I'm going to address something that I've noticed is a problem with much of the writing that professed Christians are doing on many of the blogs I read today. I'm going to illustrate the problem AND a response to the problem that pictures what true grace looks like in my personal opinion. My source for the illustration is from a blog hosted by Scot McKnight. If you haven't kept up with Scot's blog, do yourself a favor, look it up and do so from this point on.
The exchange is between two men named Steve and Doug with a response from Scot. I'm using only first names as my point is not people but a problem we all tend to have as we write either blog posts or comments on blogs. It will help for me to set the stage a bit.
Steve and Doug are commenting about Scot's post on women in ministry. Doug agrees with the idea that women may serve even as Pastors biblically and Steve does not believe that. Each has been commenting on their position on the issue. Then it gets a bit rancorous in tone. Here is Steve's final comment to Doug...
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"My position is not my own. I'm standing on the shoulders of historical, orthodox Christianity. (Sorry for confusing you on this as it doesn't appear to be a concern for many on this thread). Those for women in pastoral ministry & oversight are standing on the past 50 years of the woman's movement in America. It's amazing that the only history that applies to us is that which we are currently involved (again..appealing to historical illiteracy). If you want culture to dictate your hermeneutics, then you've got a big problem being tossed to and fro from every wind of doctrine.'
'You've added nothing to the discussion. If you want to discuss scripture, that's great. I just don't see anyone discussing scripture as the final authority in this matter."
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Do you see the problem? How about this statement?... "Those for women in pastoral ministry & oversight are standing on the past 50 years of the woman's movement in America." In other words, if you disagree with my position, Steve is saying, 'you do so because you have been influenced by the women's liberation movement of the past fifty years.'
That's a problem because it is stated as fact without any supporting documentation. It is reported as fact when it is simply his opinion. [He thinks it's valid, obviously, but he says it as if there is no question as to the incorrectness of any other view on it. But making matters worse is the dismissive, condescending, even judgmental words said to a brother.
Therein IS the problem. Stating an opinion with no appreciation of differing views and stating it with an implied "end of discussion" tone which smacks of an "I'm superior to you" view of one's self. This obvious arrogance and lack of civility with people who hold differing views of things is permeating our culture AND CHURCHES. I believe it is a major problem and one we Christians will address if and when the Spirit of God ever moves us to renewal or personal revival.
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Now I want you to see Scot McKnight's respose to Steve. Read it carefully...
"Steve, I can't say I've seen you on this blog very often, so we are glad you have joined in. Blogs have cultures and approaches, and the one thing this blog fights for is civility and trusting that we are here for the glory of God and for the good of one another. Hence, we do what we can to avoid calling one another names and there's another element that comes into play here: there is a history of how this blog has addressed the women's issues in ministry. It can't be said this blog has failed to discuss the Bible, and you can dip into the Women category and find plenty of discussion. Furthermore, I have a book called The Blue Parakeet where one third of the book deals with the biblical passages. Those discussions are assumed on this blog.'"
Furthermore, it is a little testy of you to suggest these issues are based on the last 50 years of the feminist movement for not only can you not prove that we are each anchoring our ideas in a cultural feminist movement, but you have plenty of passages in the Bible that reveal women leading and at significant (your word, not mine) "roles." We have to deal with Junia, who is an apostle; with Phoebe and with Priscilla.'
"One more point: to suggest that the views of many here are culturally based and yours is not is a little gamesmanship that will be contested every time at this site. Why? We humbly admit here that each of us is shaped by culture and that every theologian in the Church was shaped by culture and that the biblical authors themselves were shaped by culture. Cultural illiteracy then is unwise and unfair, and puts you into a position of being pushed into a similar corner. I did a series on a book by a Catholic historian who had good arguments for showing that the decisive change that restricted women happened in the 12th Century, some of which was passed on among Protestants, and one would have to be conversant with some of the comments and beliefs by early theologians that are not only objectionable (Augustine) but flat out contrary to the approach of what the Bible describes in women leaders. Deborah, Miriam, Huldah come to mind.'
"In light of all the biblical discussions I -- and many of us here -- have come to a conclusion that the Bible endorses women leadership, including teaching and preaching and pastoring, and this letter is one suggestion of a way to get such a conversation started at a local church.'
"I'm sorry to be so direct, but your words are strong enough that they deserve a firmer response."
