Dave Miller

I've been introduced to something new in the last couple of months, something called "spoken word" poetry.  It's not sappy rhymes like you find on greeting cards and funeral programs, but gritty observations about life set in a lyrical form.  You can find a lot of it on Youtube and Vimeo.  Much of it, of course, is pretty vulgar. I found out about spoken word poetry because my daughter was introduced to it in her Creative Writing class and has become a devotee.  She has started participating in "poetry slams"  - essentially poetry battles.  She won one and has finished second and third at … [Read more...] about The Spoken WORD: “Hypochristians” by Karness

We’ve got the perfect opportunity for you to teach your children about urban church planting while making a kingdom impact in a strategic city! As you may know, one of Lifeway’s VBS themes this year is “Big Apple Adventure”. Please consider connecting your VBS to the Gallery Church in New York City by: 1)    Designating your VBS Missions offering to us at the Gallery Church, and 2)    Energizing your VBS by using Missions Moment videos we’ve created for you! We’re getting great feedback on the videos and trust they will energize your VBS! The Gallery Church is an SBC church plant that … [Read more...] about The Big Apple Adventure (from Freddy Wyatt)

Les Puryear posted this today, and I thought some of you would like to see it.  It was posted on SBC View.  Since a couple of you posted in response to Les' earlier comments (and those of another blogger), I thought you might like to see his latest response.  I appreciate Les' humility in issuing this apology.  I think this spirit of grace is exactly what we need as we try to work together in the future. An Apology to SBC Reformed Pastors  (from Les Puryear) On April 15, I wrote a post which concluded that Reformed Baptists should leave the SBC. After much prayer and pondering, I have … [Read more...] about Les Puryear’s Post: “An Apology to SBC Reformed Pastors”

This review is about 3 weeks late, but better late than never.  I'm not sure how much longer this movie will be in theaters, but if it is still playing near you, take the family and go see it. Last week, my wife and I decided to take in a movie on date night, and the only thing showing that we had any desire to see was "Soul Surfer", which recounts the life story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer whose arm was taken by a shark at a young age and who went on to become a champion anyway.  She and her family are committed Christians, and she relied on the power of God to help her through. I … [Read more...] about “Soul Surfer” A Review

I'm not a twitter devotee or anything, but I thought this was interesting and moving.  Igniter media puts out some great videos.   … [Read more...] about Follow

On a hill far away stood an old Rugged Cross, The emblem of suffering and shame. But I love that old cross, where the dearest and best, For a world of lost sinners was slain. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown. I was sitting in the hospital waiting room with my brother and sister, and they were discussing what kind of music they like.  They asked me about my tastes and I really didn’t know what to say.  Frankly, I don’t listen to that much music.  I like oldies for … [Read more...] about “The Old Rugged Cross” – A Good Friday Message

I was saved as a six-year-old boy.  My dad used to read a book called "Little Pilgrim's Progress" - a children's adaptation of the Bunyan classic - to my brother and I at bedtime.  Actually, all four of us in my family were saved as dad read that book to us.  There is a part about Christian going to the cross and leaving his burden of sin there. I actually have no memory of that.  I barely remember my baptism, but I don't have a lot of memories of those early years.  I struggled with whether an experience I could not remember was real, but as I grew I believe that I was genuinely saved. … [Read more...] about Testimony Time: Tell Us How God Saved You

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins. And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stain. Today is not a day for debate or discussion, but for reflection.  This is a holy week, a week in which we think about one thing, one person – the most important thing that ever happened and the most important person who ever lived. I would ask you to celebrate with me, to join in the rejoicing over one fact, that there is indeed a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.  … [Read more...] about The Crimson River: A Reflection on the Power of the Cross

We are going to take a break from our regular programming (unless something huge comes up) the rest of the week and focus our posts on the meaning and power of the Cross, of the glory of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Blogging is by nature divisive and causes us to major on secondary issues.  Let us make the next few days "holy" - set apart for the consideration of the Cross and our Risen Lord. We believe that Jesus is the Divine Son, sent to live the life of perfect righteousness which we could not. We believe that having fulfilled all righteousness he offered himself as a … [Read more...] about Passion Week: Reflecting on the Death and Resurrection of Our Savior

I attended the Band of Bloggers meeting in Chicago on Tuesday.  It was a lot of fun and instructive.  I had a chance to meet a few people and we had some interesting discussion on the dangers and blessings of blogging.  Before I make my point, let me share some of the things that were discussed. The thrust of the meeting was "gospel-driven blogging" - what could be more noble?  But one of the discussion leaders (I didn't take notes and can't remember who said it) said that "gospel" is in danger of becoming another undefined buzzword, much as "missional" has been.  Actually, this is the … [Read more...] about The Gospel Hammer, the Idolatry Bludgeon, and Blogging Discussions