Because of the grace of Jesus, we are invited to forgive over and over again. 70 times 7. We are invited and enabled to forgive even before someone apologizes. We can even forgive if they never apologize. We can forgive not because of who the other person is or what they have done, but because of who Jesus is and what He has done in forgiving us. When we do wrong, we are to apologize and we are to apologize when we have caused pain, hurt, and loss. We are to try to make amends and to make things right. An apology doesn't take away what happened, but it does show that we agree that offense has … [Read more...] about When Apologies Don’t Mean Much… And When They Do
The Radical Remedy: Ephesians 2:1-10
“It is a failure to recognize this gravity of the human condition which explains people’s naïve faith in superficial remedies…A radical disease requires a radical remedy.” -John Stott So what do you think is needed in order to provide change? What will it take to change the world? Your life? Are you thinking of circumstances? If so, then your change will be superficial—actually, probably non-existent. You will simply wait for the circumstance to change. And you will probably be discontent and even tempted to blame God or others until your circumstance changes. Are you thinking of … [Read more...] about The Radical Remedy: Ephesians 2:1-10
Breaking News: Patterson Issues Another Statement, “An Apology to God’s People”
This afternoon Southwestern Seminary released another statement from Dr. Paige Patterson. This follows an April 29 statement from him and a May 1 Statement on Abuse from Patterson and the Board of Trustees' Executive Committee. It also follows a widely-circulated open letter to SWBTS trustees from SBC women and a more recent, similar letter from SBC men. The full text of today's statement is copied below. An Apology to God's People Pastoral ministry that occurred 54 years ago, repeated as an illustration in sermons on more than one occasion, as well as another sermon illustration used to … [Read more...] about Breaking News: Patterson Issues Another Statement, “An Apology to God’s People”
The Mess We Are In: Can We Say “Enough Is Enough”?
A few days ago, Dave Miller shared his thoughts on the “Patterson brouhaha” in this post: A Few Words about the Patterson Saga. In my opinion, it was balanced, honest, and gracious. As I reflected on Dave's post, I started to wonder: How exactly did we get in this mess? Make no mistake, it is a mess, and all Southern Baptists are in it – together. People are debating whether Dr. Paige Patterson should preach the convention sermon or whether he should remain president of Southwestern Seminary. Those questions are important. I'm not taking away from those discussions, but that's not my … [Read more...] about The Mess We Are In: Can We Say “Enough Is Enough”?
Why Don’t IMB Missionaries Ever Visit My Church?
I've come across an increasing number of comments in recent years regarding the absence of IMB missionaries from average churches across the SBC. Of course, this might be simply because I'm old and I've had more time to note these items; as well, this perspective might flow from chronological myopia. To review, IMB missionaries live internationally for at least 22 months and up to 5 years before returning the US for what they now call stateside assignment (see also "furlough"). How long they remain in the States depends both on personal preference and the length of their most recent term. … [Read more...] about Why Don’t IMB Missionaries Ever Visit My Church?
Answering Some Objections Regarding Paige Patterson
The trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary have a difficult meeting ahead of them on May 22. Their President, Dr. Paige Patterson, has come under fire recently for comments made at a 2000 CBMW event regarding abuse and a 2015 conference where he referred to a 16 year old's appearance as "nice." I won't rehash the details of his comments here, but you can read about them elsewhere if you've just slid out from under a rock somewhere and have no idea what I'm talking about. Google will surely help you out. This must not be swept under the rug. It must be dealt with … [Read more...] about Answering Some Objections Regarding Paige Patterson
On Racial Unity Among Southern Baptists – Submitted Resolution for #SBC18
This Resolution “On Racial Unity Among Southern Baptists” will be submitted to the SBC Resolutions Committee to be considered for the June 2018 Convention in Dallas, TX, by: Danny Akin, Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church Cameron Triggs, Grace Alive Church Mike Turner, Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Dwight McKissic, Cornerstone Baptist Church WHEREAS, the first president of the Southern Baptist Convention, William B. Johnson indicated in his inaugural address that Southern Baptists were “free to promote slavery” arguing that slavery was a legal and civil matter, not a church matter; … [Read more...] about On Racial Unity Among Southern Baptists – Submitted Resolution for #SBC18
From the Voice that Matters Most: Eph 2:5-10 — Meditating on God’s Grace
This passage continues the thought of what God has done for us in Christ and what the Grace of God has brought to the life of the believer. For me, the practical outcome of this passage (and really all of what we have studied so far in Ephesians) is learning to respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. To remind myself daily of its truth and live a life that flows from it. To not only rely on the message for my eternity, but to be transformed by it day by day. Believers need to understand, meditate on, embrace, and live out the reality of this gospel – what God has done for us and who we are in … [Read more...] about From the Voice that Matters Most: Eph 2:5-10 — Meditating on God’s Grace
SBC FAQs answers your questions
The First Question asked and answered is: What is the Southern Baptist Convention? I suspect that many Southern Baptists would be unable to give a good answer. But Keith Harper and Amy Whitfield of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary answer this and others in their new book "SBC FAQs, A Ready Reference." It's $13.99 at LifeWay. I'm guessing you can pick one up at the Annual Meeting if you dare sneak out of one of the contentious sessions and visit the bookstore. In several decades of talking inside baseball SBC stuff and attending annual meetings the lack of understanding about the … [Read more...] about SBC FAQs answers your questions
A Ramadan Dilemma
In about 9 days, Ramadan will kick off for Muslims around the world. Ramadan is the Muslim holy month, the same month during which the Quran was given to the Prophet. During the month, Muslims eat breakfast before their dawn prayers. They fast all day, give to the poor, and seek to live moral lives since immoral acts breaks the fast. They attend special prayers at the mosques and then, around sunset, they break their fast by eatings dates. The person who pays for the dates earns credit with Allah. The group feasts well into the night on various dishes, usually with family and their closest … [Read more...] about A Ramadan Dilemma