Watts' Words

Wake Up, Believing America

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:15:05 PST

The sad days in America continue to come. This time the place is in Cranston, Rhode Island. The topic: a prayer written by a student back in 1963 which has been hanging on the wall of the school since then. The objection: a 16 year girl who makes two claims. First, she’s an atheist and next, she’s offended by a prayer. The judge: Ronald R. Lagueux who, not surprisingly, ruled that the prayer must be taken down. The “REAL” players: The ACLU, who’s charter reads (paraphrase) “To protect the Bill of Rights” and probably should be amended to read, “To rid this country of any hint of the God of our Forefathers.”

Once again, an unelected (that means appointed) judge chooses to legislate from the bench and do it behind the veiled words of ‘protecting the constitution.’ Yet, it takes no legal scholar to recognize that the motivation is not to protect the constitution but to amend it, without proper procedure, to negate some of the very principles upon which our founding fathers ‘framed’ this document.

The weak argument exists that ‘Our framers were not Christian and they never intended to force people into any religion.’ It’s just me, but I wonder, in the last almost 50 years how, how many students has this 8’ long banner forced to trust God?

From his written opinion, the judge seemed to ‘observe’ that this community is decidedly in favor of keeping up this banner. So at what point, does “we the people” trump ‘me the judge?’ Certainly, this banner did NOT ‘make any law respecting an establishment of religion’ and to say it does is to question one’s ability to be reasonable.

I suggest that “we the people” read this First Amendment, commit it to memory, and then act on it collectively. Here’s the deal; the first phrase of this amendment is the ‘religion’ clause, but it may be time to act on and in conjunction with the last clause written in this “Right.”

The last clause gives us the right to wake up when something is amiss in our government and to “Petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

To all Americans, but specifically to those who are believer in God through Jesus, here it the question; “Do we really want a country with Jehovah God left out?” This is a very apropos question because it is happening before our eyes, on our watch, and while we watch. If we love our country, our children, and/or God’s church, it may serve us well to hear and heed the words of Romans 11.

Picking up in verse 13, it says in part, “It is high time that we awake out of our sleep, discard the deeds of darkness, and put on the armor of light.”

My eight grade science teacher taught us that you can drop a frog in a pot of water at room temperature, slowly heat up the water, and he will remain in the water until he perishes because he is unaware of the danger he is in because of the change in his environment (I.E. water to a boil). If you drop him in hot water, he will jump out, but the gradual nature of the heating water overtakes him before he realizes his situation.

My prayer is that we, as believers and citizens, will wake up and seeing the situation, will take action. The hour is late.

Courageous The Movie

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:37:28 PDT

This past week, the fourth movie produced by Sherwood Pictures of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia was released in a huge way. I have the DVD from their first movie (Flywheel) and have to say that “These Guys Are Good (and getting better).” Candidly, I was privileged to go to the Sherwood Church (with 3 of my friends) and experience this people first hand. Their “ReFRESH” conference was a truly refreshing experience. Their focus was not ‘church growth’ techniques or a ‘preach-off’ conference or even a ‘do it like we do’ conference. These days were given to a ‘thirst’ for the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. While these people are not ‘perfect’ by any stretch of an imagination, what they seem to project is “Live Christians Walking”. Their humility, willingness to serve, and their ongoing ‘graciousness’ gave witness to their desire to ‘show Jesus to everyone.’ To experience this congregation is to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ these movies have such a powerful and spirit-filled message on the screen.

Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof are all great scripts with great people which gives great truths, but the name “Courageous” (it seems to me) express the very heart of this congregation. Beginning with the leadership of Senior Pastor Michael Catt, whose spirit-filled guidance keeps the ‘balance’ in the people, it is obvious that this congregation is something pretty special. Making movies is but ONE of a myriad of ministries which far exceed the normal reach of a congregation. They courageously face needs, struggles, and truth together. It is no wonder that Stephen and Alex Kendrick developed this script named “Courageous.” Action, humor, fatherhood, family dysfunction, and more make this an outstanding movie that the entire family can enjoy and learn from.

Hollywood will never understand the power behind these movies, because they seem to have closed the door on the very power which Sherwood leans on. The movie concept was prayed over, the script was prayed over, the cinematography was prayed over, casting was prayed over, as well as lighting, makeup, costume, and all the rest—you guessed it—PRAYED OVER!! Unlike Hollywood who, when faced with a problem, simply ‘pay over it’, Sherwood stops production and PRAYS over it. Thus, the power of the movie comes from the power of prayer which engages the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you Sherwood for your 21^st Century example and reminder!!!

O, by the way – SEE THE MOVIE and TAKE A FRIEND!!!

Trust

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:54:04 PDT

Trust is a much used word in our English language. In the “Encarta Dictionary” it is defined as “confidence in and reliance on good qualities, especially fairness, truth, honor, or ability”. Having confidence in something or someone is a vital quality for a relationship to exist. When trust is gone, basically the relationship is gone.

Daily, we speak of trusting Jesus. While scripturally it remains true that when we place our trust in Jesus we are sealed with the Spirit of God, it is equally true that the Spirit of God will infuse our heart and souls making our trust level of Jesus grow and expand. It is what the Bible calls “Spiritual Maturity”.

On a personal level, without trust nothing of any consequence gets accomplished, every word gets challenged, and good ideas get derailed. The trust level between family, friends, churches, pastors, and the like constitutes the basis by which life is lived and goals are accomplished.

Sadly, it can happen that an individual can be stripped of his trust through no fault of his own. It only takes a ‘word’ or ‘suggestion’ from someone else and, so it seems, that individual is branded as someone not to be trusted. While this can be called “Character assassination”, the Bible calls it ‘slander.' Peter says, “Rid yourself of it.” Paul gives several thoughts on this subject. He says, ‘slander no one’, ‘it must be removed from you’, and ‘put it away.’ Paul knew what Christ would have us know, “The sin of slander has the spiritual impact of physical murder.’ To slander is to misrepresent which results in the trust of a trustworthy individual being undermined.

Scripture says, “Speak the truth in love”, yet this text has been sorely abused. The ‘truth’ which Paul writes about is God’s truth, not our own version of truth. Too often, as flawed human beings, we begin our search for the truth with our minds already ‘made’ about the end result. Most of the time, we find a way to come to the conclusion we wanted to come to. While it isn’t ‘right’ to do this, too often it is done this way. Also, too often we desire to speak the truth absent the love OR conversely, act in love without speaking the truth. Both of these scenarios have disaster written all over them and candidly, border on abuse.

The result of this type of behavior can be that someone who is trustworthy is no longer trusted, a reputation is destroyed, a life is wrecked, and even a ministry thwarted.

TRUST – we use the word much, but do we realize how easily ‘we’ can be the unwitting culprit to its destruction. “Let us put on the mind of Christ.”

Judicial Lunacy Continues

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:02:25 PST

The story begins, “A Ten Commandments display in an Ohio courtroom violates the Constitution, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.” Once again, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has shown their true colors as they, once again, have bowed to the pressure of the infamous ACLU. While this is old news in this country, it does give insight into the lunacy which seems to prevail on the bench of the Federal Courts.

Attempting to demonstrate legal scholarship, the three-judge panel rejected Judge DeWeese’s right to place the Decalogue in view and accepted the ACLU’s argument that to post this document is unconstitutional. The situation would be funny if it weren’t so sad.

