As an ex-small college football player, I remain an unrepentant sports fan (although I have to, fairly constantly, be repentant about a lot of other things!). As a fan, I occasionally listen to “The Jim Rome Show” (a.k.a. “The Jungle”), who has two requirements for callers/faxers/emailers to his show: 1) Have a “take” (i.e., a considered viewpoint that makes sense); and 2) Don’t “suck” (i.e., be interesting, even colorful).
As a servant of Jesus Christ, however, the two things I am asking of all who read my posts are quite different:
- Have a balanced “take” (i.e., don’t be like some Postmodern thinkers, who just critically “deconstruct” other viewpoints. Have something positive to say along with your criticism, and, hopefully, offer a reasonable alternative idea that shows you can think constructively, not just criticize).
- Don’t sin (i.e., refuse to let the flesh [Galatians 5:19-21], especially undealt-with anger [Ephesians 4:26-27], get the better of you and undermine your Christian testimony and witness. The fruit of the Spirit is “patience, kindness… gentleness, self-control” [Galatians 5:22, 23]. You and the Holy Spirit can bite your tongue–uh, clinch your typing fingers–until you are again walking in the Spirit [Galatians 5:16].)
Without question, I will express things in my posts from time to time with which you don’t agree. That, however, does not give anyone–myself included–the right to blow up (even if they apologize later!). The savage comments on some blogs by Christians are a terrible blight on the name of our Lord. So, let’s all hold ourselves to a higher, Spirit-led standard and agree to disagree agreeably. If we do so, there will be many less regrets. Also, when the “heat” (self-righteous anger) level stays down, the “light” (loving understanding) level always goes way up. So, try it (i.e., agreeing to disagree agreeably); you’ll like it (i.e., not having to come back in later and humbly ask forgiveness from your fellow believers or, even worse, being so prideful that you refuse to admit your sin).
[...] Les Puryear has introduced us to a new blogger. Dr. Boyd Luter has entered the blog world and I would like to welcome him. I have only skimmed his post on [...]
Boyd–Have we found you, long lost brother? This is Rusty and Mary Ames who you joined in holy matrimony over 20 years ago in San Antonio. Blessings to you, Mary Ames
Mary,
Yes, I remember you both. Much water has gone under the bridge since the San Antonio days.
I’ve come almost full circle and am now just up the road at Canyon Lake. I get in to San Antonio maybe twice per month for various ministry or travel reasons. Call me sometime at 830-515-3701.
Blessings, Boyd
after reading your article about “The Holy Spirit and the Southern Baptist Convention Today” I am all the more convicted of the sin of grieving the Holy Spirit. I am from the Philippines and a product of the ministry of the Southern Baptist(IMB). Thank you for this message i think I am duty bound as a Christian to raise our church’s awareness regarding this sin. Thank you and God bless.
Roderick,
I wish it were not the case. However, we must all take sinning against the Spirit more seriously, myself included.
Blessings to you and your Filipino brethren. I taught for a week in a church in Manila back in 2002.
Boyd
Asa Boyd!
Hey bro, I was delighted to google your blog. It’s been a long time since those days in Lincoln Hall.
Drop me an email and let’s catch up.
Steve
Boyd,
Please contact me at rstevens@entrust4.org. We haven’t talked in 30 years and need to catch up. ROnnie Collier Stevens