Brad Ferguson's Blog

Bring Up Girls

bradferguson — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:55:16 +0000

I just finished Bring Up Girls by James Dobson. He does a great job of pointing out the differences between boys and girls (as if we needed reminding). The book is very practical in how it steers moms and dads to relate to their daughters.

I often times hear people say, “Todays kids and youth have a much tougher time than we did growing up.” So true. This book is great for bringing up some of the issues that today’s girls face that were foreign to us growing up.

It is interesting to read this book right after I finished Gospel Powered Parenting by William P. Farley. Farley focuses on the gospel shaping our parenting while Dobson focuses on fleshing out the practical steps and pitfalls of parenting. Farley brings us the larger point – the gospel. Dobson provides a good supplement.

If you read this book, I can just about guarantee you will learn things you did not know about your daughter and what she faces as she grows into a young woman.

bcf

At The Speed of Anger

bradferguson — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:42:45 +0000

James instructs the church on one of the most formidable foes to biblical love; anger. James 1:19-20 teaches us, “…let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires.”

The enemy’s strategy regarding his tool of anger is to have it rush upon us. The destructive power of anger is in its quickness. Therefore, the best way to disarm anger is to do nothing at first. Only a fool gives full vent to his anger. “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Pr. 14:29).

Do not act or speak first but listen first. Wait for the rush of adrenaline to fade and then respond in a peaceful and Christ-like manner. This will produce righteousness instead of regrets.

bcf

God Centered Praying

bradferguson — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:09:28 +0000

Let us be careful to keep God and His glory at the center of our prayers. It has been said that the spiritual discipline of prayer is no longer viewed as a pressing need in the church. Of course we would never say so much. Nevertheless, proof that the church has lost much of its will to pray is the fact that we do so little of it.

We seem to have lost sight of our complete desperation without God. We have forgotten that we depend on Him for everything. We assume too much of God without pleading with Him for our needs. Perhaps one of the reasons we struggle so much is because we have failed to ask God for power for ministry, a common theme in the prayer life of the Apostle Paul.

Let us pray as did Paul for spiritual strength, “…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

bcf

Just Ask

bradferguson — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:40:05 +0000

Our Lord’s provisions are unending. We could never exhaust His resources towards His children. If you need patience, just ask (“…none who wait
for you will be put to shame” Ps. 25:3). If you need to know God’s way, just ask (“Make me to know your ways…” Ps. 25:4). If you need to learn what His path for you is, just ask (“…teach me your paths” Ps. 25:4). If you need His leadership in a matter, just ask (“He leads the humble in what is right” Ps.25:9). Do you need the friendship of God? You guessed it, just ask (“The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him” Ps. 25:14).

Renew your prayer for something you have long ago given up on. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Whatever yourcurrent situation, God has everything you need. Just ask.

bcf

A “Southern Baptist” Name Change

bradferguson — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:18:42 +0000

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.

bcf

Southern Baptists Not Invited to the 9/11 Prayer Vigil

bradferguson — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:02:07 +0000

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

bradferguson — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:26:30 +0000

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…

God Does The Impossible

bradferguson — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:26:58 +0000

It is good to be reminded often that God does the impossible. “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26). Nothing hinders His purpose in the world or in our lives. God is not delayed in what He desires to accomplish.

He is not dependent on the economy or the housing market. He does not consult the Feds, the stock market or any world leader before He takes action. He needs no “plan B”. He cannot be stopped, slowed or altered in any way. Our God reigns!

Do not think that being in “an impossible situation” is bad. Actually, it is exactly where God wants you. It is only in the “impossible” that we see God do the amazing.

Think of something you once prayed about but have given up as “impossible.” Pray for it again. Renew your trust in the Lord by not leaning on your own understanding (Pr. 3:5-6).

bcf

What Would You Die For?

bradferguson — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:45:35 +0000

Is there anything you believe so strongly about that you would pay the ultimate price of your own blood for? Josef T’son was a Christian who was persecuted under the Communists inRomania. The Government hated him because he was a follower of Christ.

Adrian Rogers tells the story of when government officials warned, “’Josef, if you don’t get in line and register with the Communist government and let us control your ministry you know what we can do to you.’ Josef answered, ‘I know what you can do. Your chief weapon is killing, but let me tell you what my chief weapon is. My chief weapon is dying. And I want to warn you, if you use yours, I will be forced to use mine.’”

Would you die for your faith in Christ? Be careful of answering a quick “yes” especially if you don’t even spend much time with Him in prayer.

Pray for the persecuted church and those who are faithfully suffering for Christ in other parts of the world. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you an increased awareness of your desperation for Him.

bcf

No Limit To Love

bradferguson — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:11:57 +0000

God’s love for you is everlasting. Paul said, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angles nor rulers, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Rest assured that whatever life conditions you are facing, the Almighty God loves you and thus watches over you and will guide you. His love is limitless. He who saved you through Christ will keep you. He will walk with you and care for your needs. Trust Him and His perfect will even when you don’t understand His leading. Simply follow.

bcf