SBTC Convention 2007 Session 1

Juan Castro from Longview addressed the SBTC annual convention in the first theme interpretation Monday evening in the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, Texas. Juan brought a great challenge and his presence broke many stereotypes many Texas Baptist hold concerning Hispanic immigrants. Juan came to America from Honduras. He holds a graduate degree in economics and came to USA soil to work in the banking industry. After a time in the states he accepted a position at East Texas Baptist University teaching in the School of Business. Currently he teaches business courses at LeTourneau University in Longview. About three years ago Juan started a Hispanic congregation as a mission of Oakland Heights Baptist Church. In these three years the Lord has broken his heart for the Hispanic population among us.

Many times Hispanic immigrants are often stereotyped as poorly educated and granted some have not had the opportunity for an education. Juan holds a doctorate degree. Most Texans stereotype Hispanics as from Mexico, Juan is from Honduras and reminds us that immigrants are coming from all over Latin America. I thank God that He brought Juan to the states to influence our young adults in higher education and reach out to other immigrants with the Gospel. May his tribe increase!

2007 Bible Conference

In keeping with a commitment to Scripture, the SBTC Bible Conference preceding the annual convention was an uplifting time of solid biblical preaching. We were taught from the Word, we were challenged from the Word, and we were encouraged from the Word. Don Willis and committee brought a great conference together and we owe them a great debt of gratitude.

There is so much to take away from the conference biblically that I don’t have time this morning that I am short of time to do justice to each speaker. Two actions were taken by those present that are well worthy of note here. First, the attendees agreed to use the name Bible conference rather than pastor’s conference again next year and perhaps bring a motion next year to let that be a continuing name. This is a commitment that goes beyond pastors to include laity as well. This is a great move. The second was the election of Greg Matte, pastor of FBC Houston as the president of the conference for next year. Greg is a young enthusiastic pastor and his election should result in more youthful communicators and a higher attendance by younger pastors. Again, a great move. I am marking my calendar now to attend the 2008 Bible Conference of the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention that precedes the annual convention meeting.

Bible Conference

Challenging Encouragement

First Baptist Church of Fort Worth served as the host church for the Bible Conference held by the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention as a prelude to the annual meeting. The combined choirs from Tarrant County churches set the tone for what appears to be an encouraging time of worship filled with great music and strong biblical preaching.

Dennis Baw brought the first theme interpretation from Isaiah 43 reminding us that God will be with us through the waters. Joe Lightener brought a powerful message from 2 Peter 3 pointing out that global warming will be God's way of ushering in the new heaven and new earth. To close out the evening Earnest Easley challenged us all to stroll around in the fire just as did the three Hebrew children in the days of Daniel.

It was especially good to fellowship with ministry friends and evangelists we have had the privilege of serving along side over the years. The fellowship and spirit among the pastors attending brings great encouragement to fellow travelers.

The Bible Conference continues tomorrow with the business session beginning in the evening.

Biblical Insipiration

Prior to the gavel falling to begin the annual business meeting of the BGCT, many were attending workshops led by various convention leaders and seminary professors. One was led by Dr. Dan Stiver who teaches theology at the Logsdon School of Theology on the campus of Hardin Simmons Baptist University in Abilene, Texas. While reading the comment section of another blog yesterday, I saw where someone commented that Dr. Stiver was teaching open theism. Below you will find a paragraph from his soon to be released book that may have fueled the accusation.

A third issue is then to understand the historical development that takes place through the Old Testament and into the New Testament. A basically Christian understanding is that the fullness of God's revelation is in Jesus Christ. It implies that previous to Christ there was not the fullness of that revelation. While some would come to the Bible as a “flat Bible,” this is a very ahistorical and unincarnational way to approach the Bible. If we think in terms of what is called "progressive revelation," then we can understand that God is being revealed to people throughout the Old Testament in ways compatible with their ability to understand. John Calvin spoke of this as God “accommodating” the limitations of their understanding.10 At best, he thought, God speaks baby talk to us because of our limitations. We should always be aware, therefore, that revelation does not mean utter and thorough explanation, but it is accommodated to particular places and cultures and languages and translations and concepts. What this looks like is that there were places where there was dramatic understanding, and there were places where they pretty clearly did not understand the way God is later understood in light of the revelation in Jesus Christ. For example, polygamy seemed to be understood by many in the Old Testament as consistent with God's will. Jesus pointed out in the Sermon on the Mount that the understanding of divorce in the Old Testament was not really God's intention. Genocide, under the name of holy war, was understood to be consistent with the will of God in some of the Old Testament, which is difficult to reconcile with the perspective of Jesus in the New Testament. Unless we have some idea of God changing in God's basic character, which is almost universally considered unorthodox among Christian theologians, then it is difficult to think that what happened was that God changed; rather, what it looks like is that the understanding of God changed and developed over the course of time. This is the meaning then of progressive revelation. While this approach enables us to avoid seeming contradictions in the Bible and to make some aspects of interpretation quite a bit easier, it does represent a challenge. It puts a burden upon the believing interpreter to discern in light of the whole canon what is consistent with the nature of God and the purposes of God in places where it is not clear. For example, in the Old Testament, we have the commandments, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deut. 6:5) and also “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lev. 19:18) It is fairly easy to see these as revelatory of God in the full and universal sense. It is much more difficult to see holy war, the practice of polygamy, or God hardening someone's heart (as with Pharaoh, Ex. 10:1) as consistent with the understanding of God conveyed in Jesus Christ. Another case is Psalm 137, where the prayer is that God will dash the enemy's children against the rocks. (vs. 9) In the context, there is no hint that there is anything wrong with any of this sentiment, and one can imagine someone taking from the Psalm that this is the kind of attitude that we are supposed to have. It is only in light of the wider message of the whole Bible that we would have a more critical perspective.

The article can be found in its entirety at the following link. http://www.bgct.org/texasbaptists/Document.Doc?&id=4408.

Others have mentioned this seminar in their blogs or comments.

See, Aaron on SBC Outpost as a comment on the story of the BGCT electing a female president.

See this note at Waves of Truth under his blog BGCT thoughts and concerns.

http://tree4lifetx.blogspot.com/

Is this a conservative approach, a moderate approach, or a neo liberal approach?

McBride and the Bull

How about that 90 point ride by Justin McBride to place third in the 4th round of the PBR finals? Justin leads in the point standings but had gone 0-3 in the first three rounds. Marchi and Mauney were closing in on his point lead. Tonight, they buck off and Justin places third in the round. Never count a champion out. Round 5 begins at 9:00 PM Eastern time and will be broadcast on VS. If McBride draws the bulls well he continues to be the favorite to win the world title.

Afterthoughts

Did anything of significance really happen at the Amarillo Convention of 2007? I expect that question will not be answered until the announcement of the new executive director of the BGCT. Today, I have little hope for a change of course. A good topic of discussion is what is the course of the BGCT?

The BGCT is set on a course to become a national convention. Herbert Reynolds, Paul Powell, and Winfred Moore were instrumental in setting this course years ago. They actually reserved a corporate name for this convention that could be chartered in Texas. There was an outcry over their actions and assurances were made that such a move was not in the works. Since that time much has changed. The BGCT is now made up of churches from multiple states. What churches from out of state cooperate with the BGCT is a hidden secret supposedly at the request of those churches. There is nothing like transparency. The BGCT was instrumental in changing the guidelines of the BWA and is now a recognized partner. Each year the BGCT moves closer to having its own mission sending agencies. The BGCT has three seminaries of its own.
Why all this slow movement and why did the leadership play down the idea of a named convention? Its all about money. If the BGCT leadership were to announce her intentions, many rank and file Southern Baptist Churches in Texas would immediately redirect their cooperative program funds. What makes me believe such a thing? The changes made in 2000 in supporting the SBC seminaries cost the BGCT millions in CP money and hundreds of churches left the BGCT to support the SBTC. This move to a national convention is what makes the CBF and the New Covenant so important to Charles Wade and David Currie. The die is cast under the noses of many Texas Baptist who have little clue.

