Together

In times of trouble The Lone Ranger had Tonto. Batman had Robin when he got himself into a jam. Superman had...well, he is Superman after all! And that is the point. We are not Superman. Why would we think in times of hurt, depression, anxiety, anger, fear, doubt, or any other human struggle we have what it takes to handle it alone? Truth be told Superman is only a comic book hero, and no amount of positive thinking will ever bring us close to being like him.

When Jesus began His ministry the first thing He did was build a community of 12 men. John MacArthur reminds us that even with the many character flaws of the Disciples, after living in community with each other, they carried on a ministry which not only influence us today, but which still impacts the world.

We were created by God to need each other and live in community with one another. we have been created in the image of our Triune God who is constantly living in community. The reason we do not enjoy the same is that sin has corrupted us, and any desire we have for community have become just that…OURS, revealing our selfishness as opposed to selflessness. We must draw our example from the redemptive nature of the trinity. “God is a redeeming God who does something utterly amazing to reconcile us to Himself and others” (Tripp/Lane). At the core of our faith we know that Jesus dying on the cross has put us right with God. When you dig deeper you begin to realize that the very community existing between the Father, Son, and Spirit was ripped in two as Jesus bore a bloody death so that we could have a chance to be put right with God, and once again rightly relate to our fellow brothers and sisters.

Meet the President

For the past three years I have had the great privilege of studying at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary under the influence of its president, Dr. Akin. I never sat in his classroom or in his office for conversation, yet his leadership has greatly influenced me during my time in seminary.

If you asked me what I appreciate most about Dr. Akin it would be his challenge to the students to use everything given us to its fullest potential to bring God glory. This includes our minds. If you listen to him preach you will quickly hear his heart for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After sitting under his leadership I feel better equipped to engage a skeptical world with the Gospel.

When you come across godly men like Dr. Akin, you realize you have much to learn from them. I read an interview C.J. Mahaney recently had with Dr. Akin which gives us an opportunity to do that. In this interview Mahaney asks questions that get to the heart of Dr. Akin's character. I hope as you read the interview you will be challenged to improve areas in your own walk with God.

Learning Submission During Advent

"Jesus' life began in a stable and ended on the cross between two criminals. His apostle Paul said he wanted to proclaim nothing but this crucified Christ. We, too, have nothing to hold on to execpt this Christ. We must ask ourselves again and again: Are we willing to go His way, from the stable to the cross? As disciples we are not promised comfortable and good times. Jesus says we must deny ourselves and suffer with Him and for Him. that is the only way to follow Him, but behind it all lies the glory of life, the glowing love of God, which is so much greater than our hearts and our lives."

J. Heinrich Arnold