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Feb 8, 2010
You may have heard the story about the woman whose favorite pet died. She brought it to the local pastor to ask if he could give the dog a proper burial. He answered somewhat snootily, that he wasn’t accustomed to having formal rites for an animal. She picked up her dead pet and then remarked she intended to donate a new church bus in honor of the dog. The pastor remarked, “My goodness! Why didn’t you say that was a Baptist dog?”
Feb 8, 2010
Priorities are a key to life. Without priorities, an individual drifts aimlessly. Not only do priorities allow us to follow and reach a God-given vision, priorities produce a balanced life. In one of his letters, C. S. Lewis wrote: “Put first things first and we get second things thrown in: Put second things first and we lose both first and second things.” In addition, priorities reveal character, or perhaps, I should say living by priorities reveals character. When an individual faces tough decisions, established priorities prevents panic, despair, and anxiety. As situations arise, base your decisions on pre-chosen priorities.
Feb 1, 2010
If a sour attitude can be changed into a positive attitude, the outcome becomes assured. To illustrate, a country church was planning to build a new church building, doing much of the work themselves. On a hot summer day some of the men were sweating as they dug the trench for the foundation. Two prominent members opposed the building program. As the men worked, one of the opposition rode up on his tractor and eyed the young pastor. When he asked the pastor why he had picked up nails from the hardware store the man said, “Well, if you hadn’t brought the nails, you wouldn’t have the embarrassment of having to return the nails when the program flops.” Irritation got the best of the pastor. He replied, “The program won’t fail if people like you would get off your tractor, get a shovel and start digging.” The other man of influence said, “We had just as well chip in an build the church, or we will be the laughing stock of the county.” Build it they did, and dedicated it debt free. Attitude is everything.
Feb 1, 2010
Priorities are a key to life. Without priorities, an individual drifts aimlessly. Not only do priorities allow us to follow and reach a God-given vision, priorities produce a balanced life. In one of his letters, C. S. Lewis wrote: “Put first things first and we get second things thrown in: Put second things first and we lose both first and second things.” In addition, priorities reveal character, or perhaps, I should say living by priorities reveals character. When an individual faces tough decisions, established priorities prevents panic, despair, and anxiety. As situations arise, base your decisions on pre-chosen priorities.
Jan 25, 2010
The Bible never condemns the accumulation of wealth, as such. After all, Abraham amassed vast wealth, yet his faith in God provides a high example of one who believed God, whose faith was counted for righteousness (Rom. 4:3). Faith is not a work. On the other hand, four great eighth-century prophets—Amos, Hosea, Micah, and Isaiah—injected a new concept into the ancient world, the requirement for social justice. In holding Israel to a higher ethical standard, they condemned the misuse of wealth. The New Testament gave the subject of wealth a new dimension, calling for wealth to be used to help the helpless. The preacher in Ecclesiastes never reached that level of understanding, but he came close.
Jan 25, 2010
How does an individual measure success? Does one measure success by the size of the paycheck? Does success equal a series of initials behind one’s name, M.D., Ph.D., CEO, or J.D.? Jesus lived in a counter-cultural manner. For example, His definition of success differed from the definition of success a parent might wish for a child. Our Savior received fame and gained a large number of followers during his lifetime. Jesus did not equate success with popular acclaim. Jesus exemplified true success by a commitment to obedience to the Father’s will, even though the commitment entailed suffering.
Jan 18, 2010
Most pastors can identify with people, who find themselves caught up in the fight for financial survival. Since 1957, I have kept a daily log of my activities. At one period of time while I was a pastor, I made notes of my activities day by day. I found myself working from 80 to 90 hours a week just to “keep up.” My life was filled with the endless amounts of “stuff,” such as prayer time, sermon preparation, counseling, administrative duties, and numbers of meetings. Unless the pastor is careful, he can work himself into despair. The “preacher” in Ecclesiastes left a testimony to that kind of life.
Jan 18, 2010
Sometimes I express the common sentiment, “Would it not be wonderful to have been one of the disciples?” Then, as I read the Gospel of Mark, I realize that even for the Twelve following Jesus was not easy. Yet, Jesus forthrightly explained the nature of discipleship. A disciple followed the pattern set by Jesus. Three times the Gospel of Mark records Jesus’ predictions of his passion—approaching death. Each passion prediction became a teachable moment as he immediately connected his death with a description of discipleship. For example, after the first passion prediction of Jesus, the Savior defined discipleship as self-denial, cross-bearing, and followship (Mk. 8:31-35).
Dec 30, 2009
Old Testament scholars debate how some of the conditions described in the Book of Ecclesiastes could possibly fit into conditions known to characterize Solomon’s reign. How could the king of Israel describe the political, social, and religious circumstances here recounted. Yet, when the king put on the mantle of “the preacher,” his depictions of what the average person endured in society is absolutely accurate. The Holy Spirit caused him to show us what we face, as well as the ultimate outcome for believers in God.
