Good Friends and Balance

You know, as this semester closed at the Birmingham extension of New Orleans Baptist theological Seminary, I couldn't help but appreciate all the friendships I have made while attending. God has blessed me with men that are growing, struggling and learning right along with me. We all are in ministry to serve. We serve Jesus Christ, the church and evangelize our communities.

Many men of God are wanting to be better at serving their churches or the churches to which one day they will serve. We go each Monday, some Tuesday and Thursday, in search of knowledge to make us better equipped to serve those who need a servant. The growth in knowledge should never engross the growth in Christ. Before I get too off topic, thank you Josh Evans, Bill Crowder, Kenny Norris, Joshua Young and Matt Butts. You guys have made the experience of NOBTS much better due to your friendships.

Now, back to growth in knowledge in comparison in growth in Christ. I, we, must not be so engrossed in gaining knowledge of the scriptures that we forsake the application of the work of those scriptures. The joy and privilege of sharing the gospel is always more exciting than just studying the scriptures. But, we must first study the scriptures so we may share the gospel. A proper delight in scripture will lead to a proper telling of the scriptures. I am fearful that many will take this experience of seminary and look to it just as a propulsion to larger ministry opportunities. The entire higher education process in the Christian life should be to expound on the calling God has already given, grace us with more understanding of how to apply it and to connect us with other ministers so to encourage and build one another up.

Let us not allow our knowledge and wisdom to vacate our understanding and application of the Great Commission. Jesus did not call the disciples to the hill in Galilee to tell them to go get some books and read, study and sit but we commanded them to Go, disciple, baptize and teach. This gives a perfect balance of action and knowledge. Notice...action (Go), knowledge (disciple), baptize (action), and teach (knowledge). Let us continue forward in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Thank you, Friends.