My Tribute to Dr. Wynn Kenyon (Feat. short tributes from others)

Dr. Wynn Kenyon was the Professor of Biblical Studies and Philosophy; Chair of the Philosophy Department and Division of Ministry and Human Services at Belhaven University, my Alma mater, in Jackson, MS. He was also an elder at Redeemer Church, PCA, a multi-ethnic church plant in Jackson.


Dr. Kenyon was an honors graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary where he studied under the late Dr. John Gerstner. It has been said that Dr. Gerstner had two favorite students; one of them was the world renown Dr. R.C. Sproul and the other was, yeah you guessed it, Dr. Wynn Kenyon.


Dr. Kenyon is probably most well known in Presbyterian circles for the his controversial judicial case in 1975 when the Permanent Judicial Commission of the UPCUSA General Assembly upset the conservatives of the denomination by overturning the Pittsburgh Presbytery's ordination of Dr. Kenyon. Kenyon told the GA that based on his Biblical convictions, he could not participate in ordination services for women, but he would not get in the way of a woman being ordained and he was willing to work with ordained women. The PJC ruled that the UPCUSA must deny ordination to anyone who refused to follow "an explicit constitutional provision." This decision led to the departure of 40 conservative congregations, including Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. This eventually led to the formation of the Presbyterian Church of America. Dr. Kenyon went on to receive his M.A. and Ph.D from Miami University.

Dr. Kenyon was my favorite professor at Belhaven. He was the first to encourage me to study theology and philosophy. His exact words were "You're a sharp kid. You can do this." He always gave me more credit than I deserved, but that's just the type of guy he is. One of his many spiritual gifts is encouragement. The next year he had me teach a guided study for his Christian Doctrine class, for which he wrote the curriculum. He taught me how to think and for that I am grateful. He was always patient with me and anyone he encountered.

After graduating, although I was still in the city and he was an elder at my church, I hadn't spent much time with Dr. Kenyon. I would see him randomly and we would have short conversations where I would try and provoke his famous "HA!" laugh by saying something witty (I was usually pretty successful at this), but not nearly enough time to have a meaningful conversation. Recently, I was moved to go and check on him more often. About three weeks ago, he was initiated and invited me to his home for lunch and it was amazing.

Dr. Kenyon and his lovely wife Ginny have such a gift of hospitality. We discussed ministry, life, Bible and philosophy. I told him I wanted to spend more time with him and I  also wanted to discuss my Apologetics course that I was taking at RTS. He was happy to help and he told me his doors were always open. I quickly discovered that the Kenyons meant this. I went over later that week and we had a good time talking apologetics and also discussed his life and marriage to Ginny. I was encouraged by this man's love for his wife, family, students and the church. He was a man who was ready to extend grace and give others the benefit of the doubt. He and his wife intended on visiting the college ministry (RUF) that I intern with this past Thursday, but as many of you know Dr. Kenyon had a heart attack on Wednesday and went home to be with the Lord on today, February 13, 2012. Earlier today, I had a chance to see him and say my goodbyes for now, while Paul Husband and I prayed and cried beside his bed. It was then I realized the depth of our relationship and how much he meant to me. I felt as if I'd lost a close relative.

Dr. Kenyon is the first person to die that I'm pretty close to since age 11 when I lost my aunt. Needless to say, it's been a long time since death has been this close and it hurts. But today I found myself finding comfort in the simple fact that one day the Christian body will be raised and Christ will return. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him Wynn and other Christians who have fallen asleep. For those of us that are in Christ, we will see our dear brother again. But until then, we must fight the good fight of faith and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Please pray for his family, church, and friends as we mourn the loss of our dear brother. Especially remember his wife Ginny and their three kids.

I'm only one of the many students' lives Dr. Kenyon impacted, so below I've compiled a short (not exhaustive) list of words from former students, co-workers, and friends of Dr. Wynn Kenyon.

