Psalm 1 Reading NASB

Sermongate 2021

Ed Litton and JD Geear take a selfie with the Instrument of Great Power

It can be so irritating to be Southern Baptist sometimes.  Mercifully, I'm 2 months late to this information.

I became aware this week of the sermon gate controversy. (#sermongate) Apparently our previous SBC president JD "Cool Dude" Greear preached sermons that were copied almost word for word and delivered by our new SBC president Ed "Mr. Ed" Litton. Sermongate reveals things that I suspected but had hoped were not true. I had known since seminary that people would copy each other and take credit for things as their own, "but only losers do that." Predictably most of the row centers on the word "plagiarism." 

But to me the controversy is less about plagiarism and much more about spirituality and relationship with God. What are our methods for preparing sermons? And hence what is the quality of the message we are delivering?  

If you're an entertainer or an actor then you can deliver an entertainment or actor's quality message. But if you are supposed to be a pastor, supposed to be a minister, supposedly with a calling then you must be very intentional and serious disciplined and careful about what you do during your sermon on Sunday mornings in something that you refer to as worship. 

To me one of the main things has to do with how much of your message is first hand experience with God or second hand third hand or purchased experience with God. Do we actually believe that our congregations want to have something that we have purchased? Or that we have received second hand or third hand? a vicarious Christian experience? 

I firmly believe that most of my sermons and messages and Bible studies need to be first hand delivery of my first hand experience with God and his Word. I hope you will agree that this is a most important and vital consideration!  How could we do anything less and show our faces in the pulpit?  

So to be clear, my method is a very very very key thing, no matter what the Lord may use as a starting point for inspiration.  For example, if I choose to use a sermon outline published in a sermon outline book, or use a past Sunday School lesson, these would only be the "germ" or starting point of the work.  In fact, very very often whatever was the starting point of one of these sermons would be so irritating to me or so irrelevant to the Biblical text that it totally disappears in the later steps of my preparation!  In every case, I do not end up with what I began, unless I have begun, as is most frequent, with a Biblical passage!  

In other words, I almost always do "Expository Preaching" that includes as a very most important step "first hand careful study of the Biblical passage."  And guess what happens?  The sermon's main points are (hopefully and usually) the main points of the Biblical passage!  Even in topical sermons (which center on some specific topic, where many passages of Scripture are read) the text will be carefully allowed to make its points, and not intentionally abused to "proof-text" whatever my clever point is or was.  

All this is to say that the method, learned, practiced and repeated through the years, is the absolute key.  I firmly believe this cannot be done by a team, a committee, or by cutting and pasting, let alone by purchasing it with money from some anonymous person working at a "professional research service." 

After all these years of preaching I (and I hope the vast majority of pastors!) have file drawers full of sermons and studies that I have written, all of which were inspired by the Holy Spirit, for me, for my congregation, for the purpose of glorifying God in their lives and mine.  This collection is an ever churning resource of further information, for further inspiration and celebration of God's Word.  

I am discouraged that those who are the biggest and the most visible, with their multi-campus hologram sermons, are the ones who buy speeches from George Soros and assemble them in committees of major players in their mega church mega nerve centers of mega ministry.  While those in the country with a congregation of 35 are doing the hard work of Bible Study and preaching with no evidence of worldly success at all.  And the cheaters are the winners on this side of Judgement Day, even in the "church."

Don't people care?  Forget what the hodabies think, what on earth do the Christians in the churches think?  Or want?  Apparently for many what they want is something even less than a T.E.D. talk after all, they want a low quality actor running through a prepared script for the first time.  That's entertainment?

Not for me.  No wonder I almost never listen to them.  

Pro tip: hold your pastor accountable for the method they use to prepare sermons.  The method is the key.  Asking questions is the key to understanding.

Billy Graham Gets Me a Seminary Degree!

I appreciate the help that Billy Graham gave to those seeking evangelical theological education.  Growing up I was aware of the crusades on TV and how people felt about Billy Graham.  But when I learned about his involvement in Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I saw a huge part of his work that some may not know about even today, during the week of his funeral.  I recommend reading about the founding Gordon-Conwell as part of learning the larger history of post WWII evangelicalism in America.  It is truly fascinating stuff, and I thoroughly enjoyed studying under and seeing in person some of those leaders who were involved in it way back then.  I found it to be very helpful in finding theological identity in the postmodern world in which there seems no place for truth.  I believe that all this began for me during those busy years in South Hamilton.  Here are photos I took back then from the 1992 Convocation, and of his printed signature on our degrees. Dr. Graham also spoke at Commencement in 1994, when I received my M.Div.  There are links to the videos of these occasions via Gordon-Conwell.  I hope all this expands your appreciation for Billy Graham, and other leaders like him, who where (and are!) a great help to those seeking the truth through theological education.

