Spiritual Warfare - Intro

Principalities, powers of the air, demons, evil spirits - all sounds spooky. But when we really stop and think about it - especially within my personal context of Southern Baptist life - we do our very best to downplay any mention of spiritual warfare, demonic activity or evil spirits. Our default is to explain away anything that might find explanation within the realm of spiritual warfare. This has been my default for most of my Christian walk. I’ve always seen spiritual warfare as a ‘last resort’ kind of thing. I am realizing, though, that this has to change.

Over the last few months I have been ‘not-so-gently’ reminded of my ignorance of spiritual warfare and spiritual discernment. It is not that I have had some wild experience that they could make a movie about. Instead, I have been noticing things differently. I have been seeing things differently. My wife, Sherrill, has helped me to explore what Scripture reveals about spiritual warfare. It is because of this growing process that I want to explore this topic.

There are a few thoughts that I have about spiritual warfare. Over the next few weeks I hope to explore some of the ‘finer’ details.

1. I can no longer ignore spiritual warfare and the work of the enemy and neither can the church. I have been prideful - relegating spiritual warfare to the realms of TBN, bad horror flicks and the occasional stray charismatic family found in SBC churches. Though I am quick to profess complete trust in the truth of God’s Word - I have also been quick to ignore spiritual warfare and the discernment of Holy Spirit. It is easier to find ‘comfort’ in my own sense of rationalism over what God’s Word clearly reveals. My worldview must be informed by Scripture and Scripture clearly shows us that the forces of evil are real and spiritual warfare is legitimate. This doesn’t excuse the gross abuse of spiritual warfare found in some fringes of the Charismatic movement but it does force me to reconsider my ignorance of the entire issue.

2. I have a lot to learn about discernment and spiritual warfare. Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. Discernment of Holy Spirit is not something you can systematize with 3 easy steps. (Believe me, I have tried) I need to listen to others that have the gift of discernment. I need to learn from people who are sensitive to Holy Spirit. I need to listen to the stories of those who have participated in spiritual warfare

3. Christ is the victor. There is something to be said about the proclamation of the victory of Jesus Christ. Christ has surely given us victory but I think we sometimes need to be reminded of this great truth. This is no ‘name it and claim it’ theology. No, this is a simple proclamation of the victory of Christ. It is by the power of Christ that we have victory and that is a truth worth proclaiming.

4. The church, especially our own Southern Baptist tradition, is confused and ignorant about spiritual warfare. This is to the our own detriment. The enemy will have no final victory over us but we cannot ignore the fact that our battle is not against flesh and blood. We must be mindful about how we ‘do’ spiritual warfare.

5. Hope and not fear is the result of spiritual warfare.



Over the coming weeks I hope explore some of these issues and conclusions.

Review of "The Next Christians" by Gabe Lyons

In his most recent work, “The Next Christians: How a New Generation is Restoring the Faith,” Gabe Lyons shares what he calls “good news about the end of Christian America.” Over the last few years a number of books have emerged that look at the changing face and nature of Christianity both in the United States and around the world. Philip Jenkins, Phyllis Tickle and others have been exposing the shift taking place in the midst of Christianity. Lyons adds his experienced and wise voice to this growing chorus attempting to articulate the restless spirit of a new generation of Christ-followers.

Lyons begins his exploration by confessing his own embarrassment to be called a Christian because of the negative perception the label held for society. Out of this general framework Lyons begins to explore and articulate what is different about what he calls the ‘restorers’ of the faith. Through the book he makes it clear that there is much hope to be had for the future of Christianity and the church. Many of the descriptions of the ‘restorers’ centers around the creation of culture, community and the fulfillment of calling.

“The Next Christians” offers the church a glimpse of hope in the midst of a season of change. Lyons agrees with Phyllis Tickle that a shift is taking place within the faith and in this work he articulates why this shift can be a good thing and not something to fear. Lyons makes it clear that this shift is one towards restoration of the ‘first things’ of the faith. Pastors should especially take note of Lyons’ conclusions.



