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Ten Random Reasons for Not Becoming an IMB Missionary

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As I prepare to go back to the field later this summer, I am finding more and more people who want to talk with me about missions.  They ask about my struggles and tell me about theirs.  I’ve had many of these conversations before, but I still enjoy sitting down and chatting with folks about it. I encounter people who have experienced some sort of call, but have a litany of reasons why they can’t do it right now.  They have reasons for not contacting the IMB, not filling out an application, not bothering to take even the slightest step towards fulfilling that call.  I’d like to take a … [Read more...] about Ten Random Reasons for Not Becoming an IMB Missionary

A Common Ground Soteriology

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I consider myself a child of the Conservative Resurgence.  As at least a 3rd generation Southern Baptist, I am able to happily continue to identify with my denominational heritage thanks to the faithfulness, work, and dedication of my generation’s Pauls—men such as Paige Patterson, Adrian Rogers, Paul Pressler, Charles Stanley, etc.  These men taught us that we must have a high view of the Bible.  We are, by declaration, “people of the book.”  Therefore what we believe must be grounded firmly in Scripture.  They taught us that inerrancy is indeed “a hill on which to die.”  After all, to lose … [Read more...] about A Common Ground Soteriology

Preach to All Men, Everywhere (by Paul Thompson)

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Paul Thompson blogs at "The Bridge" and was a close second in our 2012 "Blue Collar Blog Madness" blogging tournament. A common thing I hear when I'm in the circles of Baptists is a lot of talk about what we think. (Maybe this is true of others, but it is true of too many Baptists.) I'm guilty of this very thing I'm writing of tonight. I have been pondering the need for church planting in the Magic Valley, Idaho and beyond. I've been reading about church planting and various articles on the subject from mission agencies. I'm not sure what to think on some things related to affinity church … [Read more...] about Preach to All Men, Everywhere (by Paul Thompson)

A NOLA Bloggers’ Get-Together?

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One of the things I like to do at the convention is meet people I've only known through blogging.  I've wondered about getting together and having a bloggers "meet and greet and eat" at some point. I wondered about the following. 1) We could meet at Cafe Du Monde after the last session of the Pastors Conference on Monday night. 2) We could meet for lunch in the food area that is by the displays - either Tuesday or Wednesday.   3) We could meet at another place (reasonably priced - not all of us are as rich as CB Scott) for a meal, but someone who knows the area better than I do needs … [Read more...] about A NOLA Bloggers’ Get-Together?

Calvinists, Non-Calvinists, Traditionalists: Nomenclature Issues in the SBC

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Let me start by saying two things: I understand the arguments that have been made in favor of "traditionalist" as a designation for those who are Baptists but do not subscribe to the Calvinists' so-called "Doctrines of Grace."  They have been called Arminian, but most bristle at that.  They have been called anti-Calvinists and there are certainly a few of those around, but there are a lot of people who reject Calvinism but do not reject Calvinists.  The most common term has been non-Calvinist. But people do not want to be known simply by what they do not believe. However, in spite of … [Read more...] about Calvinists, Non-Calvinists, Traditionalists: Nomenclature Issues in the SBC

ERLC Trustees Reprimand Land, Cancel His Radio Program

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The trustees of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission have reprimanded Richard Land twice and have cancelled his radio program "Richard Land Live."  While they did not terminate him, the reprimand is a serious thing and the cancelling of the program was a fairly aggressive step. He was reprimanded for the statements about the Trayvon Martin case made on the radio program. He was reprimanded for plagiarism on the same radio program. The radio program will be cancelled as soon as is contractually permissible. The trustees noted that while Land's plagiarism on his radio program … [Read more...] about ERLC Trustees Reprimand Land, Cancel His Radio Program

Calvinists: What Do You Want from Traditionalists?

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So here is the turnabout in the interests of fair play. This is a Calvinist-only forum.  My question to you is the opposite of what I asked to the "traditionalists" earlier. What is it that you want from the "traditionalists?" They are not going away and they are not going to adopt Calvinism.  So, short of acquiescing to Reformed Dogma, what do you want from them? If Calvinists and non-Calvinist, traditionalists are going to partner together in the SBC's missions endeavors, what is it that you desire from them? Speak the truth with grace. Other than perhaps asking a question for … [Read more...] about Calvinists: What Do You Want from Traditionalists?

“Traditionalists” – What Do You Want from Calvinists?

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I'm going to ask our Calvinist readers to stay off this one. This is a question for those who have self-designated as "traditionalists."   I will delete comments from Calvinists on this post.  This is a non-Calvinist forum today!  You may state your views without argumentation here.  I may ask a question for clarity, but you have the floor today. Here is the question I hope some of you will answer - honestly and graciously. What is it you want from Calvinists in the SBC? Obviously, there are three simple solutions. Calvinists could abandon their doctrines. Calvinists could leave … [Read more...] about “Traditionalists” – What Do You Want from Calvinists?

“A Plague on Both Your Houses” – The Calvinism Debates in the SBC

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Mercutio was caught in the middle of the warring houses of Montague and Capulet.  He ended up getting killed during a battle between Romeo and Tybalt - an unintended but tragic consequence of the blood-feud that had gripped Verona. We are Verona, and the Calvinist Montagues are in battle against the non-Calvinist, "traditionalist" Capulets. Both sides claim the others started it.  Both claim that they are serving God and that the other side is the one responsible for most of the trouble.  "It was them!  We only responded to what they did." This "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" attitude … [Read more...] about “A Plague on Both Your Houses” – The Calvinism Debates in the SBC