Upon its tenth anniversary, the tragedy of 9/11 will be considered from many different perspectives. One, however, fascinates me the most, as it provides such a stark contrast between the mission of the Islamo-fascist terrorist and the evangelical Christian missionary. While their methods are surprisingly similar, their mandates are polar opposites. We can observe a contrast between love and hate, life and death, martyrdom and suicide. Both groups seek to influence the other in completely different ways, which I believe points to the supremacy of the vision Jesus gave His church through … [Read more...] about Contrasting Missions
Excuse Me, I Need to Let You Know How Awesome I Am
(HT: 22 Words) If you have spent any time in college or grad school you know “that guy” from class. If you don’t know that guy from class there may be a good chance that you are him. I’m pretty sure that this dude is probably a blogger too. At least he likes to leave comments on those blogs that still draw a good amount of comments. Homeboy likes to hear himself speak (and he likes to read what he types). “Who has wisdom and understanding among you?” This guy, of course. And he will not stop until everybody knows that he is the one with wisdom and understanding. If somebody … [Read more...] about Excuse Me, I Need to Let You Know How Awesome I Am
The Fragrance of Forgiveness
My favorite cologne is Curve. I've grown so fond of it that I'm experimenting with all sorts of different Curve scents - Wave, Crush, Chill, and Connect, just to name a few. I consider Liz Claiborne to be a genius when it comes to men's cologne - but not even she could manufacture the fragrance poured on me last night. "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." - Mark Twain Yesterday I rediscovered the joy of forgiveness. It has been said that you can't undo anything you've already done, but you can face up to it. You can tell the truth. You can … [Read more...] about The Fragrance of Forgiveness
It’s Time to Retire the KJV
The KJV is celebrating its 400th birthday this year and it has served the church of Jesus Christ well over those years. Its time for the church to offer the KJV a gold watch, shake its hand, and let it fade into history. Andrew Wencl, at sbcIMPACT posted an article today which facetiously (I think) suggested a resolution for the 2012 SBC Annual Meeting calling us to state that it is not an acceptable translation for use in Christian churches today - as per previous resolutions concerning the TNIV and NIV. He is on to something. It is time for serious Bible students and people in the pews to … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Retire the KJV
Blair Wingo – “Allow Me to Reintroduce the Christ”
Legalism, Antinomianism and Why We Disagree (Brick Walls, Picket Fences 14)
Here’s a difficult question. Why would two people saved by the same death of the same Jesus, indwelled by the same Holy Spirit reading the same Bible come up with such different opinions on so many issues? This quandary is used as evidence against the authority or the efficacy of Scripture as a moral and spiritual guide. “Even Christians don’t agree what the Bible says about so many things, how can we act as if it is some kind of authoritative word from God?” It is not a question we should easily dismiss. The simple fact is that there is only a small amount of doctrine on which all … [Read more...] about Legalism, Antinomianism and Why We Disagree (Brick Walls, Picket Fences 14)
Two Statements That Hinder Baptist Cooperation
1. Calvinism IS the Gospel. Some of the people who make this statement will capitalize "Calvinism" and fail to capitalize "gospel," which makes me wonder what takes priority in their minds. Are you saved by understanding systematic theology or by knowing the Gospel? Actually, you are saved by knowing Christ intimately with a regenerated, repentant heart. But I still believe the term "Gospel" should be capitalized. Nevertheless, this ridiculous statement may be genuinely believed by a person, but it implies that a biblical interpretation of soteriology other than a Calvinistic one is … [Read more...] about Two Statements That Hinder Baptist Cooperation
Hey Daddy, Chill Out
I’ll warn you in advance this will not be a neatly written treatise or anything like that. I simply want to share something, hopefully briefly, that I believe the Lord is showing me. So…no catchy introduction. Background: I really love my children. I am very dedicated to my children. I want to see them grow into a passionate Jesus-loving, kingdom-building, earth moving man and woman. I want Isaiah to be a good daddy and great husband. I want Hannah to be a good mommy and great wife. I’m also a sinner. I have idols. I have ridiculous self-righteousness. Part of the reason I want … [Read more...] about Hey Daddy, Chill Out
SBC Voices Sports Trash-Talk Forum 9/3/11
Preachers like to talk smack about sports. So, here it is. I only ask that we observe a few basic rules of Christian dignity. 1) No trashing the Yankees. Such wickedness is not permitted. Saying nice things about the Boston Devil Sox is considered under the same rule. 2) SEC fans should show some humility - schools like those in the Big-10 spend our money providing an education for our students and so we are not able to pay our football players as you do yours. It is difficult for amateur conferences made up of students who actually attend class to be forced to compete with … [Read more...] about SBC Voices Sports Trash-Talk Forum 9/3/11