Scot McKnight
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I've come to the firm conclusion I want my demeanor and words on my blog and any comments I ever make on another blog to reflect the spirit of Scot McKnight's response.
May God give us a baptism of just that spirit.
Paul Burleson
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
JUST HOW SICK WAS I ?
This may be too personal for some. In fact, it may be totally T.M.I. But I'm saying it anyway.
Just how sick was I? Good question. There is no doubt I was sick. But let me start from the beginning.
I was invited by Al Tinnin, who is the Interim-pastor at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church in Morganton North Carolina, to do my typical four day conference/revival meeting starting this past Sunday. It was my first time there so I started on Sunday morning with my series "Going On In The Race" and the "Tabernacle" series at noon Monday-Wenesday.
Al and Mishia, his wife, were members when I pastored Southcliff Baptist Church in Fort Worth during their seminary days. He now runs a Christian youth camp close to Morganton that serves a couple thousand kids every summer and serves at various churches on an Interim basis at times. [He is a GREAT pastor and is desired by every church he serves but winds up getting them fully ready for God's man, Missionary Ridge being no exception.
Missionary Ridge is a traditional leaning, strong rural church running between 200 and 250 on any given Sunday. The people are open, fun-loving, friendly and a delight to be around. And, I have to say, the attendance for the meeting was phenomenal from the get-go.
Sunday morning was a great service. Sunday night more of the same. Monday-Tuesday even better. The noon sessions I was as free in teaching the Tabernacle as anytime I can remember.
Then came Wenesday. About 10:00 am, just before Al picked me up at 11:30 am for the noon meeting, it happened. I won't describe it except to say I "tossed my cookies." Not mild manneredly you understand, but with typical Burleson gusto. Three times in an hour and a half.
Al came. He mercifully stopped to get me some pink Keopectate. I drank a swig. I was half through the noon teaching. I stopped. I ran to the side door. You can use you imagination and triple it. It was pink.
Al took me to the motel. He got me some other medicine, crackers and water. I asked to be left alone. He promised to call. I went to sleep. I had forgotten to turn my phone on after the noon service. I woke up at 6:00 pm. He's called three times.
Al and I had talked about what if I didn't get better. So he assumed [correctly] I wasn't better and so the closing night, with the biggest crowd he said that had been there in ANY service since he'd been Interim, he did something I had suggested to him. He told the people they'd heard from the Lord [His Word] all week now and it was time to say what He's said and done in their lives. So after the 30 minutes song service, the testimony time started. He suggested three ground rules that I had recommended to him...
One..Three minutes only. [Unless Providence shows otherwise.] So many can speak if they desire.
Two..No bragging on preacher, singer, or Interm-pastor, Only bragging on Jesus is permitted.
Three..No mention of anyone else by name without their permission. Some may have had relationships healed but it was only personal except by permission.
Well...and hour and a half later the service ended and the revival spirit will continue. Al told me he said to the people, and I quote.."Bro. Paul is a good preacher but you folks are better at it than he is." No one disagreed. I slept on.
The next morning I boarded the plane, weak as a kitten. I slept. Woke up in Dallas. Changed planes. I slept. Got home and Mary had fixed chicken soup and had the house like heaven. She and I settled in to watch Sam Bradford become the number one pick of the NFL draft. I decided I needed to go to bed. [Still weak you see.]
Having gone to bed early my purpose was to watch the "Thunder" take on the Lakers in game three of the NBA play-off series while resting. The Thunder is Oklahoma City's new pro-basketball team and I'm a real fan having been to a game live. We needed to "thunder-up" and win to get back in the series down 2-0. At the end of the first half we were behind. I think. I went to sleep you see. I missed the entire second half where we rallied and won the game. I read about it in the paper a bit ago.
Just how sick was I? Sick enough that writing about it doesn't do it justice. But I'm better today. I think. I am just going to have to go to bed and sleep on it to know for sure.
I know. T.M.I.
Paul B.
Just how sick was I? Good question. There is no doubt I was sick. But let me start from the beginning.
I was invited by Al Tinnin, who is the Interim-pastor at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church in Morganton North Carolina, to do my typical four day conference/revival meeting starting this past Sunday. It was my first time there so I started on Sunday morning with my series "Going On In The Race" and the "Tabernacle" series at noon Monday-Wenesday.
