Connecting the Dots in an Unconnected World

We Persuade Men

2012-02-01T08:49:00.002-05:00

This Sunday morning I will begin a 3 week sermon series titled "We Persuade Men." The idea behind the series is to identify motivations for soul winning. The sad reality is that the overwhelming majority of professing Christians are not motivated to win others to Christ. I could spend time sharing my opinion as to why this is true allow me to simply encourage you to find someone this week and attempt to win that someone to Christ. They are everywhere we go: work, school, recreation, the grocery store, Wal-Mart, etc... you get the idea. Most of the people you encounter in these places are lost and Jesus has made them our responsibility.

A lost people are waiting, a loving Savior is weeping and a longing culture is in desperate need for a soul wining movement to explode out of our churches. This movement will begin one person at a time and it is the only hope for genuine, lasting renewal to break out in 21st century Christianity. Good grant it to be so.

Attempting to Connect the Dots...
Wayne

Revivals Still Work

2012-01-27T07:22:00.000-05:00

Some say the day of local church revivals is over. I suggest to you that God is still in the local church revival business. When we pray, prepare, preach and meet God's conditions for revival, He still sends revival.

This past week at Damascus Baptist Church of Graceville, Florida we experienced the fresh breath of God in revival. 15 saved (people saved each night), 4 baptized (one more than the church baptized all of last year) with others scheduled for baptism this Sunday and next Sunday and numerous other decisions. Pastor Jimmie Legg and his dear people were gracious hosts and did yeoman work preparing for and serving during the revival.

Also, each day we saw people make public decisions with 6 being saved in the chapel services at the Baptist College of Florida. In 2 separate small groups leaders indicated that revival was breaking out on campus. God is up to something wonderful at this great institution of higher education. Thank God for Dr. Tom Kinchen and his visionary leadership.

Revive us Again!

Attempting to Connect the Dots...
Wayne

Revival in Graceville

2012-01-18T13:37:00.002-05:00

Beginning Sunday morning, January 22 and continuing through Wednesday evening, January 25 I will be in revival at the Damascus Baptist Church of Graceville, Florida. Their dear pastor Brother Jimmie Legg is new at Damascus and doing a great work in the early months of his tenure there. Ask God to give us genuine revival that will result in a great harvest of souls.

Also, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning I will be preaching the Winter Revival at the Baptist College of Florida. What a wonderful opportunity and awesome responsibility God has given me in this assignment. The Baptist College of Florida is a flagship school in our Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Tom Kinchen the very capable President is doing an amazing job of leading this great school that trains future preachers of the gospel. Ask God to use us to inspire and challenge the students of this fine institution of higher education to develop hot hearts and willing spirits to be used of God to Change the World with God's Unchanging Word.

Finally, ask God to give you the opportunity to share the gospel with someone today. it will amaze you what He will do.

Attempting to Connect the Dots...

Wayne

Read the Bible in 2012

2012-01-11T12:00:00.001-05:00

Allow me to encourage you to read through your Bible in 2012. This will be one of the great journeys and achievements of your life. It is sad but true that most professing believers know about the Bible but have never read through the Bible. That is possibly the major reason there are so many "Baby Christians" in our churches today. Christian discipleship is impossible outside of a personal, disciplined and consistent reading of God's Word.

Some years ago I committed to reading through the Bible. I now read through the Bible approximately once every 90 days. Once I read through the Bible in 48 days. One of the deacons, Bill Burchette, in the church I pastor read through the Bible 9 times in 2011. I share this to indicate that it can be done.

There are numerous Bible reading plans available on the internet. The process I follow is to read the Bible for one hour each day. Ruthi reads a specific number of pages in her Bible each day. My counsel is that any plan will work as long as you work the plan.

There are several benefits derived from reading the Bible through in 2012. The most obvious is that you will become more acquainted with God's Word. You will mature personally and spiritually from the process of making a commitment and keeping it. This will promote within you a growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. You will achieve a sense of personal accomplishment.

Make a commitment to stop simply reading books about the Bible and start reading the Bible. Pick up your Bible today and get started it will be one of your best experiences in life.

Attempting to Connect the Dots...

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Following Jesus?

2012-01-04T08:19:00.000-05:00

I read and hear much these days from folks who claim to be "just a follower of Jesus." While on the face of it this is an appropriate statement, what does it mean?

By observation it too often means I don't want to make a commitment to identify sacrificially with other believers. Those who are "just followers of Jesus" often bounce from church to church and Bible study to Bible study. Staying only as long as it meets their fancy and their egos are being stroked. Their following Jesus is about them knowing more things and gaining more knowledge. This seems a lot like the heresy of Gnosticism.

Just being a follower of Jesus does include knowing more about God and His Word. However, it does not stop there. Being a follower of Jesus is allowing Him to rearrange your life to conform to His will. It means learning to live sacrificially. It means recognizing that your relationship with Christ is not about you it is about Him. It means loving that which He loved. It means a serious commitment to win the lost to Christ. It means becoming available to Christ for whatever purpose He has planned.

Our relationship with Christ is not a magic formula for blessing nor is it a rescue from the trials of life. It is to be a life changing commitment that redirects us to be a apart of His plan to evangelize the world with the gospel.

Attempting to Connect the Dots....

Wayne

Celebrations

2011-12-30T07:55:00.002-05:00

The week from December 25 to January 20 is a time of many celebrations for me. Including Christmas and New years here is a list:

December 27 - My birthday (1954) and our wedding anniversary (1977)
January 1 - Anniversary of my beginning to serve on a church staff (1977)
January 15 - Anniversary of my ordination to the Ministry (1978)
January 20 - Ruthi's birthday (? I'm not stupid)

This time of year is always a time of reflection for me. Sunday will be the 35th anniversary of my serving the Lord in a vocational position. Much has changed in 35 years.

Life has changed. 35 years ago. Marriage, 4 children, and 2 grand children, I used a rotary dial phone, we had 4 TV channels to choose from and gasoline was 34 cents a gallon, etc ...

Church life has changed. 35 years ago there were no video screens for worship, sound systems were placed in separate rooms and preachers (almost all preachers) wore suits when preaching, etc ...

Southern Baptists were just beginning the "Battle for the Bible" and many traditional practices were being set aside as out of date

I could go on but you get the idea. However, there are some things that have not changed.

Sin is still man's greatest challenge and Jesus is still the only answer. The Bible is still God's inspired, inerrant Word. Preaching is still God's chosen method impact the culture. Soul Winning is still the finest investment of the believer and God's ordained method of bringing the lost to Christ. Also, Southern Baptists are still battling and many traditional practices are still being set aside as out of date.

Change is not a bad thing. In fact, change is inevitable in any living organism. However, change should be tested before it is embraced. Remember, one of the most significant changes in human history was the fall of Adam and Eve from their Edenic perfection.

I look forward to many more years of celebration and believe God to guide me through the treacherous waters of change.

Attempting to Connect the Dots....

Wayne

Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T07:34:00.001-05:00

As we come to the home stretch of Christmas celebrations that include musicals, parties, eating (lots of eating), preaching, missions events, shopping, family and more... allow me to take a moment of reflection.

Christmas is first and foremost about a baby in the manger - Jesus! In the midst of all of the busy-ness we celebrate God's Son who came born of a virgin to one day die for our sins. Jesus is not just the reason for the season, He is the season, for there is no season without Him.

There is much I am thankful for as I celebrate Jesus' birth.

Family. Emotion floods my soul as I reflect upon the 32 previous Christmas celebrations that Ruthi and I have shared. Cutting down a Christmas tree that was 12 feet tall and attempting to get it into our 1 bedroom apartment with an 8 foot ceiling. Traditions like rice pudding that no one eats on December 23rd. The child like excitement that renews itself each year in our home as Christmas Day approaches. The first Christmas for Ralph, Marci and Steven. All night drives through snow storms to spend a few days with Ruthi's Mom and Dad. Thank you Ruthi for making Christmas at home such a wonderful time. God has given me a wonderful family.

Friends. Space does not allow for me to identify the legion of people who have blessed me across the years. Suffice it to say that God has allowed and continues to allow me to work and share ministry with the finest people in His kingdom's service. No man is more blessed by friends than I have been blessed.

Church. This is the 21st time I have celebrated the birth of Jesus with the people of Southside. I am humbled by and honored with the privilege of being called "preacher" by these dear people. They allow me to follow God's direction and pursue His high calling in my life. They pray for and encourage both me and my family. I am grateful not only for God's call on my life but also for His choosing of a place of service for my labor.

Thank you Father for the gift of your Son and the ongoing gift of your mercies that are renewed every day.

Attempting to Connect the Dots...

Wayne

Time for Revival

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

For the past several years Southern Baptists have been attempting to experience a fresh movement of God by restructuring, reprogramming and now renaming. It seems we are more concerned with "how" we do the Great Commission than "that" we do the Great Commission. We may be more concerned with methodology than with transformation. Possibly we are more concerned with what others think of us than what Jesus thinks of us.

In our listing of "R's" that concern us we have missed at least two. Repentance and revival are what we need. There must be a genuine turning from sin and revival of a concern for lost souls if we are to experience a fresh movement of God. If we are to turn around our Southern Baptist Convention we must begin bu turning around individual lives in our churches. We do not need refashioned programs we need revitalized people. New emphases will not substitute for New Testament evangelism and discipleship. A better marketing strategy cannot replace brokenness before our Savior.

21st century pragmatism will not suffice if we are to genuinely impact our culture with the gospel. Let us not forget that Jesus commanded those who know Him and walk with Him to go find those who do not and lovingly share His good news of salvation and an eternal relationship with Him.

Attempting to connect the dots...

Wayne

Quotable:
"We do not need to market the church but rather we need to church the market."
John Sullivan

Thank God for Good Teachers

2011-08-26T09:02:00.001-04:00

My wife Ruthi and our daughter Solveig teach 3 year old boys and girls. This week they started with a new class of 15 boys and girls. As you would expect the week has been filled with new opportunities for both teachers and the boys and girls.

Wednesday morning Ruthi was teaching the boys and girls that God had created the world and all that we see and had created each one of them in His image. Following their "circle time" one of the little boys commented to Ruthi "God is a good guy isn't He." This little boy has learned a lesson that we need to learn and that is that God is good to his children. Later a child prayed "Thank you God for me." Again, this small child grasps that God is the author of his life.

Thank God for teachers that train up children in the truth of God's Word.

Attempting to Connect the Dots...

Wayne

Romans 1:16

Quotable:

"A teacher affects eternity: he will never tell where his influence stops"

~ Henry Brooks Adams

The Reward of Soul Winning

2011-07-28T16:34:00.000-04:00

It was a quiet Saturday morning in November of 1975 that I led my first person to know Jesus as their Savior. I had spent the week navigating and driving for Jack Shelton, a layman, as he led men, women and young people to Christ. First with simple wonder and then with a great awe I watched as this layman presented the simple gospel and person after person gave their life to Jesus Christ. That week God placed within me a desire to be a personal soul winner.

That afternoon as I was driving home to shower and change for the evening revival service I felt compelled to stop and speak with a high school friend about Jesus. Dave and I had become friends when we played high school basketball together. In retrospect I did a very poor job of sharing the gospel. However, God had given me a divine appointment and after a few minutes Dave bowed his head and asked Jesus into his life. That was 36 years ago and I have not spoken to Dave in more than 32 years.

Today I received word that my friend Dave lost a long battle with a terminal disease and is now in heaven with the Lord. As I remember that Saturday afternoon 36 years ago I am grateful God allowed me to be the person who shared Jesus with Dave Hurless. During the intervening years God has allowed me many victories and rewards I do not deserve. One day I shall stand around the throne of God and among the people I shall reunite with will be Dave Hurless. I am satisfied with the reward of being a soul winner.

Attempting to connect the dots...

R. Wayne Briant

Romans 1:16

Quotable:

"Let's quit fiddling with religion and do something to bring the world to Christ."

-Billy Sunday

God Grants Souls

2011-07-23T08:01:00.001-04:00

The past two weeks have been exceptionally busy. Two funerals, great ministry opportunities at Southside, facilitating decision making at a church in crisis, and all of the regular pastoral stuff, etc...

However, during this time God has been good. Nearly 50 people prayed to receive Jesus at the 2 funerals and I have been privileged to lead 2 young men to Christ in the past 3 days. I have often stated that the best tonic (for me personally) is to be a part of seeing people saved.

It is great to be a preacher of the gospel and a soul winner. Thank God for His blessing.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne

Romans 1:16

Quotable:

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."
Proverbs 11:30

Praying for America

2011-06-08T07:40:00.000-04:00

Governor Rick Perry of Texas has issued a call for day of prayer, August 6, 2011. The purpose of this day of prayer is to “seek God’s guidance and wisdom in addressing the challenges that face our communities, states and nation."

As you would expect this has brought an outcry of indignation from the liberal left. Wild accusations and liberal pontifications of violation of church and state were immediate. It would seem that the failed solutions of the past years are preferred to the potential intervention of the God and the faith in Him that our nation was founded upon.

I for one am weary of the empty diatribe of the liberal voices in America. In the name of political correctness the a-theist, a-religionist and the a-moral have intimidated Americans for far too long. I agree with Governor Perry that America desperately needs the intervention of God in our national and international affairs.

While I totally agree with the principle that those who oppose the day of prayer have the privilege to do so, I am just as committed to the principle that those who wish to gather and pray have the privilege to do so. My advice to those who oppose this day of prayer is that they not attend and that they (should they choose) not pray. They will not be the first people who foolishly thought themselves to be wiser than God and ignored His gracious offer of prayer that leads to wisdom and provision.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne

Romans 1:16

Quotable:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
~ Brave Americans, First Amendment

Communication

2011-05-25T16:57:00.000-04:00

I confess that I do very little texting (something to do with my fat fingers and little understanding of the current codes). However, my friend Mary Sue Burch shared the following Middle Age Texting Codes with me. It will bring a smile to your face.

ATD -at the doctor

BFF -best friend fell

BTW -bring the wheelchair

BYOT -bring your own teeth

FWIW -forgot where I was

GGPBL -gotta go, pacemaker battery low

GHA -got heartburn again

IMHO -is my hearing aid on

LMDO -laughing my dentures out

OMMR -on my massage recliner

ROFLACGU -rolling on floor laughing and can't get up

TTYL -talk to you louder

I think I will stay with face to face and the phone.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne

Romans 1:16

Quotable:

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

~ George Bernard Shaw

Revival in Bartow

2011-05-13T13:46:00.000-04:00

Sunday, May 15 through Wednesday, May 18, I will be preaching in revival at the First Baptist Church of Bartow, Florida. Bartow is the county seat of Polk County. Dr. Ron Burks is the pastor of this dear church. He and the leaders of the church have done an excellent job of preparation, visiting and praying. Also, my friend and treasured co-laborer Marvin Pittman is a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Bartow.

It is my conviction that the needs of our nation, our state and our churches will be met when our churches experience old-fashioned revival.

Please pray for me, for Dr. Burks and for the people of Bartow First Baptist Church that we might experience real revival and that scores of people will come to faith in Christ. God is willing. May He pour out His Spirit upon us.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power! Thy floodgates of blessing, on us throw open wide! Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power! That sinners be converted and Thy Name glorified!”
~ Charles H. Gabriel

Some Soul for Thee

2011-05-06T09:41:00.000-04:00

Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,
And love that soul through me;
And may I bravely do my part
To win that soul for Thee.

Lord, lead me to some soul in sin,
And grant that I may be
Endued with power and love to win
That soul, dear Lord, for Thee.

To win that soul for Thee, my Lord,
Will be my constant prayer;
That when I've won Thy full reward
I'll with that dear one share.

Some soul for Thee, some soul for Thee,
This is my earnest plea;
Help me each day, on life's highway,

To win some soul for Thee.

While this is one of my favorite hymns may it be the desire of my heart and the activity of my life.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne

Romans 1:16

Quotable:

“If I understand the Great Commission properly, the first thing to teach somebody you win to Christ is how to win somebody else to Christ."

~ Dr. Jack Hyles

An Interesting Point of View

2011-04-22T10:17:00.000-04:00

This week my Ministry Assistant Dorothy Jentgens shared from a conversation she had with her 83 year old mother.

My mother is pushing 83 and pooh-poohs the idea of “green” and recycling saying she has been doing it since she was a young woman and society made her stop.

Her case:

She never used disposable diapers but washed out the diapers we used when we were small and sent them to the diaper service who washed and sanitized them and returned them all folded neatly. Same goes for disposable bottle liners. No plastic in the garbage for her! She used glass bottles and sterilized them on our stove.

