tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46916768337057413522024-02-19T17:00:42.965-06:00Josh HallChristian. Husband. Dad. Pastor. Ordinary Guy.Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comBlogger611125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-88351440576457344382022-10-12T15:52:00.019-05:002022-10-14T16:07:38.207-05:00A Personal Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURSGa2DkAkGsOYSSOqsJX4UPQnqji1iroZk3ckhIM4KLE6SouKli6aPvEIrwjgMA3v3IhZBZnFBN2Y5Jp71J7pvK6c5jha3nKWGR8SgusNiR6y_oyv2DlvDIbAqwmXczmfLDgN3SFn6I_5dyyKn573qpSqZcsR9foqkZ59bcQ0WFxaqTxxfEKJBFplQ/s1986/gcba.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="1986" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURSGa2DkAkGsOYSSOqsJX4UPQnqji1iroZk3ckhIM4KLE6SouKli6aPvEIrwjgMA3v3IhZBZnFBN2Y5Jp71J7pvK6c5jha3nKWGR8SgusNiR6y_oyv2DlvDIbAqwmXczmfLDgN3SFn6I_5dyyKn573qpSqZcsR9foqkZ59bcQ0WFxaqTxxfEKJBFplQ/w400-h95/gcba.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I am breaking my long hiatus from blogging to share an exciting personal announcement: I am being brought in view of a call to serve as the Director of Missions for Greene County Baptist Association in Springfield, MO! The executive board of GCBA will vote on me Wednesday, November 9.</p><p>Consequently, this also means that I am resigning as the pastor of Selmore Baptist Church - a group of people our family loves dearly, and always will. We will miss our Selmore family greatly, but we know God has a wonderful plan for them, and is already preparing His perfect man to serve as their next pastor.<br /><br />Associational missions is something in which I have long had an interest. I love pastors and local churches, and the possibility of serving (approximately 90!) of them in a city and area we call home is icing on the cake. We feel so blessed for this opportunity.<br /><br />To our friends from GCBA who are reading this blog to check out the new DOM candidate, good for you! I would do the same thing! As you read old blog posts, just remember to extend a little grace as many were written when I was a much younger man. :-) As such, some have a little youthful angst, and others are just plain silly. But I left all of them up for you to read.<br /><br />God bless you, and I look forward to meeting many of you in person soon.<br /><br /><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Greene County Baptists are Great Commission Baptists!<br /></span></b><br />In Christ,<br />Josh</p>Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-21817032528465847192020-01-01T17:23:00.002-06:002020-01-01T17:24:35.994-06:00Wait on the Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was a kid and learning to fish from a canoe moving swiftly down an Ozarks stream, my dad taught me to scan the water ahead and hold my cast until I could put the bait right where I wanted it. Otherwise, you run the risk of casting into a less desirable spot, only to be stuck reeling in while the current zooms you past the place to which you really wanted to cast.<br />
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As with many fishing illustrations, there's a good spiritual lesson in that. Making a God-honoring decision is not only about doing the right <i>thing</i>, it's also about doing it at the right <i>time</i>. Better to wait patiently with a precision cast into God's perfect will, than to get impatient and cast here, there and everywhere, perhaps missing God's best in the process.</div>
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And, yes, God is sovereign - even over the unwise decisions we make. But often times we can save ourselves a lot of pain and heartache if we will just wait for His best.</div>
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"Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14</div>
Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-53771937141825763662019-12-29T07:50:00.000-06:002019-12-29T20:47:04.636-06:00Toward Better HealthToday, I am starting an eight week plan with a health coach. He has devised a nutrition and exercise plan for me, and I am to check in with him daily. Please pray for me, that God will bless my efforts and that I will make significant strides toward better health. I have battled weight for most of my life. I want to be the best I can be for my family and for my church.<br />
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I hope to blog a little more in 2020. We will see. It seems like most things get said on social media these days. May God bless you and yours in the new year.</div>
Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-53051867386261714452019-04-25T11:32:00.003-05:002019-04-25T12:17:36.638-05:00My Love/Hate Relationship with HolidaysCan I make a confession?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have a love/hate relationship with holidays – particularly Christian
holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love what (or rather whom) we
celebrate – Jesus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I hate the additional
stress and busyness that comes with them.<br />
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For instance, last Sunday was Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had an awesome sunrise service with a beautiful/vivid
daybreak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few hours later, our
sanctuary was full for the worship service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many guests were present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone had their pastels on and a smile on their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just a wonderful day all the way
around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was also exhausting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our church has scaled back quite a bit in recent years from what we used
to try to cram into Easter weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(At
various times, we have done choir cantata, egg hunt, door-to-door outreach, Sunday
night service, etc.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things we have
cut out completely, and other things we have moved a week or two earlier on the
calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there is still a lot of
pressure (perhaps self-induced) to make sure the music, the sermon, and the
worship experience in general are top notch for the special day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But Easter is nothing compared to Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas is like Easter times four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not just a single day or week, but an entire
month of special events at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
the time December is over, I feel like I’ve been through the wringer!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The point of this post is not to whine about how tiring ministry
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I think there’s too much of that at
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of professions are stressful
around the holidays.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the point I do
want to make is that churches can be guilty of putting too much pressure on themselves
around these special days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The fact of the matter is that, aside from the ordinances, the Bible never directs any
special observances or celebrations must be practiced by Christians in relation
to Christ’s birth, death, resurrection, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is not to say the Church can’t or shouldn’t celebrate these events with designated days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is to say we don’t have a biblical mandate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The reality, of course, is that every Sunday worship service
should be an acknowledgement and celebration of Christ’s resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Christians meet on Sunday primarily because Jesus
was raised on Sunday.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, for
the Christian every day is Easter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
day is Christmas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day should be lived
in light of what Jesus has accomplished for us by His virgin birth, sinless
life, atoning death and glorious resurrection.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, what is the proper approach to holidays by
churches?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s this…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Observe them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Acknowledge them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Celebrate
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don’t stress about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When these special days do come, and you’re
tempted to “go big,” remember the old saying that “what you win them with is
what you win them to.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The better course of action is to let your guests see what you
normally do in corporate worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray,
sing, preach, observe the ordinances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remind your people that the Christian life is not about a few big days a