The course is set to continue. The leaders who are quietly working to see this happen remain in place.

Live From Amarillo

Today I brought my laptop with me to the convention and found an open access wireless connection. I caught up on email where I needed to and this is an early observation of the convention on its final day.

The crowd is even smaller than for the election of 1st VP yesterday afternoon. I found Montoya's comments about some of the computers on the stage yesterday having Rick Davis' blog open to be intriguing. The evangelistic thrust for the week seems to have netted over 100 folks receiving Christ, PTL.

The mood of the convention has struck me as somber and quiet. As always the music has been great and Warren certainly gave the bell a good ringing in his sermon last night. I was especially disappointed to find out it is not on the list of available audio recordings available for purchase. The sober atmosphere is likely due as much to the size crowd. To full a coliseum so sparsely just prevents an feeling of excitement. Of course, the crowd is older and the music has definitely been hanging out with the traditional crowd. I for one would love to see a representation from our western heritage churches especially considering they are one few evangelistic brights spots in the BGCT. Time to go, the annual sermon is quickly coming.

A Visionary

In his editorial last week, Baptist Standard editor Marv Knox said that BGCT meetings are often “sober’ and “humdrum”. Those descriptions pretty well tell the story of the 2007 annual meeting so far, that is, with the exception of Rick Warren’s address as the keynote speaker Monday evening. Rick broke several rules of Texas Baptist tradition while delivering a blistering challenge to the messengers. The rules:

1. Rick sat in a chair rather than standing to preach.

2. Rick used up 70 minutes of his allotted 30 to 45 minute time slot.

As Rick delivered his address, the gathering, which was larger than for the business session, was captivated by his passion for his subject matter. This was my first time to hear Rick preach in person although I have listened to sermons and watched him on video. Clearly he has two attributes that are badly needed in the BGCT, he has a deep passion for souls and he has visionary leadership. Rick is clearly driven by his vision to reach souls and meet humanitarian need around the globe.

Rick’s address made coming to the convention worthwhile. Most everything else at the convention this year seems to be an attempt to tell us how great the BGCT really is while she is undergoing a substantial amount of testing and redirection. Rick came to preach how great God is and how He desires to use us in what He is doing. It would be well worth your time and money to contact the BGCT asking for a copy of Rick’s message to the convention this year.

Texas House Divided

The BGCT has once again made history by electing a first. The first female to serve as president of the BGCT won on the first ballot by a 60 vote margin with 1740 votes cast. While everyone is publicly giving support to the president elect, Joy Fenner, messengers sent a clear message of support for new directions and disdain for the status quo.

Messengers also brought motions regarding no confidence for the executive board and team, a rejection of no confidence, a motion to evaluate the necessity of the COO position, and raised several questions concerning cuts in the evangelism missions budget with increases in the area of communications. The budget was readily adopted in spite of the voiced opposition.

Nominations have now been made for 1st VP with just a fraction of messengers present for that session as the session electing a president.

All in all, attendance seems to be minimal considering this is to be a time to celebrate the tenure of EC Charles Wade. Further updates to be posted later.

Homecoming

I have made it to Amarillo and found the registration booth at the Amarillo Civic Center. It has been 13 years since attended an event and my how the place has grown. The parking lot we used in 94 is now another building. I dropped by the Amarillo Livestock Auction where I used to buy and sell cattle and found it had changed as well. Gone are the Monday crowds and a parking lot full of trucks to haul cattle back to the ranches. Where once upon a time they would sell 10 to 15000 head per week, I understand they now sell only 3 to 4 thousand now. The registration total at 12:15 was 1756 and it looks to be far short of the numbers from 1994.

My first impressions have been interesting. At the registration desk we were given a goody bag two times the size of last year's bag. As I walked through the exhibit hall I realize why. The marketing team from the BGCT has done a remarkable job of supporting the East Texas timber industry where I now reside. The ballots we are to use in the business meeting are a full 8 1/2 x 14 so we will be easily spotted while voting yes or no.

Missions is the theme for this convention and disaster relief is well represented. Texas Baptist Men have an incredible ministry in this state and DR trailers are all over the parking lot and in the exhibit hall. This ministry has carried the Gospel around the world through humanitarian aid in times of crisis.

I saw a couple of interesting booths in the exhibit hall. LifeWay has been granted a place yet I failed once again to find that Southwestern had been given the privilege. Of course the Smith Helwys booth and Baptist Way press booth were both much larger than the LifeWay booth. I saw the evangelism booth and looked for my friend Jon Randles who is now the team leader for the BGCT in evangelism. I will pray that Jon and staff will find success in returning an emphasis on evangelism to the BGCT.

Our first meeting is just a few moments away and nominations for officers are likely to be presented during this session.

Committed

As regular as clock work I received the annual propaganda piece printed by Texas Baptist Committed delivered just prior to the annual meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. David Currie, the chief general for TBC and editor of the publication, pulled out the big Texas guns once again to influence elections. I must add that I have not subscribed to the paper or asked for the paper. They send it of their own free will. The closest I have been to endorsing or participating in anything TBC or CBF was when our fine accounting folks at the BGCT sent some funds from our church to the CBF by mistake.

Of particular interest in this years campaign publication, is an article by Ken Hall. Some suspect he is in the running for the EC and I would venture a guess that if it comes to pass, there are leaner days for the BGCT. The part that really caught my attention was his not so subtle comparison of the valley scandal to giving to Lottie and Annie. Ken's call is for a Texas Mission Fund that allowing BGCT folks to give to Texas Missions rather than SBC missions. Why leaner days? While the article speaks of a wider tent in Texas and cooperating with more people, should his vision come to pass, I would expect more churches to defect from the BGCT to the SBTC. Essentially, the BGCT would be by expectation excluding the churches that David Lowrie says we again need to include in BGCT life.

I have said before and I will say it again, it is not the SBTC who is luring churches away, it is the moderate leadership of the BGCT who is driving them away. This is why I continue to believe we must elect David Lowrie as president of the BGCT. Truthfully, the BGCT president can do little to change the tide. However, electing another president who serves on the TBC board endorsing the views of Ken Hall, is a sure fire way to continue the drift toward making Herbert Reynold's dream for a national convention become reality.

Return to the Scene

It is rather ironic that the SBC met in San Antonio this year and so many looked back to the last time the SBC met there and in the same year the BGCT is again meeting in Amarillo the same place where a major division in BGCT life was cemented for years to come. I went to that convention sympathetic to the moderate camp and left very sympathetic to the conservative camp, or as moderates would rather say, the fundamentalist camp. I watched the moderate camp perform every stunt I had seen the conservatives criticized for by that reliable state paper called the Baptist Standard. I could write the things that most disappointed me during that meeting, but why bring up sour grapes. The irony is this year’s presidential election.

In 1994 the battles within the BGCT were raging. TBC was working hard to protect against a substantial opponent. Even in the midst of division, much was being accomplished in Texas. The evangelism conference was the greatest testimony to unity around evangelism and fellowship of pastors. The year was one of great victory for the moderate camp that has controlled the BGCT since even before that historic convention. We return to Amarillo this year a weaker convention in terms of cooperation and evangelism suffering from an exodus of churches and a lower budget than last year. We must be reminded that there was victory in Amarillo in 1994. No, in reality, both sides lost in Amarillo.

It is ironic that charges were regularly being made about that small band of conservatives who were controlling the election process in the SBC. Today, even TBC admits to doing the same thing in Texas. It seems as though it was wrong in SBC life but accepted in the BGCT. What is unethical in one circumstance, we might conclude, is ethical if you are on the winning side. That same small band made sure of a rise in theological education in Texas with seminaries surfacing in Abilene and Waco. I seem to find myself all alone in thinking if they were really BGCT seminaries, wouldn’t they have been at least sanctioned by an official meeting of the messengers? Perhaps I am missing this, but as my memory goes, these seminaries were started by Baptist colleges who in turn came to the BGCT to ask for funding. Many BGCT leaders turned a blind eye to this move and are only now beginning to question the methods of leadership that led to such events. At the same time some cry foul over the SBC seminaries establishing undergraduate schools. I love consistency.

