SBC Issues

I find myself in a quandary about politics.  I have strong views about politics, but I am also committed to not letting politics become the focus of the church.  Our job is to proclaim the gospel, not to achieve political power.  And I try not to make political views a requirement of fellowship in the church. But I don't understand how Christians can vote for candidates who support abortion.  I just don't get it.  I am hoping that some of you Democrats (or liberal Republicans or whatever) out there will help me understand your political thought-process. I made a commitment over 30 years … [Read more...] about Can Someone Explain Pro-Abortion, Christian Voting?

Anthony Russo's recent post about theistic evolution has been an active thread - the discussion of origins strikes a note in us.  I am taking my break pretty seriously, so I won't write one of my normal tomes here, just a few observations and questions about the subject. I am assuming here that this is a discussion between those who have the highest view of scripture, who believe that the Bible is God's Word to us without mixture of error and is our absolute guide and rule for all things.  Obviously, those who hold a lower view of scripture will not be inclined to think these kind of … [Read more...] about Observations and Questions for “Old-Earthers” and Theistic Evolutionists

As most parents will tell you , there are moments in life that are somewhat disturbing when you have kids.  These are not exactly frightening moments, and yet they are times when the heart skips half a beat, when you slowly close your eyes and very carefully ask for clarification.  Sort of like when my ninth grade English teacher used to grasp the edges of her podium so tightly her knuckles would crack and ask me, “Jeremy, does your mother love you?” For me, I think these moments sometimes center on the questions our children ask.  We don’t always know why they ask us these things or where … [Read more...] about Inquiring Minds

So I want to share with you the books I think are essential to read (other than the Bible. No one say "you forgot the Bible", cause I didn't). These are great books and will help you in your ministry. 1. Peacemaker by Ken Sande. You need it. Enough said. 2. Brothers, We are Not Professionals by John Piper. 3. Simple Church by Rainer and Eric Geiger. You know what I'm talking about. Stop filling up your calendar, just do what you are suppose to do. That leads me to: 4. Real Life Discipleship. This is how you do what you are suppose to do. 5. The Kingdom Focused Church by Gene Mims. Great … [Read more...] about 5 books you should read (or re-read).

(Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas.  We are always thrilled to post his articles.) President Bryant Wright has appointed a self-funded blue ribbon advisory committee, authorized by the Executive Committee to provide counsel to him as he prayerfully weighs recommending to the SBC in her Annual Session upcoming in New Orleans, a proposed name change of our beloved convention. I commend President Wright for his thoughtful, deliberate and considerate proposal. I wholeheartedly agree with the spirit, letter, advisory committee and … [Read more...] about Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr: “THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND THE SBC – Regarding a proposed name change for the SBC”

There’s a chair across the room from me that I fear. Or hate. It’s pretty non-descript.  As a furniture piece, it adds character to a room simply due to its age.  Designed and built over 70 years ago, the thing just looks different from its surroundings.  It is now an addendum to the décor, something to spice up an entry way or flesh out a den; its days as the centerpiece of a collection have long since passed. It used to be my chair.  I sat in it every day.  I watched TV there. Drank coffee there. Read the newspaper and college textbooks, too.  Fell asleep, slumped over at an … [Read more...] about Returning to the Seat of the Crime

I have been absent from the blogging world for a while, and I wanted to share some incites that I feel I have received while I was working on other projects.  Blogging can be a great ministry, but there are things we need to do in order in make sure we are bring God the Glory. 1.  Promote peace with blogging.  Too often we do "drive by" comments.  We don't take the time to understand the writer's perspective, we read the title and the first three lines, then comment.  Most of the time, the statements we make are in error and we cause conflict.  Don't cause conflict because you are too lazy … [Read more...] about 5 ways to Blog unto the Glory of God

I have considered taking a second job recently – as a computer and electronics repairman.  No, I essentially know nothing about how they work – I assume it is all magic and gremlins.  But I have found the secret of fixing 99.9% of electronic problems. Reboot. Is your computer acting funny?  Turn it off and turn it back on.  A reboot will likely make the glitch disappear.  Smart phone acting dumb?  Reboot and its IQ returns to normal.  Some problems go beyond that, but relatively few. Now, it is time for me to try a personal reboot.  I’m not sure if it will work quite as easily as it … [Read more...] about Rebooting My Life: Dealing with Burnout