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Articles by Layne Wallace
Will We Remember Our Earthly Lives in Heaven?
Will we remember our earthly lives in heaven? It's a question that crosses nearly every believer's mind — and the Bible's answer may be more comforting than expected. What is the nature of life to salvation? What does God's salvation mean for the eternal existence of the believer? To put it in common terms, what is heaven like? Most of what the Bible reveals about life eternal is picturesque language and is quite difficult for readers to process.
The Problem is Character
The headlines are eerily familiar. Art teacher Samira Hardcastle at John F. Kennedy High School in the Metro Nashville, TN area, who was named Teacher of the Year at her school and Blue Ribbon Teacher of the Year for her district, has resigned. Among the many issues leading to her resignation is grading. She alleges that district administrators directed her to change grades. She is not alone in Nashville.
The Process of Preaching 2
This article is a continuation of The Process of Preaching Some pastors will choose texts based on their personal devotion or on their sense of what the congregation needs. While these two options can—and do—produce good preaching, the potential drawbacks make this my least favored method.
The Process of Preaching
Since 1993, give or take, I have either been preparing to be a pastor or serving in that role. I really do not want to do the math on how many years that is, but it is more than half my life. Ordained in 1999, I have served as a pastor ever since. For some pastors, preaching is the chore. It overwhelms them with dread and sucks up their mental energy. Not me. Preaching is life. That is not to say it is easy. It is, however, my greatest professional joy.
Insufficient? The Bible and Baptist Progressives
In a previous article, I traced the trajectory of progressive theology by examining a proponent’s claims. One of my chief concerns is how progressive theology engages with Holy Scripture. It does not engage the Bible as Holy Writ but as a series of documents in tension with one another and often contradictory. The Scriptures then, are not so much authoritative but illustrative.
Pope Leo and Islam
Pope Leo LXI made news for during his recent trip through Africa. Both the trip and his actions on the trip have brought into focus his views toward Islam.
Mormonism And Christianity
In recent weeks, an online hullabaloo has emerged about the nature of Mormon thought and Christian thought. The question is specifically, “Is Mormonism Christian?” The recent controversy arose from a religious schema the Department of Defense uses to codify religions. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reduced the number of codes from 211 to 31.
The SBC and the Truth and Unity Amendment
The 2026 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting, meeting in Orlando, passed the “Truth and Unity” amendment. Proposed by the President of Southern Seminary, Albert Mohler, the purpose of the amendment is to remove from the convention congregations that have women who serve as pastors. Update on the Truth & Unity Amendment The reaction to the amendment is quite interesting.
The Problems with Progressive Theology
The differences between modern progressive Christianity and *orthodox Christianity are quite sharp, and it is helpful to examine them. Several weeks ago, a Presbyterian minister, Mark Sandlin, wrote an article entitled, “What Do Progressive Christians Believe? A Field Guide for the Curious and the Rebuilding.” In it, Sandlin articulates progressive thought quite well, and it demonstrates why the progressive theological project is doomed to fail. The problems with progressive theology are legion.
What Was the Thorn in Paul's Side?
One of the enduring mysteries of the New Testament is Paul's "thorn in the flesh." Because Paul never says exactly what the thorn was, the topic has led many to become amateur sleuths, poring over the New Testament data in search of clues. It is the absence of data that presents the difficulty, though. There is not enough biblical evidence to state conclusively. Why Paul mentioned the thorn. Paul describes his thorn in the flesh as part of the defense of his ministry.
Isaiah's 700-Year Prophecy Fulfilled on the Cross
Often referred to as the 4th Servant Song, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, is a specific and detailed prophecy about the life and death of Jesus Christ. Jesus references Isaiah more than any other Old Testament Book outside the Psalms, and some writers have even suggested that Isaiah was Jesus' favorite prophetic book.
Why Did People Speak Different Languages on Pentecost?
One of the most significant events in the history of the Church is Pentecost. Just 50 days after the Resurrection, the Disciples gathered for prayer, probably in the same upper room where they celebrated Passover on the night Jesus was betrayed. Suddenly, they heard the sound of a violent wind and witnessed something even a man as eloquent as Luke had trouble describing. The Spirit of God came upon the Apostles like tongues of fire and birthed the Church.
Of Asteroids And God
In recent weeks, scientists have alerted the public to a possible upcoming disaster. An asteroid, 2024 YR4, discovered in December 2024, has a possibility of striking the Earth near December 22, 2032. The asteroid is not of the planet-killing variety. It is too small for that. While relatively small, if the asteroid slammed into Earth, it would release approximately 500 times the amount of energy of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
Women Pastors And 1 Timothy 2
Women in Ministry and 1 Timothy 2 When discussing women in ministry one of the most cited and debated passages is 1 Timothy 2:8-15. The passage reads, Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.