I received a free copy of this book in return for a review. I was not asked to give a positive review. Look at www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks for more information.

Review of "Seeds of Turmoil" by Bryant Wright

In his new book, Pastor Bryant Wright tackles the sticky subject of the turmoil and crisis in the Middle East. Titled “Seeds of Turmoil,” Pastor Wright explores the Biblical roots of the current state of affairs in the Middle East and specifically in Israel. His analysis begins by looking at the narrative of Abraham and his two sons Ishmael and Isaac. It is out of this basic narrative that Pastor Wright builds his argument that the root of Middle East turmoil has its roots in the the departure of Ishmael from God’s people. He moves from the Biblical narrative and links it with the unrest found between Jews and Muslims.

What Wright does right is offer a Biblical perspective on the historical and textual roots of the Middle East crisis. Instead of building just on sensational claims or fear, Wright works to show that there is a cause to the turmoil. He does this with a clear respect and honor for Scripture and its truth and with a good understanding of history.

The book does not, though, take into account a few vital issues when it comes to the turmoil in and around Israel. First, Wright does not seem to take into account the departure of God’s Spirit from his people during the exile to Babylon and the ‘grafting’ in of the Gentiles through Christ into God’s covenant people. These two basic issues can help shed some light on how we should look at the state of Israel today. If God’s people are no longer defined by ethnic or national boundaries then the question of the physical land in Israel is put in an entirely different light.

Second, Wright equates the survival of the modern state of Israel with the blessings of God through the book. While this may seem fine at first, it exposes some problems when it comes to the actions of Israel towards Palestinian Christians and its brutal techniques in settlement policies. This is not to say that the Palestinian side is free from culpability - far from it. Yet, the actions of Israel when it has come to Christian persecution and settlements has been less than Biblical. These are difficult issues and we cannot give a ‘free pass’ to the state of Israel when it comes to these vital issues. We must ask the question - ‘Who is our Brother in Israel?’ Would it be the Israeli Jew or the Palestinian Christian? These are questions I wish Wright would have explored.

In all, Pastor Bryant Wright offers an informative and important book that speaks directly towards the current turmoil in Israel and the Middle East. Pastors and lay-people alike will be interested in what Wright has to offer.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

State Annual Meeting Thoughts

This last week I have the great privilege to serve as a messenger from Sparkman First Baptist Church to the annual meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. What a great joy and great honor to be involved with what the Lord is doing through Arkansas Baptists. Through parts of our Southern Baptist Convention I sense grumblings about the state conventions and about the validity of their work. I have heard a few even equate current support of the state conventions with a lessened desire to share the gospel with the nations. With that in mind, I’d like to express a few thoughts about what the Lord did in my life through our annual meeting last week.

First, I was reminded of how partnerships between our state conventions and the International Mission Board. Listening to the report of the Missions Ministries Team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) was moving and gave the messengers a passionate reminder of what God is doing through Arkansas Baptists all over the world and all over North America. We were reminded of our partnership with Baptists in ‘frontier’ states. We were reminded of our continued partnership with New Orleans and the continued recovery. We were reminded of our continued work in Haiti. We were reminded of what really makes Southern Baptists different. Southern Baptists cooperate when it comes to Missions. Our state conventions links churches, especially smaller churches, with the work of the Spirit all over the world. If there is any confusion about state conventions and International Mission work then they need to come to one of our annual meetings. They will find that support of the ABSC is support for what God is doing all over the world.

Second, I was struck by the deep desire of Arkansas Baptists to reach the people in Arkansas. I was reminded that the majority of people in Arkansas (57%), according to the latest stats, are without Christ. Wow! Personally, I felt and still feel a deep conviction to be more intentional about the relationships our church develop for the glory of God’s kingdom. But I also came to a realization - If Arkansas is to be reached for Christ then we need each other. We need partnership, cooperation and the willingness of Arkansas Churches to work together for the work of the gospel. We need ways to work together like the ‘Across Arkansas’ campaign coming for Easter 2011. Our goal, our commission, is to make disciples. It starts at home and Arkansas Baptists have a lot of work to do. We do that work together. When we stand before the presence of the Throne of God I have a feeling that we won’t be divided by individual churches and their respective ministries.