Billy Graham 1994 Commencement Gordon College Chapel

Convocation 1992 GCTS Chapel

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

On the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, I say...

“God is not trying to drive us to despair by his demands, in order to take us from the 'Law' to the 'Gospel,' as if they were two different messages.” The God of Promise and the Life of Faith: Understanding the Heart of the Gospel, Scott Hafemann, p.216

 

Truth about Las Vegas Massacre

Dear Reader, after pondering the event of last weekend for a while, I've come to a conclusion.  While many Americans are trying to figure out what an AR-15 is, or what a "bump stock" is, or why someone would commit such atrocities, I offer the only truth that can be had about such an event.  It is similar to the truth I offered in my prayers for mercy after the Sandy Hook Massacre years ago, which I still haven't gotten over.  But I know the "answer" to it, or the "explanation" for it, and indeed the "cause" of such things, even before they might happen.  So here it is:

If this isn't enough for us, then there will never be enough.
Lord, Have Mercy on Me a Sinner!  AMEN

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

O'er the Land of the Free, And the Home of the Brave!

In the eyes of many Americans, those inheriting institutions may not be worthy of it.  Hence the hashtag: #notmysteelers.  My Steelers (of the past) may not have shared my political, religious, or social views, but I wasn't made subject to their airing of opinions, and really wouldn't have been interested. The current team has ceased to be mine, because they have thoughtlessly insulted me and have disparaged things I believe are important.  This may not have been intentional, but the result is the same. As a Steelers fan for most of my life, this past Sunday's display was disappointing and offensive in so many ways.  And the attitude and comments of the head coach and the quarterback afterwards made the situation worse.  I heard several people across Steeler nation calling in to broadcasts in a shaken state, some breaking down into tears at their sense of loss.  Reading social media and seeing videos of burning Steelers items gives a sense of the seriousness of the painful outrage people are feeling.
It has been hard to stomach the protests (if you call them that) in which our NFL stars engage during our national anthem in recent years.  It is hard even when many feel they are provoked by President Trump.  I think this is because the singing of the national anthem during public events has become a kind of national sacred space over the decades, a time made more sweet by its juxtaposition with the simple escapism of immediately following events. Honor then fun, a frivolous celebration made possible (earned) by the seriousness of national shared sacrifice which preceded it.
We have grown up with this tradition, and many take offense that it is being used for default anti-American political purposes, often in an incorrigible spirit arising from misunderstanding, or even worse,  ignorance in fact. This is very sad for the fans, and for the institution of football as it was known to many of us. 
It is a very glaring example of a growing trend in our society.  I firmly believe that many who are inheriting institutions must grow worthy of the inheritance.  This applies to beloved sports franchises, schools, churches, and families. Rather than appreciating and understanding the importance and function of the institutions of which they are a part, many seem to default to immature and selfish behaviors.  Such behaviors do no favors for the public or the institution, and end up decaying and perhaps destroying the social contract and the institution itself.  There is a time, a place, a way of protesting or sharing one's opinion.  Maturity and wisdom helps a person gain a sense of appropriateness, a social sense and commitment that transcends what the individual may demand or want for himself.  Rather than name-calling and anger, it's time to set grown up examples, and to show young people what it means to be an adult in a free society.  Putting ourselves in their shoes, we need to bring people along. Perhaps then, afterwards, they can be transformative in a more meaningful way to the institutions of which they are a part.
One thing is clear, the young people will inherit the institutions, no matter what we think.

Memorial for Dr. Haddon W. Robinson

Gordon-Conwell's page for Dr. Robinson

A few of my notes from October 21, 1993, when Dr. Robinson was talking to us about "Making Dry Bones Live" (chapter 7 of Biblical Preaching): 

"Is your theology abstract?  Is it less than real?  Your theology must be stated in light of revelation and scripture.  And this is revealed in words, linguistic signs.  Objective, propositional revelation is the necessary way to get to the real God.  Not our experiences of Him.  Our experience must be in the word.  Moral laws for example, stop sign laws or fire laws, they are in words.  You don't break God's laws, you break yourself on them" 

And on using illustrations in sermons to make "dry bones live":

"You need more less than more. You're not a storyteller, you're a communicator of truth."