Women Pastors And 1 Cor 14
Women Pastors and 1 Corinthians 14 One of the most controversial disputes among Baptists is the role of women in the service of the Church. Long ago, the SBC moved to disfellowship congregations with women as Senior Pastors.
How To Listen To A Sermon
For Protestants, particularly Evangelicals, the sermon is the center of worship. The centrality of preaching is even reflected in our sanctuary design. In most Protestant sanctuaries, the pulpit is in the center. With the centrality of preaching, one would think teaching people how to listen and evaluate a sermon would be vital practices of the Church. Surprisingly, this does not happen with any regularity at all.
The 10 Commandments Of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Is Coming! Thanksgiving is nearly here, and, although I am not Moses, I have 10 Commandments to help you and your loved ones enjoy the holiday. For the last two Thanksgivings, I have had COVID and have been unable to celebrate. Banished from family activities, I have endured the last two Thanksgivings in front of my TV watching the football games in isolation trying to chase the metallic taste from the medicine out of my mouth.
Why Did Moses Break the Ten Commandments?
At first blush, this incident appears to be an example of Moses' inability to control his temper. Breaking the tablets, however, was not just a fit of fury for Moses. Yes, Moses was angry, livid even. But he was making a point. Breaking the tablets was a concrete way for Moses to depict the consequences of Israel's idolatry. Shattering the tablets was a way for Moses to show that Israel had shattered the covenant with God.
Why Did Jesus Clash With Pharisees and Sadducees?
While it may seem odd to the reader of the Gospels 2,000 years after the events they describe, Jesus had persistent conflicts with two religious groups within first-century Judaism: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. In one sense, the disputes between Jesus and His critics have an ordinary source: jealousy. Jesus was not wealthy or born to an influential family. Without wealth or institutional connections, Jesus developed a large following in the Judean countryside.
Helene The Horrible
” . . . And the Windows of the Heavens Were Opened . . .” Genesis 7:11 On the evening of Thursday, September 26th, Hurricane Helene hit land near Perry, FL beginning its relentless, remorseless onslaught against the southern US. Announcing her arrival by blasting a 15ft wall of water against Florida’s coast, she flung cars and boats out of her path as if they were a collection of Legos in the path of a locomotive. Cars, boats, homes, beaches, or people could not stand in her way as she raged.
Planned Parenthood In The Pulpit
Planned Parenthood in the Pulpit While abortion is commonly addressed from pulpits around the world, it is seldom addressed the way Rev. Rebecca Todd Peters did at the Community Church of Chapel Hill last July. The title of her sermon was, “Reproductive Justice: Beyond the Abortion Imaginary. How Three Imaginaries, or Myths, Shape the Conversation about Abortion.” Link to Sermon Excerpt Striding to the pulpit in her black clerical vestments, Rev.
Pope Francis And Non-Christian Religions
Pope Francis and Non-Christian Religions This weekend Pope Francis, the persistently provocative Roman Pontiff, made comments sure to cause facepalming among his advisors and frustration among his faithful. In remarks in Singapore Francis said, Religions are like different languages in order to arrive at God, but God is God for all. Since God is God for all, then we are all Children of God . . .
9/11: 23 Years Later
23 Years Later I cannot fathom it has been 23 years since 9/11. It feels like yesterday. It also feels like a different world. I was supposed to be at a leadership training event on the morning of 9/11, but one of my members was facing surgery. So, I decided to swing by the hospital for a visit. Pulling into the hospital parking lot in my grey Honda, I turned on the radio to listen to the news. The report was that a twin-engine plane had crashed into the World Trade Center.
The Olympic Opening Ceremony And A New Religion
What Was That? The Opening Ceremony of the Olympics generated significant controversy over a performance that looked like it was a blasphemous presentation of The Last Supper. While many will argue about that, what is apparent is that the ceremony was a worship service of a new religion. The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Games was shocking and divisive. Among the conflicting reports is hard to know now exactly what Thomas Jolly, the creator of the Opening Ceremony, had in mind.
Mohler, Ware, Nicaea, Heresy: Louisville We Have A Problem
Louisville, We Have a Problem Albert Mohler is one of the conservative lions of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Since he assumed the presidency at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) in Louisville, KY, Mohler has led the seminary to turn sharply to the right on theological, social, and political issues.
IVF, Women Pastors, Nicene Creed, And The SBC
The 2024 SBC Annual Meeting Even for those who are members of a Southern Baptist Church, the machinations of the Southern Baptist Convention can be a bit bewildering. At the close of the SBC Annual Meeting, it is helpful to summarize what the SBC did in Indianapolis this week. As always, there were controversies and oddities. This is the SBC, after all. Controversies included women pastors, IVF, and the Nicene Creed.
