Robert Hefner

Why is it ‘cancelled’ in the U.K. but ‘canceled’ in the U.S.? Because we gave them that L in 1776.

A few thoughts regarding social media related to the upcoming #SBC26. 1. Not everything you read on the internet is true. Some of it is. However, all of it has a slant or motivation behind it. Let the reader understand. 2. Some people post with a genuine desire to contribute and steward the conversation. Some people post to draw attention to themselves. If possible, know the difference. Also, acknowledge that both cases are probable. See C.S. Lewis’ poem, “As The Ruin Falls.” 3. If you use an anonymous source, verify it with multiple sources. If the information you share is obtained from an external source that is not directly involved in the primary relationship or entity concerned, verify the information. If you need discernment for either, reference the Code of Conduct for Associated Press.

It seems @RebeccMcLaugh stirred things up recently by suggesting that preachers should use more illustrations. Those who commended it, like @lukedsimmons, took fire too. Critiques are fine, but, sadly, many of them were laced with condescension unbecoming of believers. A common objection (especially from Reformed or theologically serious corners) was that illustrating every five minutes turns a sermon into a TED Talk and demonstrates worldliness. I'd like to offer three reasons to reconsider that assumption: 1. It misunderstands what an illustration is. Many critics assumed “illustration” means “long story.” It doesn’t. An illustration is simply a device (e.g. analogy, example, or story) that makes meaning clearer. They can take 5 seconds or 5 minutes. Like flashlights, they differ in size, not purpose: to shed light. 2. It confuses abuse with disuse. Yes, illustrations get abused. Some are cheesy, manipulative, or overcooked. But abusus non tollit usum (i.e. abuse doesn’t negate proper use). Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. The fact that illustrations can be done poorly doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be done at all. 3. It forgets our own tradition. Ironically, some Reformed-leaning criticism comes from people whose own heritage is rich with illustration. Spurgeon dedicated an entire lecture to it in "Lectures to My Students." Calvin’s Institutes are full of them. And Thomas Watson can barely go five sentences, let alone five minutes, without one. (See page one of his Body of Divinity.) In short: when done in service of the text, illustrations aren’t signs of compromise. They’re good tools the best of our Protestant tradition embraced because they help people see what the Scriptures say. Preaching without illustrations is like handing someone a map in the dark. The truth is there, but a little light doesn't hurt.

Pastors: if your congregation turns to podcasters, news pundits, or X to figure out “what am I supposed to think about this?”, it may be time to rethink your discipleship strategy in 2025. People are being discipled. The question is, by whom?

Incredible thought: The difference between Christianity and all other worldviews is this: The young man who killed Charlie Kirk will likely die because of his crime. If he will trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of his sins, He will go to heaven and Charlie will be there waiting to embrace him as a brother in Christ. Only Christianity offers this kind of forgiveness, mercy, healing and eternal grace.

We’re rocking with Rocky Top today.

Two weeks in the books! RT if your team is still undefeated!

This brother doesn’t know how close he came to getting the touch of death. #SBC2025

Today church planters need to think less like a pastor/preacher starting a Sunday morning worship service and more like a missionary engaging a unique context. Engage the city. Organize around mission. Bring value. Seek restoration. Make disciples. Then birth a new church.