Dave Miller

It is almost a truism today that it is best to wait until one is older to get married. I've heard Christian parents joke that they weren't going to let their kids (often daughters) date until they turned 25. People are marrying later and later than they ever have and many in the church approve of the trend. The assumption is that people who marry late have grown up, learned more about life, attained financial stability and personal maturity, and are therefore more ready for marriage. It is my belief that this reflects a fundamentally unbiblical mindset about marriage. God's plan is not the … [Read more...] about The Case for Marrying Young

My two weeks on vacation have been great. Lord willing, we are home by supper time tonight. But one thing is for sure, it ruined any chance I had of bragging about the success of my weight loss efforts. Christmas...Vacation...eating out...FAIL. I'm wondering how the rest of you made out.  Any great success stories? How did you do it? Why do you think we can't lose weight, though we know we should? Let's talk about it. … [Read more...] about Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Final Weigh-In

I'm at a family reunion with my wife's family after enjoying some time with my side the last few days. We leave tomorrow for home (a depressing thought - not sure if you are aware but Florida has nicer weather these days than Iowa). So I'm not going to be around much the next couple of days. But I thought a discussion post  might be fun. What are your blessings and memories from 2013?  (Don't preacher-brag! That is annoying.) What are your goals, hopes and dreams for 2014? Talk to Uncle Davey. … [Read more...] about Reflections on 2013; Focusing on 2014

Doug posts his sermons on the internet, but some of you probably didn't know that Doug is also a talented singer. Here is his version of this Christmas classic.   … [Read more...] about Doug Hibbard Sings “O Holy Night”

Back when I lived in Virginia, we could barely get network TV in our rural area, and cable had not found its way that far into the country. So, we watched VHS tapes - generally tapes that my mom recorded in Florida and sent our way. One of those was a Christmas tape, and it had my three favorite Christmas movies. 1) It's a Wonderful Life - delightfully sentimental and sappy. No Christmas season is complete without it. 2) A Christmas Story - this was before the movie was driven into general consciousness by the 24 hour Ralphie-a-thon on TBS every year. There is barely a moment in that … [Read more...] about An SBC Voices Forum: What Is Your Favorite Christmas Movie?

Here is how dictionary.com defines McCarthyism: The practice of making unfair allegations or using unfair investigative techniques, especially in order to restrict dissent or political criticism."  Those in power, in an effort to crush those who disagree, who hold differing values or views, make unfair accusations against the dissenters. When Joe McCarthy was accusing people of communism  back in the 50s, conservative Christians were likely to cheer him, because he was attacking something we hated. Now, the tide has turned and we are counter-cultural. We are the despised minority standing … [Read more...] about The Rise of the New McCarthyism

A seminary class taught by Dr. Howard Hendricks was a treasure trove of one-liners. If you are around another disciple of the Prof, you can start one of these cherished cherries and they will finish it for you. Not only were they memorable, but also biblical and powerful. He told a story about a friend of his who was complaining about preachers and their tendency to try to amaze the congregation with their Greek proficiency and exegetical mastery. He told Dr. Hendricks, “You preachers are long on exhortation; short on explanation.” We tell people what they are supposed to do, but we often fail … [Read more...] about Anger: A Growth-killing, Soul-Chilling Sin (Pt. 3) “Biblical Strategies for Dealing with Anger”

In late September of 1993 I attended an associational pastors’ conference out in the sticks somewhere in Eastern Iowa, where we watched the “Fresh Encounter” Series by Henry Blackaby. It was a night of personal revival for me. The Spirit of God held a mirror up to my heart and soul and showed me who I really was. It was not a pretty sight, but it was life-changing, as God called me to a life of holiness and spiritual passion. I went home with great expectations as to what God might do at Northbrook Baptist, assuming that if he brought me a personal revival he was going to do something … [Read more...] about Anger: A Growth-Killing, Soul-Chilling Sin, Part 2 “Anger’s Deadly Effects”