The presidential election in Amarillo this year presents an opportunity for change. Perhaps the BGCT could lay down her denominational war banner and again pick up her evangelistic war banner. Some have called for the lapse of an organized group such as the TBC to cease in the election of candidates. Such pleas misunderstand leadership in organizations such as the BGCT. These organizations cry out for uniting leadership. The TBC has been effective because it united a group around a vision even though it is a negative vision. If the BGCT is to move forward from its quagmire, it will require a leadership group who can garner a sizable portion of the pastors in the BGCT to support its vision. Yes, vision is the key. Not a vision of being anti SBC but a vision of being up with Kingdom progress. As long as the vision is one of defense from an enemy that left the battle in 1998, ten years ago, the quagmire will continue. This vision will only emerge from men and women with great convictions. It will not come from the so called fundamentalists who remain in the BGCT. If their convictions would have motivated them to action, they would have either left for the SBTC or have been a constant source of irritation. It won’t come from the moderates or the TBC could have led us out of the quagmire years ago. It will come from some folks who will sit down and come up with a plan, take it to the churches and not just the executive board or annual convention, preach it, teach it, live it, and give their lives to it. Where are the statesmen who will rise up? Some have suggested David Lowrie to be one who could begin this type movement. He will not be able to do it alone. It will take several Baptist statesmen who can reach out to the silent majority of the BGCT and motivate them to action. It will take several who can reach out to the moderate camp that supports the TBC and those in the conservative camp who continue to support the SBC. That would be an anointed group and that would be a miracle. Do you still believe in miracles?

I am afraid it is not the current blogging world. This world is not captivated by vision, it is captivated by what it does not like about certain people. As long as we are battling people, we will not move forward. We must advance a vision made up of dreams and ideas. As long as we focus on fighting people, there will always be plenty of enemies to go around. Isn’t that what we have been warned about in fundamentalism? Is it also happening in the moderate world? The whole idea of circling the wagons to guard against the fundamentalists was due to fear. I think it was Avery Willis who said “fear is faith in the enemy.” If we are to move forward as the people of God, we must walk by faith, not by fear. Walking by faith, now I think that is a biblical concept.

Female Convention Presidents and the BGCT

It is being heralded as a historical event and the Dallas Morning News has called the election 30 days before the convention. No one seems to be asking a question that may deserve attention in light of falling budget numbers in the State convention coffers, "what will be the fall out?" "Will there be any fallout?" My years of experience in church life scream, there is always fallout!

The actions of the paid and elected leadership of the BGCT in recent years have created the falling budget and diminishing numbers of churches. The most costly action was to reduce funding to the SBC seminaries and place a cap on those funds in 2001. The biggest gainer was the SBTC who gained heavily in church numbers and have increased steadily in budget since that year. Will the election of Joy Fenner as BGCT president be one more of those actions? Will the election of a female president cause another drop in giving to the unified budget of the BGCT? I have more questions than answers and am not suggesting right or wrong to her election. I am simply raising a question that some may feel like is an elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about.

I, like many other Baptists, viewed the little Baptist church of my raising to be a mainstream Baptist church. We had a lady who lead music and a male pastor. All the deacons were and are to this day male and likely will be for any foreseeable time in the future. Ladies did not teach men beyond the age of about 12 and I was taught that no Baptist ever believed in predestination. My first week in an SBC seminary in the mid 90's destroyed any assumption that all Baptist churches believed the way of the church of my raising. Had I returned to them as a pastor preaching women's ordination as many of the seminary professors in that day taught, I would have quickly been removed as a pastor (and likely would be today). I am not sure many Texas Baptist are really ready for a female president of either the USA or the BGCT yet they may have to live with both.

Due to lack of posting in the last few months, my hits have dwindled significantly so this may be read only by the author, but I am curious to know if anyone believes electing a female president of the BGCT will further diminish giving to the unified budget. I am also curious to know if anyone also believes that a Fenner presidency will be another building block for the SBTC. It is possible that the egalitarian crowd would object to my questions and comments. I am not seeking here to deal with such an issue, only the reality of how Texas Baptist will respond.

Some have suggested to me that the most effective way to entice churches to leave the BGCT to join the SBTC is simply to let the moderate leadership continue to drive the BGCT ship. Is this one more example of the fulfillment of that prophecy?

John 4:1-14 Rising Expectations

The following are notes I made some years back in preparation to preach from John 4. They aren't fresh out of the study but will fill my blog with something not previously posted. Any spelling or gramamtical errors reflect the fact that they are actually only notes for personal study and have not been edited.

John 4:1-6

As you read these verses can’t you anticipate the unfolding drama as it continues? More people were following Jesus than were following John, Jesus was on His way back to Galilee, He had a reason to go through Samaria, and He is now resting at Jacob’s well near Sychar. If this were a movie or a TV show I am sure the camera would highlight the tired look on Jesus face. We would see the heat of the Middle East. Perhaps there would be a flashback to the digging of the well in Jacob’s day to excite our anticipation by jogging our memory. Clearly in our minds is the reality that has been proclaimed, this man at center stage has come to bring others life. Each encounter with this man by others results in a decision bringing life, or remaining death. Daily Jesus intersects each of lives yet without expectations of meeting Him; we often hurry right past Him without a second thought. Often we never grace the pages of His book, we neglect our prayer life, and we can’t seem to find the time for personal worship. Could it be we, like the Samaritan woman, have no expectation of meeting Jesus today?

John 4:7-14 Tradition

The camera would certainly be zooming in for a close up for the reaction of this Samaritan lady as Jesus spoke to her. I would expect to see a bewildered look of amazement and at the same time a glimmer of curiosity to be seen in her eyes and perhaps in her smile. As she rose for the day and carried out her many tasks, she probably never imagined that a Jew would ask her for a drink. But here He is, as big as life, seeking to carry on a conversation with a lowly Samaritan. By tradition, maybe she should ignore Him and walk away. Maybe she should respond with a sharp tongue and say no. She could justify some straightforward words reflecting past years of mistreatment and hate between the Jews and Samaritans. It is often difficult to pinpoint when and why traditions are started and even more difficult to change or even operate in a realm just outside them without feeling like a traitor or being condemned by the status quo. Jesus continually challenged people to go beyond their traditions and make sure of the security of their relationship with Him. That relationship is daily tested as we interact with others. Can we not only be cordial but also sacrifice and share with others in love as we take the Gospel to them? Can we lay aside political party differences if they cause us to not love someone else? Can we lay aside race differences? Can we lay aside socio economic differences? Are we willing to help those who won’t help themselves?

John 4:7-14 Understanding

Not only was this Samaritan amazed that Jesus would even speak to her, she was also confused by His words. She was darkness seeking to comprehend the light. Jesus spoke of an eternal stream, which would spring up inside of her if she believed she sought water that would quench her physical thirst. Many of our common problems stem from spiritual problems. Bitterness, unforgiveness, and anger can cause physical and mental problems. These are spiritual problems first and they become physical and mental. That does not mean every physical or mental situation we encounter is set up by the spiritual, but many are. The Bible says they lead to death. If we accept the Bible as truth, we must accept these teachings as well as the ones that tell us calling upon the name of Lord will assure us a safe passage into glory. This lady's understanding of Jesus was confused by her need to meet the daily necessity of water for her physical body. Jesus was actually promising the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that would spring up to meet the spiritual needs of those who believe. Even Christians today, have a hard time grasping the truth that Jesus has given us a well springing up with love, joy, and peace (fruits of the Spirit). Instead we often want to feel dissension, sadness, and turmoil. Maybe we are taking some of life to seriously or maybe we lack faith that God is at work in the midst of the situation. Would you pray that today God would open your eyes to understanding?

