Reflection and Anticipation at New Year's

Each year about this time, I think back over what has transpired and look ahead to the prospects of a new year. I keep in mind certain constants that, for me, set defining limits.

First, God is God. By this, I mean that as Lord, He can do whatever He desires. For me, I am reminded that the Lord has no limitations, so dream big and anticipate the unexpected. Corresponding to this is the fact that nothing will happen to me that God either causes or permits. Either way, whether times of trial and adversity, or breakthrough and advance, He is near. We should be ever mindful that God who is God is near. He is near to encourage, to comfort, to guide, to correct, to lead, to challenge, to reveal, to love, to create, and to save. The list could go on and on. After all, He is God!

Second, I am not God. This reminds me that at best, I am absolutely dependent on Him. It is a call to look for grace and exercise faith. What am I trusting God to do? What am I hearing Him say? Where am I seeing Him at work? What is God's will? What does He want for me and from me? What part do I play in His plan? My significance comes as I am rightly related to Him.

Finally, I must face reality. This is the distance between the first two constants. As a Christ follower, one truth is abundantly clear. I cannot reproduce what I want; I reproduce what I am. Therefore, it is imperative that I am not just being, but doing what is right. There must be an alignment between what I say and what I do. There must be an alignment between what I believe and what I practice. There must be an alignment between God's will and my will. No doubt, there  is a nonnegotiable alignment preparation and performance.

When my father passed away last year, I became painfully aware of my own mortality. The truth is, we are all here for a very short stay in light of eternity. Moses' words, " Lord, teach us to number my days that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12) has become a constant reminder of Jesus' words, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day, for the night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4). We do have all eternity to celebrate our victories but only a moment in time to win them! So think big, pray big, plan big, and aspire big; then trust God with all you are and with all your days!

God's Perspective On Newtown

The unspeakable tragedy in Newtown brings to the forefront an age-old question/dilemma. If God is all powerful and all-knowing (and He is), and He is all good (and He is), why did He not prevent this senseless act of violent carnage (and He could have)?

First, this tragedy did not catch God by surprise. God did not cause it, but He did permit it. He is powerful enough to have stopped it.

Second, this tragedy is a symptom that something is incredibly wrong with the human race. In biblical terms, we live in a fallen world which is marked by sin in its manifold manifestations. To make matters worse, an evil presence in the world drives this entire enterprise. Jesus identified him as the "thief [who] comes to kill, steal, and destroy."

Third, the whole purpose of God coming in Christ was to redeem us from this fallen world with its symptoms and consequences. In this present age, we live in a world in revolt against God. God in His patience is permitting the revolt all the while holding out His hands and beckoning humanity to return to Him. In God's timing this world as we know it will come to an end, either with God's ultimate intervention (the time is unknown) or our personal departure (which is certain). Then, the God of the universe will right all wrongs.

Fourth, in the meantime, God stands ready to comfort, heal, forgive, restore, and intervene when invited. And humanity must still deal with the consequences of sin. Every act of sin with its painful consequences is one more invitation from God, "return to Me!" Only God can bind up broken hearts! Only God can heal this severe hurt! Only God can assuage this incredible grief!

Finally, if nothing else, this senseless tragedy is a wake up call to how desperately the world needs its Savior who alone can free us from the "law of sin and death," and who alone can bring good out of such profound evil!

One More Look at Jesus

Last year, I spent most of my devotional time in the Gospels asking the question, "If Jesus is the expressed image of the living God, how did He treat people?" Some might think this an irrelevant question but for me it drives to the very heart of the contemporary discussion on the doctrine of salvation and the extent of God's desire to save.

The result was a paper I delivered at last year 's Evangelical Theological Society in San Francisco entitled," Seeing the Father in the face of the Son." I built the study on Jesus' words in John 14:9," He who has seen Me has seen the Father." One presupposition that played into the conclusion was that Jesus demonstrated graphically exactly how the Father relates to individuals. I looked at the way Jesus related to people and concluded the Father relates to people in the same way.

This year I returned again to study the Gospels and added Acts as well. This year's question, to put it succinctly, was," Jesus, why did You come?" Specifically, "what was Your purpose in coming to this earth in the Incarnation?" I knew some of the reasons like Luke 19:10,"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." I actually only thought I would discover a dozen or so answers to the question. Yet, upon reading the Scriptures slowly and deliberately, I was surprised to discover over one hundred answers to this nuanced question. One principal conclusion that I have walked away with is that it is God's intention for each of us to look at all of life through the lens of our relationship to Jesus Christ.