year but, rather, “a long obedience in the same direction.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end, this is the healthier approach
for congregation and leaders alike.</div>
Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-64526618712021947002019-04-01T09:41:00.001-05:002019-04-01T09:44:35.065-05:00Personal MilestonesIf you'll permit me a moment of self-reflection, 2019 is a year of personal milestones, and I would like to share them here as a testimony to the Lord and all He has done for me.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />In January, I turned 40 years old. In February, I hit 20 years in ministry. In June, Rachel and I will celebrate 20 years of wedded bliss. And today (April 1) marks five years since I officially returned as the pastor of Selmore Baptist Church, for a total of 15 years as their shepherd. (If that is confusing, you can read the story <a href="http://halljosh.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-story-of-established-church-pastor.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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As I reflect on these milestones, my heart overflows with praise to my Lord and Savior. God has been so incredibly good to me. I love my wife, my family and my church. My cup runneth over. Thank you, Jesus. The best is yet to come.Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-53056284703990756002019-03-09T09:31:00.000-06:002019-03-09T09:39:19.785-06:00A True EvangelistThis morning I ran across a friend in ministry. This man, a vocational evangelist, has recently had some serious health issues and is advancing in age. Some of his health issues have made it a struggle for him to even read and comprehend. <br />
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Despite his challenges, he is more committed to gospel ministry and evangelism than ever before. In fact, he has set two personal goals for himself in 2019: share the gospel personally with someone at least once per day, and preach the gospel no less than 20 times per month.<br />
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To meet his goal of preaching 20 times per month, he is preaching anywhere and everywhere he can get an audience - nursing homes, prisons, food kitchens, homeless camps, etc. While he acknowledged that revival meetings are largely going away, and that many of his evangelist brethren bemoan this fact, he also said "It's amazing how many opportunities there are to preach when you don't care if you get paid. The Lord always takes care of me."<br />
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This brother encouraged and challenged me today, and so I want to pass it along. Perhaps our exchange will encourage someone else as well. He is an evangelist in the truest sense of the word. Lord, help me to be more like my friend. Help me to do the work of an evangelist.Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-12566975628897923152019-03-01T16:48:00.001-06:002019-03-09T09:33:15.052-06:00Profile of a Church Plant: Camino a la Cruz in Omaha, NebraskaThis week, three men from our church took a brief vision trip to Omaha, NE to scout out the potential for a summer mission trip. While there, we met up with Angel Morales, church planter and pastor of Camino a la Cruz (Way of the Cross). Angel, his wife Rachel, and their kids moved to Omaha a year and a half ago from Nixa, MO in response to God's call to minister to the 100,000 Hispanics living in the Omaha metro area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Omaha, Nebraska</td></tr>
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Camino a La Cruz shares a church building with a Sudanese congregation and a Native American congregation. The building is owned by the local Baptist association, called <a href="http://heartlandchurchnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Heartland Church Network</a>. The network's Director of Missions, Mark Elliott, leads the network to facilitate church planting and operate with a Kingdom mindset.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlEI2FXAsgygwkJ6njX_1Ya_wnse9Vo66YyoZhd6vOUCfH-J5uqCuczzcGc5J0WHjLB7TLgkK94WcOUiPquLEropDJFo5kMmUkW_J5Qy7wAG4KkAuEHLWsvezy5HiAVoC4LyQq4NBOx65/s1600/IMG_6550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlEI2FXAsgygwkJ6njX_1Ya_wnse9Vo66YyoZhd6vOUCfH-J5uqCuczzcGc5J0WHjLB7TLgkK94WcOUiPquLEropDJFo5kMmUkW_J5Qy7wAG4KkAuEHLWsvezy5HiAVoC4LyQq4NBOx65/s320/IMG_6550.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haley Lester, Mark Elliott, Angel Morales</td></tr>
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Currently, there are around 30 people who worship at Camino a la Cruz. That number fluctuates, as people move in and out of the community in search of higher paying jobs. While this is frustrating to Angel, he does not let it get him down. He understands his role is to make disciples one person at a time. And in the event someone he is discipling moves away, he prays they will take the gospel with them and disciple others.</div>
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Angel has a God-sized vision to reach the Hispanic population of greater Omaha. He knows it will not happen overnight. But that's okay with him. Lord-willing, he plans to be in it for the long haul. </div>
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One of Angel's greatest obstacles is the presence of prosperity churches in the Hispanic community. These churches promise material blessings to those who give of their finances, and when the new car or house doesn't come through, the people become disillusioned and highly skeptical of all churches. Often these individuals will close their door in Angel's face when he tells them he is a pastor.</div>
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Pray for Angel. Pray for the growth and vitality of Camino a la Cruz. Pray for the breaking down of walls in the Hispanic community of Omaha. Pray for Heartland Church Network and the advancement of the Kingdom in Nebraska's largest city.</div>
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-64508299886405153922019-02-24T23:29:00.002-06:002019-03-01T16:56:56.328-06:00Thanking God for Fender ChapelThe last couple of days, Rachel and I got to catch up with Martin and Amy Winslow, old friends from our college days at Southwest Baptist University. Martin led a family/parenting conference at Selmore this weekend and did a fantastic job. (I encourage you to check out his blog, <a href="http://nextgenerationfaithfulness.com/">nextgenerationfaithfulness.com</a>.) Our time with the Winslows got me reminiscing...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fender Chapel Baptist Church</td></tr>
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We first met Martin and Amy in an engaged and newlywed Sunday School class at FBC-Bolivar. A short time later, when I accepted the call to pastor Fender Chapel Baptist Church (a small/rural church halfway between Bolivar and Springfield), the Winslows joined Fender Chapel and we served the Lord together there for about two years.<br />
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During the short time we were at Fender Chapel, we were joined by other young couples: Hortons, Vandalls, Lansdowns and Guffeys to name a few. Amazingly, out of our little group of families came five pastors and at least two church staff members. Looking back, what a sweet season of life that was! Rachel and I reflect on that time with great fondness, and treasure the friendships we made.<br />
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We didn't realize it at the time, but Fender Chapel - a church that ran 40-50 people on a really good Sunday - was serving as an incubator for gospel ministers. We all grew in the Lord there, and learned many valuable lessons. Never think God can't use small churches in big ways; He can! Never think God doesn't have a purpose for small churches; He does!<br />
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May there always be healthy "Fender Chapels" found across the landscape of the Southern Baptist Convention. These churches play a vital role in making disciples and raising up leaders. We need them! I thank God for the role Fender Chapel played in my life.Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-48263530511264411612019-02-10T10:02:00.001-06:002019-03-01T16:58:16.056-06:00Pastors, Guard Your Sheep from Sexual PredatorsThe elderly man visiting our church was a little odd, a little quirky to be sure, but he seemed harmless enough to me. Nevertheless, multiple ladies in the church (including my wife) didn't quite feel right about him.<br />
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Their "discernment radar" was going off. Primarily, he seemed to pay a little too much attention to the kids at church. After conferring with our associate pastor, we determined we needed to visit with him in his home to get to know him better. Our associate pastor was very good in situations like this, and he volunteered to take the lead in the conversation. I gave him my blessing to guide the conversation as he saw fit, and I would be there to provide support.<br />
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After a period of small talk, our associate pastor very kindly, but very plainly, expressed to the man that the attention he was giving the children of our church was making their parents uncomfortable. He explained we were not accusing him of anything, and he was welcome at our church, but he did need to keep his distance from the children. It was obvious our associate pastor touched a nerve.</div>
