By Mark W. Christy, PhD In a culture where self is king and every conversation is gauged by how it serves one’s emotions, many who choose to boldly declare truth will face a plethora of accusations concerning their directness and insensitivity. In response to these concerns, the one declaring truth should most certainly manifest a humble and loving spirit in their relations to others. That being said, the possession of such a spirit may be somewhat difficult to perceive by those receiving a ...

The seeker sensitive (driven) movement has reprogrammed many to reconsider church based on how it meets their needs. While I do think that the best of the seeker sensitive movement helped us realize some of the changes in culture, I also think the worst of it has done far more damage. For years, popular culture has been on a headlong march toward emotional, experiential, and self-affirming arguments becoming the foundation of one's learning and assessment of the world.For the most part, factual...

Speaking to His Jewish audience, Jesus said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it!” (Luke 13:34 NASB; cf. 1 Thess 2:14-16). Throughout God’s dealings with His people in the Old Testament, they repeatedly chose to attack His messenger and disavow His message. In the time that Jesus walked the earth, King Herod chose ...

The SBC faces multiple challenges. Currently, there seems to be a great debate over the theological merits of Calvinism and Arminianism. Many are choosing sides but most seem to have a poor understanding of the differences. Historically, Baptists (SBC) chose to embrace both camps under the banner of evangelicalism. In my view, proper understanding of these two opposing views requires significant and systematic study of Scripture. Given this, Christians probably need time to work through the var...

Inside the church Encouraging fellow believers in the Word. One of my brothers here in China struggled with loneliness. His stance for Christ left him abandoned by his family and his social circle. Instead of just giving him a quick encouraging word, I made time to go eat with him on a weekly basis. Besides having many discussions at the table over the teachings of our Lord, we would also spend some time studying God’s word back at my home.Confronting those who are not living in accordance w...

Besides remaining faithful in prayer and regular study of God’s Word, Christian ministers (like every other Christian) should always keep Christ first, examine themselves, walk in the light of truth, practice obedience, rely on God’s grace, and maintain fellowship with God’s church. Each of these commitments is discussed in the following paragraphs. The first commitment, keeping Christ first, involves the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with al...