It seems like there is a new revelation or accusation about immoral conduct by a politician, media, or entertainment leader almost every day. Among the many questions raised by all this is, “Does character count any more in choosing a leader?”
Moral confusion about sexual issues is so common in our culture it is now our normal ministry milieu. Sexual harassment in the workplace, sex offenders in neighborhoods, and sexual escapades by societal influences are daily occurrences. Yet, our culture continues to embrace confusing moral...
Most people in our culture believe alcohol is a necessary social lubricant, mark of adulthood, and primary ingredient for having a party. None of those things are true – but most people believe them anyway. People who believe otherwise are marginalized as out-of-touch legalists. That’s a...
I am grateful I have lived long enough to have old friends. There are several people I have known for more than 30 years who are still rock-solid in every area of life – faith, family, and friendship. It’s a privilege to know good people like this who have proven themselves over time.
One of the pastors from a nearby community providing on-sight ministry in Sutherland Springs, Texas is a Gateway graduate. He recently told me, “I never imagined ministering in a situation like this but my seminary training prepared me for it.” My purpose in calling this alum was to encourage...
The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest evangelical denomination in the United States, but it often seems like a small family. Forget six degrees of separation. It’s more like two or three at the most.
October 31, 1517 is the traditional date when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg church, outlining his theological position and declaring his opposition to many practices of the Catholic Church. That makes this week the 500th anniversary of the events that marked...
Gateway Seminary is not a college or university, but we pay close attention to what is happening at those schools for many reasons. The most important reason is, as a graduate school, our students come from colleges or universities and their prior educational experience impacts their...
Preaching about evangelism is frustrating. While listening, almost every hearer nods in agreement the gospel must be shared, people need to be saved, and churches must make evangelism a priority. But when the sermon is over, the results are usually “business as usual” – with little real...
Green Valley Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, celebrated their 50th anniversary this past weekend. They were my first pastorate (1982-89). They somehow survived! It was my pleasure to preach on Sunday as part of their weekend-long celebration.