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 he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.”Genesis 18:32 This passage fascinates me because It appears we can negotiate with God, as Abraham negotiated from finding 50 down … Continue reading Negotiating with God
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”James 1:8 This is true in so many ways. Indecisiveness about simple things like what to wear to work or what to eat for dinner can be problematic. This might lead to issues making larger decisions regarding what church to attend or how to deal with … Continue reading The Problem of Double-Mindedness
"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
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”1 Thessalonians 5:22 This is a tough verse for me. First, it is not talking about abstaining from evil, which is difficult enough, but from the very appearance of evil. This can be quite subjective as well. What we call “cussing” is socially constructed (outside of taking the Lord’s name … Continue reading The Appearance of Evil
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”Galatians 5:1 Society tells us that Christianity is restrictive; it focuses on what NOT to do. Society tells us that freedom is doing whatever you want. God tells us that true freedom is in … Continue reading Freedom in Christ
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
“I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.”1 Corinthians 4:14 Evangelistic Christians who openly discuss their faith often cause shame in the listener. This is one reason why street preaching, door knocking, and hard preaching are so abhorred in our sinful society. We Christians are motivated to … Continue reading Be Warned
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
