Last week, my blog struck a chord with some of you. Let me reiterate my premise and comment on it further this week and next. The American church is preoccupied with declaring the gospel to itself and defending the gospel in the public square.
American churches, particularly in our Southern Baptist family, seem more intent these days on defending the gospel rather than declaring it. Several recent experiences reinforce this observation. Here’s an example.
A theme in my preaching ministry over the past few months has been the power of forgiveness. My messages have considered two aspects of this subject – we need God’s forgiveness and we must forgive others. The best one-word description of the response is “intense.” Dozens of people have lined up...
There’s a new phrase, really a new meaning attached to an old phrase, that’s gaining popularity as a standard for justice – credibly accused. People are using this phrase to demand accountability – ranging from public apology to resignation to legal punishment – for people who have broken social...
Governor Gavin Newsom recently placed a moratorium on the death penalty in California. No executions will take place while he is governor. Newsom declared in a written statement, “The intentional killing of another person is wrong. And as governor, I will not oversee the execution of any...
Apparently, I’m controversial. At least some algorithm, written by someone with an agenda to sort out these things, thinks so.
The recent furor over full term abortion laws in New York and Virginia reminded me again how shortsighted many people are about the ramifications of their decisions. People being in favor of full term abortions should not be all that shocking. It’s the natural outcome of a decision-making...
The first annual Christian witch’s convention is scheduled for this April in Salem, Massachusetts (really, where else could it be?). According to press reports, the event will include keynote messages and workshops promoting various practices like “money magic.” Not sure what that means, but if...
Gateway Seminary was founded in 1944 as a result of a prayer meeting. Pastor Isam Hodges invited six deacons and their wives to his home to pray about starting a seminary to train ministry leaders in the West.
Southern Baptists are facing the significant challenge of how to respond to sexual abuse in churches and by church leaders. The scope of the problem demands churches, church leaders, and denominational leaders confront it aggressively. Gateway has been and will continue to be proactive on these...