This may be the shortest blog in history because this issue is not complicated. “IF” those who wrote the constitution deemed the ‘posting of the 10 commandments in a court room’ as a violation of the constitution, then “WHY DID THOSE SAME MEN ENGRAVE, IN STONE, THOSE SAME 10 COMMANDMENTS OVER THE HEADS OF THE SUPREME COURTS JUSTICES?”

Candidly, it is obvious that many of the judges’ today desire to do away with the very principles (the 10 commandments) upon which every successful government in history used (in some measure). Why not file a lawsuit against the Supreme Court to get THEIR Decalogue taken down. In doing this, we would finally have achieved what many desire, a land with not mention of this Decalogue which would ultimately become – a decadent society.

My suggestion is instead of doing away with the 10 Commandments, let’s replace the judges who consider the 10 Commandments to be unconstitutional. After all, these principles were carved in stone in the chamber of the Supreme Court by our “Constitutional writers” and on 2 tablet of our stone by our DNA WRITER (that would be “Jehovah God”). I trust these writers rather than those judges. It makes good sense.

Heal Our Land

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:09:45 PST

To view our culture with unfiltered eyes is to understand that the USA is in deep trouble. From the White House to the Court house to the church house to the ‘family house’, problems are more serious than at any time in this nation’s brief history.

People are asking many questions. “What is happening to this great nation?” “Where are the leaders of principle?” “Why are we debating right and wrong?” The question even comes, “Where is the church in this melee?” These questions will be addressed in one form or another in the days and years ahead.

Most people think that times are so bad because our economy is bad. Others think times are bad because crime is bad. Still others think times are bad because of our moral free fall. Sadly, all three (and more) of these are both true and bad, but sadder still is the truth that these are NOT the root of our problems; they are only symptoms from the problem.

My favorite chapter in the Bible is Acts 2. This chapter tells us about one of the most exciting and life changing spiritual awakenings in all of history. After the resurrection Jesus had returned to heaven, the disciples returned to prayer, and God came in such power that an entire community was changed.

In 2 Chronicles 7 we read the words of Jehovah God which say, “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from Heaven, Forgive their sin, and HEAL THEIR LAND.”

Our land needs divine healing, but how exactly does this happen? The responsibility for healing our land does not rest in the court-house but in the church house with the people of God. This nation was founded on Biblical principles and became the strongest nation on earth. The further we move from our foundation the weaker we become. Moving away from our foundation is only possible if “God’s people” move away from Him and refuse to humble, turn, pray, and seek.

Think about our communities and ask, “If God’s people respond to God’s call to be light, salt, and life in this place, what could be changed for the better?” Revival is needed. No one who has authentically connected with Jehovah God through Jesus His Son, has ever regretted it. Dear God, PLEASE heal our land!

What Kind of Horn Blast

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:18:45 PDT

As I drove to the office today, I pulled through and bought that very nutritious meal for breakfast called “A sausage biscuit.” Now you will understand that this food cannot ride in your car to the office. In fact, I submit that if the biscuit arrives at the office with you, you have been very ‘neglectful.’
As I pulled out of the “What-a-burger” immediately I was stopped by a traffic light with cars both behind me, in front of me, and still attempting to get on the road beside me. When the traffic light changed to green (I was taking a big bite out of that mmmmm….mmmm biscuit) I took off only to hear the “honk, honk” (use your imagination) of the horn from the car behind me. Like most of us, I thought, “Why are they honking at me? What did I do?” Looking in the mirror, I discovered the car behind me was ‘waving’ at some friends who were going into What-A-Biscuit (GRIN) and was motioning for a car to get into traffic in front of them. In other words, the sound of that horn was a friendly horn and this spurred my mind (which rarely works right) into a thinking about the ‘sound of the horn and what it really means.’ Here is my disclaimer; these are only my general observations. There are exceptions & other interpretations, but what follows is worth giving some thought.
When you hear a ‘car horn’, what do you think and how do you respond? Aren’t you like me? We snap our heads around like “how dare you” and yet, the type of horn sound seems to mean a lot.
The “Loud & Long blast (LLB)” may mean many things including that the driver got up on the wrong side of the bed or it may mean that he/she is angry because you are breathing their ‘air’ driving on ‘their’ road or taking up space in their world. All of us have seen people who seem to think like this, the question is, ‘have we ever BEEN such a person.’ However, that long blast can also serve as a sound of “warning.” That LLB may be that we are pulling out in front of someone or backing into someone or even that we are going the wrong way on the road and about to cause an accident. Warnings serve to protect us.
The “Short & Repeated blast (SRB)” may indicate that the other driver had a fight with his wife before leaving home so he is irritated with whomever he encountered all day long. Sometimes this demonstrates a quality of impatience with others. You’ve seen them; no one is driving fast enough to suit them so they spend their day tapping the horn and ‘talking’ (putting it nicely) to fellow drivers who are inconsiderate of their schedule. However the SRB can simply be intended as a ‘reminder’. You are checking your email, talking on the phone, or dealing with the little ones at a Red light and the light turns green. The driver behind you has no intent of being mean-spirited about it so he ‘taps on the horn’ just so you will notice. When this happens to me, my head turns around (like I’m in Junior High and my manhood has been threatened) looking to see who it is who would ‘dare’ blow their horn at me (don’t look so ‘spiritual’ because I bet you do it too). Most of the time I am quickly embarrassed because the only thing that driver wanted to do was just remind me to look up.
Can you see the parallel between the horn blasts and our spiritual life? When people are attempting to speak warning, reminder, or even grace in our life, how do we respond? Do we always react by taking an offense (only to be embarrassed at our carnal response) or do we hear with our spiritual ears, learn, and respond?
In Revelation 2-3, our Lord repeated said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says…” May we hear the horn and respond correctly, making our Lord pleased.

What is this country ‘coming to?’

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:36:19 PDT

While the title of this blog is not correct grammatically, it is an accurate question – PRACTICALLY! The news stories which we read and hear seem to strike at the very core of our existence. The courts (and some churches) in this land appear to have lost touch with reality and common sense.

For instance, I cannot imagine God sending HIS PEOPLE to a grave yard to belittle the parents of a young man who are attempting to bury their son killed on the battlefield. While it is true that America has and is taking the course of Sodom & Gomorrah and does need a course change; but does disrespecting and desecrating the internment of a fallen soldier accomplish this goal? It would seem to me that God is leveling judgment on America for many, many reason and in many, many ways, and God's people need to be the change 'agents' to right our course. That being said, we are also admonished to 'speak the truth in love.' This does not mean backing up from the truths which we are given in God's word, but neither does it mean to become 'mean spirited' to those who are hurting.

Another instance of the loss of 'common sense' is the story out of Tupelo, Mississippi. A lawyer 'refused' to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the USA (as is the custom) before court began. What gives? Ninth Grade "Civics" taught me that citizenship carries with it 'rights and responsibilities'. My rights are defined in the Constitution and my responsibility is to pledge my life to this nation. Honestly (and with common sense), you cannot have one without the other. Today, people seem "all about" their rights and really don't care to discuss the responsibilities which follow.

I asked "What is this country coming to?" If some old-fashioned loyalty to the founding principles, courage to go against the grain, and integrity to stand for 'RIGHT' (yes there is still a 'right' & a 'wrong'), then the grand ole lady we know as the UNITED STATES of AMERICA will pass off the historical scene like every other nation in history.

