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Dave Miller

We’re Flattered, But…

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I read a few tweets on the SBC Voices Twitter feed last night and I realized that there is a misperception out there among some about who we are. I know you regular SBCers know this, but there are some things I need to make clear. We've been "blessed" recently to have some of our articles referenced in major news articles - pro and con.  It is gratifying to get noticed outside the Baptist world, but folks, we must admit it - we Southern Baptists are weird. People don't understand our structure, our ecclesiology, our autonomy. These links draw people to this site from the secular world, from … [Read more...] about We’re Flattered, But…

Trustees and the SBC: A Key to Our Future

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Trust the Trustees. It is not just a suggestion for Southern Baptists, it is a way of life. You can gripe and moan and rage and resolve and move, but in the end, the direction of the entities of the Southern Baptist Convention is set by the Trustees. Even our actions at the SBC Annual Meeting have far less control over these entities than we think. We approve the budget and we elect the trustees, but the trustees are entrusted with the oversight of the entities. People have railed about the injustice of entities that don't bend and bow to SBC resolutions. They don't have to because entities … [Read more...] about Trustees and the SBC: A Key to Our Future

So, Whaddya Think? 2 Timothy 2:12 and Eternal Security

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I am preaching through 2 Timothy and last week's message covered 2 Timothy 2:8-13. I believe in eternal security, but I have to admit that this passage seems easier to explain if you take the other side. As I studied the commentaries, most of them just finessed the topic and few actually dealt with the theological implications of it head on. The passage in question, verses 11-13 is an ancient saying that some believe is an early hymn. I think it is a series of tweets by the Apostle Paul, but who knows. Where is the text. 11 For if we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we … [Read more...] about So, Whaddya Think? 2 Timothy 2:12 and Eternal Security

It’s About Time! Thoughts about Time Management

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...redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16. How's that for a verse out of context? Almost as good as "where there is no vision, the people perish" as a long-range planning verse or "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" as a motto for winning championships. But there is a valid application here. Time is a precious gift and in our lives in these evil days, using it wisely is essential. I am going to state two facts that I will not bother to buttress or prove. If you do not accept either of these, just move on. They are demonstrably true, above … [Read more...] about It’s About Time! Thoughts about Time Management

Racial Reconciliation Dodgeball – Responsibility and Solutions

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I am old enough to have played dodgeball before it was declared unhealthy to children’s self-esteem. I have watched with dismay as many in our midst have played what seems to me to be a form of dodgeball with issues related to racial reconciliation. Let me be clear. I believe with all my heart that most of the pastors in the SBC are not racists at heart, but I think many hold attitudes that hinder the progress of racial healing in our denomination. Whenever there is an effort to advance racial reconciliation in our fellowship, there is a corpus of regular clichés and axioms trotted out that … [Read more...] about Racial Reconciliation Dodgeball – Responsibility and Solutions

Ignorance, Deception, or Journalistic Laziness – Take Your Pick: None Are Helpful in Racial Reconciliation Efforts

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Religion Dispatches published an article yesterday entitled "The Southern Baptist 'All Lives Matter' Approach to Racial Reconciliation is Spiritual Malpractice." In that article, they mentioned SBC Voices a couple of times, which is always flattering. Unfortunately, their comments showed either ignorance of what has been written here, an intent to deceive people, or a simple laziness in the journalistic practices of the authors, Sunnivie Brydum and Joshua Lazard. They make assertions about what we have posted here that are so far from the truth that it is hard to assign any benign … [Read more...] about Ignorance, Deception, or Journalistic Laziness – Take Your Pick: None Are Helpful in Racial Reconciliation Efforts

Baptists and Numbers: “It’s Complicated”

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I wrote on this recently concerning the SBC’s statistical struggles, and have addressed the topic several times through the years. My thoughts are developing. As long as Baptists, the ACP, and the Annual Meeting exist, and I'm around, I'll likely keep thinking about this and perhaps reflecting on it. It is truly a Baptist topic! There can be little doubt that the New Testament was written by Baptists. The Apostles counted the crowds that Jesus fed with the loaves and fish and carefully quantified the leftovers. I am sure it was all duly reported on the ACP at the appropriate time. Luke … [Read more...] about Baptists and Numbers: “It’s Complicated”

To the Minions, My Mighty Men, the Deplorable Bad Hombres

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When we decided to run for the Pastors’ Conference, it wasn’t even clear who the candidate would be. We had an idea that we liked, discussed, and agreed to, but it was only after several long discussions that we arrived at the decision that my name would be at the top. As they continually pointed out to me, that meant that I would get a lot of the credit if things went well, but that if things went bad, it would be my name attached to the stink (and they'd make sure everyone knew I'd been in charge)! I want to publicly thank the guys who helped out a couple of weeks ago in Phoenix. I sat up … [Read more...] about To the Minions, My Mighty Men, the Deplorable Bad Hombres