Voices

  The COVID Pandemic has affected every single person in the world in one way or another.  The response has been varied and wide, sometimes even within the same household.  I believe that this pandemic can teach believers in Jesus Christ a thing or two about how to respond to others by comparing cultural responses to the pandemic with sin.  Specifically, there are three thoughts that can help us in evangelism that  are necessary to meet people where they are in order to take them where they need to go. 1. Everyone is affected by sin, but not everyone believes they have been.  Just like COVID, sin has affected the entire world.  Scripture tells us that "all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory."  However, there are many who believe that they are good, moral people.  They are not evil and therefore have no need to change or even listen about a Rescuer.  To even suggest differently is an affront to them. Christians do not need peopl...

  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...

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 ...