Archives for 2013

It is considered almost a truism that conservative Christians, who believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman and that homosexual behavior is sinful, are hateful, cruel, homophobic, intolerant and just plain evil. And, unfortunately, that has perhaps been the case with some churches, some pastors in some situations. At times, our rhetoric has been intemperate. The liberal orthodoxy is clear: conservative Christians are homophobic, hateful bigots. It is, in my opinion, a lie that is not founded in reality. Those who accuse us of bigotry and hatred are engaging in lazy and … [Read more...] about Dealing Redemptively with the Hate and Intolerance of the Left

Another stupid error. This was becoming one of the worst practices in history. I was sure to lose my starting position after all of these stupid errors. It was like the worst of Bill Buckner and Chuck Knoblauch had invaded my playing skills. I couldn’t throw to first base. I couldn’t catch a simple ground ball. And so I did what every unsanctified high school boy does when he’s having a practice like that; I cursed and screamed out expletives while kicking the dirt. I was playing the game that I loved and I hated it. Baseball had become my god and it was kicking my tail. It started … [Read more...] about Baseball, Meaninglessness, and True Joy

Dr. David W. Manner is the Associate Executive Director for the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists. He blogs at  http://kncsb.org/blogs/dmanner . You can follow him on Twitter:  @dwmanner.  Why are churches that so zealously defend the Bible rarely reading its text in public services of worship?  Does its limited use convey a lack of trust in the very Word professed to be foundational to faith, doctrines and practices?  And by limiting its text to a single reading prior to the pastoral exhortation are leaders implying that a higher level of credibility is found in the exhortation … [Read more...] about If the Bible Is Foundational to Worship…Why Aren’t We Using It? (by Dr. David W. Manner)

This was originally posted at Bart's blog, Praisegod Barebones. The following post refers extensively to the framework that Dr. Al Mohler articulated in his own blog post of 12 July 2005 entitled "A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity." You can find that article here. The official statement of faith for the Southern Baptist Convention is the Baptist Faith & Message. I have signed this document several times. And, in point of fact, not only have I signed it, but I also have read it and I agree with it. My signing of this document has been a matter of informed … [Read more...] about Theological Triage and Statements of Faith (by Bart Barber)

I doubt it. As tempted as I am to leave that as the entire blog, I will explain my thoughts. I think we as the SBC have become stagnant. There are some alive, vibrant churches out there, but as a whole, we have become still water. The push and pull and twist and tug have all negated each other and movement has stopped. Here are the root issues as I see them (this is my opinion). 1. The move to be missional has become a drive to reach people like us. Let's face it, the world has changed and we haven't. We are still fighting about hymns and organs, using powerpoint and under use online tech. … [Read more...] about Can The SBC Change?

For those who end up being replanted in North American soil... About 27 years ago, Cal and I left the US for the mission field.  We were young and strong.  We had a healthy sense of who we were, where we were from, and knew that God had spoken to us.  We left behind extended families, barbecue, football, tulips in spring and leaves in the fall.  We preserved the memory of places and people in our hearts. Over the years, we learned languages and foods.  We ministered and taught.  New workers were welcomed and later sent back to their original homes.  Nationals resisted, listened, … [Read more...] about Coming Home

Jerry Corbaley blogs at Think the Thoughts? You think Jesus Christ was a good looking Caucasian with long flowing hair. You worship Jesus Christ as Savior, but not Lord. You think being rescued from the penalty of sin means that there are no consequences to the sins you commit. You think your pastor is responsible for your spiritual well-being. You pray often for the needs of the physical body, and have little appreciation for the spiritual treasure that is yours for the asking. You think that Jesus Christ would be a democrat or a republican. You think that America is liable … [Read more...] about You Might Be a Cultural Christian If: (by Jerry Corbaley)

It has been a remarkable phenomenon taking place in the last few years, and the tide only seems to be getting stronger. Since the halcyon days of the Moral Majority, the Republican Party has been the proud defender of "traditional family values." We knew that much of this support was tepid at best, but it was there nonetheless. The party platform opposed abortion, an unspeakable evil that must be opposed by anyone with basic moral sense. It stood for the "traditional family" against many initiatives pushed by the social progressives on the other side of the aisle. But the struggle was most … [Read more...] about Let’s Face It, Christian Republicans. We’ve Been Used!

I had to have wasted a good hour. It was my first experience—at least that I recall—with a powerful sunbeam. I pondered the impact that this ray of light had upon our home. Its brightness exposed all of these little creatures. They looked like sea monkeys. Or floating pieces of dirt. They would soon take on a life of their own. I experimented with these dust fragments for all of five minutes. Then I did what all little boys do when confronted with invaders; I busted out my sweet ninja moves. I employed karate chop after karate chop to destroy these little minions bombarding our kitchen … [Read more...] about The Church Going Full-Ninja