This morning, I saw a question on the Holy Rev. Dr. Marty Duren's Facebook asking: Is there biblical evidence that those who cried 'Hosanna' on Palm Sunday were the ones who days later cried 'crucify Him'? Most in the discussion answered the question in the negative. They seemed to think that the group that praised Jesus at the Triumphal Entry was pretty much a different bunch than the ones who later that week screamed for Jesus' blood. One commenter referenced an article on Challies.com (by guest blogger John Ensor) called "The Crowd Was Not Fickle." He argues that "the crowd" in Matthew … [Read more...] about Did the Same People Shout “Hosanna” and “Crucify?”
The Problem with Jesus
For centuries, the Jews had awaited the day when Messiah would come. They talked about it, groaned for it and prayed diligently to see that day come. False messiahs rose up and led many astray to destruction. But finally, the Christ came. Just as the prophet Zechariah had foretold, he came riding in on a donkey, a humble beast of burden. “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ” Matthew 21:5 (citing Zechariah 9:9) And Jerusalem exploded with excitement. They knew the stories of this … [Read more...] about The Problem with Jesus
An SBC Voices NCAA Tourney Bracket Challenge
Just for fun, I started an ESPN "SBC Voices" group. If you want to play, follow the links below and demonstrate your supreme and superior knowledge on these things. I never do that well on such things. I choose with my heart, not my head. I don't pick UNC, Duke or SEC teams even when I should. It's a matter of conscience. I pick Big 10 teams as often as possible! So, if you want to get in the action, follow the links below. On your computer, Here is the link to the group If you are on a mobile device, Go here The group name is: SBCVoicesBB. I chose a unique and secure … [Read more...] about An SBC Voices NCAA Tourney Bracket Challenge
Remember Me?
Due to reasons that are beyond my control, I've been unable to write or even monitor the blog the last few days. I hope to get back into the swing of things tomorrow, though the internet is out at my home (one problem among many) and I don't know how to get it fixed. … [Read more...] about Remember Me?
What Do You Think? A Proposal for Calvinism Posts at SBC Voices
For your consideration... Think about all of the discussions of Calvinism you have been involved in (or observed) at this site and at others. There have been a LOT of them. I've written my share and most of our contributors have weighed in at one point or another. So, I would ask you to consider these questions: Have you learned anything significant from the discussion threads for those posts? Have you changed your position in any way because of the discussions (or known of someone else who changed theirs)? Have you been built up and encouraged by your involvement in these … [Read more...] about What Do You Think? A Proposal for Calvinism Posts at SBC Voices
A Dentist, a Pretty Assistant and a Moral Dilemma
James Knight, an Idaho Falls dentists for family and general dental services), has won a court case in the Iowa Supreme Court. That body is not known for it conservatism (they mandated gay marriage in Iowa by judicial fiat) and most were surprised not only at the outcome of the case, but the fact it was a 7-0 decision. Just the Facts, Ma'am Dr. Knight hired an assistant named Melissa Nelson, a specialist in teeth whitening products and evidently an attractive young lady. The dentist found himself interested in more than the welfare of his patient's teeth. He found himself "getting too … [Read more...] about A Dentist, a Pretty Assistant and a Moral Dilemma
Nehemiah: Twelve Principles of Leadership
I have been working my way through the Bible on Wednesday nights for about 7 years and have made my way to the book of Nehemiah. The first 7 chapters of the book describe Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem and his leadership in rebuilding the walls around the city. He was a remarkably effective leader for God's people. Tonight, I identified twelve principles of effective leadership from his life and work. I thought some of you might find them interesting. I'm going to try to resist my temptation to make this a 3000 word post. I will list the principles with a few brief comments. 1) Operate on … [Read more...] about Nehemiah: Twelve Principles of Leadership
Why I Can’t Completely Let Tim Tebow Off the Hook
First of all, truth time. I'm a Tim Tebow fan. I have to confess my shame. For his senior season at the College-that-shall-not-be-named, I actually found myself rooting for a team I'd have never thought I could root for. His testimony for Christ and his enthusiasm actually made me a fan of the Slytherin Gators for one season. I've been a Steelers' fan since the Steel Curtain dominated the scrimmage line in the days of my youth. But when Tebow's Broncos faced Pittsburgh in the playoffs, I was rooting for Tebow and rejoicing at his miraculous overtime victory. And, also by way of admission, … [Read more...] about Why I Can’t Completely Let Tim Tebow Off the Hook
The SBC Benefits from a Balance of Calvinists and Non-Calvinists
I am not a church or Baptist historian. I've done some reading, but the distance between my level of learning and expertise is significant. But I watched Dr. David Dockery's explanation of Baptist history at the Kentucky Baptist Convention-sponsored conference last year, which were (not surprisingly) highly instructive. If you have not yet, I would encourage you to watch these videos, available on YouTube. Here is Part 1 and Part 2. Basically, Dockery identifies how the two streams, which he identifies as Particular Baptists and General Baptists, were present in SBC life from the very … [Read more...] about The SBC Benefits from a Balance of Calvinists and Non-Calvinists
It’s Time for the Cooperative Middle to Assert Itself
The debate between Calvinists and non-Calvinists (including Traditionalists) has been dominated in the SBC by the extremes on both sides. It is time for that to end. There are some Calvinists who annoy me - they seem intent on labeling the other side with pejoratives, never admit fault on their side, and come across as condescending and arrogant. There are some non-Calvinists who annoy me - they seem intent on painting Calvinists with dark, conspiratorial motives and appear to be content with nothing less than pinning a scarlet C on every Calvinist and banning them from leadership in SBC … [Read more...] about It’s Time for the Cooperative Middle to Assert Itself