Watch Out!

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.

Galatians 6:1-5

There is much to learn from the above passage, but I primarily want to point out two thoughts. First, we are to watch out for one another. We are to help fellow believers "get up" when they fall. This does not mean we are to condone what they have done, but we are too restore them (in love!). Second, we are to watch out for ourselves (i.e., watch out for temptations and stumbling blocks). It is easy to look at someone else and judge ourselves according to them. However, we should examine ourselves and test our works according to the perfect standard of Jesus Christ.

Yes, I know there is much, much more to this passage, but I really think these two thoughts are needed right now among many believers. I do hope that you can stand strong in the Lord and help weaker brothers "get up" when they fall.

Very Disturbing

To hear some people put it, we are the only association that fights. At least we are one state association and not three like the Southern Baptist Convention in Texas (this statement is not intended to hurt them either, just factual). Most associations as ours (conventions, fellowships, etc.) fight. They argue and debate on what needs to be done. This is how, many times, things are accomplished. So, while maybe not everything was perfect in Hillsboro, I do see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Things are happening. People are changing. Churches are growing. BUT it is going to take time. While I'm not the most patient person, I do see the need for patience in this area. Do not give up; keep fighting the fight.

However, there is one item of business that really disturbs me. There was a letter sent out to certain pastors talking about certain events and individuals in Hillsboro. While I have no problem with that, I do have a problem with a person sending such a letter and not signing their name! And yes, I probably know this person, but I would advise that you sign your name and not send an anonymous letter. However, for all interested in the letter, I have re-typed it below (All spelling mistakes, errors, etc. were left in the passage below on purpose. I have tried to be as true to the original letter as possible).

The Letter:

"Dear Pastors,

This letter is being sent to 30 Texas pastors. I have been a Landmark Missionary Baptist Pastor for 29 years. During these years, I have watched my son, grandson, two nephews, three men in the churches I have pastored and a brother leave the ABA Fellowship and serve as pastors in the BMA, BBF, SBC and Independent Baptist Churches. Last week in Hillsboro I went into the Ladies Auxiliary Meeting and counted 12 ladies under the age of 40 in attendance. In the pastor's meeting, I counted 23 men under the age of 40 in attendance. I may be wrong a little in my count but you will agree that we are getting older in the MBA of Texas. QUESTION? Where are the young men going? They are leaving because of similar situations that happened at Hillsboro last week. The vast majority was disappointed in the Moderator's Address. It was his opinion and the opinion of what Ray Brooks thinks about the MBA of Texas. The majority was disappointed when a pastor was allowed to call another pastor (not once but three times a liar) and he did nothing. The body was waiting for the Moderator to call the man out of order but never did. Several pastors told me it would be a long time before they return to another meeting. One pastor who had not attended in five years said he thought things may have changed but they haven't and it will be a long time before he returns. There was so much unchristian actions see at this associational meeting that many will not attend again and some pastor will leave the ABA.

I pastor in South Texas and I was stymied by what the South Texas pastor did. I will not mention a man's name but he is a member of Fellowship MBC, talked to be me about Brother Ellision. The man told me that Brother Ellison was taking half of their church to start a new church like Rick Warren's church. Brother Ellison should have told the church first what his plans were before talking to anyone. He said Fellowship MBC was not going to pay Brother Ellison like they said they would. I listen and didn't say anything, because I knew this man was upset with his pastor and his conversion with me would be the end of his complaining. I later learn this same conversation was shared at the Heritage Baptist Institute and with other South Texas pastors. Brother Jesus was asked to oppose Brother Ellison because he was a member of Fellowship MBC. The brother that started all this didn't want to speak at the Associational Meeting because everyone knows he doesn't like Brother Ellison and others may say they are airing their personal dislikes.

We are divided over the Awana program, KJ only, divorce, support missions not churches and many other issues. Our Mexican work is divided. Now from South Texas comes this teaching that we should not plant churches but plant missions that later become churches. We all should study our Bible about early churches and what they did.

With the unchristian attitudes and actions that are being shown by pastors in the ABA many more young men are going to leave the ABA. I will stay at my church until God moves me but I have asked the Lord not to lead me to another ABA church and this is hard. I am a fourth generation of Missionary Baptists.

Until our leaders starting acting like they are saved and become more like Christ in the actions MBA is in trouble. A good example is at Walnut Street MBC in Hillsboro. I held two revivals in that church during Brother Paul's ministry and I was shocked to see they only have 40 in SS. I remember when Fellowship MBC had many more members.

There needs to be some repentance and public apologies to several people. If Christ like actions are not seen in our leaders we are in trouble.

Ashamed to be a part of such an unchristian associations. My son was with me (never again) and he said dad, it's not changed since I left. Our fellowship my disagree but never become so unchristian toward each other.

I can't sign my name because I would be treated with much anger and unchristian acts like I have seen used on other pastors. Help us leaders!!!!!!"


My response:

What?!?

First - proof read your letter. It makes it much easier for the reader to understand what you are trying to say. Second - sign your name! To me it seems awful unchristian to say these things and not sign your name. Third - Bro. Britton gave his opinion in the Moderator's address because that is what a Moderator's address is. It's a time for him to speak to the concerns that he has within a certain organization. (It's not supposed to be a sermon...) Fourth - instead of running from the problems, tackle them "head on." Fifth - if the moderator did not call "point of order" like you think he should have concerning Bro. Ellison, then why didn't you?!?

There are many more responses I would like to post, but calling the MBA of Texas unchristian is a bit much for me. More will come later.

Happy Thanksgiving!

For anyone who needs a good reason to thank God this coming year, then read Psalm 136. There are so many reasons to thank God for what He has done (and for who He is!). May all of you have a great holiday and thank God for His many blessings!

MBA Of Texas State Meeting

Tonight I will attend the TBI Alumni banquet and enjoy the food and fellowship. Starting tomorrow, we will have meetings, a few more meetings, and then some meetings. I pray that this will be a productive year and that many of the challenges we face can be addressed. Please pray for a good meeting, safe travel, and God's blessings upon our work. I will post updates later.

ABA Insurance

For quite some time, I have contemplated the idea of the ABA having voluntary group insurance especially since many preachers and their families have no insurance. Such an action would help many churches, families, individuals, etc. afford decent insurance. In fact, there are similar programs (credit union, etc.) already offered for ABA affiliated preachers, etc. The question is, how do we look into such a program and what are the pros/cons of such an action?

Logos Bible Software

For all you TBI students, alumni, faculty, etc. there is a promotional plan by Logos Bible Software for its Software Libraries. You could save from 25% to 50% because of the academic nature of this offer. If you would like to check it out, email me so I can send you the website to go to. But hurry, because this offer does end on November 12, 2007. (And no, I receive no kickback from this offer!!!)