We had a milkman. You washed out the GLASS containers and put them in the milk box. He delivered milk in those containers after they had been taken back to the dairy and sanitized thoroughly by the company. No plastic in the recycle.

The same thing happened with soda. No cans, glass. You rinsed them out and returned them to the grocery and then they sanitized and refilled and were back on the grocery shelves the next week. The kids had fun looking at the bottoms of Coke bottles to find out where they came from because Coke had bottling companies in every state and they marked the city of origin on the bottles where they manufactured them.

Most clothing and laundry was hung outside for natural drying. What a great smell! No BTU's used in that process while a dryer spun your electric meter around.

Garbage was taken to the outside trash can in a wrap of newspaper and two paper grocery bags inside one another. Oh look, no plastic.

She had a vegetable garden for fresh vegetables and by that garden you kept a “kip” where you composted for that garden. That compost was mostly our grass clippings, potato and other vegetable and fruit peels, bush and tree clippings, leaves and dog droppings picked up from our yard. She had the most wonderful tomatoes ever. Organic, anyone?

Some lessons I take away from this conversation:

1. There is much to be learned from our elders. We sometimes think that those who are older are of little value. Their experience, wisdom and insight are often invaluable. Take time to build relationships with those who have lived longer than you. It will benefit you for eternity.

2. Newer is not better. The spirit of the age seems to be “throw out the old, to make way for the newer and the better.” Newer is not better, better is better. The automobile industry has taught us this lesson over and over again.

3. People can still contribute whatever their age. Most of us tend to write off those who have “slowed down” in life. Many of our greatest steps of progress have been instigated by those whom were deemed “over the hill.” Do not allow your age to cause you to cease to have input in and be active in our society.

4. There is no substitute for experience. We place high value on education and youth and then to our detriment ignore the value of experience. While education is valuable and youth is a blessing nothing can replace having been there and having done that. Most of the population under 50 has not shared the experiences Dorothy’s mother spoke of.

Having said this we are also wise to not reject that which is new and different simply because it is new and different. This spirit would cause us to still be living in caves and warming ourselves by the fire. As we face our future it would seem wise to recognize that we need not reinvent the wheel while we do pursue ways to make the wheel more efficient.

Thank you to Dorothy’s mother for her wise insight.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning.”
~ Barbara de Angelis

Diversity and Cooperation

2011-04-08T09:03:00.000-04:00

This generation of Southern Baptists is the most diverse in our glorious history. The diversity ranges from the way we dress to the way we worship to the way we structure ourselves as a church and even reaches into what we believe. While diversity is not always a bad thing it can become a challenging thing.

Of late there has been some discussion of the problems created by this diversity. Some seem to feel that we are headed to some form of division based upon our differences. Allow me to suggest that we should not focus on where we differ but rather on the things which we have in common. We should begin to ask the question “Do we have enough in common to walk together.”

Amos, the prophet of God raised the question, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Our treasured practice of cooperation is based on our level of agreement or commonality. While I recognize that a gathering of 3 Baptists will offer 4 opinions, ultimately there must be a point of commonality for there to be cooperation.

Baptists have never been and should never be defined by a creed to be signed or a hierarchy to be obeyed. We have willingly chosen to establish cooperative relationships through which find fellowship, training doctrinal accountability and missional expression and activity. This choosing to cooperate has always recognized a level of diversity exited. However, while the diversity existed so did a significant level of commonality.

Our commonality and cooperation cannot be achieved by edict or coercion it must be achieved willingly and by choice. The very concept of cooperation requires working together toward a commonly agreed upon goal.

We must not allow our differences in the way we dress, the way we worship and the way we do church determine our future. We must determine if we have enough in common doctrinally and missionally to walk together into our Christ commanded future of reaching a lost world with gospel. We must not be deceived into believing a mission strategy is at stake or a denominational structure is at risk. We must move beyond that to the reality that the souls of more than 5 billion people are at stake.

I believe we have more in common than we recognize and that ultimately we do best what we do together.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“If you want to be incrementally better: Be competitive. If you want to be exponentially better: Be cooperative.”
~ Unknown

Heaven Came Down

2011-04-01T11:31:00.000-04:00

The songwriter says, “Heaven came down and glory filled my soul.” This is my feeling following revival at the Lake Shipp Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Florida.

March 27-30 it was my privilege to lead revival services at the lake Shipp Baptist Church where my dear friend Hilton Davis is doing a wonderful job as the Interim pastor. During these days God opened heaven and poured out His Spirit upon us. Attendance averaged approximately 40% more than the average Sunday morning attendance 31 people received Christ, 18 were baptized, 1 joined by letter and there were 12 public rededications. God gave a genuine spirit of revival. Thank God for the moving of His Spirit.

This is a wonderful church with a great opportunity. Pray that God will lead them to the man He has already chosen to lead them in the future.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Revive us again; Fill each heart with Thy love; May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.”
~ William McKay

Revival in Winter Haven, Florida

2011-03-24T16:28:00.000-04:00

This Sunday, March 27 through Wednesday evening, March 30 I will be leading revival services at the Lake Shipp Baptist Church. The Interim Pastor there is my dear friend Hilton Davis. Hilton is serving this church for the second time as their Interim Pastor, previously serving as their Interim pastor in 2007-2008. Lake Shipp is a great group of God's people who are facing a trenmendous opportunity to reach their community with the Gospel.

In October 2007 I had the honor of leading this wonderful church in revival. In that meeting we had 18 saved, baptized six and had 28 other public decisions. God poured out His Spirit with excellent crowds at each service.

Pray that God will revive us again.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Revival is a sovereign work of God that he chooses to allow us to participate in.”
~ RWB

The Greatest Challenge

2011-03-12T07:40:00.000-05:00

What is the greatest challenge the church faces today? I am certain there are a multitude of responses to this question. Allow me to weigh in.
This week I read a guest post http://peterlumpkins.typepad.com/peter_lumpkins/ by Howell Scott on the blog of Peter Lumpkins. While this post deals with some of the controversy swirling in Southern Baptist life today (there is always controversy). It caused me to consider what I believe to be the greatest challenge the local church faces. This challenge reaches across the broad methodological, philosophical and polity diveresities of Southern Baptist life. The chasm between the nominally committed church member and the actively committed church member seems to be growing.

Those nominally committed church member attends when it is convenient, gives when there is excess, picks and chooses what he/she will support or participate in, complains when things are not done with their total agreement and too often expect nothing to ever change.

While the actively committed church member attends faithfully, gives sacrificially, participates as needed, has a positive spirit and recognizes that things are changing all the time.

The work of the church is not done by a professional clergy performing for its congregants but by a committed laity set on fire for Christ. The greatest need of the church is for the nominally committed member to become an actively committed member. When this happens the church becomes a missional force for our Savior.

By the way, I think Howell Scott has hit very close to home.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you are committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”
~ Unknown

Dr. David C. Hall

2011-03-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

Wednesday evening, February 23, Ruthi’s father, Dr. David C. Hall was promoted to heaven. These past several days I have had had time to consider Dr. Hall’s impact on my life. In many ways my relationship with Dr. Hall was unique. It began when he extended a gospel invitation during a revival service and I received Christ. He baptized me and became my pastor. As my pastor he challenged me to follow Christ and nurtured within me a passion to see people saved. He led the Seminole Heights Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida to employ me on their staff and to ordain me to the ministry. He gave me Ruthi’s hand in marriage. I served as his Assistant Pastor for seven years. Then God led me to my first pastorate and I became a neighboring pastor. Not only did he preach revivals in churches where I pastored; I preached for him. On several occasions we shared the platform at evangelism conferences and simultaneous revival events. Most of what I know about the ministry and reaching people for Christ I learned serving with him. It is obvious that Dr. Hall had a tremendous influence upon my life and for that I shall be eternally grateful.

Dr. Hall’s life cast a lasting shadow across the Southern Baptist Convention in his generation. The churches he pastored averaged baptizing more than 200 people per year for more than 50 years of ministry. He was the finest local church evangelist I had the pleasure to know. He was an innovator long before church innovation was in vogue. He was an outstanding student of God’s Word reading through the Bible once every 21 days in retirement. He was an outstanding preacher and prolific writer.

While much could be said of his accomplishments, possibly his most important accomplishment will be overlooked. In each church he pastored scores of young men and women committed their life to Christian ministry and our still active serving the Lord. All across the Southern Baptist Convention there are pastors, staff members, minister’s wives, denominational workers and missionaries who trace the sense of call to ministry and/or the encouragement to follow ministry to Dr. Hall. Because of this his ministry continues even though He has gone from us. I am glad to have been one of his “preacher boys.”

Please pray for his dear wife of 67 years, Marcine, for Ruthi and the other siblings, David C. Hall, Jr., Dr. Judi Briant, Mary Sue Clark and Dr. Mark Hall as they adjust to his being gone from our presence.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Our greatest life investment is in the people we influence for Christ.”
~ RWB

A Corrupt Culture

2011-02-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

Three Saint Petersburg, Florida policemen have been shot and killed in the line of duty in the past 30 days. That number is more than were shot and killed in the previous 30 years. While our hearts go out to the families of these slain officers these tragedies beg the question, “What is happening?”

I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet. However, I do have an opinion. I believe that in our beloved nation we are living in an increasingly corrupt culture. All around us we see the evidences of this corruption in our politics, our greed, our callousness to others and even in our churches. Allow me to enumerate some of the causes of this corruption not necessarily in any order.

There seems to be a complete loss of any sense of personal accountability. Far too few take responsibility for their actions and submit to the authorities a civilized culture places upon itself.

There is a rejection of the reality of our actions. Life is surreal for most. When we watch our favorite Hollywood star die in a movie we watch on television then change the channel an watch the same star in a romantic scene we lose our sense of reality. Even our attitude concerning death is reshaped.

We have glorified sin and wrong to the point that many see abhorrent behavior as a way to make their mark on society. The influences of brutal movies and violent video games cannot be overestimated. Our lives are inundated by these influences and they have a dramatic impact on our world view.

We live in a world that is tainted by sin and evil. There is a real devil that sponsors wicked behavior. To deny this truth is to stick your head in the sand.

We must not surrender our nation to the lawless and the wicked. We must with courage and conviction share the gospel of Christ that can changes hearts and lives. The only hope is found in Jesus Christ.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"When written in Chinese the word crisis is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity."
~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

2011 Southwest Florida Conference on Evangelism and Soul Winning

2011-02-11T09:36:00.000-05:00

Place this event on your calendar. You do not want to miss it!

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne

Romans 1:16

Quotable:

"God isn't looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him"

~ Hudson Taylor

The Best of Times – The Worst of Times

2011-02-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

Charles Dickens begins his novel A Tale of Two Cities with the line “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” This could be well spoken of life in the 21st century.

While there is much difficulty on the international scene, in our own nation and even in our own state with the economy, unemployment,, social unrest and religious ambiguity. There is much to be positive about.

The gospel is still the power of God to salvation when it is clearly proclaimed. We have free opportunity to preach the gospel in more places than ever before. God still blesses the faithful and judges the wicked. The church is till the pillar and ground of all truth. All of this gives us reason for hope.

We must look to the future days with a faith that produces a positive attitude. Ultimately our attitude will determine our action. The need to win a lost world is as great today as the day Jesus spoke the Great Commission. God can and will use us if we will make ourselves available.

Determine that you will have a positive attitude and ask God to use you to win someone to Jesus today.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Two men looked through prison bars, one saw mud the other stars.”
~ Fredrick Langbridge

Revival in Lake Panasoffkee

2011-01-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning, January 23, I began preaching revival services at First Baptist Church of Lake Panasoffkee, Florida. Dr. Randy Alonso is pastor to this fine congregation. Early in December I had traveled to Lake Panasoffkee to share suggested revival plans with the leaders of the church. Plans were made to conduct the revival services Sunday morning through Friday night with noon daytime services. Dr. Alonso led his congregation to pray, fast, visit and believe God for genuine revival.

God opened the windows of heaven and sent revival upon His people.

Nightly attendance that approached averaging more than the Sunday morning attendance
People (15) baptized in all but one service
People (50) saved in every service
Additions by letter (3)
People (17) making decisions of rededication in every service
People (23) participating in Soul Winner Training
People (87) making commitments to win souls

All of this in a church that had 184 in Bible Study on Sunday morning – To God be the Glory!

Dr. Alonso and his capable staff; Jamie Ragan, Leslie Rogers, Teala Ragan and Paul Young are to be commended for their outstanding leadership.

Some will tell you the day of local church revivals is over. I think the people of First Baptist Church Lake Panasoffkee would disagree.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T09:13:00.000-05:00

May God give us grateful hearts for all He has done for us. May we be willing witnesses of the grace He has so freely bestowed.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Ingratitude is our worst attitude.”
RWB

Friend Day

2010-10-19T09:04:00.000-04:00

Join us

Southside Baptist Church

2035 Magnolia

Sarasota, Florida 34239

941.953.2588

www.southsidebaptist.church.vg

People in the Background

2010-10-12T15:27:00.000-04:00

For these past several years that God has allowed me to serve with the Florida Baptist Convention staff I have grown in my gratitude for their efforts. Those who serve on our Florida Baptist Convention staff are Godly and dedicated people who serve our Lord selflessly and sacrificially. Most of these are people about whom you have read in the Witness or heard preach at a meeting.

However, there are several people that I have observed who work tirelessly to make the service of the rest of us possible. Don Hepburn, Steve Baumgardner, Patty Vansant, and Barbara Denman labor consistently to see that proper materials are provided, rooms are arranged, and the needs of the participants are met. While their labor is not always visible it is always apparent. The work of our Florida Baptist Convention would be much more challenging were it not for the efforts of these dear people.

It has been my opinion that the finest resource of the Florida Baptist Convention is our people. These four are among our very best. I shall be ever grateful for their time, energy, and sweet spirit in causing our work to run smoothly.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.”
~Author Unknown

A Modern Parable

2010-10-06T10:01:00.000-04:00

Fall has arrived in Sarasota (at least for a few days). Morning temperatures are in the low 60’s. I am happy to get back to my early morning back porch Bible reading before an open fire pit. Don’t laugh, it doesn’t really get cold in Sarasota, you have to take every opportunity to enjoy a change of seasons.

This morning I loaded the fire pit and started the fire. It began to blaze away. As I read the book of Genesis, I noted that the neatly stacked logs had separated and one small log was off by itself. Previously this log was burning brightly, now it had begun to die out. All alone it was struggling to continue to burn. As it was dying out I rearranged the logs and brought them back together. The log that was dying out soon reignited and came back to steady burn.

Sitting and observing the scene reminded me that we are at our best when we work together. While we may survive alone we only come to a full blaze when we work together.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”
Jer 20:9

Very Interesting

2010-09-29T08:33:00.000-04:00

I find very interesting the current discussions concerning the Cooperative Program. There are two areas that baffle me.

The first is a call for a compelling vision. The vision for the mission task of a church flows from the pastor. A church assumes the personality of her pastor. If the pastor is evangelistic in fervor and missional in strategy the church will be the same. If the pastor leads his church to be supportive of the Cooperative Program she will gladly follow. The responsibility for a vision to reach the world through cooperative endeavor lies totally with the pastor. The command of Jesus in Acts 1:8 constitutes a compelling vision for me. I fear much of the discussion concerning compelling vision is coming from those who desire to lead their church to a less cooperative and more direct form of missions. While this is the church’s prerogative it will lessen her global impact not increase her global impact.

The second is getting more monies to the front line of missions. Presumably, this is a call to send more monies to the International Mission field. The implication is that money spent by our state conventions is skimmed away from the real work of missions. While I am in favor of more money going to International Missions it is faulty missiology. The mission of the church begins where she is planted and goes from there to the ends of the earth. We are allowing the excitement of International Missions to override the needs of reaching our Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. We are trading cooperative effort that legitimately allows us to go to our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria ad the ends of the earth for a process that will diminish the impact we have on a lost world. If we fail to reach our communities and our states the day will soon come when there are no resources available to reach the nations. The front line of missions is where God has planted us. The Great Commission is not either/or it is both/and.

