What must I do to be saved? When we seek to answer the question of how a person moves from being a sinner at enmity with God and in desperate need of salvation to being a saint who is a holy and beloved child of God enjoying the fruits of salvation, we know there are two sides with which we must deal: the sovereign work of God in the hearts and minds of people through the Gospel message, and our response to that message. We don’t have to look very far to understand that we view certain aspects differently, such as: how and in whom does God work to open their hearts and minds. This aspect … [Read more...] about Baptism as the Sinner’s Prayer
IMB Changes Funding Protocols: Is This the Future?
The IMB's primary sources of funding are the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO) and the Cooperative Program (CP), though many churches choose to designate certain other monies for the IMB. LMCO offerings remain robust year by year, but CP giving has dropped and with that dip, the IMB has faced some difficult reductions in staffing and missionary appointments. Since the organization is primarily a missionary-sending agency, IMB leaders place a tremendous emphasis on finding new ways to fund new missionaries while maintaining support for the current missionary force. Lost in noise … [Read more...] about IMB Changes Funding Protocols: Is This the Future?
So what does Platt/IMB say about our Cooperative Program? (William Thornton)
William Thornton is the SBC Plodder. Who am I kidding. You guys know him!! David Platt is our newly elected leader of our most important entity, The International Mission Board. What does his election say about our main channel of cooperative giving, The Cooperative Program? Here's what a few prominent Southern Baptists say: "Missions going and giving is bigger and more expansive than the Cooperative Program." - Herschel York, IMB trustee, David Platt is President of the IMB (and that's a good thing). "As the president of an entity funded through the C[ooperative] P[rogram] … [Read more...] about So what does Platt/IMB say about our Cooperative Program? (William Thornton)
Was the Apostle Paul a Racist?
Paul writing to Titus ~ "One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.' (Titus 1:12 ESV) The prophet that Paul was referring to was Epimenides, who was himself from Crete and was born in Cnossos and lived as a philospher and prophet in the 6th century B.C. Paul takes a phrase uttered by a man 600 years before to describe a people to whom he had sent Titus to plant a church among. Here is the context: For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They … [Read more...] about Was the Apostle Paul a Racist?
The Undressing of the Church (Paul Thompson)
Paul Thompson blogs at "The Bridge." I just finished an essay by Jeff Pollard, entitled Christian Modesty, the Public Undressing of America. For a thorough examination of the history of how public opinion has shifted in America in regards to clothing you should read this. Informative and interesting to see the intention of the fashion and movie industry methodically marching a nation toward the undressing of men and women. “The fashion industry does not believe that the principle purpose of clothing is to cover the body; it believes that the principle purpose of clothing is sexual … [Read more...] about The Undressing of the Church (Paul Thompson)
Reflections on Malachi 1:1-5
1 A prophecy: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi. 2 "I have loved you," says the Lord.“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’ “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob, 3 but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” 4 Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.” But this is what the Lord Almighty says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the Lord. 5 You will see it … [Read more...] about Reflections on Malachi 1:1-5
My top 12 ideas for church growth . . .as a pastor or consultant
My top 12 ideas for church growth . . .as a pastor or consultant Expository preaching–focus on the product we are producing–believers who KNOW God’s Word inside and out. See the pastor’s role as quartermaster giving the believers the tools they need for the work of service. Equipping the saints for the work of ministry through the teaching of God’s Word. Authentic worship–worship will be solely focused on ushering the congregation into worship. Worship Team is focused on those with a calling and unique giftedness to lead worship. Realization is it not about us … our style, our … [Read more...] about My top 12 ideas for church growth . . .as a pastor or consultant
Do we believe that God is in this?
Today (8.27.2014) the IMB trustees announced that they had selected David Platt to be the next president of our International Mission Board. Concerns were raised before hand, and upon the announcement came both expressions of praise and concern: praise for his passion for missions and the glory of God in the salvation of the lost; concern over potential polarization, theological nuances, and cooperative program giving. No doubt, like we often do, we will continue to debate the pros and cons of such a hire for months (if not years) to come. But I want to ask a question transcending our … [Read more...] about Do we believe that God is in this?
David Platt is MY new IMB President
The International Mission Board is reporting that Dr. David Platt is the new president of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. I had opposed his election. He now has my support. Here's why: According to our system, I had my say. The trustees had the opportunity to give full consideration to the questions that I raised. I trust that they did so. I do not regret having raised these concerns, but I respect our system of polity. I freely acknowledge that the trustees had access to more information than I had. More of them favored his election than opposed … [Read more...] about David Platt is MY new IMB President
David Platt is the New IMB President
NOTE: Word is filtering out that perhaps the vote has NOT been taken yet and the announcement was accidental - perhaps materials were released prematurely. The vote may not have even been taken yet. I don't know what is going on. Right now, things are unclear. NEXT NOTE: Have received word that the official announcement, previously unofficially released accidentally, is now an officially official announcement. It seems that Platt IS the IMB president. Until more tweets come! AND: The communications staff at IMB has been rewarded for their efforts today with an all-expenses paid mission … [Read more...] about David Platt is the New IMB President