A few years ago David Wells spoke in chapel at SEBTS. In his lecture he mentioned a book with a fascinating title: The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century by Thomas Friedman. The title proved too great a temptation so I ordered the book immediately and devoured it voraciously. In case you haven’t read the book (you should) and you wonder how anyone could call the world flat when we of course know it is round, … →

I just posted an Open Letter to My Calvinist Friends in the SBC letter at betweenthetimes.com. Tomorrow my friend and colleague Nathan Finn will follow with a similar letter to his non-Calvinist friends. We are committed as Southern Baptists to minister with those who can affirm the BFM2000 and seek to fulfill the Great Commission whether they are more or less Calvinistic. We have been so for our entire history. We can be so in the future.

A few years ago while preaching at the Michigan Baptist State Evangelism Conference a pastor asked me a question. “You are a professor with a PhD?” He asked. “Yes sir,” I replied. “But you speak a lot to teenagers?” He continued, a little perplexed. “I do,” I said. “Do you have to dumb down your messages to speak to teenagers?” He queried. I have a habit sometimes of answering before thinking, and this was one of those times. “No sir,” … →

I have a problem with Martin Luther. Oh yes, I know he started the Reformation and we owe him much. Yes, he gave us great hymns, Sola Scriptura, and other important contributions. But he did not come far enough theologically for my tastes. And he liked beer too much. I have a problem with John Wesley. Sure, he led a great awakening and helped to spare England from much the French experienced in the French Revolution. He led a missional … →

Folks who know me would also know that one of my best friends on the earth is John Avant, with whom I have shared everything from some pretty remarkable revival experiences, to writing projects, to shared ministry at a number of levels. John and I share a great love for people who do not know Christ. Many of my students also know that a book I cite often is Lauren Sandler’s book Righteous. Lauren, whom I have not met but … →