Sadly, this seems to be the desire of some in D.C. Right now, it would seem we are living the 'times' expressed in Judges, "everyone doing what is right in their own eyes." This will lead to decay, depression, and disintegration, before our very eyes.

May God's people rise up to become the 'Lights of Right' in our nation. May we illuminate the path so brightly that all can see the road we are on and the turn we need to make. "Lord Jesus, WE need a touch from you, TODAY."

We Noticed

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:27:02 PDT

While I don't necessarily consider myself to be a 'Political Mind', my mind has become increasingly focused on the adverse effects which the "Political Minds" of our day are having on this Nation which I dearly love. Recently I received an email with the following article being attributed to "Sherry Hackett", the widow of the late Buddy Hackett and a 'died in the wool' democrat. Reading this piece and its credited writer sent up my red flag so I checked it out.

It was actually written in August 2009 by Faye Parrish of Bunnell, Florida. Originally she is supposed to have sent it to several friends, but I am glad to say that it has NOW made the 'email run.' For anyone who has not received this small article, here it is. Thank you Faye, for reminding us!

"WE NOTICED"

President Obama:

Today I read of your administrations' plan to re-define September 11 as a National Service Day. Sir, it's time we had a talk.

During your campaign, Americans watched as you made mockery of our tradition of standing and crossing your heart when the Pledge of Allegiance
was spoken. You, out of four people on the stage, were the only one not honoring our tradition. YES, "We noticed."

During one of your many speeches, Americans heard you say that you intended to visit all 57 states. We all know that Islam, not America has 57 states.
YES, "We noticed."

When President Bush leaned over at Ground Zero and gently placed a flower on the memorial, while you nonchalantly tossed your flower onto
the pile without leaning over. YES, "We noticed."

Every time you apologized to other countries for America's position on an issue we have wondered why you don't share our pride in this great
country.. When you have heard foreign leaders berate our country and our beliefs, you have not defended us. In fact, you insulted the
British Crown beyond belief. YES, "We noticed."

When your pastor of 20 years, "God-damned America " and said that 9/11 was " America 's chickens coming home to roost" and you denied
having heard recriminations of that nature, we wondered how that could be. You later disassociated yourself from that church and Pastor
Wright because it was politically expedient to do so. YES, "We noticed."

When you announced that you would transform America , we wondered why. With all her faults, America is the greatest country on earth.
Sir, KEEP THIS IN MIND, "if not for America and the people who built her, you wouldn't be sitting in the White House now." Prior to your election to the highest office in this Country, you were a senator from Illinois and from what we can glean from the records available, not a very remarkable one. YES, "We noticed."

All through your campaign and even now, you have surrounded yourself with individuals who are basically unqualified for the positions for which you appointed them. Worse than that, the majority of them are people who, like you, bear no special allegiance, respect, or affection for this country and her traditions. YES, "We noticed."

You are 14 months into your term and every morning millions of Americans wake up to a new horror heaped on us by you. You seek to saddle working Americans with a health care/insurance reform package that, along with cap and trade, will bankrupt this nation. YES, "We noticed."

We seek, by protesting, to let our representatives know that we are not in favor of these crippling expenditures and we are labeled "un-American","racist", "mob". We wonder how we are supposed to let you know how frustrated we are. You have attempted to make our protests seem isolated and insignificant. Until your appointment, Americans had the right to speak out. YES, "We noticed."

On September 11, 2001 there were no Republicans or Democrats, only Americans. And we all grieved together and helped each other in whatever way we could. The attack on 9/11 was carried out because we are Americans. And YES, "We noticed."

There were many of us who prayed that as a black president you could help unite this nation. In six months you have done more to destroy this nation than the attack on 9/11. You have failed us. YES, "We noticed."

September 11 is a day of remembrance for all Americans. You propose to make 9/11 a "National Service Day". While we know that you don't share our reverence for 9/11, we pray that history will report your proposal as what it is, a disgrace. YES, "We noticed."

You have made a mockery of our Constitution and the office that you hold. You have embarrassed and slighted us in foreign visits and policy.
YES, "We noticed."

We have noticed all these things. We will deal with you. When Americans come together again, it will be to remove you from office. Take notice.

If you agree with this, please pass it on. If not, I'm sorry!

Finally, the only statement with which I disagree with Faye is her last one. "If you agree with this, pass it on. If not WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?" And in the words of that famous theologian, "That's all I have to say about that."

A Lesson from President Obama

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:21:26 PDT

Most of the time I am completely silent (in print) about our country's leaders, because I am not a columnist, a commentator, nor a reporter. However, having watched Mr. Obama for these 2 years (which seem like a lifetime) and having read the myriad of 'pros' and 'cons' about his presidency, I have discovered one lesson which we would do well to understand.

Since he stepped onto the national stage of politics there have been many questions presented about him and few answers have been offered. While this is sad in and of itself, there is a specific 'chink' in his armor that continually rises to the forefront and should speak to every authentic believer in Jesus.

The question is this: WHAT DOES HE BELIEVE? Although this question is framed differently in the public press (I.E. Is he a muslin, is he a Christian, or is he an American, etc), the bottom line is that there exists great confusion over his religious beliefs.

The reason Americans question his beliefs is because people know that "We do what we believe and the rest is just talk." Read some of these thoughts as reported by "Yahoo News":

Nearly one in five people, or 18 percent, said they think Obama is Muslim, up from the 11 percent who said so in March 2009, according to a poll released Thursday. The proportion who, correctly, say he is a Christian is down to just 34 percent.

The survey, conducted by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center and its affiliated Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, is based on interviews conducted before the controversy over whether Muslims should be permitted to construct a mosque near the World Trade Center site. Obama has said he believes Muslims have the right to build an Islamic center there, though he's also said he won't take a position on whether they should actually build it.

In a separate poll by Time magazine/ABT SRBI conducted Monday and Tuesday — after Obama's comments about the mosque — 24 percent said they think he is Muslim, 47 percent said they think he is Christian and 24 percent didn't know or didn't respond.

Now before I am accused of 'picking on the president' let me be clear about the lesson to find in this. It seems to me that, by and large, rank and file people in America could be confused about those who 'claim belief in Christ' because of the same reasons for the suspicions of Mr. Obama.

Maybe this would be a good time for us to demonstrate our faith by 'living out the beliefs which we say we have.' Jesus' is call is always to follow Him and following Him means 'self-denial', 'selfless giving', and 'deferring to the Father'. This is a difficult lesson for Americans who have come to think that 'it's all about me.'

David Jeremiah’s Turning Point

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 06:34:22 PDT

Very rarely do I openly recommend reading a blog or subscribing to a particular newsletter. However, in rare cases I do. Dr. David Jeremiah is, without a doubt, one of the most prolific speakers, teachers, and writers of our day. He always seems to have a fresh word for God for all who hear and read. This morning (Tuesday, August 03, 2010) he released a simply, yet impacting devotion on the Turning Points email so I offer it to all of us. To take this to heart is to make a change in our lives. Let us never forget, "God desires to change us every day."

Tuesday, August 3

Twelve Feet of Criticism

Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married.
Numbers 12:1 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

How I Wished!

