Dr. Kevin McFadden has been an Assistant Professor of New Testament and Greek at Louisiana College. He is one of the professors whose contract was not renewed - the action that sent Louisiana College into the headlines. You can read his biography here. I appreciate both the wisdom and the spirit of this article. How should Southern Baptists approach disagreements in theology? What should we do when we disagree about what the Bible says about God? My goal in this article is to help Southern Baptists think productively about the Calvinism controversy and other theological controversies in the … [Read more...] about How Southern Baptists Should Approach Disagreements in Theology (by Dr. Kevin McFadden)
We Can’t Stop the Crash, But We Can Pick Up the Pieces
I'm leading a Bible study on the OT prophets on Wednesday night. They proclaimed the glory of God and warned Israel and Judah that God would not tolerate their sin, their false prophets with their positive messages, their empty religion, or their unfaithful hearts. Israel ignored the impending doom, and even persecuted the prophets for daring to say that God's judgment would come. Then, one day, the "day of the Lord" came and the chosen nation was laid waste. What the prophets warned had come true. And Israel was wholly unprepared for the aftermath because they never accepted that the … [Read more...] about We Can’t Stop the Crash, But We Can Pick Up the Pieces
Don’t call us traditional; call us vintage…
There are important dates that come with this time of year. Yes, there’s that date (I love you, mom!). But there are also other events worth celebrating, at least to me—the completion of 33 years of life and 9 years in the role of a pastor. These, of course, are not epic milestones and in both cases by many people around me, I am still but a pup. Side note: In 9 years of pastoring, I have always been the youngest “senior” pastor in my association. When I started at 23 going on 24, this was a bit of a no duh type thing. Now I’m like, “Are we ever going to get anyone younger than me?” … [Read more...] about Don’t call us traditional; call us vintage…
Jackie Robinson, Jason Collins and Jesus: Legacy Lessons – A Journey through a Jungle (by Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr)
Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr. is the pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, TX. He blogs at Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr. Life is filled with twist and turns, choices and consequences, difficulties and sometimes even demonic opposition. For many, life is like a journey in a jungle, where there is danger and darkness lurking around the corner; the unknown and unimaginable; temptation and potential torment. Test, temptations, obstacles, hurdles, demons, distractions, disappointment and difficulties will inevitably cross our path. Jason Collins is not alone in terms of struggling with inner … [Read more...] about Jackie Robinson, Jason Collins and Jesus: Legacy Lessons – A Journey through a Jungle (by Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr)
The Sinful Nature in Dynamic Equivalence Translations
I don't like the NIV 2011. I've been clear about that from the get-go. Now, permit me to let you in on a little secret: I didn't particularly like the NIV 1984, either. I can clearly perceive the immense superiority of the NIV 1984 over the NIV 2011. In fact, so can the owners of the NIV, otherwise, they wouldn't find it necessary to embargo the NIV 1984 (embargoes are generally only necessary to protect inferior products from superior ones). And yet, it seems to me that of the problems that plague the NIV 2011, they all arise from the committee's decision to apply more consistently the … [Read more...] about The Sinful Nature in Dynamic Equivalence Translations
Jesus Rules In the Midst of His Enemies (by Alan Cross)
Alan Cross blogs at Downshore Drift - a blog you should definitely read regularly! Psalm 110:1-2 The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!” Psalm 110 is a Messianic Psalm used to describe Jesus and his ministry. Peter refers to this passage in his Pentecost sermon as referring to Jesus (Acts 2:34). In Psalm 110:4 it says, “you are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” The writer to the Hebrews (6:20; 7:17) used this … [Read more...] about Jesus Rules In the Midst of His Enemies (by Alan Cross)
An SBC Voices Poll: Who is Going to Houston?
I'll be there. Will you? Last year, we gathered and had some good fellowship over beignets. Any interest in another get-together this year? The floor is yours. … [Read more...] about An SBC Voices Poll: Who is Going to Houston?
When Worship Becomes Habitual (by Andy Hynes)
Have we turned worship into a ritual? Is worship something we have shown our people is a process they go through on Sunday morning? Has worship become a concert we attend each Sunday? I think we are suffering from decades of worship that has placed man as the center and not Christ. Here are the areas I think we are hurting in the most… Baptism There are certain denominations that teach a baptismal regeneration. This is not a biblical concept, as if that shocks anyone. But the doctrine is out there. As Baptists, I think we have fled so far to the other extreme that we “over” … [Read more...] about When Worship Becomes Habitual (by Andy Hynes)
The Fundamental Divergence: The War between Biblical Christianity and Popular Thought
A young couple sat in my office asking me to perform their wedding. As we talked, I realized that this perfectly nice couple was already living together. Each of us handles those situations differently. My concern is that my presence in a public wedding signifies in some way the blessing of God on the union. If a couple is flaunting the will and ways of God and then I confer God's blessings on them, I am at risk of offending God. I shared this conviction with the couple. I would do a private wedding with family and a few friends (based on the "it's better to marry than to burn" verse), but if … [Read more...] about The Fundamental Divergence: The War between Biblical Christianity and Popular Thought
Suggested Resources On Preaching
There is nothing quite like delivering your first sermon. Really there is nothing quite like delivering any sermon. It is a unique event. And with this many young men launching into the ministry (or even those that have been going at it for awhile) often look to books for help in preaching. If that describes you here are a few books that I would recommend. On Preparing a Sermon Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell. This is the best book that I have ever read on preparing a sermon. Preaching to a Post-Everything World by Zack Eswine. Eswine is a wonderful addition to Chapell’s … [Read more...] about Suggested Resources On Preaching