Friends, read this article quickly as it will likely disappear soon. There is only one reason this got published; namely, Dave Miller doesn't know much about computers. Due to a massive oversight I still have some admin powers on Voices. I have the power--at least for the time being--to post an article without Mr. Dave's permission. Here it is...likely my last post on Voices. You might have noticed that Borrowed Light (my blog) no longer appears on the SBC Voices watchlist. You've probably assumed that I've been busy or just stopped writing altogether. That's not true. I've just been … [Read more...] about The Truth About SBC Voices
SBC Issues
“Kuyperian Worldview” in the Midst of Current Chaos
This semester I am teaching a course on Contemporary Worldviews, and also reading some of Abraham Kuyper’s works. He is one of the men attributed with the formalization of the “Christian/Theistic Worldview.” In view of some current controversy concerning Kuyper, and his ability/inability to “transform,” the Dutch culture in a more permanent way, I thought I might include some considerations. When thinking about Kuyper’s ability to transform the Netherlands, it might be beneficial grasp his perspective. The worldview dilemma has not always been so disjointed and confusing. Until the 17th … [Read more...] about “Kuyperian Worldview” in the Midst of Current Chaos
THE BAPTISM AND FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (By Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr.)
This message is offered as a response to Bart Barber’s request that I offer my “…understanding of the narrative passages in Acts, to refute points that I have tried to make…” Barber made this statement in the comment stream under his post, “The Nature of the Biblical Gift of Tongues: Consideration of Relevant Narrative New Testament Passages“ This is also the message that I preached in Chapel at SWBTS in August 2006 that, in many ways, defined or redefined my relationship with Southern Baptists. I hope this message answers Bart’s questions about my view of the Acts narrative passages as they … [Read more...] about THE BAPTISM AND FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (By Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr.)
An Open Letter to Mosquitoes (by Joel Rainey)
Joel Rainey is the Director of Missions at Mid-Maryland Baptist Association, an adjunct professor at Capital Bible Seminary and blogs at Themelios (Twitter - @joelrainey). This post was originally published at his site. Nearly three years ago at this time, my wife and I were in China getting ready to meet our little girl--now over 4 years old--and complete all the in-country and American citizenship paperwork that would both make her our daughter, and an American citizen. We landed in Beijing, and spent two days touring the city while the Chinese government finalized all the details for our … [Read more...] about An Open Letter to Mosquitoes (by Joel Rainey)
Should Christians Support U.S. Involvement in Syria’s Civil War? (by Alan Cross)
Alan Cross blogs at Downshore Drift. The war drums are beating for the United States again and this time they involve Syria. The accusation is that Syria's dictator, Bashar Assad, has attacked his own people with chemical weapons (sarin nerve gas) and that a thousand innocent civilians have been killed with thousands more injured. Assad denies this and some reports claim that the Syrian Rebels were the ones to actually carry out the attack in the hopes that the West would come to their aid and blame Assad. The Syrian Rebels have been infiltrated by Al Qaeda cells as well and have also … [Read more...] about Should Christians Support U.S. Involvement in Syria’s Civil War? (by Alan Cross)
Putting Online Shepherding In Its Place
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you…” When Al Gore invented the internet* a new opportunity for “pastoring” was also invented. With a few strokes on my keyboard and a click of the mouse I can sit under teaching from all around the world. I can be “pastored” by a guy that I’ve never met and live in a “community” filled with people I’ve never actually seen. I believe God inspired Peter to add those little words, “that is among you”, for a reason. You cannot rightly “exercise oversight” if you’ve never actually sat across from a person. That is why Peter exhorts the elders to … [Read more...] about Putting Online Shepherding In Its Place
Movies and Sermons, The Butler and the pastor
Having followed the discussion regarding the movie The Butler, I thought I would add my two cents worth. Not about race relations in America--that would take a whole different post with a whole lot of explanations. What I find interesting is tracking the reactions to The Butler. It is evident that, in the typical style of Hollywood, the creators of this movie played fast and loose with the facts at hand. Portions of the overall experience of life for an African-American during those years were portrayed as if they happened within the life of the family actually named in the film. That these … [Read more...] about Movies and Sermons, The Butler and the pastor
The Nature of the Biblical Gift of Tongues: Consideration of Relevant Narrative New Testament Passages
Even while I was authoring my earlier post, I suspected that my next installment might not be able to come forth until after VBS was over. Indeed, things have unfolded to be even worse than that. I wrote my last post while I was visiting family in the Ozarks of Missouri, and I have not been able to return to this task until I have returned to the Missouri Ozarks. I therefore bring this post to you knowing that the elapsed interim is an eternity in blog years. For that, I beg your pardon. I previously took for myself a narrow task—"The consideration of what the relevant non-narrative … [Read more...] about The Nature of the Biblical Gift of Tongues: Consideration of Relevant Narrative New Testament Passages
How Jonathan Edwards Wrecked My Soul
That title is misleading. It needs to be more Edwardsean to be accurate. It should be titled How a Wrong-Headed Application of Jonathan Edwards Has Nearly Made Shipwreck of My Soul. Let me explain. About seven years ago I read this Resolution of Jonathan Edwards: 5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can. Since that moment I have made it my ambition to not lose one moment of time for the glory of God. I have failed at this on numerous occasions. But one thing you could say about me is that I have been driven. I have been driven to … [Read more...] about How Jonathan Edwards Wrecked My Soul
Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Challenge: It’s Weigh-In Time
For those of you participating in the Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Challenge, it is time for our first weigh-in and progress report. You can post your weigh-in numbers here if you are brave, or you can send them to my Voices email (yes, it's real - davemillerisajerk@hotmail.com ). I am off on a long walk/hike with my lovely wife, so let us know what's happening, guys! By the way, if you've had a bad month and failed - we still want you to be a part of this challenge. Do better next month! God bless you. … [Read more...] about Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Challenge: It’s Weigh-In Time