I have a confession. Growing up, it seemed the preachers always used at least one Hebrew or Greek word in every sermon to help clarify or explain the biblical text. This was good. It was helpful. I appreciated it. But I also assumed if I didn’t understand a word or phrase in the worship service,…
I was born into a family of Southern Baptists, with a pastor father and a missionary oriented mother. My middle name was taken from the name of my parent’s pastor. At the age of ten, I decided on my own to profess my faith in Jesus Christ and join a Southern Baptist church. I spent…
In my many years of relationship with a Seminary, I’ve seen him come and go. His name is Legion (meaning, “many”). God called him, so he came to Seminary to prepare for that calling. To make ends meet, his wife worked on campus as a Secretary, he likewise worked part-time on campus, and eventually, he…
As a recent flight was caught in a “holding pattern” the analogy was too obvious for me. Perhaps I’ve been too far to many “celebrations of life” lately. French Philosopher, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said, “we are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Allow me to…
I attended a baby shower recently. I don’t usually go to these types of events. For me, going to a ball game seems much more enjoyable. But this one was special. My granddaughter Whitney, and her husband Josh, are expecting their first child in March. Among other things, this means I will be a great-grandfather….
When your Pastor stands to proclaim God’s Word is there the appearance of being “prayed up?” You may or may not be able to discern this, but don’t assume that this is the case. Vance Havner borrowed an anonymous quote to describe the possibility that a pastor may not be up to date in his…
My local newspaper recently gained national attention with an investigative report on sexual abuse by ministers in “Independent Fundamentalist Baptist” churches. The study revealed 412 documented allegations of sexual misconduct in 187 churches, based in 40 states and Canada. Let me quickly add that while I am “independent,” and some would say, a bit “fundamental,”…
During my recent birthday, my social media friends, responded with multiple well wishes. The interesting thing for me was how many different names and titles were used, by those who had known me at different stages of my life, and in different positions of responsibility. I was addressed as Dr. Crawford, Dr. Dan, Dr. C,…
One of the most treasured memories of my pastor-father (Who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this month, were he still with us.) took place annually on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year. Following the sermon and prior to the closing prayer, he would always speak to those who had lost loved ones in…
Tomorrow is Christmas Day. While the birth of Jesus didn’t happen on the day we call “Christmas” nevertheless, many celebrate His birth on December 25, our Christmas Day. Almost lost in the scripture account of Jesus’ birth is the story of Anna. By any measurement, Anna was an elderly woman. The Bible describes her as…