We share our opinions and insights at SBC Voices, but we believe that the Voice that matters most is the one that comes from God’s Word. We present these daily expositional devotions, beginning with a tour of Ephesians called, “Walk Worthy,” in hopes of encouraging our readers to remember to Voice above every voice. Passage: Overview of Ephesians 1:7-14 - In Him 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, … [Read more...] about From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 1:7-14 Recap. In HIM.
Some Quick Comments on the Paige Patterson Ordeal
You may be aware that Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson has come under fire over the past few days for comments he made in 2000 during a Q&A time at a meeting sponsored by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Here are the comments that are drawing criticism. The church will never be a refuge for abused women so long as prominent leaders like Southern Baptist Paige Patterson are making dangerous statements like this... https://t.co/mOrukbKvjD pic.twitter.com/xeH2lfXe9z — Jonathan Merritt (@JonathanMerritt) April 28, 2018 More vile … [Read more...] about Some Quick Comments on the Paige Patterson Ordeal
How we can achieve ethnic diversity in SBC leadership
The report from the SBC nominating committee was released last week, and like many of you, I was bumfuzzled. I’m not sure that’s a real word, but that’s how I felt. If you weren’t paying attention last week, you can read the report here. Thankfully, Dave Miller brought some clarification to the report in his post last week. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief. There will be more minority representation in our decision making bodies. There is, however, a question that has lingered in my mind over the weekend. How do we achieve diversity without resorting to affirmative action? … [Read more...] about How we can achieve ethnic diversity in SBC leadership
From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 1:13-14 – Sealed and Deposited
We share our opinions and insights at SBC Voices, but we believe that the Voice that matters most is the one that comes from God's Word. We present these daily expositional devotions, beginning with a tour of Ephesians called, "Walk Worthy," in hopes of encouraging our readers to remember to Voice above every voice. Passage: In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. 14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his … [Read more...] about From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 1:13-14 – Sealed and Deposited
A Mild Rebuke to My Fellow-Dispensationalists
My dispensationalism is about as mild as this rebuke is intended to be. Basically, I see a future for the nation of Israel during the millennium, I do not believe the church replaces Israel or inherits the Abrahamic promises. Romans 11 is key for me. A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written. Romans 11:25-26. God hardened Israel's hearts because of their unbelief and set them aside for a time, until the "fullness of the Gentiles has come in." Then, God will return to his work with … [Read more...] about A Mild Rebuke to My Fellow-Dispensationalists
From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 1:11-12 – Inherited Assurance
We share our opinions and insights at SBC Voices, but we believe that the Voice that matters most is the one that comes from God's Word. We present these daily expositional devotions, beginning with a tour of Ephesians called, "Walk Worthy," in hopes of encouraging our readers to remember to Voice above every voice. Passage: In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, 12 so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory. … [Read more...] about From the Voice that Matters Most: Ephesians 1:11-12 – Inherited Assurance
Taking a Medical “Leave of Absence”
This is going to be an interesting week - one in which I will almost certainly lose weight. I have felt poorly for the last couple of months. I got sick in Senegal and thought it was something I ate - it might have been, who knows. But I just never got better. Finally, we decided to do some extra tests. Bloodwork. Ultrasound. MRI. Hipa. They went from organ to organ to organ until finally, they decided on two culprits. My gallbladder is diseased and has to come out. I am still concerned that it may sue me for abuse and neglect after 60 years of the diet I have subjected it to. They also … [Read more...] about Taking a Medical “Leave of Absence”
Brother, prepare to relinquish thy housing allowance
This advice is not from Your Humble Hacker and Plodding Semi-retired Pastor but from LifeWay leader Thom Ranier. In a recent podcast (Will the Minister's Housing Allowance Go Away?) he states his belief that " it is going to go away" and advises pastors to rearrange their finances now to prepare for the loss. The part of the tax law that provides for the housing allowance on parsonages is not the issue. So, if you live in the humble parson's domicile on the site of your church then there's no need to worry. If instead you own your home and receive a cash payment from your church as "housing … [Read more...] about Brother, prepare to relinquish thy housing allowance
An Update on the Nominating Committee Report: Hopeful News
I was contacted a few minutes ago by someone who spoke to the chair of the Nominating Committee for the 2018 SBC, which we have been discussing. It contained 69 nominations for new positions and 67 of them were white. First of all, the person I spoke to is a friend I trust to tell me the truth. I cannot and will not reveal that person's name, but this person's word is impeccable. Here's what I was told. The Nominating Committee report was released because there is a deadline for releasing it. It had to be released when it was. Like all Nominating Committee reports, it is a … [Read more...] about An Update on the Nominating Committee Report: Hopeful News
67 of 69 New Nominees for SBC Entity Trustee Boards Are White
After 29 years of calling for greater diversity on SBC entity boards, we are presented with a slate of nominees by the Committee on Nominations that is 97% white. This slate of nominees, while likely all good, godly people individually, is not representative of the SBC and is out of step with the consistent call, votes, resolutions, motions, and prayers of the SBC gathered in convention over the past three decades. “Be it further RESOLVED, That our agencies and institutions seek diligently to bring about greater racial and ethnic representation at every level of Southern Baptist institutional … [Read more...] about 67 of 69 New Nominees for SBC Entity Trustee Boards Are White