Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Bits and Pieces

The last few days it has been hard for me to find the time to post. But, in the meantime, I have come across a few items that seem to me to be significant enough to pass on to you.

It is ironic that, shortly after writing in my last post, with no idea of what was about to come out, that "back a few years ago, the Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart scandals made headlines in Spain, even though no one in Spain had ever even heard of them before the stories broke," the story on Ted Haggard began to surface. Now, sure enough, there are also stories in the major Spanish newspapers about Ted Haggard as well. If you read many blogs, you are already aware that there are a plethora of different viewpoints and thoughts on this tragedy available for reading on the blogosphere. Of what I have read, the post that resonates most with me is what Tim Challies has written here. I believe it will be well worth your while to read carefully through what Tim has to say in this excellent post, and take into consideration the implications for your own life.

Next, although of a complete different nature than the Haggard story, the name Bill Harrell has been making quite a splash among Southern Baptist blogs as of late. Harrell is currently Chairman of the SBC Executive Committee, considered by some to be "the most important position in Southern Baptist life." The most widely circulated stories are related to recent comments he made regarding the supposed "two most important issues" of problems of Calvinism and contemporary worship styles in our churches. Even more disturbing to me, though, is what Harrell writes on his church’s website concerning what he considers to be "A Major Deterrent to Revival," which he identifies as multiculturalism in our society. Upon reading this, I could not believe my eyes. This, in my opinion, is totally anti-biblical, and yes, I will venture to say, bigoted.

I hope to put up some more substantive thoughts of my own in the next couple of days regarding how I believe God uses immigration and cultural diversity in a special way to accomplish his purposes in the world (just the opposite of what Harrell seems to be saying). In the meantime, I strongly recommend that you read the insightful comments of Nick Kennicott, Alan Cross, and Les Puryear on this important issue for Southern Baptists.

Last of all, my friend and mentor, George Verwer, has just posted an article on Denominations and Denominationalism that I think is worthy of reflection as well.

11 comments:

J. Guy Muse said...

I agree with your strong reaction about what are supposedly the two most important issues in the SBC. "Caught in the Middle" has a great cartoon here which speaks loudly to the multiculturalism issue supposedly being a detriment to revival in our society.

David Rogers said...

tl,

Thanks. I had originally added the note: (*it looks like this article may have since been removed) to the post, after the link to Harrell's article. It looks like the the article is now back on-line, though. In any case, thanks to your help on this, we have the text preserved here, in case it gets lost in cyberspace again.

Debbie Kaufman said...

I'm finding out a lot of things concerning leaders in our Convention that astonish me, this being the latest and the most sickening to me.

This is even more reason for me to believe we need a "Great Awakening."

mic said...

hmm, what happened to just plain oh sin being our problem.

John Jax said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Tim Rogers said...

Brother David,

You are right about Brother Harrell with the SBC ExCom. I re-read Brother Les's post and went back and told him I agreed that Brother Harrell's view are not what SB would agree with. You are right it does come across as bigoted.

Also, on Rev. Haggard I placed a post on my blog that I use for the church I pastor. It is more in line with examination and accountability. www.ybcvoice.blogspot.com

Blessings,
Tim

E. Goodman said...

Really, THE most important issues? Maybe we should invite him to Western Europe. Maybe he'd benefit from seeing things from a different perspective. Seriously.

Strider said...

One thing that Bro Harrell said that is true is that revival will take a mighty move of God. I am confused as to why he thinks that in the past it was otherwise. I am so offended by the article I can hardly trust myself to write a comment but I feel that many must speak up and declare the truth. The truth is that the judgment of God is on the church not for not trashing homosexuals and abortionist enough but for not reaching out in love to the Nations that He has brought to our shores. NO NO NO we do not need the American Government to pass certain laws to enable revival to come. We need to humble ourselves and accept that when God comes He will not bring revival as we expect. He is not coming to take sides, He is coming to take over. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Bryan Riley said...

I think his words should be a basis for discipline and agree with your assessment of what they are. Of course, discipline is to be gentle and to correct, not to punish, just as Ted Haggard is being disciplined. We need to all be praying for repentance in and throughout the Body of Christ. And, we need to pray that the thoughts and words being done "privately" within our churches and fellowships that are inconsistent with the nature and character of God be made public.

Bryan Riley said...

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10.

David Rogers said...

John "Jax",

Great to hear from you! Yes, it has been awhile. So, I see you are back in Jacksonville. No, I did not know about the Bob Gray story.

I look forward to staying in touch with you again.

David