The largest churches in any city are not reaching all of her city. It needs to partner with other churches to reach her city. Often these partnering churches share a common theology and mission but are diverse in size, ministry style and ethnicity. The largest churches in any state are not reaching all of their state; they too need to partner with other churches of common theology and mission. The largest churches in our nation are not reaching our entire nation they must partner with other churches of shared theology and mission to reach our nation. The largest churches in the world cannot go to the ends of the ends of the earth unless they partner with other churches who share their theology and mission. We must work cooperatively if we are to make an impact on the lostness of our world. We must do more to take the gospel to a dying world beginning where we are planted and going to the ends of the earth. We will do more when we work together.

While this is a very interesting discussion, let us not revel in the discussion while we miss the responsibility to walk together in the task of winning a lost world to Christ.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“If you want to be incrementally better: Be competitive. If you want to be exponentially better: Be cooperative.”
~ Unknown

Lessons I have learned about Florida Baptists

2010-09-21T14:14:00.000-04:00

In the fall of the year 2000 I was enlisted to fill a vacancy on the Florida Baptist Convention State Board of Missions. My term of service on the board ended in November of 2007. During my service on the FBC State Board I served for one year as President of the Board. In November of 2008 I was elected First Vice-President of the Florida Baptist Convention and will conclude that service this November of 2010. I am currently serving on the Board of Trustees for the Baptist College of Florida. Florida Baptists have been very good to me. It has been my honor and privilege to participate in the decision making processes of Florida Baptists for these past ten years. I have learned a number of important lessons during this time.

It is eye opening to discover the scope of the work of Florida Baptists. There are more than 2800 Southern Baptist churches and missions in Florida with more than 1.1 million members. This makes Florida Baptists the largest non-Catholic voice in Florida. Florida Baptists are the only Southern Baptist entity to do missions work in Haiti having begun more than 1,000 churches in the past 15 years. Also, we conduct mission’s partnership work in Cuba, Nevada, West Virginia, and Indiana. Through our cooperative program gifts we participate in the largest mission’s effort in the history of Christianity through the International and North American Mission Boards of the Southern Baptist Convention partnering to support more than 10,000 missionaries. Further, we partner with 49 local associations for inspirational and training events. The convention provides support for pastors and churches in crisis as well partnering to provide the leading church planting efforts and the leading evangelism efforts in our Southern Baptist Convention. We also provide quality theological training through the Baptist College of Florida and compassionate care for children through the Florida Baptist Children’s Home.

The leaders of the Florida Baptist Convention are among God’s finest servants. Dr. John Sullivan is, without a doubt, the finest statesman-leader in Southern Baptist life today. A unique combination of pastor, preacher, leader, and visionary, Dr. Sullivan has led Florida Baptists to the apex of a long history of accomplishment. The men and women that serve with and in support of Dr. Sullivan are exemplary in their ability and commitment to the task of the Great Commission.

The best way to fulfill the Great Commission is cooperatively. The Cooperative Program of our Southern Baptist Convention is not only a funding mechanism it is a functional methodology. The genius of our funding through the CP is that our gifts support all of the work of taking the gospel to Florida, America and the ends of the earth. This includes training, support and sending of missionaries as well as theological training for pastors. There is no other funding mechanism that carries the impact of fulfilling the Great Commission like the Cooperative Program. But, CP is also a functional methodology. Baptists do best that which they do together. God in His wisdom takes our cooperative efforts and causes the sum of our efforts to be greater than the individual efforts alone. If we are to fulfill the Great Commission it will be cooperatively.

The service of God is greater than any individual or group. It is a privilege to be allowed to participate in the work of taking the Gospel to the world. God does not need us, we urgently need Him. I am grateful to God for the experience of serving Him through the opportunities that Florida Baptists have given me this past ten years.

As we face the future, may we do so with a sense of desperation for His presence and power that we might take the gospel to a lost world beginning in Florida and reaching the nations.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
~ The Apostle Paul

Happy Anniversary Tom and Sarah

2010-09-14T13:28:00.000-04:00

14 years ago today I was honored to preside at Tom and Sarah Bryant’s wedding. At the time Tom was serving with us at Southside. Today Tom is pastor of the First Baptist Church of Osprey, Florida.

Across the years I have been privileged to call Tom and Sarah close friends. God has and is using them in a wonderful way. May they enjoy many more years together.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
Proverbs 18:22
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD .

Working in the Harvest

2010-09-10T09:18:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I received a copy of the book “Working in the Harvest.” Throughout the book, my friend, Dr. Ronald Fullerton shares personal experiences in soul winning. While many pastors tend to think soul winning is someone else’s responsibility, Dr. Fullerton chronicles his personal ministry soul winning encounters. Dr. Fullerton led his congregations by example to win the lost to Christ. “Working in the Harvest” is a delightful reminder of the privilege of personal soul winning as well as a practical challenge to every believer to personally win the lost to Christ. I encourage you to contact Dr. Fullerton at:

ronaldfullerton@sbcglobal.net

PO Box 1959

34 Via Verde

Sutter Creek, CA 95685

to request your free copy. While the books are distributed at no charge, any gift to offset the expense of production and postage would be accepted.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.”
Ps 68:11

A Modern Parable

2010-08-31T11:12:00.000-04:00

Our daughter Solveig shared the following article she found on the internet.

After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said:

“Let me see if I’ve got this right. You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their t-shirt messages and instill in them a love for learning. You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, raise their sense of self-esteem and personal pride. You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play. You want me to teach them to register to vote, balance their checkbook and apply for a job.

You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior and make sure that they pass the final exams. You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps. You want me to communicate with their parents in English, Spanish and/or any other language by letter, phone, newsletter, email and report card. You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, an old computer, and a salary that qualifies my family for food stamps.

You want me to do all this and then you tell me I can’t pray.”

Pray for our public school educators. They are among our best and our brightest.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don't.”
~ Anatole France

Amazing

2010-08-14T09:34:00.000-04:00

What is the main reason person will attend a church for the first time? It is not location, doctrine, name, worship style or even denominational affiliation or lack thereof. The main reason a person attends a church for the first time is amazing: someone invited them.
Imagine the power of a simple invitation. The power to influence a person’s life for eternity, the power to bring about positive change as a person comes under the influence of the gospel, the power to be a blessing to your church family by introducing a new friend or the power to be a blessing to your friend by introducing him or her to your church family. All of this can happen because of a simple invitation.

Do not underestimate your influence in the lives of others. People are observing you as you faithfully live for Christ. They take note of your attitude. They scrutinize your response to challenges. They study your behavior. As you live out Christ in your delay life it creates a powerful opportunity to influence others for Christ and His church.

Recently one of the people who trusted Christ in one of our services commented to me that the reason they had attended was “they had observed something in the life of their friend (a church member) and wanted what they had.” They eagerly attended church when invited.

You may be thinking, “I invite people and no one ever comes.” Paul’s admonition to the church at Galatia was, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” There are people who will bless you for eternity if you will simply invite them to attend church with you this week. Amazing!

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you are the world.”
~ Unknown

Attitude can Make the Difference

2010-08-06T09:36:00.000-04:00

Bing Crosby had a hit song titled, “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive.” Below are the lyrics. This would be a good song for any Baptist church to learn.

"You've got to accentuate the positive

Eliminate the negative

Latch on to the affirmative

Don't mess with Mister In-Between

You've got to spread joy up to the maximum

Bring gloom down to the minimum

Have faith or pandemonium

Liable to walk upon the scene

(To illustrate his last remark

Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark

What did they do

Just when everything looked so dark)

Man, they said we better

Accentuate the positive

Eliminate the negative

Latch on to the affirmative

Don't mess with Mister In-Between

No, do not mess with Mister In-Between

Do you hear me, hmm?

(Oh, listen to me children and-a you will hear

About the elininatin' of the negative

And the accent on the positive)

And gather 'round me children if you're willin'

And sit tight while I start reviewin'

The attitude of doin' right

(You've gotta accentuate the positive

Eliminate the negative

Latch on to the affirmative

Don't mess with Mister In-Between)

You've got to spread joy (up to the maximum)

Bring gloom (down) down to the minimum

Otherwise (otherwise) pandemonium

Liable to walk upon the scene

To illustrate (well illustrate) my last remark (you got the floor)

Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark

What did they say (what did they say)

Say when everything looked so dark

Man, they said we better

Accentuate the positive

Eliminate the negative

Latch on to the affirmative

Don't mess with Mister In-Between

No! Don't mess with Mister In-Between"

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengths me.”
~ Apostle Paul

Something to Pray For

2010-07-30T13:12:00.000-04:00

Prayer is one of the great privileges of being a child of God. Sadly, far too many believers never exercise this privilege. Many that do only exercise this privilege while in crisis. Only a remnant knows the joy of a relationship with Christ that is bathed in prayer.

Often our prayer life is bounded on the north and the south by need and desires and on the east and the west by crisis and family. We pray for health and wealth. We pray for wisdom and strength. We pray for missionaries and pastors. All of these are good and right.

Allow me to add a request to your prayer list. Ask God to make you a personal soul winner and to give you a love for the souls of men. It will amaze you what God will do in your life. Opportunities to win the lost will suddenly present themselves. People will become open and responsive to the gospel that you share. James tells us, “Ye have not because ye ask not.”

Peter tells us, “God is not willing that any should perish but that all will come to repentance.” It is the purpose of God to win the lost to Himself. Gloriously, it is also His purpose to use you and me in this process. The clog in the bottleneck of the great commission is you and me. When we become burdened to win souls the clog breaks free and God works through us to do the work of the great commission.

This prayer will alter your life and the lives of many who will spend eternity in heaven because you became a soul winner.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“If you found a cure for cancer, wouldn’t it be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind? How much more inconceivable to keep silent about the cure from the eternal wages of sin, which is death.”
- Dave Davidson

Building Relationships

2010-07-24T10:21:00.000-04:00

Some years ago I was in a conference with the late Harry Piland of the then Baptist Sunday School Board (LifeWay). Dr. Piland at that time led the work of Sunday School for Southern Baptists. During a Q&A session the question arose, “What is the cause of the high ministerial turnover in our churches?” Dr. Piland responded, “98% of our failures are relational.”
Everything in life is about relationships. Family, work, Church, leadership and even winning the lost are all dependent upon good relationships. Why is it then that we seem to work overtime at ignoring relationships?

Everyone needs relationships for encouragement, for support and for service to others. Yet, many are afraid to develop relationships. For you see a relationship requires that you give up something of yourself by investing it in someone else. At times this will place you at risk of being hurt. One pastor friend commented that he (intentionally) had no friends in his church. He was concerned that the relationship might harm his position. The risk of relationship building in the church is far outweighed by the reward.

Relationships take time and energy; they do not develop overnight but are well worth the cost. Often relationships develop by happenstance and not by design; these can be the most rewarding.

People need relationships with other people. No man is an island unto himself. Today the relationship may seem insignificant and totally to the benefit of another. However, there will come a day when you will need the support of others and that will happen as you have built relationships across the years.

Relationships with you family are most precious. It is sad how easily family relationships dissolve. Hurt feelings, selfishness and anger contribute to the dissolution of family relationships. Determine to be the person who will rise above these things and become the “glue” in your family relationships.

Churches need relationships with other like minded churches. No church can do all of the great commission by itself. A church that takes seriously the great commission must seek out and associate itself with other churches that have the same heart and same doctrinal commitments if it is to fulfill its task in the great commission. This is true from the smallest church to the largest church.

Pastors need relationships with other pastors. Oddly, this may be the most difficult of all relationships. Every pastor needs a friend who can be their counselor, confidant and encourager. While some think they are beyond this need, the day will come for each of us when we desperately need this relationship. Pastoral relationships often span age and philosophical barriers. Invest the time and energy in digging the well of pastoral relationships. There will come a day when you must drink from this well yourself.

Having said thus, the most important relationship of all is your relationship with Jesus. Begin your relationship by receiving Jesus as your Savior and work to keep that relationship strong and vibrant. Invest in your relationship by spending time in prayer and Bible study. Declare your relationship through personal soul winning. Enjoy your relationship in times of meditation and reflection. Share your relationship in the fellowship of your church. Treasure your relationship with Jesus above all others and he will be the friend the sticks closer than a brother.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“When something is missing in your life, it usually turns out to be someone. “
~Robert Brault

Stewardship Thoughts

2010-07-16T09:15:00.000-04:00

The tithe is Holy unto the Lord.
The tithe is the foundation, not the ceiling, of all Christian stewardship.
The faithful tithe brings the blessing of God upon the tither.
It is selfishness and sinfulness that causes the believer to not be faithful with God’s tithe.
It is greed and heathenism that keeps the believer from giving sacrificially beyond the tithe.
Faithlessness in stewardship is often the plug that stops up the flow of God’s blessing in the believer’s life.
Faithfulness in stewardship would solve the vast majority all believers’ financial challenges.
Giving should be approached as an opportunity to partner with God in the work that He is doing to spreads the gospel to the nations.
It should be amazing to us that the vast majority of Christians rob God with one hand while they ask His blessing with the other.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
~ Jesus

Is There Not a Cause?

2010-07-09T10:07:00.000-04:00

In the 17th chapter of I Samuel the army of Israel was facing their enemy the Philistines and the champion of the Philistines the giant Goliath. When David arrives Goliath is taunting the army of God’s people and their God. As the boy shepherd David surveys the scene he proposes a timely question “Is there not a cause?”

This may well be the preeminent question that you and I face in 21st century America. The Goliath’s that oppose our faith are enormous. The challenges that Biblical Christianity face are numerous in our land. The task of taking the Gospel to the world is imperative. Often we, like the army of Israel, shrink away from the challenges that are leveled against our faith and our service to God. If we are to win the battle we must answer the query “Is there not a cause?”

We tend to view our world and our service to Christ through a lense of apathy and indifference. We far too often see our challenges as insurmountable and overwhelming. We fail to recognize the power of our God and the importnat place that we fill in His plan.

I submit that the ills in our culture or in our communities of faith will tumble when we recognize and respond by seeing these challenges as a cause. What would happen if our Bible Study class became a cause, our children became a cause, our service to Christ through His church became a cause or our lost neighbor became a cause? We would move from apathy to excitement, from lethargy to commitment and from indifference to genuine concern. Life would become focused and exciting and our service to Christ would become an adventure.

David defeated the giant Goliath because he recognized and responded to the challenge. I ask you today “Is there not a cause?”

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem a turned it into an opportunity."
~ Joseph Sugarman

Great Commission Quotes

2010-07-02T07:44:00.000-04:00

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"
— David Livingstone

"Can't you do just a little bit more?"
— J.G. Morrison

"We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first."
— Oswald J. Smith

"If you found a cure for cancer, wouldn't it be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind? How much more inconceivable to keep silent the cure from the eternal wages of death."
— Dave Davidson

"The reason some folks don't believe in missions is that the brand of religion they have isn't worth propagating."
— unknown

"Someone asked Will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved? It is more a question with me whether we — who have the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not — can be saved."
— Charles Spurgeon

"'Not called!' did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there. Then look Christ in the face — whose mercy you have professed to obey — and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish His mercy to the world.
— William Booth

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"The will of God — nothing less, nothing more, nothing else."
— Bobby Richardson

Defining the Great Commission

2010-06-25T11:22:00.000-04:00

With so much discussion of a Great Commission Resurgence it would seem appropriate to define the Great Commission. I believe that some of our disagreement comes from a differing understanding of the Great Commission.

Is it simply getting the Gospel to the nations? It would seem that for some this must be the definition. The desire to funnel the overwhelming portion of our resources to International Missions would seem to indicate this. While I am for International Missions, I live in the third largest mission’s field in the world and everyday my home state of Florida continues to grow as a mission’s field, with the world literally coming to Florida.

Is it simply reinventing North American Missions? For some it would seem that redirecting resources to the underserved population centers of America is a best solution to fulfilling the Great Commission. I confess I need some defining of the word "underserved." South Florida has 10,000,000 people, most of them lost, in its three southeastern counties. Surely, we can do a better job at the task of reaching North America.

Is it simply sending missions team on mission trips? A leader in SBC life indicates his church sent missionaries on trips to 27 nations last year. What of the rest of a lost world? Might these resources have been better utilized in a cooperative support and a strategic cooperative plan to reach the world?

Is it simply winning people to Christ where we live? Surely, we need to make soul winning a lifestyle practice not a programmed event. Surely, we must win others to Christ where we live. However, there are billions of people we will never meet that Jesus has made our responsibility.

Lest I be misunderstood, I am not being critical of the potential for change being created by the GCR. However, I would attempt to call us to balance. We must do International Missions, North American Missions, (in my case) Florida Missions, and local missions. It cannot, it must not become one without the other. Baptists still do best what we do together. The task of taking the gospel to the world is not a sprint to be run to exhaustion but rather a marathon to be run with planning and prudence until Jesus comes again.

