Archive for November, 2006
A Lighthouse…
November 16th, 2006 | Comments Off | Posted in » Baptist Issues, Quote of the Day
Thought the following quote I saw today on the Missouri Baptist Mailing List was especially appropriate in light of a lot of recent actions by Baptist state conventions…
A lighthouse doesn’t shout or scream, it shines.
– source unknown
(Note: this also marks the start of a new category of posts here… the “Quote of the Day”, which probably is a bit of a misnomer as it won’t be all that daily.)
1st Anniversary of Toward the Goal…
November 15th, 2006 | 8 Comments | Posted in » My Life / Family, Site News...
Well, today marks the 1st anniversary of Toward the Goal, at least as it exists at toward-the-goal.net. It’s been an interesting year!
Here’s a few highlights…
- 239 posts, and 471 comments (almost a post every weekday, amazingly enough).
- 107 posts devoted to Baptist issues… something I never envisioned being involved in when I started this site back up last year at this time.
- Top posts of the year (by comments): “A Question I’ve Always Wondered About”, in regard to the experience of tongues / prayer language, and “Is it Really Worth It?”, where I ponder (out of frustration with conduct by many) whether we’re doing more harm than good to our convention through the rhetoric we’ve generated through our heated discussions about Baptist issues. Both posts had 19 comments (not a lot in comparison to most blogs, I know).
- Coming out from the fog of anonymnity. Looking back, it feels crazy that this was ever an issue for me (after all, given the site’s purpose of sharing my faith, it seemed like I was almost being ashamed of being a Christian by remaining anonymous), but it was a tough decision for me at the time (just ask Nancy).
- The 2006 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. What can I say except that it was an AWESOME experience? I met a ton of wonderful people there (almost like a family reunion of bloggers, strange as that may sound), had a lot of fun shooting and producing video footage for Baptists everywhere (see sbcvideos.info), met some Baptist leaders (and was blessed to pray over them), experienced a Westboro protest (and filmed an interview with Shirley Phelps-Roper), met Paul Strickland (an incredibly inspirational soul-winner if ever there were one)… oh yeah, and got lost somewhere outside Greensboro TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW after midnight on the way back to the hotel (I blame the driver, Micah).
- Implemented a complete site re-design (definitely needed!).
Most importantly though? Blogging here at Toward the Goal has brought me into contact with some absolutely awesome people. I can’t say enough about all of you. A few I want to mention in particular, though…
- Micah Fries. Yeah, you’re my pastor… but over the past year you’ve also become one of my closest friends. This blogging thing gave us yet another commonality. Tracy and Nancy may not appreciate it all that much (we both spend WAY too much time online), but hey… that’s yet one more thing we’ve got in common. I can’t wait to see how God continues to grow the friendship not only between you and I, but between both of our families. That’s not even mentioning the excitement I have about seeing how He uses us in the St. Joseph area…
- Kevin Bussey. We had some great times in Greensboro… you introduced me to Carolina BBQ (that sauce just has to grow on you, I guess!). You were fearless and incredibly composed in the interview with the Westboro folks (there’s no way I could have held my composure the way you did). But your heart man… that’s what I like best about you. You love God, you love people, and you want to make a difference in this world. Your church is blessed to have you as their pastor. I really hope we’ll have a chance to see each other again someday! In the meantime, I look forward to our continuing online interactions!
- Judah. My Kiwi friend (New Zealand for all of you that don’t know the Kiwi reference)! You’re the first person I really got to know online very well at all (good old e4god.com… too bad it got overrun by spammers / hackers). I’ve always appreciated your passion for defending and explaining the faith to the searching online. You’re solid Biblically, and you’ve challenged and encouraged me in my walk with Christ. We may not correspond much nowadays, but do know that I have appreciated our online friendship.
- Bob Cleveland. We may be seperated by a generation or so in age, but brotherhood in Christ bridges all barriers. I appreciate all of the encouragement you’ve sent my way (especially those personal experiences you’ve shared via e-mail), and I’m more than pleased to know that some of the things I’ve shared here have been of benefit to you in your own walk with Christ.
- Bryan Riley. Man… your faith is an inspiration. You and your family have made sacrifices most would find nearly impossible. I can’t help but be encouraged as I’ve learned about your journey from Arkansas businessman to missionary in Hawaii, where you’re now finding ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Your journey and sharing reminds me that honoring God by following Christ is what matters most, and that it’s worth it… no matter what the cost.
- Alan Cross. You, like Bryan, are an inspiration to me. What you and your family have gone through with Caelan would tear most people apart, but you’ve consistently shown us through what you’ve shared that God’s grace and provision is sufficient, and that He truly is there for us in our most difficult times. As I mentioned to Kevin, your church is blessed to have you as pastor.
