From Law to Grace » Archive
The GCR, the New NAMB & Cracks In the Foundation
In 1979, Conservatives within the Southern Baptist Convention united to return the SBC and her entities to Biblical inerrancy and doctrinal fidelity. For 27 years, the Conservative Resurgence (as it came to be called) brought together disparate groups — Conservatives of all stripes and varieties – to successfully re-establish the Southern Baptist Convention upon a solid, Biblical foundation. But, that foundation is beginning to crack. And, with each new radical reinvention that the current establishment leaders implement (NAMB comes to mind), those cracks are becoming more noticeable. The solid foundation — so carefully laid with the blood, sweat, tears, and prayers of so many CR “foot soldiers” — is in real danger of not only cracking, but ultimately collapsing. The collapse will not happen because of disagreements over Biblical inerrancy or doctrine, but rather over disagreements about vision, methodology, and money. Not to mention … Read entire article »
Filed under: Great Commission Resurgence, Religion, Southern Baptist Convention
MOMM: The Death of a Beloved Teacher
The look on his face is classic Mr. Mimms. I should know. I had seen that look hundreds of times before I summoned the courage to snap this candid photo for our high school yearbook. I can only imagine what he was thinking! As I look at this picture that I took over 25 years ago, I fondly remember a man who had such a profound influence on my life and the lives of countless others. Hopefully for the better, I am the writer I am today in large part because of him. Louie Mimms – affectionately referred to by his students at Lake Placid (FL) High School as MOMM – “Mean Old Mister Mimms – was anything but mean. Although in retrospect, he did seem a little old (62) to a bunch of 16 and 17-year-old high school kids back in the early … Read entire article »
Filed under: Miscellaneous, Uncategorized
Joel Osteen, King Ahab & Delusional Celebrations
I just received an email from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego inviting me to purchase tickets for “A Night of Hope” with Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen. “A Night of Hope” with Joel and Victoria Osteen is an outreach of Joel Osteen Ministries and is an exciting time of praise and worship where attendees will hear an inspirational message from Joel and Victoria along with the electrifying music of Dove Award winning Cindy Cruse Ratcliff, Steve Crawford, Da’dra Greathouse, and the Lakewood Bandand Ensemble. Joel and Victoria Osteen are pastors for a new generation. Referred to by many as a voice of hope, they reach one of the largest audiences in the U.S. and across the globe. . . .” Tempting as it may be, I think I’ll pass driving the 13 hours to San … Read entire article »
Filed under: Christianity, Religion
NAMB’s New Church Planting Bus: Who’s Off?
In his best-selling book, “From Good to Great,” author Jim Collins explains the leadership principle known as “First Who, Then What,” “Those who build great organizations make sure they have the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the key seats before they figure out where to drive the bus. They always think first about “who” and then about what.” At the new NAMB, it appears that the “right” people are being invited to get on the bus and the “wrong” people are being ushered off the bus. Apparently the old adage is true: ”out with the old (all non-church planting related ministries) and in with the new (church planting).” Ever since the (increasingly divisive) GCR was passed last summer in Orlando, the new NAMB bus was being assembled. The … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cooperative Program, Great Commission Resurgence, Religion, Southern Baptist Convention