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To make a long story short, the man became belligerent and told us to leave his house. He never came back to church again. Perhaps he was completely innocent, and justifiably angry to be having the conversation. But the way he responded led me to believe in my heart that we had likely done the right and necessary thing.</div>
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Pastors, we are shepherds and have a responsibility to guard our sheep from wolves. We typically think of this as spiritual predators, but this also includes sexual predators. Sexual abuse can happen anywhere. No church is immune. Put policies in place to protect your kids. Enforce them. And if something (or someone) doesn't feel right, God gives you instincts for a reason. Trust them. </div>
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Much will be said in coming days about what our denomination can do to protect children in our churches. And those conversations need to take place. But it starts with shepherds guarding their sheep in the local church.</div>
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<i>*The above story took place over a decade ago. At the time, we had just hung a banner in front of our church advertising a new kids program with a stock photo of kids' faces on the banner. I've always wondered if the banner drew the man to our church.</i></div>
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-9546838118611054272019-02-06T13:25:00.002-06:002019-03-01T16:59:26.465-06:00Christians Must be Champions for LifeLike many Americans watching the State of the Union last night, I was struck by the number of congressmen (and particularly congresswomen) who showed visible disdain for the pro-life sentiments expressed by the president. <br />
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It appears that abortion has once again moved to the forefront of the national discussion, and is more polarizing than ever - even crossing over into the realm of infanticide, as we have seen in recent comments from the governor of Virginia. All this, despite the fact that science (normally revered by the left) increasingly and undoubtedly proves the humanity of the child in the womb.<br />
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As organizations such as Planned Parenthood feel threatened by losses of liberal justices on the Supreme Court, they have apparently settled on a strategy of pursuing their agenda through sympathetic state legislatures (i.e. New York, Virginia, Rhode Island, etc.) Now, more than ever, Christians must be champions for the sanctity of human life. The Bible teaches that every human life is sacred, for every man and woman, boy and girl, are created in the image of a holy God (Gen 1:27).Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-80839235708615253602018-06-09T14:41:00.003-05:002018-06-09T15:09:02.746-05:00My First SBC Annual MeetingThe first Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting I ever attended was in St. Louis in 2002. At the time, I was a 23 year-old youth pastor serving at a church in southeast Missouri. I drove the church van two hours up the road to the annual meeting and took along my wife and two elderly ladies from our church. To this day, it is still the most memorable convention I have attended.<br />
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James Merritt was the president of the convention that year, and he warned the messengers at the start of the meeting that he had been told the proceedings would be interrupted at some point in the day by gay rights advocates. He told us if that happened, just to remain calm and the event security would take care of things. Sure enough, about midway into Merritt's sermon later that morning a dozen or so protesters stood up at various positions from within the audience (I don't think you had to show a name badge to get into the meeting hall back in those days) and they began shouting at Merritt and chanting slogans. Merritt, for his part, gave it right back to them from the pulpit. I don't remember exactly what he said, but I'm sure it was something along the lines that they should repent of their sin and believe upon Jesus. Most of the messengers heeded Merritt's instructions to remain calm, although I did (unfortunately) see one old Baptist preacher get up in the protesters' faces and scream at them. As a small town kid from the Ozarks at his first big convention, this was better than the circus! I was in awe, thinking "Why haven't I come to these before? This is great!" It got even more exciting when we left the morning session and a number of police in full riot gear were stationed along the sidewalks protecting us from a large group of protesters outside the arena. I'm not sure we really needed the protection, but it definitely left an impression.<br />
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Beyond that, I remember being particularly moved by the worship. (If you've never been in a setting where thousands of people are singing praises together, it is powerful.) I remember being humored by a man named Wiley Drake who went to the microphone time and time again to make motions. I remember being intrigued by a guy in a casual, short-sleeve shirt named Rick Warren who spoke and showed a video of people being baptized in an outdoor baptism pool at his southern California church. (This was before <i>Purpose Driven Life</i> became a best seller.) All-in-all, it was a great experience.</div>
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Since that time, I have attended most of the SBC annual meetings and have compiled a lot of good memories. (Although none quite as exciting as that first one in St. Louis.) In 2005, I participated in Crossover Nashville and got to meet and be trained by Bill Fay in his <i>Share Jesus Without Fear</i> material, which I still use to this day. I was also interviewed by a local television station while participating in Crossover, and was on the local news that evening. That was a neat experience. </div>
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In 2012 in New Orleans I was honored to nominate my mentor, Dr. Jim Wells, for recording secretary of the SBC. What an honor that was, and what a surreal moment to experience the convention from the perspective of the platform rather than from the seats. As Jim has gone on to be with the Lord, this is a special memory.</div>
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At various points along the way, I've gotten to serve the convention as a teller and as a member of the committee on committees. Each one of these experiences gave me further insight into how the SBC works, and a greater appreciation for the mechanisms of our convention.</div>
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And now, I am preparing to travel to Dallas for the 2018 annual meeting. (I will head out after I preach tomorrow morning.) This may prove to be the most memorable, and important, convention in a long time. We'll see what happens. If I know Southern Baptists, one thing it won't be is boring. And somewhere at this convention there will be a young man/woman attending their first annual meeting. They'll be in awe of the worship, impressed with the exhibit hall and excited about seeing/hearing well-known personalities. Perhaps they'll look back one day on this event with great memories. Lord-willing, when they do, they'll be serving in a strong and healthy SBC.</div>
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-3243890753963760282017-12-23T18:55:00.002-06:002018-01-26T12:58:19.946-06:00What a Kid can Teach Us About GivingWhen my kids were smaller they would sometimes find something random around the house and wrap it up as a present to give my wife and me at Christmas time.<br />
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In like manner, when we as Christians give our tithes and offerings to God, we are merely giving back to Him what is already His. After-all, we don't truly <i>own</i> anything. We are merely stewards of what God has entrusted to us. God must smile in those times when we give Him an offering and pridefully believe in our heart we are really doing Him a favor. As if He <i>needs</i> anything we have to offer; He owns the cattle on a thousand hills!<br />