Dec 30, 2009
Unfortunately, Southern Baptists do not have a lengthy heritage in the pro-life movement. In fact, in 1971 messengers to the annual Southern Baptist Convention approved a resolution that allowed for abortion in language similar to the infamous Roe v. Wade court case. At the time of the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the SBC passed a resolution repudiating the 1971 resolution: “WHEREAS, Resolutions passed by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1971 and 1974 accepted unbiblical premises of the abortion rights movement, forfeiting the opportunity to advocate the protection of defenseless women and children; and WHEREAS, During the early years of the post-Roe era, some of those then in leadership positions within the denomination endorsed and furthered the “pro-choice” abortion rights agenda outlined in Roe v. Wade….” The 2003 SBC resolution continued, “RESOLVED, That we lament and renounce statements and actions by previous Conventions and previous denominational leadership that offered support to the abortion culture .....” Thankfully, Southern Baptists returned to a biblical, pro-life understanding.
Ministry Assistants Conferences Feb. 12 in Graceville, April 22 in Kissimmee
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)-Two regional conferences will be offered this spring to help ministry assistants improve and enhance their ministry skills. The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville Read More Orlando teen founder of Kidz Clothes
ORLANDO (FBW)-It's simple yet profound: a 15-year-old girl saw a need and did something about it. As a result, needy families are benefitting. "This is something that really touches my Read More Longtime Bible teacher dies at 73
Roy Huling, 73, long-time Bible teacher and soul winner at Lake Shore Baptist Church in Jacksonville died Oct. Read More William S. Martin, 83, dies
William S. Martin, 83, retired pastor and educator, died Dec. 27 in Bradenton. In a 50-year ministry, he served as pastor of nine churches, including First Baptist Church in Ruskin and Community Read More Historical society requests entries to preaching contest
GRACEVILLE (FBW)- "Proclaiming the Word of God" is the subject of the second annual preaching contest sponsored by the Florida Baptist Historical Society. All 2010 entries should be submitted before Read More Church, community involvement a common thread for Acteens panelists
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Three high school teens, Jessica Bodmer of Key West, Rachel Yeargain of Pensacola, and Stephanie Rodriguez of Port Richey, have been selected as Florida Acteens state advisory Read More BCF student wins car, pays education expenses
GRACEVILLE (BCF)—Baptist College of Florida senior B.J. Shelton found out earlier this year that God provides. And sometimes, He provides in ways that defy the Read More Nichols’ legacy found in lives touched and changed
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—During his 26-year tenure with the Florida Baptist Convention, Gary Nichols has assumed many roles while assisting churches in their discipleship efforts—dramatist and clown, Read More
Poll: South most religious; NE among least
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—The South is the most religious region, the Northeast and a handful of Western states the least religious, and the rest of the country falls somewhere in between, according to Read More FamilyNet sold again
DALLAS (BP)—FamilyNet, a television and radio network formerly owned by the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board, has been sold once again. Charles Stanley’s In Touch Ministries, Read More Akin tells grads to run faithfully
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP)—Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and its undergraduate school, The College at Southeastern, granted degrees to 116 students during fall graduation ceremonies Dec. 18. Read More Kelley: Choose God’s direction, not yours
NEW ORLEANS (BP)—Their research papers are written and every classroom test taken. But New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s newest graduates will face one more exam for the rest of their Read More SWBTS graduates five with Florida ties
FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)—The willingness of Jesus’ earthly father to take the pregnant Mary as his wife illustrates the obedience required of ministers in the face of opposition, Paige Patterson, Read More ‘Build upon the foundation,’ Mohler urges grads
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)—The uniqueness of the call to Christian ministry is bound up in the fact that ministers will not finish what they started because they are laying the foundation upon which God Read More NOBTS notes Florida’s key partnership in naming student apartments
NEW ORLEANS (BP)—New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s trustee executive committee has named new apartments in honor of Florida and Mississippi Baptists and approved a Korean-language doctor of Read More Navy linebacker serves Christ, ‘leads by example’
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (BP)—Scott Pospisil knew it years ago. He could see something unique in his eldest son. Ross Pospisil, now a senior linebacker at the U.S. Naval Academy who is preparing Read More
END TIMES: Scholars differ on what the Bible says about the subject
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)—When it comes to the end of time, at least one thing is certain: Southern Baptists have a variety of opinions. And according to leading Baptist theologians, nearly all of Read More END TIMES: Is there a generational gap?