And finally some of the best advice I ever got: "Don't assume they know where Africa is." 

See you later, Dr. Robinson.

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

How Pastors Get Rich

Here's an article and interview posted by Cultwatch.com.  Are you participating in any of this?  Are you OK with this?  Does your Pastor aspire to such things?

How Pastors Get Rich

I believe many Christians are drifting like sheep without a shepherd, even though the Shepherd has come.  Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing, especially those staring back at you from the mirror.

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

For the Religious Social Justice Warriors

This thoughtful response to so-called "social justice warriors" cautions against conflating politics with religious belief and practice.  An act done all too lightly, because we're busy people.

Progressivism is Not Judaism

Of course, one has to translate this into one's own faith, as is encouraged in the article. 

Eric Metaxas :: They’re Not The World, They’re The Bubble People

Yep, my sentiments exactly.  "Dear Willie, when did God turn stone to bread?  And how might this show that we all need to lend a helping hand?"

A blast from the past, for your thoughtful meditation on Matthew 4:3-4. 

Eric Metaxas :: They’re Not The World, They’re The Bubble People

How to Handle Politics And Government

How to Handle Politics and Government

It is apparent that our fair country is nowhere near solving our national problems at either the federal, state or local level. There are so many obvious problems that to attempt to list the top ten would be an exercise in futility. This is deeply disappointing to many people, who hoped that by means of elections last fall problems would begin to be solved and positive productive action would be a reality.

You may recall this famous anecdote: A lady asked Dr. (Benjamin) Franklin after the 1787 Constitutional Convention, “Well, Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic,” replied the Doctor, “if you can keep it.”

What does this mean, to “keep” the Republic? Does it mean to adhere to it's founding documents and principles, or does it mean to continually adapt it to meet current “felt needs?” Or is it some of both? Or does it mean we need judges to make our laws from courtrooms?

The problem with politics and government is that it involves people. People tend to be sinners or saints, or by practical estimate somewhere in between the two all the time.

John Adams once told a military audience "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

So are morals important for politicians, judges, government employees, for citizens and those who vote and have opinions on how our city, county, state or nation is governed?

When we have frustrations with the words, actions, or even opinions of others, we might consider the morality of the source. And most importantly of all, we must always consider our own morality. When we are thinking, speaking, acting, or sharing an opinion or viewpoint--- are we reflecting what we believe to be moral, both within and without our own self?

Apparently many only consider others, while they exempt themselves from careful moral examination. Many of these claim to be the most moral people of all.

So what is the solution to the moral crisis in which we live?

As you might imagine, I strongly suggest repentance and faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ. This requires a humility, a submission, a willing awareness of ones own need for God. It will lead to the dependence upon God for which we are created, and a reliance on the Spirit for peace, love, joy, hope and faith that no circumstance, or problem of politics or government, can take away. This love will lead us to consider other's needs as more important than our own, and will help us to see more clearly the world around us as God sees it.

While we may still be upset, irritated, or incredulous at the world in which we live, and which our children will inherit, we can still even then rely on the Spirit to lead and guide us as to how we respond.

What is God calling you to do to help “keep” the republic? How can you leave your concern and frustration behind, and help others to join you in making the world a better place?

Psalm 33:12 KJV “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

God's Word to You: A Summary of the Bible

From inside the cover of Lifeway's The Gospel Project Chronological: 

God's Word to You: A Summary of the Bible

In the beginning, the all-powerful, personal God created the universe. This God created human beings in His image to live joyfully in His presence, in humble submission to His gracious authority. But all of us have rebelled against God and, in consequence, must suffer the punishment of our rebellion: physical death and the wrath of God.

Thankfully, God initiated a rescue plan, which began with His choosing the nation of Israel to display His glory in a fallen world. The Bible describes how God acted mightily on Israel's behalf, rescuing His people from slavery and then giving them His holy law. But God's people - like all of us - failed to rightly reflect the glory of God.

Then, in the fullness of time, in the Person of Jesus Christ, God Himself came to renew the world and restore His people. Jesus perfectly obeyed the law given to Israel. Though innocent, He suffered the consequences of human rebellion by His death on a cross. But three days later, God raised Him from the dead.