If you take examine each of the accounts of the Great Commission in the New Testament you will find that the Great Commission begins where we are and spreads to the entire world. The Great Commission begins with confronting the lost with the gospel, moves to persuading the lost to repent and receive forgiveness and salvation, continues with leading the newly saved individual to experience believer’s baptism, proceeds to teach the new believer to experience the changed life that only Christ can provide through faithful discipleship and finds culmination in the life of this new believer when the new believer begins to live the missional life. This is the work that we must take to a lost world.

The Great Commission is less about program and more about passion. It is less about structure and more about souls. It is less about power and more about people. It is less about me and more about those dying without Christ. It is less about the vehicles (structure and finance) and more about our obedience and the call of God to be light in this dark world.

While there may be differing opinions concerning what a Great Commission Resurgence will look like there can be little difference about the Great Commission.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“The task of evangelism is not complete until the one evangelized becomes and evangelist.”
~ Unknown

Will We Have a Great Commission Resurgence?

2010-06-22T13:19:00.000-04:00

Last Tuesday afternoon Southern Baptists voted by a margin of 3 to 1 to adopt the report of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force, what now? The Executive Committee and the appropriate agencies will respond and begin the process of implementing the recommendations of the task force. I find myself asking the question, will this bring about a Great Commission Resurgence?

The task force accurately diagnosed that Southern Baptists are suffering from a general apathy toward the Great Commission that is symptomatic of a greater spiritual problem, rebellion against our Savior and His command. They then prescribed an organizational and financial solution for this spiritual problem. This is akin to your physician diagnosing you with a heart problem and prescribing that you begin chemotherapy.

We can only position ourselves for a Great Commission Resurgence, when and only when, local churches call their people to revival and spiritual renewal. Can the reorganizing and restructuring of finances be used to bring about a Great Commission Resurgence? OF course these things can become tools in the grand scheme of our Southern Baptist work. However, until we lead our people to become hot-hearted soul winners and personally committed to a missional, sacrificial lifestyle we shall fall short of the task of taking the gospel to the nations.

Southern Baptists have spoken. It is time to set aside the debate and get about the business of joining hands to take the gospel to the world. A lost world is waiting to see if our deeds match our words. Let's take the gospel to a lost and hurting world.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"There is nothing in the world or the Church — except the church's disobedience — to render the evangelization of the world in this generation an impossibility."
— Robert Speer

"Us versus "Them"

2010-06-11T09:36:00.000-04:00

As I have followed blogs, news, etc… concerning the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force Report which, will be voted on in Orlando next week, I have discovered an interesting development. It seems that at least for some this report is about “Us” versus “Them.”

I am struggling with identifying who “Us” would be and who “Them” would be. Could it be “Conservative” versus “Moderate?” I don’t know many “Moderates” in SBC life. Could it be “For” the Great Commission versus “Opposed” to the Great Commission? Every Southern Baptist I know is for the Great Commission. Is it “Coots in Suits” versus “Dudes in Jeans?” If this is the case, it is an unnecessary distinction based on how we dress. I for one am more interested in a man’s heart and character than the style of his clothing. Is it “Mega-Church” versus “Non-Mega-Church?” From the rhetoric, particularly concerning Cooperative Program giving, this may be the case.

I thank God for every “Mega-Church” in our great Southern Baptist Zion. These churches reach people with gospel. However, I am just as grateful for every “non-Mega-Church” in our convention. These churches are also faithful in preaching the gospel and reaching people for Christ. It is the nature of our process to lift up the “Mega-Church” as the ideal for our convention. “Mega-Church” pastors are elected to the “High Seats in the Synagogue” of our convention. This is not wrong, these pastors are gifted, Christ-honoring and dedicated leaders.

Likewise, there are many gifted, Christ-honoring and dedicated leaders in our “Non-Mega-Churches.” These pastors and their churches should not and must not be marginalized in this process. It will take every last one of us doing our best, to cooperate together, to win a lost and dying world.

Our enemy is Satan and sin, not the brother or sister who may disagree with us on the “how” of doing the Great Commission. Satan’s favorite device is to create division among the people of God. Whatever the outcome of our vote on the GCR report in Orlando we must not allow the enemy to divide us into an artificial division of “Us” versus “Them.”

Whatever the outcome of the vote on the GCR report, I shall leave Orlando grateful for the privilege that is mine, to be a part of the greatest missionary endeavor in the history of Christianity, the Southern Baptist Convention. I will also leave with a new resolve to do my best to win souls for my Savior.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?”
—David Livingstone

Great Commission Resurgence

2010-06-04T10:35:00.000-04:00

I have read with great interest the responses to the final report of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. Surely, there are people with great passion for the Great Commission that are in favor of this report. There are also people who are equally passionate about the Great Commission that are opposed to this report. Allow me to confess that I am not a dispassionate observer in this process. I too, am passionate about the Great Commission.

There is no doubt that we must do better in fulfilling the Great Commission. Statistics tell us people are dying and going to hell at a rate of 1 person every 1 .6 seconds. All around us we see the torn, tattered lives of people living without hope. Culturally, we have raced away from God and righteousness at an amazing rate. The only answer to these crises is Jesus and it is our assignment until Jesus returns to take the message of God’s love in Christ Jesus to this world. We must approach the task of the Great Commission with a new urgency.

It is my prayer that the rhetoric dies down and that the people called Southern Baptists approach our annual convention in a way that honors our God. This is not us against them. It is all of us for the Great Commission. Every church should elect its full contingent of messengers and send them to Orlando. Every church should pray unceasingly for God’s will to be done in the life of our convention. Messengers should read the report for themselves, listen and participate in the debate as is appropriate and the vote what they believe to be God’s will. This is the Baptist way. Being for the report or opposed to it does not indicate a deeper commitment to the Great Commission it simply indicates a different understanding of how best to fulfill the Great Commission.

Simply adopting a report will not bring about a Great Commission Resurgence. New structure and rearranging funding will not (in my humble opinion) bring about a Great Commission resurgence. We will have a Great Commission Resurgence when individual Southern Baptists become concerned about the souls of their neighbors, family members, and friends. We will have a Great Commission Resurgence when autonomous churches approach the work of evangelism and missions with an urgency that is equal to the task. We will have a Great Commission Resurgence when revival breaks out in the midst of the people called Southern Baptists. The problem we face is a heart problem; it is a spiritual problem that requires repentance, revival, and recommitment among the people of God.

May we not go to Orlando and debate the Great Commission Resurgence Report with fervor and then fail to approach the task of winning the lost where we live with the same fervor. The Great Commission began in the heart of a loving God and instills itself in the hearts of people who love God. If we love God we will with urgency and with renewed commitment take the gospel to the world.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
~ Jesus

What's Wrong with this Picture?

2010-03-09T11:02:00.000-05:00

The above picture is a part of the aftermath of the presentation of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force progress report. It identifies the desired division of work and resources (money) for the re-invented North American Mission Board. The graphic represents that 50% of the resources of the re-invented North American Mission Board will go to Church planting, 25% to training current pastoral Leadership and the remaining 25% to go to Evangelism and Discipleship.

With the re-invention of the North American Mission Board there will be 6 regional offices. Where will this administrative expense come from? Presumably from somewhere in the 100% previously allocated. Given the stated priorities of church planting and leadership training this would mean that possibly this would come from the 25% allocated to evangelism and discipleship.

Allow me some thoughts:

1. Baptists have been, are and should always be a people of the Book. The Biblical plan is always the best plan.

2. It is in the Bible that we find the Great Commission which is, and rightfully should be, our orders for reaching the world. It is in the text of the Great Commission that we find our purpose statement to “Go” – Win the lost to Christ – Baptize those that are won to Christ – Disciple those that are won to Christ and baptized. This is not optional it is God’s clear instruction for His people.

3. While I recognize the importance of church planting and leadership training, I do not find them included in the mandate of the Great Commission. However, it would seem that the recommendation of the GCR Task Force places both as higher priorities than evangelism and discipleship.

4. Presumably, the belief is that starting more congregations will cause us to experience more evangelism. The statistics presented by the task force indicating our baptisms to be on a plateau across the past 58 years also tell us that during this time we have increased the number of SBC churches by 61.3%. It would seem to me that the solution to increasing our evangelistic and baptismal results will not be the result of more church starts.

5. I agree the Book of Acts presents us a model of missional behavior for the people of God. The disciples at the Diaspora and Paul on his missionary journeys did plant churches. But these churches were planted as a result of evangelism and discipleship that had already taken place.

6. The purpose of the disciples was to win others to Christ and from that zeal and success they planted churches. They did not plant churches to begin the process of winning the community Christ but rather as a result of beginning the process of winning the community to Christ.

Southern Baptists have suffered for at least the past 15 years because we have had no clear direction in the areas of personal and corporate evangelism. This work has consistently been relegated to a back seat in our strategizing to reach the world. I fear we are, once again, developing a strategy that will relegate evangelism to a back seat when we are allocating only 25% of the resources (possibly less) of the North American Mission Board to evangelism and discipleship.

Again, let me make myself clear. I am not opposed to church starting and leadership training. However, I am for the Great Commission which commands evangelism and discipleship both locally and around the world. Congregationalizing should be driven by evangelism not the other way around. Churches should be born out of a hot heart for lost souls or they should not be born at all.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell.”
~~ C.T. Studd

2010 Southwest Florida Conference on Evangelism and Soul Winning

2010-03-03T10:53:00.000-05:00

Don't Miss This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THEME?       Souls: Our Supreme Victory

WHO?          Everyone interested in winning others to Christ

WHAT?        Preaching by Dr. John Sullivan, Dr. Tom Kinchen, and Dr. Tommy Green. Singing by the Music Ministry of First Baptist Brandon, FL

WHEN?        Monday, April 19, 2010
                                 4:00pm - Pastor and Staff Q&A
                                 5:30pm - Pastor and Staff Dinner
                                 6:30pm – Inspirational Rally – bring a bus load

WHERE?     Southside Baptist Church
                                 (Corner of Magnolia @ the Tamiami Trail)
                                 2035 Magnolia Street
                                 Sarasota, Florida 34239

HOW?          Make your reservations for the Pastor and Staff Q&A and the dinner by contacting Dorothy @ southsidebaptist@church.vg or 941.953.2588. Reservations are not required for the rally.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"The only thing that will matter 150 years from now is that someone loved you enough to tell you about Jesus.”
~ R. Wayne Briant

Pray for a Lost Soul

2010-02-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

For whom are you praying? Possibly for a friend’s personal need. Possibly for a loved one’s physical need. Possibly for your own personal need. While these are worthy objects of your prayer life allow me to propose a better way.

Take time each day in you prayer time to pray for the soul of a lost friend, neighbor, family member, or co-worker. The greatest need in any individual’s life is to know Jesus and His free pardon from sin. To pray for the temporal need and ignore the eternal need is to place value in the wrong place. While we must not ignore the temporal needs of others, somehow in the grace of God, we must prioritize the eternal need of forgiveness, a personal relationship with Jesus, and a home in heaven.

Think of someone you know that needs Jesus and call their name before the heavenly throne. It will make an eternal difference.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“The average Christian sends more time praying people out of heaven than they spend praying people into heaven.”
~ Leon Kilbreth

How Much is Too Much?

2010-02-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

Recently a prominent Mega-Church ministry in Texas has come under scrutiny for perceived excesses in ministerial support. Whether the scrutiny has revealed genuine excesses is another matter. However, allow me to address and issue that seems to be overlooked in the discussions.

It would seem that many of our modern mega-churches have adopted a practice of selecting a board of directors from outside of the congregation. Often these directors are “personal friends” of the pastor. Often this “Board of Directors” wields unilateral power and decision making for the congregation. While this may be a model that is followed by the world, while this model may be perceived to be more efficient, this is not a model historically followed by Baptists.

The historic Baptist model is that of congregational government. That is the congregation is involved through trustees, committees, and/or teams selected from her own congregation in the decision making processes. Congregational meetings, sometimes called business meetings, are conducted on a regular basis. The purpose of these meetings is to provide information to the congregation and to involve the congregation in the more significant decision making processes, such as adopting an annual budget, establishing compensation guidelines and/or specific salary items, leadership benefits, employing leadership, and setting priorities for the congregation. While this process may seem cumbersome to many it provides for genuine transparency and accountability to the congregation (the people who provide the time, talent, and treasure) for the work of ministry in that local congregation.

Each local Baptist congregation should and does determine her own decision making processes. This is also the historic Baptist model. While I am well aware of the abuses of congregational government in Baptist life, I believe it serves as a good protection both for Pastors and other leaders as well as the congregation.

What should a pastor be paid and what benefits should be provided to him are decisions best made by the congregation the pastor serves. Further, it is my belief that they will make that decision either with good, accurate, and verified information or with speculation and innuendo. Whether we like it or not Baptist and all other churches still vote on decisions that are made. They vote with their attendance and their giving. If they attend and give they are voting “YES”. If they cease to attend and give they are voting “NO”. This, also, is the Baptist way.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
Ps 78:72

72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
KJV

Wonderful Revival in Lake Panasoffkee

2010-01-28T13:05:00.000-05:00

Monday through Wednesday, January 21-24, I was privileged to lead revival services at the First Baptist Church of Lake Panasoffkee, Florida. Their pastor, Dr. Randy Alonso, is a doing a fine job of leading this dear church. Randy and I were classmates in high school.

God gave us a great spirit of revival in the services. The building was full for most of the services. People were saved night by night with a total of 39 trusting Jesus as Savior and 30 more rededicating their life to Christ. There was one addition by letter. Sunday morning we had a recent record of 202 in Bible Study.

Pray for Dr. Alonso and is dear wife Debbie as they lead this exceptional church.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“To God be the glory, Great things He hath done.”

32 Years

2010-01-15T11:25:00.000-05:00

January 15, 1978 the Seminole Heights Baptist Church of Tampa, Florida ordained me to the Gospel Ministry. The confidence that they exhibited in me that day has always humbled me.

These 32 years have been filled with wonderful blessing from God. I have served 6 churches that geographically range across the United States. I have been honored to preach in 37 states and several foreign countries. God has honored the preaching of His word to see thousands come to Christ during these wonderful years. I have been privileged to serve our Southern Baptist Convention in many places of leadership far beyond my ability.

I am in awe of the mercy of God that has been given to me. I am grateful for God's grace that can take a nobody and use him in His service.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
1 Cor 9:16
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
~ Paul the Apostle

New Year Commitments

2010-01-01T09:59:00.000-05:00

Here are my New Year Commitments:

1. To be a more consistent follower of Jesus
2. To be a bettter Husband and Father
3. To be more faithful to more friends
4. To be a more effective pastor and leader
5. To be personally lead 100 people to become followers of Christ this year
6. To know God's annointing as I preach the gospel from the pulpit
7. To do what ever task God gives me to the very best of my ability

May God make 2010 the best year of your life.

Attempting to Connect the Dots....

R. Wayne Briant
Romans 1:16

Quote:
"People do what the commit to do"
~Dr. David C. Hall

Leadership Blunders of Baptist Leaders – Blunder #2

2009-12-22T08:51:00.000-05:00

As we continue our series considering Leadership Blunders of Baptist Leaders we come to:

Blunder #2 - Assuming a title is a place of leadership.

Many Baptist preachers assume because they have been called to a church or elected to any other position they are automatically the leader. Leadership is not a title bestowed it is a privilege earned. By the action of a church you can become their preacher but by proving yourself to be trustworthy and committed to Christ and His church you become their pastor/leader.

Words like trust and respect become a reality when people come to trust those elected to positions of leadership. Authority and respect are earned not bestowed. Baptist leaders are much like the Lone Ranger with a finite number of silver bullets. Each time a leader exercises his authority he uses up a silver bullet. The only way to replenish these silver bullets is through engendering confidence in your decision making processes and exhibiting a desire for the betterment of the entity you lead rather than the furtherance of your personal goals.

My observation is that Baptists do not take well “being told what to do.” However, they follow well those who invest themselves with integrity in the process of leading them. Leadership is all about trust. Anyone can be a dictator; it takes time and personal sacrifice to become a leader. The process cannot be hurried.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Trust is earned by many deeds, it is lost by one.”
~ John Sullivan

Leadership Blunders of Baptist Leaders

2009-12-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

For the past nearly 33 years I have served in a leadership capacity of a Baptist Church and in multiple areas of Southern Baptist life. I have been immeasurably blessed by the men and women who I have been privileged to associate with during this time. Some of these leaders have been among the most prominent in our Southern Baptist mission’s efforts and others are known only in the record book of eternity. They each have encouraged me and both intentionally or unintentionally impacted my philosophy of leadership.

