Thinking Critically . . . Acting Faithfully

(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) As I write this, I’m sitting at the back of the room, observing the deliberations of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. In November, my home church, Wilshire Baptist of Dallas, voted to recognize only one class of members. There would no Read more . . .

(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) Jerry Barnes passed away this morning. Jerry was pastor of University Baptist Church in Shawnee when I was a student at Oklahoma Baptist University. He was key in giving me guidance and support during the faith struggle I experienced, which began early in my sophomore year (1970-’71) Read more . . .

(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) As Christians, and especially Baptist Christians, we should be able to disagree and then go on to work together, in the many areas where we agree, to carry the grace of Christ to a hurting world. There is too much need in the world for us Read more . . .

(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) (The following is excerpted from the TBC Update that I delivered to the 2016 Texas Baptists Committed Breakfast at the BGCT Annual Meeting in Waco on Tuesday, November 15.) Texas Baptists Committed continues to respond when Baptist principles are compromised. In 2004, my wife and I Read more . . .

Some of my Christian friends on Facebook have sworn in recent months to quit posting politically partisan material. Most have explained their decision in terms of not wanting to further division among Christians and jeopardize friendships. Recurring themes have been that, regardless of who wins the presidency, “God is still on His throne” and “God is in control.” Sorry, Read more . . .

(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) This week marks the 5th anniversary of TBC Weekly Baptist Roundup, originally titled TBC Midweek Baptist Roundup. TBC published the first issue on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into – a commitment that I would need to fulfill every week before Read more . . .

(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) (Dan Williams, longtime pastor and former president of the Texas Baptist Laity Institute, passed away on April 28 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Dan wrote the following as a Lenten devotional a few years ago while serving as pastor of International Baptist Church in Read more . . .

(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) Dan Williams passed away last week, after a long battle with prostate cancer. Any attempt to pay tribute to one who has meant so much to so many is bound to be feeble at best, but I need to try. I want to convey our friendship in Read more . . .

(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) I was baptized 55 years ago this evening. April 16, 1961, at First Baptist Church, Richardson, Texas. 55 years ago! To put that in perspective, here are a few things going on in the world around that time:   John F. Kennedy had been inaugurated less Read more . . .

(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) Two particular themes have been prominent in the 2016 presidential campaign: Making (or keeping) America great Recognizing Christianity’s unique place in American life As both an American and a Christian (but not in that order), I emphatically affirm the greatness of America and the uniqueness of Read more . . .