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:48:45 PDT

It is almost a daily occurance for me. Being subscribed to several 'blogging groups' within the Christian community delivers blogs to my email box. While I enjoy reading the thoughts of other, it seems that a common theme weaves its way through many blogs. Quite honestly, I am about to unsubscribe because of this theme. In writing these words, I understand that some of my 'friendships' might be stressed, strained, or separated. If this is the case, as much as it pains me, 'so be it.' The issue is Calvinism.
First, my objection begins with the name. Quite honestly, reading the blogs of the Calvinists semms to almost deitize a man. Admittedly, a deeply intellectual man who deserves study along side of the other 'church' fathers, however, his name presents no reason to 'bow' and possesses no special power.
My next objection is found in the premise that "if I'm not a Calvinist, then I do not believe in the sovereignty of God." Next, someone will say this; 'if you're not a Calvinist, then you're not saved.' How ridiculous. (If I sound angry, I'm not really angry, but I am highly frustrated.) Calvin has nothhing to do with salvation or the establishment of the truth of the gospel. He only interpreted what each of us interprets every day.
I'll end my diatribe with the Biblical thought about 'debating over debatable matters' -- as the Bible says, "DON'T"...When the doctrine of man (whether John Calvin, John Stott, John McArthur, or any other John) is lifted to being used as a 'point of fellowship' then we have misplaced our focus, faith, and followship.
Today the 'Gospel' is facing such challenging times that we do not need to created stumbling blocks which do not exist. My heart, my hope, and my prayer, is that the name of Jesus will replace John (Calvin) in communicae which are spread world wide because it is only at the name of Jesus salvation is found!

‘I’ am still unsure

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:16:27 PDT

For the past year I have been diligently praying for the GCR Task Force. On this team of people are several whom I value as personal friends and I have a great deal of respect for those that I haven't had the privilege of knowing. Additionally, The concepts of 'great respect and admiration' pale in comparison of my feelings for our SBC President. He was a leader in Kingdom work long before he was elected to serve as SBC President. Additionally, Dr. Hunt continues to be a spiritual force for God and good in the world.

These words begin this blog (which few people will actually read) because "I" happen to be one that 'clearly understands' that we need a refocus and recommitment to the Great Commission but, at the same time, am unsure and unconvinced that the way to accomplish this is by simply adopting the GCR report. Proponents will counter that they are proposing more than just 'adopting the report' and that adoption will only be the first step. Hearing these words, it seems to this pastor that we can follow the guidelines of this report to the letter and spirit and find ourselves weaker than we have ever been. Honestly, I KNOW this is NOT the desire of the Task Force because their heart, one and all, is to see a Spiritual Awakening on the order of "The Great Awakenings of the 18^th and 19^th Centuries" or the "Jeremiah Lanphier's Prayer Movement" of the mid-19^th century. Certainly, the landscape of America and the world is in need of such a move of God.

All this being said, I remain 'respectfully unconvinced' that the recommendations before us will have their desired impact. For the past month I have received daily emails from men, who have been my models and mentors for much of my ministry life, stating their whole-hearted embrace of this report so I realize that my small opinion will not carry much weight or impact.

I am not one of the "Younger Pastors" who, at least it seems, have gripped a vision for a 'Great Commission resurgence'; rather, I am a 'not so young' pastor who, for years, has been praying and longing to see the church (and our denomination) return to the Great Commission vision of "Making Disciples." Additionally, this is the vision and the heartbeat which will carry me (and other 'not so young pastors') to their grave. Candidly, making quality changes which have been adequately thought and prayed through doesn't bother us, "not so young" types. Personally, the suggestion that to have questions about such sweeping changes in the SBC structure, Cooperative Program giving, and the like, categorizes me as one who doesn't want to win and disciple the lost is, at best, an insult and at worst, an affront. While this may sound harsh, God knows my heart, the only truth I am attempting to convey is this; it is not only the younger pastors who have the heart for Great Commission or Kingdom work, those who have given 25+ years in ministry have the same desire. Now hear my heart, this is NOT the time for us to fight but rather the time to listen to each other and discover God's plan for us. I submit that "Older Pastors" like "Younger Pastors" have indeed gripped the need for a Great Commission Refocus and yet see it from different vantage points. Sadly, it seems the discussion has been held by a few and dominated by fewer.

The bottom line for me is this; "We need a clearer understanding of what we ARE doing before we chart a new course to what we WILL do." Cooperative Agreements serve as "Exhibit A" of what I am attempting to communicate. I fear that many do not understand "cooperative agreements," their nature, and function. Yet, to vote to affirm this Report will mean the phasing out instruments which will be helpful in carrying out the Great Commission. Admittedly, these agreements may need to be revised that we can meet today's need as well as they may be renamed, but it would seem to me that to phase these agreements out without knowing what will replace them borders on irresponsible. With respect to the great men and women at the NAMB, most agree that since the "Covenant for the New Century" this Agency has struggled to fulfill all the responsibilities handed it. Yet, this agency still remains one which can make a difference for today and tomorrow in all sections of our country. Another question which, in passing, comes to my mind is this; if we release IMB from geographical limits will we do the same for the NAMB? Just a thought.

For me, the best thing about the GCR Report will be that conversations and debates, which we need to have, will be on the table for consideration. However, the convention floor will not accommodate the needed time for adequate debate. While I thank the GCR Task Force for their time and energy, it seems to me that we are moving too quickly to get it right. My prayer for us is that we learn from my 'grand-dad' who was a carpenter. He taught us to 'measure twice' and 'cut once.' May we walk slowly, measure our actions twice so we will only cut once. This will be a great beginning for the Kingdom.

GCR – From My Seat

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:09:15 PDT

It has been many days since I have written a blog. Quite likely, it is because my writing get into so few hands that what I write (or think for that matter) makes little difference. However, as I continue to watch, read, and listen to the debate over the GCR in Southern Baptist life, it would seem to me that we are about to box ourselves in.

Recently I read a message by the late Vance Havner and grinned at his words that sometimes we are like "an elephant with a blow torch in a room full of dynamite" and yet, it seems this is quickly becoming our position with the GCR. I, like 30,000 other Baptist pastors have listened to, downloaded, and printed out, the 'progress report' of the GCR task force given to the SBC Executive Committee. As I have digested the material, it seems to me that the focus on this report is to 'fixate' that which is not broken as oppose to 'fix' that which is in need of repair.

My prayer is that TODAY (Monday, April 26, 2010), as the task force meets in Nashville to finish the verbiage on the 'Final Report' that God will speak to this fine group of people to see the SBC from the eyes of the "rank & file" church. May God give intervene and give clear and concise direction to all of us.

What's Going on

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:13:01 PST

Today, one of my friends called me to tell me that something was going wrong on my blogger page. It seems that the link to my "Twitter" on this page was displaying all kinds of 'foul' language. Candidly, I went to my twitter account and checked out to block whoever was doing this. Come to find out, only the Twitter feed to my blog account was affected. So for now, I have deleted that feed to my blog page.
I wish someone could give me the 'thought-processes' of someone who gets their kicks in life by making things difficult for other people. During this week of spending time with my family, many-many good people have been encouragers, providers, and even helpers for our family as we morn the passing of mom. Yet, it seems there is always one in every crowd who feels the needs to be mean-spirited to someone for no apparent reason.
To whoever did this; I hope and pray that you will let your hack of my page be the last one. This was a distraction which I did not need today. My family deserves my full attention (as does other people with their families), and I hope you will become more considerate of others.

