President Obama: affirming the indefensible

It is distressing to be led by ungodly leaders, especially when they consistently pronounce as good that which is evil. President Obama continues to do so, as illustrated in his recent affirmation of a woman’s right to choose to end the life of her unborn baby: As we mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. [...]

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Using carnal means to attract and appease carnal people

This video by Paul Washer accurately, yet sadly, reveals what goes on in far too many, if not the majority, of churches in the United States. Washer is right in saying that there are godly people in such churches who want to learn truth and lead godly lives. Many of these people remain in carnal [...]

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Is your profession of Christ genuine?

Often persons think that being a member of a local assembly of Christians makes them right with God individually. If that were true, the apostle Paul would not have admonished: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in [...]

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The biblical path for an effective church

More books claiming to contain the secret for helping churches grow and influence their communities are written annually than any pastor has time to scan, much less peruse. I sometimes wonder if we pastors and other church leaders too often look to the latest writing of a church-growth guru than we seek to understand what [...]

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Ignorant deacons and unfaithful pastors

There is really no easy way to say this, but the state of far too many of our Southern Baptist Churches is poor. One has to look no further than the deacons who serve as de facto elders in many churches. Those coming from other denominations may be unaware of the leadership model commonly found [...]

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A Recipe for Apostasy: The Customer Is Always Right

During the past century or so, the concept of pragmatism has become the guiding force behind how conservative churches function and how the gathered church worships. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, pragmatism is “a practical approach to problems and affairs.” Philosophically, pragmatism is “an American movement in philosophy founded by C. S. Peirce and [...]

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Racism and the church

There are things in life that I have trouble understanding. I don’t understand why Hollywood celebrities are called before Congress as expert witnesses concerning environmental issues. I don’t understand why folks who don’t like winter sing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” I don’t understand why men can’t pick their clothes up off the floor [...]

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Timothy Geithner and Tom Daschle–Whatever Happened to Honor?

Timothy Geithner and Tom Daschle have been in the news lately because they failed to pay sizable sums in federal income taxes. They failed to pay, that is, until they were nominated to prestigious positions in President Obama’s cabinet. President Obama has promised an ethical and transparent administration, yet he continued to affirm his nomination [...]

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How should we view the gospel ministry?

Opinions are like noses—everybody has one and usually they are different! When it comes to what the ministry is to be in the twenty-first century, many are the opinions people give. Most folks in our day, it seems, have a view of the ministry which likens the pastor to being the chief executive officer of [...]

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Fun? How about worship?

A news account and a church advertisement reminded me that many evangelicals see their gathering on Sunday morning primarily as a time for having fun and building relationships. Admittedly, it may seem like I’m just an old curmudgeon and will stand accused of fearing that somebody somewhere is having a good time, but I believe [...]

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