Al and Mishia, his wife, were members when I pastored Southcliff Baptist Church in Fort Worth during their seminary days. He now runs a Christian youth camp close to Morganton that serves a couple thousand kids every summer and serves at various churches on an Interim basis at times. [He is a GREAT pastor and is desired by every church he serves but winds up getting them fully ready for God's man, Missionary Ridge being no exception.
Missionary Ridge is a traditional leaning, strong rural church running between 200 and 250 on any given Sunday. The people are open, fun-loving, friendly and a delight to be around. And, I have to say, the attendance for the meeting was phenomenal from the get-go.
Sunday morning was a great service. Sunday night more of the same. Monday-Tuesday even better. The noon sessions I was as free in teaching the Tabernacle as anytime I can remember.
Then came Wenesday. About 10:00 am, just before Al picked me up at 11:30 am for the noon meeting, it happened. I won't describe it except to say I "tossed my cookies." Not mild manneredly you understand, but with typical Burleson gusto. Three times in an hour and a half.
Al came. He mercifully stopped to get me some pink Keopectate. I drank a swig. I was half through the noon teaching. I stopped. I ran to the side door. You can use you imagination and triple it. It was pink.
Al took me to the motel. He got me some other medicine, crackers and water. I asked to be left alone. He promised to call. I went to sleep. I had forgotten to turn my phone on after the noon service. I woke up at 6:00 pm. He's called three times.
Al and I had talked about what if I didn't get better. So he assumed [correctly] I wasn't better and so the closing night, with the biggest crowd he said that had been there in ANY service since he'd been Interim, he did something I had suggested to him. He told the people they'd heard from the Lord [His Word] all week now and it was time to say what He's said and done in their lives. So after the 30 minutes song service, the testimony time started. He suggested three ground rules that I had recommended to him...
One..Three minutes only. [Unless Providence shows otherwise.] So many can speak if they desire.
Two..No bragging on preacher, singer, or Interm-pastor, Only bragging on Jesus is permitted.
Three..No mention of anyone else by name without their permission. Some may have had relationships healed but it was only personal except by permission.
Well...and hour and a half later the service ended and the revival spirit will continue. Al told me he said to the people, and I quote.."Bro. Paul is a good preacher but you folks are better at it than he is." No one disagreed. I slept on.
The next morning I boarded the plane, weak as a kitten. I slept. Woke up in Dallas. Changed planes. I slept. Got home and Mary had fixed chicken soup and had the house like heaven. She and I settled in to watch Sam Bradford become the number one pick of the NFL draft. I decided I needed to go to bed. [Still weak you see.]
Having gone to bed early my purpose was to watch the "Thunder" take on the Lakers in game three of the NBA play-off series while resting. The Thunder is Oklahoma City's new pro-basketball team and I'm a real fan having been to a game live. We needed to "thunder-up" and win to get back in the series down 2-0. At the end of the first half we were behind. I think. I went to sleep you see. I missed the entire second half where we rallied and won the game. I read about it in the paper a bit ago.
Just how sick was I? Sick enough that writing about it doesn't do it justice. But I'm better today. I think. I am just going to have to go to bed and sleep on it to know for sure.
I know. T.M.I.
Paul B.
Monday, April 19, 2010
WHY I LOVE OKLAHOMA CITY
I love Oklahoma and Oklahoma City specifically. Not the least of which is because I was born here. But there are a number of reasons why I love this place and I am going to list a few. The last one has seared her in my heart having been here during that time. Today I, along with many others, commemorate those days. I preached a couple of the funerals of people killed and knew several others. April 19th will be in my heart forever.
My list includes some well known facts and some lesser known ones about "the City" as we know her. I write them for your enjoyment and to remind us all to be mindful of those who died that day in April of 1995.
Oklahoma City is currently the largest city in Oklahoma. Tulsa is second and Norman is third.
According to the 2000 census, OKC is the 30th largest in terms of population in the United States.
In land area, OKC is the 3rd largest in the nation behind Anchorage and Jacksonville.
The cost of living In Oklahoa City is the 2nd lowest in the nation.
Oklahoma City became the state's capital in 1910 when a petition garnered enough support to move it from Guthrie.
The Lee-Huckins Hotel served as the capitol building until 1917 when the current capitol was finished.