I’m Confused

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:25:48 PDT

The years 2008-2009, without a doubt, will go down in my life's history as the most confusing years of my existence (that is, unless I get Alzheimer's' – and I'm not making fun of this debilitating disease). But then again most people who know me accuse me of staying confused anyway.

First, there was the presidential election of 2008. Gosh, where did the REAL candidates go? But who would have thought that the new President of these GREAT United States would dislike the United States and their concept of self-government so much. In six months we have seen a country which was admittedly in a mess—almost disintegrate before our very eyes. Now we are faced with the real prospect of the Government (Big-brother) taking over everything from Health-care to auto-makers to financial institutions and our President is not through. His thoughts are, "This Government isn't big enough." Year ago (long before he was a presidential candidate) I heard Mike Huckabee say something to this effect, "Why is it that the government, who can only 'take' money, think they can handle it better than the citizen, who "make" the money?" While Gov. Huckabee and I will disagree on several things, we certainly agree on this issue. Yet, our President continues to spend and spend and spend and spend and take over and spend until, well…just until. Admittedly, I love his concept; "spend your way out of debt." If this could happen…my wife and I would be DEBT FREE!! So if I can't do it—how can my country do it? I'm confused.

Next, our new President came to office with the pronouncement, "I'm going to close Guantanamo, bring all our soldiers home, and be done with the war." While most normal thinking Americans knew this was not as easy as he made it sound, he continued voicing his unlikely and improbable position. While there is NOT AN AMERICAN who wants to have an unending presence in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, or have to keep a prison camp (for terrorists) open, it would seem that the more prudent way of governing would be to put experts in place and listen to their wise expertise and counsel about how to accomplish this. Yet, it would seem that our President, once again, has tunnel vision about making America what HE wants it to be. Somehow I have been taught (in legitimate US History & Government classes) that our founding Fathers were deep thinkers, outstanding writers, and (by the way) most had a deep faith in the God of the Bible, to wit they established this experiment in government which has stood the test of time. Now, our elected President appears to be making an attempt to change all of this. My question is "Why?" Before we became so 'enlightened' that our courts and congress began to "challenge" the 'Constitutionality of the Constitution' (what a sad truth) and seek to revise what wise scholars had known and taught to be the original intent, this country stood as an impregnable fortress founded on the truths found in God's word and even the blessings of God Himself. Today, we have almost extricated Jehovah God from our Government, Schools, and culture, which adds up to kicking Him out of our lives. Now, I'm really confused.

It is amusing to listen to the pundits recant the historicity of "America being founded on the Bible and the God of the Bible." The reason it is so amusing it that for me (not the sharpest knife in the drawer) it seems that our Founding Fathers were visionary enough to foresee this day coming and they knew the almost "ignorant" approach some would take to this concept. So what did they do? In almost EVERY NATIONAL MONUMENT they built, they inscribed in STONE portions of God's word. It is my belief that they inscribed all of this in stone so future generations could not erase what knew to be the "essential part" of a fair and free government.

Because this Blog is so long, just be reminded of one such inscription. Above the heads of the Supreme Court Justices, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS are inscribed!! This would be amusing if it weren't so sad. These are the same 10 Commandments that they told Alabama Supreme Court Judge Roy Moore were UNCONSITTUTIONAL. Is it any wonder I'm confused?

Finally earlier this year, an elected President of these United State stood on foreign soil to proclaim "America is no longer a Christian Nation!" To read the unrevised history of America, study the words and faith of our founding men, examine the words of John Jay (our first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court), to read early documents, to understand the process of development in this nation and then declare it "no longer Christian?" Yep, that settles it--- IT'S OFFICIAL "I'm Confused."

God is Still Working

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:07:33 PDT

Last Thursday (September 17 – Constitution Day) will live on as a day of surprises. The first surprise (covered in my previous blog) was that a High School Principal (Frank Lay) and Athletic Director (Robert Freeman) was in front of a judge on "Criminal Charges" of Contempt of Court for saying a "Blessing over food." Who would have thought that our system of juris prudence would actually hear such a ridiculous case as this in a country that boast of "religious freedom" and "tolerance." (to use a "well-used" word)..

The next surprise is nothing shy of a divine act of God. After a one day trial, these two men were found NOT GUILTY!!! What a story!! Although Religious Freedom for Christians under persecution in America, this was a time when God, in His grace, reached down and took control of circumstances which seemed out of control.

God's people rose up to the Challenge and He responded in support. To Him be the Glory!!

Should we be worried?

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:14:28 PDT

Thursday, September 17, 2009, is a day that will live in infamy. On this day, the landscape for religious freedom in this nation will be changed. Frank Lay (High School Principal) and Robert Freeman (High School Employee) will stand before a judge, facing criminal charges for "saying a blessing over the food at the dedication of the school's new field house." This scenario would be funny, if it were not so sad. With the real problems facing this culture and country, the ACLU has, once again, chosen to flex its legal muscle and eradicate Christianity from all public life. From unofficial reports the ACLU is setting up for a long, expensive battle which many observers believe will ultimately be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

As we all know, the charter of the ACLU speaks of protecting the "Bill of Rights" and yet, those 'rights' include the government NOT MAKING ANY LAW WHICH PROHIBITS THE FREE EXERCISE OF RELGION." They seem to selectively choose to fight Christianity and in so doing they give their best efforts to bringing down good and Godly people.

Interestly, it seems that the judges (to this point) have been reading from the ACLU playbook. In the wording of the judge's previous order it could be interpreted that any school employee at any time cannot participate in any personal prayer at any place on campus. The question is, "What has happened to the rights of Frank Lay and Robert Freeman?" This is indeed a sad time in this country which I love but feel like we have lost.

At a time when men are women are shedding their life's blood on the field of battle to defend our freedom (many paying the ultimate price), those very same freedoms are being summarily taken by the legal establishment ignoring the tenants of the national and state constitutions. My personal note is that the time may be upon us when we need to insist on "Judicial Review" and replace some of these judges who attempt to "legislate from the bench."

Am I worried? Well, not in an eternal sense, because one day the ACLU, the judges, and courts will bow down to THE King. Am I worried about our nation? Yes, if something does not change in this process, we may well hear a modern day judge declare our constitution unconstitutional!! What a day that will be!!

Let's pray and act to support the cause of religious freedom and these men who have given their lives to helping our kids.

Arteriosclerosis – Hardening of the Heart!

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:01:42 PDT

There are many things which are eating away at our culture, country, and churches. Recently, I have re-read the book "Why Churches Die?" by Dr. Mac Brunson and Dr. Ergun Caner and have been touched, once again, by their diagnoses of local congregations. On Wednesday evenings, I have offered to the congregation where I serve a series of devotional type of messages (from the Bible and this book) to point out some of these diseases. Some of the conditions related were "Myopia" (short or near-sightedness), "Atrophy" (lack of use), and Glossitis (use of the tongue) ; but to compare the modern day "cultural Christianity" to arteriosclerosis was also a stroke of genius. The words which follow only scratch the surface of what needs to be considered.

