All you posties and amils and postmils and preterists and assorted eschatological wannabees are simply jealous because you cannot come up with the kind of quality charts that dispensationalists have provided over the years. Here's one: This is about the best non-dispy chart I've seen. I will not name the author of the non-dispy chart, because I don't want to embarrass Mike Bergmann. But until you guys can come up with some riveting fiction and a decent chart or two, your positions will never have any credibility. … [Read more...] about Proof of the Superiority of Dispensationalism: We’ve Got the Best Charts!
Ed and Lisa Young’s “Bed-In” – Scratching Itching Ears?
I'm a little nauseated right now. I just watched a few minutes of Ed and Lisa Young's "Bed-in" - a toxic mix of sex-talk, pop psychology and lightweight theological justification. Maybe I'm just old, like my contemporary praise team says. But I cannot believe that this is what Jesus was talking about when he said, "On this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not stand against it." Let me state some things very clearly. 1) I think the no-no-no, bad-bad-bad, dirty-dirty-dirty message about sex that marked much of the church's instruction about sex in my youth (back … [Read more...] about Ed and Lisa Young’s “Bed-In” – Scratching Itching Ears?
Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry: What Does the Bible Say?
NOTE: I have just released a book which compiles (and edits and expands) these posts. It is called "Disqualified? What the Bible Says about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry." It is available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version will be released in the next couple of days - not sure what the hold-up is there. This book reviews the biblical evidence on divorce and remarriage, beginning with the cornerstone in the Old Testament - the twin principles of God's intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman and the understanding of the brokenness caused by sin. It then lays the … [Read more...] about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry: What Does the Bible Say?
The Empty Power of Ridicule
There are a few of the issues that have faced Baptist bloggers through the years on which I have strong opinions, have staked out that opinion and have defended it forcefully. On many of the issues I don't have a strong opinion and have concerned myself more with the tone and tenor of the debate than the debate itself. I've never touched a drop of "beverage alcohol" in my life, but neither have I been convinced by prohibitionist arguments that the Bible prohibits moderate use of alcohol. I believe in the sovereignty of God in salvation but I am not convinced by much of the Calvinist or … [Read more...] about The Empty Power of Ridicule
Is the Cooperative Program Worthy of Sacrifice? by Nathan Finn and Micah Fries
We are concerned. As we look across our beloved Southern Baptist Convention, we see a problem that is significant, and is growing. Sadly, statistics inform us that this is an issue across the entire spectrum of SBC life, regardless of location or age and type of congregation. This issue is no respecter of persons. Our shared commitment to the Cooperative Program (CP) is on a precipitous decline. We believe this is a great tragedy that bodes ill for our Convention’s future. Lest you think we’re simply writing to stump for the CP, please understand that we believe there are vital … [Read more...] about Is the Cooperative Program Worthy of Sacrifice? by Nathan Finn and Micah Fries
Piper on Preaching to Other Religions
Chief Katie linked to this on an earlier discussion. It needs to be seen by every Christian. … [Read more...] about Piper on Preaching to Other Religions
Fan-atics? Stealing Ed Stetzer’s Idea
Ed Stetzer has a Friday feature where he posts signs. It's one of my favorites - can't believe some people actually put things on their church signs that they do. A case in point: sent to me today. I should send it to Ed, but I thought I'd just post it here. Is this fanaticism? Idolatry? Or normal Alabama silliness? You make the call. Let's all join together in hoping that Bama loses a game they shouldn't be in anyway. … [Read more...] about Fan-atics? Stealing Ed Stetzer’s Idea
Trolling for Comments at SBC Voices
SBC Voices is unique in the blogging community. We are an informational clearinghouse for Baptist blogs (our feed), a social network and a blue-collar blog. No blogging royalty here, we are every-Baptists and most of our names are known only within the SBC Voices community. But here at SBC Voices, people can have their say on Baptist-related issues and everyone else gets to comment on what is said. We have Calvinists, non-Calvinists, traditionalists and contemporarians and every other variety of Southern Baptist voices represented. We are probably a little more rowdy than some are … [Read more...] about Trolling for Comments at SBC Voices
Are You a Gulf War or World War II Christian?
I've been thinking a lot about politics lately; as an Iowan, it was hardly an option. And I have been writing about politics a lot lately - something I have promised to correct. Don't worry, while I'm going to start with politics and patriotism as a background, I've got a very biblical and spiritual point to make in this post. America's Greatest Economic Challenge As I have observed American politics and the American economy, I think I have placed my finger on what our biggest political problem is. We want to "fix our country" but we don't want to change anything significant while we … [Read more...] about Are You a Gulf War or World War II Christian?
A Baptist Pastor Caucusing in Iowa
I just got back from the Republican Caucus. Well, actually, I just got back from the Democratic Caucus as well. We got some bad information and showed up at Obama headquarters and spent a few embarrassing minutes figuring out we were at the wrong place. So, we ended up being a few minutes late when we finally got to the Republican Caucus. The Democratic Caucus process is really complicated. They have "viable" candidates and "non-viable" candidates and revotes and groupings and all sorts of things. The Republican process is much simpler. Each candidate gets five minutes of promotional … [Read more...] about A Baptist Pastor Caucusing in Iowa