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No, you and I are just little children bringing to God our rubber bands, ink pens, and Happy Meal toys. But He desires our gifts nonetheless. Not because our gifts are so awesome, or <i>we</i> are so awesome, but because our gifts are a gesture of faith and love toward Him. What are you giving to the Father this Christmas season?Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-40667402261437615342017-11-25T08:14:00.002-06:002017-11-25T08:15:54.534-06:00A Tribute to Dr. MarshallTomorrow, one of my preaching heroes will preach his last sermon before retirement...<br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0LRigJNBNmCTDX_ZoRDmCkUxdgSUhHUM-Bt5R2rukO131MX7vNMSQ5Gy1vaYKbhrES04-GOhcv05zPdkvD6BgKELXBPO4d7gUeBC1LY6OlD0Jn4EcvrFBTPDYFrUJAUby7Af6j5dil_T/s1600/Photo+Nov+08%252C+1+06+14+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0LRigJNBNmCTDX_ZoRDmCkUxdgSUhHUM-Bt5R2rukO131MX7vNMSQ5Gy1vaYKbhrES04-GOhcv05zPdkvD6BgKELXBPO4d7gUeBC1LY6OlD0Jn4EcvrFBTPDYFrUJAUby7Af6j5dil_T/s320/Photo+Nov+08%252C+1+06+14+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a>Dr. John Marshall has been the pastor of Second Baptist Church in Springfield, MO since 1995. I surrendered to full-time ministry under the preaching of Dr. Marshall, when I heard him make this statement, "The life you've always dreamed of lies behind the mission you've always dreaded." Since that time, Dr. Marshall has become a friend and mentor. I have learned so much from him. In particular, his passion for missions has greatly shaped my own ministry. Through the years, Dr. Marshall has been a great encouragement to me. Whether it be buying lunch, cutting out newspaper clippings with my name in them and mailing them to me, or just exchanging quick texts, he has blessed this young pastor (and scores of others as well). While Second Baptist has a long and rich history in Springfield, it is difficult for me to imagine Second without him! Pray for Dr. Marshall and his beloved Ruth as they begin their next chapter. Pray for Second Baptist as they begin the search for their next shepherd. May we all invest in someone coming up behind us.Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-10969183548024166492017-08-25T00:12:00.002-05:002017-08-25T10:15:50.260-05:00A First Truck and a Gruff Old Guy in Suspenders<div class="TraditionalCxSpFirst">
Our family recently purchased a new (to us)
vehicle, and it got me thinking about the first vehicle I ever purchased on my
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I was a college student, 22 years old, and had
already been married a couple years. I
was about to graduate with my teaching certification and begin my first real
teaching job. Like all good Americans, I
decided to spend my first paycheck before it was ever in my pocket and go pick
out a nice truck. At the time, I was
driving a little grey and red Mazda B2200 pickup that my dad had picked out for
me at a humble used car lot on Kearney Street in Springfield. It was good transportation, but I was ready
for something full-size and a little newer!<br />
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I pulled into the Ford dealership in our little
town on a cold Saturday morning. I found
a modest truck on the lot that I thought was in my price range, and went inside
to ask about it. I stood around in the
show room for awhile, but all the salesmen were busy and no one was waiting on
me. (Or perhaps they correctly surmised
that I didn’t have any money.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, all of a sudden, a gruff old man of
imposing size in suspenders and a ball cap appeared. He practically snarled at me when he
introduced himself and asked if he could help me. I recognized his name as the owner of the
dealership. He asked me what truck I was
interested in. I told him. He asked me if I had a trade. I pointed through the window at my little
Mazda pickup out in the parking lot. He
grabbed his jacket and growled, “Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because it was a super cold morning, I had left
my little pickup running. Immediately,
the old man was suspicious, “What did you leave her running for? Afraid she wouldn’t start back up? Is there something I need to know?” The questions took me aback. I wasn’t used to having my integrity
questioned so directly. I replied, “No
sir. She starts fine. I just left it on to keep her warm.” “Alright,” he said, “I’m driving! Hop in!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I sat down on the passenger side, the old man behind
the wheel, and he proceeded to drive my little pickup all the way around his
dealership in the parking lot. He didn’t
say too much while he was driving. I suppose he was listening for any sounds
that would alert him he had a lemon on his hands. It took all of five minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we made it back around to the front side of
the dealership, he asked, “What do you think your truck is worth?” I had looked up the Blue Book value of my
truck before I had left the house and told him with all the firmness I could muster,
“Blue book says it’s worth $2200.” He furrowed
his brow and looked at me and said, “Son, let me tell you something. If you’ve got a truck that runs good, it’s
worth $3000 all day long. Don’t let
anyone ever tell you any different. I
can sell this little truck for $4500 any day of the week.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then he said, “I know you said you were
interested in this truck over here, but I want you to look at this other truck.” He pointed to a truck that I knew was out of
my league. A big, shiny, red F-150. Just four years old! Granted, it was a two wheel drive rather than
the coveted four wheel drive. And it was
a regular cab with a long bed, rather than the more popular extended cab with a
short bed. And it also had a lot of
miles for a truck that new – almost 100,000.
But the old man knew it would be a perfect truck for a young man with no
kids who just wanted to haul a canoe and an occasional piece of furniture. (And I suspect he wanted it off his lot as
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Still…
The price was $11,500. Way out of
my budget! (That price seems laughable
now. The price of trucks has come up a
lot in the last 16 years.) I said, “That
truck would be great, but I can’t afford it.”
He said, “I’ll tell you what. You
drive it, and if you like it I’ll sell it to you for $9,000 and give you $3,000
for yours. $6,000 difference. What do you say?” Of course, I went through the motions of the
test drive, but it was a mere formality.
He had me hooked, and he knew it.
I loved that truck and drove it for the next 20 years. (Just kidding. I only drove it three years. But I really did love it. I traded it for an S-10, thinking I needed
better gas mileage. One of the dumber
decisions I’ve made, but that’s another story.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The point is, every time I buy a vehicle I think
about that old man. In fact, even though
we now live a few towns over from his dealership, I’ve gone back and bought three
more vehicles from him over the years. A
year or two ago I heard he passed away.
I haven’t been back to his dealership since. Nothing at all against his family, or
whomever took over the business. (I
honestly don’t even know.) I just don’t
have the motivation to go back, and fear I would be disappointed if I did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I share that story just to say this… I miss that way of doing business, and I’m
afraid those days (and that kind of guy) are behind us. The old man didn’t have to volunteer my trade
was worth $800 more than I thought it was.
But he did. He didn’t have to
knock $2500 off the price of his truck without me even asking. But he did. In fact, the owner of the dealership didn't have to mess around with a college kid at all. But he did! And not only that, he made me a fair offer – a genuinely square deal – that was mutually
beneficial to both of us. The first time! Crazy, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like a good salesman does, the old man saw what
I really wanted/needed even before I did, and he sold me on it. I have to give him credit for that. But even as a green 22 year-old, I understood
I was dealing with an honest guy who was shooting straight with me. Treating me like a man. I appreciated it at the time. I still do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, one dealership in my town sets its prices
with a software program. The computer
scans what a particular make/model is selling for within a certain radius and
automatically generates a “fair price.”
And the price it comes up with is absolutely non-negotiable. (I have learned this the hard way.) The dealership promotes this as the “easy way”
to buy a car. You know you’re getting
their best offer up front. No need to
haggle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Alas, this is the way the world goes. These days we buy everything from
vehicles to toilet paper online (and I do it as much as the next guy). The tragedy in this is that we lose interpersonal interaction – the art of the deal, the meaning of a handshake – and with it,
our humanity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Give me the gruff old guy in suspenders any day.<br />
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-87286093536924861302017-06-24T21:44:00.001-05:002017-08-16T16:49:17.543-05:00Jim Wells<div class="TraditionalCxSpFirst">
Today, I spoke at the funeral of a dear friend and mentor, Jim Wells. Jim was my Director of Missions (a pastor to pastors) for 10 years. He was also an icon in the Southern Baptist Convention, serving as recording secretary for 15 years. Below is the text of my remarks. I post it in honor of Jim:</div>
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<i>I’ve been asked to speak to Jim’s life/ministry
as it pertains to him being a friend to pastors. I’m honored to do so because I know all
across this room are men of God serving in local churches whose lives Jim
touched deeply. I am but one of
many. And so I speak for all of us pastors
collectively, when I tell you that Jim was always there for us. He was never too busy for his pastors. He was always there to pray with us in our
hour of need. To listen to us when we
needed to talk. To encourage us when we
were disheartened. To love us.
