Three weeks ago at the California Southern Baptist Convention in Riverside, our state President Dr Walter Price preached a sobering message on the future of the Southern Baptist Convention if things do not change soon. Baptist21, a web site dedicated to the 20-30 something generation that's serious about the Great Commission and contending for the faith posted Dr Price's message. I encourage you to peruse Baptist21 occasionally. It has wonderful articles and keeps you in the loop on what younger leaders of the SBC are talking about today. Dr Price's message is a "reality check" about our conventions future and the reason for Great Commission Resurgence committees' work.
 
Baptist21 Web Site http://www.baptisttwentyone.com/
Dr Price's message Pt 1 http://www.baptisttwentyone.com/?p=3434 Pt 2 http://www.baptisttwentyone.com/?p=3452

PS Go see the movie "The Blind Side" It's a heartwarming true story that the Christian community needs to support. Hollywood got this one right and our going will encourage more films of this nature. Pray too that God will give Immanuel Christian School a Michael Ohre for their football team next year ;)

 

On Monday I mentioned having read and signed the Manhattan Declaration. It’s a well-written document that helps resource believers in the critical conversation going on in our nation today. However, there’s one thing we must never forget, our message is not about Moralism. Our message is to forever be the Gospel. Jesus took the place of punishment I deserved on that cross. He took my evil self-centered nature of sin upon Himself and underwent the most excruciating death so God could forgive my sin. In that great exchange I was given the righteousness of Christ (Colossians 2:13-14; 2 Cor 5:21). Halleluiah! It’s an amazing story that should evoke humility and gratitude in the heart of everyone who believes. This is Christianity’s Declaration.

I truly appreciate all that has been written in the Manhattan Declaration and that it is written with respect, humility, conviction and resolve. It’s sad the MD had to be written for this country at this time but I’m grateful for the opportunity to have signed such a document.

Not all Christians believe they should sign this document. Below are the thoughts of others who disagree. I have posted their thoughts to help you form your own opinion.

John MacArthur http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/A390

James White http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=3643

On November 20, 2009 a prominent group clergy, ministry leaders and scholars released the Manhattan Declaration. This 4,700 word declaration issues a clarion call to Christians to adhere to their convictions and informs civil authorities that the signers will not - under any circumstance - abandon their Christian consciences concerning three critical issues; sanctity of life, the protection of marriage, and religious liberty. It's well written document and an excellent resource to help inform you challenge you to join in on the ongoing critical conversation taking place in our nation today. Please read it and sign it. Encourage your teenager to read this. Sit down and discuss it with them. It's a valuable tool in their Christian development and discipleship. A tool that will also give them courage to join the debate in the the classroom of their school.
http://manhattandeclaration.org/

Here is a good article that points to the critical issues surrounding the Great Commission Resurgence. If the SB Convention is going to capture the hearts of young pastors now being trained, our priorities must change with our mission dollars. http://betweenthetimes.com/2009/11/19/aspect-7b-a-mission-based-on-local-church-initiative-and-supplemented-by-entities-and-associations-namb-state-conventions-erlc-local-associations/

As the GCR committee deliberates, it's creating quite a stir within the convention. http://baptistmessenger.com/editors-journal-our-ominous-future/

I'm grateful to be part of the Southern Baptist Convention. We live in an age where many mainline evangelical denominations are falling on the sword of cultural relevance by embracing liberal theology. Our convention settled the debate over the inerrancy of God's Word 20 years ago. The desire of our convention is that we be obedient to fulfilling the Great Commission. Southern Baptist's have been entrusted with a great deal of resources to help reach not only North America but the ends of the earth. We want to be good stewards of those resources. A team of Southern Baptist have been commissioned to look into how best to use these resources; a Great Commission Resurgence committee. They've requested we pray for their work. Here is a web site where you can learn more http://www.pray4gcr.com/why-gcr/
Pastor Bill

Congratulations! You are part of internet history. You are reading Pastor Bill's very first blog! My desire for this blog is to share with you extra information regarding messages I've preached and/or expose you to a number of helpful resources that will encourage you in your walk with the Lord available over the internet

Currently we are journeying through 1 & 2 Thessalonians and discussing end time events. Comprehending the various views of Eschatology can be overwhelming, but it's a good discipline to walk through if you are going to have a good understanding of what the Word says. To give you an idea of what you are in for if you are serious about studying Eschatology, I invite you to watch this Round-table discussion hosted by John Piper at his church in Sept 2009. It's just over two hours, but will be well worth your investment. Make sure you have your Bible with you and enjoy the discussion!

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/4262/Video/

Pastor Bill