- Dorcas Hawker. The way you use your blog is a shining example for us all. You’re open, honest… real. You share about your life… and glorify Christ through doing so. Thanks for showing all of us what blogging is all about.
I have no doubt overlooked some people I should recognize, so please don’t be upset with me if I haven’t included you on this list (or even if I have!). I appreciate everyone whom I’ve interacted with through this strange media we call blogging. As for those of you who read this blog with whom I have not conversed? I appreciate you as well. Why not introduce yourselves, though? I’d love to have the opportunity to get to know you.
As for the future of Toward the Goal? I couldn’t have imagined where God would take this last year, so I can’t begin to guess at where God will lead me with this in the coming year. The good thing? I don’t have to know… I just have to be willing to follow as He reveals each subsequent step. The future is in His hands… and I trust Him.
Anyway… I pray that Toward the Goal has been and will continue to be a blessing to all of you.
Quiverfull?
November 14th, 2006 | 3 Comments | Posted in » In the News...
Here’s a new word… “quiverfull”. Heard of it? Neither had I, until I ran across this news article.
Basically, “quiverfull” is a movement amongst evangelical Christians regarding abstinence from birth control methods… basically opening the door to allow God to control family planning. Hard-core quiverfullites (to coin a new term) do not even allow for natural family planning (tracking a women’s cycle and abstaining during the most likely periods of highest fertility). Most couples who subscribe to this movement have large families (for obvious reasons).
Interesting stuff… particularly the reaction from liberal groups. Did you know that this movement (if you can call it that) is really just a reaction to changes in women’s social roles… an attempt to reimpose a more traditional social order? So says Stephanie Coontz, director of research for the “Council on Contemporary Families”. To quote her directly (from the article):
It’s a backlash that I don’t feel will triumph. In the past, large families were helpful economically, but today, they become a disadvantage, especially to younger kids who don’t get as many resources.
Al Mohler (president of SBTS) brings a more sane perspective, somewhat in support of “quiverfull”:
If a couple sees children as an imposition, as something to be vaccinated against, like an illness, that betrays a deeply erroneous understanding of marriage and children.
Children should be seen as good by default.
Now, don’t get me wrong… I’m not sure what to think of “quiverfull” and all it’s implications. I do believe, however, that Christian couples should seriously think about their attitudes toward birth control, children, and God’s role in such decisions. This article about “quiverfull” certainly makes for a good conversation starter!
I Couldn’t Say it Better Myself!
November 13th, 2006 | Comments Off | Posted in » Baptist Issues, Worth Reading
In light of all the recent rhetoric in Southern Baptist life (especially from those in positions of influence), it’s nice to see one of our leaders acting as a peacemaker and focusing on what’s really important.
Enough of my words, though… jump on over to the South Carolina Baptist Courier and check out what Bill Curtis (chairman of the North American Mission Board trustees) has to say in his open letter to Southern Baptists.
I Feel Sick…
November 8th, 2006 | 4 Comments | Posted in » Devotions / Bible Studies, In the News..., My Life / Family
I feel sick this morning. Yes… gut-wrenching, stomach churning, head pounding, just want to go back to bed and sleep sick.
Virus? Flu? Food poisoning? Nope… politics.
For the most part, I avoided the news yesterday evening as election returns came in. I spent the evening with my kids, watching “Cars” on DVD (just came out yesterday… Jeffrey LOVES it). I didn’t see the need in letting myself get worked up about what was happening throughout our nation when I could spend the evening enjoying the company of my family. I couldn’t resist but to take a quick peek before bed (which left me with a feeling of dread)… so I wasn’t totally surprised to wake up to what I see as bad news this morning… Democrats nation-wide returning to power.
Now, don’t get me wrong… I don’t think Democrats are evil… I don’t think that God can’t use them… and I certainly don’t believe God has lost His mind in allowing this political power shift… but it does concern me immensely. I have a very hard time accepting the social positions of liberal Democrats, and I’m most concerned about where they’ll lead should both the House (which is wrapped up) and the Senate (which is VERY close as of now) come to their control.
I guess, at this point, I can only turn to Scripture and wonder how God is working. Romans 13:1-7 says:
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
I don’t understand all of this… particularly the interaction between our voting (which, due to our sinful nature, can be contrary to God’s intent) and a holy God’s ordination and establishment of governing authorities. This is, however, God’s word… it can’t be ignored.
I’m glad that God is wiser than me by far. I don’t have to understand what He’s doing or how all of this relates to Scripture. I just have to trust Him.
