Today (Tuesday), my association had a pastor’s lunch. Several of us gathered together in the private room of a restaurant and enjoyed plates that filled our bellies. It was easy to complain in part, though, for the restaurant is not accustomed to hosting groups at that hour on Tuesday, therefore the service was slow. Half of the table finished eating before the other half even sniffed their own food. And sitting among us was this guest from Brownsville, TX (we met in Butler, MO). A man who pastors a church there and has also planted three churches across the river in a now drug-war-torn … [Read more...] about Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised…
What if it was Only Almost Easter?
As far as I know -- for not all dreams are remembered – I’ve never dreamed of Easter. I’ve acted in church plays from high school, where I played a very youthful Jesus, to middle-age, playing Paul, who bore a strange resemblance in costume to Fred Flintstone. If that was a dream, I’m glad I woke up. I’ve tried to put myself at the scene while watching other actors re-enact it in churches and on the big screen, but I always feel short of really capturing in my mind what it must have been like, from the triumphant entry to the triumphant victory. It’s impossible to capture the perspective, … [Read more...] about What if it was Only Almost Easter?
Testimony Time: Tell Us How God Saved You
I was saved as a six-year-old boy. My dad used to read a book called "Little Pilgrim's Progress" - a children's adaptation of the Bunyan classic - to my brother and I at bedtime. Actually, all four of us in my family were saved as dad read that book to us. There is a part about Christian going to the cross and leaving his burden of sin there. I actually have no memory of that. I barely remember my baptism, but I don't have a lot of memories of those early years. I struggled with whether an experience I could not remember was real, but as I grew I believe that I was genuinely saved. … [Read more...] about Testimony Time: Tell Us How God Saved You
More Than His Robe
Hundreds of years. Long before Jesus was born of a virgin in a lowly manger stall in the city of Bethlehem, the psalmist pens a prophetic song sharing details of the Messiah's death. "All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment." Psalm 22:17-18 Jesus hung naked upon the cross, scourged, battered, near lifeless. The crowd mocked Him as His clothes lay at the foot of the cross. Some gloated and tauntingly demanded that He "save Himself". Soldiers siezed the opportunity to cast lots, roll the dice, for his … [Read more...] about More Than His Robe
Christ, Our Passover Lamb
I originally posted this two years ago at my own blog, and as we are sharing reflections for Holy Week, I thought it would be fun to share the experience with all of you. Tonight at church we did a Passover Seder in place of our normal Bible study on Thursday night. I have participated in a seder before, but this night was special. We are hosting the community Good Friday service tomorrow night to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and tonight we played the parts of his disciples as they gathered the night before he was to die. I told our people that I make a pretty poor substitute … [Read more...] about Christ, Our Passover Lamb
If I had been there
So it's not a deep theological treatise, but I thought I'd try and put myself there, in Jerusalem. Bear with this one, there's good posts coming later from the other SBCVoices team. I can see myself following behind the disciples and wandering with the crowd as Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem that week. I can see being a little excited about seeing Him do all the stuff He's been doing in Galilee up in Jerusalem (remember, Jerusalem is always "up"). I can imagine soaking up the teaching, the miracles, the cleansing of the Temple. I can see myself being a little sad I was left out of the … [Read more...] about If I had been there
The Crimson River: A Reflection on the Power of the Cross
There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins. And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stain. Today is not a day for debate or discussion, but for reflection. This is a holy week, a week in which we think about one thing, one person – the most important thing that ever happened and the most important person who ever lived. I would ask you to celebrate with me, to join in the rejoicing over one fact, that there is indeed a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains. … [Read more...] about The Crimson River: A Reflection on the Power of the Cross
Passion Week: Reflecting on the Death and Resurrection of Our Savior
We are going to take a break from our regular programming (unless something huge comes up) the rest of the week and focus our posts on the meaning and power of the Cross, of the glory of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Blogging is by nature divisive and causes us to major on secondary issues. Let us make the next few days "holy" - set apart for the consideration of the Cross and our Risen Lord. We believe that Jesus is the Divine Son, sent to live the life of perfect righteousness which we could not. We believe that having fulfilled all righteousness he offered himself as a … [Read more...] about Passion Week: Reflecting on the Death and Resurrection of Our Savior
Vance Pitman on Leadership
Pastor Vance Pitman graciously took the time to answer several questions about leadership, administration and church growth. I believe the SBCVoices audience will benefit from his words of wisdom and I hope each reader can take something back to their own church to help lead their congregation in God's direction. Vance Pitman is the Founding and Senior Pastor of Hope Baptist Church in Las Vegas, NV. Vance was raised in a Christian home and mentored by his father, a Southern Baptist Minister, Vance surrendered control of his life to Jesus Christ at age seventeen. At age eighteen, in response … [Read more...] about Vance Pitman on Leadership
The Gospel Hammer, the Idolatry Bludgeon, and Blogging Discussions
I attended the Band of Bloggers meeting in Chicago on Tuesday. It was a lot of fun and instructive. I had a chance to meet a few people and we had some interesting discussion on the dangers and blessings of blogging. Before I make my point, let me share some of the things that were discussed. The thrust of the meeting was "gospel-driven blogging" - what could be more noble? But one of the discussion leaders (I didn't take notes and can't remember who said it) said that "gospel" is in danger of becoming another undefined buzzword, much as "missional" has been. Actually, this is the … [Read more...] about The Gospel Hammer, the Idolatry Bludgeon, and Blogging Discussions