The SBC And The Nicene Creed
The SBC 2024. The SBC and the Nicene Creed The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is gathering in Indianapolis this week for its annual meeting, and the agenda is full of controversial votes. Messengers will vote on the Law Amendment which addresses the role of women pastors in the SBC. That amendment will have the most publicity.
Remembering D-Day
Scenes From Normandy The beach is calm now. The only sounds are from the wind, the soft breaking of small waves, and the small talk from the remaining tourists. 80 years ago, no calm could be found. The thunderous boom of artillery pierced the morning air, and battle cries of men charging the Nazis were only slightly muffled by the beach sand. Machine gun fire pierced the air and flesh. Screams of the wounded filled the air. The sounds of war assaulted the ears of all who were on Normandy Beach.
Does The SBC Have A Systematic Sexual Abuse Problem
Does the SBC Have a Systemic Sexual Abuse Problem? While they have many disagreements, the men running to be president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) agree on at least one thing: there is no systematic sexual abuse crisis in the SBC. Individuals have committed abuse. Local congregations have failed to protect their members and have even enabled abuse in some cases. The SBC, however, remains unsullied.
Internet Atheists And Christian Philosophers
Internet Atheists There are at least two types of atheists online. There is the angry, ax-grinding sort and there is the serious intellectual sort. The former I ignore because the only thing they want to do is impugn the intelligence of a theist to make themselves feel superior. Their attitude seems to be, “Believers are unenlightened boors who must be mocked.” Having read the works of Nietzsche or Dawkins and certain in their smug enlightenment, their tactic is to demean and defame.
Bart Barber And The SBC Abuse Scandal
Is the EC or SBC at Fault in the SBC Sexual Abuse Scandal In a recent interview the President of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), Dr. Bart Barber, discussed the sexual abuse scandal in the SBC among other topics.
Thank you, Jack - Baptist News Global
It is with deep sorrow that I received news that Jack Causey had died. Jack was a friend in the deepest sense of the word. He was my mentor, my pastoral supervisor in my doctor of ministry program, and was perhaps the kindest human being I ever have known. Jack lived a long, good and full life. I first met Jack back in the late 1990s while I was a seminary student. He had come to preach a revival at Zebulon Baptist Church, where I was a member.
Disappointment and the Courage to Hope
What Happens When Hope Dies? Ben Franklin once said that many people die at 25 and we only get around to burying them when they reach 70. Whatever his motivation for the saying, if he were referring to the death of hope, then he was right. When hope dies, the power to strive dies along with it. Funerals for dreams and imagination soon follow. When hope dies, the only things that remain are our coping mechanisms.
What We Miss: Jesus Walks on Water and Claims of Divinity
Jesus Walks on the Water and Jesus’ Divinity In my social media adventures over the last several months, I have noticed a group of people denying the divinity of Jesus. Because it is social media, it is hard to tell if it is a large movement or if it is just a small group whose voices seem more numerous because they are concentrated on Twitter. Some of them are following the work of UNC professor Bart Ehman, who has sold a lot of books after losing his religion.
If I Were Her Friend: Brielle Asero and Work
Weeping Over Work Her name is Brielle Asero, a college graduate with a degree in marketing. Recently, she posted a video about her struggles with her work. In her video, Asero weeps as she rails about the way her work life is going. The work itself is not the problem for her, it is the amount of time it takes out of her life. Unable to afford to live within walking distance of her work, she makes her commute on the train.
95 Thesis for 2023: Baptist Edition
In honor of the anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 Thesis, I am writing 95 theses of my own with my own Baptist flavor. I last did this a few years ago. While there are some changes, the list remains quite similar. I The Bible is the final authority of faith and practice. All religious ideas and traditions are subject to correction by the Scriptures.
Not Condemning Hamas, the CBF’s Mistake, Shani Louk
Institutions and the Hamas Horror Leading religious and educational institutions is a difficult venture. Sometimes knowing when to speak and when to be silent is difficult. Issues like war and peace, the role of government, or how to resolve race disputes can be extremely complex. Because of this difficulty, institutions are often reticent to get involved in such disputes, and rightly so. On occasion, however, events occur that are so toxic that the distinction between right and wrong is clear.
Not Condemning Hams, the CBF’s Mistake, Shani Louk
Institutions and the Hamas Horror Leading religious and educational institutions is a difficult venture. Sometimes knowing when to speak and when to be silent is difficult. Issues like war and peace, the role of government, or how to resolve race disputes can be extremely complex. Because of this difficulty, institutions are often reticent to get involved in such disputes, and rightly so. On occasion, however, events occur that are so toxic that the distinction between right and wrong is clear.
Hamas’ Evil Atrocity Against Israel: A Time to Speak
A Time to Speak There are times when the best thing to say is nothing. When one is angered or outraged, silence is wisdom. After all, after expression words cannot be rescinded. They have a power of their own. One must be careful, especially when indignant. So, waiting for the whole story to emerge, waiting for fury to pass a good course of action. Stillness and silence have an expiration, though, and they have expired. Now, truths must be spoken.
