In many ways, Southern Baptists are stronger than at any time in our history. For example, we have record enrollment across our six seminary system. Our efforts over the past decades have produced the most well-educated clergy in Christian history. Our six seminaries now have the largest...
My recent blogs on our confusion about declaring and defending the gospel prompted one supporter to write me back. While he applauded my overall point, he opined some Christians – even pastors - seem to be confused about the simplicity of the gospel. He referenced a recent memorial service, led...
For the past two weeks, the issues of the intent and object of our gospel message have been on my mind. The premise of those blogs has been the American church (particularly Southern Baptist) is preoccupied with declaring the gospel to itself and defending the gospel in the public square.
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.
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...
Over this past weekend, we experienced a Super Blood Wolf Moon eclipse. This phenomenon happens when the moon passes fully into the shadow of the earth. It was particularly spectacular because it happened when the moon was at its closest point of its orbit to earth. This celestial color show was...
A church planter, working downtown in a major West Coast city, has led his young adult church members to have over 7,000 gospel conversations with people in their community in the past three years. They have discovered people – even secularists in a never-Christian-culture urban area – who have...
Organizations – including churches, companies, and conventions – all experience mission drift. It happens when an organization loses focus on its founding purpose and its reason for continued existence.
He never wavered from emphasizing the gospel – in its simplicity and beauty – no matter the pressures, criticisms, or distractions. His primary legacy is millions of people who are Christians because of his faithful witness. His leadership example of statesmanship with integrity is also part of...
My friend Ted Cotton died a few days ago. At his memorial service, attended by about 400 people, the moderator asked everyone who had been led to faith in Jesus and baptized by Ted to raise their hand. Dozens of hands went up. He then asked everyone who had been mentored into ministry by Ted to...