Bernie Diaz is pastor of Christ Community Church in Pembroke Pines, FL. Our church launched a new congregation-wide Bible reading plan this month that has begun to stir up quite a bit of buzz, enthusiasm and anticipation of what God may choose to do with the intake of His Word in our community of faith this year. That’s a good New Year’s resolution I think, and am grateful for the momentum which seems to have begun among us, but am also wary of the fact that New Year’s resolutions- even the best of them, often fizzle out in many before even spring arrives. Do not merely listen to the … [Read more...] about Teens and the Bible—Hearers or Doers? (by Bernie Diaz)
What I Wish Southern Baptists Were Known For (by Tony Jones)
Tony Jones is pastor of the First Baptist Church of Rich Hill, MO. I was watching the State of the Union address tonight. I have not watched one of these speeches in many years, but I am a history buff and State of the Union Speeches, especially final speeches, give presidents an opportunity to be and sound historic. I have no idea how history will judge the President's speech from last night, but I began thinking about what will appear in the social media news feeds of most politically motivated Southern Baptists. Sadly, I'm not expecting many positive thoughts. The following is my list of … [Read more...] about What I Wish Southern Baptists Were Known For (by Tony Jones)
I Just Preached a Bad Sermon (by Barrett Case)
Barrett Case pastors in Rich Hill, MO. I just preached a bad sermon. Well, let me clarify: during this particular sermon, about 70% of the congregation seemed to fall asleep or check-out mentally; others opted to go see if the nursery needed help (true story). It was a deflating experience for a pastor whose main task each week is preaching. And it was a humbling experience for a pastor whose previous sermon was well-received and highly-praised. So I just preached a bad sermon. It happens. In fact, I’d say it happens every fourth or fifth time I stand behind that old, wooden pulpit. From … [Read more...] about I Just Preached a Bad Sermon (by Barrett Case)
Have We Forgotten What It’s Like (by Josh Hall)
Josh Hall is the pastor of Selmore Baptist Church in Ozark, MO. He blogs at his website: http://halljosh.blogspot.com/ I recently visited with a young woman that is fairly new to our church. In our conversation, she shared with me some of the fears she had when she first started attending. She told me when she first started attending Sunday School (which took some time) that she would silently pray before class that the teacher would not call on her, for fear she would not know the answer to the question. She thought she was the only one who wouldn't know the answer. When she attended … [Read more...] about Have We Forgotten What It’s Like (by Josh Hall)
The Spell of “the Lottery” has Bewitched the Nation (by Paul Thompson)
Paul Thompson blogs at his site, "The Bridge." Where this post appeared originally as a lead-in to his podcast discussion. The Largest lottery prize in American history is currently sitting at $1.3 Billion. I don’t share that as a helpful reminder to go purchase a lottery ticket, and no! the sharing of the winnings with all does not solve poverty. I site it because it is showing to be part of the national frenzy at hand. A few quick passing facts: (source: www.erlc.com) legal in 44 states, Washington DC, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Powerball Jackpot is a government … [Read more...] about The Spell of “the Lottery” has Bewitched the Nation (by Paul Thompson)
The Paris Attacks and American Christianity: A French Brother’s Challenge (Joel Rainey)
Joel Rainey leads the Engagement Team for Evangelism and Missions at the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network. He is on the adjunct faculty of two seminaries, and the author of three books. He blogs at Themelios, where this was originally posted. "Government should be set up so that no man need live in fear of another." -Montesquieu The recent terror attacks in Paris ignited a fresh debate among many western nations, including the United States, about how we should relate to one another, and more particularly, how do we balance civil liberties with national security? For followers of … [Read more...] about The Paris Attacks and American Christianity: A French Brother’s Challenge (Joel Rainey)
Southern Baptists and IHOP-KC: An Appeal for Accountability and Circumspection (Anonymous)
I am often reluctant to publish posts that are critical and also anonymous, but this one had the kind of irenic, humble spirit we strive for in confrontation and the author had very good reasons not to attach his name. NOTE: The author requested a response from MBTS and Jason Deusing has given an unequivocal and clear response. We are grateful for his clear, biblical, and gracious response. The Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary administration continues to have serious and substantial concerns over the teaching, practices, claims, and reputation of the International House of Prayer of … [Read more...] about Southern Baptists and IHOP-KC: An Appeal for Accountability and Circumspection (Anonymous)
An Open Letter from a Retiring Missionary Couple
I received this letter from one missionary who told me that Grady and Claire Milstead, a retiring couple who took the VRI, gave them permission for us to publish this here. It is powerful and poignant. Dear SBC Family, Claire and I were talking the other day about our upcoming “retirement” and return to the US. It’s difficult for those who have never experienced this to understand how difficult it is for those of us who are transitioning back to the States. We feel that we have begun a long period of mourning, a grief process filled with constant reminders of how good God has been to us … [Read more...] about An Open Letter from a Retiring Missionary Couple
Jerry Jones, Greg Hardy, and the Affirmation of Domestic Physical Abuse (by William Dwight McKissic, Sr.)
This post was originally posted at "A New Blog for a Pneuma Time," Pastor Dwight McKissic's blog. Bill Clinton’s license to practice law was taken away from him by the Arkansas Bar Association because there was a zero tolerance policy in effect for lawyers who came before Arkansas Courts and deliberately lie, as he did. LA Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, has been eternally banned from ownership or involvement with a NBA basketball team because there is in effect a zero tolerance policy for a NBA Executive who is a blatant racist. Bernie Madoff could never be appointed to lead the … [Read more...] about Jerry Jones, Greg Hardy, and the Affirmation of Domestic Physical Abuse (by William Dwight McKissic, Sr.)
Four Reasons why I’m Glad Brad Hoffmann is Running for BGAV President (Adam Blosser)
Adam blogs at One True Joy. The church I pastor, Drakes Branch Baptist Church, is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. The BGAV was instrumental in the initial formation of our church, and helped financially when the church first decided to hire a full-time pastor in the 50s. The ties between our church and the BGAV are strong. While not agreeing with everything that happens within the BGAV (Isn't that the case with any group you choose to be a part of?), I am thankful for the things God has done over the years through our association of churches. For almost 20 … [Read more...] about Four Reasons why I’m Glad Brad Hoffmann is Running for BGAV President (Adam Blosser)