"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." These are the words that define the...

More than 18 years ago, the face of church music in Oklahoma was forever changed. The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, conducted by Jim Woodward of Oklahoma Baptist University, had finished a concert at Elk City, First. Woodward, who was an...

Christians all over the world gathered last Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even the most nominal follower of Christ is motivated to attend church on Easter Sunday. Deep within the heart of all believers is the truth that...

Have you ever noticed the number of crosses you can see in a day? Drive down the street and you will see crosses atop steeples and red crosses painted on the sides of vehicles. Walk into many hospital rooms and you will find a cross hung above the...

The face of Oklahoma is changing. Perhaps since the run of '89 our state has not seen such a dramatic change in the make-up of the population. Consider the following information given to me by our ethnic evangelism leader:

In just a few days, one of the modern miracles of the world will transpire. The United States of America, the greatest and most powerful nation on the face of the Earth, will peacefully and efficiently transfer power from one leader to the next....

In just a few days, another anniversary of Roe v. Wade will come to pass. Few decisions by the United States Supreme Court have stirred more controversy over a longer period of time. Since that fateful day in January 1972, 50 million babies have...

I've been staring at a blank computer screen. There are days when I love a blank screen. No mistakes, and I can fill it with my own words and thoughts. But blank screens are challenging. I am responsible for filling the page. I have the ability to...

Oklahoma is a state of small churches, and, for that matter, the Southern Baptist Convention is comprised mostly of small churches. Nearly 1,100 churches in our state convention run less than 100 in Sunday School and worship, and more than 550...

The time we spent in New Orleans attending THE seminary was a most enjoyable period for Polla and me. The city has much that would grieve your heart, but it is also a wonderful place filled with culture and history.

The Oklahoma legislature passed a very important pro-life bill during the 2008 session. A key feature would require abortion clinics to show a pregnant client an ultrasound of her unborn child before an abortion could be performed. Not...

What are we going to do with our time now? The election is complete, and we have a new president-elect, congress, legislature and everything in between. We have spent 21 months inundated by our national pastime-politics. We have been promised...

On Nov. 3, David Whitlock will become the 15th president of Oklahoma Baptist University. He is a native Oklahoman who is returning to lead our university into a new period of growth in both numbers and impact.

I don't understand why we need more churches! It seems like there are churches on every corner. Shouldn't we just strengthen the ones we already have?

On Sept. 28, a pastor whom I respect and appreciate as a leader on moral and ethical issues endorsed a presidential candidate from the pulpit of his church. He joined a couple of hundred pastors across the nation who chose to defy the IRS...

Some of today's most important vocabulary words have their root in the word "connect." Whether by cell phone, computer or other electronic device, it seems we are always looking for "connectivity." When successful, the computer tells us that the...

We are in the height of hurricane season. One storm after another comes across the Atlantic and several find their way into the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Coast states are in the cross hairs time and again.

Transition is a very familiar word in our day. Almost everything, it seems, is in transition. Checking my computer Thesaurus, the first word that appears as a synonym for "transition" is change. In many instances the word transition does not...

Some days are just harder than others. I realize each is a gift from God, but I don't always like the things that happen. You understand. Life just gets hard sometimes.

Some have suggested in recent years that Christians should abandon the public school system.

Procrastination is a habitual pastime for many of us. In fact, many would agree with the statement, "Why do today what you can do tomorrow!" Others live by the motto, "Don't get in a big rush-there's always tomorrow." But is there?

Have you spent time around 20-somethings lately? I presume the answer for many of you would be no. Polla and I have been privileged to have a houseful this summer. Our daughter just finished at OSU and moved back home temporarily, and two Aussie...

The word "program" has become taboo in Baptist circles. Anything that looks like a program, to the younger leaders in particular, is immediately dismissed. For them, a program seems too structured, restrictive and divorced from the opportunity to...

Youth Falls Creek 2008 is now complete. For 91 years, young people have made their way to the Arbuckle Mountains to have a divine encounter with the living Savior. Over these years, millions have come and been deeply touched and forever changed by...

I have just finished a new message on Matthew 16:24-28. The words of this passage convey clearly and simply that to follow Jesus requires self denial and cross bearing. As often happens, I was forced by the truth of Scripture and the Holy Spirit...

Polls have always had a place in American culture. They help us identify the thoughts, preferences and opinions of people in our society. In years past, a poll would be conducted and then a period of time would elapse before a new one was begun....

Several years ago, my mom and dad built a new house in a 100-year floodplain. Other relatives had built in the area, and so they were excited to be among family. No one gave a second thought to building in this neighborhood because, after all,...