Russell Moore, "I think gun control proponents are misguided in trying to persuade others of their position in the way they usually go about it,” Moore wrote in an email. “There are not two sides here about whether shootings should be stopped, laws enforced, and criminality punished, but rather two sides about whether gun control is a prudent way to carry out those common goals.” Source. Russell Moore: “We live in a fallen world where things are not as they are supposed to be. I turn directly to the cross to show that God is not distant from this evil. He took that upon himself. Jesus also … [Read more...] about Quotes of interest to Southern Baptists
The Legacy of Pastor Shane Hall: “Christ is Enough!”
This may be the most difficult blog post I’ve ever written. My brother, Shane Hall, is with the Lord. I've been given the task of writing this post in honor of Shane and representing all of us here at SBC Voices as we mourn his passing, pray for his wife and girls, and express our love and admiration for this godly pastor. Each of us has been praying for him and have been blessed in different ways by his life and ministry. I personally feel this loss deeply and wanted to share a bit more story as a way of honoring him as he honored our Lord. I first heard of Shane's cancer as he was praying … [Read more...] about The Legacy of Pastor Shane Hall: “Christ is Enough!”
Contrasting Views on a Future IMB President
The various perspectives on a new IMB president fascinate. I'd like to summarize and contrast three distinct perspectives that have been posted on SBC-oriented sites. If I am citing your work, authors, please note I could not possibly hit every nuance of your original writing; readers, please see the authors in their own words via the links provided. However, there's a question at the end that is best answered if you've not yet read the original articles. *Please note: I'm not a battle blogger. If you see some fighting words here, I beg you to assume that I do not perceive them in as … [Read more...] about Contrasting Views on a Future IMB President
An Appeal for Honesty in References
I’m appealing to all our readers to be honest and forthright in the references we provide. What prompts this appeal? An unforgettable experience does. Some years ago our church called a new youth pastor. He applied for the position at our church, and he supplied several references from the church he was serving. After he arrived, everything went fine for several months; however, after he made a trip to scout out a summer mission project, our church’s financial secretary raised some questions about his spending. A CPA served on our church’s Finance Committee, and he performed an audit on the … [Read more...] about An Appeal for Honesty in References
A Reflection on Love
Originally written for my church blog as a devotion on Valentine's Day Many of us know the passage well. People quote it, read it at weddings, hang it on plaques on the wall—Paul’s famous words on love from 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. – 1 Corinthians 13:6-8 (CSB) When we … [Read more...] about A Reflection on Love
Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs
Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, signing to God with gratitude in your hearts. – Colossians 3:16 (CSB) A recent blog post by Mark Terry addressed the sad reality that what were once termed the “worship wars” still rage in some churches today. An animosity exists between old and new—what are the proper songs and styles with which to worship God in the 21st Century church? I want us to consider some of the things the Bible tells us about our musical worship of God. In Old Testament … [Read more...] about Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs
I’ve Had Enough: I Am Leaving (the Country)
At 2:30 AM on Friday I will begin a trek to Dioher, Senegal for what I believe is my sixth time since I first traveled there with Bart Barber. God is doing a great work in the Bayot villages that Bart's church labors in and I am hoping that some of that will spill over into the much newer work I am doing in the Essing (or Ehhing) villages to their west. I am planning to return on February 28. I would appreciate your prayers. Frankly, I probably should have put this trip off. I have been in a cluster headache cycle recently. If you know anything about clusters, they dominate your life. I've … [Read more...] about I’ve Had Enough: I Am Leaving (the Country)
David Platt’s Administration in Retrospect
In the interest of full disclosure—I am a retired IMB missionary. My wife and I served 24 years with the IMB in Southeast Asia. I have taught missions at Southern Baptist Seminary and now at Mid-America Baptist Seminary. This post reflects my personal opinions, and they do not represent the position of any institution. What follows has been informed by conversations with active and retired missionaries, staff members of the IMB, trustees of the IMB, and missions professors at Southern Baptist seminaries. The IMB announced on Monday, February 12th, that David Platt had asked the IMB trustees … [Read more...] about David Platt’s Administration in Retrospect
Another Missionary Perspective on Platt and the IMB
For security reasons, this post must remain anonymous. As someone currently serving on the field, I am disappointed to see Platt go. However, I don’t want to see a pendulum swing in response. Platt led us well, and his strategy forced us to reevaluate many of our on the field practices that were in need of some sound criticism. I think the list mentioned above is great, but there are a few things that I would like noted. First, someone that can encourage the Church to creatively think through missiology is needed. The “Limitless” campaign has opened many people’s eyes to the reality … [Read more...] about Another Missionary Perspective on Platt and the IMB
From the Field: A Missionary Reflects on Platt’s Tenure
IMB President David Platt asked the trustees of the IMB to begin searching for his replacement. I could stop there, get some popcorn, and open up the comments section. I never thought I’d outlast the Energizer Bunny. We assumed Elliff’s brief presidency would remain an aberration, and Platt would resume the tradition of long-serving presidents. I realize you’re all waiting with baited (bated?) breath for my opinion. “Please,” you beg, “tell us all about your own personal, field-based perspective so we can assume you speak for everyone. Let the golden words drip from your lips to our … [Read more...] about From the Field: A Missionary Reflects on Platt’s Tenure