Voices

  Is this the dawning of a new day for Southern Baptists or the sunset of a dying convention?   This seemed to be the metaphorical question going into the convention in Nashville on June 15-16, 2021.  I was there.  I wondered what would happen.  I was concerned about what would take place.  As those dates are behind us, here are three things that I have taken away from this convention. Grace is necessary. We listened to one another.  We heard the cries of those who are hurting.  We took action on behalf of those who needed someone to stand with them.  However, we did not do it in a way that was harsh.  We followed what Scripture says to "submit to one another."  I am grateful that the Executive Team stated through Ronnie Floyd that we will do what the messengers desire.  That is their role.  They are accountable to the messengers.  They did well to live that out and did so gracefully. It was hot!  Oh, so hot.  But the heat did not deter the business of the convention, nor did

Hero, the title conjures an image for everyone.  Some wear capes or masks while others wear stethoscopes, carry a ball, walk on the moon, or run towards danger.  Yet there is a common theme that runs through true heroes.  Our comics, movies, stories, songs, and poems all show the thread of sacrifice for our heroes.  Look closely and you will see that villains do what they want for their own gain while the hero will do what is true, and what they believe is right, even to the point that it costs them everything.  Yet, how many people can say the same is true, or even partially true, in their own life. What is truth?  Pilot asked Jesus that question.  Many others throughout history have asked it, maybe you have as well.  Jesus answered that questions earlier when He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." The truth is simple, the truth is Jesus.  You cannot have truth apart from Jesus Christ. It is comical how many people say they are a "superman" or "wond