In recent years, Seattle-area pastor Mark Driscoll has come under a great deal of scrutiny for his past use of foul language and a controversial sermon series on sex.

Page Brooks, Assistant Professor of Theology NOBTSI need not repeat here some of the objectionable phrases and words he has used as they are readily accessible via transcripts on the Internet.

Let me say the following at the outset: I believe our speech and behavior should be above reproach. Therefore, I am not defending Discroll’s use of foul language.

By David Jeremiah, Pastor Shadow Mountain El Cajon, California

Our victories are gained on our knees. As we turn ourselves, our plans and our problems over to God, He intervenes. When we bow before Him, we’re acknowledging Him as our “Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.”

David Jeremiah, Pastor Shadow Mountain El Cajon, CaliforniaSometimes we make the mistake of not getting on our knees before accepting a job offer, making a purchase, choosing a new church, or making any decision of consequence. People are quietly watching, and they know when we’re living in prayerful obedience or when on the other hand, we act without consulting Him.

It’s also obvious to others when our knees draw down blessings from above. In the January/February 2003 issue of Pray! magazine, Elmer Towns said that he and his wife made it through college by faith, praying together and trusting God to meet their needs. Towns earned a dollar an hour driving a school bus, but his income barely met their needs.

By Jeff Iorg, President Golden Gate Seminary

I need your help. If you can explain the following, please let me know. It really has me stumped.

Jeff Iorg, President Golden Gate SeminaryRecently, I heard a wonderful testimony of a believer who had overcome his struggle with alcohol.

By Jeff Iorg, President Golden Gate Seminary

I need your help. If you can explain the following, please let me know. It really has me stumped.

By Rob Zinn, Pastor Immanuel Baptist Church Highland, California

Rob Zinn Pastor Immanuel Baptist Church Highland, CaliforniaWe are a people who have been called by God to go into the world with the Gospel.

We are a people with a command to make disciples, baptize them and teach them.

Jesus said in Acts 1:8 that “you will receive power ... and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” That is a big task, and unlike some today who want to go to only one or the other, we must understand it’s not either/or. It’s both/and.How do we accomplish such a large task?

By Jim Law, Senior Pastor First Baptist Church Gonzales

Jim Law, Senior Pastor First Baptist Church GonzalesIs missing church sinful? If you have the flu, many would be grateful you stayed home. 

But I don’t think illness is the reason that absenteeism among Southern Baptists is so widespread.

Neither do I think that absenteeism can be explained by providential hindrances. According to a 2007 Lifeway Research study, Southern Baptists have some 16 million on the denominational role, however only 6.1 million show up for church on any given Sunday.

When you look at the numbers, it would take a lot of “oxen in the ditch” to explain a 10 million person discrepancy. 

By William A. Dembski, Professor Philosophy Southwestern Seminary

It s time we got over our love for Charles DarwinCharles Darwin published his “Origin of Species” in 1859. There he presented the classic formulation of his theory of evolution.

Lady Ashley, reacting to the theory at the time, remarked, “Let’s hope that it’s not true; but if it is true, let’s hope that it doesn’t become widely known.” Lady Ashley’s second hope has failed: Darwin’s theory is everywhere and has now become textbook orthodoxy. Recently, universities around the globe celebrated the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s Origin of Species as well as the 200th anniversary of his birth.

By Kelly Boggs, Editor Baptist Message

Kelly Boggs Editor Louisiana Baptist MessageDuring a segment on Fox News Sunday that aired on Jan. 3, Brit Hume suggested that Tiger Woods consider Christianity to help the golfing great recover from his recent personal crisis involving revelations of adultery.

Several left-leaning pundits went absolutely apoplectic over the former anchor’s brief bit of advice. Following is Hume’s response to the Tiger Woods situation:

“Tiger Woods will recover as a golfer. Whether or not he can recover as a person I think is a very open question, and it’s a tragic situation for him. I think he’s lost his family, it’s not clear to me if he’ll be able to have a relationship with his children, but the Tiger Woods that emerges once the news value dies out of this scandal – the extent to which he can recover – seems to me to depend upon his faith. He’s said to be a Buddhist; I don’t think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith. So my message to Tiger would be, ‘Tiger turn to the Christian faith and you make a total recovery and be a great example to the world.’”

By Gary D. Meyers, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Office of Public Relations

One the Web The reading guuide www.nobts.edu/Publications/Bible ReadingPlan.htmlWhen New Orleans Seminary President Chuck Kelley introduced this year’s school-wide emphasis on reading through the Bible and memorizing Scripture, he did so by pointing the seminary family to the first Psalm. The goal: To build a seminary of men and women who are like trees firmly planted by the “waters” of God’s Word – ministers who are prepared for many years of fruitful service.