I was raised in a Baptist family, accepted Christ at an early age, grew up with what I consider a hell, fire, and brimstone pastor, and never heard of the Apocrapha until I was at least a late teen, or perhaps it was even later than that and I was a young adult. I can't put an exact date on it but it was farther back in my years than closer to present at least! I do remember, however, that once I did learn about the existence of the Apocrapha that every time I asked what it was, the answer was almost whispered to me, as if it was a taboo subject. I'm a curious sort and so I kept poking around … [Read more...] about Concerning the Apocrypha…
SBC Issues
What is the Biblical nature of the Church?
There is a lot of talk in the Southern Baptist Convention about the nature of the church. Words like organic, institution, movement, centralization, etc.. are thrown around quite often. I have read a few books on the issue and I have to be honest: I take a stand on the 'not as popular' side. What is the nature of the church in Acts? Most agree that the nature of the church in Acts is more of an organic, house to house church setting. In Acts we see the phrase 'house to house' numerous times. Paul addressed and spoke of house churches. Paul went house to house in order to disciple and … [Read more...] about What is the Biblical nature of the Church?
Yokes We Cannot Bear
It is the beginning of the new year and a time, undoubtedly, when we all make resolutions to do this thing or that thing better this year. I was reading scripture in the New Testament this afternoon and came upon a certain verse which says "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" This verse is found in the 15th chapter of Acts, verse 10. Peter wasn't asking about the ridiculousness of new years resolutions of course, but I had to laugh as I read the verse because off an on throughout the day my mind had … [Read more...] about Yokes We Cannot Bear
Blog Debate: Contextualization, IMB, And Gospel Integrity
There is something of a blog debate right now about contextualization and sharing the Gospel in a Muslim context. It began with this post on SBC Impact which is a sample of a contextualized personal testimony offered by anonymous missionary. SBC Today posted a response that raised several issues with this approach to contextualization. Among other things, that response concluded: It is certainly worthwhile to “contextualize the gospel.” The task is difficult, surely. The author of the SBCImpact.net article may well have sought to do something similar to what Paul did in these examples, but … [Read more...] about Blog Debate: Contextualization, IMB, And Gospel Integrity
New Blog About Church Conflict
Check out a new blog about dealing with church conflict by David Noble author of Winning The Real Battle At Church. Here is what SBC President Johnny Hunt said about that book. If your church has ever dealt with any type of internal strife or conflict and you have wished there was a resource to help guide you, let me commend this book to you. I'm excited that David is bringing this topic to the blogosphere. … [Read more...] about New Blog About Church Conflict
Top 10 SBC Stories Of 2008
What events from this past year will have a lasting impact on the life of the SBC? Here is my attempt to answer that question. This exercise is sure to invite criticism and I am open for your correction in the comment section. 1. Decline In SBC Giving: While membership numbers can be inflated and baptisms can fluctuate, the real measure of our denominational mission has always been our missions offerings. That is what the SBC does - cooperate for missions. So, when that slides it should catch our attention. This story broke in early October but was largely ignored. The quote, "Cooperative … [Read more...] about Top 10 SBC Stories Of 2008
2008 Is History – So What?
It's that time of year again, where everyone wants to reflect on the near term history. So, what mattered most in 2008? What impacted you - was it a news story, a personal event, SBC issue or something else? Leave your comments below. … [Read more...] about 2008 Is History – So What?
Study Notes Or Plain Text: Which Bible Is Better?
This Christmas, my church purchased ESV study Bibles for Sunday School teachers. The thinking was to give them an all-in-one resource to help them work out sticky passages and better grasp the meaning of the Bible. But there is a downside to these type of Bibles, even if they are very well done. I've often found myself checking the notes before I struggle to understand the text on its own merits. That is why I normally recommend plain text Bibles with minimal notes. What do you think? Which Bible would you recommend and to what types of readers? … [Read more...] about Study Notes Or Plain Text: Which Bible Is Better?
No More Heroes
I was listening to a sermon by John Piper on my iTunes the other day when he said something that really intrigued me. Now, Dr. Piper often says things which I find stimulating and inspiring, but this little blurb hit me harder than most. He said, "Following Jesus is first and foremost not heroic!" Not heroic. … [Read more...] about No More Heroes
Should Preaching Be The #1 Priority Of The Church?
The centrality of preaching has been on my mind lately. Mainly because of some conviction God has been giving, and also because of some excellent books I'm reading. For example, I read this statement by Dr. Mohler in his contribution to the book Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea For Preaching. "This is not to say that there are not other responsibilities or that there are not even other priorities for a pastor. However, there is one central, non-negotiable, immovable, essential priority, and that is the preaching of the Word of God." Does it follow that maintaining the preaching of the Word … [Read more...] about Should Preaching Be The #1 Priority Of The Church?