It is true that when a person in childlike faith prays to receive Christ (John 1:12), they are transformed in a moment into a child of God. With this, however, comes God's intention that every purpose of God revealed to us in Jesus Christ is to be pursued and lived out. It is a life imparted to us with the expectation that ours will be an ever increasing conformity to our Master. We are to reflect Paul's declaration as our aspiration that "it is Christ in you [which is] your hope of glory," with the end that we might be "complete in Christ" (Col.1:27b,28b).

How will you live out God's purpose for you today? 

3 Lessons I Learned from Running

Photo by AP

Years ago I ran the White Rock Marathon in Dallas. I did it primarily to prove to myself that I could. Over the years I have continued to run off and on. Mostly off. 

About a year ago I decided to start back. We had just moved to Parkville, MO and joined the local YMCA. For Fern and me, being members of the YMCA is almost like being members of our local church. 

When I started running again, the first weeks I could hardly make a mile without stopping. Overweight and out of shape is not a place I wanted to be. 

So I ran my mile, skipped a day and did another. Then, I pressed it to three; then to five. Knowing that if I repeat something 21 times in a row it would become a habit, I ran my five miles three times a week for seven straight weeks. Next, I kicked it to six for a few weeks. Now I am at eight miles a run. I will probably lock this in for (Lord willing) 21 straight days. I want it to become a habit. 

Now, what does this have to do with life? Here are three lessons:

1. Running is a metaphor for living the Christian life. It takes making a decision to engage, and to press on. It is a discipline which requires training. We keep at it consistently and deliberately. 

2. The long distance is built on the ability to run short distances. Milk precedes meet. Endurance comes through the training. No one accomplishes the distance without first starting with the short and building up. 

3. You choose what you will do or not do. My Uncle Ralph (missionary with The China International Mission) was fond of quoting the old Chinese proverb, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So start!

As a rule of thumb, we are in as good physical condition as we want to be. And we are as close to God as we want to be. It’s up to us. What do you want?

On Leadership: 4 Steps to Building Loyalty

Way too many people equate a position with leadership, and lead by the “I say so” method. Sadly, those kinds of leaders don’t get very far without leaving a trail of broken relationships behind them.

The best leadership is by influence. When followers know that you care, that you are competent, and you are consistent, the “loyalty” effect comes in to play.

So, what can you do to insure loyalty? Here are four steps. 

1) Make sure everyone has a voice. A working principle that always works is understanding that “all of us are smarter than any one of us.”

2) Understand that everyone has a different gift mix, a different set of strengths. Work to help everyone play to their strengths. How many times have organizations had good people in the wrong jobs? 

3) Learn to clarify issues. If you are the leader, make sure you know how to ask the right questions.

4) Be sure you know what business you are in. At the turn of the 20th century, some companies saw themselves in the horse and buggy business; others saw themselves in the transportation industry. Only the latter survived. 

A clear picture of what you want to accomplish and who can best make it happen coupled with an honest concern for the people you lead will help you become the best leader you can be. 

For those of you in leadership, do people follow you out of fear or out of loyalty?

The turtle on the fence post.

I once saw a picture in a rural setting. In the center of the picture was a fence post and on that fence post sat a small turtle. The purpose of the picture was to pose the question, “What is unique about what you see?” The not so obvious answer is the turtle could not place itself on the fence post. Someone had to place it in that position.

The lesson for the observer was succinct. If we have any place of prominence, it is because someone (or someones) helped us get there. No one is a proverbial lone ranger. And no one, in spite of the traditional myth, ever really pulled themselves up by their own boot straps.

Photo Courtesy of truthpressure.com

Anyone who has accomplished anything in life has done so because of encouragers, mentors and gate keepers, that collections of perhaps unknown personalities who used their experience, influence and wisdom to assist others, who have helped us get down the road, or, if you desire to maintain the metaphor, get up on the fence post.

When I look back on my journey, I see a group of men who helped me at pivotal moments in my life. Here are some people who came to my assistance in years gone by. These are some of the influences, gatekeepers and encouragers whom God used in my life.

When I was in high school, one of my student pastors (once called youth directors) was Larry Yarborough. I remember his contagious laugh and his sweet family. Eventually, he had a stellar career at what we now identify as LifeWay.

The man who instilled in me a passion for biblical preaching was Fred Wolfe. To this day, I still hear in the echoes of my mind his words of challenge and encouragement.

