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
How Quickly It All Goes By: A Meditation for Young Whippersnappers
The prophet Isaiah compared people to grass, which springs up quickly, flourishes, then dies down as the days grow cold. Life, even long life, passes quickly. I am feeling that so strongly this year. In the blog world, I'm an old fogey. Of course, I'm way younger than CB Scott, but most of you who read this fall into the general category of what I call young whippersnappers (a term originally used to describe Matt Svoboda, but since expanded to refer to all you youngsters who are pastors but only recently had to begin shaving!). I was one of those about a week and a half ago. It seems … [Read more...] about How Quickly It All Goes By: A Meditation for Young Whippersnappers
Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions?
New Year seems like a redemptive holiday to me. A blank slate. A fresh start. A new chance to break some bad habits and start some good ones. For a long time, I was an ardent New Year's Resolutionist! I would sit down and makes plans and write down my goals and hopes for the year. Then, I realized something. This year's resolutions look a lot like last year's. 1) Spend more time in personal Bible study and prayer. 2) Lose 30 pounds (or 40, or 50, 0r 75 - this one has fluctuated over time). 3) Finish several of the book projects I have growing spider webs on my hard … [Read more...] about Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions?
It’s One Week to the Caucus and I’m Still Confused
Iowa has few marks of distinction - we grow a lot of corn, beef and pork. We have a lot of high-tech industries and an advanced public education system. But for one brief shining moment every four years the eyes of the nation are upon the cities and towns of this state. Our caucuses (a sort of dysfunctional town-hall meeting) are the first stage in the nomination process for president of the United States. Last time around, Iowa Democrats shocked the nation by choosing Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton (who actually dropped to third behind John Edwards) and sending the current president on … [Read more...] about It’s One Week to the Caucus and I’m Still Confused
Calvinist Identity Issues: What is a Calvinist?
I write this in deep fear that I'm going to get a poke in the nose from Rick Patrick. Actually, his light-hearted complaint about being labeled a Calvinist made me think about a problem with the whole debate. I left a comment on that post, but thought I would expand the concept as a separate post and ask the question I think we need to answer. What do you mean when you call someone a Calvinist? As I watch the sometimes intense discussion of Calvinism here and elsewhere, I can't help but think that one root of the problem is often the definition of the term. I mean one thing when I use … [Read more...] about Calvinist Identity Issues: What is a Calvinist?