As one pastor said, “He loved us and spent time with us. You knew he really cared about you.” Jim truly was a pastor to pastors. And I’m confident I speak for all of us
pastors when I say there’s no way we could ever repay all he did for us.</i><br />
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<i>The first time I met Jim I was 24 years old,
seeking a church to pastor (hopefully in Tri-County). And Jim was so kind and so gracious. And I could tell he was a little hesitant because
of my youth. No doubt rightfully
so. And we joked about that later. But that first day I met him, he prayed with
me and encouraged me. Little did I know at
the time, that would be the start of a wonderful friendship. And more
than a friendship. Jim was a father in
the faith to me, as he was to so many.
That was the first time I ever talked with Jim. The last time I ever talked with Jim was in
his hospital room. And he was so weary
and so tired from the battle he bravely fought.
I prayed for him. I told him that
I loved him. And before I could get out
of the room, he grabbed my hand and he said “Now let me pray for you.” And lying there, laboring to breath, Jim
prayed a very special blessing over me, over my family, over my ministry. I will always cherish that moment. But I share that with you, because it perfectly
encapsulates who he was. Always thinking
of others, always serving others, always loving his pastors, even to the very
end.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>There are many other things I could say about
Jim. That he was a statesman, a
peacemaker, a man who walked humbly with God, a man of prayer. That we need more men like him. All of these things are true. But even over and above all these things, at
the end of the day, we pastors most highly regard him as “friend.” We will miss him. And yet with Paul we say:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>“O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is
your victory?... Thanks be to God who
gives us the victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Thanks be to God who has given Jim Wells the
victory over death through his Lord, Jesus Christ.</i></div>
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-80044495917320903302017-05-28T22:26:00.002-05:002017-07-30T00:30:01.698-05:00Lesotho Mission Team Prayer CalendarFor our Selmore Baptist folks and others who are interested, here is the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3hoeyAmy3R-VTZaeDdIVDNrZW8/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">prayer calendar</a> for the Lesotho mission team. Thanks for praying!<br />
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-85518310442423166192017-01-26T17:12:00.000-06:002017-01-26T17:20:16.074-06:00Hazel the DogIt's been awhile since I've posted anything. And with all the heaviness in the world right now, I figured I would lighten things up by posting something on the warm and fuzzy side. <br />
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As some of you know, our family adopted an eight year-old dog from an animal shelter over Christmas break. We named her Hazel. She is a sharpei mix, and really well behaved. She is, however, perhaps the laziest creature I have ever seen. She has a crate with a large pillow in the bottom, and that is where she would stay 24/7 (except bathroom breaks) if we let her. </div>
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Prior to getting Hazel, we paid a considerable sum to finish fencing in our back yard. I pictured our new dog playing fetch in the yard with the kids, or perhaps basking in the sun chewing on a bone. Not this dog. This dog goes to the back yard to do her business, and then immediately paws at the door and does this crying barky thing until you let her back in. The way I see it, being outside at the shelter for three years has pretty well earned her the right to lay around the house and be lazy, at least for a little while. But once the weather gets nicer, out she goes. (We'll see. I'm kind of a pushover.) </div>
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Hazel is gentle with the kids, with the lone exception of her first night with us when my bony 7 year-old son fell on her. She snapped at him pretty good for that. (Kinda like a momma dog would snap at a rowdy pup.) Other than that, she's been gold with the kids. </div>
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As for yours truly, she tolerates me. When I come home from work, she kinda rolls her eyes and gives me a look like "Oh, it's you again." and goes back to sleep. But when Rachel comes home from work... oh boy... she worships Rachel. When Rachel comes home, Hazel jumps up, prances around the house, wags her tail furiously, and wrinkles up her considerable jowls in a big doggy smile. Anywhere Rachel goes in the house, Hazel is not too far behind. She looooves Rachel!</div>
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Of course, Rachel jokes, "Yeah, just what I need. Another creature in this house to follow me around and be clingy." (She already has four kids and a husband to do that. I'm sure there are days she would like to hide in the pantry like the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8UwcjGdh28" target="_blank">YouTube lady</a>.) Dogs are smart. They recognize who the "heart" of the home is. And in our family's case, it is definitely Rachel!</div>
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<div>
We are hoping Hazel the dog will be a good family pet for years to come. So far, so good.</div>
Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-28089794267553043022016-11-18T13:40:00.000-06:002017-01-30T08:10:06.574-06:00Do Southern Baptists Need the ERLC?<div class="TraditionalCxSpFirst">
Let me get right to the point. While I believe the tone of William Harrell’s
recent <a href="http://sbctoday.wpengine.com/is-it-time-to-call-it-a-day/" target="_blank">blog post</a> could be more charitable, (and I have no idea why he takes a swipe
at Calvinists), I agree with his general thrust that it is time to “call it a
day” on the ERLC.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
That being said, I have nothing personal against
Dr. Moore. I hold no ill will toward
him. I love him as a brother in
Christ. I appreciate many of the stances
he has taken, particularly in the matters of sanctity of life and religious
liberty. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nevertheless, I have had (and continue to have)
concerns with his leadership of the ERLC in several areas. (I listed some of these in an <a href="http://halljosh.blogspot.com/2015/01/an-open-letter-to-trustees-of-erlc.html" target="_blank">open letter</a>
posted on my blog.) And like many others
I sometimes cringed at his condescending tone toward, and unfair
characterizations of, evangelicals who voted for Donald Trump. (I personally did not vote for Trump.) But those aren’t the primary reasons I support the
elimination of the ERLC. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The reason I believe it’s time to shut down the
ERLC is because regardless of who mans the top spot, the entity turns into
little more than a multi-million dollar platform for that individual to espouse
their personal political beliefs. National
radio shows and book deals soon follow. I
felt that way about Dr. Land, and I feel the same way about Dr. Moore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s fine and good for Christians to
make their voices heard in the public sphere.
But when you are funded by Cooperative Program dollars, you must understand
you represent all Southern Baptists and act accordingly – on social media and
otherwise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, I realize this puts the ERLC
president in a tough spot. Is he not to
advocate for his strongly held beliefs and convictions, merely because he is a denominational
employee? I don’t necessarily know if
that’s fair either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the end, I think the solution is simple. Bring the ERLC to an end. I have yet to see a compelling case for why
it is needed. Some might say, “It gives
us a voice with national leaders.” Why
can’t the president of the SBC, or Dr. Page (president of the SBC executive committee) fulfill that role as needed?
(It seems pretty doubtful at this point that the ERLC is going to have a
voice with the new administration any way.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some might point out the various conferences
that have been held by the ERLC on race, homosexuality, etc. First of all, let’s assume these conferences
have a lasting, substantial impact on the issues they address. (I am skeptical.) But even if such conferences have a place,
can they not be hosted by local churches, or even our seminaries? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bottom line…
It is good for Southern Baptists to engage the culture. It is good
for us to have theological discussions on the issues of the day, and even to
address these issues in our doctrinal statement as needed. I would argue
it is not necessary, or even Baptistic, to have one individual speak for all of
our churches on public policy. No position in the SBC has as much
influence and authority to speak for the entire denomination, with as little
oversight or accountability, as the president of the ERLC.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My vote?
