I can’t stand listening to some people talk about theology. Driving to Arkansas before Christmas, I had the teeth-grinding experience of listening to my favorite talk radio host talk about the theological reasons for people to be good. The conversation was between two men with whom I have broad agreement about general subjects?men very knowledgeable about most of the Bible. It was as if they were just making things up.

What is the problem with these otherwise wise and knowledgeable conservatives? My frustration called to mind recent articles about the significance of a United States Supreme Court with no Protestant justices, after the appointment of Elena Kagan, who is Jewish. The assumption of those who cared about that seemed to be that a court without Protestants might be significantly unrepresentative of the U.S. I listened with half an ear to that discussion, partly because those with a Protestant heritage have been little discernably Protestant, or even Christian, during the past decades. If Catholics are the most conservative members of the court for our time, it’s all good. If Jewish talk show hosts are the most articulate on the national scene, fine.

Nothing will necessarily improve if a larger, more representative percentage of Protestants enter national leadership or punditry. Remember what we’re talking about when we call someone a Protestant. It’s shallow shorthand for “Christian other than Catholic.” Many opinion makers would consider Mormons “Protestant.” The term includes denominations that have long since abandoned any kind of Reformation distinctives. It’s the same way with Roman Catholicism?from the late Ted Kennedy to current Supreme Court judge Antonin Scalia. That’s broad.

Another too-broad but more useful term is “Evangelical.” Inclusion on that category requires a commitment to biblical inerrancy, though that defining trait is starting to smudge in our day. Nevertheless, Evangelicals are distinct from both Catholics and Protestants, although some of us are in the Protestant tradition. About half of the non-Catholic Christians in the U.S. are identifiably Evangelical. Numbers are rough but as best I can tell, Evangelicals are a greater percentage of Americans than are Catholics. For argument’s sake, let’s call it even.

What’s the difference if our leadership or opinion makers come from one group or the other? There are some ways in which it matters.

Theologically, Evangelicals are taught that the Bible?the whole and complete revelation of God?is authoritative for all mankind. Specifically, we believe that the Christ revealed in the New Testament is the key to understanding the Old Testament. I think we’d have to say a teacher does not understand the God of the Old Testament if he does not believe the revelation of God the Son. Neither observant Jews nor practicing Catholics officially believe that the New Testament is the sole authority for the day-to-day practice of their faith. Observably, neither do a large percentage of Protestant denominations believe the Bible to be simply true and ultimate.

Practically, Evangelicals are relentlessly taught to be what they are, Christ followers, every moment of their lives. It is our identity more surely than our race, culture of origin, vocation, or any other thing. We should not, and really cannot, segment what we do from what we are. Those of other groups, often called moderate, whose conduct is not recognizable at all as being Jewish or Catholic or Christian, disagree with Evangelicals regarding the role of faith in a person’s life. They shudder and call us “Fundamentalist.”

Here are a few examples. They were easy to find, and you’d likely look in the same places I did. Think of politicians in the past 10 years whose religion terrified the New York Times or Newsweek or MSNBC.

I’ll bet you thought of Sarah Palin. Newsweek went into some detail regarding Mrs. Palin’s association with Pentecostal churches?you know, speaking in tongues, healing, and such. The article noted that her “deep and long” experience in the Pentecostal tradition would be a Rorschach test for many voters, for or against the vice presidential candidate. Clearly, the article found her religion weird. The Chicago Tribune piped in, also right before the 2008 election, that Mrs. Palin’s strange biblical worldview could “potentially shape a believer’s environmental and foreign policy.” It’s good we were warned because a leader’s worldview has never before impacted his or her decision-making.
Maybe you thought of John Ashcroft, U.S. attorney general during the first term of George W. Bush. Mr. Ashcroft was also a Pentecostal. The ACLU was concerned that the attorney general might be blurring the line between church and state when he held Bible studies and prayer meetings in the Department of Justice. A New York Times columnist was even more disturbed, noting that “certainty is the enemy of decency and humanity in people who are sure they are right, people like John Ashcroft and Osama bin Laden.”

