Larry Alex Taunton directs the Fixed Point Foundation, which seeks innovative ways to defend and proclaim the gospel. Recently, his organization reached out to college-age atheists nationwide in a unique campaign. As Taunton contacted leaders of Secular Student Alliances and Freethought Societies, he had one simple request: Tell us your journey to unbelief. Taunton did not dispute their stories or debate the merits of their views. He just listened. Many stepped forward – some reluctantly – … [Read more...]
“Why I sit by kids when flying and why everyone should, too”
KANSAS CITY. (BP) – I’ll admit it. When it comes to airplane travel, my first inclination is to be a loner. Though an outgoing person by nature, when I fly my tendency is to retract into my seat and enjoy a parenthesis of disconnectedness in an otherwise full and busy life. No cell phones. No text messages. No email or social media. This is a recipe for productivity and rest. A funny thing, though, has happened to me over the years. There is one circumstance that trumps all others. I find … [Read more...]
The details are a little Etch-a-Sketchy
I was working on a book in a wild fury. My fingers had been flying across the keyboard for the better part of an afternoon. I was in “the zone,” man. The zone is a very happy place for a writer to be—especially when a deadline is inching nearer. And by “inching” I actually mean barreling down like a locomotive. Procrastination, however, just seems to be my way. I think it’s because I work so much better with that good, panic-driven rush of adrenaline. I’m pretty sure I do my best writing … [Read more...]
But can you make disciples?
It was an honor to meet recently with a young pastor from southwestern Missouri. He wanted to know how he could get his church to become active witnesses for Christ. He had a pen and paper and was ready to write down a training program or book he could use. However, my advice was to model the behavior he expected of them. MAWL is an acronym for Model, Assist, Watch, and Leave that was developed by then-International Mission Board missionary Curtis Sergeant, who is now with E3 Partners … [Read more...]
Islam’s doctrine of deception
Like Christianity, Islam is monotheistic, yet it denies basic Christian doctrines like the Trinity, the deity of Christ, Jesus’ death and resurrection, and salvation by grace through faith. Muhammad’s encounters with heretical Christian sects, and the lack of a Bible in Arabic in his lifetime, no doubt contributed to his faulty understanding of the Christian faith. But two lesser-known teachings based on the Qur’an are equally disturbing. Christians should understand them in order to more … [Read more...]
JOHN YEATS: Juvenilization is a challenge to spiritual maturity
I’ve learned a new word –Juvenilization. I never thought of this as a legitimate word or a concept until recently when my son, who is a pastor in Texas, called and said, “Dad, you have to read this book! I’m leading my staff through it.” The book? The Juvenilization of American Christianity by Thomas E. Bergler. As a student of history, I found it a fascinating read. Thomas Bergler is a Midwest historian. His work is primarily a mosaic history about the impact of modern youth ministry in … [Read more...]
DON HINKLE: Reflecting on Houston, homosexuality, RU-486
Some random thoughts on a variety of subjects as we enter the summer of 2013: Three thoughts come to mind as I reflect on this year’s Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting in Houston June 11-12. 1. The low attendance. Barely 5,000 messengers showed up and the question everyone wants answered is why? The SBC surveys messengers to gauge their feelings about various aspects of the meeting. It may be awhile before we have that data, but I am sure it will be studied closely. I … [Read more...]
When God transforms our ‘Whys?’ into ‘What’s’
I knew my copy was soon to arrive. When it came, I ripped open the packaging and there it was, Ron Dunn: His Life and Mission by Ron Owens. My understanding is that the nationwide release occurs this month at the Southern Baptist Convention in Houston. No one knew how to ask the pointed questions about the journey with God through difficult moments like Ron Dunn. God used him to impact many struggling people with the clarity of the Word of God. The recent television images of storm damage … [Read more...]
Spiritual maturity, trusting the disciple-maker
Can spiritual maturity be achieved in a one-way lecture-based environment? School teachers grimace at the thought of teaching children in a large classroom in which one lesson is expected to apply to everyone. Speaking without listening is not communication if it lacks a feedback loop. Just as each student has a unique learning level, each follower of Jesus has a spiritual growth story. How can a preacher or small group leader know what is being caught no matter how deep theologically he … [Read more...]
Complex carbs, the complexity of burnout
I may look calm on the outside. But on the inside I’m frantically trying to digest ridiculous amounts of complex carbs without storing cellulite. Time to up the metabolism, I’m thinking. Seems the logical fix would be coffee. That’s why I figure I’m helping things along if I drive through for a grande mocha latte with extra whip. Someone told me that the average person drinks 22 gallons of coffee a year. I’ve also heard it said that the average person walks about 8,000 miles a year just … [Read more...]
When a Bible promise is not for you
This time of year Christians send and receive a variety of graduation gifts that feature Jer. 29:11 –“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It’s a wonderful biblical promise. The problem is … it’s not for graduates. As Christians in the U.S., we have a tendency to Westernize, personalize, and lift out of context many passages of Scripture so that they lose their original meaning – and worse, … [Read more...]
Habits of godly leaders
In my last column I listed five habits that godly leaders possess that I think separate them from the crowd. Here, I will list five more. I also encouraged you to weigh in with your observations at www.JohnYeats.net. Please share your additional thoughts at the same web address and join the conversation. As a quick recap, here are habits 1-5. Godly leaders: 1. Face each day with a priority mindset. 2. Make daily Bible reading and prayer indispensible in their lives. 3. Hold wisdom in high … [Read more...]
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