A Social Experiment in Creative Thinking
There appears to be growing tension between two factions of Baptists that are increasingly at odds with one another. Neither side really accepts a label, and these labels are problematic. For the sake of clarity, they might be called Independent Fundamental (conservative) and New or Neo-Independent Baptists (more liberal). I have personal relationships with good … Continue reading A Letter to my Baptist Brothers
"And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail." Hebrews 1:12 This verse is talking about the universe, including the heavens and earth (verse 10). God wears the universe like clothing (a vesture), and He will change them and … Continue reading He Wears the Universe
2 Corinthians 5:1 "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." I believe wholeheartedly that if my church building crumbled tomorrow, we would meet in a field somewhere. That is because we have become … Continue reading When the Building Falls
1 Corinthians 9:20 "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, … Continue reading Become All Things for God
Photo from inc.com Romans 1:22 "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" In a world in which every average person with an opinion (including Simmons' Opinions) has a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast, this is one of those verses that really hits home for me. During my time as a graduate student, I was … Continue reading Professing Wisdom is Foolish
Acts 21:13 "Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Paul was warned that the Jews were looking to arrest him. They implored Paul to stay away from … Continue reading Facing Social Rejection
Acts 17:23 "For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." The Greeks and Romans were polytheists - as were many ancient cultures. However, they still had room for a "god" that they did … Continue reading Knowing the Unknown God
Acts 15:9 "And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." "Us" are the Jews and "them" are the Gentiles. Peter is saying that when "we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they" (verse 11). Salvation eliminates our social, racial, gender, … Continue reading Eliminating Differences
Acts 9:29 "And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him." After Paul's conversion, he almost immediately began preaching. The Grecians of this day were Greeks, but also Jews who spoke Greek. Paul was also a Greek speaking Jew, so he … Continue reading Speak Boldly
Acts 5:29 "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men." This ties in well with yesterday's verse (John 19:15). Christians who capitulate to man's laws (this includes rules, norms, and mores as well) that violate God's laws are in violation of the Bible. We see far … Continue reading It is Time to Disobey Man