Certainly you thought of George W. Bush. Right before the 2004 election (hmm), the New York Times Magazine ran an essay in which we were warned that re-electing Mr. Bush would further aggravate the war between modernists and fundamentalists, pragmatists and true believers, and between reason and religion. The essay made many references to the president’s first term as a “faith-based” presidency, and of course the author and those he admired were more prone to reality-based thinking. But here’s the pay-off line. The essay quoted with respect a columnist who said that George Bush “understands [Al Qaeda] because he’s just like them.” Many of us could hear that last phrase coming; we’ve heard it before, especially of late.

These three, and others, were not singled out for being biased by their race or region or life experiences but for being Evangelical Christians. And they were singled out because of the fear that they might do according to what they say they believe. And yet, in each case, even the critics of the three former governors cite examples where they upheld laws they considered wrong. They did their jobs. But they also prayed and even invoked God in a non-secular way from time to time. Scary. What these critics fear is real, but the fear is absurd and thoughtless. They fear earnestly held and devoutly practiced Christianity. But they also fear harm from the faith that undergirds our Constitution, that philosophically spawned our system of government and respect for human rights, that ended slavery in the U.S., that founded and funds manifold educational institutions and compassionate ministries?the worldview that built our nation. Regardless of the faith of the men who signed the Declaration and regardless of the increasing spiritual torpor of our nation, what we’d now call Evangelical Christianity has been the driving force behind the best things our country has done.

The paucity of Evangelicals among conservative opinion makers is not a national crisis but it matters, especially if we fall into the trap of letting someone who knows one thing become an “expert” in things he doesn’t know so well. As for the Supreme Court, I do believe the nine justices are missing a significant viewpoint in their interpretation of our laws. I’m not suggesting a remedy (if I knew that, we’d have a pro-life court) but I’m saying they are men and women whose core beliefs matter.

This is not an overt call for Bible-believing Christians to become pundits or politicians. But I am saying that there is a difference between redeemed people who believe God and those who believe something else. That difference will manifest itself often and unexpectedly.

What we should do is be more aggressively Christian. “Aggressively” in the sense of being overtly in public what we are in private?not as a display, though it will be that, but as

The pastor who baptized me also taught me how to present Jesus to those who need Him. Back in the day, we called it soul-winning, evangelism or witnessing. Such terms have fallen on hard times recently. People were lost. We said they needed to be saved. They were not just merely un-churched or unreached. I’m not just another cranky old guy who wants things like they used to be. I am open to the almost limitless methods to reach people with the gospel.

There are mass meetings like Team Impact presentations. Prior to the last two SBTC annual meetings, combined attendance for Team Impact, a group of power-lifters, has been over 8,000 with over 1,000 professions of faith. Local churches have benefited from the opportunity to disciple these new believers.

Service ministries like SBTC Disaster Relief have touched lives with the gospel from the Rio Grande Valley to the piney woods by assisting in clean up after hurricanes, flooding, tornados and fires. SBTC Disaster Relief is focused on helping people with their physical needs but also sharing the gospel with them. Unlike some DR programs, SBTC promotes local churches in the stricken area when available. The people being helped will remember the local church as much as the yellow shirts.

Youth camps, student and collegiate conferences are events where young people hear the Good News. Over the past couple of years there have been over 300 saved at such SBTC events. These young people go back to their local churches, immediately infusing new life into the fellowship.

Outdoor Sports Expos have become a successful venue to reach men in particular. SBTC staff members provide direction in local churches where there have been hundreds pray to receive Christ. Most of these men would have never entered a church worship center; now they have entered the kingdom of God.