When I attended Southwestern Seminary, I had the privilege of serving as Roy Fish’s grader over a period of five years. He had a passion for God and His Word. He was a molder of men who had hearts for God. I was blessed!

At the same time I graded for Dr. Fish and then moved into a teaching role at Southwestern, I had the honor of getting to know Dr. James Eaves. He came to teach at Southwestern from a series of successful pastorates. When I had a ministry challenge, he would provide wisdom and insight beyond my years.

At a crucial point in my study at Southwestern, I recall the summons to Dean Huber Drumwright’s office. He was a man everyone loved and feared, After all, he was “the Dean.” He gave me an opportunity to teach evangelism full time for several years. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity he gave me.

During my seminary days Don Miller was a consistent prayer warrior on my behalf. Oh how he could pray down Heaven! When he prayed, you felt like you had just entered the Throne Room….you had! Like so many others, I am forever grateful for his intercession on my behalf.

As a young pastor who epitomized the term “green” James DeLoach at Second Baptist Church in Houston permitted me to come down and spend the day on multiple occasions. I would write page upon page of questions and in my periodic visits, we would take them one at a time and discuss what a godly pastor should do. I will forever be grateful for the mentoring relation I had with Dr. DeLoach.

As the years passed and we transitioned to Tennessee and Two Rivers, I became fast friends with a wonderful group of people, some staff, others laymen. My greatest friend and encourager was a layman, Sam Mallory. He eventually joined our staff as Minister of Pastoral Care. He has a gift of helps and a  gift of encouragement. I thank God for Sam.

When Jimmy Draper was President of LifeWay, I had the privilege of being his pastor for about 15 years. Yet, the truth is, he was my pastor. I have heard it said  “every pastor needs a pastor.” And he was mine. Oh how I hated to see him retire and move back to Texas!

In some dark days of ministry, the man used more than anyone else to encourage me was Tom Elliff. He must have called me hundreds of times and prayed hundreds if not thousands of prayers. To this day, he is still the wisest man I know. I will forever be grateful for his counsel and encouraging words.

Space will not permit me to name so many others who have challenged me, encouraged me, prayed for me and been friends. Life is richer because of the Richard Stricklands, the David Cobbs, the Brad Rudges, the Harold Harpers, the Don Baskins, the Steve Gaines and so many more.

I encourage you also to pursue Paul’s admonition to “…encourage one another and build up one another…” (1 Thess. 5:11) And model your life after those about whom Paul said, “...they have refreshed my spirit” (1Cor. 16:18).

So perhaps I should ask, who is influencing you, encouraging you, and challenging you? 

And more importantly, who are you influencing, encouraging, and challenging? 

When I do not understand, He does: A Grief Observed

It seems as though we are always living in the present...In the back of our minds forever lurks the haunting prospect of death; those of loved ones and our own. For myself, I seemed always to view death in the future tense. Someday my father will die. Someday another loved one will die. Always "someday" was somewhere out there down the road.
Then last year, in February, my father stepped into eternity after what appeared to be a brief battle with Leukemia. Vicious, fast, and so final!
Now death has knocked on our family's door once again. This time it was vastly different. Almost a decade ago, my wife's step-father, the only father she has had for the last 20 years, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It really has been a "long good-bye." Dr. Stanley Renas was a brilliant man, a college professor who spoke eight languages. But slowly, the disease that first stole his mind, then his dignity, and finally his self-awareness won.
This past week he, like my father a year ago, quietly stepped into eternity. At his grave side as we overlooked his simple American flag draped pine box casket, the playing of "Taps" was hauntingly painful. For those of us who remain, we have a profound sense of loss, an emptiness in our hearts and souls. Practically, there is an empty chair at the kitchen table. We are left with memories, good memories, only memories.
We grieve for Stanley, we grieve for my mother in law, Bea. We grieve for our family and ourselves. For me and my family, we are grateful for the promise that "Jesus came to bind up the broken hearted." Our confidence and trust remain in Him.
In time, the pain of grief will subside, yet I know that somewhere, sometime down the road, like an old acquaintance, we will meet again. Nonetheless, I am not alone. My old friend, Jesus, was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." When I do not understand, He does. I take comfort in His promise that He will never leave me or forsake me.