His name was Bobby Dean. On the Saturday afternoon that He died, quite likely, he carried all the stubbornness into eternity that he lived with on earth. A couple of people have suggested that when he was greeted in heaven, he lodged some complaints about his surroundings. In his last weeks on earth he gave the nurses grief and dismissed visitors with a wave of the hands. By those who knew him, he was a grumpy & cranky old man.
Bobby was a hard worker all of his life. As a farmer, he was on the tractor before daybreak and did stop his labor until after sunset. Every Sunday "morning" he was in HIS pew at church. He would enter "right at" time for the service, look over and critique the bulletin, and then sit with arms crossed while evaluating the message of the preacher. He liked his last preacher more than most, but still gave his pastor grief about the invitation.
One time the Pastor mustered of the courage and asked Bobby why he was so opposed to the call for commitment. The answer was, "Waste of time." He went on to say, "I came forward 60 years ago, go saved and baptized, and haven't felt any reason to come forward since then." The pastor was amazed and said, "You've never have a time of recommitment, repentance, for prayer or rededication?" The harsh answer was, "Those are just preacher term, ain't no need." Bobbie finished, "Now Preacher, that maturity." Candidly, this is not maturity rather it is a hardness of the heart. Every one of us, believer or non-believer, allows sin into our lives and when we sin, God will issue a call for our penitence. If we respond, our heart is softened, conversely if we refuse to respond, our heart become hardened. In medical terms this compares to the disease arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis will be our aid tonight as we consider the Local church and why it is dead, dying, or dynamic. For our Biblical Basis let's read our text.
There is much about this story which never ceases to amaze me. First, how did Nabal hook a woman who was of such spiritual and ethical character that she would become royalty? Some will suggest, "Because he was rich." This brings up my next amazement, "How did someone named "Nabal" get rich? His name literally means "fool" or "senseless" and in verse 25 Abby says, that he "lives up to his name, stupidity is all he knows." My questions can go on and on, but the truth is, "Nabal was hard, arrogant & difficult." In other words, he was eaten up with a hard heart or arteriosclerosis.

The Description – In medical or biological terms, this disease is a condition developed from the hardening of the arteries. Plaque and other impurities develop in the blood vessels and attach themselves to the side of the arteries and over the course of time occlude the flow of blood. If not treated, the vessels will eventually be completely blocked which will bring on a heart attack, a stroke, or even death. Bad diet & lack of exercise contribute to this. One word of opinion; unlike the actual disease which is seemingly difficult to reverse, God can reverse the spiritual strain if we'll allow him to.
The Development – Just like our blood stream has all of these fats, plaque, and other impurities available to attach themselves to our vessels and cause damage, our hearts and souls have the same thing. Every time you and I sin, more impurities are released in our spiritual circulatory system and God moves in with His convicting Holy Spirit to calls us to repentance. At this point, we have a choice, we can repent or resist. When we resist, those impurities attached themselves to our heart and it becomes a little more hardened, our soul become a little less sensitive, & our ears become a little less in tune to the voice of God. Every time God speaks to us about anything and we reject His leading, another layer of callousness forms over our heart. Here is the thing about a callous; it has no sensitivity because there is no life in it, no fresh blood flows through it, and no living nerve ending exist. As we look at and inject Nabal into this thought process, we find that he was indeed affected with this disease.
The Diagnosis – Instead of going through this entire story just notice a couple of things with me. When David sent his 10 men to ask for help, he felt confident that Nabal would respond affirmatively. Yet, Nabal show extreme arrogance, insolence, and even back that up with sarcasm. Arrogance or pride may be the leading cause of a hard heart within the church today. The average congregation thinks it to be extreme to respond to God in contrition. Nabal shows his colors in his questioning. He was too proud, wealthy, and self-important to respond to anyone. Make no mistake David was angry and said, "Saddle up your horses & prepare for battle." While this was happening, Nabal was oblivious to the trouble he was in. When we have the spiritual version of this, we too are just as oblivious to our trouble. In fact, when Jesus taught about the second coming, He said, "Some will be saying 'peace & safety' and the end is at hand." The Watts translation of this says, "While they THINK all is well with their soul, the sound of judgment comes." This is a call to wake up. For arteriosclerosis the Mayo Clinic suggests several possible treatments: Anti-platelet med, Anti-coagulant, Hyper-tension, as well as some others. But what prescription drug can turn the clock on our spiritual version.
The Drug – We can learn from Abigail. She came to David like we have to come to God. We should come in humility, honesty, and in brokenness. God resist the proud but gives "GRACE" to the humble. In our weakness, He is made strong. Don't end up like Nabal. He became so hardened and then so enraged that had seizures & was paralyzed. In Hebrew, those 2 words mean "his heart died within him" and "his heart became like stone." The word gives us a medicine for this malady and it's called confession and repentance. While these are not popular words in the 21^st century American church, the divine requirement does not change.

IS THE SBC BEGINNING TO CRUMBLE?

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:08:14 PDT

Many years ago I heard my good friend, Dr. Dean Register, make a statement which clearly expresses my feelings. He said, "I'm Baptist-Born, Baptist Bred, and one day when I die, I'll be Baptist Dead! In fact, were you to cut me, I'd bleed the Cooperative Program." I love Baptists, being a Baptist, and I especially love the Southern Baptist Convention. Yes, we have our faults and failures, from time to time we have fought among ourselves like siblings, and yet, evangelism and missions have remained at the forefront of our "denomination."

For all of my years as a Southern Baptist, "Jesus" has been our focus. Yes, this sounds simplistic and does not resound with intellectual elitism of which we are becoming accustomed, but for Baptists, "Jesus" has always been the 'name above all names.' As I have prayed, studied, and diligently read God's word it seems to me that anytime we give blanket adherence to any other beside our Lord Jesus we can expect to happen what we see happening.

Some call this division among Southern Baptist "A New Day", "Another Reformation", and even "The Changing of the Guard." Yet, while any spiritually sensitive believer recognizes the need for a "renewal" within the ranks of the SBC, the question which comes to my mind is "What exactly is it that we are attempting to renew?" Additionally, how do we renew that which has seemingly been forgotten?

Admittedly, I am a simple person with a very simple mind, but the struggle within our ranks seems to wear a name. Today, from many in the upper echelons of our convention's leadership and those who have seemingly become convention spokesmen we hear the name John Calvin more that we hear Jesus Christ. For me, Calvin is simply one more teacher of days past who deserves our study but does not rise to the level of 'deity' which some have given him. Although I am aware that daring to write the words which follow will give me a label for the rest of my ministry, I am compelled to state that John Calvin holds no more prominence for me than does, Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther, John Wesley, or even St. Augustine. Now that I have "dared" to write this, let me dig my own 'theological grave' (among the SBC) a little deeper.

Let's consider Calvin's Testimony of conversion as he relays it in his Preface to the Psalms (and which is recorded multiple places); "God by a sudden conversion subdued and brought my mind to a teachable frame." Honestly, if someone were to come down the aisle next Sunday with this type of testimony, we would move them to a counseling room to see if they understood what "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" actually meant. While we know that salvation is of, from, and by Jehovah God, we also recognize that God sent Jesus as the doorway to salvation and the Throne of Grace. Without Jesus in the equation, there can be no salvation.

When I look at Calvin's Tulip, it seems flawed from a Biblical interpretation. For years we have all heard about Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance of the Saints and yet, it would seem to me that "IF" this is truly a Biblical Basis for mankind, that evangelism and missions are a moot point. Admittedly, from my personal study the first and the last of these five points are completely within the bounds of Biblical theology. So, I submit an alternate TULIP.