John 4:15-30 Sin

Confrontation makes great drama. In the movies we sometimes watch and the TV shows that invade our homes, confrontation is often at the center. In this way the creators draw us into the story line and piques our interest holding our attention in order to keep us there until they can present us with a product through an advertisement. Jesus confrontation was abrupt and gives evidence of the ingredients high drama is made from. On the surface the issue is a husband. At the base is the problem this lady has with making and keeping relationships. Her spirit is being fed by the sensual or sensationalism. As the excitement around one relationship has died out she has sought another. Perhaps her emotions have been on a roller coaster and she, like most of us, enjoy the height of the experience and do not want to go through the low. Somehow she has been discontent with one man so she has gone to another until in her current male relationship she has avoided the legal commitment. Jesus confronts the sin and she realizes He is more than a mere man. The sin separated her from God. By her response we assume the barriers separating her from God are removed. What a joyous occasion. Today might just be a great day for you and me to approach God and ask Him to reveal any sin in our life that separates us from Him.

John 4:20-30 Worship

Life is rather ironic when something we normally do to enhance our relationship to God actually serves as a barrier to keep us in the dark concerning His presence. That seems to be the picture concerning Jewish worship versus Samaritan worship and the place in which it took place. The Samaritans had the Holy Mountain while the Jews had the temple. The Samaritans accepted the first five books of the Old Testament while the Jews accepted the writings of the prophets as well. How easy it is for us to fall into the same trap. The buildings we build, the organizations we set up lay that trap, and even the songs we sing. Jesus cut through it all saying you shall worship in spirit and in truth. The worship must come from the heart. With your entire being you must love God and in all of life your motives must be true. In such a frame of mind and heart, true worship will pour out from the soul whether you are in Jerusalem, Samaria, the church, or alone in the quietness of your home. Seek today to let your spirit worship God throughout your activities.

Are secular politics invading SBC blogville?

It has been going on for months now, savvy political leaders have been trying to figure out who will run for president of the United States on the opposing party’s ticket, and then proceed to turn up dirt to prepare for an all out attack. It is a nasty game and the one who now runs for political office pays a dear price because the status quo is one of public smear.

Since the San Antonio SBC of 2007, many have speculated that Al Mohler will be nominated for president in 2008. No official announcements have been forthcoming. To my knowledge, Mohler has neither agreed nor ruled out allowing his name to be placed in nomination. In the land of SBC blogville, various bloggers regularly blog of what they considered to be an obscene response to the so called Garner motion. On other occasions his leadership has been seriously called into question publicly. There may be no connection between the political maneuvering of the blogger group and what appears to be an attempt to discredit a candidate prior to his decision to be nominated. What, no maneuvering you say? Hasn’t this group publicly taken responsibility for Dr. Page’s election? Of course, the same can be said of those in secular politics who are employing the same tactics. Are some already campaigning negatively toward the 2008 convention? Will future SBC presidential candidates face the same kind of politicking we are currently experiencing in US politics? May God save us!

Bloggers and Witchcraft

What is the difference in being rebellious and taking a firm stand on convictions? The answer to that question is a very serious one to a biblical conservative. 1 Peter 2:13-17 explains that we are to live in submission to every human institution. Using our exegetical and hermeneutical skills we quickly compose a list of exceptions to this imperative. But from the Old Testament we have a stronger word in 1 Samuel 15:23, “rebelliousness is as the sin of divination.” At the same time, we applaud John the Baptist who called out those in authority because of their immoral lifestyle. Was John being rebellious or taking a strong stand on convictions?

This question is important today because of what goes on in the name of Christianity. It is important because over the years Christians have refused to do many things in the name of biblical teaching. Some have refused to serve in the military and others have refused to pay taxes. Some clergy have opted out of social security on religious grounds. Some have killed abortion doctors who were operating legally.

This topic is important to me for two reasons. First, I am preaching through 1 Peter and this was my text last Sunday morning. Second, tasks and time have kept me away from the blogs for the last several weeks. I have been able to read a few but my response time was limited and my posting time was zero. After reading a few blogs I realized about all I missed was the 7/11 chorus, seven words sung 11 times. The discussions were the same, the respondents the same, and probably no one convincing anyone else of the error of their ways. What I did notice is that a few bloggers on each side of SBC issues appear to be sincere in what they are writing and why they are blogging. Others appear to simply be rebellious. I do remember Jesus words about judging and so I offer my words today as mere speculation based on outward appearance.

If our blogging or responding to others is in rebellion, it is simply sin. No, simply is a somewhat shallow concept. It is like witchcraft. That is much more serious than simple. The conclusion is this; a rebellious spirit is of the devil. It is fed through a channel that reaches straight into the pits of hell. How could I ever claim it to be simple?

As I prepared to preach this Scripture, I was reminded that Paul was standing on conviction when he preached the Gospel and went to jail. His response was not one of picket signs and protests. He and the others broke out in a hallelujah chorus while in chains. God shook the place, received tons of glory, and saved a whole household. Is there a connection between rebellious spirits and declining evangelism? Purely conjecture? May all our blogs be of firm convictions given by the Holy Spirit and void of rebelliousness.

Power or Empower

The New Testament Church was most powerful when it functioned with a healthy fear of God. As I prepared to preach on the subject “the fear of God”, the Holy Spirit taught me this truth on a deeper level as I examined New Testament passages that spoke of Jesus’ disciples during his earthly ministry and the church in His ascended ministry. I learned that the disciples were more frightened after Jesus calmed the storm than before He calmed the storm. As a result, God’s power was manifest, His name was glorified, and the disciples were more empowered for ministry.

Fear fell on the church after the incident with Annanias and Saphira. Here were two church members who saw fit to lie to the Holy Spirit. God manifested His power by ending their lives. The Bible says that fear gripped the church. As a result the church was more empowered for ministry than before.

The moral of the story is this, the more we acknowledge the power of God, the more we are empowered in ministry. Personally I have entered a time in ministry when I am more aware of my dependence upon the Holy Spirit in preaching than ever before. Sure I can say a few words in my own power. To be empowered to preach with what the old timers called unction from the Holy Spirit requires a healthy fear of God. We are more powerful when God is recognized as more powerful. In order for God to be seen as more powerful in our own circles, we must see ourselves as less powerful. As John the Baptist said, "I must decrease, He must increase." In order to gain life one must first lose life.

Missions Southern Bapitst Style

Almost one year ago I bought the first motorcycle I had ridden in over 20 years. The attention given to a bike has opened up numerous opportunities to share Jesus with people I had never met. This makes me appreciate more Southern Baptist who take Christ to the culture. Check out this article on Baptist Press that describes what is happening this week at Sturgis.

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=26214

Crossroad for BGCT Baptists

The opportunity for the BGCT to find new vision and chart a course for the future is coming into full swing this year. Charles Wade has announced his retirement from the executive director’s position effective early in 2008 and for the first time in 20 years a candidate for president of the convention is coming forth to challenge the status quo nomination. This will truly be a year of decision for this group of Texas Baptist.

Charles Wade’s reign as executive director has been controversial in many respects including the departure of hundred’s of churches to the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. During his watch the organizational structure has undergone renewal, giving plans have been revamped, money was temporarily limited to Southern Baptist Seminaries, funds were increased to two seminaries started by Texas Baptist universities, financial improprieties were discovered in dealing with church planting operations, and baptisms have fallen from 69000 in 1999 to just over 41000 in 2006. Dr. Wade was the choice of Texas Baptist Committed and has been an active supporter of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship since its inception. His sharp vocal disagreements with the leadership of the SBC have resulted in a deteriorating relationship between the SBC and the BGCT. The BGCT has an opportunity to hire an executive director who will spend energy on invigorating evangelism across the convention and renewed cooperation with the SBC. While the state convention has drifted from its cooperation with the SBC, reports indicate that as many as 70% of the churches that remain in the BGCT cooperate with the national convention. There is opportunity for a new direction.