For the near future I am going to be dealing with the theme, “Leadership Blunders of Baptist Leaders”.

I am very conscious that most people do not desire to deal with a negative theme. However, I have discovered that I learn more from my mistakes than my successes. The “blunders” I will address are at times blunders that I have made; at times they are blunders I have observed. Regardless of who made them are blunders that should and can be avoided by Baptist leaders in general and leaders of any organization in particular. I present these “blunders” in no particular order of priority.

Blunder #1: Not being able to say “I’m sorry”

All leaders make mistakes. When a leader a leader makes a mistake he/she needs to recognize not as a sign of weakness but rather a sign of their humanity. This recognition on the part of a leader will not weaken their position of leadership but rather it will strengthen it. The willingness to say “I’m sorry” will go a long way to bolster relationships with those you lead. It will help them to see a side of the leader with which honest people can easily identify – everyone makes mistakes. It will show a genuine spirit of humility – not just one that is a public persona.

Why are those in places of leadership unable to say, “I’m sorry”? First, they fail to recognize the mistake. Sometimes this is simply not realizing what has been done. Secondly, it is sinful pride that does not allow the leader to see his/her own “blunders”. Thirdly, it may be caused by a refusal to take responsibility for the blunder. Leaders must not only accept the credit for successes they need to also accept responsibility for “blunders”. Sadly, the leader may have developed a spirit that portrays “I am the leader deal with it”.

Ultimately saying “I’m sorry” is simply the right thing to do. An apology for a mistake should not be qualified with a phrase such as “If I have offended you” or “_________ (insert the person who labors on your behalf’s name) should not have done that”. If you or those whom you lead have blundered the only recourse is to apologize and then do everything possible to correct the “blunder”. It is very difficult for honest people to not accept a sincere apology.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“When you realize you've made a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.”
~Dan Heist

Quotes About Preaching

2009-12-01T07:38:00.000-05:00

Every day of my life I am grateful God called me to be a preacher. I am honored to say with the Apostle Paul, "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"

I came across the following interesting quotes concerning preaching:

“The test of a preacher is that his congregation goes away saying, not, 'What a lovely sermon!' but 'I will do something.'”
Billy Graham

“Preaching is effective as long as the preacher expects something to happen-not because of the sermon, not even because of the preacher, but because of God.”
John E. Hines

“A preacher must be both soldier and shepherd. He must nourish, defend, and teach; he must have teeth in his mouth, and be able to bite and fight.”
Martin Luther

“Preaching is personal counseling on a group basis.”
Harry Emerson Fosdick

“To preach the Gospel requires that the preacher should believe that he is sent to those whom he is addressing at the moment, because God has among them those whom He is at the moment calling; it requires that the speaker should expect a response.”
Roland Allen

The hope of America is not found in politics or economics but rather in her pulpits. May God raise up men who fear no potentate save Jehovah God, who bow no knee before rulers save the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and who passionately preach the good news of God’s love to a lost and dying world. God grant it to be so.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“When I hear a man preach, I like to see him act as if he were fighting bees.”
Abraham Lincoln

What Does the Pastor Do?

2009-11-24T13:09:00.000-05:00

“The pastor teaches, though he must solicit his own classes.

He heals, though without pills or knife.

He is sometimes a lawyer, often a social worker, something of an editor, a bit of a philosopher and entertainer, a salesman, a decorative piece for public functions, and he is supposed to be a scholar.

He visits the sick, marries people, buries the dead, labors to console those who sorrow and to admonish those who sin, and tries to stay sweet when chided for not doing his duty.

He plans programs, appoints committees when he can get them, spends considerable time in keeping people out of each other’s hair; between times he prepares a sermon and preaches it on Sunday to those who don’t happen to have any other engagement.

Then on Monday he smiles when some jovial chap roars, ‘What a job—one day a week!’”

Anonymous

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
Eph 4:11
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"

Get the Most from Your Bible

2009-11-17T12:52:00.000-05:00

I am happy to share with you this quote from F.B. Meyer:

“Read your Bible – not as a newspaper, but as a letter from home.

If a cluster of heavenly fruit hangs within reach, gather it.

If a promise lies upon the page as a blank check, cash it.

If a prayer is recorded, appropriate it and launch it as a feathered arrow from the bow of your desire.

If a truth is revealed in all its intrinsic splendor, entreat that its brilliance may ever irradiate the hemisphere of your life like a star.

Entwine the climbing creepers of holy desire round the latticework of Scripture. So will you come to say with the Psalmist, “O how I love thy law! It is my meditation of all the day” (Ps. 119:97)”

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”
~ AW. Tozer

My Friend Bozie

2009-11-04T10:04:00.000-05:00

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:4

My last several posts have been personally nostalgic. Surely, I have been blessed by good friends that have made a significant difference in my life.

Allow me to share with you about my dear friend and co-laborer in Christ, Dr. Ronald “Bozie” Fullerton. I met Dr. Fullerton in 1978 when Ruthi and I were moving to Portland, Oregon. At the time he was pastor of the First Baptist Church of El Sobrante, California. Under his capable leadership that dear church grew from an attendance of 40 to more than 800 and in eight and one-half years baptized more than 1,000 people. Dr. Fullerton has been a leader in Southern Baptist and California Baptist life.

However, of all of Dr. Fullerton’s accomplishments the one that has impacted me the most is his consistent and persistent soul winning. He led his fast growing evangelistic church by personal example. He was and is a daily soul winning practitioner. His leadership and ministry are a wonderful example for any pastor to emulate. Truly, he has lived out the testimony of Daniel 12:4.

Dr. Fullerton has made me a more effective soul winner by his active example. He has been a constant encouragement to me. I am grateful for the influence he has wielded in my life and very thankful that Dr. Fullerton is my friend.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”
Unknown

My Friend Dan Wade

2009-10-31T08:48:00.000-04:00

Prov 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

I guess I am getting older. I find myself experiencing moments of grateful reflection. To be very honest I probably would have been a better man, father, husband and pastor if I had experienced these sooner. They have caused me to be more recognize the important place that friends have played in my life.

One of those friends is Dr. Dan Wade, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Zephyrhills, Florida. Dan and his precious wife Lady Jane have been my friends for more than 20 years. God has used Dan in a great way to resurrect First Zephyrhills.

Dan has been a constant encourager. The time I spend with my friend Dan makes me a better preacher and more conscientious soul winner. Dan has a genuine heart to see people saved and is one of the two best pastor soul winners I know. It has been my joy to lead many people to Jesus while fellowshipping with Dan. His spirit is unique. His commitment to Christ and the church is unmatched.

The week of October 19 was a difficult week for my friends the Wades. Lady Jane experienced heart failure and underwent a heart catheterization and had a defibrillator installed. She is recovering well. Please pray for my friends the Wades they have given their life to serving the Lord and are a wonderful example of those to whom our Lord will say “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” I would that my journey for Christ is as fruitful.

I am glad they are my friends.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”
Prov 11:30

My Friend Don

2009-10-17T10:04:00.001-04:00

Eccl 4:9-10 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Across 32 years of ministry God has been very good to me by giving me treasured friends in the work of God. Among my most cherished friends is Don McLaughlin, pastor of Church at the Movies in Tallahassee, Florida. I met Don in 1986 and from the day that we met we have enjoyed a wonderful bond in Christ. Don and Kathy McLaughlin are among God’s finest and most faithful servants.

Don has been a trusted confidant and dependable co-laborer in Christ. I have rejoiced as he has become one of Florida Baptists finest leaders, currently serving a second term as President of the State Board of Missions. I am constantly challenged by Don’s faith and commitment to the vision that God has given him for Church at the Movies. His willingness to transition his congregation to become more intentional at reaching people with the gospel is extraordinary. The price that he and Kathy have paid is great.

Don’s journey is a wonderful example of a man who was willing to seek God’s vision and then to unswervingly pursue that vision for the glory of God. I am glad that Don is my friend. I encourage you to pray for the work of Church at the Movies in Tallahassee and for my precious friends Don and Kathy McLaughlin.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

It's a God Thing

2009-10-16T07:55:00.000-04:00

Often you will hear someone make the comment “It’s a God thing.” More often than not this is a way to describe something good happening in the life of an individual or some event that we have desired come to fruition. While I recognize that all good things come from above, is it possible that we at times simply want to validate our own desires by crediting God with us getting what we want?

If we are going to quickly declare “It’s a God thing” when it is good, possibly we should also declare “It’s a God thing” when we experience chastising from the Father or things do not go as well as we would have purposed. I fear we have developed an unbalanced and unbiblical view of God. The influence of culture tells us that God is good (and He is) but ignores that God is also sovereign, righteous, and holy. God’s purposes may be for us to endure difficulty as Job or Paul with his thorn in the flesh. By the way, both of these were a “God thing.”

If we are to follow Jesus totally we must surrender our desires to Him and our outcomes to Him. If we are genuinely His it is a “God thing” all the time. We should be prepared to give Him the glory in the valley as well as on the mountaintop. Having experienced both I can testify “It’s a God thing!”

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to the tremendous difficulties”
~ Charles Spurgeon

Tom Kinchen

2009-10-10T09:08:00.000-04:00

I serve as the Administrative Committee Chairman for the Baptist College of Florida Board of trustees. This past Thursday and Friday the board conducted its fall meeting. Allow me several observations.

The college is in excellent condition.I participated in a four hour evaluation meeting on Thursday morning. We were tasked with evaluating the stewardship of resources provided for the college by outside donors and Florida Baptists. There is a high level of accountability of all assets of the college. Dr. R.C. Hammrack is to be commended for his excellent service. I would that our governement operated as efficiently and with as much accountability. There is no waste at the college.

There is a wonderful spirit on the campus. Faculty and administration set an exemplary tone for God to move in the hearts of the students. The student center has been renovated and enlarged to provide for appropriate space for the students to fellowship and to develop their theological skills. It is a perfect enviroment.

Finally, this is made possible because of the visionary leadership of our president, Dr. Tom Kinchen. Someone has forgotten to notify him of the recession. New buildings withplans for more, new degree programs (expanding to a Master in Arts in Christian Studies, as well as otheres) and an increase in assets in 2009 of more than $970,000.00. All of this while operatiing on a reduced budget. It was a good day when God sent Tom Kinchen to the Baptst College of Florida.

The Baptist College of Florida is one of the marvelous success stories of the cooperative mnistries of Florida Baptsts.

Attempting to connect the dots...

R. Wayne Briant
Romans 116

Quoteable:
"Nothing can be rightly known, if God be not known; nor is any study well managed, nor to any great purpose, if God is not studied. We know little of the creature, till we know it as it stands related to the Creator..."

~ Richard Baxter

Why I Am a Southern Baptist

2009-10-02T11:06:00.000-04:00

As I was reading this week I began to ruminate on the reasons I am a Southern Baptist. Reality is I could have been most anything and pleased someone in my extended family. I grew up in a home that was un-religious. After I came to know Jesus as my Savior I discovered that my extended family included Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, and Nazarenes. Sadly, none of these took the time to tell me about Jesus.

Allow me to share some of the reasons I am a Southern Baptist.

It was a Southern Baptist church and a Southern Baptist Evangelist that led me to Christ. I was saved in an Eddie Martin led revival at the Seminole Heights Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida. This church and their pastor cared enough about the lost to take specific steps to reach out to their community with the Gospel.

It was a Southern Baptist church that cared enough about me to follow-up on me and encouraged me to follow the Lord in believer’s baptism and then provide an environment where I was challenged to grow in the Lord. The pastor and lay leaders of this church taught me to love the Bible and to love lost souls. They taught me to be faithful to the Lord and his church. They taught me that missions and evangelism were not programs of the church but rather the reason the church existed.

It was a Southern Baptist church that exhibited enough faith in me to license me and then ordain me to the Gospel Ministry. In retrospect, I am amazed that they would license and ordain a relatively young in the faith preacher like me. I am ever grateful for their support and encouragement.

It has been a Southern Baptist church that has supported me, prayed for me, and allowed me to follow God’s direction in my life for these past nearly 32 years.

It was a Southern Baptist layman that taught me to how win souls.

The above reasons are all very personal. Allow me to share some that are convictional.

I believe that Southern Baptists are committed to the task of carrying out the Great Commission. At every level of our precious fellowship from the local church to the national convention I am impressed with both the desire and the commitment to this great task.

I believe that Southern Baptists have the finest structure to carry out the Great Commission. Our mission boards and seminaries are the finest in all of Christianity. Our denominational structure providing for local, state, national and international missions and evangelism is the finest. Our denominational leaders exhibit clear commitment to world evangelization, while dealing with the opportunities of our historic Baptist polity.

I believe that Southern Baptists have the preeminent process for supporting our desire to carry out the Great Commission through the Cooperative Program. In 1925 God moved to cause us to adopt a cooperative effort that has allowed us to create the largest mission force in the history of Christianity and the finest training effort known to all of Christendom. Our cooperative missions and theological support is the envy of other efforts.

Are Southern Baptists perfect? No. Are there things that can be done to improve our efforts to reach the world? Yes. However, I am glad that God has allowed me to be a part of what I believe to be the greatest movement for world evangelization in all of history.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Baptists do best what they do together."
~ Unknown

Florida Baptists and Haiti

2009-09-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

Some years ago, at the request of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Florida Baptists Convention assumed responsibility for Southern Baptist missions work on the island nation of Haiti. Since that time God has worked miracles, comparable to those of New Testament times, in Haiti.

881 Churches have been started
This year more than 10,000 will be baptized
167 men have received certificates in theology from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
6 Directors of Missions have been employed

Possibly the most significant of these accomplishments would be the theological training of indigenous leaders. Any mission’s strategy that forsakes or ignores the need to train indigenous leaders is doomed to fail. Ultimately, the ongoing success of the work is dependent upon indigenous leadership.

This has been possible because of the faithful cooperative program support of Florida Baptist Churches and the vision and passion of our Executive-Director Treasurer, Dr. John Sullivan. Craig Culbreth, from the Florida Baptist Convention Missions Division has done yeoman work in Haiti. God is using Florida Baptists to disperse darkness in one of the poorest and most evil places in the world.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"
~ David Livingstone

Religion and Politics

2009-09-23T10:08:00.000-04:00

Last week I was having breakfast with a group of unchurched and mostly unsaved men. This is a group of men I meet with on a consistent basis. It has been my joy to lead several of the men and the servers at the restaurant to know Jesus as their Savior.

As you would imagine our conversations run the full gamut of topics. This particular day the topic among some of the group was politics. One of the men spoke up and said that he “never discussed religion or politics.” While I have often heard this statement, this time it caused me to wonder why we would exclude “religion and politics” from our dialogue. It would seem to me that these should be two topics that rank high on our list of items to be discussed.

One of the reasons we hear this phrase is that there are people who lack conviction and therefore have little or nothing to say concerning wither religion or politics. Another reason is that there are those who cannot dialogue but rather desire to argue others into submission. Further, there are those who are so intolerant of others as to allow that there may be another position to be considered.

I believe both religion and politics are necessary topics for our public and open discussion. If we genuinely believe in our republic and the democratic way of life it provides then we must involve ourselves in the process of dialogue concerning the matters of the day politically. To do otherwise is to surrender our participation in the greatest nation in history. Civil discourse is no only guaranteed by the First Amendment it is required of free people.

Religious dialogue is not only necessary it is natural. If a person has a genuine living relationship with Jesus they will desire to speak of that relationship. While I possess firm conviction about my personal faith, my dialogue about my faith should always be civil and respectful. I have no fear of losing my faith in public discourse. Jesus is the truth and will stand the crucible of public dialogue and critical examination.

We must never lose sight of common courtesy as well as maintaining personal conviction. Start talking about religion and politics. It will do your soul and your country good.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.”
~ Mahatma Ghandi

Anti Christian League United

2009-09-18T07:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Americans got a win. In Pensacola a Federal Court Judge ruled in favor of a high school athletic director and a high school principal on trial for violating a court order that prohibited them from praying. Their crime was praying over their food. This case is a part of an ongoing issue between the American Civil Liberties Union and the Santa Rosa County School District.