Let’s put those millions of CP dollars to work in the mission field. In the meantime, let us pray for Dr. Moore,
and for healing in the SBC.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-54300906538653470312016-10-31T13:55:00.002-05:002016-11-01T15:36:42.298-05:00Reflections on Serving as Second Vice-President of the MBC<div class="TraditionalCxSpFirst">
Last week the annual meeting of the Missouri
Baptist Convention was held in St. Charles and with it my term as second
vice-president came to an end. It was a
great honor to serve in this role on the executive board. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
I greatly enjoyed working with our excellent
executive director, John Yeats, and my fellow board members and officers. My neighbor to the south, Neil Franks (pastor
of FBC-Branson), did a great job as president.
(Thank you, Neil, for allowing me to preside over the annual meeting
Wednesday morning. That was pretty cool.) Neil’s successor, Ken Parker, is a good man
who will serve Missouri Baptists well.
The same may be said for Jeremy Muniz (first vice-president) and Rick
Beisiadecki (recording secretary). I served
with all these men on the board this past year, and consider them friends. I do not know Tim Smith who will replace me
as second vice-president, but I look forward to meeting him.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIF71SgccbqCy8G2nThJwjHxOU1V5mfjKkxKV0I5HwWltt30nkZAOXxXEsWIWSOQUOsm3gY3PITuvsgKOeFQ5kUGwWhT1jncCM16jKYF1Z1OuS65H3jEKwcmn9aGuusKrHuXvMQG705ll/s1600/missouri+baptists.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIF71SgccbqCy8G2nThJwjHxOU1V5mfjKkxKV0I5HwWltt30nkZAOXxXEsWIWSOQUOsm3gY3PITuvsgKOeFQ5kUGwWhT1jncCM16jKYF1Z1OuS65H3jEKwcmn9aGuusKrHuXvMQG705ll/s1600/missouri+baptists.png" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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This was a memorable year to serve on the
executive board, and I’m proud of what we accomplished together. After years of litigation, the Missouri
Baptist Foundation was restored to the control of MBC-elected trustees, and we
continue to hope/pray for the return of our other entities as well. Additionally, a new set of governing
documents was approved by the board and presented to Missouri Baptists at the
annual meeting this year (for adoption at next year’s meeting). These documents will guide the work of the
convention into the foreseeable future.
Finally, a lesser publicized action (but an important one nevertheless)
is that the board voted to implement a mechanism of oversight/accountability in
regards to the men invited to speak at the MBC pastors’ conference. (Not technically our conference, but held in
conjunction with our annual meeting.) This
will ensure the doctrinal integrity of this important event going forward. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Missouri Baptists should know that serving on
the executive board (particularly as an officer) is hard work! I drove to Jefferson City four times over the
course of the year (and once to St. Louis) to participate in hours and hours of
meetings. What really surprised me was
the amount of time we spent in side sessions during the MBC annual
meeting! There is SO much that goes on
behind the scenes that, even going to the annual meeting for years, I had no
idea how much planning it actually takes.
Again, the MBC is blessed with an executive director and staff that
truly have servant hearts. We have
tremendous men and women working for us, Missouri Baptists!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Much has been made in recent years of the future
of state conventions in our changing denominational landscape. And I certainly do not have the answers to
all of those questions. It is true
that the New Testament says nothing of denominations, conventions or
associations. (Although, we do see a
principle of cooperation between churches in the NT.) Additionally, the Great Commission was not
given to any denominational entity, but to the Church. All that being true, I would submit the role of a state convention is
to come alongside the local church to equip her and
support her in her work. I believe the
Missouri Baptist Convention, particularly under its current leadership, does
exactly this. I am thankful for our
diverse family of churches. Thank you
for allowing me to serve. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-1383724843976226902016-07-20T11:15:00.002-05:002016-07-20T12:10:01.099-05:004 Questions to Determine God's Will<div class="TraditionalCxSpFirst">
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One question I think most Christians ask at one
point or another in their walk with Christ is, “How do I know God’s will for
this particular decision that I face?”<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Some
decisions are harder than others. Every
decision should be bathed in prayer. (And
when appropriate, fasting.) As you pray,
below are four questions to ask yourself to help determine God’s will. The first three of these were taught to me by
a retired pastor and mentor, Bro. Melvin
Fanning. I added the fourth question. As I reflect on past occasions when I have made
a poor decision, I can see where I did not address one or more of these questions
adequately:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>1) Is it <u>permissible</u> according to Scripture?</b>
Very simply, God will never call us to
do anything in contradiction to His Word.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2) Is it <u>possible</u>?</b> This is based on the principle that where God
leads He equips and provides. This is
not to say He will provide every single thing we need up front. He does like us to walk by faith after-all! But it <i>is</i>
to say if it is God’s will He will make it possible for us to take the first
step. The resources will be
available. The timing will be
right. But what if you feel a strong
call to something, and God just doesn’t seem to be opening the door? Another mentor of mine is fond of saying, “It
may be the right thing, but it may not be <i>the
right time</i>.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3) Is the calling <u>persistent</u>?</b> The Scripture says that God does not repent
of a calling. Any call that is truly
from God will not go away. It behooves
us, then, not to rush into things.
Wait. Pray. Give the Holy Spirit time to confirm in your
heart what God is calling you to do. If
time goes by and the call is as strong as ever, then go for it. If the burden fades over time, it is not
truly a call of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4) Have you talked to your <u>pastor</u>?</b> God has given your pastor watchcare over your
soul. If he is a good pastor, he should
have an idea of your giftings and abilities.