Third, I was reminded why Southern Baptist work has been de-centralized. There are things that happen in the Arkansas Baptist State Convention that probably wouldn’t happen through a centralized national entity. I think of things like our pregnancy crisis centers, children’s homes, summer camps, missions education for the church and countless other ways that our state convention helps churches to do the work of the gospel.

Finally, I was encouraged by the preaching of God’s Word in my own life. I feel that we are at a point in our conventions (state and SBC) that we have firmly set our foundation on the Word of God and now is the time to move forward with this good theology as our centering. We can cooperate and work together. Will we choose to continue our partnership? If you are confused about what our state convention in Arkansas actually does, begin making plans for our meeting next year. I think you will find that Arkansas Baptists are being good stewards with what God has blessed us with.

Prayer Request

At the moment (10:42 PM Sparkman time) Sherrill and a team from here in Arkansas are on their way to Southeast Asia on a Mission Trip. They are participating with a 'Jericho Prayer March' for a country there. This trip partners volunteers with a people group through prayer walking. The prayer is that Christ would break the barriers for these people. They will be gone until October 30th and will be partnering with some IMB missionaries there.

Please be praying for their safety as they travel. They have another 4 hours until they reach Tokyo where they will have a brief layover before their final flight to the country where they will be praying.

I am so excited that Sherrill is serving on this trip.

I already miss her though!

The trip itself is a picture of Southern Baptist cooperation. It was organized through our Arkansas Baptist State Convention and partners with our International Mission Board.

A Little Perspective

I was a pretty nervous kid. You can ask my parents and they will gladly tell you that I was easy to get nervous. Perhaps one of my more nervous moments was when I took the driving portion of my driving test when I was 16. I lucked out when I realized that any State Trooper could legally administer the test - this was exciting because I went to church with a State Trooper and he was more than willing to help! The test ended up being much less fear-inducing than I first expected and I actually enjoyed this opportunity to talk with this respected member of our church. He even taught me something about driving that I have never forgotten - he taught me about perspective. As we drove he told me story after story about how a little perspective when driving can save lives. He told me to keep my eye on the road, while keeping what is around me in good perspective. He explained that I should always be aware of what is going on. He explained that safe driving begins with having good perspective.

I’m finding that one of the difficulties of being involved in denominational work is the task of keeping good perspective. There are times when I can easily become overwhelmed with the weight of what is happening in the Southern Baptist Convention. There are times when we can look around at the many churches, ideas, competing visions and constant debate and say, “Maybe this just isn’t worth it.” There are times when we can lose our perspective about what we are doing as Southern Baptists. We must keep our eyes on Christ as we take these steps of great faith.

What we do as Southern Baptists is done with proper perspective. I consider it important to talk about the Cooperative Program, State Conventions and Missions because I believe it is part of the work of the gospel. Yet, when it comes down to the bare essentials of faith - it is Christ and Christ alone. I will labor for the Southern Baptist Convention and our denominational future because I believe God wants to use us. Yet, when it comes down to basics of faith - it is Christ and Christ alone. I think it is important for us to support the work of our convention. Yet, when it comes down to it - it is Christ and Christ alone. All that we do as Southern Baptists must be done with a little perspective. The Southern Baptist Convention is part of God’s Kingdom but is must never be equated with God’s Kingdom. As we work within what God is doing in the SBC, we must keep our eyes on Christ. We must make sure we keep good perspective.