That’s something I CAN do… even in spite of my limited vision and understanding of what He’s doing.
More than Enough?
November 7th, 2006 | 2 Comments | Posted in » My Life / Family, Song of the Day
I haven’t posted a “Song of the Day” in quite a while, but tonight, I’ve got one. God caught my attention with the lyrics from a song I’ve heard a hundred times or more… “Enough”, by Chris Tomlin (I heard this song on the radio, as performed by Barlow Girl).
Here’s the lyrics:
All of you is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with your love
And all I have in you is more than enoughYou are my supply
My breath of life
Still more awesome than I know
You are my reward
Worth living for
Still more awesome than I knowAnd all of you is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with your love
And all I have in you is more than enoughYou are my supply
My breath of life
Still more awesome than I know
You’re my coming King
You’re my everything
Still more awesome than I knowAnd all of you is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with your love
And all I have in you is more than enoughMore than all I am
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enoughAnd all of you is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
Is Jesus your coming King… your everything? Is He more than enough for you?
When the storms of life rage… when the world seems upside down… hope remains. God is still in control… Jesus still saves… and heaven still awaits those who seek Him.
Jesus IS more than enough.
Baptist Distinctives?
November 2nd, 2006 | 4 Comments | Posted in » Baptist Issues, Just For Fun...
(Please realize before continuing that this post is intended in good fun… we need to laugh at ourselves on occasion! Know that I appreciate Rev. Harrell’s heart for seeing people come to Christ, and I applaud him for the successful ministry he leads and would like to encourage him to keep moving as God leads in shepherding his church. If what I’ve read in the Christian Index is accurate, it’s probably very true that I would not agree with him in regard to worship styles or what our Baptist churches should look like… but I do recognize the need for Baptist churches of all flavors to reach a world of diverse people!)
There must be something distinctive about us or we will lose our identity.
– Bill Harrell, in the Christian Index
In honor of Rev. Harrell (chairman of the SBC Executive Committee), I present to you a suggested list of distinctives that I recommend for all SBC churches. It is my hope that by adopting these characteristics, all SBC churches will be clearly identified for what they are. Perhaps these can be added to the next revision of the Baptist Faith and Message.
1. All SBC churches must be clearly identified by including the word “Baptist” in their church name. It is highly recommended that your town name be included as well. First Baptist of Your Town should always be a church’s first option. Second, Third, Fourth Baptist, etc., are also acceptable. Should your list reach Seventh Baptist, you’re probably better off using the alternate approved church naming method… including the street on which your church is located in the name. (Don’t be afraid to be creative!)
2. SBC churches are permitted to use a variety of architectural styles in the design of their buildings. (Stained glass is NOT an optional feature.)
3. All SBC ministers must wear appropriate attire while in the pulpit. Suits and ties must be worn! (Acceptable colors are black, brown, navy blue, and grey.)
4. SBC churches are allowed to select whatever music they deem appropriate for their services, provided that such music is found in the Baptist Hymnal and is played by an organ and piano. Drums and guitars are specifically prohibited (the use of such could encourage such unsavory behavior as raised hands and dancing!).
5. Every SBC church must have a choir. Choirs should be appropriate dressed in colorful ankle-length robes. (We’re not sure how, but we’re certain the attire helps with the singing.)
6. SBC churches must celebrate Easter and Christmas with broadway-style musical productions. (We like to call them “cantatas”. We’re not 100% certain we know what that word means though.)
7. Every SBC church must have a sign capable of displaying humorous sayings. Appropriate slogans include such classics as, “Don’t worry, Moses was a basketcase too!”, “Avoid truth decay”, “Seven days without prayer makes one weak”, “Soul food served here”, “What vitamins do Christians need? 2 B1 daily.”, “God answers knee-mail”, “Come on in, we have prayer conditioning!”, “Sign broken, message inside”, etc. (Anything found on crummychurchsigns.com will work great!)
8. SBC churches must be inexorably linked to the Republican party. (It is a sin to be a Democrat. Seriously.)
9. All SBC ministers must learn the appropriate pronunciation of “God”. (Two-syllables are required!)
10. All SBC church functions must be accompanied by a potluck dinner (featuring twenty-three varieties of fried chicken).
11. Messages preached from the pulpit must have at least three points (always alliterated or rhymed… think Dr. Suess).
12. It is essential for pastors to know that invitationals are NOT optional. Pastors should never hesitate to extend it by asking the organist to play the first verse of “Just As I Am” again. And again. And again. (“I Surrender All” also works well.)
Any other suggestions for our “distinctives”? (Please play nice!)