The capitol building at 23rd and Lincoln is the only capitol in the nation with an oil well under it.
Tinker Air Force Base is the 2nd largest military air depot in the nation.
The state of Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other state.
The state of Oklahoma has more shoreline than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined.
The first ever parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City in 1935.
The first ever shopping cart was invented and used in Oklahoma City at Standard Food Markets in 1937.
The Oklahoma City THUNDER will take the LA Lakers to the seventh game in the first round of the NBA playoffs of 2010 and win the series by winning both OKC games and two of three of the final games. It will be a last second basket by Kevin Durant that takes the series. It is the first appearance of the THUNDER in the playoffs since moving from Seattle in 2009. It is the first of ten appearances in a row with the other nine coming up.
Finally and seriously, It is my birth city that came of age that day in 1995 and gave birth to a new spirit that causes those of us who are fortunate enough to live to here to recognize the privilage and are forever grateful for it.
Paul B.
My list includes some well known facts and some lesser known ones about "the City" as we know her. I write them for your enjoyment and to remind us all to be mindful of those who died that day in April of 1995.
Oklahoma City is currently the largest city in Oklahoma. Tulsa is second and Norman is third.
According to the 2000 census, OKC is the 30th largest in terms of population in the United States.
In land area, OKC is the 3rd largest in the nation behind Anchorage and Jacksonville.
The cost of living In Oklahoa City is the 2nd lowest in the nation.
Oklahoma City became the state's capital in 1910 when a petition garnered enough support to move it from Guthrie.
The Lee-Huckins Hotel served as the capitol building until 1917 when the current capitol was finished.
The capitol building at 23rd and Lincoln is the only capitol in the nation with an oil well under it.
Tinker Air Force Base is the 2nd largest military air depot in the nation.
The state of Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other state.
The state of Oklahoma has more shoreline than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined.
The first ever parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City in 1935.
The first ever shopping cart was invented and used in Oklahoma City at Standard Food Markets in 1937.
The Oklahoma City THUNDER will take the LA Lakers to the seventh game in the first round of the NBA playoffs of 2010 and win the series by winning both OKC games and two of three of the final games. It will be a last second basket by Kevin Durant that takes the series. It is the first appearance of the THUNDER in the playoffs since moving from Seattle in 2009. It is the first of ten appearances in a row with the other nine coming up.
Finally and seriously, It is my birth city that came of age that day in 1995 and gave birth to a new spirit that causes those of us who are fortunate enough to live to here to recognize the privilage and are forever grateful for it.
Paul B.
Friday, April 16, 2010
AN OPEN LETTER TO E.C.
I'm writing this to you as a final word on the controversy that has arisen over your actions as a Christian leader unless something Providential transpires. I am writing in a fashion that will not involve unnecessarily any readers of my blog who do not know you or even know about you. I'm writing it knowing you may neither care that I've written it nor read what I've written. But I do write it out of a sense of obedience to my Lord and His Word.
I'm brokenhearted over what appears to be an unwillingness on your part to heed the call of many who profess to be your brothers and sisters in Christ, myself included, who have sought your admission and repentance over behavior that is unbecoming a Christian leader/minister. Whether I and others have done it right or whether we even have a right to do it are questions over which people may differ. But I believe I heard from the Lord on it after reading a friend's appeal to you.
The motives and integrity of those Christians who've questioned you on your behavior have been challenged, even condemned. It has been a price they [we] have been willing to pay. Because we believe too many of the leaders of the SBC have gone a direction that is harmful to the gospel. One day we will all know the right or the wrong of it all.
But my part, what little I've had, will end with this open letter as I said, unless something Providential happens. I have no desire to cause hurt to you or anyone else. I don't even want to see you hurt because of your own actions. But I know that consequences of one's actions do come. How and when are not mine to say, but I take no joy in hurtful consequences in any one's life.
I will not at this time reiterate the false events or false statements with which you've been charged as they have been clearly stated numerous times by numerous people. I will only say that I wish/pray for the opening of the eyes of your spirit that you may see the damage that has been done in more ways than you can possibly know. I believe only eternity can fully reveal the magnitude of that damage.
