The Nature of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the most difficult things that confronts humanity. Nations fight wars over hurts that go back literally hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of years. The conflict in the Balkans in the 90s is a good example of how, for hundreds of years, Bosnians and Croats have fought because at various times in their history they have each perpetrated inhumanities against one other. They have spent hundreds of years “getting back” at each other. When they aren’t fighting they are enduring their own little “cold war” of animosity. Until forgiveness is found, this sad history will simply continue to repeat itself into the future.

Individuals are no different. Read the story »

America, We Have A Problem

While at youth camp this summer I heard a statistic quoted that 80% of seminary graduates leave the ministry within five years of graduating.  I went snooping around to see where such a statistic might come from.  Well, it turns out that LeadingFromYourStrengths.com has come across various troubling studies.  They posted them at their blog about a year ago.  Here’s what they found: Read the story »

Two Referals And A Request

Wow.  This has been a very busy and very long week.  Nearly every night has been taken up with some sort of activity and an extra project along with a doctor’s visit have filled up my already busy days.  I intended to post something original this week, but instead I want to point you to two other sites and make a request.

First, I want to point you to this update from J.D. Greear.  J.D. is a pastor in North Carolina who has been asked to serve on our national convention’s Great Commission Resurgence Task Force.  This is a task force that was appointed by Southern Baptist Convention President Johnny Hunt to examine how the SBC can be more effective in our obedience to the Great Commission.  Baptisms in the denomination are down, giving to our International Missions Board is down.  How can we reverse those trends?  Read the story »

Ice Ice Baby - The Podcast

Here’s my first foray into the wubulous world of podcasting.  I’m not exactly sure why I sound like I’m doing this from the inside of a 55 gallon drum and I’ll try to figure that out before next time.  The screeching sound is my wife ripping tape as she was wrapping Christmas gifts.  Aside from that I thought it turned out pretty well for a first-timer.  Later I’ll post some pics of the now famous ice storm.  For your listening enjoyment:

Download BruisedButNotBroken.mp3