I'm not a little guy. I stand 6'4" in my shoes and I am trying to diet now to get down to 300 pounds. Walking a tightrope for me would be a near impossible task. But it would be easier than finding the balance between speaking the truth and speaking in love - the model Paul gave us for Christian conversation. 1) There is no question that the biblical warnings about false teachers coming into this world has come true. Emergent compromise. Blurring of theological lines. Gospel ignorance and even false gospels abounding. Biblical illiteracy. It is everywhere.. The idea that we should … [Read more...] about Speaking the Truth in Love: Walking a Tightrope Would be Easier (in a Driscoll, Jakes, Calvinism/anti-Calvinism, Alcohol etc. World)
SBC Issues
Matt Chandler’s Controversial Sermon at Elevation Church/Code Orange
Which Child Do You Want to Parent?
Mark It’s always been difficult raising Mark. From a very young age his temper was a problem. He was kicked out of kindergarten for violent behavior towards the other children. The screaming was one thing. The shoving another. But once he began biting and stabbing other kids with pencils the school’s guidance counselor knew that something had to be done. The rage only got worse through the years. Mom and dad had been punched, spit upon, kicked, yelled at, threatened, shoved, and had become ninja-like in their ability to dodge flying objects hurled forth from Mark’s angry … [Read more...] about Which Child Do You Want to Parent?
Masters, Slaves and Scripture: A Template for Christian Political Involvement?
We are smack dab in the middle of a political season. Frankly, I am glad that the Iowa caucuses are an historical event now and I can answer my phone again without listening to a prerecorded political message. But, on the other hand, I got wrapped up in the race this time. I attended the caucus for only the second time and I even spoke on behalf of a candidate. My candidate, Rick Santorum, won our caucus by a huge margin - I claim credit for his statewide win! (In case you haven't heard, the recount showed that Santorum won Iowa by about 35 votes instead of losing it by 8.) I got into … [Read more...] about Masters, Slaves and Scripture: A Template for Christian Political Involvement?
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?
And Still We Try to Reason Why
It’s okay to question why. It’s okay to even cry. Don’t ever hesitate to try. God will answer; He won’t lie. There’s no answer He won’t know. There’s no place He will not go. There’s no path He will not show. God will answer; He loves you so. No question lies within your mind. That God cannot in love unwind. That’s how we’ve all been so designed. To seek from Him what we can’t find. In His answers lies our peace. In His words, we find release. Our search can end, our troubles cease. It all begins with show me . . . please. It’s okay to question why. It’s okay to even … [Read more...] about And Still We Try to Reason Why
Maybe Calvinism isn’t the Problem
So I have heard the giant debate about Calvinism, how it's the issue in the SBC and how wrong Calvinists are. Blah blah blah. I don't want to re-hash all of it, because I really think it's not the issue. I think the number one issue facing us today is the number of members we have in our church that are not saved, because we have made it too easy. We as Southern Baptists have been so concerned about saying a prayer and getting Baptized that we have created a whole group of pew sitters that have no life change. They have nothing in their lives that even begins to look like faith in … [Read more...] about Maybe Calvinism isn’t the Problem
Joe Paterno: A Life Defined by One Mistake?
I already know two things: 1) As a long time Penn State and JoePa fan, I'm thinking with my heart here more than anything. 2) I may get killed a little for these comments. Joe Paterno passed away just a few moments ago. I checked ESPN.com just before I went into our early service and nothing was posted. By the time I came out, his death had been announced. And it makes me sad. I can't remember a time when Joe Paterno was not the coach of the Nittany Lions. He was an institution at the institution of higher education from which my father graduated. If Joe had died last year, … [Read more...] about Joe Paterno: A Life Defined by One Mistake?
Issue: Should NE Patriots’ Fans be Excommunicated?
One of the issues in the church in recent years has been the necessity of church discipline. You may find tomorrow that your church is confronted by a serious moral quandary. Can your church permit members who cheer for the NE Comrades to remain in full fellowship? It's a difficult issue. Certainly, cheering for the spawn of Belichick is evil - we all know that. But is it the kind of evil we should divide over and institute church discipline because of? Ultimately, the question is, how can light partner with darkness? How can good cheer for evil? So, I hope that each of you who … [Read more...] about Issue: Should NE Patriots’ Fans be Excommunicated?