Lang, Thomason, Burn Out, and The Church: Some Pastors Do Not Like The Church
Don’t Call It Burn Out Don’t call it burn-out Andrew Lang’s recent article detailing his reasons for leaving the pastorate generated many responses, including mine. One published response caught my attention. Ordinarily, a response to an article like his does not merit a separate response because one gets to the point of diminishing returns. Todd Thomason’s article, Don’t Call It Burn-Out in Baptist News Global, however, is an exception. It demands a response.
Beth Moore, Twitter, and the Jesus Criterion
Beth Moore A recent Tweet by Beth Moore is a curiosity and it points to a misuse of a method of Biblical interpretation, the Jesus Criterion among, Baptists and other evangelical Christians. In 1994 Beth Moore founded Living Proof Ministries to teach women the Scriptures.[1] Since then Moore has become a beloved author and teacher, selling 17.5 million copies of her Bible studies.
Somewhere Between David and Dachau: Do You Know the Potential You Have
“Lord, who are you and who am I?” St. Francis of Assisi She is a student at a community college, perhaps she is 17 or 18. Wearing typical college attire, sweats and a t-shirt, she appears finished even though trying to dress down. Her hair, parted in the middle, is fiery red, but there seems to be little fire in her soul. She engages in class, but she seems rather detached otherwise. Her crystal blue eyes look heavy when not directly involved in the conversation.
Resurrection in John
While It Was Still Dark In simple words, John gives us an important observation about the morning of the resurrection. “…It was still dark…” As always with John the words operate on two levels. Yes, it was before dawn so it was dark. John, however, was not referring to the limited number of lumens peering over the horizon. The time of day is only a servant to his greater point. The world was dark not because the sun had yet to peer over the horizon. John is not trying to describe the ordinary.
Why Do Some Ethicists Not Behave Ethically?
Ethics and Human Behavior As someone who studies ethics, I have observed the behavior of some students and professors in the field with some confusion. If ethics is the study of the right way to live, the right thing to do, then why do some in the field do the wrong thing? More specifically, why do some behave in ways that contradict the field they are studying or teaching? Why do some ethics teachers breach ethics?
Why I Am Not a Calvinist
John Calvin There are few Protestants more influential than the French theologian John Calvin. His Institutes of the Christian Religion have shaped Protestant theology for 500 years. Calvin is a brilliant thinker, and his interpretation of Scripture is usually insightful. He is formidable and worth reading. What Is Calvinism Modern Calvinists often use the acronym TULIP to describe the Calvinist system: T=total depravity. Sin ruins every area of existence, including human will and intellect.
Leaving the Pastorate: Alexander Lang
Alexander Lang: Leaving The Pastorate His name is Alexander Lang, and most people would have never heard of him had it not been for his letter detailing his reasons for leaving the ministry. Pastor of Arlington Heights Presbyterian Church in Illinois for 10 years, Lang gave his last sermon on August 27th. He chose to explain his reasons for leaving Arlington Heights and the pastorate in an online forum. Lang describes the pressures, real and perceived, of ministry.
How To Read The Gospels
The Bible There is a new addition to my office, a brown leather copy of Holy Scripture. I ordered it when I was at a denominational meeting this summer. Not often do I find my favorite translation in a comfortable size, so when I found this one I was excited. The two gold ribbons for page markers are tucked in Genesis and Isaiah, where my reading is right now. I do not need a ribbon for the Psalms, as I follow the date as I read the Psalter.
Is Religion Evil: The New Atheism and Faith
What I have most wanted to do is make religious writing an art New Atheism Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and other writers are part of an intellectual movement known as “New Atheism.” While there have always been atheists, New Atheism is a militant version of the ideology. In the past, atheists have been content with mere disbelief. New Atheism, however, argues it is important to protest against religion, ridicule it, and convert people from religion.
Conspiracies and Faith: Did Jesus Really Exist?
Conspiracies and Faith: Did Jesus Really Exist? What is in Area 51? Did Oswald work alone? Was there a moon landing or was the footage filmed on a set somewhere? Is Elvis alive? Did he fake his death? Did the aliens build the Gaza Pyramids? No doubt you can add several conspiracies to the list. Watching late-night TV while fighting insomnia, you can find yourself engrossed in all kinds of conspiracies, usually involving aliens.
Rory MacIlroy and Phil Mickelson: Addiction in Society
Addictions Among Us In my pastoral role, I have become convinced that most families have a member who faces an addiction of some kind. According to a recent survey, 46% of all Americans have a friend or family member with a substance abuse problem. If one were to calculate the number of people who have behavioral addictions, the percentage would undoubtedly be much higher. No segment of society is immune.
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