Two candidates have been announced in the running for this year’s election of a convention president. Joy Fenner has been announced and is the Texas Baptist Committed candidate. She represents the status quo in BGCT politics and leadership circles. She has been actively involved in missions around the world and the inner workings of the BGCT leadership. David Lowrie will also be nominated this year. David represents a voice in the BGCT that has largely been overlooked for the last 20 years. His church continues support for both the BGCT and the SBC. He says it is time for a move back toward the center. David represents a new wind in the BGCT. There is an opportunity for a new direction.

Will the BGCT hire an executive director that will keep it on the same path or will it seek new vision and direction with a renewed emphasis on evangelism? Will the BGCT elect a status quo president or a president that will encourage renewed cooperation and fresh vision? The answers to these questions hold the future of the BGCT. We will know by January.

Weight of the Garner Motion

Why the BF&M must be a minimum rather than a maximum.

"Baptists cherish and defend religious liberty, and deny the right of any secular or religious authority to impose a confession of faith upon a church or body of churches. We honor the principles of soul competency and the priesthood of believers, affirming together both our liberty in Christ and our accountability to each other under the Word of God.
Baptist churches, associations, and general bodies have adopted confessions of faith as a witness to the world, and as instruments of doctrinal accountability. We are not embarrassed to state before the world that these are doctrines we hold precious and as essential to the Baptist tradition of faith and practice. " Taken from the preamble of the Baptist Faith and Message, 2000

Here we have it, a document of doctrinal accountability. The idea of accountability is that we maintain a sense of integrity and use methods to insure integrity. Accounting principles are used by auditors to assure integrity in books. The BF&M is used to assure integrity in doctrine. Surely at least the trustees of our institutions should display doctrinal integrity with our confessions.
It has been called a confession. As young Baptist I was taught that confession meant at least to agree. When we speak of confession of sin it has two elements, to admit and to agree. When sin is confessed we admit that we have sinned and we agree with God that it is sin. When a person confesses a statement of faith they admit the doctrine is true and they agree with the doctrine. A confessional statement is an agreement of doctrine.

The Garner motion approved at this years SBC states, “…nevertheless we further acknowledge that it is the only consensus statement of doctrinal beliefs approved by the Southern Baptist Convention…” Imperative to understanding this statement is the word consensus. Merriam Webster’s online dictionary lists two definitions for the word consensus. 1. General agreement:UNANIMITY and 2. group solidarity in sentiment and belief. Using these definitions we have approved a document, a consensus document, and a document that is a document of group solidarity in sentiment and belief and is therefore a minimum.

This post is not arguing the issue of whether the document should be used as a maximum when dealing with convention matters. I am only arguing here that it must be used as a minimum for our trustees.

Are there issues in the BF&M that do not require agreement? That is a matter for the convention to decide, not an individual. I believe the convention has decided with the adoption of the Garner motion. A consensus statement of doctrinal belief.

Have Faith in God

1 Peter 1:6-9
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
NASU

Faith tested by fire results in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Faith that is proven by the testing of fire is an authentic faith that proves to be centered in the object of Jesus Christ. Even though He is not seen He is loved and is the object of Christian faith. If He is the object of Christian faith, the Christian then believes that Jesus Christ will again take action. How is Jesus revealed? He is revealed when we discover the truth found in His Word. He is revealed when we take that Word to the prayer closet and He gives us assurance that it will come to pass. He is revealed when we have the eyes to see His continual work and presence in our lives.

Faith not only has an object, it has objectivity. The Word says that our faith will result in praise and glory and honor at the Revelation of Jesus Christ. In his book Don’t Just Stand There Have Faith, Ron Dunn points out that the objectivity of our faith is to get God’s will done on earth not our will done in heaven. The reason for our faith is not for us at all. The reason for our faith is for Jesus to be revealed among men. The reason for our faith is that His great name will be known. The reason for our faith is glory, honor, and revelation.

This revelation is a little bit like the bond servant, who at the end of his prescribed time of service, would have his ear punched through with an awl marking him as a servant to his master. The testimony was not about the servant, it was about his master. The master was so good to the slave that he agreed to serve him willingly.

Oh, and what about the results of faith? The results are joy inexpressible and full of glory flanked by salvation of our souls. Perhaps we believers whose faces look as if we have spent all night drinking from the dill pickle jar, would do well to move our eyes from ourselves and fix them upon the hope in Christ Jesus. Perhaps we should take Ron’s advice and seek to get God’s will done on earth rather than our will done in heaven. What was that the great catechism said, “The chief end of man is to know God and enjoy Him forever?” This is becoming a servant of Jesus who serves willingly.

Ruling Pastors

Would our Baptist forefathers agree with the current definitions of what it means for Jesus to be the head of the church? On a fairly consistent basis I hear the cry go out that the CEO model being used in churches today is not Scriptural and is non Baptist. I recently ran across an article by John Gill concerning the responsibilities of the pastor where he weighs in on the subject. John Gill was a deep thinker and extensive writer who garners respect particularly among Baptist of the reformed tradition.

4b. Secondly, another part of the work of pastors, is to rule the church they take the oversight of; the same word in the Greek language which signifies to feed, signifies to rule also (see Matthew 2:6); and kings are sometimes called shepherds; as Cyrus and others; so Agamemnon, in Homer[19], is called, poimen lawn, "the shepherd of the people". The church of Christ is a kingdom; it is frequently called so in the New Testament; Christ is King of it, set as King of Zion by his divine Father, and is owned as King of saints by his church and people; and ministers of the word, and pastors of churches, are "over them in the Lord;" they are under Christ, and subject to him, but are over the churches by his appointment; hence they are represented as guides, governors, and rulers, as before observed; and obedience to them is required; "Obey them that have the rule over you," (Heb. 13:17). And their pre-eminence in the church appears,

4b1. In giving the lead in divine worship, they go before the congregation in acts of divine service, in public prayer and thanksgiving, and in the ministry of the word (Rev. 4:9, 10, 5:14), and this they do in an authoritative way; they are the mouth of the people to God, and present their prayers and thanksgivings as representing them; and they are the mouth of God to the people, and speak in his name, and are ambassadors in Christ’s stead.

4b2. In presiding at church meetings; where they have the conducting of all affairs with order and decency, directing in all acts of discipline, according to the word of God; putting up the votes of the church, giving admonitions, and passing censures, as they may be necessary, by the agreement and consent of the church.

4b3. In receiving and rejecting members; the keys of the kingdom of heaven, the gospel church, as usually understood, are committed to them, to open and shut the doors of the church according to its direction; for though the power of admission and rejection of members is originally in the church, it is executively in the pastors, in the name of the church.

4b4. In taking care of the whole discipline of the church of God, that it is observed, and that the rules respecting it are put into execution; which they are to explain, enforce, and see that they are attended to; they are to show to the house, the church of God, "the form of the house, and the fashion of it;" the nature of it, as to matter, form, power, and order; "and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof;" the rules respecting the reception of members, and the excommunication of them; "and all the ordinances, and all the laws thereof," even everything Christ has commanded and appointed to be observed (Ezek. 43:10, 11). Now the rule and government of pastors of churches is not to be exercised in an arbitrary way; they are not to rule with force and cruelty, as the shepherds of Israel are complained of; they are not to lord it over God’s heritage; they have not dominion over their faith, nor the command of their practice at their wills; they cannot oblige them to receive a doctrine, nor to follow a practice, that is of their own or of human invention: but they are to govern according to the word of God, and the laws and rules which Christ, as King and Head of the church, has given: and when they rule according to these, they may be said to rule well, and should be respected and obeyed, and counted worthy of honour. And this ruling, as well as feeding, should be with knowledge and understanding, in a wise, prudent, and discreet manner; as David, who fed the people of Israel according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with the skilfulness of his hands. I proceed to answer,[1]

What say ye in response to John Gill?

