Dave Miller

Trevin Wax posted a 311-word summary of the entire story of the Bible, the story that was at the heart of the development of the "Gospel Project" Sunday School curriculum, which is evidently blowing up! LifeWay has consistently printed the plan of salvation in materials, but in preparation for the release of the Gospel Project decided to rewrite it in story form, appropriate to the purpose of the curriculum. Here is the Bible, summarized in 311 words. Obviously, a summary like this can't be exhaustive, but my view is that is a pretty good attempt. God's Word to You: A Summary of the … [Read more...] about The Bible in 300 Words: The Foundational Story of the Gospel Project

Elijah was on Mt. Carmel facing the prophets of Baal and Asherah.  He waited all day while they called to their gods to bring fire on the altar, but “no one heard, no one answered.”  He taunted them, they cut themselves, they made a ruckus that would have gotten the attention of any god, if that god existed.  Still, no answer came. Then, as evening drew near, it was Elijah’s turn.  He prepared the altar and the bull.  He stood before the people and prayed a very simple prayer.  He asked God to bring fire on the sacrifice to show the people of Israel that Yahweh is God – the only living … [Read more...] about Water on the Altar: Letting God Be God

A Story It was a not-uncommon snowy day in Cedar Rapids a decade ago. Several inches had piled up on the streets and the snow plows had not yet cleared First Avenue. I am a legend in my own mind at snow-driving, loving to slip-slide my way through snowy streets. I drove a small, rear-wheel-drive truck, which is about as bad as it gets in the snow. But I'd learned to handle it and I seldom let snow slow me down. I got frustrated when I got behind a real slow-poke. I mean, this lady was going no more than 10 to 15 MPH. The right lane had been informally plowed by the cars driving down the … [Read more...] about Can We Profit By Discussing Calvinism on Blogs?

Sorry, I drove all night to get home from Cedarville, so maybe I'm a little grumpy. But I just wish Ryan had run for president!  He has the kind of budgetary sense the US needs. If you want to talk politics, here it is. Just be nice.  Remember, I'm grumpy. … [Read more...] about Count Me a Little Annoyed: Paul Ryan Should be the Presidential Candidate!

In the story recorded in Acts 5, the Sanhedrin was furious and bloodthirsty. In defiance of the Council's command the Apostles continued to proclaim Christ and that set them off. Called before this intimidating body, Peter was anything but timid. He called them to account for the death of Jesus, proclaimed the resurrection and announced his intentions to obey God rather than to cower before them. This insolence infuriated them and they were determined to squash that annoying sect. Enter Gamaliel. He was one of the more influential teachers and leaders in Jewish history, even being quoted in … [Read more...] about The Gamaliel Solution: A Way Forward in the Calvinism Wars?

We spend a lot of time on blogs arguing over issues that exist within the gray areas of theology - doctrines that folks who love God and love his Word have disagreed about for centuries. But there are some issues that are absolute and clear in the Bible, but are often simply ignored. Too many disregard the clear teachings while we obsessively dipute the gray areas. I'm asking you to consider one of the clear teachings of the Bible today - a common and consistent theme in the words of Jesus and the writings of the Apostles.  Let's look back to the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the … [Read more...] about Loving our Enemies: A Matthew 5:44 Challenge

I am pleased to publish for our readers this statement from the First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs, MS, in which they express repentance over the racism that existed in the church.  Here is the text of the statement that was read Sunday.  According to BP, the church stood in affirmation of the statement after it was given. A Statement of Restoration and Reconciliation We the members of the body of Christ known as First Baptist Church Crystal Springs do this day affirm our unchanging belief that Jesus Christ is Lord of the church. Our church is indeed His church. We recognize that He, … [Read more...] about Affirming First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs, and Their Repentance

I got a direct message on Twitter from a friend when I got home today, asking why he had been placed on moderation. Somehow, our computer had read him as a new user and blocked his comments until I approved them. But that started me thinking how often people seem to have mistaken ideas about how we operate here at Voices, and what I do here. So, I thought I would share a few facts I have shared before.  Several times recently, I have been asked questions that indicate that there is widespread misunderstanding about how we work. Frankly, some of that is intentional. There are people out … [Read more...] about Correcting Misconceptions about SBC Voices

Saw this at Denny Burk's site. If you didn't see it there (and shame on you if you don't read Denny regularly!), here it is.  Iowa is proud of our champ, even if she is a transplant!   … [Read more...] about Gabby Douglas Interview

I am a conflicted blogger. I love blogging and I love this site, and yet I am often concerned about whether the way we do things is the right way. There can be little doubt about the popularity and expanded impact of blogging. But the question still remains as to whether what we do is spiritually productive. Are we an asset to the kingdom or do we hinder God's work? If we are going to improve our work, a little self-reflection is in order.  I think there is a simple way for each of us to review our own record as bloggers - to do a little self-evaluation that could help us.  Here's my idea; … [Read more...] about A Suggestion for Better Baptist Blogging