I hope you have been blessed by the fine series articles Pathway Associate Editor Ben Hawkins has written commemorating the 40th anniversary of Adrian Rogers’ election to the presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). It was Rogers’ election that set in motion events that would lead Southern Baptists to reject the liberal direction of the mainline Protestant denominations and affirm the infallibility, inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture. The fact that Southern Baptists were … [Read more...]
Children influence others
“Jehoash was seven years old when he became king.” – 2 Kings 11:21 A public school teacher related to me that one of her students brought her a brochure that stated, “Have you noticed that the children from our faith are better behaved than the other students?” The teacher said that she began to notice that what it said was true. Even though the students had gained permission to not say the Pledge of Allegiance, in all other ways they were very obedient and had exemplary … [Read more...]
My Randy Travis nickel
Randy Travis, the country music star, celebrated his becoming a Christ-follower by singing a song about his baptism. He claimed his sins “were washed away and gone, along with a buffalo nickel I forgot to leave at home.” I can relate to the memory of a lost “spiritual” nickel. When I was a boy in Illmo, Missouri, my mom and dad taught me to tithe. Their method was very effective. My allowance was fifty cents a week. In those days, fifty cents bought a ticket to a Saturday cowboy movie. … [Read more...]
Healing, restoration begin with forgiveness
I recently attended a conference in Charleston, South Carolina, of development and public relations professionals from Southern Baptist child care agencies. One of the speakers at that conference was Rev. Anthony Thompson, pastor of Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church of Charleston. That name may sound familiar to you. On June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof, a young white man, attended the Wednesday evening Bible study at the predominantly black Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. An hour later, … [Read more...]
‘You mean Bro. Ronnie!’
The Southern Baptist Convention has a new leader. Dr. Ronnie Floyd’s new official title is the president of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. His inauguration was a clear presentation and celebration about the goodness of the Lord to place Dr. Floyd in this role for such a time as this. Sharon and I were present at this event, along with the other Missouri Executive Committee members: Daniel Carr, Monte Shinkle and James Freeman, III. Also from Missouri was Dr. … [Read more...]
Experiencing story in God’s Creation, escape rooms
“For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20 (CSB): * * * * I spent last Saturday in a casino, and I’m proud to say I won. I won big. Lest you call my Baptist bona fides into question, allow me to explain. More precisely, it was a casino-themed escape room. If you’re not up to speed on the … [Read more...]
Scaling up the perspective
A lizard. In the house. On the bed. I was housesitting for some friends when I was younger. I must not be all that good at housesitting, because there he was. A creepy-looking, scaly invader. How could I let it happen? I confess, my initial response was sheer panic. Then for a split second, I found myself thinking about how to save 15% or more on car insurance. But then back to panic. Personal statement of fact regarding how we (I) group living creatures: herd of cows, school of fish, … [Read more...]
Our Baptist Heritage: Why does it matter?
“Several days past have been days of great labor, toil, and hurry, with me; and I have reason to fear that I have not taken time enough for private devotion.” So begins the diary entry of English Baptist pastor Dan Taylor on June 25, 1767. Theologically orthodox, Taylor effectively ministered to his congregation and his community each and every week. But that morning he confessed that the work of ministry of the last few days had pressed so hard upon him that he had neglected his … [Read more...]
Ordinary radicals
A few summers ago, I woke up one morning and sensed the Lord pressing my heart with a great burden. I got up and did the usual—poured my coffee, grabbed my bag, hopped into my vehicle, and drove to the office. It was early, and I was the only one in the office, so I opened my Bible and read as I normally did each day. Although God’s word often brings me peace, this day my mind was spinning and stirring. As I looked out the window of my office, I couldn’t help but think that somewhere … [Read more...]
MBF can help you get well, live well, finish well
I really enjoy my job. But, I have to admit, I questioned God about a move from the pastorate of the local church into becoming your Foundation president. I never really sought to be a “convention guy;” however, the Lord had placed me in certain roles and positions which seemed to confirm this was in fact His unique calling for me. I do have the desire to make our convention a better place to serve the Lord while serving each other. I am happy to do so as opportunities present … [Read more...]
Tell us your story
On September 8, all across the Southern Baptist Convention, churches held baptismal services for new believers. Some Baptists didn’t get the memo about this special Sunday requested by SBC president J.D. Greear. That’s okay because people come to Jesus on many different days and when the Spirit convicts of sin. The idea was to celebrate many new people coming to faith in Christ. Among Missouri Baptists there is a stirring of eternal proportion. After all, God does the saving and we get to … [Read more...]
Thirteen graves leave an enduring legacy
They are there. Thirteen graves. A number associated in foolish lore as being unlucky. No identity is provided for any of them. Only a small percentage of Missourians know they even exist and virtually nothing is ever written or said about “the 13.” Such indignity is not what you would normally think about anyone buried among such luminaries as Civil War Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams and Dred Scott, the slave who sued for his freedom … [Read more...]
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