Now the church of Jesus Christ has been commissioned by God to take the news of Christ's work to the world. Empowered by God's Spirit, the church calls all people everywhere to repent of sin and to trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness. Repentance and faith restores our relationship with God and results in a life of ongoing transformation.

The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will return to this earth as the conquering King. Only those who live in repentant faith in Christ will escape God's judgment and live joyfully in God's presence for all eternity. God's message is the same to all of us: repent and believe, before it is too late. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.

Happy b/c of Jesus,

Pastor James

The Immutable Counsel belongs to God!

"Repenting means revising one's judgment and changing one's plan of action.  God never does this; he never needs to, for his plans are made on the basis of a complete knowledge and control which extend to all things past, present and future, so that there can be no sudden emergencies or unexpected developments to take him by surprise....What God does in time, he planned from eternity.  And all that he planned in eternity he carries out in time.  And all that he has in his Word committed himself to do will infallibly be done.  Thus we read of "the immutability of his counsel" to bring believers into full enjoyment of their promised inheritance, and of the immutable oath by which he confirmed this counsel to Abraham, the archetypal believer, both for Abraham's own assurance and for ours too (Heb 6:17-18). So it is with all God's announced intentions.  They do not change.  No part of his eternal plan changes....
Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb 13:8), and his touch has still its ancient power.  It still remains true that "he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them: (Heb 7:25). He never changes. This fact is the strong consolation of all God's people."

-J. I. Packer, Knowing God, p. 80

What is Scientism?

I accidentally found this article on the Social Justice Wiki, and thought it was very clear and concise.  Hope you like it.

Scientism entry on SJ Wiki

How We Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils

I won't vote for “the lesser of two evils.” Really? Why not?

Perhaps the desire could be framed, “I will vote for the better politician.” That's an ironic term to be sure, but it lets us make a good choice in light of the true situation.

The hope for an ideal candidate in any election is surely a fond one. “Hope springs eternal” the marketers know. Politicians always strategize to maximize their benefits and minimize their liabilities. It is up to their opponents to maximize liabilities, right? This should be no surprise to anyone.

For some reason, people are “shocked” and “surprised” when American political campaigns swerve into the gutter. Or when they are swerved intentionally in the gutter.

Proverbs 18:7 says, “A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.” A few verses later we read, “The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.”

We don't like to be disappointed with politicians. Like optimism and hope, disappointment is ever-present and looms around every new sunrise in politics and government. Many of us would like to cast a vote and solve some problems. There are so many problems that it is hard to keep track of any progress if you are actually trying to hold down a job.

So why the insistence on idealism? On Godly, righteous people in government, especially if they are not running? At the end of the day we have to “give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's.” The Kingdom of God is not equal to any human government, no matter what Evangelicals fondly wish.

And just because a particular politician is sub-optimal is many ways this does not mean voting for that person is a dramatic and revolting act of evil. It is actually a rather mundane act, like raking leaves. It may not be fun or “holy,” but it needs to be done.

Character counts, but only if character is a selection on the ballot. Character is measured against promises of action and policy. Politicians influence public policy, laws and their enforcement, regulation and initiatives of public investment, and hopefully moral leadership. Only with time will the true nature of politicians be revealed, so you have to look at the record, not the mud that is slung.

So, when one candidate is to you better or worse than another (after you've formed evidence based opinions) then you have to “pay your money and take your choice.”

It may not do any real good to see candidates as “evil” just because they are less (or even very far less) than ideal. This is silencing your own vote.

If you chose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

Compassion v. Power

With the coming disclosure of Hillary Rodham Clinton's Parkinson's Disease, the true sick nature of modern global politics will be revealed. We will see just how low they will go to get their person in position. How far they will push our collective conscience in their never ending quest for more power. Is it fair to subject us to all this craven display of dishonesty and pride called the 2016 Clinton Campaign? Realize how many people know the true nature of her health struggle, and consider that this may explain Benghazi, the slack handling of classified information (even when it was important to cover up her crimes!), why Uncle Joe “didn't” run but will likely be the next President, and the “non-indictment indictment” by the FBI. This is an outrageous insanity we have been witnessing. Power has trumped compassion.

I believe she could have already shown great compassion by being honest with us all. But this is not her character. Can any sane person deny the character flaws that we have seen to date? Even reducing by ¾ the reports we have heard? Her moral code, like many politicians and other sociopaths, is very likely “seared.” For example, the Bible says, “...in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron...” I Timothy 4:1-2. I hope not.

