by Marc Buxton | Jun 19, 2010 | General
Now remember, this is not me saying this. It’s God. Global warming, as seen as a threat to life on earth and the planet’s continued existence, is a hoax. Or at least incorrect. A hoax is a claim perpetrated by someone who knows it isn’t true. Unfortunately, I think most people actually believe this one. But I’m not writing to give a political discussion. (I think it is, entirely, a political fabrication). If you don’t agree with me, however, read on. Maybe you will agree with God.
2 Peter 3: 5-7
5For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
The Bible says that God is preserving the universe by His word. Is God stressed out about greenhouse gases? Is “climate change”, caused by man, going to throw God’s entire plan for history out of the window?
Let’s say I accept global warming as fact (I don’t). But let’s say I do. According to this passage, it doesn’t matter anyway! God is in control. Not Al Gore. But to accept this precept requires accepting God’s Word as truth. Not everyone is willing to do that, I understand. But for the Christian, scientist or not, it cannot be taken any other way: Man is not going to destroy the world through his actions. It is contrary to God’s Word. God’s judgement will bring fire and destruction to the earth. And He is keeping the earth in balance until that time.
What is your take on this passage and its application?
by Marc Buxton | May 20, 2010 | Time Management
Yesterday I attended SAGE, a web conference put on by Leadership Network. As the name implies, the conference intention was for those who have “been there” to share ministry leadership wisdom. I jotted down notes during the speaker’s presentations, and here are the points I found most beneficial:
1 – Hire based on chemistry and character rather than competence and credentials
2- Be both very spiritual and very strategic. They don’t cancel each other out.
3-Focus on the things that God has gifted you to do. What does your organization need from you the most?
4-Internalizing problems does not allow you to be fully present with others OR be focused to hear God’s direction. Solution: invite trusted people into your inner circle and externalize ministry frustrations
5-Set-up your ministry with an exit strategy in mind. Make it easy for your successor.
6-Serve God. Leave the size and scope of your ministry up to Him.
7- Don’t trade worshipping God for working for God.
8 – In the end, only one Person matters. Spend time with Christ, and accomplish more as a result.
9 – Do less. Focus on things that matter.
10 – Sin affects our relationship with God AND with others. Christ is the cure for both problems.
by Marc Buxton | May 19, 2010 | General
Ergun Caner is the current President of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. LBTS is a part of Liberty University, the world’s largest Christian university and my alma mater. Caner has recently been under attack (read the Washington Post story and the Christianity Today article) from bloggers and others who say that he has been lying about his Muslim background. As someone who has heard Caner speak in person, I can say that he does indeed indicate in his sermons that he had an extensive Muslim upbringing, being taught daily from the Quran in a madrasa in Istanbul.
Who is to say if Caner has been caught in a string of lies? A few bloggers? Please. The point is that at this moment, no one knows for sure. Liberty University has opened an official investigation. I recently met with a pastor who telephone Caner to offer him encouragement. Caner informed him that he was the first pastor to do so. How tragic.
Caner then explained how it would take him 2 hours to tell his Muslim background story from beginning to end. In a sermon, he gets to tell about 4 minutes of it (I would guess). So in pulling many different 4 minute tidbits from a 2 hour narrative on dozens of different occasions, isn’t there some chance that someone (a blogger) could get confused? That maybe, just maybe, someone could think they’ve caught someone in a lie, when in fact all they’ve done is miss the 4 minutes that should be inserted between the two they already have?
This pastor told me that Caner feels confident that he will be vindicated. And when you have men of God like Elmer Towns saying that “It’s not an ethical issue, it’s not a moral issue”, I would tend to agree.
The picture above is of me shaking Caner’s hand on Saturday as I received my diploma. But that’s not the point. I told him “I’m praying for you. Behind you all the way”. And I meant it.
Two thoughts in closing:
1) Is this not America? Innocent until proven guilty anyone?
2) James 1:19
Go Flames.
by Marc Buxton | Apr 24, 2010 | General
You’ve ever driven 4 hours and were glad it was a quick little trip.
You’ve been glad the airport had hot water in the sinks. It gave your facewash a spa-like feel.
You’ve answered all the rental car rep’s questions before he fully completed them.
You’ve mastered the art of sandwich making while driving. Including mayo.
You have your frequent flyer, hotel, and rental car discount club numbers memorized. Backwards.
You’ve ever woken up and had a legitimate reason to wonder what state you’re in.
by Marc Buxton | Apr 15, 2010 | General
In Deputation – Part 1 I discussed what deputation involves – who we are deputing for. Now, I’d like to get into the process of how it actually works. If you are confused by the process of deputation, you’re not alone. Many people we talk to don’t understand all the ins and outs. In fact, if we weren’t missionaries I doubt we’d understand it either.
A missionary, by simple definition, is someone who is sent to a geographical location other than his own to share the gospel. But sent by whom? The Bible says in Acts 13:4 that missionaries are sent by the Holy Spirit: So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia…
It is God who calls a person to the foreign mission field, not a church, denomination, or pastor. I wasn’t very good in 7th grade geography, and I doubt I could have picked the Philippines out on a map. I might have picked Japan by mistake. But now, I have a heart for the people there and to see them have their lives changed by Christ. How do you explain that? It’s simple: God has laid it on our hearts.
So you see, God through His Holy Spirit has directed us where to go.
Where has God asked you to go? What person, or group of people, has He laid on your heart?
