SBC Issues

The problem in the SBC is not primarily theological.  I believe our theological issues and discussions mask a deeper spiritual problem, a heart problem that is demonstrated in abundance as we speak to one another. We all say we can live together and walk in unity, united around the BF&M, our sound and simple doctrinal statement to which all involved in this debate subscribe. Dr. Mohler, in his recent response to the traditionalist document, pointed out that we should be glad we are discussing something like the theology of salvation.  We are not arguing over whether the Bible is true or … [Read more...] about STOP IT! A Plea for Grownup Conversation in the SBC

However, the king said to Araunah, "No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing."  (2Sa 24:24 NAS) A few weeks ago, I attended a conference where I was one of the speakers.  At the end of the meeting, an old friend came up and stood by my side as he extolled my wonderful character and devotion to mission work.  As usual, he came to the issue of sacrifice.  “Jeremy and his family have sacrificed all in order to serve the Lord as missionaries.  They have set aside so many of their own wants in order to go … [Read more...] about Past Tense Sacrifice, Present Tense Service

Drew Wales blogs at SBC Heritage Last week, a document was released that generated so much traffic websites crashed. I disagree with many points in the document and I have seen some very well crafted responses to the errors and misrepresentations contained in the document. Eric Hankins’ document does not get to the heart of what it means to be a “traditional” Southern Baptist. The theological position in the document is nothing new so there was little concern on my part with positions brought forward, but I am concerned with the divisive nature of the document.  Here is why I disagree with … [Read more...] about The Traditional Southern Baptist (by Drew Wales)

I’ll need to know where to go to forfeit my man card once I reveal this confession.  Last winter my wife introduced me to a new series on ABC called Once Upon a Time.  I don’t merely endure this show.  I actually look forward to it coming on and my wife and I have made it a Sunday evening tradition.  Fellas, as soon as your laughter and disdain dies down a little try to stomach this video: I would have liked to have gotten a little better quality video without editing but this was the best that I could find.  The main thing for you to take away from this is what Rumpelstiltskin about … [Read more...] about Magic Always Comes with a Price: The Conservative Resurgence and Calvinism

Pelagianism teaches that Adam was merely a bad example whose sin brought injury to himself and no one else. In this view, everyone born after Adam is the same as Adam was before the fall. This heresy is a denial of the doctrine of original sin. It is expressly rebuked in Article Two of A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God's Plan of Salvation: We affirm that, because of the fall of Adam, every person inherits a nature and environment inclined toward sin and that every person who is capable of moral action will sin.  Semi-Pelagianism is a milder form of the … [Read more...] about I Am NOT a Semi-Pelagianist

Chris Roberts blogs at "Seek the Holy". The recent “Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation” has brought a lot of attention to the theology of human nature. Of particular concern is Article 2 which states: We affirm that, because of the fall of Adam, every person inherits a nature and environment inclined toward sin and that every person who is capable of moral action will sin. Each person’s sin alone brings the wrath of a holy God, broken fellowship with Him, ever-worsening selfishness and destructiveness, death, and condemnation to an … [Read more...] about Is the Statement semi-Pelagian? (by Chris Roberts)

The following three resolutions were forwarded to the Resolution Committee for their consideration to present to the Southern Baptist Convention 2012 Annual Meeting in New Orleans: Resolution on Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Rights Resolution on Racist Statements in Mormon Source Documents Resolution on the Recognition of Baptist Minister, George Liele, as America’s First Missionary The first Resolution deals with same-sex marriage and civil rights; and it was primarily authored by Pastor Eric C. Redmond with minimal contribution, but full affirmation, from me. We are submitting it as … [Read more...] about RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE SBC 2012 ANNUAL MEETING BY WM. DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR.

Alan Cross blogs at Downshore Drift. This is a resolution that I have submitted to the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention to be considered in a couple of weeks in New Orleans: A Resolution Affirming Holistic Ministry and Community Involvement By Local Churches WHEREAS, Humanity's greatest problem at the root of all other problems is that we rebel against God and are separated from Him because of indwelling sin and through continual sin; and WHEREAS, The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only solution to our problem as it reconciles us to God through faith and to one … [Read more...] about A Resolution on Holistic Ministry for the SBC in New Orleans (by Alan Cross)