SBC Voices

When my son turned five, my wife and I went to the nearest book store and bought him his first Bible. I also wanted a good devotional that we could read together as a family to help us understand the Bible. There were a few things that were decent, but nothing that really fit what we were looking for. What I was really looking for was a devotional that would go through one book of the Bible at a time. And one that would train my little guy in how to do Bible study. Of course, I also wanted it to be engaging and easy enough to actually maintain. But also one that was deep enough that it … [Read more...] about Introducing the Seeds Project

I grew up in a conservative church in a conservative town in Iowa and "Hellywood" was the enemy of everything righteous. Things are different now in the church. As movies have gotten more explicit, fouler, and more hostile to Christian values, Christians have enthusiastically embraced the Hollywood experience. Whatever dreck they drudge up and throw at a silver screen near us, we dutifully sit and enjoy. Some Christians are so concerned being seen as out of touch with culture that they are afraid to speak a word against anything that comes to a theater nearby. The issue of discernment is a … [Read more...] about Noah, Movies, and Christian Discernment

I love evangelism.  I love to teach it, write about it and be up to my neck in it.  I have tried different methods, learned and used tools, even wrote a book about it.  I love evangelism, but with it comes a danger that sometimes I forget that no one else needs Jesus as much as I do.  I am a dirty, wretched sinner and I can't do anything to save myself and I must have Jesus to lift me out of the pit of despair, I need Jesus. I work with great guys, but many of them had to overcome some major troubles.  I work with guys who have suffered from addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography, … [Read more...] about Why I Need Jesus

Twenty years ago in a small church, hidden behind a row of trees, and located down a long and dusty road John and Rita stood before a preacher. On that day they covenanted with one another. John promised to love Rita and she promised the same. Years have passed since that Autumn day. John’s gorgeous jet black hair is now graying and mostly found in the sink instead of on his head. Rita carries the battle scars of being married to such a difficult man for twenty years. Her eyes still carry with them the pain of spending their fifth anniversary alone as John was gone. It’d have been one … [Read more...] about How to Fix an Icy Marriage

In the voice of Everywoman...  Dear husband: I love you.  You know that, right?  I think I've always made it clear. I respect you, too. I know what the Word has to say on the subject, and I gladly comply.  You're the greatest man I've ever known; human in every way and yet utterly godly.  I have no trouble giving you the respect you need, crave, want, deserve. I know you love me, too.  Unfortunately, you don't love me enough. Really. But don't take my word for it... Ephesians 5:25-27  25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for … [Read more...] about Dear Husband: You Don’t Love Me

I have loved the movie "Fiddler on the Roof" since I saw it in theaters when it first came out. It is all about Tevye and his struggle to adjust to modernity. He began the movie trumpeting "Tradition!" and slowly sacrificed those traditions as the world crumbled around him. His oldest daughter wanted to marry the man she loved, even if it meant poverty, instead of entering the arranged marriage her father had made for her. He bent a little to give his permission to that marriage. Then his second daughter decided to marry a political revolutionary and did not seek his permission. Even in his … [Read more...] about If We Bend too Far, We Will Break: Bemoaning the World Vision Decision

John Elkins is the Student Pastor at First Baptist Church of Brazoria, TX.  The current reality of tenure in youth ministry is atrocious.  I’ve see youth guys come and go at a rapid rate since I started in the ministry and have mourned the losses to my fellow churches.  I have been at my church for almost 8 years now as the Student Pastor (official title).  I serve at First Baptist Church in a small town south of Houston Texas.  Last weekend I was privileged to stay with some great friends and through the course of our conversation it came to light that their church has not been able to keep … [Read more...] about How to Keep a Youth Guy: Ten Ways My Church Encourages Me to Stick Around (by John Elkins)

The frail old man sets aside his walker and gradually places himself in the tub. But this is no ordinary bath. You see, he just returned from the store where he purchased seven gallons of yellow mustard. The old man has scooped, squirted, and squeezed this smelly condiment into his bathtub. Why in the world has this man done such a thing? “Is he senile?” you ask. Nope. He’s just got arthritis and he watches Christian television. One day when he was watching his favorite show he had a strong impression that he couldn’t shake. As the polished reverend prayed over his global … [Read more...] about Would God Ask You to Take a Mustard Bath?

I know what you are thinking. Like many others, you have bought into the idea, “This could never happen to me.” But the reality is that it most likely will. Your pastor will leave you for another church. Perhaps it will be the young one across town. Or it may be the established & financially secure church that just finished a building project. What about the one upstate that he just spent a week with “preaching a revival”? Studies show that average national tenure of a pastor is 3.6 years. Listen to these testimonies: “We thought things were going so well, I mean we just finished paying … [Read more...] about How To Know if Your Pastor is Cheating