SBC Voices

I had a wonderful older lady in my church whose habit was to bring rutabagas to the monthly senior luncheon. I don't like the smell of rutabagas. I don't like the taste of rutabagas. I don't like the look of rutabagas. They are virtually inedible just on the basis of the name 'rutabaga'. Why would anyone put such a thing in their mouth anyway? Well, every time the lady would say, "Here, preacher, have some rutabagas," and in a shameful display of spineless pastoral pandering, I'd answer, "Sure" and she would heap on a pile of the foul items on my plate. Under withering scrutiny, I'd eat … [Read more...] about The blogging equivalent of a church potluck supper

Today, November 9-10, marks the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht (1938), or "the night of broken glass," which marked a turning point in the persecution of Jews in Germany by the Nazis from economic and cultural to outright violence. This Sunday, November 11th, marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One (1918), known as Armistice Day, where we get our Veteran's Day from. These events, as we know, are connected. After World War I, the harsh conditions imposed in the Treaty of Versailles created a loss of economic prosperity and political weakening for the German people which … [Read more...] about End of World War I, Kristallnacht, Baptists, and Lessons from History

The flagship blog of SBC Traditionalists, SBC Today, announced a few days ago that "for the forseeable future" they would take a "hiatus." I guess that means they gave up the ghost, although with one short post since the announcement a light pulse is felt. May it be hereby noted that this was done on the eve of Reformation Day. Someone ought point that out and I'm happy to oblige. The news was noted in no less than Baptist News Global where Bob Allen had an informative article. At least one additional popular site for Baptists made note, also. Frankly, I hated to see it partly because of … [Read more...] about SBC Today gives up the ghost

If we as Christians believe anything about God it is that He has the power, the ability to transform our lives. Every one of us who have walked with Christ for a period of time can humbly testify that God has changed our lives. The transformation begins suddenly at our new birth and can be drastic at the beginning. We all know people who were instantly, radically changed when they were saved. The difference was stark. However, the sanctification process is not over with that initial change. God does a sanctifying work in our lives.   He uses other believers. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron … [Read more...] about Ministering to Sex Abusers: What to Do? (Dean Stewart)

The IMB search committee is announcing its intention to nominate Dr. Paul Chitwood, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, as the next president of the International Mission Board. The official vote will be held Nov. 15. I have never met Dr. Chitwood but several of my friends, some of them part of the SBC Voices team, have. Every one of them speaks of him in the highest terms, both as to his character and his competence. The Kentucky convention is a large convention and Dr. Chitwood has led it well. A friend told me privately that he was the best executive director he … [Read more...] about Dr. Paul Chitwood Nominated as IMB President

  The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? (NIV) If ever there is a scripture passage that has been neutered it is this one concerning lawsuits among believers. One of our entities is being sued by a former state executive. There are several prominent cases where bloggers have been sued. My own church was recently surprised to be served with a lawsuit. Seems that a volunteer with the food distribution ministry, a monthy food giveaway, claimed to have tripped over a box … [Read more...] about Why not rather be wronged?