While it is a thrill for the SBTC staff to experience hands-on ministry, we exist to help the local church. The real service we provide is being able to assist the local church in carrying out the Great Commission. There are over 100 areas where the SBTC seeks to provide a resource to the local church. Healthy churches obeying the command of the Lord Jesus will produce fruit to the glory of God.

One of the most exciting ministries of the SBTC to the local church is the Empower Evangelism Conference. This year the conference will be held at the Frisco Convention Center and Dr. Pepper Arena, Feb. 28 through March 2. This event is an opportunity to minister to pastors, staff and laypersons. The worship atmosphere is inspiring. The insight to Scripture is edifying. The challenge to obey is convicting. We will leave desiring to do more for our Lord.

Whatever we call it?soul-winning, evangelism, witnessing or sharing?it really doesn’t matter. What is important is that we do it. Many people are better soul-winners than I. I could do more and hopefully I will. By God’s grace I will present the gospel to at least one person every week in 2011. Will you join me? If every reader of the TEXAN would share the Lord Jesus with one lost person each week, we could see a spiritual awakening in Texas and beyond.

I have been asked what God has taught me in raising a special-needs child. The better question would be, “What haven’t I learned?” My son, who was born with spina bifida, has been perhaps the greatest tool God has used in my life to teach me about trusting him.

By nature, I am a perfectionist who likes organization, structure, and order. And while some of these skills serve me well in caring for a child with special needs, God quickly revealed how much of my efforts were really about control. I like my lists and I like things to move according to my plan.

But God has such an incredible way of placing me in a position I cannot control and showing me how little I really trust him. He is continually reminding me that he is El Elyon, the Most High sovereign God who is in control of all things, even the details of my son’s life.

I am still in process, and it is a process. But after 21 years, I have seen time and again God’s perfect provision for every need. It hasn’t been easy or without pain, but through the struggle God has matured my faith. He reminds me over and over that he understands my weaknesses and my frailties yet he loves me anyway. He provides what I cannot. He loves my son even more than I do. He weeps over the same things I do and rejoices when the victories come.

There are still many unanswered questions and uncertainties that lie ahead. But I no longer let the questions become more important than the One who holds the answers and while I may be uncertain of what lies ahead, God never is. He will always be there to walk with us.

I am also learning about what it is to empty self, for my days revolve around caring for the needs of another. It means putting my dreams on the back burner and learning to sacrifice what I want for someone else. It can be wearying and there are days I want to give up but then God reminds me of the sacrifice Christ made for me. I believe God has given me a small taste of what Christ did for me. He gave up his rights and privileges as God to come here and show us the love of the Father. It has changed how I respond to others and taught me what mercy and compassion are in practice. This is not part of my natural response but comes from his Spirit within.

And when I think I can’t do it anymore, he gives grace overflowing for one more day.

God has helped me understand what it means to persevere, which is not just getting through something, but remaining under control and learning to see the blessings even in the difficulties. So much is a matter of perspective and choice. This is what we have always taught our son. We can choose to be angry and bitter over what we don’t have and can’t do?or we can choose to look at what we can do with what God has given and express gratitude. It really is a matter of perspective, learning to look for the blessings. And blessings are everywhere.

When my son achieves something he was told he would never do, there is a depth of joy and gratitude beyond description. While at time the pain seems deeper, the victories, small as they may be, bring greater heights of rejoicing.
This entire journey requires me to keep my focus on Christ. The minute my gaze shifts anywhere else, my perspective becomes skewed. When the fear or uncertainty seeks to overwhelm me, I must choose to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). It is an act of the will and I have to choose it continually.

I have also found that I must be in his Word daily, for it is life to me. God’s Word teaches me about his character and that I can indeed trust him with everything. His Word keeps lifting my gaze to a higher plane, to an eternal perspective instead of a temporal one. And when I consider Christ and all he has done for me, I can run the race set before me, fixing my eyes on him, and not grow weary (Hebrews 12:1-3).

