As much as I love what E.M. Bounds wrote about the need for prayer, I have three faults with his writings on the subject. First, chapters tend to repeat the same ideas. He ends up saying the same thing over and over without actually advancing beyond his main idea for many pages. Second, he fails to define what he means by "prayer." Does he mean a constant monologue to God? Does he mean a time of solely spending time with God through talking to Him, quietly reflecting on Him or His Word, reading His Word, singing--what? Third, and related to that second fault, I don't recall having found in his … [Read more...] about A Pattern for Prayer, Courtesy of O.S. Hawkins
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?
The Essence of Baptist Blogging?
Fear Not – (Richard Cisco)
Does Malachi 2:16 Condemn All Divorce?
NOTE: I have just released a book which compiles (and edits and expands) these posts. It is called "Disqualified? What the Bible Says about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry." It is available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version will be released in the next couple of days - not sure what the hold-up is there. This book reviews the biblical evidence on divorce and remarriage, beginning with the cornerstone in the Old Testament - the twin principles of God's intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman and the understanding of the brokenness caused by sin. It then lays the … [Read more...] about Does Malachi 2:16 Condemn All Divorce?
Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry: The OT Foundation – Does God Hate All Divorce?
NOTE: I have just released a book which compiles (and edits and expands) these posts. It is called "Disqualified? What the Bible Says about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry." It is available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version will be released in the next couple of days - not sure what the hold-up is there. This book reviews the biblical evidence on divorce and remarriage, beginning with the cornerstone in the Old Testament - the twin principles of God's intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman and the understanding of the brokenness caused by sin. It then lays the … [Read more...] about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry: The OT Foundation – Does God Hate All Divorce?
Who Knew Good Seminaries Could Be So Dangerous?
I spend almost 8 years in a very good Seminary & Bible College. I am greatly blessed by the correct information I received. But when I look back there was some dangerous lessons that never made the official syllabus. Who I am supposed to admire... What I am supposed to believe... Where I am supposed to find answers … Why I am supposed to think a certain way ... How I am supposed to deal with impossible questions... I had very good training for a ministry without risk. I've got heroes to emulate, mantras to disseminate, the right books to mediate, theological systems to … [Read more...] about Who Knew Good Seminaries Could Be So Dangerous?