So sorrowful today in the loss of Dr. Wynn Kenyon. Such an amazing teacher and friend, with a kind heart and a tremendous laugh. - Katie Stewart

Today we bid adieu to Dr. Wynn Kenyon. He was our great Professor, a fine friend, and a metaphysician of the First Order. Farewell, Doctor. - Mason Stewart

Wynn Kenyon. Absent from the body. Present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 - Dr. Ligon Duncan

Many thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Dr. Wynn Kenyon, an amazing friend and teacher. He has meant a great deal to many people. - Joseph Craven

To say that I, along with all of Dr. Wynn Kenyon's former students, stand on giant's shoulders is a severe understatement. #RIP - Jason Bruce

Bring your laugh to heaven for the angels to enjoy, Dr. Kenyon. We love you. You've changed so many lives here at Belhaven. #illneverforget - Jocelyn Zhu

Keep expecting celebrities I follow (on Twitter) to say something nice about Dr. Kenyon. Seems like a person that everyone should've known, doesn't he. - Sarah Bannerman

What I learned in Dr Kenyon's classes has had a distinct impact on my life and walk in grace. Thankful for that. RIP - Brett Clifton

Dr. Kenyon passed. He had such a huge impact on my school. He will be missed! - Katie Joy Self

Dr. Kenyon is with the Lord face to face now! #romans8:28 - Mark Husband

One of the things I enjoyed most as RUF campus minister @ Belhaven was hanging out with prof & church pillar Wynn Kenyon. He will be missed. - Rev. Chad Smith

This man has done more for loving people in his life than I could hope to do if I had 9. #DrKenyon #Conqueror #SonOfGod #CherishedFriend - Michael Preston

Dr. Kenyon is with his Lord who he glorified so mightily in his earth life! Thank the Lord that he went on to glory surrounded by family! - Grace Anne Haynes

Dr. Kenyon-His laugh will always stay fresh in my memory, his love I will carry in my heart, and his faith will continue to encourage mine. - KC Jones

There are 30 years of Belhaven students who learned how to think from that man. - Beth Whitney

Gee, talk about an orientation class in heaven this week with Dr. Knox and Dr. Kenyon. I bet he already has an apostles vs. prophets game of angleball going. :) - Thomas Wallace

Discerning God's Will & Divine Appointments

I wasn't planning on writing this blog today (most of my blog posts are sporadic), but "divine appointments" has been a recurring theme in my heart for some days now. One thing that every Christian struggles with is knowing God's will for their life. Being a recent college graduate, current seminary student, and part-time campus ministry intern, I hear this question more than anything. Young adults are stressed because they don't know what God's will is for them concerning careers, classes, marriage etc. Now I'm sure much can be said concerning this question, but instead of focusing all of my blog post on this question, I've decided to expose the sin that can SOMETIMES hide behind this question. This is a good question, but the motives behind it may be sinful and ultimately send the Christian into a spiral of self pity while at the same time robbing them of the discernment needed to answer the question.

The main problem with this question is the word "my" that lies within the question. Does God have individual plans and callings for individual people? Yes! Scripture is clear about this (1 Corinthians 12:27-31). But the biggest problem with the word "my" is that it can SOMETIMES reveal a selfish and sinful individualistic spirit that is so focused inwardly that it tends to neglect the opportunities for ministry that are surrounding you.

The Christian must be very careful. Christ said, "...love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind....love your neighbor as yourself. On these commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-39) These two commandments are great places to start when it comes to figuring out God's will for your life. But notice they are completely outward focused. The focus is God and other people, not you!

Now if we disobey this commandment I'm confident that we are in sin and therefore conforming to the world which, based on Romans 12:1-2, will prevent us from gaining discernment to discover the will of God. The passage says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." When we are in unrepentant sin, we blind ourselves and therefore lack discerning eyes. Perhaps God's will is directly in front of your face, but you're so blinded by your sin and focused in yourself to see that will.

So readers, I challenge you to look at every person that you encounter and every place that you go as a divine appointment for your life. Learn to serve faithfully those in front of you wherever you are. S/O to all my singles! Don't allow yourself to be so consumed and obsessed with finding a mate, especially when it causes you to neglect opportunities to love God and the people in front of you. Perhaps, your love and service for God and people will be the quality that will attract your mate to you. Perhaps your selfish attitude is what is running potential spouses away. Love God and man, but hate sin!

So I want to hear from you guys. Any divine appointments lately? How has faithfully obeying the two great commandments impacted your life? Go!!!

Lecrae (not LACRAE) and the B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards

If you're on Facebook or Twitter and especially if you're a friend or a follower, you've heard the buzz about Lecrae being on some type of Hip Hop Awards show on B.E.T. Many will hear about this and respond, "What's the big deal?" But there are a few of us who know how big of a deal this is and we're excited!

