The news is out that another pastor is down. This one took his own life, in the church building, with police there, and all of this just prior to Resurrection Sunday.
A few thoughts this morning:
Although he was a Fundamental Baptist, this didn't happen specifically because he was a Fundamental Baptist.
The sin nature exists in us all and snatches people in all groups of people, evangelicals, fundamentalists, Catholics, police departments, fire departments, school officials you name it, sin is in it.
This happens frequently enough among Fundamental Baptists that we should take note and concern.
I am not suggesting we can completely free ourselves from the problem, but we should address the problem. In that light here are a few things to consider:
A. We focus too much on success and not enough on Christ.
Preachers meetings have become all about how to reach numbers and not nearly enough on what is our relationship with Christ
B. We idolize men too easily
Sometimes we idolize self. If we have become successful we view ourselves as above sin
C. We justify lack of spirituality too often
There is no excuse for missing communion with God. Ever.
D. We accept confrontation and correction too seldom
I am reading Ben Franklin's biography right now. In his early years Franklin founded two groups whose sole purpose was to improve each others skills through practice, examination and constructive criticism. One of those groups remained active through his entire life. Preachers ought to form such groups.
E. We fail to take seriously the spiritual battle we have become engaged in.
And we do not pray enough or enlist the prayers of others nearly enough.
May God protect us.
Marvin McKenzie
In the fields
A few thoughts this morning:
Although he was a Fundamental Baptist, this didn't happen specifically because he was a Fundamental Baptist.
The sin nature exists in us all and snatches people in all groups of people, evangelicals, fundamentalists, Catholics, police departments, fire departments, school officials you name it, sin is in it.
This happens frequently enough among Fundamental Baptists that we should take note and concern.
I am not suggesting we can completely free ourselves from the problem, but we should address the problem. In that light here are a few things to consider:
A. We focus too much on success and not enough on Christ.
Preachers meetings have become all about how to reach numbers and not nearly enough on what is our relationship with Christ
B. We idolize men too easily
Sometimes we idolize self. If we have become successful we view ourselves as above sin
C. We justify lack of spirituality too often
There is no excuse for missing communion with God. Ever.
D. We accept confrontation and correction too seldom
I am reading Ben Franklin's biography right now. In his early years Franklin founded two groups whose sole purpose was to improve each others skills through practice, examination and constructive criticism. One of those groups remained active through his entire life. Preachers ought to form such groups.
E. We fail to take seriously the spiritual battle we have become engaged in.
And we do not pray enough or enlist the prayers of others nearly enough.
May God protect us.
Marvin McKenzie
In the fields