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)—As a 6-year-old growing up at a time when Hal Lindsey’s “Late Great Planet Earth” was holding sway in Southern Baptist churches, Jerry Johnson was fascinated by the talk of end Read More END TIMES: Explaining dispensationalism
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)--Lamar E. Cooper is the interim president, as well as executive vice president, provost and professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, at Criswell College in Dallas. He is also a Read More END TIMES: Book outlines major views
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)—Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond, a book in Zondervan's popular Counterpoints series, provides a useful dialogue on the major millennial positions of Christian Read More FIRST-PERSON: Eschatology does matter
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)—Thirty years ago I asked a group of college students what book of the Bible they would like to study at a home Bible study I led each week. Then, and the next two or three Read More Humanity is an endangered species
NASHVILLE (ERLC)—Of all the issues that face the American family today, none of them has produced more heartache or tragedy than abortion. Many of us have failed to understand that human life is not Read More Psalm 139 Project
In the wake of a natural disaster, some needs are obvious: food, shelter, water. Others go unnoticed, but the consequences can be even more Read More Partnerships key to Florida Baptist Children’s Homes’ sanctity of human life ministry
LAKELAND (FBCH)—Mary Lou Hendry is on the telephone receiving news about someone’s early Christmas present. That Christmas present is the finalization of an adoption on Dec.18 of a little girl who Read More
END TIMES: Scholars differ on what the Bible says about the subject
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)—When it comes to the end of time, at least one thing is certain: Southern Baptists have a variety of opinions. And according to leading Baptist theologians, nearly all of Read More END TIMES: Is there a generational gap?
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)—As a 6-year-old growing up at a time when Hal Lindsey’s “Late Great Planet Earth” was holding sway in Southern Baptist churches, Jerry Johnson was fascinated by the talk of end Read More END TIMES: Explaining dispensationalism
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)--Lamar E. Cooper is the interim president, as well as executive vice president, provost and professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, at Criswell College in Dallas. He is also a Read More END TIMES: Book outlines major views
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)—Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond, a book in Zondervan's popular Counterpoints series, provides a useful dialogue on the major millennial positions of Christian Read More FIRST-PERSON: Eschatology does matter
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP)—Thirty years ago I asked a group of college students what book of the Bible they would like to study at a home Bible study I led each week. Then, and the next two or three Read More Poll: South most religious; NE among least
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—The South is the most religious region, the Northeast and a handful of Western states the least religious, and the rest of the country falls somewhere in between, according to Read More FamilyNet sold again
DALLAS (BP)—FamilyNet, a television and radio network formerly owned by the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board, has been sold once again. Charles Stanley’s In Touch Ministries, Read More Akin tells grads to run faithfully
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP)—Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and its undergraduate school, The College at Southeastern, granted degrees to 116 students during fall graduation ceremonies Dec. 18. Read More
Philippians 3:2-15; 4:8: February 14- What will it take to change your mind?
You may have heard the story about the woman whose favorite pet died. She brought it to the local pastor to ask if he could give the dog a proper burial. He answered somewhat snootily, that he Read More Mark 13:9-13, 21-27, 32-37: February 14 - Preparing for the future
Priorities are a key to life. Without priorities, an individual drifts aimlessly. Not only do priorities allow us to follow and reach a God-given vision, priorities produce a balanced life. In one Read More Rom. 8:5-8; 1 Cor. 2:12-16; 2 Cor. 4:3-4: February 7 - Are you in the right mind?
If a sour attitude can be changed into a positive attitude, the outcome becomes assured. To illustrate, a country church was planning to build a new church building, doing much of the work Read More Mark 12:13-17, 28-34: February 7 - Living by priorities
Priorities are a key to life. Without priorities, an individual drifts aimlessly. Not only do priorities allow us to follow and reach a God-given vision, priorities produce a balanced life. In one Read More Ecclesiastes 2:18-26; 5:18-20: January 31—wrestling with work
The Bible never condemns the accumulation of wealth, as such. After all, Abraham amassed vast wealth, yet his faith in God provides a high example of one who believed God, whose faith was counted Read More Mark 10:32-45: January 31—How to be successful
How does an individual measure success? Does one measure success by the size of the paycheck? Does success equal a series of initials behind one’s name, M.D., Ph.D., CEO, or J.D.? Jesus lived in a Read More Ecclesiastes 2:4-8; 5:10-16: January 24—Wrestling with stuff
Most pastors can identify with people, who find themselves caught up in the fight for financial survival. Since 1957, I have kept a daily log of my activities. At one period of time while I was a Read More Mark 9:33-43, 47-50: January 24—Following Jesus on the way
Sometimes I express the common sentiment, “Would it not be wonderful to have been one of the disciples?” Then, as I read the Gospel of Mark, I realize that even for the Twelve following Jesus was Read More