The “Dark Knight” Massacre

Waking up this morning to yet another senseless massacre of innocent people who gathered to see the new Batman movie I could not help but think to myself, “What if my family and I had been there?” The premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises” will go down as one of the darkest nights in American history.  As of now, reports say there are 12 dead and as many as 50 injured.

Think about the last five years. In 2007 the country suffered through the Virginia Tech massacre. Then in 2009 we saw the Fort Hood massacre. Now, in 2012, the Dark Knight massacre is the latest in a string of horrible shootings.

Are we living in a country, even a world that is falling apart? Well, yes we are. Where is the fear of God? Where is moral restraint? What is happening? Surely there will be commentators who will analyze this event from every angle. But I have just one comment to make.

We need the King of kings to come back to this broken world and rule in righteousness and power. Jesus is returning to this world and His reign will be in power and might. Until He returns, Christians should remember several things.

1. Cling to His goodness – Whatever you do, don’t throw your hands up and think God does not love. James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Let this tragedy send you into the loving arms of God.
2. Seek Him with all your heart – It is in seeking the face of the Lord that lifts our spirits. King David said in Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.”
3. Pray for revival to sweep the land – May there be a mighty wind of the Spirit to sweep through the church to awaken the sleeping body of Christ. Change will not come from Washington but from Zion. The new birth that comes through repentance and faith in the Cross of Christ will change people.
4. Pray for the victims and their families – Please don’t grow numb to waking up to another story of a great massacre in the world. Rather, be fervent in praying for the victims and their families. Pray this would be an open door for the love of Christ to bring the spiritually dead back to life.

bcf

A “Southern Baptist” Name Change

There have been some discussions as of late as to whether or not the name “Southern Baptist Convention” is hurting our ability to reach not only places in the U.S. but also our ability to reach the world. No, it’s not the “Baptist” part that is in question but the “Southern” part. I can hear all the people turning over in their graves even now! But really, what’s in a name? Isn’t it true that a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet? If they changed the name would my ordination certificate still work? Would my diplomas be any good? I remember the question coming up while I was in seminary in the mid ’90’s.

Some questions the committee will be considering as they study the issue are:  Is there value in considering a name change? What would be the potential legal ramifications of a name change? What would be the potential financial implications? This may be a bigger undertaking than many people think. The study and approval process will take several years to complete. Until then, I look forward to hearing the pros and cons.

The bottom line, however, is that we should do anything within biblical reason to get the message of the good news of Jesus Christ to people.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/20/southern-baptists-may-change-their-name/#ixzz1YWdTmIXy

bcf

Southern Baptists Not Invited to the 9/11 Prayer Vigil

The Nations largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist convention, is not invited to the Washington, DC prayer vigil remembering the victums of the worst attact on this country in its history.

“A Call to Compassion” will include an interfaith prayer vigil on Sept. 11. It will feature the dean of the Cathedral, the Bishop of Washington, a rabbi, Buddhist nun and incarnate lama, a Hindu priest, the president of the Islamic Society of North America and a Muslim musician.

However, Southern Baptists, representing the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, were not invited to participate – and neither were leaders from any evangelical Christian organization.”

What are we to think of this? A change in the times certainly. However, we should not be upset that the world does not think highly of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone for the glory of God alone is not a message that resonates with our culture. Instead of raising a ruckus, rejoice in the “chains” of our Lord!

I for one, see the good in not being invited. The Gospel should never be set equal with other world religions as if we are free to choose by what means we can be saved. We are to come from among the world and be separate.

bcf

Michele Bachmann

Michelle and I had the chance to meet Michele Bachmann recently. She met with only about 40 of us and shared her faith in Christ. I was impressed by the clarity of her testimony. It was more clear concerning repentance and faith than many church members. Her husband has a Christian counseling business and I enjoyed seeing him support his wife.

You may not know exactly who you are going to vote for in the Republican Primary (I know I don’t) but now is the time to pray for a Presidential candidate who will fear God and not man. Pray for one who will honor God in all he or she does.

Though politics is not the answer to the world’s problems (Jesus is the only answer) and though as Christians we do not trust in Washington but in Zion, we need godly men and women who are strong and courageous to serve in our government. Pray…

Romney Care

World Magazine

Does a Royal Wedding Equal a Royal Marriage?

Two billion people are expected to watch the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton early Friday morning. With so much money and pageantry that is invested in the wedding, has anyone thought about the effort that should be placed on the marriage?

Weddings come and go but a marriage is forever. The exertion to have a marriage that honors God should be one hundred times the sweat put into the wedding. Your marriage is extra special to God. He loves your marriage and wants it to glorify Him.  First Peter 2:9 states, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

All those in Christ by faith have true royal blood. We are children of the King. Therefore, a wedding that is a worship service to Christ is a royal wedding and the marriage of two royal children of God adds up to a royal marriage.

By the way, unless the Royal Wedding makes Sports Centers Top Plays, I will miss it.

bcf