To be certain, he is not God! But
if your pastor has concerns or hesitations about what you feel God calling you
to do, it should be a huge red flag, and it’s probably time to put the brakes on
and re-evaluate. In the absence of a
pastor, any spiritually mature believer who knows you well would qualify. Christianity is a communal faith, and
important spiritual decisions should not be made in a vacuum. If God is calling you out, allow the Holy
Spirit to confirm that through other Christians.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-3800945754504581072016-07-01T10:15:00.003-05:002016-08-30T11:05:58.386-05:007 Truths for Christians to Remember on July 4th (From Romans 13)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Romans 13:1 - Truth #1: All governments are appointed by God.</b> All governments (even the wicked ones) are appointed by God for His purposes and to fulfill His sovereign plan for the world.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Romans 13:2 - Truth #2: Rebelling against government is the same as rebelling against God.</b> As a rule, we are to obey our earthly government. The obvious exception would be when government requires us to do something in direct disobedience to the Word of God.<br />
<br />
<b>Romans 13:3 - Truth #3: As a rule, government is the friend of those who do good.</b> Even those governments that are neutral or opposed to Christianity welcome biblical virtues and work ethic (even if they would never label it as such) because these values make their nation a better place for all.<br />
<br />
<b>Romans 13:4 - Truth #4: Government is God's minister.</b> God has given earthly governments the ministry of securing the common good for their people and punishing evil-doers.<br />
<br />
<b>Romans 13:5 - Truth #5: Obedience to government should be both externally and internally motivated.</b> The fact that governments are given the right to "bear the sword" is a natural deterrent from disobedience. However, Christians should also demonstrate obedience from a conscience that is captive to the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
<b>Romans 13:6 - Truth #6: It is good and acceptable for us to pay taxes.</b> We can argue about how much is too much, but the principle remains... It is not unreasonable nor unfair for a government to ask its people to provide the resources it needs to carry out its God-given function. (Which, in turn, benefits those paying in.)<br />
<br />
<b>Romans 13:7 - Truth #7: We owe our authorities not only our taxes, but our respect and honor.</b> To be certain, we may disagree with our leaders and even vote them out! But as long as they're in office, there is a certain level of esteem their position affords. God is glorified when His people demonstrate this truth in our words and actions.Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-25436053234313030712016-06-27T17:52:00.001-05:002016-06-28T06:57:41.754-05:00My Trip to Lesotho<div id="yiv8246779537yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1466089479503_3740" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<i>Below is a letter I wrote to those who supported my recent mission trip to Lesotho. I share it here with the hope it may spark some interest in someone else's heart for missions in Lesotho, or just missions in general. If you, or your church, would like more information on partnering with the Floras to reach the mountain Basotho for Christ, please email me at the address on this blog. Thanks!</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Dear Friends and Family,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div>
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I want to thank you once again for your generous support of my recent mission trip to Lesotho. Please let me tell you a little bit about it:</div>
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Our team (myself and three students, ages 18-21) flew out of Springfield, MO on Mon, May 30 and returned on Thu, June 9. We connected in Atlanta. The flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg, SA is over 15 hours, and is the fourth longest continuous flight in the world. Once at Johannesburg, we had an eight hour drive to the mountains of Lesotho where IMB missionaries, Jim and Teresa Flora, are stationed. As you might imagine, the travel was brutal and was, in some ways, the most challenging part of the trip. But God is good, and granted us traveling mercies. All our team members did great.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9nmC8a1WsEELWpdyxnXeNtvA5kl1fyINU8adMwJUAR3_AGjWI3ioOEPojEamwTEStay8j4U2en4Q2OO5HgUG06lWqjExntHdbyPMf8N886BUI594rdRcOjKexUdHPA7Jo-qxPPiZNc5P/s1600/Photo+Jun+01%252C+8+15+43+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9nmC8a1WsEELWpdyxnXeNtvA5kl1fyINU8adMwJUAR3_AGjWI3ioOEPojEamwTEStay8j4U2en4Q2OO5HgUG06lWqjExntHdbyPMf8N886BUI594rdRcOjKexUdHPA7Jo-qxPPiZNc5P/s320/Photo+Jun+01%252C+8+15+43+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a>The first thing that strikes one upon arriving in Lesotho is the natural beauty of the country. Lesotho is very mountainous with many clear lakes and streams. It is winter there right now, so it could have been pretty cold. But, again, God smiled on us and gave us very temperate weather with highs in the 60's and lows in the 30's most days. The setting and conditions could not have been more beautiful.</div>
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We were actually on the ground in Lesotho for seven days. A typical day consisted of us loading up food (Lesotho is in the midst of a horrible drought), vitamins and socks, and driving or hiking to remote villages where we would distribute these items, along with preaching the gospel. Jim taught us a gospel presentation that resonates well with the Basotho mindset. He calls it "two kingdoms," contrasting the kingdom of light (Christ) against the kingdom of darkness. During our time there, I was able to preach about 4-5 times. At one village, where our young people taught, four people made commitments to Christ. (Praise God!) It is not easy to become a Christian in Lesotho. The Floras make very clear that becoming a Christian means cutting all ties to the ancestral worship that is so prevalent in their culture. They make the people cut the "spirit beads" off themselves and their children before they are baptized. This can bring persecution from their families and fellow villagers. Nevertheless, by the grace of God, many Basotho continue to come to Christ.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2qZWN2nchohSOHQHIqx0cBiCZhn9Ri-e8xz9wcDy-hn9SHPP_IcJr1z_4ZKZAXq_12uOvm_Ltk_O7LxGeeRoJtVqTOTPMsfOUN2mvigBLkO8woeQwJeTWOzlPbKXzBauRWOd6cFk_kWQ/s1600/Photo+Jun+06%252C+5+11+17+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2qZWN2nchohSOHQHIqx0cBiCZhn9Ri-e8xz9wcDy-hn9SHPP_IcJr1z_4ZKZAXq_12uOvm_Ltk_O7LxGeeRoJtVqTOTPMsfOUN2mvigBLkO8woeQwJeTWOzlPbKXzBauRWOd6cFk_kWQ/s320/Photo+Jun+06%252C+5+11+17+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a>Another thing I got to do, which I really enjoyed, was spend a day training six local pastors. Most of the pastors in Lesotho have not been Christians very long themselves, so they have a lot to learn. Jim meets with them on a monthly basis and teaches them the basics of doctrine and ministry. In this case, we spent the entire day training the pastors about the Lord's Supper. We taught them the history, significance and symbolism of the Lord's Supper, and then we taught them how to actually serve the Lord's Supper in their churches. None of the men had actually ever taken the Lord's Supper before, so Jim and I served it to them and we observed communion together. What a blessing!</div>
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Another interesting thing we got to do was attend a Basotho funeral. The family asked Jim and Teresa to come and speak at the funeral, because the deceased had recently become a Christian before his death, and it completely changed him from an angry/abusive man to a kind/gentle man. The family saw the difference in him and was amazed. Funerals are an all-day, come and go event in Lesotho. Dozens of people may speak at the funeral and some of them will speak for a long time. Often, alcohol is available at the funeral and everyone will drink all day while they memorialize the deceased. In this man's case, the family asked sangomas (witch doctors) to come and dance after the Floras were done speaking. We only stayed for part of their ritual, but all of our team agreed it was very dark and "eerie feeling."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AuRvcO4O-e9RpVllDU7O_BKWMsgGsWf1dAjZH8ncrKO6j-RFyFtB9cmLIEmKwgndzEOhF6JiBjn1FeSazoewhb-KOwdvFlfdgg0hDviPaUhiZ-zBwPl1mR3xVwEqqGutAZ_S_mEHMcyc/s1600/Photo+Jun+05%252C+8+10+22+AM+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AuRvcO4O-e9RpVllDU7O_BKWMsgGsWf1dAjZH8ncrKO6j-RFyFtB9cmLIEmKwgndzEOhF6JiBjn1FeSazoewhb-KOwdvFlfdgg0hDviPaUhiZ-zBwPl1mR3xVwEqqGutAZ_S_mEHMcyc/s320/Photo+Jun+05%252C+8+10+22+AM+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>On the last full day of our trip, Jim took us to the other side of the Maloti Mountains from where they currently live. The Floras have spent the last eight years ministering on the western side of these mountains (Thaba Tseka province). Soon, however, the Floras hope to move to the eastern side of the mountains (Mokhotlong province) where the people are even more unreached, the land is even more desolate, and the spiritual climate is even darker. The Floras showed us the piece of land on which they hope to soon build a home and farmstead, which will serve as their "base" in reaching Mokhotlong province with the gospel. One can stand on just about any mountain in Mokhotlong province and see numerous villages that have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. The task is great and the work is overwhelming at times. But the Floras are trusting God to send churches (such as ours) to partner with them in helping reach the mountain Basotho for Jesus Christ.</div>