The A.C.L.U. has possibly done more harm in this generation than any other non-government organization. They have promoted anti-Christian sentiment and issue and are the major voice in the “separation of church and state” debate. It is sad that an organization that is so influential cannot read. Here is the first amendment.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The First Amendment is a part of the “Bill of Rights” comprised of the first ten amendments of the constitution. It was important to our founding fathers that limits be placed upon the Federal government for the purpose of protecting specific rights. This concept has been aborted in our day at least partially by a culture that has confused “entitlement“ with rights. What does the First Amendment protect?

1. The federal government will not establish a religion. The obvious intent here is that there shall be no government sponsored religion.

2. The federal government will not prohibit the free exercise of religion. People are to be allowed to express their religious faith as they choose. This includes publicly praying and expressing gratitude to God for our daily bread.

3. The federal government will make no law restricting free speech. Every individual is allowed to express their opinion.

4. The federal government will not interfere with the media. A free press is an absolute necessity for a free people. The government should not influence either positively or negatively the media.

5. The federal government will not stop people from a peaceable assembly. History teaches that freedom is suppressed when people cannot peacefully gather.

6. The federal government will not prohibit people from seeking relief from the government when they experience grievance against the government.

The verbiage specifically restricts the influence of government in these specific areas. We can thank the A.C.L.U. (Anti Christian League United) for the abhorrent and unconstitutional rulings of the past generation.

Hopefully, the Pensacola ruling will begin a movement back to the constitutional protections of the First Amendment.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“It appears that some school officials, teachers, and parents have assumed that religious expression of any type is either inappropriate or forbidden altogether in public schools; however, nothing in the First Amendment converts our public schools into religion-free zones.”
~ President Bill Clinton

I Pastor Wonderful People

2009-09-15T08:12:00.001-04:00

It has been my joy to be pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Sarasota, Florida for the past eighteen and one-half years. As you can imagine those years have been packed with thousands of experiences, some of them have been great others have been less than great.

I said all of that to say that God has been very good to let me be pastor to the wonderful people of Southside. Across these years I have been privileged to work with excellent staff, Godly lay leadership, and loving people. They have been tolerant of my mistakes. They have supported my ministry. They have encouraged my service in numerous positions in denominational life as well as in preaching an average of three revivals a year. They have prayed for me and my family. They have been supportive of each of our children as they have grown up. They have provided for us to the very best of their ability.

As a people they have desired the expositional preaching of God’s Word. During my years at Southside I have preached through the entire New Testament, the Minor Prophets, The Psalms and Proverbs, almost half of the Pentateuch and many of the books of History in the Old Testament. They bring their Bibles. They take notes (as if I might say something worth noting) and then follow-up with questions from not only the messages but from their personal study. It is great to pastor a people who not only profess to be people of the book but practice being people of the book. They make me a more effective preacher of the gospel.

I am blessed of God to be pastor to such wonderful people.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."
~ Bill Keane

September 11 - Eight Years Later

2009-09-11T07:30:00.002-04:00

Today, we stop to remember the horrific terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. What are your memories of that day?

Unbelief - it was surreal to view planes flying into the side of the twin towers, then to hear news reports of a plane that went down in rural Pennsylvania and yet another plane flown into the Pentagon. For the first time America was attacked upon her own continental soil.

Horror - watching the towers beginning to crumble and realizing that people were trapped inside was horrific. The death toll was two thousand nine hundred and ninety-three.

Pride - many brave fire fighters and police officers risked and or gave their lives that day in order to protect or save people they did not know. Courageous men sacrificed themselves on the flight that went down in Pennsylvania. In the midst of disaster true American Heroism ruled the day.

Recognition - there are people in the world that will die to attempt to destroy us. We can no longer behave as if we are exempt from terror attack. We were plunged into a war unlike any war we have ever known. A war that continues and more than likely shall continue into our foreseeable future. We ignore this reality to our own peril. There is evil in the world.

Resolve - this is a war we did not choose, however, it is a war we must fight and win. Yes, the price is high (it can get no higher than the life of even one American). Freedom is not free. It must be reclaimed by every generation that would enjoy its blessings.

Take time today to remember that day. Pray for God to bless our soldiers that still fight for our freedom. Our life as a nation and individual people will never be the same because of those events.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail."
~ President George W. Bush

The End of the Story

2009-09-09T09:58:00.010-04:00

Sunday Mornings @ 10:30am

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Do you think yourself wise? Then there's a donkey inside your waistcoat”.”
~ C.H. Spurgeon

Cooperation

2009-09-02T08:55:00.005-04:00

Ignace Jan Paderewski, the famous Polish composer-pianist, was once scheduled to perform at a great American concert hall for a high-society extravaganza. In the audience was a mother with her fidgety nine-year-old son. Weary of waiting, the boy slipped away from her side, strangely drawn to the Steinway on the stage. Without much notice from the audience, he sat down at the stool and began playing "chopsticks." The roar of the crowd turned to shouts as hundreds yelled, "Get that boy away from there!" When Paderewski heard the uproar backstage, he grabbed his coat and rushed over behind the boy. Reaching around him from behind, the master began to improvise a countermelody to "Chopsticks." As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy's ear, "Keep going. Don't quit, son...don't stop...don't stop."

What are the lessons Baptists can learn from this story?

1. There is the danger of the piano not being played at all. If we wait for the experts to play the piano it will for the most part remain silent and ineffective. Further the experts cannot be everywhere at once.
2. There is the risk of finding fault with those who are playing the piano now. Those not playing the piano easily criticize those that are playing the piano. Particularly when it is not being played to their liking.
3. Those who play the piano expertly are prone to criticize those who play differently than they play. It is safe to assume that there were many self-professing expert pianists who “heckled” the boy.
4. The loudest critics are often those who prefer the limelight of being a soloist rather than what is often perceived as a mundane participant. The prima donna does not understand the need for cooperation.
5. There is value when the expert joins in with those currently playing the piano. The melody becomes not only more appealing it is more effective.
6. The perceived expert need not stop what is happening to make it more effective, he simply needs to add his skill to the melody.
7. Cooperation is a much better impetus for success than criticism or removal. We still best what we do together.
8. Cooperation is not dependent on total agreement or compliance. The master in the story had years ago moved beyond chopsticks and certainly had not planned for a concert that included chopsticks.
9. I fear that often the question is “cooperation” versus “control”. Those that seek control seldom understand the concept of cooperation.

The genius of Southern Baptist life has always been our cooperation within the context of theological consensus and missional commitment. If we lose the commitment to cooperative ministry we will lose that which has made us the most effective and far-reaching mission effort in the history of Christianity.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation.”
~ William Arthur Ward

Quotable

2009-08-28T09:18:00.001-04:00

"Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters."
~ Samuel Adams

"The virtues of men are of more consequence to society than their abilities. ... In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate -- look to his character."
~ Noah Webster

"The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families. ... Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics."
~ John Adams

"[W]ith respect to future debt; would it not be wise and just for that nation to declare in the constitution they are forming that neither the legislature, nor the nation itself can validly contract more debt, than they may pay within their own age..."
~ Thomas Jefferson

"It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth -- and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? ... For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it."
~ Patrick Henry

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Politics of Fear

2009-08-25T07:36:00.003-04:00

The politics of fear calls for change without articulating or defining the necessary change. It then bemoans certain disaster unless you accept the stated premise of change.

The politics of fear portrays a ruinous future unless drastic and immediate steps are taken. The impact of delay will be the decline and ultimate demise of any possible future.

The politics of fear at least implies that those elected to positions of leadership are wiser and know that which is best for their constituents.

The politics of fear tolerates no disagreement and responds to any questioning with an incredulous attitude functionally stating, “How can you question me?”

The politics of fear is often promoted by a charismatic leader who has risen to power and influence without any prior commitment to or participation in their organization.

The politics of fear operates from a position of might makes right. While it may be desirable to bring along everyone involved in a process. Leadership will often choose to “go it alone” simply because they perceive they have the votes to win.

The politics of fear are most often used to promote a personal ideology or agenda as opposed to the current ideology or agenda.

I am certain many think I am speaking of national politics. While this may be true is it possible that Southern Baptists are taking a page out of secular politics? If change is coming to our dear Southern Baptist Zion (it probably should come) it should include a very broad representation from our churches and allow for time to not only to digest any proposed changes but provide for legitimate input from the broad base of Southern Baptist congregations. Southern Baptists can be trusted.

While there is no doubt more that can and should be done to carry out the Great Commission Southern Baptists have established and supported the greatest mission effort in the history of Christianity. Give them the facts and a biblical, logical solution and they will follow good Godly leadership.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy.“
~Ernest Benn

No More Free Exercise of Religion

2009-08-17T09:54:00.005-04:00

Do we still possess the freedom of religion in the United States? That is a question that we should never be required to ask. The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States reads:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

However, a liberal judiciary and activist judges have reinterpreted the first amendment to the point that a pair of Florida men may go to jail for praying at their school. An August 15, 2009 Fox News article titled, Florida Principal, Athletic Director Could Go to Jail for Prayer Before Lunch at School, details the account and charges being brought against these two Christian men.

While Islam and Satan worship are to be tolerated, Bible believing Christians have become the persecuted people of 21st century America. It is insane that men might go to jail for praying at school. Not only are Christian rights being snatched away all manner of American freedom is disappearing. It is time to speak up and have your voice heard. To do nothing is to give away the privilege of a free people.

History records Baptist as a most persecuted people. Could history repeat itself in America?

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. “
~Thomas Paine

Great Commission Resurgence Task Force Churches

2009-08-14T13:33:00.005-04:00

Thursday, August 13, 2009 Baptist Press posted and article titled, Profiles: GCR Task Force Members. This article provides information concerning those men and women who have been appointed to the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. The task force was appointed by Convention President, Dr. Johnny Hunt “to study how Southern Baptists can work “more faithfully and effectively together in serving Christ through the Great Commission.”

The article compiles information to provide a profile about the members of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force that was formed in response to the vote of messengers to the SBC's annual meeting in Louisville. Church data is taken from the SBC's 2008 Annual Church Profile. As I read the article I was thrilled by the expertise and blessing of God that these members have enjoyed. In this reading it occurred to me that an analysis of the profile of the churches represented might be enlightening. Therefore, I took the information as it was presented in the article and placed it on a spreadsheet. Several things are identifiable from this process.

The twenty-three members of the task force come from twenty local churches. Three churches; Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz, Florida, First Baptist Church Woodstock, Georgia, and First Baptist Church Springdale, Arkansas each have two members. This means that 26.08% of the committee comes from three churches.

It is generally recognized that a church averaging 2,000 plus in attendance is considered a “mega-church.” Twelve or 60% of the churches comes from churches classified as “mega-churches.” This represents fifteen or 65.2% of the members of the task force.

In evangelism task force churches averaged baptizing 220.6 people in the 2008 report. The ratio of baptism to worship attendance was 1 baptism for each 14.12 in worship attendance. This is far better than the average Southern Baptist Church nationwide.

In stewardship task force churches averaged Cooperative Program giving of $262,385.00 or 3.78% of their undesignated receipts. Further, they gave in total to all missions’ causes an average of $1,289,431.00 or 12.49% of their total income. Six of the churches did not report any gift to the Annie Armstrong North American Mission Offering, three of the churches did not report any gift to the Lottie Moon International Mission Offering, three of the churches did not report any income either total or undesignated, and two of the churches reported no total gifts to all mission causes. This record of cooperative giving does not stack up as well to the average Southern Baptist Church nationwide.

The breakdown of task force members includes; two seminary presidents, one college president, thirteen pastors and staff, one layman, two women, and four denominational executives.

Since I am from Florida I noted that there are five Floridians on the task force, representing four churches. These Florida churches baptized an average of 193.25 people in 2008 and gave an average of 10.8% of their undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program. While the average number baptized was slightly lower than the average for the task force, the average gifts through the Cooperative Program was significantly higher than the average for the task force. Both numbers are significantly higher than the average Southern Baptist church nationwide. These churches are very representative of the heart of Florida Baptists, emphasizing both local church evangelism and a heart to work cooperatively to reach the world with the gospel.

There are other observations to be made; however, these seem most pertinent to the work of the task force. I trust that this analysis of the information in the Baptist Press article will assist you in praying for the work of the Great Commission Task Force. I believe in the work being done by this task force. I am firmly persuaded that as Southern Baptists we must to be more effective in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. God give us a Great Commission resurgence that begins in our local churches, spreads to our local associations, impacts our state conventions, and reaches the ends of the earth. Our Savior in heaven commands it and a lost and dying world waits for it.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"Is not the commission of our Lord still binding upon us? Can we not do more than now we are doing?"
~ William Carey

An Atheist Calls for Soul Winning

2009-08-11T07:39:00.002-04:00

Yesterday my good friend Randy Alonso sent me the link below. It is a monologue from Penn Jillette of the renowned comedy team Penn and Teller. The video is 4 minutes and 55 seconds long. It is well worth hearing every word.

Click on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa9JE_ZVL88

God grant us a like understanding and a passion to match our understanding.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world.”
~ Charles Dickens

Will Rogers Quotes

2009-08-07T09:06:00.003-04:00

Allow me to share some timeless wisdom from Native American Indian, Will Rogers.

"Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate; now what's going to happen to us with both a Senate and a House?"

"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for."

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock."

"Don't gamble; take all your savings and buy some good stock and hold it till it goes up, then sell it. If it don't go up, don't buy it."

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

"I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat."

"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip."

"Nothing you can't spell will ever work."

"On account of being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does."

"Our constitution protects aliens, drunks and U.S. Senators."

"The best doctor in the world is the veterinarian. He can't ask his patients what is the matter-he's got to just know."

"There ought to be one day-- just one-- when there is open season on senators."

"There's no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you."

"This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer."

"We are all here for a spell; get all the good laughs you can."

"We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."

"Rumor travels faster, but it don't stay put as long as truth."

"There is only one thing that can kill the Movies, and that is education."

"The more you read and observe about this Politics thing, you got to admit that each party is worse than the other. The one that's out always looks the best."

This kind of wisdom guided us through the first half of the 20th century. God grant that we regain it.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life."
~ Henry L. Doherty

Misplaced Priorities

2009-08-04T07:30:00.004-04:00

This morning I read an article titled, U.S. Calls Summit on Texting While Driving, on Foxnews.com. This article portrays the concern of a group of our lawmakers and our president about the practice of "texting" while driving. While I agree that it is dangerous to “text” while you drive, does this require a summit of experts to realize the inherent dangers involved in “texting” while driving?

This is but one more example of a government with misplaced priorities. They desire to develop laws against “texting” while our nation allows the legalized murder of unborn infants, now numbering in the millions. We call a summit concerned about “texting” while we debate legislation that calls for everyone 65 and older to attend “end of life counseling” (a first step to legalized euthanasia). We conduct dialogue about “texting” while our national debt is rising exponentially seemingly with no concern to reduce it. We create news concerning “texting” while we pay lip service to addressing the problems of crime, drugs, and alcohol in our nation.

We have for far too long accepted symbolism over substance from our political leaders. Our nation has real problems and needs serious leaders who will tackle those problems with a concern for their constituents that exceeds their concern for another photo op or bump in the polls. To quote a famous radio personality, “WAKE UP AMERICA!”

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times.”
~ Everett Dirksen

Death of the Permanent Record

2009-07-31T10:01:00.013-04:00

Columnist Bob Green of the Chicago Tribune has a theory about what's wrong with the world. He blames it on what he calls the "Death of The Permanent Record." He recalls that grade-school children once lived in fear of having their bad behavior noted on The Permanent Record. Because of this, people learned in their youth to stop before they did something deceitful or unethical. They didn't stop because they were so good but for fear of having their actions written down.

Today, according to Bob Green, people have come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a permanent record. In fact, they believe no one has a right to keep track. Green says that with today's emphasis on our rights to privacy, if a school child were ever threatened with something going on his permanent record, he would probably file suit under the Freedom of Information Act and gain possession of his files before recess.

Bob Greene is on target. The fear of consequence is still a valid deterrent to abhorrent behavior. I remind that you that God is keeping a permanent record. Your sin will find you out. The only way to expunge your record is through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus.

One of my favorite songs was written in 1865 by Elvina Hall, titled, “Jesus Paid it All.”

I hear the Savior say,

“Thy strength indeed is small;

Child of weakness, watch and pray,

Find in me thine all in all.”

For nothing good have I

Whereby Thy grace to claim;

I’ll wash my garments white

In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

And now complete in Him,

My robe, His righteousness,

Close sheltered ’neath His side,

I am divinely blest.

Lord, now indeed I find

Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,

Can change the leper’s spots

And melt the heart of stone.