---

[1] Taken from: A Body of PRACTICAL Divinity

Book 2—Chapter 3

Of the Officers of a Church, Particularly Pastors

On the blogger reformation of the SBC

A few weeks ago, as our church was considering the adoption of a new structure for our organization, one of our older members asked the most important question of all questions that were asked about the changes. He asked, “What makes us think that these changes will win any more people to Jesus?” The answers to his question became the driving force that led to the adoption of our new structure and schedule. We believe this change will enable us to become more missional in our programs winning more people to Christ.
I have asked myself the same question concerning the crusade now being fought in cyberspace to bring reformation to the SBC, “if the reformers are successful, will it cause the SBC to win any more people to Jesus?” My answer is based on an assumption of what drives discord within our ranks believing that discord is a hindrance to the evangelistic efforts of our beloved convention. Without judging the justness of the cause, a surface observation reveals that attention given to the fight at hand takes away from ministry removing warriors from the battlefield without to the battlefield within.
In order to understand why the victories sought by the blogging reformers will not bring a more evangelistic fervor to the SBC, let us understand what divides us and prompts us to quarrel with one another. There is first the theological, second the methodological, and third, the political. The primary thrust of the debate is rooted in theology so let us begin our discussion on that point.
Confessions of faith are simultaneously polarizing and unifying. They unify those in agreement and polarize those that are not in agreement. The absence of statements serve the same purpose. The tighter the boundaries are drawn, the fewer there are who can agree. Wider boundaries are also exclusive. We have experienced that in our own convention. When those with wider boundaries are in control, they by default exclude those who have convictions about the parameters compromising the gospel and therefore choose not to fellowship and participate. Baptists are Baptists because they agree on certain doctrines meaning we agree on certain interpretations of Scripture. Theological debate will always be both polarizing and unifying. If the blogger reformation is successful, some will leave the convention over theological reasons. Will the victory then allow the energy being spent on winning by either side be channeled toward evangelism? If history repeats itself, this is not likely.
The second issue we fuss about is methodology. If the blogger reformation is successful, there remains a battle to be fought over methodology. The BF&M is primarily a theological document. If the reformation is successful and if the two seminary presidents that are out of favor with the coalition are replaced and if the trustees are replaced on the mission boards to their liking and if the leader of the ERLC either repents which is highly unlikely or is replaced, what will be the methodological test? The current debate over a method used to witness to Muslim’s is but the tip of the ice berg. Imagine a trustee board of a seminary or mission board who had no say so over the methodology espoused by their professors or missionaries? How would such an environment be received by the SBC? Again we would divide over methodology. One camp that will divide over methodology is the reformed camp. Already there are cries against methodologies used by some SBC churches by the reformed camp that already feels alienated.
The third area is in the realm of the political. The reformers would have us to believe many in the so called status quo camp are merely exercising politics for the sake of politics. While there may be a few on both sides of the issues who just like to play politics, it seems to me that both sides, and all sides for that matter, are genuinely acting out of convictions. Even so the politics will serve to unite those of like mind together while polarizing them from the other camps.

So what must happen for us to win more people to Jesus? We must turn our focus to vision and join together for the sake of the Gospel. If the BF&M serves as our values statement and the great commission our mission statement, the next step is to establish a compelling vision to accomplish our task. Imagine the possibilities if the elder statesmen of our convention could invest their energies into building a positive vision among our younger leaders that would compel them to stay in the SBC for a vision. Imagine the possibilities if our elder statesmen could embrace the kind of vision that Bobby Welch sought to inspire or the vision that Frank Page is seeking to inspire? What if our elder statesmen again began to encourage our younger leaders to fight for souls rather than fighting in the political arena? Could a joint effort in evangelistic efforts serve to temper our political battles?

Being from Texas, I wonder why we have slipped evangelistically. We now have conventions representing both approaches yet fail to keep up with the population. I have a feeling it is because we miss men like Carlos McCleod who consistently motivated Texas Baptist to charge hell with, not a water pistol, but a fountain flowing deep and wide with the message of the Gospel. This post is really not a diatribe against the blogger reformation. Some of their efforts may be much needed while others may not. What this post is about is a solution to our evangelistic stupor and my belief that the blogger reformation will do nothing to curb the slide. It could, in the end, encourage a further slide.

Where have all the prophets gone

Sometimes I wonder if I simply arrived too late in ministry in the SBC. It seems as though a generation of anointed leaders have disappeared without replacement in our convention. Maybe God has raised them up and I have yet to meet the new voices He is sending forth. Who were the previous voices God sent out? Men like Vance Havener, Ron Dunn, Manly Beasley, Junior Hill, and Bill Stafford. Yes I know the latter two continue to preach but the previous three we miss dearly. Occasionally I run on to a Manly Beasley tape I don’t have and Ron Dunn’s work continues to be available through his family. While I am appreciative of their continuing contributions, I long for the man of God who can speak to us and our generation as they did to their generation. I am amazed at the number of preachers I encounter who were so influenced by Beasley and Dunn. Thank God for His servants.

Caught in the Act!

As the morning breaks over Texas, once again Southern Baptists are rising to the occasion to serve others. The SBC disaster relief ministry is kicking into gear in response to the recent flooding in our state. As they engage the community of Texas they anticipate replacing sheetrock, removing mud from structures, and spraying the structures to kill mold. It is a day to thank God for the heart of compassion He has given to Southern Baptist.

A Book Worthy of Your Reading Time

A Book Worthy of Your Reading Time

As my vacation and time in school draw to a close, I find myself completing my reading of the latest publication authored by Dr. Gary Bredfeldt who is a professor of leadership and church ministry at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The book is called Great Leader Great Teacher and issues a needed challenge to pastors, ministers of education, Sunday school teachers as well as other lay teachers, ministerial students, and teachers in higher education. Dr. Bredfeldt issues a biblical reminder to each of us in the areas of teaching and leadership. It is the scholarship and passion for Christ that encourage me about the quality and spirituality of our Southern Baptist Seminaries.

At least two monumental changes are coming to the SBC

One church in the SBC has had more influence in the last 10 years than any other. Is it First Baptist Jacksonville where thousands of pastors and layman attend a conference each year, hear great preaching, and attend dozens of breakout sessions? I don’t think so. Is it Bellevue in Memphis and the continuing legacy of Adrian Rogers through his sermon ministry? I don’t think so? Which church is it?

How about this? This church has provided material for literally thousands of churches around the world. Many pastors receive a regular pastor’s newsletter from this church. Thousands have attended workshops and leadership conferences led by the staff of this church. Which church is it? You are right – it is Saddleback Church. The purpose driven model is having huge impact on SBC life. Some like it, some love it, some resent it, but make no mistake about it, many are being influenced by it. This is a stream of Baptist life that will make a difference in the convention for decades to come. Some who resent it could find favor in the encouragement Rick gives to purge rolls every so many years.

There is another stream in Baptist life that will be felt for decades to come. It is not as well organized as purpose driven because it does not have a central figure or church, but it will have an impact. It is complete with new methodologies and bright energetic leadership. On one fringe it is the missional church movement within Baptist life and on the end other of the same stream closest to tradition, stand churches like Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas. It has grown tremendously and consistently baptizes close to a thousand or more each year. Several networks are developing in this stream that will have a great impact on the SBC in years to come. At the present, these streams are not involved in convention politics. Their influence will be felt at a convention level one day, sooner or later.

If the purpose driven stream teamed up with the Fellowship stream and the missional stream – bingo. That my friends is influence in a convention. This group is not interested in the institution and in many ways the institution is not interested in them. Many of them do not care if the institution is interested or not. The purpose driven stream has infiltrated the traditional stream effectively enough to divide the camp.

Old methods of convention politics are giving way to loose knit networks that will one day grow up and we do not yet know how they will behave.

This is my look into the future. I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet. If these looks do not come true, I am not a false prophet. The do raise some questions.

Could these networks and the meetings they sponsor be one reason why the SBC meeting attendance has dropped along with state convention meeting attendance?