Tragedies to Transitions: 4 Take-aways from David

I am constantly intrigued by the life of David. In the closing chapters of 1 Samuel, we find him working as a supposed mercenary for the Philistines. While away with his men from their home at  Ziklag, a raiding party of Amalekites attacks their home. The devestation includes: 1. the razing of Ziklag – it is burned to the ground (30:1), 2. the theft of all the possessions belonging to both David and his men; and 3. the kidnapping of their wives and children (30:2).

The collective response to the circumstances is predictable. Scripture tells us that the men wept until they could cry no longer. Out of bitterness, the men even talk of stoning David. So we find David grieving over his loss and threatened by his men. Scripture notes that he is in a “difficult position”. This is an understatement.

In contrast to those awful circumstances, “David,” Scripture tells us, “found strength in the Lord his God ” (30:6). Then, he asks the Lord, “what should I do?”

It appears that all is lost. Yet, when David prays, God responds. “Pursue the raiders.” In short, David’s men overtake the raiders, decimate their foes, capture  their spoils, and recover all of their kidnapped family members. The victory is great and complete. Grief turns to joy!

What appears to be a tragedy is actually a transition. God, in his timing is finally bringing to pass the hope and promise of David’s anointing by Samuel as a shepherd boy. With Saul’s death in battle, David returns to Israel where he finally becomes king.

Now, what can we learn from this incident in the life of David?

First, no devastating circumstance catches God by surprise. God is absolutely aware of the details. After, all, He is God!

Second, when crisis and uncertainty come, pray. David asks God to strengthen him and guide him. “Lord, what do I do next?” is his prayer. And God answers with clear and specific direction. “Pursue!” When we are in the midst of a crisis, we can be bitter, angry, and fearful, or we can pray and trust God to guide us.  Of course, this depends on our willingness to trust God that He actually is present and overseeing our lives. 

Third, when God gives direction, obey. David did as God directed and everything lost was regained with the exception of his home’s location. God is now literally taking him home to fulfill his destiny.

And fourth, what appears initially to be a tragedy, is actually a transition. It might have been difficult to leave the security of Ziklag so its destruction (in God’s permissive will) actually allows the transition back to Israel to progress more smoothly. There is nothing left in Ziklag to go home to.

I believe what happened to David has been replicated in the lives of countless believers including myself. What on first sight appears to be a tragedy is actually God’s means to effect a transition. When we get to the place God is taking us, we then look back and understand what God was doing to get us where He wants us to be.

Can you recall a time when what first looked like a tragedy ended up being a transition? Please share in the comments.

Blessings,

J.S.

7 Lessons on Conquering Adversity

       I have always been intrigued by the Biblical story of David and Goliath.  Most people, whether religious or not, are familiar with the metaphor if not the story itself which is found in I Samuel 17 in the Bible’s Old Testament.

       The abbreviated story line is essentially this: young shepherd brother takes food to older brothers who are fighting in Saul’s army; youth shepherd boy sees nasty giant who no one else will fight; young shepherd boy volunteers, goes to battle and wins; young shepherd boy becomes an overnight hero. Of course, the story is more complicated and, in fact is pregnant with insight on how to live life from a faith perspective.

       Most of us will never fight a real life giant; most of us, however, will face adversity. So, perhaps we could rename Goliath, the giant, Adversity and look closely at the text to discover lessons that will assist us in facing our Adversity. So, how do I face adversity and overcome? How do I face adversity and win? Here are seven principles that surface from the text. 

1. Keep your eyes on God and only glance at your circumstances. In the story of David and Goliath, David was the only one who maintained a vertical vision. Everyone else perceived reality from a strictly horizontal perspective.  Only David cultivated and lived with an awareness of the reality of the presence of God (Compare vv 26, 36-37, 45-46 with vv 10 and 24-25). 
2. More specifically, notice how faith can overcome and dissipate fear.  We tend to walk in fear when our perception of God is that He is small, or distant, or disinterested. In contrast, the more time we spend with God, the more realistic our perception of Him is. Our fear can be displaced by giving attention to God and His self-revelation in Scripture and in His Son. Consider verses 11, 24, 32, and 37 as a study of the relation between faith and fear. 
3. Notice that being a champion has its rewards (vs. 25-27). When the story opens, Goliath is a champion and David is a nobody. By the day's end David is the champion and Goliath is history. Is it worth it to pay the price to be a champion? Absolutely! I repeatedly tell students that "champions are made in the off-season." 
4. When criticized ask, “Is it true?” and deal with it; if it is not true just ignore it (see vs. 28-30). I love the response Eliab (the older brother) severely criticizes David. It says simply that David “turned away from him…” (v30) Criticism rooted in impure motives doesn't deserve our time! 
5. The battles of yesterday prepare us for victories tomorrow (vs. 34-37). Paraphrased, Saul asked David, “How can you fight that giant?” David’s response is, “I have fought and killed lions and bears; I can take the giant…this is nothing new.” Should we not be grateful for past and present battles? No doubt, they do prepare us for what we face in the future. 
6. When the chips are down, play your strengths (vs. 38-40). When Saul had David try on his armor, David simply responded, “I can’t use these, they are untested. I will use what I know.” In short, we must learn to use our own gifts, abilities and unique skills. The wise learn to play to their strengths. 
7. Live in such a way that the world knows God is real (vs. 41-51). In the whole story, David is the only one who acts as if God is real. When people watch us, do they conclude by our attitudes and actions that at least we live as if God is real?

