I was listening to a sermon by John Piper on my iTunes the other day when he said something that really intrigued me. Now, Dr. Piper often says things which I find stimulating and inspiring, but this little blurb hit me harder than most. He said, "Following Jesus is first and foremost not heroic!" Not heroic. … [Read more...] about No More Heroes
Should Preaching Be The #1 Priority Of The Church?
The centrality of preaching has been on my mind lately. Mainly because of some conviction God has been giving, and also because of some excellent books I'm reading. For example, I read this statement by Dr. Mohler in his contribution to the book Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea For Preaching. "This is not to say that there are not other responsibilities or that there are not even other priorities for a pastor. However, there is one central, non-negotiable, immovable, essential priority, and that is the preaching of the Word of God." Does it follow that maintaining the preaching of the Word … [Read more...] about Should Preaching Be The #1 Priority Of The Church?
Have We Really Fallen This Far?
Once upon a time, Southern Baptists believed the church had a mission. We held that our aim and authority came from the mouth of Jesus himself when he said, "Go and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:18-20). So, churches were specialists in one thing. That one thing was proclaiming the Gospel so that the lost could hear, believe and follow Christ. We were passionate about this one sacred task and began to send preachers to the nations. We insisted that everything our churches would do must related clearly back to that mission. After all, our local bodies belong to Christ and exist … [Read more...] about Have We Really Fallen This Far?
Is It Wrong To Mock Other Preachers?
I was about to post a video that used satire to highlight some flaws in contemporary preaching, but something stopped me. While the video made some great points, I began to think about the hubris it takes for me to scoff at God's ministers. Who am I to pass judgment on another congregation's shepherd? At the same time, some types of modern preaching clearly exchange the Gospel for something else. My default response is to mock and scoff, while giving little though to the real spiritual peril they in which they stand. I have not prayed for these guys or their people, but I am too glad to … [Read more...] about Is It Wrong To Mock Other Preachers?
Marketing The Cooperative Program
LifeWay Research is constantly releasing new data and helpful insights. But the most interesting part of their latest study was the purpose of the research. This new study was "conducted on behalf of the SBC's Executive Committee." I would like to address the purpose of this research. Here is the stated purpose of the XComm in their official description. The Executive Committee initiated the survey of all Southern Baptist churches to collect data that would provide an empirical baseline of our churches’ thoughts, feelings and perceptions about the Cooperative Program and stewardship, and to … [Read more...] about Marketing The Cooperative Program
Southwestern Seminary $3.5 Million Shortfall
SWBTS has announced it must cut at least $3.5 million (about 10%) in expenses this year. The seminary is attempting to limit cuts to current employees or faculty, but "current economic trends would make this goal difficult to achieve." Two programs have already been suspended: Naylor Children's Center, a laboratory school under the direction of the school of educational ministries Oxford Study Program and all of the Traveling Scholar overseas on-site study trips Which Institution Is Next? This announcement follows similar cutbacks from Southern Seminary. I would expect to hear … [Read more...] about Southwestern Seminary $3.5 Million Shortfall
BF&M: Regeneration Comes Before Faith
This post is inspired by a recent blog by Peter Lumpkins that details some views of B.H. Carroll on regeneration. I enjoy Peter's writing, especially when I disagree with him. This is the mark of all competent writers. But what caught my attention was this sentence: Carroll clearly rejected Founders' strange insistence upon "regeneration precedes faith" To me this didn't sound strange, but familiar. It reminded me of something I have read many times in the Baptist Faith & Message. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ … [Read more...] about BF&M: Regeneration Comes Before Faith
The Money Quote: What To Expect From The Cooperative Program
Many have been guessing, including me, that the Cooperative Program is in trouble over the next few years. There is no prophecy in that statement, just sniffing the wind and thinking through some demographics. But the 2008 - 2009 global recession is already making the situation deteriorate much faster. In a recent letter from Southern Seminary, Dr. Mohler shared his concerns about their budget. In his explanation, he revealed the concerns are growing among denominational leaders. Here is a quote and I've emphasized the relevant portion. The Cooperative Program remains the mainstay of our … [Read more...] about The Money Quote: What To Expect From The Cooperative Program
Southern Seminary Facing Layoffs & Tuition Increases?
According to an lengthy email sent tonight by Dr. Mohler's office, the seminary is facing a budget shortfall of up to $3.2 million for the remainder of this academic year. The President spoke of aggressive actions to balance the Seminary's budget including: a hiring freeze on non-critical positions reductions in travel and related expenses an immediate halt on future projects that are yet to be contracted and funded Even with these cutbacks, the Seminary projects up to $1.5 million in further reductions that will be necessary over the next several months. Further meetings are … [Read more...] about Southern Seminary Facing Layoffs & Tuition Increases?
The Error of Manufacturing Holiness
Some of the most eye-opening indictments on our own failings as the Church come when we look back to the warnings that the Old Testament prophets delivered to Israel. One such warning that struck me acutely is found in the book of Haggai. In chapter 2, verse 12, Haggai asks the priests presiding over the Jews returning from exile a question about whether holiness can be transferred to an object by simply bringing it into contact with something God has made holy; a question to which the priests plainly answer "No." This is so pertinent today because we find ourselves just as guilty as the … [Read more...] about The Error of Manufacturing Holiness