I am a conflicted blogger. I love blogging and I love this site, and yet I am often concerned about whether the way we do things is the right way. There can be little doubt about the popularity and expanded impact of blogging. But the question still remains as to whether what we do is spiritually productive. Are we an asset to the kingdom or do we hinder God's work? If we are going to improve our work, a little self-reflection is in order. I think there is a simple way for each of us to review our own record as bloggers - to do a little self-evaluation that could help us. Here's my idea; … [Read more...] about A Suggestion for Better Baptist Blogging
Beyond Chikin and Kissin’ are People in Pain
Chicken sandwich wrappers are headed to the landfill in record numbers. Digestive juices have done their duty. Thousands upon thousands of waffle fries have worked their way into the calorie count. And it's Thursday and we're hungry again. Thousands of men and women who struggle with sexual identity, poised between the pain of the pull, paused to watch the lines grow and the commentators commentate and the pundits pundit and beneath the wash of explanations and declarations, they pondered the rationales and motivations and tried to uncover what it all means for the gnawing … [Read more...] about Beyond Chikin and Kissin’ are People in Pain
Have Some SBC Critics “Nuked the Fridge?”
The last (hopefully) iteration of the Indiana Jones franchise, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" has spawned a slightly more modern version of the widely-used term, "jumped the shark." That term refers to a point at which a TV program's popularity peaks and it begins its downhill slide; a referenced based on the "Happy Days" episode in which Fonzie ski-jumped over a pit of hungry sharks. In Crystal Skull, Indiana Jones hides in a lead-lined refrigerator to protect himself from a nuclear blast. The lead fridge not only protected him, but the blast propelled him to safety. … [Read more...] about Have Some SBC Critics “Nuked the Fridge?”
Lessons for a Car Accident
I got in a car accident last week and totaled my pickup. I really loved that truck too, it was a great truck. I got a new truck with the help of my car accident lawyer that helped me win the case and I really like the new one, but I didn't write this post to talk about trucks. I want to talk about compassion, and how I have seen compassion. I found something extremely disturbing. This is a trend I have seen in church, in community and on blogs, and it's really starting to disturb me. Compassion comes from the world in much greater supply than it does from God's people. When I have had … [Read more...] about Lessons for a Car Accident
Calvinism and International Missions
I've enjoyed the recent interview with Ed Stetzer on this site, especially Part 2 that references extreme Calvinism and rabid anti-Calvinism in the convention. I make no claim of proficiency in debating the matter, and I am not usually given to extreme points of view on most issues. However, I would like to offer just a few personal notes from an SBC missionary's perspective. -I have yet to meet an IMB missionary for whom the question of Calvinism is especially relevant. I don't mean Calvin raised no significant points of debate; rather, the question of whether we are to be Calvinists or … [Read more...] about Calvinism and International Missions
I cannot shoot what I do not see
In the interest of getting CB Scott to come back and comment, I'm going with a hunting motif. I miss him around these here parts. Some time last year, I was labeled a "Bambi-killer" on this blog for my actions to feed my family. Why the label? Because I went out into the fields and killed three deer, had them processed, and we used those for meat. That's how we roll here on the Grand Prairie: lock, load, shoot, and cook. When I hunt, I use a rifle with a scope on it. For those of you who are unaware of firearms, a rifle is a firearm with a longer barrel on it (legally, at least 16 inches) and … [Read more...] about I cannot shoot what I do not see
On the SBC: An Interview with Ed Stetzer (Part 2)
Connect with Brandon on Facebook and Twitter --- Ed Stetzer, Vice President of the Insights Division at LifeWay and phenomenal researcher/writer, was kind enough to take the time to answer some of my questions regarding SBC life. I hope this will encourage us all! BRANDON: There has been a semi-resurgence of debate surrounding Calvinism and Arminianism among Southern Baptists as of late. How can we find and focus on unity and what does the future hold? ED: Many were concerned that the issue of Calvinism vs. Arminianism would prove more problematic than it was … [Read more...] about On the SBC: An Interview with Ed Stetzer (Part 2)
On the SBC: An Interview with Ed Stetzer (Part 1)
Connect with Brandon on Facebook and Twitter --- Ed Stetzer, Vice President of the Insights Division at LifeWay and phenomenal researcher/writer, was kind enough to take the time to answer some of my questions regarding SBC life. I hope this will encourage us all! BRANDON: Electing Fred Luter as SBC President was a monumental step toward racial unity and reconciliation in the convention. In what ways, on the “ground level,” can SBC churches contribute to reaching diverse cultures? ED: Fred Luter’s election as president of the Southern Baptist Convention was and is a big deal. … [Read more...] about On the SBC: An Interview with Ed Stetzer (Part 1)
Is Abuse a Biblical Grounds for Divorce?
NOTE: I have just released a book which compiles (and edits and expands) these posts. It is called "Disqualified? What the Bible Says about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry." It is available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version will be released in the next couple of days - not sure what the hold-up is there. This book reviews the biblical evidence on divorce and remarriage, beginning with the cornerstone in the Old Testament - the twin principles of God's intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman and the understanding of the brokenness caused by sin. It then lays the … [Read more...] about Is Abuse a Biblical Grounds for Divorce?
Richard Land Announces His Retirement (October 2013)
In a move that was predicted by many after the controversy that occurred earlier this year, Dr. Richard Land has announced his retirement from the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, effective in October of next year. Baptist Press' article can be found here. When the trustees of the ERLC reprimanded Land and took away his radio program after racially insensitive remarks about the Trayvon Martin tragedy and the plagiarism allegations were made public earlier this year, many expected that Land's retirement was imminent. It is probably the best solution to the situation. Land will … [Read more...] about Richard Land Announces His Retirement (October 2013)