Tag Archives: Christianity

Why We Need the Military

Posted on July 1, 2015 | Leave a comment

I read a biography some time back on the life of Albert Einstein. There were some surprises. First, he was pretty smart. (It takes a genius to recognize one!) Second, when it came to family life and morality, he was no Einstein. A terrible example in some ways.
But there was one area where Einstein changed his views entirely. Early in his life, he was a committed pacifist. He was so committed to his view that he urged people to refuse to serve if drafted.
He changed his views. Can you guess why? Continue reading →

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The Positive Future of the Southern Baptist Convention

Posted on June 8, 2015 | Leave a comment

A friend of mine advises pessimism so that life is full of pleasant surprises. (Doesn’t that sort of defeat the point?) But I can’t help myself. I am hopelessly hopeful. (And I like a good oxymoron on occasion.)

When it comes to the Southern Baptist Convention we can certainly point to difficult challenges- and I have. But, there are many reasons to be “hopelessly hopeful” about our convention and I want to name a few just to put our future into perspective.

1. The emphasis on Continue reading →

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Posted in baptist, southern baptist convention

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The Future of the Southern Baptist Convention

Posted on June 3, 2015 | 32 comments

I’m neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet. That’s a bad start for confidence in my predictive powers. But let me speculate on the future of the Southern Baptist Convention with whom I have been associated my entire life.

In many ways I am describing what is more than what will be. Perhaps this is more of where we are than where we are headed. While it seems likely we will have more of what we currently have, God can change things dramatically. Perhaps we will have a great revival. Perhaps we will have ruin. But here is where it seems we are and where we are headed. (Keep in mind the “neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet” part.)

1. We will be less Continue reading →

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Posted in baptist, evangelism, southern baptist convention

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Bad Ideas for Church Advertising

Posted on May 14, 2015 | 2 comments

While in another country, I saw ads painted on the sides of homes and buildings. It was a way for the home or business owner to make some extra income. So, I started thinking about churches. They have big walls and could use extra income. What if they used those walls for advertising? The ideas are endless- and bad ideas abundant. Here are some of those bad ideas for church wall advertising.

– Rogaine. It works for Pastor Bob.

– Dr. Pepper. The preferred soft drink for non-heretics.

– Youth Pastor Jimmy recommends Continue reading →

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Posted in Christian humor, faith, humor, outreach

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What Missionaries Need

Posted on May 8, 2015 | 4 comments

I’m not a missionary but that won’t stop me from speculating on what they need. And I might be right. After all, I know what most mother’s need– sleep! (Followed by a long nap.)
So, here are 5 things I suspect missionaries need from us. Feel free to suggest others.

1. Encouragement. Discouragement comes easily and sneakily. Being far from family, friends and culture can lend itself to this malady- and the interest rate on that loan is huge. Many Continue reading →

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Posted in Christianity, missions, Uncategorized

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4 Helpings of Birthday Cake

Posted on April 20, 2015 | 1 comment

Sunday was my birthday. I loved sharing my birthday with hundreds and hundreds of people at church. I love my church despite all the “humaness” that keeps us from being perfect. My church, like yours, is filled with people who have messed up and fallen. It is filled with people like Continue reading →

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Posted in blessings, Church, family, friendship, Uncategorized

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Bad Christian Tattoos

Posted on April 3, 2015 | 2 comments

There are many ways to go wrong with tattoos. Names of old flames, too scary, too colorful. Not to mention the faded tattoo of the girl on one’s arm done 50 years ago. She can lose her charm after 50 years. Just saying.

Sometimes Christians use tattoos as a statement of some sort. A cross, a bible verse in Greek- that sort of thing. But, just in case you are a Christian and thinking of a tattoo, here are my top ten bad Christian tattoo ideas to avoid.

1. A full color Continue reading →

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Oceans, row boats and big sharks

Posted on March 23, 2015 | Leave a comment

I’m a land lubber. Never sailed, never rowed more than a lap around a (small) lake. But I recently read two books about water so now I’m kind of an expert.
“The Boys in the Boat” is the story of nine American rowers who won gold in the 1936 Olympics. It is a fascinating story of these young men. But the real fascination was the story of one of the men who grew up under extreme difficulties- death of a young mother, unkind stepmother, father without willingness to intercede. His story is worth the read. And this is a very well written book.
The second book is Continue reading →

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Posted in books, perseverance, Uncategorized

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How Winter Helps

Posted on March 2, 2015 | Leave a comment

I love the four seasons. I do get tired of winter and summer, but all four have their charms. (I say that with 7 inches of new snow on the ground which really cut into the attendance at church on Sunday. I really like a big crowd to preach to as do all pastors. I prefer snow to come on Sunday night rather than Saturday night as do all pastors- and school kids.)
But winter serves a really great purpose. (Besides Continue reading →

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Posted in blessings, Christianity, Uncategorized

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Connected by Faith

Posted on February 23, 2015 | 3 comments

The church where I was saved many years ago just bought 500 copies of my devotional book “Immersed: 40 Days to a Deeper Faith”. They are going to use it for a church wide series beginning the week after Easter. Many churches have used the book that way now, but there is a special connection you have with the church where you gave your life to Christ.

I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord in the old worship center at Continue reading →

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Posted in books, Christianity, Church, faith, Uncategorized

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