Why? I grew up watching B.E.T. and I know how big of an influence it is in the black community. Sadly it's not a good influence. It portrays the life of many professed believers in our community in it's viewing schedule. Monday-Saturday B.E.T plays all types of garbage that is not becoming of a Christian and then on Sunday it plays gospel music and preaching. See the pattern? Live how you want to live Monday-Saturday but on Sunday mornings go to church and you're good. B.E.T. has influenced our culture more than most realize. I'm not blaming the spiritual state of our culture completely on B.E.T., but I will say they are part of the problem along with the parents and the Church.

Nevertheless, it's a HUGE platform specifically in our community that desperately needs truth and last night Lecrae gave them a taste of truth by faithfully proclaiming Jesus in a way that was offensive (which means he did it right) without sacrificing beautiful art. Our culture who has repeatedly called Christian Rap corny, lame, silly, and wack are now exposed to a rapper who is a phenomenal artist but most importantly an excellent and faithful communicator of the true and offensive Gospel.

So are you are still thinking, "So what? A song won't change anyone." I would beg to differ. Lecrae and other artists in his camp are some of the first individuals to challenge my bible-belt Christianity. God used music to challenge and expose my doctrine, philosophy, worldview and lifestyle as faulty and sinful. Music shapes our WORLDVIEW! Even the people in the world realize this. One guy, in so many words, said this last night as he introduced Lupe Fiasco, a Muslim rapper.

Ultimately, Lecrae can only plant seeds but God must give the increase. Lecrae is simply a instrument in the Redeemers hands and I find comfort in this truth. I'm confident Lecrae will use this platform to point men and women to Jesus. I'm excited.

Did you miss the awards show? Watch Lecrae's cypher verse here:

BET Hip Hop Awards - Lecrae's Cypher

Want to know more about Lecrae? Watch his story here:
Lecrae - I Am Second

Ashes in my Mouth

Perhaps some of you have heard of either Russell Brand or Jeremy Paxman, but it's quite possible that some of you have heard of neither. I'll give you a brief description of both. Jeremy Paxman, according to Wikipedia, is a British journalist, author and television presenter. He has worked for the BBC since 1977. He is noted for a forthright and abrasive interviewing style, particularly when interrogating politicians. His regular appearances on the BBC2's Newsnight program have been criticized as aggressive, intimidating, condescending and irreverent, yet applauded as tough and incisive.

Russel Brand, however, is an English comedian, actor, columnist, singer, author and radio/television presenter. Brand is noted for his eccentricity and his controversies in the British media, including his dismissal from MTV for dressing up as Osama bin Laden and controversies while presenting at various award ceremonies. The 2008 prank telephone calls he made to Andrew Sachs while co-hosting The Russell Brand Show with Jonathan Ross led to his resignation from the BBC and major policy changes in that organisation. His prior drug use and promiscuity influenced his comedic material and public image. He married American pop singer Katy Perry in October 2010.

Jeremy Paxman interviewed Brand in 2010 and it was an interesting and quite profound interview. Paxman talks about how between now and death he would like to obtain something worth wild. He discusses how the world influences and basically sells us a a bill of goods about fame and fortune. Brand goes on to say that it means nothing and now that he is famous it's "ashes in my mouth" a phrase that is straight out of the Bible. Brand has discovered something that is quite profound. But sadly, although he has discovered some amazing truths, he has yet to come to the conclusion that the answer is in Jesus.

Nevertheless, I would encourage EVERYONE to watch this 6:00 minute interview. Pay close attention to what he says.

#1 Killer of Black Americans in the USA (Pt. 2)

Here is yet another video that gives us some facts about abortion. Please think and reflect. Think about what is actually taking place in African American culture. I'm sure years from now people will be asking how did the masses let a tragedy like abortion take place for so long without ever addressing it.

The Bible called Paul a murderer for approving the stoning of Stephen and anyone who is pro-choice or passive about the matter of abortion is guilty of the same.

#1 Killer of Black Americans in the USA (Pt. 1)

I guess the old saying is true, "When you point a finger at a person, you always have three pointing back at you." Well America should be reminded of this.

With all the drama and anger surrounding the infamous Casey Anthony and her trial, I watch and wonder how many of her accusers and enemies are pro-abortion. I want to expose you guys to three short videos over the next three days concerning abortion, specifically in the black community. Take a look...




Also check out my friend Scott Moore's blog "The Rest of Sunday" and view his latest post on abortion.

Forgiveness that Gives!

Check out this amazing story of a Christian woman that truly forgave the man that murdered her son.