This post originally appeared at SBC Focus following a post on Gentiles and the law. In a separate post, I discussed the clear, firm, and repeated teaching of the New Testament that the Mosaic law has accomplished its purpose, having been fulfilled in Christ, and recognizing that righteousness and salvation come through faith in Jesus Christ, we say with the apostles and the Holy Spirit that the burden of the law has been lifted. Christians are not called to adhere to the dictates of Torah. Quite the opposite - the New Testament, particularly Paul, speaks long and loud against those who would … [Read more...] about The Messianic Movement (by Chris Roberts)
Another Step Forward: Gary Frost Elected VP of NAMB’s Midwest Region
Pastor Gary Frost of New York City has been elected the Vice President for the Midwest Region by NAMB's trustees today, according to a tweet from NAMB. I'm sure that bios and more information will follow in Baptist Press. But if my understanding is correct, Frost would become the highest placed African American in the history of our entities. Electing Fred Luter president this past summer was historic, but several observed that the next step is to include people of all colors in the administration and leadership of our boards and agencies. This is a step in the right direction. As a … [Read more...] about Another Step Forward: Gary Frost Elected VP of NAMB’s Midwest Region
The Pernicious Effects of Hype and PR in Christian Organizations
I hate when I see churches and Christian organizations engaged in hype, in PR. I think it is contrary to the way of Christ. We are used to hype and PR in the secular world. Lance Armstrong engaged in a massive campaign of PR hype for years, claiming to be clean, to be a victim of a massive conspiracy. Then the truth came out. How many times heave politicians or businessmen or sports executives played the "nothing is wrong" or "deny, deny, deny" game right up until the world crashes around them. And then the truth comes out. Now, instead of following Scripture, the church has bought into … [Read more...] about The Pernicious Effects of Hype and PR in Christian Organizations
I Bless the Rains Down in Africa
Perhaps I should apologize for the Toto lyrics in the title. If you’re anything like me, all you have to do is read those words and then the song is playing in your mind for the next several hours. Perhaps some words from Habakkuk will help: For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. ~ Habakkuk 2:14 Those words have become one of my favorite verses of the Bible—it is the end game, it is what we as Christians are (should be) pining for… When Jesus returns, his kingdom will be established forever. We shall see a glorified … [Read more...] about I Bless the Rains Down in Africa
Giving Badges to Guys With a Bushy Mustache
For a man will take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying: “You have a cloak; you shall be our leader, and this heap of ruins shall be under your rule”; in that day he will speak out, saying: “I will not be a healer; in my house there is neither bread nor cloak; you shall not make me leader of the people.” (Isaiah 3:6-7 ESV) In other words leadership is so scarce in the land that if a guy even looks like he could pose as a leader he is called for the job. That’s like giving some dude a badge, a gun, and a nightstick just because he has a bushy mustache. Paper … [Read more...] about Giving Badges to Guys With a Bushy Mustache
What’s Your Story?
I suppose it is a story as old as time itself. Man and woman, thrown together by circumstance. Man tolerates the relationship while the woman is committed, heart and soul. Eventually, woman finds a way (she believes) to bind her man to herself, to earn his heart-felt commitment once and for all. A baby. It is a formulaic storyline that fills our movies and programs, and for good reason. It is a time-honored attempt to earn love, or something that emulates deep affection. It's also pretty life-like. Don't believe me? Read Genesis 29:31-34. Leah isn't loved, but she's pretty … [Read more...] about What’s Your Story?
I Disagree with the BF&M: Does It Matter?
It is not as bad as it sounds. I am in 99% enthusiastic support of the Baptist Faith and Message statement of 2000. I also agree that we need to have a confession of faith that defines our common doctrine and practice. I do not view the BF&M as an authoritative document - it is not a creed. But it is a useful doctrinal statement to which I give my essential support. But I do not completely and fully adhere to the document. Some of my disagreements are picky and essentially insignificant - quarrels over wording. I have one area in which I stand in strong disagreement with and violation … [Read more...] about I Disagree with the BF&M: Does It Matter?
Man Up! (by Andy Hynes)
Andy Hynes is a PhD candidate at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Follow him @ABHYNES on Twitter. During some of the most contentious times in SBC life, there is one plea that keeps coming to my mind: that my generation of young men in ministry would grasp and instill Paul’s encouragement from 1 Tim. 4:12 for themselves. These words are not inconsequential to older men, but challenged to younger. Nevertheless, they were written to a young man who had great potential. Paul recognized distinct virtues in Timothy. After investing in him he sent him out to Ephesus to lead. Greg … [Read more...] about Man Up! (by Andy Hynes)
Dodge Ram, GoDaddy and Owen Strachan
I enjoyed watching the twitter comments scroll by almost as much as the game. Baptists really love their football. But right after the Dodge Ram Commercial about farmers, my Twitter feed lit up. For the people I follow, that commercial was the unquestioned winner of the night. Here's the ad. Now, here is what Owen Strachan said about the commercial. The commercial breaks show the polar Americas: one loving nobility & honor & country, the other loving lust & hedonism & self Nailed it! GoDaddy.com has stooped as low as they can to sell their product. I will not … [Read more...] about Dodge Ram, GoDaddy and Owen Strachan
A Harbaugh Bowl Open Forum
Here is my prediction on the game: I don't care. Since the two teams-of-great-evil were defeated (Green Bay Packers and New Evil Patriots), and my man-crush Peyton Manning got knocked out, I don't care. If San Fran wins, cool. If Ray Lewis wins, cool. I will make one prediction: Coach Harbaugh's team will win. I will be in church tonight, feeling smug and superior to all of you who cancelled church. But the DVR will be recording it. … [Read more...] about A Harbaugh Bowl Open Forum