SBC=>ENCOUNTERS

Informed, Conformed and Transformed by hariette petersen of selahV today

I was sitting on my front porch talking to my daughter, trying to explain what is going on in the simplest of terms with my blog, my writing, and the SBC.

In front of us was a small pile of large chunks of gravel, (ones my granddaughters had played with and carried over from the side of our house), where our driveway consists of bushels of gravel chunks, and even tiny stones squished down in between and surrounding them.  I pointed to the small pile of gravel chunks in the front of our porch and told my daughter that it represented a small portion of folks within the SBC of, perhaps 10 to 15 percent.  I told her the ones on the side of the house in the driveway represented the other 85 to 90 percent in the SBC. I told her that if we combined that smaller group of gravel-chunks with all the ones on the side of the house, it would represent the entire SBC.  Then I picked up about 4 stones and separated them from all the other gravel chunks and told her that those represented a very tiny percentage of the 10 to 15 percent that is seeping into the whole and working its way into the convention to try and bring the entire 10 to 15% with them.  I explained how it seems to be pitting us all against one another.  It's not the 10 to 15% that is a problem.  It it is not even 10 to 20 percent of the 85 to 90 percent.  It is the tiny percentage of the 10 to 15 percent.  These folks are pitting teens and college students against parents and grandparents.  It's pitting churches against churches.  And leaders against leaders.

I find myself in the midst of a strange and growing bunch of gravel, in a pit of grave concern.  I do not know where I belong anymore.  I was perfectly comfortable sitting in my spot on the driveway of life--snuggled amongst all the other chunks of gravel.  I was happily providing a space for all the cars to drive over and find their way to the King.  I sat side by side all the other chunks of gravel.  Together we paved a narrow road upon which many folks have journeyed to the kingdom of God.

In thirty-plus years I've never had any major problems holding my portion of the ground for my Lord in the SBC.  Now...I find myself being pushed and shoved from all directions.  I'd always seen myself as fairly informed.  I felt substantially conformed to Biblical principles set forth by Christ, interpreted by Peter, James, John and Paul.  I've been encouraged by Matthew Mark and Luke.  I reveled in the history of the New Testament church and the origins from which it all began in Genesis.  I lived in the wilderness for a portion of time but one day found myself walking across a parted Red Sea of blood-washed Believers.  I followed the miracle of its parting and joined in the Exodus of God's people.  I studied and learned under prophets, judges, and kings.  I settled into a promised land and grew where I was planted, whenever I was planted.  Lately, though, I feel as though I've been jerked out of the ground, along with the flowers of grass growing between me and others in the driveway.  I feel like the roots that cling to my little stone, are dangling in the air.  Exposed to elements unknown.

I don't know if I can figure out a better way of saying this without having my head handed over to the pope in Louisville and the cardinal in Nashville, but this is all I can comprehend from all that is going on in the SBC. How does one please someone who does not recognize that you have been transformed?

It saddens me.  It breaks my heart.  And I know I will be sitting in heaven long before the gravel road I've been supporting is paved over and conformed to a new road.  I know those who would move the earth to make way for more refined roads with less bumps, have their own thoughts on how to build roads to the Kingdom.  I understand the need to build bridges, and in some ways go through reconstruction.  But in the meantime, I find myself still conformed, not unto the world, but to the Word of God, and transformed by the Son of God who brought me down His road and placed me in the spot He's given me to hold.  So I do, as best I know how.

And I hear the words of Paul saying: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

I realize I do not "battle against flesh and blood".  I realize that divisions are created from the bowels of hell, and men are all but pawns at times.  Pride and power and the quest for position wreaks havoc among the brethren when man whets his tastebuds on the sweet dainties and appetizers of the day.  Everyone builds their own towers, I'm afraid.  God has given me a tiny, tiny, little stone which rests in a speck of His universe and I know that my place demands I bow down, dig in and burrow myself into the space He has given me to occupy.  I've felt the flood waters rain down upon me and have found myself nudged out of the ground at times.  But God has told me, that "If my people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."...and their convention.  Do you hear what I hear?  selahV

Where Is Jesus Now? by hariette petersen

I spent quite a bit of time yesterday in meditation, thinking about where Jesus was from Thursday's last supper, to the Cross, to the tomb.  I considered where He was as I went about my Saturday: coloring eggs, getting clothes ready for church, preparing my ham dinner, and even commenting on a few blogs.  I listened to lots of music and revisited a beautiful video with Dallas Holm singing RISE AGAIN, in the background.

