SBC Voices

Ron F. Hale -- serves on the pastoral staff of a Baptist church in his hometown of Jackson, TN.  He has served as church planter, pastor, director of associational missions, and evangelism director of a state convention. Dr. Al Mohler, president of the SBTS, received a “liberal lashing” from Dr. Miguel De La Torre in his Associated Baptist Press article on November 7th.  These days it seems that “fundamentalist” Christian white men who might also be Republican are scarier than plane-flying al-Qaeda hijackers bent on jihad. I am certainly no fan of Dr. Mohler’s reformed theology (with all … [Read more...] about The Post-election Chest-beating of Miguel De La Torre (by Ron F. Hale)

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. (Mark 9:42 ESV) The above text is actually more about not being the means by which disciples falter, but it can also be applied to being a daddy.  It goes without saying that I do not desire the destruction of my children.  One because I love them.  Two because a millstone seems like a really uncomfortable necklace—especially for swimming in the sea. If you, however, think a millstone necklace would be fashionable attire … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Destroying Your Children’s Souls

We ain't here! Nothing to talk about! (Oh, and before you ask, I wrote this Monday night and scheduled it to post today!) … [Read more...] about Really? You’re reading blogs TODAY? Go eat some turkey, watch some football. Hang out with your family. Oh, yeah, GIVE THANKS!

I am on my way to Ohio for a family reunion. I won't be posting or paying much attention to blogs. Our contributors may post if they wish, but I don't think they are going to do much either. So, have a great Thanksgiving and I will see you Monday. … [Read more...] about I’m Giving My Voices a Break

Alan Cross blogs at Downshore Drift. Acts 1:8 is where Jesus is speaking to his disciples right before his Ascension into Heaven where he says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This was spoken to a small group of Jesus' followers in Jerusalem around 33 AD. He was telling them that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and empower them to be witnesses/martyrs for him starting in Jerusalem. Then, the gospel would go throughout Judea and north to Samaria and then … [Read more...] about Are We Interpreting Acts 1:8 Wrong? (by Alan Cross)

(This is the sermon I preached at our two morning worship services yesterday, November 18. I thought it might be an encouragement to a few of you.) Okay, be honest. If you found out that we had bugged you over the last couple of weeks, since…oh…say…November 6, would it be safe to say that we would hear a lot of complaining coming from your mouth? Perhaps some moaning and groaning about the choices the America people have made and some fear expressed at the future of our great land? I have been around a long time and have never seen a time when conservative Christians were as despondent and … [Read more...] about Giving Thanks in a World That Stinks!

One of my favorite moments from the Office is when a flat broke Michael Scott learns about the option of declaring bankruptcy.  If he only declares bankruptcy then all of his bills are gone.  So he does just that: We laugh at this because it is ludicrous to think that just because we declare something that it will somehow be spoken into existence.  I love when Michael says, “I didn’t say it, I declared it”.  It’s silly to think that you can declare something and it will inevitably happen.  Right? According to Joel Osteen, Michael Scott is on to something.  His latest book “I Declare” … [Read more...] about I Declare… “This is Whack”

"Theodicy, the attempt to reconcile ones belief in a loving and powerful God with the suffering present in our world, is a key element in providing care to those in need.  Our disappointment with God in the face of suffering, tragedy, or injustice typically stems from our assumptions about how God is supposed to work in our world.  When God does not meet our expectations, we are disappointed, disillusioned, and confused. The sweeping message of the Bible is not a promise that those who believe and do good will not suffer.  Instead the Bible is largely a book about people who refused to let go … [Read more...] about Faith and Theodicy

..and I'm guessing that most of my ministerial colleagues will be loath to make such an admission as well. There is a perfectly good reason for such an attitude: No pastor wishes to be seen as damaged goods. I have admitted to being "a bit tired" and did so many times over the past couple of years when people in my church would ask why I am retiring at such a young (er, 62, young?) age. A feeling of mild ministerial fatigue was for me merely one of the Lord's signposts that my ministry at the church I had served for almost 15 years was drawing to a close - a normal progression. I will … [Read more...] about No sir, I’m not admitting to clergy burnout… (by William Thornton)

This post is the fourth in a series based on the book, "Southern Baptist Identity: An Evangelical Denomination Faces the Future," edited by David Dockery. The previous post, "Southern Baptist Identity: Southern Baptists in the 21st Century" (link - https://sbcvoices.com/southern-baptist-identity-southern-baptists-in-the-21st-century/) discussed Dockery's introduction to the book. On the surface, it seems like a silly question. The SBC is still the largest non-Catholic denomination in America (the world?) and our statistical problems pale in comparison to those that other denominations … [Read more...] about Southern Baptist Identity: Does the SBC Have a Future? (Al Mohler, Chapter 1)