When from my dying bed

My ransomed soul shall rise,

“Jesus died my soul to save,”

Shall rend the vaulted skies.

And when before the throne

I stand in Him complete,

I’ll lay my trophies down,

All down at Jesus’ feet.

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"Every choice carries a consequence. For better or for worse, each choice is the unavoidable consequence of its predecessor. There are no exceptions. If you can accpet that a bad choice carries the seed of its own punishment, why not accept the fact that a good choice yields desireable fruit?"”
~ Gary Ryan Blair

Good Quotes

2009-07-28T07:29:00.001-04:00

I have always enjoyed good quotes. Here are a few:

“In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.”
~ R.G. Lee

“Secure sinners must hear the thundering of Mount Sinai before we bring them to Mount Zion. Every minister should be a Boanerges, a son of thunder, as well as a Barnabas, a son of consolation.”
~ George Whitfield

“We Christians too often substitute prayer for playing the game. Prayer is good; but when used as a substitute for obedience, it is nothing but a blatant hypocrisy, a despicable Pharisaism … To your knees, man! And to your Bible! Decide at once! Don’t hedge! Time flies! Cease your insults to God. Quit consulting flesh and blood. Stop your lame, lying, and cowardly excuses. Enlist!”
~ C.T. Studd

“No man knows the brightness of the gospel ‘till he knows the darkness of those clouds which surround the law of the Lord.”
~ C.H. Spurgeon

“A zealous man feels that, like a lamp, he is made to burn; and if consumed in burning, he has done the work for which God appointed him. Such a one will always find a sphere for his zeal. If he cannot preach and work and give money, he will cry and sigh and pray.”
~ John C. Ryle

“Does it grieve you my friend that the name of God is being taken in vain and desecrated? Does it grieve you that we are living in a godless age … But we are living in such an age and the main reason we should be praying about revival is that we are anxious to see God’s name vindicated and His glory manifested. We should be anxious to see something happening that will arrest the nations, all the peoples, and cause them to stop and to think again.”
~ Martin Lloyd Jones

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“One single soul saved shall outlive and outweigh all the kingdoms of the world.”
~ John C. Ryle

Be Vigilant

2009-07-24T10:05:00.004-04:00

No matter what side you are on in the current health care legislation you should be alarmed. This current issue shows one of the greatest challenges with our current political process.

Our elected leaders are failing in properly representing those who have elected them. When they fail to even read the legislation they are voting on, they have failed us. When they fail to consider the real cost of any bill (remember the stimulus package), they have failed us. When they fail to join us in the result of the legislation (their own healthcare and retirement), they have failed us. When decision making is more about opinion polls and the prospect of re-election than the welfare of their constituents, they have failed us.

Words like irresponsible, absurd, self-indulgent, foolish, etc… all come to mind. Any leader has abdicated his right to lead when he fails to perform his duties diligently, honestly, and thoroughly. The expediency of an issue does not negate the responsibility of the decision. I will be the first to agree that health needs reform but a bad decision now does not improve the problem but rather enhances it.

A bill that includes tax payers providing for taxpayers paying for abortions and requiring end of life counseling for those 65 and older is a bad bill. Those opposed to abortion should not be required to pay that bill. Government mandated “end of life” counseling will only lead to taxpayers paying for euthanasia. The current bill is not about the improving of our health care it is about the government controlling quality of life and the ending of life. It is a bad bill.

Surely, our nation has leaders who can address the health care crisis without providing a process for the government to decide who lives and who does not.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.

The Wonderful English Language

2009-07-22T13:11:00.004-04:00

I received the following from my brother-in-law, David C. Hall, Jr. It illustrates the challenge of communicating the English language.

We’ll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes; but the plural of ox became oxen not oxes. One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, yet the plural of moose should never be meese.

You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice; yet the plural of house is houses, not hice. If the plural of man is always called men, why shouldn’t the plural of pan be called pen?

If I spoke of my foot and show you my feet, and I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet? If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth, why shouldn’t the plural of booth be called beeth?

Then one may be that, and three would be those, yet hat in the plural would never be hose, and the plural of cat is cats, not cose.

We speak of a brother and also of brethren, but though we say mother, we never say methren. Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him, but imagine the feminine, she, shis and shim.

Communication can at times be challenging. Because words do mean something when we use them we should use them carefully and with clarity. While this true of our everyday conversation it should be particularly true of our sharing the gospel.

Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Rom 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
The quantity of consonants in the English language is constant. If omitted in one place, they turn up in another. When a Bostonian "pahks" his "cah," the lost r's migrate southwest, causing a Texan to "warsh" his car and invest in "erl wells."
~Author Unknown

Why Not?

2009-07-16T13:06:00.004-04:00

My good friend and co-laborer in the Lord Dr. Ronald Fullerton recently asked me to give him ten reasons as to why saved people do not win souls. Here they are in no particular order:

They do not believe in the horribleness of hell. They say that they do. However, a genuine belief in hell, a place where there the fire is never quenched and the worm dieth not, would drive us to the task of soul wining.
They do not know how. Our people must be taught to be soul winners.
They are not properly inspired. People must be challenged regularly from our pulpits to win souls. They must see the consistent efforts of their pastor in soul winning.
They are afraid of what others might say about them. Our people must be taught to worry more about what God thinks about them than what the world thinks about them.
They do not properly reverence and love God. If they genuinely loved and reverenced our Lord they would be eager to do what He has commanded them to do.
They do not care about others. Sadly, many professing Christians simply do not care about the lostness of those around them.
They do not have a relationship with God, they are lost themselves. People who know not God cannot influence others who know not God to know God.
They are too busy. When you are too busy to win souls you are too busy!
They are not filled with the Holy Spirit. The filling of the Holy Spirit drives us to the task of personal soul winning.
They do not believe in the sweetness of heaven. Those who genuinely believe in a sweet heaven that will be ours for a long eternity will desire above all else to share that eternity with their friends and family.

The scripture clearly teaches that every twice born believer is enlisted by the act of conversion in the army of soul winners. Soul winning is not an option in the New Testament it is a mandate. Join in the world’s greatest work, soul winning, today.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“We are praying for sinners to come to God; God is pleading with saints to go for sinners.”
– Unknown

Learning from History

2009-07-07T08:50:00.002-04:00

Many of the challenges of Baptist life are educational in nature. We must train our people to know, understand, and live out the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. When people do not understand who we are, where we have come from, why we exist, what we stand for, and where we are going we have failed educationally.

As I observe life in our Baptist churches and our beloved Southern Baptist Convention I am persuaded that much of our confusion comes from a lack of understanding of who Baptists are historically. The issues of polity and theology that many of our churches face could be solved with proper training concerning our Baptist History. While, I recognize we must look to the future, we can only do so as we correctly understand our past.

Wednesday evenings in July I will be teaching on “Church History and Baptists.” It is important that Baptists understand from “whence we have come.” There are many who seem to think that there has never been a generation that faced the challenges we face today. Many of the challenges that Baptist face today are not new but rather former challenges dressed in new clothes. One of our greatest weaknesses is our lack of historic perspective. Either we learn from history or we are destined to make mistakes based on a faulty understanding of our past.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.
~ Aristotle

65 Years

2009-07-04T18:15:00.002-04:00

This past week I accompanied Ruthi to the Hall family reunion and celebration of her parent’s 65th wedding anniversary.

Ruthi’s parents have been in Christian ministry since 1944. Her father, Dr. David C. Hall, was ordained, June 3, 1943, at the age of 16 and pastored some of Southern Baptists historic great churches, including North Phoenix Baptist Church, Phoenix, AZ and Kelham Avenue Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK.

Their family now numbers 49 with 2 sons and 2 grandsons preaching the gospel. They possess the enviable testimony of a life well lived, a Savior well served, and a family well reared.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
Ps 127:3-5
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord : and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
KJV

Evil is Everywhere

2009-06-23T07:43:00.004-04:00

Ruthi shared with me a news article concerning teenagers vandalizing and burglarizing the home of a Wesley Chapel woman and soldier. The soldier was away in Virginia caring for wounded soldiers. When she shared the story with me she asked me the question, “How could teenagers do something like this?”

The answer to Ruthi’s good question is: evil is everywhere. In spite of the remonstrations of the politically correct crowd this event and the uncounted others like it are caused by evil in the human heart. There is a sin nature in men, women, boys, and girls that causes them to remove any and all restraints. It causes them to behave out of selfishness and a lack of respect for others and the things of others.

We no longer teach either righteousness or restraint in our schools. In our homes, parents are too busy to give positive direction and oversight to their children. We live in a fast food, video saturated culture where our children learn they are entitled to anything they desire right now, that nothing is real and our actions carry with them no consequences. From far too many pulpits we proclaim pious platitudes in the place of a call to Holy living. The powerful gospel message has been replaced with a compromising feel good patter. Obviously there is enough blame to go around.

What would have happened if these teenagers had been led to know Jesus as their Savior and taught to live for Him? Our task as the church impacts every segment of life and culture. We must become militant about sharing the gospel of Jesus with a sin-sick world. Jesus is the only answer.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Men's minds are too ready to excuse guilt in themselves.”
~ Livy

Misplaced Priorities

2009-06-15T14:54:00.002-04:00

Across the years I have used many promotional plans to attempt to reach people. Among these ideas has been Bring a Friend Sunday, Bring your Bible Sunday, Bring a Covered Dish Sunday, Bring a Chocolate Dessert Sunday (one of my favorites), and even Bring your Tithe Sunday. I could name a few more but I suspect you get the point. However, this week I have found a new one to add to the list, Bring your Gun Sunday. Before you think I have lost my mind check out this link Bring your Gun Sunday to a church in Kentucky.

While I support our Second Amendment Rights, it would seem to me that the attempt to be relevant, if that is what this is, is a tad misguided. If this is an attempt to make a political statement it has no place in the house of God.

The church of the Lord Jesus has more important things to emphasize than the right to bear arms; Biblical preaching, Christ-honoring living, passionate soul-winning, and commitment to missions to name just a few. Satan’s favorite trick is to cause the church to give first class loyalty to second class causes. His greatest efforts go to distract us from winning a lost world to Christ.

The church of the Lord Jesus is not a place for political activism but rather a place for spiritual activity.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“The necessary has never been man's top priority. The passionate pursuit of the nonessential and the extravagant is one of the chief traits of human uniqueness. Unlike other forms of life, man's greatest exertions are made in the pursuit not of necessities but of superfluities.”
~~ Eric Hoffer

True Heroes

2009-06-04T09:12:00.012-04:00

My Brother Steve shared the following email with me. As we approach the 65th anniversary of D-Day I thought it worth consideration.

Look carefully at the B-17 and note how shot up it is - one engine dead, tail, horizontal stabilizer and nose shot up.. It was ready to fall out of the sky. (This is a painting done by an artist from the description of both pilots many years later.) Then realize that there is a German ME-109 fighter flying next to it. Now read the story below. I think you'll be surprised.....

Charlie Brown was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with the 379th Bomber Group at Kimbolton, England. His B-17 was called 'Ye Old Pub' and was in a terrible state, having been hit by flak and fighters. The compass was damaged and they were flying deeper over enemy territory instead of heading home to Kimbolton.

After flying the B-17 over an enemy airfield, a German pilot named Franz Steigler was ordered to take off and shoot down the B-17. When he got near the B-17, he could not believe his eyes. In his words, he 'had never seen a plane in such a bad state'. The tail and rear section was severely damaged, and the tail gunner wounded. The top gunner was all over the top of the fuselage The nose was smashed and there were holes everywhere.

Despite having ammunition, Franz flew to the side of the B-17 and looked at Charlie Brown, the pilot. Brown was scared and struggling to control his damaged and blood-stained plane.

Aware that they had no idea where they were going, Franz waved at Charlie to turn 180 degrees. Franz escorted and guided the stricken plane to, and slightly over, the North Sea towards England. He then saluted Charlie Brown and turned away, back to Europe. When Franz landed he told the CO that the plane had been shot down over the sea, and never told the truth to anybody. Charlie Brown and the remains of his crew told all at their briefing, but were ordered never to talk about it.

More than 40 years later, Charlie Brown wanted to find the Luftwaffe pilot who saved the crew. After years of research, Franz was found. He had never talked about the incident, not even at post-war reunions.

Charlie Brown
Franz Stigler

They met in the USA at a 379th Bomber Group reunion, together with 25 people who are alive now - all because Franz never fired his guns that day. When asked why he didn't shoot them down, Stigler later said, I didn't have the heart to finish those brave men. I flew beside them for a long time. They were trying desperately to get home and I was going to let them do that. I could not have shot at them. It would have been the same as shooting at a man in a parachute. Both men died in 2008.

It may be that we as Americans need to be reminded of the meaning of true heroism.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”
~ Arthur Ashe

Dr. Tom Kinchen

2009-05-25T10:50:00.003-04:00

Last week I attended the annual meeting of the Baptist College of Florida Board of Trustees. At this meeting we broke ground on a new World Missions and Evangelism Center, dedicated new family housing, and dedicated a new administrative building. All of this is done without incurring any debt during an economic recession. To God be the glory.

Also, we recognized Dr. Kinchen at the occasion of his 19th anniversary as President of the college. When Dr. Kinchen arrived at the college plans were in place to close the college within one year. During his tenure he has provided extraordinary leadership. Endowments have grown exponentially, enrollment has reached an all time high, and his vision for the future of the college is clear and challenging. God has used Dr. Kinchen to create at the Baptist College of Florida one of Southern Baptists finest educational entities. What has happened under his presidency is a miracle of biblical proportion.

In a day when most educational institutions are straying from God’s Word and the Great Commission the Baptist College of Florida remains firmly lashed to the both. The motto: “Changing the World through the Unchanging Word” is strategic guidance for all that is happening at the college. I am honored to be associated with this wonderful school.

We congratulate Dr. Kinchen for his consistent, Godly leadership and nineteen wonderful years of God blessed victory.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Everything in Baptist life rises and falls on leadership”
~ Dr. Lee Roberson

18 Years

2009-05-19T08:37:00.005-04:00

This week I celebrate eighteen years as pastor of Southside Baptist Church. It hardly seems possible that I have served here this long. The time has gone by rapidly.

Ruthi and I have loved each place that God has given us to serve. He has always given us wonderful people who have loved us and encouraged us as we followed the Lord. This is particularly true of Southside. The people of Southside are God’s finest. They have been gracious to us and our family. They have been tolerant of my mistakes. They have been willing to follow leadership. I am proud to be their pastor.

Here are some things I have reaffirmed in eighteen years.

You can trust God’s people to follow Him.
It is imperative that the church maintain its evangelistic zeal.
The greatest challenge of leadership is training and education.
Southern Baptists with all of their weaknesses are still the finest missions’ force in history.
Florida Baptists have been given a magnificent opportunity to impact the world right here in our state.
I have been privileged to serve with some of the most committed people in God’s service.
Not every experience is good but across these eighteen years God has been good to the point of overflowing to me.
The most glorious moment in serving Him is the winning of a lost soul.
It is the supreme privilege of life to stand before a group of people week in and week out and proclaim the riches of God’s Word.

I am grateful that God called me to be a preacher and I am honored that He called me to be the preacher at Southside Baptist Church. Thank you my dear people for eighteen God blessed years.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"The successful man doesn't use others, other people use the successful man, for above all the success is of service."
- Mark Caine

A Wonderful Evening

2009-05-15T08:09:00.002-04:00

Last night Ruthi and I were honored to attend a patriotic program performed by second graders at Ashton Elementary school where our daughter Marci, an ASL certified interpreter, works with deaf and hard of hearing children. It was one of the finest experiences of the year.

I was both humbled and challenged by the boys and girls. Marci works with 5 deaf and hard of hearing children who performed special music during the concert. One of her boys did a solo. What a blessing to see the joy and courage of these children.

As I sat and enjoyed the concert I experienced several emotions. First, I was very proud of Marci (I am also very proud of Ralph and Steven) and the work God has chosen for her. Her love for her children and her commitment to her craft is obvious. The work she is doing is making a difference in the lives of the families of these precious children. One parent shared, “It is wonderful to be able to enjoy a program without having to interpret.”

Second, I was reminded of how fortunate I have been in life. Some of these children go to homes where no one in the family has sign language skills. They live in an environment where no one is capable of communicating with them. I shall make an honest attempt to not take for granted my blessings.

