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Dave Miller

Noah, Movies, and Christian Discernment

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I grew up in a conservative church in a conservative town in Iowa and "Hellywood" was the enemy of everything righteous. Things are different now in the church. As movies have gotten more explicit, fouler, and more hostile to Christian values, Christians have enthusiastically embraced the Hollywood experience. Whatever dreck they drudge up and throw at a silver screen near us, we dutifully sit and enjoy. Some Christians are so concerned being seen as out of touch with culture that they are afraid to speak a word against anything that comes to a theater nearby. The issue of discernment is a … [Read more...] about Noah, Movies, and Christian Discernment

If We Bend too Far, We Will Break: Bemoaning the World Vision Decision

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I have loved the movie "Fiddler on the Roof" since I saw it in theaters when it first came out. It is all about Tevye and his struggle to adjust to modernity. He began the movie trumpeting "Tradition!" and slowly sacrificed those traditions as the world crumbled around him. His oldest daughter wanted to marry the man she loved, even if it meant poverty, instead of entering the arranged marriage her father had made for her. He bent a little to give his permission to that marriage. Then his second daughter decided to marry a political revolutionary and did not seek his permission. Even in his … [Read more...] about If We Bend too Far, We Will Break: Bemoaning the World Vision Decision

Brothers, We Are Not Prognosticators

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After the first round of our SBC Voices NCAA Baptist Bloggers Tournament, there has only been one thing proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. We have no business in the business of picking NCAA brackets. I had a brutal day yesterday, missing on nearly half of the games. If Baptist bloggers were the sports experts we would like to think we are, I'd be down there in Paul Thompson territory (sorry, man, but you know its true!). In my other bracket challenge, I am squarely in LAST PLACE, where I deserve to be. But in the Bloggers challenge, I'm only 20 points out of FIRST PLACE! I've made … [Read more...] about Brothers, We Are Not Prognosticators

So You Think You’ve Got Game? Join the 2014 SBC Voices Billion Dollar NCAA Bracket Challenge!

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Okay, no, there's no billion dollars here. Just the right to claim the title of SBC Voices' resident basketball expert. Andy Hynes claimed the title last year and he says he is unbeatable this year (well, okay, I made that up). You are welcome to join our March Madness NCAA bracket challenge at ESPN. Your bracket is locked as of the start of the first game Thursday. Here is the link to the page where you can sign up.  Click the "join group" button. Our group name is SBCVoicesBB and the password is a highly secure "sbcvoices" to keep out the liberals! It's pretty simple. Even an old fogey … [Read more...] about So You Think You’ve Got Game? Join the 2014 SBC Voices Billion Dollar NCAA Bracket Challenge!

The Baptist Blogger’s Code: Ten Rules* for Blogging (*Well, more like guidelines than actual rules)

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I don't have time to write anything today (well, not this AM anyway) and my usually prolific team of writers are evidently busy with lesser things like ministry and family and such. So, I cruised the archives. This was originally posted on June 30. 2011. I'm doing a few small edits, but this is a reprint. I'd call it the "Best of Dave" but I think that might be trademarked and is a value judgment that is not mine to make! I am now in my ninth year of blogging - in blogger years that is ancient.  I have been involved in discussions of baptism and private prayer language, opined on the Wade … [Read more...] about The Baptist Blogger’s Code: Ten Rules* for Blogging (*Well, more like guidelines than actual rules)

How Am I Supposed to Feel about Fred Phelps’ Death?

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Just read, as you probably have, that Fred Phelps is very near death. His family is at odds, and there is word that even Fred himself was excommunicated from his own "church" a few months ago. He is hovering on the brink of eternity and the church he founded will likely pass into the hands of one of his progeny, perhaps his daughter. Fred will be gone soon. I don't know how I should feel about this. How am I supposed to feel when Saddam is hanged or bin Laden takes a bullet? When great evil passes from this world there is a natural sigh of relief, a sense that the world is a better … [Read more...] about How Am I Supposed to Feel about Fred Phelps’ Death?

SBC Voices Forum: Night Owl? Morning Person? Does It Matter in Ministry?

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I have been a night owl since I can remember. My wife (a morning person to beat all morning people) has asked me a million times - why don't you just go to bed? I don't have a credible answer to that, except that I don't. Every night around 11 I tell myself I need to get to bed, but something deep inside me fights that decision. Of course, as a confirmed night owl, I have a serious allergy to mornings. They are of the devil! I think if I had the freedom to set my own schedule I'd be on a 2 or 3 AM bedtime with a wake-up call at 9 or 10 AM - followed by a strong pot of coffee to get me … [Read more...] about SBC Voices Forum: Night Owl? Morning Person? Does It Matter in Ministry?

An SBC Voices Forum: What Precedes Baptism in Your Church?

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A young man walks into your office, and you share the gospel with him - that he is a guilty sinner headed to an eternal hell for whom Jesus died, paying the price for those sins. You explain that Jesus rose from the dead to offer new life to anyone who would believe in him. He responds to the message of love and grace, turning from his sins and trusting Christ. What do you do now? If we were back in the days of the book of Acts, I am convinced that the next thing we would do is seek out a body of water in which to baptize him. We would not even wait until the next Sunday service. … [Read more...] about An SBC Voices Forum: What Precedes Baptism in Your Church?

A Good Shepherd Feeds the Sheep; He Does Not EAT Them!

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"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Jesus said that, according to Paul in Acts 20:35. I have heard that verse used in giving appeals all my life. "If you will only give, and give generously, you will receive a greater blessing." That is true and perhaps that is what Jesus meant in the original (and unknown) context of this statement.  But that not what Paul was saying when he quoted Christ. He had a specific reason and purpose which we must understand as leaders of Christ's church. Paul was speaking to the elders of the Ephesian church, sharing his parting words. He told them … [Read more...] about A Good Shepherd Feeds the Sheep; He Does Not EAT Them!