he hopes that his community will "connect through the Bible" (those are the reporter's words, not necessarily Hayden's). If you are a Bible-believing Christian, this kind of thing FEELS good. In an environment of heavy-handed government oppression of the … [Read more...] about The Potency of Proclamations
Reflections on 2013; Focusing on 2014
I'm at a family reunion with my wife's family after enjoying some time with my side the last few days. We leave tomorrow for home (a depressing thought - not sure if you are aware but Florida has nicer weather these days than Iowa). So I'm not going to be around much the next couple of days. But I thought a discussion post might be fun. What are your blessings and memories from 2013? (Don't preacher-brag! That is annoying.) What are your goals, hopes and dreams for 2014? Talk to Uncle Davey. … [Read more...] about Reflections on 2013; Focusing on 2014
Belonging and Giving
The following article was originally published at Bart Barber's personal blog, Praisegod Barebones (link). The Southern Baptist Convention faces few questions more important than that of cooperative giving. Not that I'm trying to categorize it as a crisis, the lugubrious tone of some of our prophets and sons of prophets notwithstanding. In the boomiest of boom years, there are still few questions more important for our convention than that of cooperative giving. The voluntary cooperative giving of our churches makes the ministries of the SBC happen. We never take our eyes entirely off of … [Read more...] about Belonging and Giving
Of Wooblers and Heroes
There's a profession out there, a noble and honorable one on which society depends, that has earned my contempt. I won't name it here; I see no reason to earn what would ultimately be a warranted amount of scorn and enmity by actually naming the career path in question. As well, I lack any desire to besmirch the fabulous members of what is - again - a great and wonderful profession. I must, however, have some way of referencing the job and those who labor at it, so I'll simply call the members of this profession wooblers. The infinitive form is to wooble. The verb conjugates regularly: … [Read more...] about Of Wooblers and Heroes
When Did the Wise Men Appear? A Christmas Chronology (by Ken Hamrick)
The Wise Men are part of most nativity scenes, and many people assume that they arrived while Jesus was still in the manger, soon after his birth. Many others, seeking a more accurate chronology, note that Herod killed baby boys who were two years old and under (according to the time that the wise men had told him), and conclude that they arrived two years after the birth of Jesus. I suggest a different approach. If we let the two gospel accounts, in Matthew and Luke, speak for themselves without any assumed contradictions, we can arrive at a precise, Biblical timeline of events. This will … [Read more...] about When Did the Wise Men Appear? A Christmas Chronology (by Ken Hamrick)
Mary Did you Choose?
In this time of year, we talk about how Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. Mary had a unique experience, she is the only woman in history to have a baby while being a virgin. Mary had an incredible opportunity, but did Mary choose it? Of course, Mary told the angel that she is the Lord's servant in the book of Luke, but Gabriel didn't really give Mary or Joseph an option. The angel said "you will have a baby". It wasn't an option, Mary was chosen to be the mother of the Savior. I think so often we are in the same boat, that God assigns us, picks us, chooses us and calls us to do … [Read more...] about Mary Did you Choose?
Doug Hibbard Sings “O Holy Night”
Doug posts his sermons on the internet, but some of you probably didn't know that Doug is also a talented singer. Here is his version of this Christmas classic. … [Read more...] about Doug Hibbard Sings “O Holy Night”
Servant Or Server?
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John … [Read more...] about Servant Or Server?