It may be, as you've stated in a public letter to your constituency, that all those who have spoken about your actions are truly "alleged Christians" only, as opposed to real I suppose, and are Kingdom destroyers. But, then, it could be they are all real Christians and have been used of God to destroy a kingdom far different than the one you've imagined. I will say again, it may take eternity to reveal which is true.
I close by simply saying that you've heard the last from me. I realize that perhaps means little to you but, for me, that is a very sad thing as I believe the treasure of heaven is, in fact, the relationships we build here. This is why it's so important for brokenness to bring recovery of relationships. [As scriptures say it.."gained a brother."] You may think, perhaps, "what relationship?" You and I have never had one. We've not met nor spoken, except for our phone conversation when all of this first came to my attention, so what consequence is there?
None perhaps, if one views relationships with this earth's perspective only. But I believe relationships are, as I said, the treasure of heaven and a lost opportunity for having one is, therefore, of eternal consequences. Together in heaven? Yes. If both are, in truth, believers. But no treasure being laid up in this potential relationship is something invaluable that is lost. As a believer I do not take that lightly.
In 1 Samuel 24:12 David chose not to harm Saul because of a heart that refrained from taking the life of a King. [Anointed one] But he did confront Saul and asked him about his sin. [Trying to kill David.] Saul was left to the Lord wisely as David closed that encounter with these words..."May the Lord judge between you and me..."
Different times. Different people. Different context. Different sins. Different stakes. But wise words with which to leave a situation. One day we will ask the One who knows the heart to reveal His judgment in this matter and we will all know reality.
For that day I am now content to wait.
In His Bonds,
Paul Burleson
I'm brokenhearted over what appears to be an unwillingness on your part to heed the call of many who profess to be your brothers and sisters in Christ, myself included, who have sought your admission and repentance over behavior that is unbecoming a Christian leader/minister. Whether I and others have done it right or whether we even have a right to do it are questions over which people may differ. But I believe I heard from the Lord on it after reading a friend's appeal to you.
The motives and integrity of those Christians who've questioned you on your behavior have been challenged, even condemned. It has been a price they [we] have been willing to pay. Because we believe too many of the leaders of the SBC have gone a direction that is harmful to the gospel. One day we will all know the right or the wrong of it all.
But my part, what little I've had, will end with this open letter as I said, unless something Providential happens. I have no desire to cause hurt to you or anyone else. I don't even want to see you hurt because of your own actions. But I know that consequences of one's actions do come. How and when are not mine to say, but I take no joy in hurtful consequences in any one's life.
I will not at this time reiterate the false events or false statements with which you've been charged as they have been clearly stated numerous times by numerous people. I will only say that I wish/pray for the opening of the eyes of your spirit that you may see the damage that has been done in more ways than you can possibly know. I believe only eternity can fully reveal the magnitude of that damage.
It may be, as you've stated in a public letter to your constituency, that all those who have spoken about your actions are truly "alleged Christians" only, as opposed to real I suppose, and are Kingdom destroyers. But, then, it could be they are all real Christians and have been used of God to destroy a kingdom far different than the one you've imagined. I will say again, it may take eternity to reveal which is true.
I close by simply saying that you've heard the last from me. I realize that perhaps means little to you but, for me, that is a very sad thing as I believe the treasure of heaven is, in fact, the relationships we build here. This is why it's so important for brokenness to bring recovery of relationships. [As scriptures say it.."gained a brother."] You may think, perhaps, "what relationship?" You and I have never had one. We've not met nor spoken, except for our phone conversation when all of this first came to my attention, so what consequence is there?
None perhaps, if one views relationships with this earth's perspective only. But I believe relationships are, as I said, the treasure of heaven and a lost opportunity for having one is, therefore, of eternal consequences. Together in heaven? Yes. If both are, in truth, believers. But no treasure being laid up in this potential relationship is something invaluable that is lost. As a believer I do not take that lightly.
In 1 Samuel 24:12 David chose not to harm Saul because of a heart that refrained from taking the life of a King. [Anointed one] But he did confront Saul and asked him about his sin. [Trying to kill David.] Saul was left to the Lord wisely as David closed that encounter with these words..."May the Lord judge between you and me..."
Different times. Different people. Different context. Different sins. Different stakes. But wise words with which to leave a situation. One day we will ask the One who knows the heart to reveal His judgment in this matter and we will all know reality.
For that day I am now content to wait.
In His Bonds,
Paul Burleson
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