So, here are some observations. I hope they help you overcome the adversity that you face! 

Blessings

J.S.

"Baptist World"

For those of you who know me, you are aware that I was born, raised as, and have invested my life as a servant of Jesus Christ among Southern Baptists. With all of its multiple flaws, I am still hopeful that the Lord will use the Southern Baptist Convention.

After 32 years as a senior pastor, I transitioned to the wonderful world of academia. For two years I taught homiletics (preaching) and church history  at Liberty's Seminary. I had a gratifying experience and made some lifelong friends. It was a joy to be a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church. I enjoyed my stint as interim pastor at North Main Baptist Church in Danville, VA. In Virginia, we had a wonderful experience with wonderful people. 

Then suddenly and unexpectedly, I was invited to come to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO where I presently serve as Dean of the Faculty, Vice President of Academic Development and Professor of Preaching and Church History. Yes, I stay busy. And I love it. I have grown to love the administration, the faculty, staff, students and their families here at Midwestern. We love our new church family at Lenexa Baptist Church. To say the least, I have been in and around "Baptist World" most of my life.

Presently, "Baptist World" is going through a transition. The Cooperative Program (CP), which is our cooperative method of raising and allocating funds to support our many ministries is in the process of being redefined. Whether it is the redefining of CP or simply the economic downturn, the amount of dollars going to CP has significantly decreased. 

I know that where I teach and lead the faculty, gifts from CP for the year are off about $300,000 to us this fiscal year. What does this mean? It means five less faculty, or a reduction of salary to already under paid professors, or ten less support staff; or perhaps it means less mission trips, or less of an ability to recruit students, or less of an ability to minister to students. You get the point. 

One unique agreement among Southern Baptists is that the institutions and agencies which receive CP funds are not permitted to ask the churches specifically for help. Our school, for example, is not permitted to solicit churches or to request extra offerings to help us even in times of need. If 500 of our churches decided to put us into our budget for just $100 a month it would really help make up our short fall. 

If individuals want to help us, they certainly may. We pray they will. In trying to maintain our integrity and strictly adhering to guidelines we find ourselves in need. I am actually looking forward to seeing how God will provide. We covet your prayers and trust in the Lord.

From this little corner of "Baptist World", I will keep you posted on how things are going.

2011 Reflections

To say the least, this past year has been momentous in my life.


In January, I was hired to serve as Vice-President of Academic Development and Dean of the Faculty at Midwestern Seminary. So after putting down two years of roots in Lynchburg and Liberty, Fern and I sold our home and relocated to Kansas City, Missouri.

In February, my father passed away from Leukemia. From diagnosis to death was only five and a half weeks. Never is a man more conscious of his own mortality than when his own father passes away.


Later in the Spring, I had the privilege of delivering the H. I. Hester Lectures on Preaching at Midwestern Seminary. 


About the same time, my newest book, A Primer on Biblical Preaching, was released by CrossBooks Publishers.


In the fall, I presented my first paper to The Evangelical Theological Society meeting in San Francisco. My title was "Seeing the Father in the Face of the Son." It was the results of an inductive study of the Gospels asking and attempting to answer the question, "if the Father relates to humanity the identical way that Jesus related to humanity, what patterns and principles can we discern?"


At the conclusion of this past year, I reworked and updated a paper I wrote for Reformation scholar William Estep on "James Arminius and the Dutch Reformation." It is included in the fall edition of the Midwestern Journal of Theology.


2011 was an eventful year. I can hardly wait to see what will happen in 2012. Did you learn any life-changing lessons this past year? Please share!