Because I work in an office, I usually don’t have much trouble writing the correct date after New Year’s Day. Yesterday, January 6, marked the first time I wrote 2014 and then quickly changed the 4 into a 5. Even still, it’s strange to refer to December as “last year.” But last year on December 19 I got an unexpected Christmas present from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where I am a part-time, distance student. Since this Christmas present isn’t for me only, but for all current and future SBTS students, I figured I should share it with the readership of SBC Voices. The gift … [Read more...] about You can go to seminary—online!
Paraphrasing of C.S. Lewis: Reading the Bible and Popular Christian Books
Some years ago C.S. Lewis wrote an introduction to an English translation of Athanasius's On the Incarnation, a very, very old book. His introduction addresses old books and modern books, and makes a strong case for having a steady diet of older books. I've taken some liberties with Lewis's work to produce here an address on reading the Bible and reading popular Christian books. May it be a challenge and a blessing to you. There is a strange idea abroad that in the Bible should be read only by the professionals, and that the amateur should content himself with modern books in the Christian … [Read more...] about Paraphrasing of C.S. Lewis: Reading the Bible and Popular Christian Books
Sunday Reflection: Assurance and Faith
According to the Gospel of John, the first miracle that Jesus performed, inaugurating his three-year ministry, was turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. John calls it a "sign." A sign is a hint, an evidence of a somewhat hidden truth. What was that truth? John reveals it near the end of his Gospel: "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (20:30-31). This inaugural sign was only … [Read more...] about Sunday Reflection: Assurance and Faith
Working hard… like regular folk do
Pastors work a lot. According to some studies, pastors work anywhere from 50 to 60 hours a week on average. I've seen these statistics thrown about in a couple of ways: 1) to combat the myth that pastors only work on Sundays, and 2) to either throw a pity party for the poor, overworked pastor or to elevate him as being more hard-working than the average Joe. The nature of pastoral ministry can easily lead to burnout. There are constant stresses, no set hours (meaning anyone can call anytime), and a constant concern for others. But before we go throwing ourselves pity parties or praising … [Read more...] about Working hard… like regular folk do
I Love Seminary!
I love seminary. I’m a non-traditional student: I have a full-time secular job and take one class per semester, usually via the internet (curse you internet fees!). Because of my work and life situation, I can get my education while serving in my church, spending time with my family, and earning a living, all without going into debt. Times are changing and educational opportunities are expansive. I told you, I love seminary. Every once in a while I’ll read an article or hear someone talk about what seminary didn’t teach them. The methods and reasons for writing such articles are varied. Some … [Read more...] about I Love Seminary!
Who’s to Blame?
I've decided to remove my post because I believe I was careless with my words and unintentionally derided Christian homeschooling and Christian private schools. That is not my intention and I myself am quite happy with the education and influence of many Christians who homeschool, have been homeschooled, enroll their children in private Christian schools, and attend private Christian schools. I'm going to think about this over my own Christmas vacation and try to formulate something that is both edifying to other believers and focused on the need for greater Christian influence in the public … [Read more...] about Who’s to Blame?
Adrian Rogers’ Flub
This is a perfect example why we should judge The Gospel Project for what it says, not for who said what: Adrian Rogers, considered one of the preeminent Southern Baptists in recent history, wrote What Every Christian Ought to Know, a book that has been used in many SBC churches to disciple new believers in the basics of what Christians believe. I have used this book myself with new believers because it is short, easy to understand, and introduces some core Christian beliefs without getting too in-depth for a new believer to understand. However, I’m reconsidering using What Every … [Read more...] about Adrian Rogers’ Flub
Balancing Acts
We’re constantly barraged with advice to be “balanced.” Elements of Yoga and Buddhism call for an internal balance, and who can forget the yin-yang symbol depicting a flowing balance of light and dark. We’re constantly concerned about having a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, balancing our checkbook, and the balance of power in both houses of Congress. I can’t hang a picture frame on the wall without first considering placement and creating a visually aesthetic balance between the objects on the wall and the furniture in the room. Balance is all around us. Certainly, … [Read more...] about Balancing Acts
Double Predestination and My Seat at the SBC Table
I just read an article from Ron Hale on SBC Today dealing with double predestination, called “John Calvin: In His Own Words.” It’s not a very focused article, moving from Calvin’s views on double predestination to an a priori assumption that this view is “monstrous,” to an affirmation of “A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation,” to a call to Southern Baptists to get out from “under the long shadow of a Catholic monk named Augustine.” My intention here is not to provide a point-by-point rebuttal to Hale’s article, though I am a proponent of … [Read more...] about Double Predestination and My Seat at the SBC Table
Regeneration: I Stand with the BF&M
What is regeneration (being born again)? Although the Baptist Faith & Message defines this word, a new doctrinal statement, A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation (“Statement”), has taken a very different understanding. Here’s the relevant section of the BF&M: Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus … [Read more...] about Regeneration: I Stand with the BF&M