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Thank you again for your support! My eyes have been opened to missions in a way they never have before. I know this will make me a better Christian, and a better pastor. Please keep the Floras (Jim, Teresa, Gracie, Anna, Bekah) and their partners in your prayers as they take Jesus to the Basotho. Love you all.</div>
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-67991427904893509942016-05-19T21:55:00.001-05:002016-05-19T21:56:53.244-05:00Good Ol' Grandpas & Mission Trips to AfricaIt's been awhile since I posted anything, so I thought I would just give a personal update for those interested.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Today, we laid Rachel's grandfather, Wilbur Tappmeyer, to rest. Wilbur was one of those old saints of God that studied his Sunday School lesson three weeks before he was scheduled to teach. Even when the extended Tappmeyer clan made its annual foray to Bennett Springs State Park each Memorial Day weekend, Wilbur studied his Sunday School quarterly for the lesson he was missing in his home church. Then, on Sunday morning, he made sure all his family got up and attended the nearby First Baptist Church. Being out of town was NOT a good reason to miss church! Wilbur was a deacon, a Gideon, and a generous supporter of missions. The last thing he ever did for me, personally, was give me a very generous gift to help with my upcoming mission trip to Africa. That's who he was. That's what he did. Wilbur's generation is quickly leaving us. Sometimes, I can't help but wonder (in the words of an old George Jones song), "Who's going to fill their shoes?" When it comes to this kind of faithfulness, my generation has a lot to learn... We will miss you, Grandpa Wilbur.<br />
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On the subject of Africa, I will be leaving out soon for a mission trip to the nation of Lesotho. I will be taking three young adults from our church (ages 18-22) to work alongside IMB missionaries, Jim and Teresa Flora in ministering to an unreached people group - the Basotho. I have known Jim and Teresa since I was a nine year-old kid (almost 30 years). They have played an important role in my faith and in my life. I am looking forward to spending this time with them. Please pray that God uses our team in a meaningful way to advance His kingdom in Lesotho.<br />
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It will be a busy summer for the Halls, with lots of stuff going on with parents and kids alike. It seems as though we've kind of moved into a new phase of life... As our four kids are getting older and getting involved in more activities, we are learning the challenges of time management and meeting ourselves coming and going. It is exhausting at times, but we wouldn't trade it. Life is good. God is good. Thanks for reading.Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-73100330091076141592016-02-27T09:09:00.000-06:002016-02-27T11:04:55.044-06:00Fuller House: A Review for Christian Parents<div class="MsoNormal">
As children of the 80’s and tweens of the early 90’s my wife
and I were very excited to watch <i>Fuller House</i> – the Netflix reboot of the now-classic series, <i>Full House</i>. In <i>Fuller
House</i> all the original characters are back (minus the Olsen twins) and for the
most part looking really good, albeit 30 years older than when the series
began.</div>
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We figured it would be pretty cheesy
(as the original show was) and so far it has definitely lived up to our
expectations. (We are three episodes in
as I write this.) But cheesiness has
never really bothered us that much. We’ve
always been the type that would rather watch a cheesy Hallmark movie that’s
wholesome, than a filthy movie with a more sophisticated plot. We were disappointed, then, when we realized <i>Fuller
House</i> was not going to be as squeaky clean as its predecessor. The first three episodes contain mild
profanities, suggestive dancing, lots of drinking, a reference to DJ and Kimmy
as “lovely lesbians” (which they are not) and an infatuation with Stephanie’s chest. I suppose we should not have been surprised, considering
the overall denigration of television over the last 30 years. And I’m not saying the show is horrible. I’m sure it’s relatively clean compared to
most of the stuff on television today.
But from the perspective of Christian parents who monitor what their kids watch, it’s still disappointing. And
that’s the really unfortunate thing.
This is a show we were looking forward to watching with our young
children without worry. They have seen
the re-runs of the original show, and this was going to be a way to share a bit
of our childhood with them. But now we
have to grimace at an occasional word or scene and, to be honest, probably won’t
let our kids watch episode three at all.
(I am told the rest of the series gets better, and I hope that is true.) Again, I’m not saying the show is all
bad. It definitely made us smile a lot,
and even laugh a few times. (We enjoyed
Kimmy Gibler, in particular.) There are
nostalgic moments where they link into scenes from the old show that are very
cool as well. It just seems so
unnecessary to mix in these seedier elements.
Why mess with a good thing? As
Joey would say, “Cut. It. Out.” I’m
pretty sure my wife and I will watch the rest of the series, but how much we
allow our kids to watch remains to be seen.
And for a show that celebrates family, that’s the most regrettable part
of all.<o:p></o:p></div>
Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691676833705741352.post-52788733931732851812016-01-18T15:53:00.005-06:002016-01-18T16:21:51.127-06:00Five Principles for Spiritual Leadership from Galatians 2<div class="TraditionalCxSpFirst">
In Galatians 2, Paul recounts the story of his
trip to Jerusalem for what scholars commonly call the “Jerusalem Council.” At this meeting, which is described in detail
in Acts 15, church leaders debate whether or not Gentiles have to be
circumcised in order to be saved. Paul’s
position is that this step is unnecessary and legalistic. In Paul’s actions at this meeting, and an
exchange shortly thereafter, we see five important principles for spiritual
leadership:</div>
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<b>1) Communicate. (v1-2):</b> Before Paul addresses the entire
council, he pulls aside the most influential of the brethren and communicates
with them directly and privately. He
wants to be sure they have accurate information, lest his efforts be in vain. Good leaders make sure everyone is on the
same page.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2)
Compromise – Don’t when it comes to the gospel. (v3-6):</b>
Despite pressure being applied by some prominent brethren to adhere to
the old covenant requirement of circumcision, Paul does not yield submission, “even
for an hour.” Why? “That the truth of the gospel might continue.” Good leaders are willing to yield in the
non-essentials, but they never compromise the gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3)
Cooperate. (v7-10):</b> Once the council determines that circumcision is not necessary for Gentiles to follow Christ, Paul agrees to a gospel partnership with Peter and the other apostles. Paul will focus his efforts on the Gentiles,
while they continue to evangelize the Jews.
They will work with, and not against, one another. Good leaders cooperate with others to carry
out the Great Commission.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4)
Conflict – Address in a healthy way. (v11-14):</b> When
Peter visits Paul’s home church at Antioch (presumably after the Jerusalem
Council), he refuses to eat with the Gentile believers for fear of what his
Jewish colleagues will say. Paul
publicly calls him out on this
hypocrisy, thus handling the matter swiftly and firmly, rather than allowing it
to fester underneath the surface. Good
leaders confront others in a healthy manner when the situation requires it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>5) Christ - Put the focus on Him. (v15-21):</b> Paul mentions the person of
Christ eight times in his remarks to Peter following the Antioch incident,
including the well-known statement, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives
in me...” Above all else, Paul wants to
make clear that the grace of God available through Jesus is the heart of the gospel. In like manner, good leaders exalt Christ and
put Him front and center in their life and ministry. <br />
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Josh Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575690802823591080noreply@blogger.com