Because my blog SelahV Today has been removed from the SBC Voices, Watchlist of Influential blogs, much of my more uplifting messages and inspirational thoughts are no longer spotlighted.  So, I thought I'd share a post with folks who are just beginning to find me through this link...a post I wrote yesterday for this morning's selahV today readership:

As I considered the trials that preceded the crucifixion, I thought of all those who wanted Jesus to just go away...the Jewish leaders of that day, Pilate who wanted to keep his kingdom flowing without controversy.  They simply wanted Jesus to get out of their faces.  And I understood his rejection.  I understood very well.  Today I'd like to share another side of my "voice" in Southern Baptist life.  For those of you who know me, this will not come as anything new, I suppose; it's the bulk of who I am, after all.  For those of you who've just been introduced to me through SBC Encounters, I offer to you, A Bit by SelahV Today....

Where indeed is Jesus?

From the Lord's last supper to the Garden of Gethsemane.  From the agony in the Garden to the courts of accusers, liars, and mockers.  There He suffered scourging, his flesh ripped from his bones.  Weakened by the loss of blood, the lack of sleep, Jesus stood His ground and answered not a word.  I AM was in their midst, yet they did not see Him.  One last chance, they offered Him up to the crowds who sang Hosanna, Hosanna, just one week before.  Crucify Him!  Crucify Him!  The shouts were loud and clear.  And so a thief, a liar, a depraved individual goes free and does not face the fate of crucifixion as was his just reward.  Pilate washed his hands as if that washed away his guilt by association.

We are Barrabas.  We are.  We were let free as the Savior of the world took our place and punishment that day.  He took upon His back our burden to be pure and righteous.  He took upon His shoulders, the cross that we should bear.  When the sky turned dark as night, and the earth began to quake, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom to signify the Hands that ripped it in two pieces.  Men gambled for his robe, others mocked His naked body and laughed at His humiliation.

Then...

Jesus died.  And angel voices cried.  So did Mary, mother of the Lord.   Mary Magdalene who hung on His every word, now questioned all she knew and fell short of faith that day...but...where was Jesus?

He had some time to kill between crucifixion's hour, and when they'd see His ressurrection power.  Mary knew her son was dead. She'd seen the water mixed with blood pouring from Christ's side from the soldier's sword.  No longer would she walk with Him and talk with Him, for He was dead and gone.  Her heart was like the empty tomb.  Only remnants of her precious son remained.

Where exactly did Jesus go?  to preach the sermon of Life everlasting to those who'd died before Him with barely a whisper of hope?  To give fair warning to satan and his demons?  To crush His head beneath His feet?  To pay the price for all my sins?  I wonder...yet, does it matter in the scheme of things?  I know where He is today.  He sits at the right hand of the Father and points me out as one covered by His blood. "She's mine", He says.  "No longer is she bound by sin, nor even by its power.  On Friday I was crucified; on Sunday I arose to life and conquered the grave.  Death no longer has a sting, pain and sorrow end."  Somehow, I sense a presence as the Lord says to me:  I AM preparing a place for you...that where I AM, you may also be.  I have overcome the world.  I made a bridge to heaven, "that whosoever believeth in Me shall have everlasting life." John 3:16  "Go tell; go tell it on the mountain...go now and tell."

AIN'T NO POWER ON EARTH GOING TO TIE ME DOWN!/link

I Hate Controversy, Don't You

Believe it or not, I don't comment that often on that which I disagree.  I rarely debate people. It never ends well.  Someone invariably accuses the other of seedy and unseemly attitudes.  No matter how carefully we word something, or how many words we use to explain something we have already said.  I've found that most people do not want to hear another viewpoint other than their own.  Do you?  That is, do you want to hear another viewpoint when you are happy with your own?

I think God has his own viewpoint on life in general and with Christians in particular.  I kinda think He wants everyone to make nice.  All the time. Especially when it concerns the "things of heaven", the cooperation with the body of Christ.  I don't think God really cares whether you like blue or green drapes as long as you get the drapes and block out the heat pouring into His house.

I think what we think is far less important in the scheme of things than what God thinks.  It does kinda grate on my nerves when someone else thinks that what they think is superior to what others think, though. Or, worse...that they have a market cornered on what God thinks.  And to prove it, they add this and that to whatever to explain to whoever that they are wrong or right.

I think we ought to be able to share what we think without fear of persecution, condemnation, or personal character assassinations.  But...that's just me.

Others think it's okay to tear everyone down, rip apart other viewpoints, and dissect every single solitary word they say or write. Is it okay to reject people in the process of rejecting their views?  Can the two be separated?  Must we be angry with someone simply because we don't agree with them?  Is it fair to judge another's heart based on what we perceive to be some growing "anger" when they disagree with something we do?  or how we interact with others?  I am beginning to wonder if we all aren't building our own towers of superiority and viewpoint, and the Lord is confounding our words because they are not HIS viewpoint.  I'm thinking...God hates controversy, too.

