Archive for June, 2012

Assurance of Life’s Provisions

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

“There is no want to those who fear the Lord” (Psalm 34:9). We understand there are big issues that shape the direction of our life. As Christians we should serve God, faithfully worship with the people of God and live to make a difference for eternity. Hopefully, we have nailed down the foundational values that […]

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SBC–Illusion of Unity

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

There was a great deal of rhetoric appealing for unity preceding and at the recent Southern Baptist Convention. Meanwhile, not so subtle suspicions were being expressed and barbs being cast in articles, blogs and verbal communication toward those perceived of tilting toward reform theology. A vast diversity among those who identify themselves as Southern Baptist […]

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SBC New Orleans

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

Jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, shrimp po-boys and beignets! Great time in New Orleans at the Southern Baptist Convention. Oh yeah, there was a lot of preaching and politicking, too, but the eating and fellowship was what it was all about. It was nice to get there with a leisurely 3-hour drive down I-55 instead of being […]

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Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

“Teach me your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify your name forevermore” (Psalm 86:11-12). Continuing our focus on the fear of God, the Bible reveals that this is the […]

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Variety is the Spice of Life

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

Family and friends often comment on how busy we seem to be. Colleagues who preceded us into a retirement lifestyle alerted us to the reality of being busier than ever. That’s true, but we have found the difference is we are busy with what we choose to do rather than what we have to do. […]

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Marketplace Missionaries

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

Recent research reveals that over the last decade an average of three countries a year close their doors to Christian missionaries. That is based on an unfortunate perception that missionaries are interested only in proselytizing their people, corrupting their youth and disrupting their cultural traditions through enticements to people to change their religion. They don’t […]

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Bobbyeʼs Mission to Moldova

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

For the second year in row it was my privilege to participate with Embrace–the womenʼs ministry of the North Carolina Baptist Convention–in their partnership with Moldova, a small country in Eastern Europe between Romania and the Ukraine. Last year we spoke at conferences for pastorsʼ wives, but this year the trip focused on ministry alongside […]

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No Fear of God

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” Judges 21:25 Most Christians have a sincere desire to live a godly life and follow Godʼs will, but consistently fail because their efforts are based on a legalistic approach of trying to do what is right and […]

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Help That Hurts

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

The blog last week on supporting national workers was not meant to be condescending toward those who are serving our Lord in Third World countries at great sacrifice and even suffering for the cause of the gospel. Neither western missionaries nor native evangelists have a corner on effectiveness that comes from the anointing of God’s […]

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Summertime Reading

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Dr. Jerry Rankin

When the suitcases are unpacked between trips and the temperature is soaring, it is a delightful time to settle into a cool, comfortable corner with a glass of iced tea and get lost in a book. One of Bobbye’s favorite places is a rocker on the back porch sit-out, while I prefer the big-windowed garden […]

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