Third, I reaffirmed my gratitude for America and those dear men and women who have laid their lives on the line for my freedom. The program was about our soldiers who fight for us. At one point during the program the second graders performed a reenactment of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. This was a very emotional moment for me. Our dear church member, Ralph Nifong, was present on Iwo Jima when the flag was raised. Freedom has been purchased and kept at great cost. These are the true heroes and role models in life.

But, my list of heroes has now grown by five boys and girls who have the courage to face a life that shall always be filled with challenges. Five boys and girls who need caring teachers and adult leaders to guide them. Five boys and girls that need compassionate adults to mentor them.

Thank you boys and girls for reminding this old preacher of the greatness of the land we call America.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling with which you cherished them.”
- Richard L. Evans

Is America a Christian Nation?

2009-05-12T08:20:00.003-04:00

Is America a Christian Nation?

There is legitimate concern as to comments by President Obama stating that America is no longer a Christian nation. Recently in Turkey, he said that, "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation; we consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."

In all honesty I believe President Obama may well be correct. If the definition of a Christian nation is determined by our behavior we can no longer claim to be a Christian nation. As a nation we no longer honor the Lord. The Lord’s Day is no longer sacred. Sporting events, recreation, outings have all replaced the faithful worship of Christ on the Lord’s Day. The overwhelming majority of professing Christians never darken the door of their church. The way that we spend our money is more pagan than Christian. American Christians spend more money annually on cosmetics than they give to their churches. In a recent year Christians gave less than 2.4% of their income for the support of their churches. The way that we treat others is reprehensible. Life is no longer sacred. Legalized abortion and euthanasia strongly testify to our lack of respect for others created in the image of God. Biblical standards have disappeared in favor of high ideals and values that have no specific foundation aside from the current situation. Open immorality and preferred status for those who choose abominable sin is a reality. Christianity is rapidly becoming a persecuted faith in our land.

Our nation was founded upon men who sought after God. Fleeing religious persecution, they determined to provide a place where men could worship God to the dictates of their heart. It is sad but true that our forefathers would weep if they saw how the nation they sacrificed to found now behaves. While the president’s statement irks me, the reason he could make the claim stated above is that we have been a Christian nation that provided for freedom of religious expression.

How did we arrive here as a nation? While there are many contributing factors the overwhelming cause is the decline of commitment to the Lord on the part of Christians. We ceased to be salt in a decaying culture. We lost our missionary and soul winning zeal. We compromised our convictions and because of this our pulpits lost their spiritual and moral authority.

Is there value in being a Christian nation? Again, the answer is a resounding, yes! What has happened in America in our brief 233 years is nothing short of miraculous when placed in the context of history. Any honest individual can see the hand of God from our early days even to today. Our numerous victories in battle, our remarkable progress in the workplace and scientific advance, and our republic are the envy of the world. This began with Christian men praying for the leadership of God.

A nation may only claim to be a Christian nation when it is honoring the Lord. God help us to return to the Lord and once again be a Christian nation.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.
- George Washington

Leagalizing Gambling

2009-05-06T16:24:00.004-04:00

With an economy that is in recession and amoral and immoral legislators seeking new streams of revenue the legalization of gambling in Florida and the legalization of Internet Gambling are once again being considered by our political leaders.

It would seem that our politicians are more interested in revenue that the good of the people they represent. Every state that has legalized gambling has without exception counted a high cost in the lives and finances of its people. Gambling is wrong for Florida and Internet gambling is wrong for America for several reasons.

Gambling is wrong personally. It violates a fundamental premise of personal self worth. The person who works for a living has a much stronger self worth than the individual that relies on someone or something to provide for them. Ultimately gambling is a tax on the poor. Those who least can afford losses are most often the ones who are looking for a “big win” and suffer a big loss.

Gambling is wrong for the family. Often gambling and its consequent addiction create a loss of money, resources, and common sense that leads to the demise of the family.

Gambling is wrong for Florida. We are consistently deceived as to the financial benefits and uses of tax revenue related to gambling. In the late 1980’s Floridians were told that the State Lottery would provide for a financial Nirvana as relates to education funding. Since the adoption of the lottery we have seen consistent reductions in educational dollars.

Gambling is wrong for America. Gambling will take money away from the normal economic patterns of life, food, shelter, transportation, job creation, etc… The loss in these areas impacts every segment of our society.

Gambling is wrong with God. The Bible teaches, “… this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10. God intends for us to earn of living by the sweat of our brow.

We will not find solutions for our economic problems by encouraging people to that which will ultimately bring harm to them. I trust you will encourage our legislators to not walk down this dark path.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“There is no replacing hard work and consecration on the road to success.”

- Unknown

Lord, Make Me a Soul Winner

2009-05-01T11:23:00.002-04:00

What is it that you would have God to do with your life? Do you desire to be a great preacher, a wonderful deacon, a wise parent, or even a Godly individual? While all of these have merit it is my belief that the greatest investment of life is in personal soul winning. The great need of our generation is for people who will give themselves entirely, without reservation, to the great task of personal soul winning.

All around us are the signs of this reality; pagan lives, pagan structures, pagan leaders, and pagan legislation are the norm. We will not influence them for righteousness until we lead them to the one who is righteous, Jesus. Change will only come when Jesus changes lives through His redemption.

Our world is lost and going to hell. We meet people each day that have no hope and no relationship with Jesus. Today, it was my privilege to make a hospital visit with a man in his early-eighties who was preparing for surgery. While I was there God allowed me to share the simple plan of salvation and they prayed to receive Jesus. I believe this was a divine appointment. God had prepared them to hear the gospel and receive His Son. I am grateful God allowed me to be a participant in His work of redemption.

Some would raise the question, “how will that help your church?” It may never help my church; however, this fine man and his wife are going to heaven and not to hell. It is not my work to build His church; Jesus said he would be doing that. It is my work to win souls.

My daily payer is that God will make me a more effective soul winner.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Some men’s ambition is art, some men’s ambition is fame, some men’s ambition is gold. My ambition is the souls of men.”

– William Booth

Quotes

2009-04-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

I enjoy reading and gathering quotes. Here are a few I have found interesting:

"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."

-- Winston Churchill

"There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right..."

-- Martin Luther

"It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness."

-- Chinese Proverb

"If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up some place else."

-- Yogi Berra

"After the game, the king and the pawn go into the same box."

-- Italian Proverb

"Victory belongs to the most persevering."

-- Napoleon Bonaparte

"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble."

-- C.H. Spurgeon

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Civilization today reminds me of an ape with a blowtorch playing in a room full of dynamite. It looks like the monkeys are about to operate the zoo, and the inmates are taking over the asylum.”

-- Vance Havner

Fruit Baskets and Crop Failures

2009-04-24T08:16:00.002-04:00

Dr. Cal Guy was the Professor Emeritus of Missions at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX at the time of his death. Dr. Guy influenced thousands of young preachers and missionaries with his down home style and personal concern. Dr. Guy was a very wise man with a keen sense of mission and missions. He often used illustrations from the rural farming community where he pastored while serving at Southwestern.

As has been true of every generational change in Southern Baptist life he had many students that clamored for new methodologies and structures. Dr. Guy responded: “It does no good to repaint the fruit baskets when you are having a crop failure”.

Surely, we are facing a crop failure in souls, both in America and around the world. The increasing lost condition of our culture is alarming. However, “repainting the fruit baskets” (restructuring or streamlining) will not solve the problem. The answer lies in pastors and churches of all sizes returning the simple Bible plan of sowing and reaping.

One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 126:5-6:
Ps 126:5-6
5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Until our churches experience genuine revival, that changes our lives and makes us like Jesus. Until we renew our commitment to personal soul winning. Until following Jesus becomes more important than anything else in life. It will not matter what color we paint the fruit baskets, there will be no harvest.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“If we are not careful we become like the Australian who received a new boomerang for Christmas and nearly killed himself trying to throw the old one away.”

-- Dr. David C. Hall, Sr.

The Wrong End of the Bus

2009-04-21T15:48:00.004-04:00

For the past months there has been much discussion concerning the need in Southern Baptist life for a "Great Commission Resurgence". The phrase as such was coined by Dr. Thom Rainer, President of Lifeway. Last Thursday, Dr. Daniel Akin, President of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, preached in their chapel service and laid out “Axioms for a Great Commission Resurgence.” Allow me to first position myself. I am in favor of Southern Baptist experiencing a renewed commitment to winning our world to Jesus. We desperately need to be more effective, more aggressive, and more passionate about winning our world to Jesus.

As I have considered the need for a Great Commission Resurgence, I have come to several conclusions. First, the centerpiece of most of the discussion seems to revolve around a restructuring and or streamlining of the Southern Baptist Convention at large. It would seem to me that this is beginning at the wrong end of our polity. Can you imagine a mechanic who was assigned to work on a large bus that had engine problems and proceeding to make repairs to the rear axle of the bus? Surely, he might do some good but he would not resolve the basic problem that he was responsible to repair.

A Great Commission Resurgence will begin in the heart and life of local churches. I would agree that we can be more efficient with the mission’s dollars that are provided through the sacrificial gifts of God’s people. However, being more efficient will not necessarily create a Great Commission Resurgence. We discovered this when we adopted "A Covenant for a New Century" in 1995. From the perspective of the denomination we need to develop programs and emphases that will assist the church in experiencing genuine renewal and then to develop a deeper commitment to the Great Commission. Only when our local churches become mission stations will we see our evangelistic results turn around.

Second, the Great Commission was not given to the Southern Baptist Convention. The Great Commission was given to local churches (more specifically, to the members of the local church). The Southern Baptist Convention does not exist to fulfill the Great Commission. It exists to assist the churches that comprise the cooperating fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention to fulfill the Great Commission. I believe whole heartedly in the efforts of our Southern Baptist Convention, the Florida Baptist Convention, and the Southwest Florida Baptist Association. The church I pastor has a cooperative relationship with each of these entities. However, it is the task of these bodies to develop programs and strategies that will assist the church I pastor in fulfilling the Great Commission under the leadership of the Lord.

Third, the genius of Southern Baptist life is cooperation. This cooperation is not based in coercion but in common mission, common theology, and common commitment. The spiritual value of this cooperation is fellowship and encouragement. The practical value of this cooperation is training and inspiration. The financial value of this cooperation is the gathering of our mission’s resources under one budget. This allows the church of 10 or less as well as the church of 10,000 or more to participate in the preaching of the gospel in our precious country and around the world. Do I agree with every decision our beloved denomination makes? No! I don’t even always agree with the decisions I make. However, the greater gain of cooperative ministry far outweighs the challenges created when I might disagree. Eighty four years ago God gave Southern Baptists the Cooperative Program as a tool to assist our churches in the fulfilling of the Great Commission. Our cooperative approach to missions support is the envy of every other denomination. I would be concerned with any approach which would de-emphasize cooperative missions support. We do best what we do together.

Again, I affirm the need for a resurgence in winning lost people to Christ. May God give us wisdom as His people and may God give Southern Baptists a renewed commitment that counts no price too great to reach our world with the gospel.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
"If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"

-- David Livingstone

This Day

2009-04-17T08:22:00.007-04:00

I came across a web-site This Day in History. It recalls each of the important events that took place on a particular date in history.

April 17 included:
· April 17, 1951 Mickey Mantle first stepped to bat for the New York Yankees
· April 17, 1961 The Bay of Pigs invasion occurred
· April 17, 1970 The Apollo 13 lunar spacecraft returned from near disaster

What will April 17, 2009 record? Is it possible that God will use you to win the next great evangelist to the Lord? Is it possible you will influence a family for Christ simply by a casual conversation and invitation to God’s house? Is it possible that you will be drawn closer to God through your personal devotional time?

Each day presents to us a new opportunity to impact our world. This impact could be obviously monumental, as some of those recorded on This Day in History or seemingly insignificant. God has a plan for you on this day in history. What you do for our Lord today will make a difference for eternity.

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Ps 118:24 KJV

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”

- Leonardo da Vinci

Dealing with Pirates

2009-04-14T08:19:00.001-04:00

On Easter Sunday, April 12, Navy Seals rescued an American citizen held captive by Somali pirates. Three of the pirates were killed and one surrendered during the successful rescue. This year 18 vessels (not all American) have been hijacked with 16 vessels and 285 sailors still captive by the pirates. On Monday, April 13, 3 more ships were captured by pirates and a United States Congressman had his plane fired upon as he landed in Mogadishu. Abdullahi Lami, one of the pirates holding a Greek ship anchored in the Somali town of Gaan, said: “Every country will be treated the way it treats us. In the future, America will be the one mourning and crying. We will retaliate... the killings of our men.” With the resources at our disposal how does this continue?

Before I attempt to answer the question, allow me to express my pride in our military for their courage and valor. These precious men and women stand at the gate of freedom for you and me each day of our life. As always, I am proud to be an American.

Now to the question; First, I believe we operate from the false premise, that all people live with the same morals and ethics with which we live. There is evil in the world and there are people and nations that do not value life and freedom as we do. Second, as a nation, we spend far too much time being concerned about what other nations (usually our enemies) think of us. When American lives are at stake we should take any and all appropriate measures to rescue them. These are our people. Third, we have by historic practice, shown the world that we do not possess the resolve for a long conflict that requires a consistent commitment. Now is the time for America to stand strong and tall. With the military resources at our disposal a motley band of pirates should cower in fear not mock and threaten us.

Someone has well said, “The threat of terrorism is not stronger than the will of the American people.” May this be true of our leaders. I encourage you to pray for our President and other military leaders as they seek to bring to an end this particular terrorism.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.”

-- Clare Booth Luce

Increase in Murder-Suicide

2009-04-09T11:00:00.001-04:00

During the past months we have seen a significant increase in the number of murders, murder-suicides, school shootings, law enforcement related deaths, and even our churches are now killing fields. I was recently asked what might be the cause of this increase.

Certainly the economic downturn has an effect on the emotional stability of those directly affected. The stress of losing much of your life’s work and investment can be a portion of the problem. Socially, we have developed a philosophy that allows the individual to justify any action felt. Morally, we have devalued the life of the individual. The rampant progress of abortion laws and the growing practice of euthanasia create a lack of concern for life. Culturally, the increase of violence on television, in movies, and particularly in video games has desensitized us from the reality of death.

However, I think the greatest influence has been the growing secularization of our nation. When we remove the God of the Bible, prayer, and righteousness from our daily life we are creating an environment whereby evil can have more influence. We must never forget that there is evil in the world. This evil left unchecked will lead to depths wickedness and debauchery that we cannot comprehend. The words of I Peter 5:8 rings true, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

I submit to you the greatest need of our nation is to experience a genuine spiritual awakening. Faith in the Lord Jesus is the only answer to the problems we face.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“The Church in the West today presents too easy a target for Satan. We do not believe we are at war. We do not know where the battleground is located, and, in spite of our weapons, they are neither loaded nor aimed at the right target. We are unaware of how vulnerable we are. We are better fitted for a parade that for an amphibious landing.”

--Ed Silvoso

Read the Bible

2009-04-06T14:20:00.003-04:00

Several years ago I came under conviction concerning reading the Bible. We as Baptist claim to be a people of the “Book”, often we find our testimony to exceed our practice. Even as ministers we sometimes fail to spend adequate time in personal Bible devotions. It is a tragic truth but some preachers are more familiar with the New York Stock Exchange than they are with the Word of God. Many people quote the Bible or blame the Bible with statements never having read the Bible.

For the past several years I have attempted to keep a commitment to spend at least one hour each day in devotional Bible reading. The intent of this reading is not to prepare for a sermon or study but rather to become better acquainted with the Word of God. This has caused me to read through the Bible once every 60.4 days. I have read the King James, New King James, New International, Holman, New Living, God’s Word, and English Standard, translations (many several times). I am currently reading the New Berkley translation. While my personal preference and the Bible I use in my study and the pulpit is the King James, I have found it beneficial to read from modern translations.

This has not been an easy commitment to keep. My schedule is as busy as or busier than the average person. Each day I arise at 5:00am so that I can spend that first hour of the day in God’s Word. There are very few interruptions at 5:00am. One of the benefits is that I spend that time with my wife Ruthi as she does her personal devotions. There are days when I would rather sleep than read. God has not only helped me to keep the commitment, He has blessed my understanding of the panorama of His Word.

This has been a marvelous journey. I encourage you to commit to spend a specific period of time each day in God’s Word. It will bless your soul.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“I am a creature of a day. I am a spirit come from God, and returning to God. I want to know one thing: the way to heaven. God himself has condescended to teach me the way. He has written it down in a book. Oh, give me that book! At any price give me the book of God. Let me be a man of one book.”

--John Wesley