Will one or more of these networks rise up and enter SBC political life at some point in the future?

The Hammers and Anvils of Orthodoxy

Going to the blacksmith shop is a learning experience for a young lad. To watch the blacksmith heat up the iron, take it to the anvil, and beat out the exact shape he wants to create is truly watching an artist at work.

In the same way that iron is shaped by heat and pressure, orthodoxy is shaped. Prior to the reformation Christian orthodoxy was shaped at the blacksmith shop called church councils. A form of these councils continues in the Catholic tradition with the writings of Vatican I and II. In the evangelical world, we use a blacksmith cut from a different cloth. There is no hierarchy of a council; rather, there is open debate. In years past this has occurred at an associational level, a state convention level, a national convention level, in seminaries, in newspapers, in personal communications, and of late in the world of blogsville. Each of these avenues has served to test ideas and methodologies against the scrutiny of others with a desire to be true to the Lord and His Word.

In Baptist history classes we learned of the free worship tradition that began in the rebaptizer movement. Preachers were not allowed to carry Bibles into the pulpit. They were expected to rely upon the unction from the Holy Spirit for all they said. Some brave preachers went against the grain and today you are highly criticized if you do not read from the Scripture during a worship service. And then there was the original worship war over music. Again some brave Baptist souls introduced music into worship. As they sometimes say, “the fight was on.” Today it is difficult to imagine a Baptist worship service without music.

These historical facts teach us something about the present debate in Southern Baptist life. We are not perfect and we never will be. Change is difficult but worth the struggle. It is the anvil and the hammer that shape something into a form that is worthy of the struggle.

An argument continues that needs serious evaluation. The call is growing louder that bright young leaders are leaving the SBC because the parameters are to tight. Truthfully, they are only felt when someone seeks to be a denominational employee. Otherwise, church autonomy continues to rule. Very few churches have been denied a seat at the annual meetings.

How should these young leaders respond? It is imperative that they allow their ideas be tested against the prevailing tides. They must know that their ideas and new methodologies will be tested. Recently I read where some in the so-called emergent church movement were seeking to distance themselves from others involved in the conversation. Their ideas were being tested in the market place and they were finding the ideas of others to be outside biblical orthodoxy.

Rick Warren is an excellent example of what young leaders must do. They must establish their path and let it be criticized and examined. While some continually criticize Rick, his influence on Southern Baptist life is massive. (Oh, and he has never held a position yet even preached for that old fundamentalist, Jerry Falwell.)

Elder statesmen must encourage these young leaders to stay the course, remain in the tent and let their methodologies be tested against time and examination. This is the hammer and anvil of orthodoxy in a post reformation Christianity. Will they be criticized, yes and so was Benjamin Keach.

The most difficult place to test these ideas is not in the political life of the SBC but in the local church. The hammer and anvil in the local church is hotter and with more force than denominational powers. If you don’t believe me, just walk in an established traditional church and introduce drums in worship. Our young pastors must learn that the path of least resistance is rarely the correct path. To leave the denomination because their methods are in question is to assume that there will be no resistance or other issues in the world of independence or nondenominationalism. This is a false and dangerous assumption.

The Blessings of Rain

A difference in one year!

For what seems like the 7th day in a row, we have had our daily shower of rain accompanied with a little wind, a heavenly display of lights, and billowing clouds. It was just a year ago when the sky would not yield a drop of rain, the grass was withering, and cattlemen regularly remarked about praying for rain and paying the preacher more. If the increased prayers equaled the increase in pay for preachers around, God was certainly not disturbed or encouraged to action. The grass today is green. The remarks are now pray for the rain to stop and the biggest problem with putting up hay is getting it baled before it rots in the field due to all the moisture. Things sure change quickly.

Winter brings hope of spring, spring brings hope of summer, and summer gives way to fall only to lead to winter again. There is always hope. Christians ought to be the most optimistic people in the world. Mark Lowry used to say at his concerts that his favorite words in the Bible are, “and it came to pass.” Just as the drought has passed from our area, your trials will pass as well. May you find the hope of the passing season toward the blessings yet to be received.

Preaching This Week

I expect most pastors have their sermons in the final stages of preparation by Thursday. It might be rather interesting to see what others are preaching this week. Why not post your text and outline here this week and see what others are preaching as well. My AM sermon this week comes from Philippians 2:14-16. I have taken the title from an old David Ring sermon called "The Eleventh Commandment". The subtitle, "Thou Shalt Not Bellyache."

Three reasons Christians are not to murmur and dispute.

1. Because of their position. -- Children of God.
2. Becasue of the problem. -- The generation we live in murmur and dispute, Christians are supposed to be different.
3. Because of their purpose. -- to serve as luminaries, not complaining about life as they know it, but rather holding forth the Word of life. Everlasting life, abundant life.

Wake Up the Church

Wake Up the Church
Rev. 3:1-6

Jesus speaks to the church at Sardis

For the last 30 years the preaching across America has suggested that the current state of church in America is like the church at Laodicea. The church at Laodicea was a luke warm church. It was full of complacency and apathy. Is it possible that the current state of the church in America is no longer a luke warm church but a dead church? Acts chapter 2 describes an alive church as being one that is devoted to the teaching of the Apostles. It was a church with warm fellowship, active ministry, and dynamic preaching. It was a church where lost souls were being saved on a consistent basis. If the statistics circulating these days about church growth and in particular those that are growing evangelistically, then surely we would have to say if the church is not dead, her vital signs are so weak that we would have to use a heavily amplified stethoscope to get a heart beat.

The standard Jesus used for the church at Sardis is a great word for a dying church. Boiled down to a nutshell, Jesus used a negative tone of prophetic speaking and gave us three descriptions of an alive church.

He described its:
1. Vibrancy
2. Vision
3. Victory

1. Vibrancy. As Jesus speaks so sternly to this church, a local church, a local called assembly, He pronounces them dead on arrival. They have a name that says they are alive, but they are dead. Evidently they have a reputation of being an alive church, but in reality, they are dead. There must be activity for He says He knows their deeds. Truthfully they are a church that is alive to many things, they are just not alive to spiritual things and a church that is not alive to the things of God is a dead church.

Perhaps the church at Sardis was alive to the flesh rather than the Spirit. Romans 8:5-10 explains so very clearly that one alive to the flesh is dead to the spirit. Perhaps they were a church that was filled with unbelief and as Jesus did not do many miracles in Nazareth due to unbelief, neither did he do many in Sardis because they were filled with unbelief.

An alive church, on the other hand, is a church that is alive to the Spirit. It is a church that hungers and thirsts after righteousness. It is a church that Acts 2 describes as a people that are in awe of what God is doing. It is a church filled with belief that an all powerful, supernatural creator of the universe is personally intervening, as an answer to their prayers in the daily affairs of their lives. It is a church full of belief. It is a church that is filled with positives because the negative produced by unbelief is driven away. It is a church with a testimony of vibrancy because it is a church full of people with a vibrant walk with Jesus.

2. Vision. In verse 2 Jesus sends out the resounding call for the church to wake up. Some years ago I served on the local volunteer fire department. One day we were called to an accident where a man was seriously injured. As a matter of fact, by all appearance he was just a corpse. As the medical technicians arrived, they discovered some kind of faint pulse in the man's neck. They immediately moved to action sticking needles here and needles there. They put a contraption over his mouth and began to breath for him. After a period of time his limbs once again responded. The man was alive. In this verse we see the same picture. There is a little life with a great opportunity for resuscitation. But it is the vision that will allow and encourage a revival to their soul. Jesus says your works are not complete. They are not finished. They can look forward to more supernatural working in their presence because God is not yet finished if they will merely repent. We are reminded that according to the written Word of God when he begins a work He will finish the work.

