Doug did a great job filling you on on the goings-on around here. There were just a few more things I thought you might be interested to know. -AR Little Known Fact #8 - SBCVoices has millions of barrels of petroleum reserves in storage that Dave can release whenever he chooses to ease the prices at the pumps. (You might want start being a little nicer to him as you sure-up your summer driving plans.) Little Known Fact #9 - We know what's at Area 51. We know there are buildings, fences, cameras and motion sensors…lots of ‘em. Beyond that is anyone's guess. Little Known Fact #10 - … [Read more...] about More Inside Scoop on SBCVoices
Souls On Board
You may have caught the story of a United Airlines flight that had to make an emergency landing in New Orleans on Monday. The plane had just departed moments before and had no visibility due to cloud cover. Almost immediately after takeoff smoke began to appear in the cockpit. Like a page out of a Jerry Bruckheimer movie script amidst the cloud outside and the smoke inside, with a jet full of fuel and passengers, suddenly the pilots lost all instrumentation. With only the directions of air traffic control to guide them, the pilots had no choice but to attempt a completely blind … [Read more...] about Souls On Board
Suffering, Comfort, and Biblical Illiteracy
Sound theology--a clear understanding of God and His Word--are bedrock foundations that answer every significant question of human existence. However, that does not mean that when tragedy strikes we should tell someone to "take two verses and call me in the morning." If you look at the circumstances of suffering Job in the Bible, the best thing his friends did after calamity struck and his life was in shambles was to sit and be silent with him for 7 days. After that they opened their mouths and began to ponder what secret sin he had committed for God to punish him as they presumed He had. … [Read more...] about Suffering, Comfort, and Biblical Illiteracy
Choices in Giving: The Other Side of the Coin
If you had twenty bucks right now to give to a cause, where would you give it? Better yet, let me walk you through an average day of credible needs and see where that twenty dollars goes. First there’s the homeless guy at the intersection on your way into the office. He has the requisite tattered cardboard sign that ends with “God Bless”, but does not have the gift, say, of a perfect radio voice to propel him out of his plight. Does he get the money—perhaps partly to assuage your sudden guilt for stopping on the way to get yourself a pastry and an overpriced coffee drink? What about … [Read more...] about Choices in Giving: The Other Side of the Coin
Is It “Christian” to Feel Like You Have No Way Out?
This piece originally appeared on my blog in November 2010. I'm grateful for a chance to give a wider audience. May the Lord use it to His glory and, perhaps, to your comfort if you are in a place of uncertainty today. -AR Once when I was unsure what to do about a matter, a pastor I love and respect reassured me that, "God is not the author of confusion" (1 Cor 14:33). I took comfort in the reminder that the Lord loves His children, He does not play head games with them. But, I admit that I walked out of that pastor's office confused about confusion. Look at what Paul says in 2 … [Read more...] about Is It “Christian” to Feel Like You Have No Way Out?
Did God Buy Your Lunch or Save You from Choking to Death?
This piece originally appeared on my blog in July 2008. It's an illustration I've used many, many times in trying to convey the severity of the gospel to people, our need for salvation, and the right response to the grace of the Lord. -AR Imagine one day you and I go to lunch. We have a good meal together and you generously pick up the tab for both of us. I’d be appreciative. I’d say “thanks” and think that was a really nice gesture on your part. And truthfully, not long after–a few days maybe–I would probably forget about it and go on with life; maybe picking up yours next time, … [Read more...] about Did God Buy Your Lunch or Save You from Choking to Death?
An Honor, a Privilege, an Enigma, and a Challenge
So the other day Pastor Dave here at SBCVoices emails me a username and password, and welcomes me as a Contributor to the site. I am, of course, honored and find it a great privilege. Yet there is something of an enigma to it all, like being given an honorary degree at a university I barely know. As I've mentioned before in comments on this site, I have only been a Southern Baptist for about four years. To put this in SBC terms, I can count on one hand the number of Annie Armstrong offerings I've given to...and still have a finger left over. Yet here I am, an SBC "Voice". It is ironic, … [Read more...] about An Honor, a Privilege, an Enigma, and a Challenge
A Crisis of Faith and Why I am an Ice Cream Presbyterian
There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of some idea for a movie scene that I would love to see. If I wrote down every one of them I'd have the funniest script for a movie that probably only I would laugh at. In all seriousness, I am so, so thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ has graciously saved me. Yet, when it comes to a sense of humor and a perspective on observing life, well, I just ain't right. I realize that, in truth, a pastor's job is demanding of his time and energy, so realistically I would never do this, but... I would love to schedule a counseling appointment with … [Read more...] about A Crisis of Faith and Why I am an Ice Cream Presbyterian
Who Do You Pay Attention To?
Pop quiz: Can you remember the name of the security guard at the place you worked at fifteen years ago? How about at where you work now? How about the name of the cleaning person? Strange questions, right? Well, not really. As Christians, especially if we are ministers of the gospel, we are supposedly interested in all people. Too often though, we are only interested in the “-ful” people—beautiful, successful, powerful… If we are honest, we don’t often fare any better than Samuel did when he went looking for Saul’s replacement (1 Samuel 16). The Lord still has to remind us that “man … [Read more...] about Who Do You Pay Attention To?
The Day I Learned I Could Do More
The other day I wrote a short article wishing I could do more to end abortion. (Link here.) I said that my voice “just seems so small and insignificant” compared to the need. A friend who has been a long-time pro-life advocate and is well connected in the pro-life movement saw my post and challenged me: I could, in fact, do more. This morning I went with him to a local abortion clinic. We did not picket, we did not carry signs, we did not jeer at, malign, or otherwise harass the women who went in to end the lives of their babies. We stayed the legal distance away and never once … [Read more...] about The Day I Learned I Could Do More