The Dawning of a New Day in the SBC?

Danny Akin, the President of Southeastern Theological Seminary, has posted an encouraging review of the Southern Baptist Convention last week in Louisville, Kentucky. Akin writes:

It is possible years from now that we will look back on the 2009 SBC in Louisville and see it as a historic watershed moment in our history.  It is possible that on the 30^th anniversary of the beginning of the Conservative Resurgence (CR), we will have witnessed the natural and hoped for outcome of the CR in the genesis of a new movement of God among His people in a Great Commission Resurgence (GCR) that signaled a new day in the advance of the gospel across North America and to all the nations of the earth.  I know this is my heart’s cry and desire.

Southern Baptists recently concluded what I thought was one of the most encouraging annual meetings we have had in years. I believe there are many reasons Southern Baptists should be excited about the direction the SBC is heading.

Confederations Cup Final: Brazil 3, US 2

A solid punch to the gut. That’s what Brazil’s thrilling come from behind win was to the US Men’s National team on Sunday. The US had the opportunity to win its first FIFA tournament ever, jumping out to a stunning 2-0 lead by the 27th minute, and then finally succumbing to a second half onslaught by the talented Brazilians, who demonstrated why they are one of the best international clubs in the world. The US played a terrific game, but as the first half came to a close it became clear that it was going to be difficult for the US to hold their unlikely lead over the Brazilians. The US began to allow the Brazilians more and more possession, gathering fewer and fewer counter attacks for themselves, while bunkering down in the defensive third hoping to withstand a Brazilian rally.

Ultimately there were two turning points in the match. The first was conceding an early goal in the 46th minute. Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano shot was terrific, and a bit lucky, barely sneaking under the outstretched leg of US defender Jay DeMerit. DeMerit’s defense was adequate, but Fabiano’s turn and release was lightening quick and GK Tim Howard stood no chance of making the save. Had the US been able to hold off the Brazilians until the 70th minute or so, the Brazilians would have likely started to press, increasing the chances that it would be the US holding the golden trophy at the end of the day. As it was, the goal ignited Brazil’s rally, shook the US’ confidence, and effectively ended any hopes of a US victory.

The second turning point came before the match even began. The suspension of Michael Bradley for a dubious ejection by referee Jorge Larriondo (name sound familiar? Yep, he’s the same referee who sent off Pablo Maestroeni and Eddie Pope in the 2006 World Cup match against Italy) revealed the frightening lack of depth on the US bench. Bradley’s absence meant that Coach Bob Bradley had to start Benny Feilhaber, who had proven to be an effective substitute off the bench in the tournament. Since Coach Bradley has shown no confidence in either Freddy Adu or Jose Francisco Torres (why were they even on the roster if you refuse to use them), Bradley’s only options off the bench in the midfield were the unreliable Sasha Kleijstan, who was ejected against Brazil previously, DaMarcus Beasley (thank you, Coach Bradley, for keeping him on the bench), and Jonathan Bornstein. Brazilian Coach Dunga’s substitutions were effective and immediately made Brazil better, while Coach Bradley’s substitions actually weakened the struggling US side.  One of the main reasons Brazil won this match is not only that they were tactically a better team, but is because the talent on their roster is superior to the US side. The US had no one on their bench to counter Brazil’s super-subs.

In spite of the loss there are a lot of positives for the US to build on from this tournament:

The Consequences of Sexual Immorality

Governor Mark Sanford’s (South Carolina, R.) recent admission of an extramaritial affair with a woman in Argentina reveals the devastating impact of sexual sin, not only on the individual, but on all who love and respect the one who has fallen into sin. Randy Alcorn has shared a very helpful and sobering post detailing all of the likely consequences of sexual sin. This post is a must read for all who are serious about personal sanctification. But I would submit it is an even more important read for those who consistently trifle with sexual sin through mental affairs, promiscious meditations of the heart, and dangerous flirtations with sexual compromise through vieiwing and reading sexually suggestive material.

Confederations Cup: US vs Spain

The United States’ victory over #1 ranked Spain, a team on a 35 match winning streak, is one of the most significant victories for the US in their soccer history. It can’t be counted as among the best overall victories simply because it didn’t take place on the biggest stage (the World Cup). But it is, without a doubt, one of the most important victories.

The US came into the Confederations Cup hoping to see how it measured up against the world’s best. After 3 consecutive concerning outings in World Cup qualifying, Sam’s Army was ready to hit the panic button after consecutive demoralizing defeats to Italy and Brazil. It was the performance against Brazil that was especially troubling. While the US might be able to blame the result against Italy on a game-changing call by the referee to send off Ricardo Clark in the 34th minute, no one could argue that the US looked timid, poorly organized and played with a lack of heart against Brazil. There were serious reasons to believe that the US’ hopes in the 2010 World Cup were doomed to repeat the failure of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. As a matter of fact, it appeared that the US team was getting worse rather than better.