It is an incredible reminder to think that one day we will stand before the great throne of God, bowing with the elders of faith, raising our hands in worship of the Triune God. It is an incredible reminder to think of that day - when the words ‘Southern Baptist’ will be but a distant memory, when trustee boards, elections, conventions and CP giving structures will pale in comparison to worshipping God. What a day! What a joy! What a promise! One day we will be with God and he will be with us.

Back to the Original Question

Great Commission Resurgence - these are the three words that have filled the mouths of countless Southern Baptist Pastors, leaders and denominational workers with fierceness and debate over the last couple of years. Personally, at first sight, after reading Danny Akin’s message about a GCR, I was intrigued and interested at how something like that might happen. I felt wrapped up in with the discussion about falling baptisms, plateauing memberships, dying churches and a generation of leaders walking away from the SBC. I had seen firsthand close friends choose to leave the SBC-fold for other evangelical churches. I had felt the sense of desperation churches have encountering a culture opposed to the gospel. I knew the need for this type of renewal among our denomination. I felt, and still feel, a deep longing for revival among our SBC churches. I felt confident that God was going to use us as Southern Baptists. All of these feelings out-weighed my concern about Dr. Akin’s understanding of state conventions and associations. And when Al Mohler presented the motion to form a GCR task force I felt that it was at least worth a shot. Now I am wondering when we will get back to the original question.
Through 2009 - 2010 I struggled, prayed, debated and discussed the proposals of the GCR. The more I learned and the more I studied the less comfortable I felt about the proposals being presented - especially the items of Great Commission Giving and the future of NAMB’s work with our state conventions. I quickly found the call for a Great Commission Resurgence was becoming a call for a change of SBC structure - with a side serving of call for revival, repentance and church-awakening. (Many will disagree with me on this point. I make this point because the focus of the GCR report could never be moved from the structure issue by the nature of the report itself and the will of the Task Force) While I felt deep respect for the members of the task force and the goal (which I share) of having a revival of Great Commission awareness and growth in our church, I was becoming more and more concerned that we were missing the point. I was becoming more concerned that we were not dealing with the original question of the Great Commission.
It is here that I feel deep concern for the future of the Southern Baptist Convention. The influence of the GCR Task Force and its recommendations are being felt from the Executive Committee to NAMB to our State Conventions and Churches. Though I may not fully agree with all of it, we are going to continue to feel its impact. There are many aspects of the GCR that I rejoice about, despite my sincere disagreements concerning some of the recommendations. I rejoice about the specific calls given to churches and leaders concerning revival, Great Commission awareness and denominational service. I rejoice with the concern for reaching the nations with the gospel. I rejoice with the renewed effort to utilize the tools of Southern Baptists. Yet, I fear, we are giving into the belief that structure and policy change will somehow bring renewal to the work of Southern Baptists.
Changing the structure of convention work, removing the cooperative agreements, reducing staff at NAMB and changing CP percentages will never bring revival. We can streamline, shake up and move around the entire Southern Baptist Convention and still Great Commission fulfillment will not be guaranteed. We need to make sure, as things in our convention begin to change, that we do not rely on organization re-structuring to bring the presence of Holy Spirit.

The weight of the Great Commission rests in the presence of each local church. Each church, each family, each member - each Southern Baptist is called to fulfill the work of God’s kingdom. The GCR document made this clear in its recommendations. We need to make sure this translates into our local churches. Changing structure can’t revive us. Changing percentages can’t revive us. Reducing employees can’t revive us. The compelling vision is the vision we have had since the very beginning - Hebrews 12:1-2 - the compelling vision of keeping our eyes on Christ. The work of Southern Baptist has always centered upon the work of the gospel. My challenge for Southern Baptists is to re-focus on this compelling vision of Christ himself. Don’t think for one moment that changing our structure can change our relationship with Christ. Don’t skirt the issue of our Spiritual-apathy by focusing on changing our structure. We can fight the Southern Baptist fight and still find ourselves not fighting the ‘good fight’ of Christ. Let’s get back to the original question of Great Commission revival!