Total Depravity – it is true that sin has affected all of man, every part. The heart is above all thing deceitful. Scripture clearly teaches "fallen man."
Unconditional Love – This is the most basic and is found in too many scriptures to quote.
Limitless Atonement – The blood is Jesus is given for "ALL", for "THE WORLD", for "SINNERS". These words appear repetitively in Holy Scripture.
Invitational Grace – This picture is given in the "WHOSOEVERS" of scripture and speaks to the responsibility of man. Jesus said, "Whosever will, let him come."
Perseverance of the Saints. – In Christ, we are saved, sealed, and secured for all eternity. John, Romans, and Ephesians are only three of the places where we find assurance of this truth.

Having laid forth these truths (admittedly, as I view them), hearing the debate which is raging across our ranks, and now recognizing how just how divisive this issue has become, I am afraid the convention that I love is crumbling at the foundation. True, if the GCR committee stays on point and leads us to more effective evangelism and discipleship then perhaps we can right the ship that seems to be faltering in this "philosophical" storm. (I label this philosophical because man-made thoughts are indeed philosophical in nature, this can be illustrated by saying from Calvin's Tulip to Warren's Purpose Driven Life) While both may have at least some "Bible Truth" in them, none of the Biblical writers used the Tulip or PDL in Holy Scripture.

My prayer is this; that we can return to the Bible as our source, Jesus as our Savior, and Jehovah God as our Strength, and lay aside the names and labels which we give to each other. God knows that while we are debating over 'debatable issues' we are losing our country to the darkness. Let us take our deadly weapons, rearm them with the manifest power of the Holy Spirit, 're-aim' them at our real enemy, and not make one man (except the Lord Christ) our dividing point.

An old preacher once told me, "You can't rock a boat and row a boat at the same time." Let us hear these words and right our ship. To not do so, could have a devastating impact on the future of the SBC and more importantly, the gospel.

Who Knows?

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:31:42 PDT

The debacle of the SBC Executive Committee seems to still light up the Press, Twitter, and even Facebook. Today I read response after response calling for Dr. Morris Chapman's resignation. Even in this heightened emotional time, most (if not all) acknowledges Dr. Chapman's longevity and leadership during these past 30 years and thus, simply states that he has lost touch with the rank and file Baptist, has developed a skewed perception of what the SBC is all about, or is one whose time has passed. Candidly, it is not my place (at this point) to join this call as I believe him to be a good man who has indeed led us for years and deserves better than this. But it is my belief, that every person employed by an SBC church or entity deserves better than this.

That being said, there still exist several telling issues which require the Executive committee's attention (now, I'm talking about the ENTIRE Executive Committee as opposed to only the officers and administration of the Executive Committee). Some of these are;

Why does it seem to be that Dr. Hunt and Dr. Chapman are communicating through the press and not in a personal setting? Would it not be better for our two elected leaders to come to some kind of understanding of what is going on in the upper echelon of SBC life?
Why is it that Dr. Chapman gives the perception that he is above being accountable to the churches he serves? This is not meant to be trite or mean spirited but every level of the SBC has checks and balances. Even the Executive Committee is accountable.
If Dr. Chapman does resign, will he be given the same type of treatment that Bro. Clark was given? Here today and gone tomorrow.
Why is it that the entire Executive Committee has not been "in the loop" of this publicity scandal? Isn't that what we elect them to do and be? Yet, it would seem that they have been kept out of the loop.
What happens if the at-large members of the Executive Committee demand to be "filled-in" on the circumstances of this issue? Will they be told "no comment", "we do not comment on personnel matters", or in the converse, will they be replaced with a "no comment?"

I know these are tough, mean sounding questions, but God knows my heart, they are not meant that way. There is nothing mean about accountability, but it is tough. It's easy to ask for a resignation and it's tough to handle the questions which ensue. It's easy to look the other way; it's tough to look a problem in the eye. It's easy to say "no comment"; it's tough to speak the truth in love.

May we never forget that we are God's people, doing God's business, hopefully in God's way! Backroom dismissals, hiding behind bureaucracy, and refusing to inform those elected to be informed is not God's way. However, if this actions stands without any accountability being demanded, then maybe our churches and institution will follow suit, who knows?

Here We Go Again

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:55:43 PDT

In the aftermath of the SBC it has been interesting to talk with people who were "in attendance" in Louisville and those who "attended" via the internet. The consensus has been that this was a good Convention but like so many times before, the after story becomes the story. Enter a fine young man named "Clark Logan" accompanied by the bureaucratic "two-step" which has become so prominent.

Candidly, I've met Bro. Morris Chapman one time about 15 years ago and I've never met Bro. Clark, so it is not that I have a "dog in the fight" of the employee-employer relationship publicity scandal which has surfaced. However as a Southern Baptist, any time a situation develops which causes a black mark on the Southern Baptist name and thus, negatively impacts our testimony of grace and gospel concerns me greatly. While those "inside the beltway" of the Executive Committee might see this as a "Personnel Policy" being implemented, the public perception (including me at this point) is that we have one more time "bloodied our own nose." Statements like "no comment" and "We do not comment on personnel matters" only serve to promote speculation about a bureaucracy gone wild. Honestly, in my heart I believe that the SBC is better than this, deserves better than this, and has a right to demand better than this.

While it is obvious that Bro. Clark was given the privilege of resigning (effective immediately) it is equally obvious that something is amiss in this situation. Whereas it is true that the general public doesn't have to know all the "ins and outs" of a personnel review, the personnel policy might need to be reviewed if it is the practice of the Executive Committee to call for a resignation in the AM and an evacuation in the PM. If an employee is not measuring up, the process should allow for more notice and direction than this.

However, the disturbing thing here is this; in a time when the Executive Committee and all of our national ministries just made a call for more support, their integrity comes into question with a unilateral decision to take the livelihood from a young man who is well thought of among his peers. Additionally, others are so afraid that they have little or no comment.

I am not angry, but saddened about this entire situation. I am saddened for Bro. Clark and his loss of a job in such a public manner. I am saddened for Bro. Morris and his loss of respect (at least from me) for the way this has been handled. I am saddened for the Executive Committee who seems to have been given a black-eye for their remaining silent (instead of giving some statement which assures us that this has gone through proper channels and processes). I am saddened for Southern Baptist who, once again, made the news by giving the perception that we have been unfair to one of our own. I am saddened for the gospel who always suffers when we make a mess of things. Let us not "Go this way again."