Confederations Cup: US vs Egypt

Things looked bleak for the United States Men’s National team this Father’s Day in the Confederation’s Cup. They had their backs against the wall, with virtually no chance to advance to the semifinals, and now had to face a very difficult Egypt team that had barely lost to Brazil 4-3 and just defeated Italy (1-0), the defending world champions. The Egyptians only needed to defeat or tie the US and they themselves would have advanced to the semifinals to face #1 ranked Spain. But somehow the US not only defeated this underrated Egyptian squad, but they beat them soundly 3-0. And the score could have been worse if not for an inexcusable no call ( handling) by the referee on Jose Altidore’s shot and the US showing themselves to be either too unselfish (both Landon Donovan and Altidore passed up easy opportunities) or too selfish (if Charles Davies slots the ball to Altidore late in the 2nd half he has a tap-in) inside the 18. With the rout of the Egyptians and a little help from Brazil’s 3-0 lashing of the Italians, the US finds themselves in the semifinals this Wednesday (2:25 EST, ESPN).

Almost everything went right for the US. Coach Bob Bradley made a handful of changes to his line up, though nothing surprising, and they worked like a charm.

Should The Baptist Press Repent?

Today The Baptist Press ran an article (be warned, if you read the article, the language is explicit) by Don Hinkle about The Bott Radio Program’s decision to interrupt one of its programs mid-show out of concern that the featured guest, Pastor Mark Driscoll, might respond with inappropriate or vulgar comments on the syndicated show “Family Life” hosted by Dennis Rainey. The reason for the concern was the topic: sex. For those of you unfamiliar with Driscoll, he was labeled as the “cussing pastor” in Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz. This decision is newsworthy because the national radio program has an audience of over 40 million people in 10 states. Bott Network founder Dick Bott made the unilateral decision to pull the interview mid-show as well as a scheduled second interview out of concerns “of what he saw as Driscoll’s penchant for using vulgarity in his sermons, especially his questionable interpretation of the Song of Solomon in a Nov. 18, 2007, sermon preached in Edinburgh, Scotland, and subsequently in a multi-part series entitled “The Peasant Princess.”

This is where the “news” in Mr. Hinkle’s article ends and the propaganda begins.

US vs Brazil

Let me begin by stating that there is absolutely no shame in losing to Italy and Brazil. They are two of the premier soccer powers in the world. The US played valiantly against Italy despite Ricardo Clark needless ejection, forcing them to play down a man for 60 minutes. But today’s performance against Brazil confirms what is a troubling trend for the US National team. In 4 of the past 5 matches they have conceded at least 1 goal in the first 20 minutes. This is a trend that has to stop. The US team doesn’t not possess the kind of offensive firepower to consistently bounce back from being down a goal early.

But the other troubling trend is Coach Bob Bradley’s insistence upon putting certain players on the pitch over and over, especially when they are not fit, in form, or producing.

Easily Edified

We live in an “impress me” culture. We evaluate things – particularly in the Western church – in terms of their excellence, eloquence, and sadly, their entertainment value. Think about it. How often do you leave a worship gathering thinking, “That wasn’t one of pastor’s best sermons” or “The music just wasn’t very good today” or “I just didn’t get anything out of worship today (even though God’s Word was faithfully proclaimed”?

Yesterday I read a post on Justin Taylor’s site with this quote: “The mature Christian is easily edified.” You can read the rest of Justin’s thoughts here, but in short, what this post means is that it is a sign of spiritual maturity when we are encouraged by the simple truths of the Gospel, even when someone struggles to communicate those truths to us in the most winsome, polished or helpful way. Are you easily edified?

US Soccer: Can’t Win the Big One

Last night the US National team played reigning world champion Italy in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, host of the 2010 World Cup. Before I add my commentary about the game, I have to say the disparity in the draws for this tournament is absolutely ridiculous. In Group A you have: Italy, Brazil, United States and an underrated Egypt. In Group B you have: Spain, Iraq, South Africa, and New Zealand. Sure looks like the draw was set up to make sure South Africa advanced, doesn’t it?

The past several World Cup qualifiers the US has played have been far from impressive. They needed two late goals to draw with El Salvador 2-2, got absolutely smashed by Costa Rica 3-1 (and it wasn’t as close as the score indicates), and eeked out a win at home against a gutsy Honduran team 2-1.  Each time the US has been exploited by playing weak defense, giving up early goals, and lack of creativity on the ball in the attacking third of the field. Needless to say, I didn’t have very high expectations last night.

But overall, the US played very well last night. Here are my thoughts:

Help Because We Are Human

“The account of Creation has a cadence to it, a beat. God creates light, declares that it is good, and there is evening and morning, the first day. God creates heaven and earth, land and water, declares that it is good, and there is evening and morning, the second day. God creates something, declares that it is good…and the beat goes on – until he decides to create people. All of a sudden the rhythm is interrupted. God does something with Adam and Eve that he has no done with anything else. His actions demonstrate why personal ministry is necessary for all of us. Immediately after creating Adam and Eve, God talks to them (Gen 1:26-28). He didn’t do this with anything else he created. He simply rested and moved on. When the cadence is broken and God does something different, you should ask yourself hwy. Why did God talk to them?

God knew that even though Adam and Eve were perfect people living in perfect relationship with him, they could not figure out life on their own. They were created to be dependent. God had to explain who they were and what they were to do with their lives. They did not need this help because they were sinners (though we now do). They need help because they were human.” – Paul David Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p.40-41.