SBC Voices

In 1952, a New York pastor named Norman Vincent Peale penned a book that has influenced generations that followed, called, “The Power of Positive Thinking.” Many of his thoughts and ideas were picked up by Robert Schuller, who repackaged them as “Possibility Thinking,” and built a religious empire from them. These ideas, once seen as counter to the gospel, have now become mainstream, even in evangelical, supposedly Bible-believing Christianity. Christianity has been completely redefined, deemphasizing sin and lostness and separation from God and replacing it with a man-centered, … [Read more...] about The Power of Negative Thinking

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” Romans 12:18 The other day, I posted an article that was mostly a quote from John Newton on the necessity of living at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ though we have theological differences.  It’s a really tremendous article that you should read.  I can say that because my words are only those of introduction, Newton is the one that drops the gospel bombs. As I was reflecting on Newton’s words, and even more the words of the apostle, my “but” voice reared its ugly head. But certainly there is a place for … [Read more...] about How Our “But” Keeps Us From Obedience

William Thornton is the SBC Plodder. Among the things I’d like to see before I die is a climate where Christians can have reasonable, informed, civil, and illuminating conversations about evolution and creation without all the unreasonable, uninformed, uncivil, and obfuscating clutter that seems to accompany such things. Allow me to recount a sample, fictional conversation:   Evolutionist:  I don’t have all the answers but I join most scientists in a belief in evolution as the explanation for much of what we see today. Conservative Christian: You are an idiot. Darwin was … [Read more...] about Why All These Uncivil Christians? (by William Thornton)

Jerry Corbaley blogs at Think the Thoughts. Part One should be read before Part Two, or you could find this a little too salty. It is the Bible-believing Christian’s birthright to communicate with loving words of grace. It is within God’s ideal will for the Christian’s words to be patient, kind, modest, humble, polite, and with a clear attitude that a holy relationship is desired with those who receive such words. We say and write a great many things. We may be aware of the human consequences that our words ignite. Communication itself is an avenue for sin, and faithfulness to what God … [Read more...] about Loving Words of Grace: Part Two (by Jerry Corbaley)

There are so many sappy, stupid Christmas shows and movies made. The Hallmark channel has shallow and sentimental  Christmas shows 24/7 during the Christmas season. None are really worth the two hour time investment required. (I know, we recently visited family who watched such programs round the clock.) So, I thought I would engage a discussion of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. Obviously, opinions are going to vary on some of these, but there is to be no debate or question about number 1. Those who disagree with me on #1 will be referred to my good buddy St. Nick (we met at fat … [Read more...] about The Best Christmas Programs Ever: My Top-5

If you have spent any time in Southern Baptist churches (and probably those of other denominations from our shared family tree) and especially VBS, you have undoubtedly heard the ABC’s of salvation.  With every VBS there is usually a little ditty that tells children how they can become followers of Jesus.  Part of me deeply rejoices in the simplicity of this gospel presentation.  It can be very helpful when the Lord is working on the heart of someone, they understand the gospel for the most part, but they are kind of tripping up on the “what must I do to be saved” part. The ABC’s are a … [Read more...] about The ABC’s Need a Story

Do you have a personal Mission Statement?  Now we all have the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, and we need to have those part of our core identity.  Beyond that, I have a purpose and calling to help equip people for the work of ministry in the area they are called.  I also take time every year to make a theme for the year.  A few years ago, it was "Not a hill worth dying on".  Last year it was "fight the fights that need fighting".  2013 looks to be a year of interesting experiences and some new beginnings or transitions.  This year I plan to get some good writing done, move … [Read more...] about What is Your Mission Statement

Jerry Corbaley blogs at Think the Thoughts. One Birthright (of many) from the New Birth A ‘birthright’ is a right given to someone by their birth. Because they have been born, they have a right to something. That ‘something’ is theirs. That ‘something’ belongs to them and they can take advantage of it and use it for themselves or others. It is their right. It belongs to them. A Christian is born again through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Because they have been born this way, they have a right from God to express loving words of grace. This right to express loving words of … [Read more...] about Loving Words of Grace are the Christian’s Birthright – Part One (by Jerry Corbaley)

We're in the midst of Internation Week of Prayer as promoted by the IMB and sister organizations.  Prayer, of course, is something we pursue year-round, yet it isn't a bad idea to set aside some time for a special emphasis on prayer for missions. The IMB compiled an 8-day prayer calendar, focusing on a specific people group or population type each day.  If you would like to see the week's calendar, check out this link.  At the bottom of the page you'll see the listing along with past days' topics.  Each item in the list links to a more in-depth look at the needs of each group. Today's … [Read more...] about International Prayer Emphasis Week

I have a coffee mug (more a Mountain Dew mug since I’m not yet man enough to drink coffee) sitting on my desk.  It’s very special to me because of the artwork on it.  It has a heart, the letter I, something that looks like a dinosaur or maybe Vermont, I think some space invaders, a purple blob and an equals sign. I think it’s supposed to say “I love you daddy”.  But instead I think it says purple blob equals deformed dinosaur, I heart space invaders.  I’m confident the artwork on this will never be featured in the Louvre.  Let’s be honest the artwork is terrible.  You know my response … [Read more...] about Jesus Loves Our Space Invaders