We will all cross the finish line and fall into the arms of Jesus one day and these struggles will be a distant memory. I will finally know the eternal weight of glory this journey is producing in me and it will all be worth it. I have been asked if I could go back and change anything, knowing what I know now, would I do it. The answer is no. While I would never wish my son to have to endure this journey, God has allowed me to catch a glimpse of what he is accomplishing through my son’s life.

I can never in my finite mind understand why God allows what he does, but I have seen that, if for no other reason, this journey has made me grow in ways I could not otherwise. The same can be said for my family and the many lives that have been impacted through my son’s life. The one thing I am more certain of than ever is that God can take any situation in life and bring something beautiful and worthwhile out of it. Just meet my son and you’ll see.

At least 10 Southern Baptists were sworn in for the
first time Jan. 5 as members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

In
addition, two members of Southern Baptist churches were sworn in to
start their first terms in the U.S. Senate. Roy Blunt of Missouri and
John Boozman of Arkansas came to the Senate after serving in the House
for seven and five terms, respectively.

All are Republicans.

The
Southern Baptists new to the House are part of the majority achieved by
the GOP in the November election. The Republicans hold a 242-193
advantage in the House to begin the 112th Congress. In the Senate, the
Democratic caucus has a 53-47 edge.

Here is information on the new House members who have been confirmed to be members of Southern Baptist churches.

Arkansas:
Rep. Rick Crawford, First District, Nettleton Baptist Church,
Jonesboro; Rep. Tim Griffin, Second District, Immanuel BC, Little
Rock.; Rep. Steve Womack, Third District, Cross Church Pinnacle Hills,
Rogers.

Florida: Rep. Steve Southerland, Second District,
Northstar Church, Panama City; Rep. Daniel Webster, Eighth District,
First BC of Central Florida, Orlando.

Georgia: Rep. Austin Scott, Eighth District, First BC, Tifton.

Mississippi: Rep. Alan Nunnelee, First District, Calvary BC, Tupelo.

Oklahoma: Rep. James Lankford, Fifth District, Quail Springs BC, Oklahoma City.

South Carolina: Rep. Jeff Duncan, Third District, First BC, Clinton.

Texas: Rep. Bill Flores, 17th District, Central BC, Bryan.

In
addition, Rep. Tom Graves, a Republican representing the Ninth District
of Georgia, is serving his first full term in the House. He won a
special election in June 2010 to replace Nathan Deal, who vacated his
seat to run for governor. Deal won the gubernatorial race in November.
Graves is a member of Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun, Ga.

Also,
Rep. Steve Pearce, a Republican from New Mexico, is returning to the
House to represent the Second District after two years away. After
serving three House terms, he lost a 2008 race for the Senate. Pearce
is a member of Taylor Memorial Baptist Church in Hobbs, N.M.

Blunt,
the new senator from Missouri, is a member of First Baptist Church in
Branson, Mo. Boozman of Arkansas is a member of First Baptist Church in
Rogers, Ark.

Other Southern Baptists in the Senate are
Republicans Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and
Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Coburn was elected in November to his
second, six-year term. Wicker will be up for re-election in 2012,
Graham in 2014.

Members of Southern Baptist churches who were
re-elected to their House seats in November are Reps. Spencer Bachus,
R.-Ala.; Trent Franks, R.-Ariz.; Vern Buchanan, R.-Fla.; Paul Broun,
R.-Ga.; Lynn Westmoreland, R.-Ga.; Harold Rogers, R.-Ky.; Rodney
Alexander, R.-La.; John Fleming, R.-La.; Gregg Harper, R.-Miss.; Sam
Graves, R.-Mo.; Heath Shuler, D.-N.C.; Frank Lucas, R.-Okla.; Mike
Conaway, R.-Texas; Louie Gohmert, R.-Texas; Al Green, D.-Texas; Randy
Neugebauer, R.-Texas, and Randy Forbes, R.-Va.