There are so many things in life that require our decisions. One of the great things about being a follower of Christ is that the Word of God lifts the fog on many important decisions. Common sense says there are some things that are clearly the right thing to do. So what do you do when common sense is abandoned for expediency? What do you do when a culture “stiff arms” the parameters of God’s Word and considers His perspective antiquated and irrelevant? The convictional people of God … [Read more...]
Now is the time
Merry Christmas! Sharon and I pray you and yours have a glorious celebration of Jesus’ first coming. He who knew no sin became sin for us so that we by faith can be inheritors of His righteousness. What joy!! With a humble heart, Sharon and I are blessed to be fellow heirs and fellow servants of the Most High with Missouri Baptists. You are a great people through whom the Lord is working His wonders. In 2015, while we dealt with Sharon’s cancer and the home going of both of our moms … [Read more...]
What to do with year-end solicitations?
My mailbox is stuffed with junk mail. It is Christmas time, and ministries and organizations are in an all-out blitz to acquire those final gifts before year-end. The leaders at your local church, your state convention and our SBC International Mission Board are hoping that the Lord will stir many hearts toward generosity. How do you weed through all the requests? To offer an answer to that question, I’ve chosen to ask Dr. Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary … [Read more...]
Quick tears
Right after I make the coffee each morning, I journey to my study to pray and read the Word of God. I noticed this week how quickly tears were running down my face. I thought, “What’s with this?” It doesn’t take much these days for tears to flood my eyes. Maybe, I realize more now than ever how much a sinner I am and how deep is the grace of God. Maybe it’s the realization that every day of life is more precious than the day before. Maybe it’s the hole in my heart left by the loss of … [Read more...]
An appendix to the MBC Annual Meeting
In this issue there are several stories about the MBC annual meeting. When Missouri Baptists convene, we are one of the largest annual meetings among the state conventions in partnership with the Southern Baptist Convention. This year we had 1,022 messengers from 440 churches and 236 registered guests. I’m grateful for every Missouri Baptist and guest who came to hear, see, and learn about the amazing cooperative ministries our churches do throughout our state, this nation and the world. … [Read more...]
Wait for it
To wait on something means we have a heightened expectation that something is about to occur. Sometimes the expectation can lead to anxiousness or disappointment. Restaurants have wait lists where you have to wait for a table. We wait around to catch a plane. We wait for the sun to rise and wait for it to set. We even apologize for making someone wait. The longer I study people and become more aware of my own inner clock, the more I realize that not one of us is predisposed to patience. … [Read more...]
Cooperative Program: Of course that is not all!
Churches that give through the Cooperative Program are making a difference. Why do I know that? I have the unique opportunity to see the handiwork of God though so many areas touched by your church’s support of the Cooperative Program. Just this last weekend I attended the Minister’s Juggling Act, a ministry of the MBC funded by the Cooperative Program. This year, 92 ministry couples of various ages and demographics participated in the event that is designed to strengthen the marriage … [Read more...]
Bless the man of God – Pastor Appreciation Month
When I opened the outer door to the church office, I could see something had happened. To my left beyond the secretary’s desk, was the door to my study. Normally, I had it covered with funny cartoons. But this day was different. It was covered in cards, cash, scribbled notes and a sign in a large font that said, “Thank you for being our pastor.” I stumbled across a file the other day that still houses those thoughts of appreciation and kindness. When I looked at them afresh, a lump jumped … [Read more...]
One team with a mission
At the end of the month, a significant event takes place at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. It is a symposium on the Southern Baptist Convention. September 28-29, “The SBC and the 21st Century: Reflection,” Renewal and Recommitment has the potential to be a defining moment about how Southern Baptists work together to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Big time Southern Baptist leaders are converging on the campus of MBTS to make presentations and engage in … [Read more...]
Forward with the gospel
There is a passion burning in the heart of Missouri Baptists of every generation to make a difference in Jesus’ name. We are commissioned to take the gospel to our communities, the nation, and to the ends of the earth. Acting on that commission is a deliberate step of faith we make daily. One observant Missouri Baptist pastor noted recently that Satan doesn’t need to attack a ministry sitting still; he attacks those making an impact for Christ. Recent attacks on the churches, our … [Read more...]
Duty to the innocent
Unless you have been on a long, disconnected vacation, you have either heard about or seen the videos recently released by the Center for Medical Progress concerning the grotesque, holocaustic activity of Planned Parenthood. To be blunt, ever since knowing about this series of horrific videos, my emotions have run the gamut from nausea to significant righteous indignation. A friend of mine from another state, Gene Mills, wrote some poignant insights: “Whatever comes of the revelations … [Read more...]
Its time for the ACP
Most Missouri Baptist churches are accustomed to the Annual Church Profile (ACP) showing up in late summer. It is a simple form for sharing with us a few things trending in your congregation. There are plenty of reasons to fill out the ACP: It helps with research. Researchers like Ed Stetzer and Micah Fries of LifeWay Christian Resources use this data to understand the myriad of changes taking place in churches in our state and nation. In recent years we have noticed a … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- …
- 20
- Next Page »