I so wish everyone could think like me.  Don't you wish everyone would think like you?  I know God wishes everyone would think like Him...so what do we do?

Isn't there someway for everyone to center on one thing and one thing only?

Jesus?

After all it is His church, not ours.  We ARE the church.  Does the doorknob tell the hinge what to do?  Does the floorboards hold up the walls, or the walls support the ceiling?  Does the light switch give light or the outlet which runs to the electricity source?  Let's debate that, okay?  no?

Some things just aren't worth our time, energy or spiritual depletion to argue about. I abhor confrontation--to a weakness.  What difference does one opinion make anyway?  The Bible says not to consider yourself smarter or better than anyone else.  But to submit ourselves one to another. If we are Gospel-believing Christians, then why don't we act like it and follow the Bible?  Why do we get all caught up in everyone else's life?

Why do we blog?  For what purpose?

Why do we comment, for what purpose? 

To hear our own voice?  to get our kudos and backslaps? to see how many "likes" we can collect?   OR...now this is novel...to make a difference in the Kingdom of God? to support and affirm anothers thoughts and actions?  to persuade? to encourage? to inform?  to edify?

I've been accused, when I voice an opposing position of "unkindness, anger," and all kinds of other things.  So, that's why I don't comment that often on that which I disagree. It throws folks into a tailspin of shock and awe.

I find that writing positive things and dwelling on that which is pure and good is better for me spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  Plus?  It's biblical.

So let me tell you something I think:

I think that individuals have a choice to which group of people they associate or affiliate.  They are free to choose their faith group, to submit to it, or not?  It is their choice.  It is their free will decision to join and be involved with whatever group--democratic, authoritarian or cult.  Isn't it?  And isn't this typical of Christ's prophecy in the latter days?  Everyone going in any directions they so choose?

I just personally choose to associate myself with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).  And I love to talk with folks who share my love and passion.  Though some will argue with me concerning her history with specific movements, eras and birthpangs, to me, her history is rich.   It's one of autonomy.  It's one of voluntary cooperation of multiple autonomous churches coming together to advance the commission of our Lord to "go into all the world and preach the gospel, make disciples, to baptize them, teaching them to observe all things which I [Jesus Christ], have commanded".

Every Believer has a personal opinion of how to best get that done. Normal, since each Believer is given specific gifts by the Holy Spirit to accomplish "kingdom work", wouldn't you say?

Some folks want to build bigger and better seminaries.  Some people want to spend their time and money going to Peru, and Africa and Russia for a couple of weeks a year. Some people want to send money to the Cooperative Program so missionaries can live on field year-round and amongst the people and help them grow to be self-reliant, self-sustaining church groups which raise up pastors and leaders indigenous to their own culture.

Our SBC history exemplifies a clear and distinct roadmap to obey the commission of our Lord Jesus Christ: by training ministers, by sending and financially supporting missionaries in nations around the world.  Her history is one which offers salvation to all by preaching the God's message of love and salvation to any who will listen and receive Jesus--the ONLY Gospel message.  Her history gives audible "voice" to the inerrant, living Word of God.

The SBC has grown, spiritually and numerically since her birth, and made room for young and old pastors, for all races, and people groups.  She has enthusiasm and unbridled compassion for missions, and gospel-focused social ministry throughout the entire world. Her Disaster Relief teams are known throughout the world--from Joplin, Missouri to Tokyo, Japan, for their ability to organize and help quickly in times of horrific castastrophies; they are second to none. And rumor has it, we are about to elect the first Black president of our convention in New Orleans.  I do not know if that is fact or gossip.  However, to me?  that is amazing progress since I was a little girl growing up in a racially segregated world in Virginia.

THEREFORE:

Given my understanding of Southern Baptists in general, I've been asking myself, how I can sit idly by in my comfortable recliner, protected from Oklahoma winds by my steel-built home, and not say something, I mean...something, if I find her threatened in some way, or read about ideas and thoughts of some who want to go in another direction from which many within the grassroots of Southern Baptists are unaware of?

How can I?

Should I sit here sipping on my Save-a-lot brand coffee, frugally saving coins to give to mission efforts of our convention, contemplating what the Lord would have us give to Annie Armstrong, and not say a word simply because I hate controversy and debate? For fear of offending someone?  Being attacked?  Rejected?  I don't know.  I just don't anymore.  Do you?  I'm trying to figure it out.  selahV

The SBC...I'm Part Of Something Great

Ever feel insignificant?  That the little you give cannot do much? that the work you do doesn't effect much? 

