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Dave Miller

Thank You, Veterans

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There is a lot of debate on blogs about how much part patriotism ought to have in worship services. But on this, there can hardly be debate. On 11/11, we can all agree that the freedoms we enjoy were not free, that they have come to us at the expense of the sweat and sacrifice of those who serve this nation as soldiers.  They live in undesirable places and do undesirable things so I can sit in my recliner and write blogs and sermons in comfort. That kind of sacrifice should be remembered and honored daily, not just once a year. Thank you to those of you who wore the uniform and … [Read more...] about Thank You, Veterans

Epilogue (at least for now) to our Calvinism Discussions

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I'm not shutting these posts down or anything, but the discussion seems to be winding down to the "gnawing on the bones" phase, so let me do a little post-mortem observation. This is, of course, my opinion, which I hardly need to say you are free to disagree with. 1)  The thirst for discussions of Calvinism is almost unquenchable.  If you look at the statistics here the last 48 hours, you will see that.  I try not to write things just to "stir things up" but if I was going to do that, I'd either write about alcohol or about Calvinism. 2)  I remain convinced that the Calvinism issue is … [Read more...] about Epilogue (at least for now) to our Calvinism Discussions

Dr. Mohler’s 2010 Statement on New Calvinism: Not Helpful!

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I am a fan of Dr. Al Mohler! I am glad he is one of our leaders. I am constantly amazed at Dr. Mohler's ability to articulate his positions.  His statement on homosexuality at the SBC Annual Meeting this year was one of the best, most concise and biblical statements of a Christian approach to the subject I've ever heard.  I've seen Dr. Mohler on national programs and always have been impressed at his ability to express unpopular biblical ideas in a persuasive way.  When he speaks, I listen.  And usually I think he hits it out of the park! In a video from 2010 that has recently been … [Read more...] about Dr. Mohler’s 2010 Statement on New Calvinism: Not Helpful!

A Day Devoted to Calvinism at SBC Voices!

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Calvinism is never far from the front pages in the Southern Baptist Convention.  It is a crucial topic and one of the hardest to discuss in a calm and productive manner.  On September 15, I published an article saying that any future discussions of Calvinism here would have to be productive, not derisive. That is a hard thing to manage, and more than a few of you will think today that I violated my commitment on the subject. But we cannot be "SBC Voices" without addressing the subject that is at the root of much of the SBC's splintering. So, today we will be talking Calvinism all day - … [Read more...] about A Day Devoted to Calvinism at SBC Voices!

Trevin Wax’s Insights on the SBC Name Change

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Is anyone tired of the discussion of the name change for the SBC? I am often amused by comments in which people express weariness of the discussions of certain topics.   But I watch the statistics on this blog.  In spite of what people say, there is a nearly unquenchable thirst for discussion of certain topics - Calvinism, alchohol, the GCR, whatever.  What we sometimes run out of is fresh insights and we end up rehashing the same arguments over and over. Statistics would demonstrate that Southern Baptists care a lot about the issue of the name change.  But I think we've been rehashing a … [Read more...] about Trevin Wax’s Insights on the SBC Name Change

It’s About Lives Changed, Not Churches Built!

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When I left Cedar Rapids in 2005, after more than 14 years of ministry at my church there, it was a huge shock.  I thought that I would one day retire as the pastor of that church and I used to tell people that my goal in ministry was to leave one solid church behind that would be my spiritual legacy.  God showed me that this was not his will and I didn't understand it.  We were settled in Cedar Rapids, happy in Cedar Rapids.  Why did God move us? As time went on, I began to realize some reasons that God might have moved us across the state of Iowa to Southern Hills Baptist Church. The … [Read more...] about It’s About Lives Changed, Not Churches Built!

Defenders who Destroy? An Association’s Sad Decision

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At their annual meeting, held October 17-18, the Daviess-McLean Baptist Association in Kentucky voted 104-9 to withhold fellowship from Pleasant Valley Community Church in Owensboro.  The Western Recorder has reported the action and given the primary reason for the action as the fact that the church was "too Calvinistic."  Associated Baptist Press also covered the story, mostly based on the story from the Western Recorder.  Sadly, Baptist Press has not covered the story. The facts do not seem to be in dispute.  The association brought no charges of heresy against Pleasant Valley.  They did … [Read more...] about Defenders who Destroy? An Association’s Sad Decision

Name Change Suggestion: How about “Ephesus Baptist Convention?”

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I wonder what name our Lord and Savior would give to the Southern Baptist Convention?  I've spent a lot of time in recent years studying and teaching from Revelation 2 and 3, the seven letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor.  I'm going to give you my opinion, and you can take it for what it is worth.  As I look at the SBC, the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2 comes to mind.  Would Jesus call us the "Ephesus Baptist Convention?" Jesus described the church at Ephesus in very complimentary terms in verses 2-3. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot … [Read more...] about Name Change Suggestion: How about “Ephesus Baptist Convention?”