Even now I believe she can still show compassion, and join openly the struggle against Parkinson's that families wage around the world on a daily basis. I sure hope this is what she does, and soon. Maybe her later years will be spend doing something positive and productive, like donating millions of “Clinton Cash” to Parkinson's research and treatment. I mean, for crying out loud, y'all.

Compare her actions with Michael J. Fox or Billy Graham. We may be about to see many hurtful things said, things which may end up wounding many thousands who are living with Parkinson's. Hillary Rodham Clinton will go down with this great opportunity lost, sacrificed on the altar of power.

We must brace ourselves for what may come in the public discourse. Christians must commit to seeking truth, speaking truth, and showing compassion. Sympathy, understanding, and watching one's manners about a devastating disease are what is called for. As we go through this together, please consider how this affects those suffering with Parkinson's, and other debilitating illnesses. Realize that they will deserve our thoughts and prayers as they see this unfold in the coming days. 

HRC in Blue Glasses

Keeping Cool During Hot Elections

Keeping Cool During Hot Elections

Rush Limbaugh is famous for saying that “everything is political.” To this we may all say together, “Oh no!” As we begin to see hundreds of TV ads from Trump vs. Clinton, it is important for Christians to not loose composure (2 Thessalonians 2:2) and remember what is truly and eternally important.

It's important to think about the relationship between Christians and their government. We find this in God's Word. We know that God has some requirements.

First, we are to occupy positions in our government if we can do so. You will recall that Joseph was appointed to positions, and eventually was a very powerful person in Egypt (Genesis 42:6). Next, we are to pay taxes to our government. Jesus famously said, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar, and unto God the things which are God's.” (Matthew 22:18-21). Next we are to pray for our government. This means praying for people individually, even those politicians we don't like or agree with (I Timothy 2:1-3). Christians are to be promotors of a “righteous peace,” and this begins with prayer. Next, we are to obey the rules of government. The basic formulation of our obedience to law is found in Romans 13:1-7. Here Paul gives a perspective that we should cherish ourselves. We don't control everything, but we know that God does! Finally, I'll remind you that we are called to obey God first. Gov. Mike Pence famously says, “I'm a Christian first, an American second, and a Republican third- in that order.” To most Christians that sounds like good priorities. In Acts 5:29 you see that people “must obey God rather than men.” Obeying God is our first priority. This is where the idea of God-given rights comes in our Democratic Republic form of government.

Whatever your political beliefs, always remember to try and let them be influenced by God's Word. While we may be moved to tears by our nation's problems, or frustrated by the decades of social decline and injustice, we can always show others that our hope is in God and not man. Further, we must always recall that our enemy is not other people, but the evil one who wants to deceive the whole world, the enemy of God, the devil.

If you're going to watch TV or hear the news, there is really no telling what we are in for this time. With all of you, I'll be hanging in there. While everything may have a political aspect, what is most important is the mission of Jesus and of Rolling Roads Baptist Church!

Happy Because of Jesus,

Pastor James

American Bible Society

From Dr. George last month in "First Things"

http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2016/06/the-bible-cause-at-200

Article: Transgender Advocates Don't Believe Anything They Say

I believe this Lutheran has nailed the issue to the door.

Article: Transgender Advocates Don't Believe Anything They Say

I sincerely hope you are challenged by it.

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

What Is Success In Evangelism?

In an age when true evangelism is considered passe or unsophisticated by its cultured despisers, may we believers never adopt such corrupt thinking.  In a retrograde culture where right is considered wrong, and God is said to be irrelevant, may we believers shine as lights in this present darkness.

     "What is success in evangelism?  Is it when the person you witness to comes to Christ?  Certainly that's what we want to happen.  But if this is success, are we failures whenever we share the gospel and people refuse to believe?  Was Jesus an "evangelistic failure" when people like the rich young ruler turned away from Him and His message?  Obviously not.  Then neither are we when we present Christ and His message and they turn away in unbelief.  We need to learn that sharing the gospel is successful evangelism.  We ought to have an obsession for souls, and tearfully plead with God to see more people converted, but conversions are the fruit that God alone can give. 
     In this regard we are like the postal service.  Success is measured by the careful an accurate delivery of the message, not by the response of the recipient.  Whenever we share the gospel (which includes the summons to repent and believe), we have succeeded.  In the truest sense, all biblical evangelism is successful evangelism, regardless of the results."

-from "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by Donald S. Whitney, p.103.