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
The Gospel Hammer, the Idolatry Bludgeon, and Blogging Discussions
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
Darkness of the Soul: A Pastor’s Struggle with Despair
I was tempted to post this as an anonymous guest blogger, but I figured I'd put it out there under my own name. I was inspired by the comment made by Eddie on Saturday night on the "Golden Age of NAMB" post. You can find it. It cut me to the heart, for two reasons. First, a brother in Christ is in pain, hurting, in despair. Second, it brought back some memories of where I was last fall, when I felt everything Eddie said. I've never really contemplated suicide, but I've gone through times when I would have welcomed death. I wish that feeling came from a place of noble passion like … [Read more...] about Darkness of the Soul: A Pastor’s Struggle with Despair
What is the Gospel?
What is the Gospel? from Southern Seminary on Vimeo. … [Read more...] about What is the Gospel?
Here’s to the Golden Age of NAMB
SBC Voices has discussed Kevin Ezell in great detail. Perhaps ad nauseum. The last thing we need is one more opinion. But that has never stopped me before. As I have responded to comments today, I decided I want to sum up my perspective, for what it is worth. I make you one promise: this is the LAST Ezell-related post for a while (unless I change my mind, of course). We seem to fall into about 3 general categories in our attitudes toward him. Ezellanators: People who think he hung the moon, walks on water and heals the sick with his hands. Ezellahaters: People who think he … [Read more...] about Here’s to the Golden Age of NAMB
“If I Was the Devil” by Tommy Nelson
I just thought this was good! Hope it blesses you like it did me. … [Read more...] about “If I Was the Devil” by Tommy Nelson
Ezell’s Interview with Al Mohler
Someone put a link to this interview in the comments on Howell's post. And I thought it was worth hearing from Dr. Ezell's own words how things are going at NAMB. I found myself a little more sympathetic to Ezell - he's had a rough job. I sure wouldn't want it. It's an interesting and seemingly forthright discussion. 1) I was surprised at the forceful description of the inadequacy of the way NAMB was functioning prior to his coming. At about 16:30, he says that NAMB was "pathetic." He describes NAMB as the Montreal Expos (badly managed and facing extinction) and said that NAMB needed … [Read more...] about Ezell’s Interview with Al Mohler
Small State Conventions, Budget Cuts, and a Question of Fairness
One of our SBC Voices buddies, the SBC Plodder, has posted some excellently "wild and crazy" ideas about the Cooperative Program today, called "Three Outrageous Suggestions for the Cooperative Program." Who knows, that might find its way on here later in the week. One of the suggestions he made is to reduce the number of Trustees for each of our entities. I think it is good, but I am going to suggest something that goes the other way a little. The state conventions in New Work states like Iowa, the Dakotas, Minnesota-Wisconsin and others are largely dependent on NAMB funding. Obviously, … [Read more...] about Small State Conventions, Budget Cuts, and a Question of Fairness
SBC Voices Stands Against Evil: Go Connecticut! Smite Kentucky!
This is not an April Fools joke. We need to band together to hope that the last truly evil team left in the NCAA tournament will be struck down today. I'm sure you agree that the Kentucky Wildcats must be stopped, must be "smote" today. … [Read more...] about SBC Voices Stands Against Evil: Go Connecticut! Smite Kentucky!