3. Victory. An alive church is a victorious church. It is a church that understands that it does not work to victory but from victory. Jesus says that there are and will be those of this church that wear robes of white, whose names will not be blotted out of the book of life. The imagery included in these verses is of a kingdom that keeps records of all that are born. It is as if God has a huge book in which the names of every person who will ever live on earth were written down. Those people come and live on the earth. Some receive eternal life to live forever. Others refuse Jesus and have not eternal life. When a person passes from this life without Jesus, their names are blotted out of the book of life. But to those who have received Jesus Christ as personal savior, the blood of the lamb has caused those names to be written in such a way that they can never be blotted from the book of life.

The victorious church works from a position of victory. It is filled with people who have experienced victory and believe that God will bring victory to others. It is a church that understands the teaching of God’s Word that Jesus is sanctifying his Bride to receive her as a spotless Bride. It is a church that walks in confidence knowing that the devil is defeated and the Savior is exalted.

In order for the church to be unified in spirit, she must first be alive the Spirit. May God revive His church in America so that she is not dead but fully alive in the Spirit.

Reflections

Reflections on the 2007 SBC.

As I left San Antonio today, my impressions were distinctly different than when I left the BGCT annual meeting held in Amarillo in 1994. The Amarillo meeting was my first convention and I vowed it would be my last. I was put off and disgusted at the arrogance and pride displayed by the moderates who gained firm control on that day. Thirteen years later I have changed my perspective of that meeting and it bears on this years SBC Annual meeting as well. What I really saw in 1994 was grown men who had been soundly defeated at SBC meetings for 15 years who won at their state level. I saw their jubilance, heavy handed politics, and boasting as arrogant and prideful. Today I see it as tremendous release of stored up energy and emotion. Four years later those whom in victory they belittled, walked away and started the SBTC.

I am older now and having been in church ministry since 1995, I have matured in my outlooks and patience with others. I believe what I saw in San Antonio was healthy debate. I came away believing that the dialogue Wade Burleson is hoping for is happening within the leadership of the various agencies of the SBC. In 1994 I thought the sky was falling and in many ways it did fall. As a result there is one vibrant Texas convention and another that is struggling to find its way out of the past and into the future. One of the brightest spots I have seen in years to help the BGCT out of its wilderness is the hiring of Jon Randles to head up the team on evangelism. For the Executive Director of the SBTC to be elected as first VP speaks well of the vibrancy of that convention.

I sense an awakening of determination in the SBC to lock arms for the sake of the Gospel. Not everyone is onboard yet and as many employees and ministries as there are within our convention there will always be some disagreements among us. I am impressed because a new generation is emerging that has a renewed passion for the Gospel. They are growing up quickly but not like the generation that grew up in the wars of yesterday. The wars of yesterday pushed liberalism out the door. The enemy today must be seen as the enemy that keeps this world in the dark. We must gather the army and attack the darkness around us with the same vehemence that we attacked liberalism.

If you are a young person reading this blog and this was your first convention, let me encourage you to avoid allowing the political maneuvering and robust discussions keep you from your support, diligent service, and commitment to a great convention, the SBC. At 49, I can assure you this was the most enjoyable convention of my life. Greeting old friends and spending time together is something that non denominationals and independents never get the opportunity to experience. The convention is more than politics. There will always be some things you don’t like. There will always be some things you think are great. Try to change the things you don’t like, but concentrate on the things you do. Give yourself to Jesus and kingdom work.

SBC Convention Day 2 Evening

SBC Convention Day 2 Evening

While walking around in the exhibit hall I stumbled up on a booth sponsored by the Evangelism Team of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The new team leader, Jon Randles along with his wife Kelly, were greeting guests and speaking of great hopes for the BGCT.bgct I must say that this is the best news I have heard from the BGCT since the Amarillo Convention in 1994. Jon is a man who is passionate about souls and is well equipped and experienced in reaching the younger generations. His long time work with college students has been a model that others have sought to duplicate all over the US. His optimistic and active spirit would encourage and lift others regardless of where he finds himself. May God bless Jon and may he find receptive hearts in the power circle within the BGCT.

The stats from the SBC Annual book of reports show that it takes 35 BGCT Baptist to win one soul. The same book reports show that it takes 28 SBTC Baptist to win a soul. Perhaps Jon can bring a renewed focus to souls in the BGCT. I am confident that Don Cass is successfully accomplishing that task among the SBTC.

These stats also reveal that while there are over three times as many BGCT churches as there are SBTC churches; the BGCT gave only 2 million more dollars to the cooperative program than did the SBTC.

Wednesday Morning, Convention Day 2

I am continuing to especially enjoy the convention. This year’s convention has helped me to grow in the conviction that I need to do more to the church where God allows me to serve more involved.

It was refreshing to me to hear Morris Chapman's address yesterday. Hearing some of our strong leaders who have worked diligently to set a good course for our convention helps me to believe that as we seek a greater level of cooperation that we won’t sell ship. It is a healthy day in the SBC when we can take on difficult issues, debate them openly and then cooperate whole heartedly together even when our ideas and opinions do not prevail.

Wade Burleson posted a blog prior to the convention about the Big Leagues and there certainly appears to have been maneuvering on some of the issues. The more I am involved with organizations, the more I understand the necessity of great leadership and what some would call politics. I long for a great statesman to arise within our convention who can be heard clearly when he speaks. In listening to the speakers yesterday, it seems as though Morris Chapman and Mac Brunson may have those capabilities.

Monday SBC Convention -- Evening

I believe Monday was a good day for Southern Baptists. The overall spirit seemed to be congenial and supportive of one another. Various motions came throughout the day mingled with reports and opportunities to worship in song and prayer. Of course the hot topics of the day were for the 1st VP and the motion on the BF&M.

It seems to me we opened a Pandora’s box with what appears to be a passing of the motion on the BF&M.(the official ballot count had not been released when I left the convention hall.) The motion may turn out to actually narrow the parameters rather than widen them. Since it is to be used as the doctrinal guide, it would make sense that no one could serve as a trustee or employee who felt it necessary to sign with caveats. If that is true, some who supported this motion and serve as trustees should seriously consider resigning from their trustee positions to protect their own integrity. This could, perhaps, prohibit missionaries from serving who signed with caveats. I would hope that my first understandings are incorrect.

SBC Day 1

SBC Convention Day 1 Morning

As I reflect on yesterday’s events I was reminded of the good spirit that seems to prevail among the messengers. I remembered how another blogger commented about the younger group attending the preaching sessions of the conference while many of the older messengers could be found visiting in the halls. This reminds me that the older I grow, the more I value friendships and the more I realize that a very important part of the annual convention is the meetings that take place in the halls.

I woke up thinking about the old friends I saw again yesterday and the new acquaintances as well. I thought about my friend Joe Stewart and how men like Joe encourage me about the future of our convention. His heart for evangelism is evident in his daily life. He refused the tracts from those encouraging us to use them in San Antonio because sharing Jesus is so much a part of life for him that it just appears in normal encounters with others. I believe his current studies in the emergent/ermerging/missional church will be of great benefit to those who share his heart to reach the Pomo generation. Joe is extremely bright, humble and articulate both in verbal and written communication.

I even wonder who I will see today that I did not see yesterday.

I was able to squeeze in a little sermon preparation this morning before the convention begins and to write this blog over breakfast. I will return to my hotel room and upload the post before making my over to the convention hall to join by brothers and sisters in Christ as we seek the touch of the Holy Spirit in leading the Southern Baptist Convention.

Some disdain politics yet it is the term we use to describe the shaping and moving of organizations by those who are willing to engage the necessary activities to bring about progress and change. No organization under heaven is perfect and therefore they all require maintenance and revision. I welcome all involved in the process especially those with whom I disagree. I know I will disagree with some who bring motions and resolutions today yet I thank God for their contributions to thought and dialogue. Their thinking invigorates my thinking and sometimes changes my mind. May God be glorified today at the annual meeting of the SBC.

Feel free to respond to this post but be aware that at the current time moderation requires my approval before it will actually be posted. I will change this when I get a little time to be online and figure out how to change the setting. I apologize for this inconvenience, it is just a bit difficult to teach an old dog new tricks.