In a move that was predicted by many after the controversy that occurred earlier this year, Dr. Richard Land has announced his retirement from the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, effective in October of next year. Baptist Press' article can be found here. When the trustees of the ERLC reprimanded Land and took away his radio program after racially insensitive remarks about the Trayvon Martin tragedy and the plagiarism allegations were made public earlier this year, many expected that Land's retirement was imminent. It is probably the best solution to the situation. Land will … [Read more...] about Richard Land Announces His Retirement (October 2013)
A Story of My Own Failure in a Racial Challenge
I was very critical, in an article yesterday, of a Baptist church that refused to perform the wedding of a black couple in their church. Some have been critical of the pastor, Dr. Stan Weatherford for his actions. I have not bashed him for two reasons. First, I know he was faced with a difficult choice. He probably wishes he made a different one. But there is a second reason. I once walked in his shoes. It was nearly 25 years ago and I was a young preacher. I look back on my own actions with less than complete satisfaction. I hope I would do differently now. If you have pastored in a racist … [Read more...] about A Story of My Own Failure in a Racial Challenge
Shameful, Public Racism in an SBC Church: A Test Case for Racial Reconciliation?
The Clarion-Ledger newspaper of Jackson, MS, is running an article today detailing overt racism at a church that is evidently affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, according to the Mississippi Baptist Convention's church directory and on the SBCnet church search. There is nothing on their website that identifies the church as Southern Baptist (thank God). However, they are listed on both the SBC and MBC websites as part of us and the stain of their racism is on all of us until we do something about it. I would encourage you to follow the link above and read the story before you … [Read more...] about Shameful, Public Racism in an SBC Church: A Test Case for Racial Reconciliation?
What to Do with Egalitiarians?
Let me say, first of all, what this post is not intended to be: a discussion of the biblical or theological merits of egalitarianism. I'm sure some of that discussion will come in here - it is almost unavoidable. But the SBC and most of the commenters here are complementarians. Let me state my views clearly. I am a complementarian because that is what the Bible teaches - from Genesis to Revelation. I have written several posts here exegeting passages on the topic. Egalitarianism is a compendium of bad hermeneutical practices - if you want to know how NOT to do exegesis, look at the … [Read more...] about What to Do with Egalitiarians?
Hello from Taiwan
Just thought I'd check in and say a little hello to everyone. We've had a great week of ministry here in Taiwan. I preached 13 times in 8 days. Wish I'd prepared in advance, but my procrastination was in evidence. We have a couple of days of R&R in the south, and we are then headed home on Thursday. Hope the SBC Voices team has been treated you guys well. Ignore Rick Patrick. Be excellent to each other. And party on, dudes. … [Read more...] about Hello from Taiwan
Miller-OUT!
I am headed to Taiwan on Thursday. I've got a couple of posts set up for tomorrow, but I won't likely be writing. I am continuing to ADD items to my to-do list quicker than I cross them off. SBC Voices will be in the hands of our writing staff during the next two weeks. Barring unforeseen circumstances, I will be back into the USA on July 26, and probably back to blogging a couple of days later. If I get a moment, I may write a post or two in the next two weeks, but I will not be around much. You will just have to survice without me. Hugs and Kisses. … [Read more...] about Miller-OUT!
Overseas Mission Trips: Do They Serve a Legitimate Purpose?
I'm heading on a mission trip on Thursday, to Taiwan. I recounted the provision of God in a blog post yesterday. It was amazing. But some have pointed out how expensive mission trips are. We will spend between $15,000 to $18,000 on this trip. I will preach around 15 times in 9 days, and our team will lead youth group ministries, lead worship and do other tasks at a missionary conference. It's a lot of money for the ministry we are doing. Is it valuable? Is it worth it? It is cost-effective in terms of ministry? Tough questions. Some say that mission trips are a waste of time and … [Read more...] about Overseas Mission Trips: Do They Serve a Legitimate Purpose?
Declaring the Glory of God: How God Provided for My Trip to Taiwan
On Thursday, I am leaving for a mission trip to Taiwan. When God does something amazing, it is incumbent on the recipients of that amazing work to recount the goodness of God. I want to share what has happened and how this has all come together. Our primary work this time will be serving at the Taiwan Missionary Fellowship, a gathering of evangelical missionaries from all over Taiwan. We will be leading the youth ministry for the week. Ben and Deserai (my son and daughter-in-law) will also be leading the music and worship time at the morning sessions for the adults and I will be teaching … [Read more...] about Declaring the Glory of God: How God Provided for My Trip to Taiwan
Walking the Tightrope: Balancing Love for Sinners with Acceptance of Sin
Were you are amazed as I was watching Nik Wallenda cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope? In addition to listening to his constant stream of praise to our Savior, just the magnitude (or, perhaps idiocy) of what he was doing was shocking. He walked across Niagara Falls on a cable. The pictures and video were nothing short of astonishing. But, during that entire walk, he was never in danger. He was tethered to a safety line. If he had fallen, he'd have only been embarrassed, not dead. The stunt was still incredible - my heart was beating rapidly as I watched - but Nik Wallenda … [Read more...] about Walking the Tightrope: Balancing Love for Sinners with Acceptance of Sin
It’s No Time to Go Fishing!
Peter was a fisherman. He had done it all his life, even when he was a disciple of John the Baptist. Then, one day, Jesus walked by. “Follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men.” And Peter followed him. He left the nets behind and followed Jesus for more than three years, throughout Galilee, to Jerusalem, to Gethsemane, and to the Sanhedrin. There, it all ended. “I swear to you, I never knew this man.” With those words, Peter denied the Lord he had sworn to serve. And even when the most glorious miracle of history occurred, even when Jesus was raised from the dead, even when … [Read more...] about It’s No Time to Go Fishing!