"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:4-5

Go HERE and see how you, as a cooperating Southern Baptist, are one of the stones building a spiritual house greater than your own.  You are connected to this sister church and all the others within our convention.

We are "living stones".  Praise the Lord, we are part of something great!  selahV

PASTOR'S WIFE IS FIRST TO RESPOND

"Just the other day one of our members called me to come over to another lady's home.  The lady who called was 77.  The lady's home that I went to was 73 years 6 months and 8 days.  I found her dead, there was no struggle.  As I grabbed my 77 year old friend and held her in her grief, I paused long enough to pat the now lifeless body of the other lady and tell her how pretty she was to meet Jesus and all would be well.

Only God can put me together enough to be involved like that. The scripture has alot to say about going into the house of one who has died.  To be able to minister as a Pastor's wife in the entire situation, with the several nieces and nephews, sharing stories about how much this one was loved.  We laughed and cried and loved each other for several days.  

God is Good all the time and I have been blessed beyond measure.  Leaving established home, careers, and family back in Texas, we went without knowing, but trusting in the God who is faithful.  We began pastoring small churches in Oklahoma in 1988.  What seems like just yesterday has turned into twenty years.

You know, when He called my husband to pastor, He called me, too.  To stand beside him in this ministry.  To pray for him, to be with him, to encourage him in his work.  I have always taken a very active role in the churches we have been called to serve.  From working with children in Sunday school, to VBS, with couples and singles, special challenged people, missions, women's ministry.  I have been drawn to all and embraced it all.  I take no delight in saying that some of my hardest times have come while working in the Church.  When you have opposition for little or meaningless reasons, it hurts.  Some convictions are so polarizing that the weak or unlearned Christian can misunderstand you and your most profound attempts at reconciliation.  That too, is painful.  Then there's shared events: the new baby, the deathbed conversion, the sick, the rebellious teenager whose parents you have ministered to, the graduations, the birthdays, the anniversaries.  Your own children and new grandchildren, and the congregation who lets you ramble on about how wonderful they are, just one more time.

We have experienced every season of change since we began 20 years ago.  To speak allegorically, from the new growth in Spring, to the long hot Summer you wished would end but would not, to the Fall when it's time to clean up the rubbish that prohibits new growth, then on to Winter when all lay dormant until He chooses to bless again with new Life.  In this we believe that "all things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose".  And we rest in the scripture for "I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day."  Indeed, I have great hope.  Today, Tomorrow, and into Eternity.  by Kathy Curtis

[Kathy Curtis is a pastor's wife in Duncan, Oklahoma.  She is first to respond to the challenge of sharing something positive about her experiences in the SBC.]

ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD...

...TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.

Honestly?  There are very few encounters I have that do not bump elbows with Southern Baptist life.  I attend a Southern Baptist church here in Oklahoma.  My husband is a retired Southern Baptist minister.  Over 25 years of past experiences are filled with things that happened with Baptists and people who have touched our lives in Kentucky.  Most of those experiences are good experiences.  And those that weren't so good still added to the sanctifying process that began working in me the day I was saved.  My heritage began long before I was baptized at age seven and was such that it kept bringing me back onto a path toward God's purpose for my life when I fell far astray of the initial path I started upon.  I drew upon many principles I learned in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Girls in Action.  God used those principles and fragments of memorized verses to draw me back to Him over and over again. 

My heart for missions is a result of training I had through WMU, Woman's Missionary Union, from Triangle, Virginia to Owensboro, Kentucky.  Instilled in me is the core theology I learned as a Southern Baptist.  While I do not believe we can follow all people who wear the SB banner of cooperation, I do believe that the vast majority of folks who proudly associate themselves in fellowship with Southern Baptists have a kindred spirit of faith in a crucified Christ Who sits at the right hand of God as an advocate for our eternal security and earthly sanctification.  We believe in the inerrancy of God's holy Word.  We believe our Savior was born of a virgin as prophesied hundreds of years before actuality.  We believe in baptism by immersion and discipleship and eternal security through the attoning work of Jesus when He was crucified.  We believe He was resurrected from the grave and sits at the right hand of the Father.  We believe He lives today.  We believe we will live eternally in Heaven with Him when we die.  We believe He is coming again someday and He has commanded us to share Him with every person we can.

While many things we do in life is the manifestation of the faith we have in Christ, we know that those things do not save us--Jesus does.  And we are not ashamed of that central fact of Christian belief--of Southern Baptist doctrine.  That said, my hopes for this blog is to present encounters I've had and will have as I continue on my path while God works out His purpose for my life on a day to day basis.  selahV