SBC Issues

Some today are leading churches to begin using alcoholic wine instead of unfermented wine or grape juice in observance of the Lord’s Supper.  I’ve personally heard of several such instances in recent days. It is often presented as more biblical to use alcoholic wine in the Lord’s Supper.  A careful study of ancient wine and the Bible, however, along with medical evidence and common sense, may show Baptists have actually been more biblical than some assert. Following are a few reasons why the big majority of Baptists do not use alcoholic wine in the ordinance (not sacrament) of the Lord’s … [Read more...] about Why We Don’t Use Alcohol For the Lord’s Supper at our Church by David R. Brumbelow

I still remember a good chunk of advice that one of my professors in college gave me.  Dr. Pelletier (not the skater) was a man that taught me a great deal about ministry.  Perhaps one of the most profound things he taught me was about family devotions.  I was single at the time but engaged to my wife Nikki.  I was freaking out about how to lead this woman. The weight of Ephesians 5 was pressing hard on me; what does it mean to wash her in the water of the word?  What does it mean to lead a family?  I had never really seen family devotions modeled and had no idea what it meant to lead my … [Read more...] about Simple Discipleship and Preaching Advice

We are concerned. As we look across our beloved Southern Baptist Convention, we see a problem that is significant, and is growing. Sadly, statistics inform us that this is an issue across the entire spectrum of SBC life, regardless of location or age and type of congregation. This issue is no respecter of persons. Our shared commitment to the Cooperative Program (CP) is on a precipitous decline. We believe this is a great tragedy that bodes ill for our Convention’s future. Lest you think we’re simply writing to stump for the CP, please understand that we believe there are vital … [Read more...] about Is the Cooperative Program Worthy of Sacrifice? by Nathan Finn and Micah Fries

The Lord’s Supper serves as one of two symbols depicting for us the reality of the Gospel, baptism being the other.  Whereas baptism tells the story of our union with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection to new life (Romans 6), the Lord’s Supper paints a picture of how Jesus accomplished such new life for us in the sacrifice of his body. In John 6, Jesus (rather graphically on the surface) told his followers, “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.  For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” (6:54-55).  … [Read more...] about The Centrality of the Lord’s Supper to Church Life

Chief Katie linked to this on an earlier discussion.  It needs to be seen by every Christian.   … [Read more...] about Piper on Preaching to Other Religions

I’ve shared in the past that I struggle with depression, discouragement, or if you’re feeling extra Elizabethan “fits of melancholy”.  I loathe these times. I know what it is like to live in the enjoyment of what Christ has purchased.  I know what it is like to be “on fire for the Lord”.  In these times I figure I see things rather clearly.  I see gospel metaphors everywhere.  I see the beauty of Jesus all around me.  In these times I am feasting on the goodness and greatness of God.  I cherish these times. But then for some unknown (at least to me) reason the lights go out.  Sometimes … [Read more...] about Preparing For When the Lights Go Out