I Don't Understand

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:33:25 PDT

No one has ever accused me of being the "sharpest tool in the toolbox", but the word 'confusion' does not even touch my thoughts today. In fact, these thoughts have not just begun with this week of the 2009 SBC in Louisville but rather, have been growing over the past 10-15 years as I have listened to the debate inside the convention which I love so much.
As confused as I am about this one subject, I am not confused about the potential repercussions of writing this blog. To lay forth these few thoughts generally will exact an attack of major proportions, yet what follows is what I feel about the debate over John Calvin and his philosophy (no, I don't believe it is a theology) called Calvinism. By design, this blog will not be extended.
As I have read the "Twitters", the "Twubs", and watched over the internet, I am amazed that Calvin is receiving almost as much attention as our Lord Jesus, and for me, something is wrong with this. As we know, Paul countered this type of focus in 1 Corinthians by bringing to light the "Apollos-Paul" principle. I submit that today we have almost come to a "Calvin-Jesus" parallel. Personally, in these meetings I would love to hear less about Calvin and more about our Lord. Calvin may have been a good Bible teacher and a deeply intellectual theologian, but he was not and is not infallible. From my reading of God's word, his "TULIP" has some debatable issues included (and none of which threaten the sovereignty of Jehovah God). As far as I can discern, Calvin's name is found no where in Holy Scripture and his "Institutes" contain some theology which most every Southern Baptist will find suspect.
For my two cents worth, I do not hate John Calvin and his desire to systematize Biblical theology, but I must say that I do "dislike" what the application of Calvinism seems to be doing to Southern Baptist.
Proponents will say, "He is returning us to a Reformed Theology which is what we need", while Opponents will respond, "He is taking us to a place we don't need to go."
Personally, my prayer is that we will simply return to scriptural principles of living, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, mission, ministry, worship, and prayer; making the Great Comission our one driving force while abandoning the temptation to allow a human leader to divide us. After all, Jesus is the one who still saves. And we will not be admitted to heaven based on our beliefs about John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Wesley, or any other historical leaders.
Is it any wonder that we, as Southern Baptist, have lost some of the influence and effectiveness we have enjoyed in years past?
"Lord, help us to forsake our sin of looking at your leaders and return to looking to YOU. Amen."

America, Love it or Leave it

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:11:17 PDT

It has been over 6 months since I've "blogged" anything. Candidly, who knows where to begin? Seemingly our electorate has made some decisions which make it difficult to understand. The result is that today, this great nation teeters on the bring of fiscal, moral, and ethical collapse. (I know that others have differing opinions--that's their right--but this is my personal opinion). Amid the melee of all our difficulties we are barraged with the Political Correctness (PC) group which tells us that we have to be tolerant of all cultures, practices, religions, and faiths. This group pushes the point to say this nation should change to accommodate all of the immigrants so that they will "feel comfortable" in the USA. Make no mistake about the USA, we should be a friend to all who desire a better life in America but at the same time, the very reason they desired to come here was because of the culture which thousands have given their lives to establish and protect. Just as we need to be welcoming, those who come should accept this culture for what we have been instead of attempting to change us into something else.

Thus far our national leaders have seemingly shown little interest in preserving the culture of America and thus, by default, have allowed our culture to change. My prayer is for God to give us some leaders who will protect our nation, our freedom, and our culture.

This week, I read and was impressed with the words of the Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard. He is seemingly fed up with the outsiders coming into their country and their culture to change THEM. Here are His words...

"IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians."

"However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia " "However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand." "This idea of Australia being a multi-cultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity And as Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle."

"This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom"

"We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society Learn the language!"

"Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture."

"We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us."

"If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like "A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others.

"This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,

'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'."

"If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

The old bumper sticker says it, "America, Love it or Leave it."

Lord Jesus, Come Quickly

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:09:57 PST

Tonight I, like 150 million other Americans, found myself watching the results of Presidential Election. As I have watched the results come in, though I have really not been surprised, I have sat and watched with great sadness as it seems the United States we have known may never "be" again. In an unusual way, this night has given me a kind of surreal feeling as so many voted to move this country to a decided "leftist" philosophy.

It seems that the economy and the poor approval rating of President Bush were the main driving forces of this election. The issues of "National Security" and defending our freedom were cast aside. The great moral and ethical issues which plague this nation have been discarded. That being said, I suggest that several things will happen in the not to distant future which might make the Obama supporters wish they had known him better.

In the next four years there will be an attack on the unborn like we have not seen. It may rival the hollocaust. With the new President's support, the Defense of Marriage Act will likely go down in flames. The armed service people who have given their heroic efforts, energy, and expertise, will be called home, quite likely, in disgrace and failure because the new commander in chief has little or no idea of how to defend America or fight a war. The "far-left" Congress and the "extremely left" President will engage on a program of tax and spend which have all those working Americans (who cast the vote) laboring 6 or 7 months of a year to pay the government. We will pay those taxes so the government can take the money of working people and "spread it around" to those who refuse to work. Additionally, the USA will probably begin the transition to "socialized medicine" which will be a disaster in the nation. (As an aside, we will never fix our healthcare until we quit viewing heathcare as a system and properly view it as a "business"). Finally, eye has not seen, nor has ear heard all the liberal policies, programs, and taxes which citizens will see during the next four years.

Gosh, just writing about these few things which cause such sadness for America have made me deeply distressed. Now, I know God is still on His throne and I am aware of Habakkuk 1 where God told the prophet, "I am doing something about which you will be totaly shocked. An ungodly army will come and teach your people, Judah, a lesson." My fear is that God is doing the same to America. My prayer for my family and fellow Amercians is this; "even so, Lord Jesus come. And do it quickly.

Praying for a Miracle

jwatts@hueytownbaptist.com — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:49:09 PDT

I am about to finish reading a very enlightening book. It is not a book that gives good news, but it does reveal the disturbing truth about life in the USA. As I have read (slowly) this book, I have "stepped up" my prayers for this great nation.

This book is written by David Kupelian and is entitled, "The Marketing of Evil." Mr. Kupelian's research reveals the trek of our country's downfall and makes the strong case as to how "Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts" have sold us corruption disguised as FREEDOMS!! This is incredible, but hardly arguable. Think about this; a premeditated-scheme or strategy was developed and implemented to convince citizens that crime is a ' constitutional right', that sin is really alright, and that all the evils (as taught by the Bible) are really issues of tolerance and acceptance.

In one of Kupelian's final chapters he refers to Francis Schaefer's 1984 book entitled "The Great Evangelical Disaster" in which the word, "accomodatation" seems to be the order of the day. Schaefer bemoans that fact that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has unwittingly became a part of the problem by accomodatating the disintegrating culture rather than being authentic, Christ-like change agents.

When taken in the cultural context of the cultural bent in 2008, we can now see and understand the difficult and dire situation in which we find America. We are on the precipice of a disaster like we have never before experienced in this great nation.

We have serious problems and, it would seem, because of the unfairness found in our "mainstream media" very few good, honorable, and KNOWLEDGABLE people will step forward for fear of being unfairly judged and criticized. We have serious problems and need serious and skilled people to lead.

Our economic woes need economists, not politicians. Our healthcare problems needs experts, not politicians. In fact, on our security front it would seem that while politicians are bantering, our men and women are risking life and limb to face an enemy overseas in order that we don't have to face them again on American soil. We have enough politicians. Certainly, change is the order of the day.

Now. enter our two presidential candidates. One is a relativelnewcomer to the national scene and the other a long-time public servant. The former has great eloquence in front of a crowd, the latter is not real comfortable in front of a crowd. The former is a polished likeable person, the latter is a little gruff and rough in his delivery. The former is a left wing extemist as is confirmed by his voting record, the latter is more of a centrist--reaching across the aisle on more than one occasion.

NEITHER CANDIDATE seems to have a REAL COMMMAND of the problems we face in America or REAL PLAN of how to lead this nation through and out of our financial chaos. This is my observation from the two debates, much reading, and of course, the biased news reports on TV. Both candidates seem to have a knack for half truths and overstating their opponent's fault as well as their own strengths.

In the final analysis, I have already decided for whom I will vote even though I have my doubts whether he will win or not. But it seems to me, that whoever is the next president, we need to pray that God would perform a miracle in His life, in the lives of voters (citizens), in the life of our Congress, and even in our world.

Without a miracle of God, I'm afraid the GREATEST NATION TO EVER RISE TO POWER (the USA) may be in her twilight years.