We spend a lot of time on blogs arguing over issues that exist within the gray areas of theology - doctrines that folks who love God and love his Word have disagreed about for centuries. But there are some issues that are absolute and clear in the Bible, but are often simply ignored. Too many disregard the clear teachings while we obsessively dipute the gray areas. I'm asking you to consider one of the clear teachings of the Bible today - a common and consistent theme in the words of Jesus and the writings of the Apostles. Let's look back to the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the … [Read more...] about Loving our Enemies: A Matthew 5:44 Challenge
Re-defining Success, by Jeff Christopherson
Jeff Christopherson is NAMB’s regional vice president for Canada and the Northeast. This excerpt is from his book Kingdom Matrix: Designing a Church for the Kingdom of God (Russell Media, 2012). Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to North American missions. We are grateful that Jeff shared this with us! This story, my story, changed my view of success. Allan and Helen Christopherson, married June 4, 1960, in Prince Albert. With only an eighth-grade education, Allan supported his young family cleaning beer storage tanks at Molson’s brewery. His salary package included only one … [Read more...] about Re-defining Success, by Jeff Christopherson
A plea to all media outlets re: ‘the Westboro cult’ (by Marty Duren)
Editor: Marty gave me permission to repost this. To All Media Outlets, Reporters, Writers and Editors: It is abundantly clear to most Americans that the “Westboro Baptist Church” is neither “Baptist” nor a “church” according to any commonly accepted meaning of either word. As a Christ follower, and a long time church attender, I enter this plea to stop using the phrase “Westboro Baptist Church” in favor of the more accurate “the Westboro cult.” The journalistic profession has turned out a small number of plagiarists whose words were stolen from the creativity and hard work of … [Read more...] about A plea to all media outlets re: ‘the Westboro cult’ (by Marty Duren)
Phoenix Pastor Jailed Because He Flouted the Law!
The following post, originally published at From Law to Grace on August 7, 2012, has been updated to include additional facts and information pertinent to this case. After Christians came out in droves to eat some good fried chicken at Chick-fil-A this past week, a Phoenix pastor and his lawyers apparently thought that Christians would also rise up (i.e., donate money) to defend the rights of all Americans to have a Bible study anytime and anywhere — existing zoning, building, fire, and safety codes be d***ed. Both the pastor, Michael Salman and his lawyers, John Whitehead and Nisha … [Read more...] about Phoenix Pastor Jailed Because He Flouted the Law!
Potato-Based Missions
I headed out to work this evening, doing a little missionary-ing. I left the apartment and ventured down to Avenida 10 de Agosto, walking the quarter of a mile to the nearest trolley stop. It was not yet exceptionally crowded, so I only had to wait for the third trolley before I was able to board. The attendant shoe-horned me into the last available spot just barely inside the vehicle, making sure the doors didn’t pinch me as they closed. I’m about 6’ tall, not exactly gargantuan, but most Ecuadorians are far shorter, somewhere around 5’ 5”. For me, a bus or trolley ride is usually an … [Read more...] about Potato-Based Missions
Affirming First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs, and Their Repentance
I am pleased to publish for our readers this statement from the First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs, MS, in which they express repentance over the racism that existed in the church. Here is the text of the statement that was read Sunday. According to BP, the church stood in affirmation of the statement after it was given. A Statement of Restoration and Reconciliation We the members of the body of Christ known as First Baptist Church Crystal Springs do this day affirm our unchanging belief that Jesus Christ is Lord of the church. Our church is indeed His church. We recognize that He, … [Read more...] about Affirming First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs, and Their Repentance
A different perspective of Limited Atonement
So you all know by now that I am not a Calvinist, I am a Wovenist, but as a Wovenist, there are some attributes of Calvinism that I agree with. Wovenists affirm election and predestination without destroying man's choice and responsibility. In my Bible Reading, I am continuing to develop the theological points of Wovenism as I find how God continues to intersect with us. One of the things I have always been torn about is Limited Atonement. I know and believe that Christ died for the whole world, and His blood could cover the sins of every person who ever existed. The the other hand, the … [Read more...] about A different perspective of Limited Atonement
Goodbye, SBC Voices.
Over the past two years, I have learned more about SBC/Baptist life than I ever have in the churches I've worked with. I've seen the good and the bad, said the good and the bad, and have grown a ton through my interactions here. Thank you all, especially Dave and the regulars for your support, encouragement, and correction as I've become a man in many ways through my experiences here. I leave SBC Voices with great appreciation for my time here, and will always be thankful for it! I'm working at an Acts 29 church now (I know... I know...), but will likely always be a Southern Baptist by … [Read more...] about Goodbye, SBC Voices.
Yes. Peter Lumpkins Got a Time-Out
I usually defend Peter's blog as an interesting side-note to the Baptist conversation. Other times, I call him our weird cousin from Georgia. Either way, I think SBC Voices should be a place where outliers find their place. He earned a brief time-out the Jonathan Merritt posts. That seems over except for a few private grudges. Peter, welcome back. Any protests are welcome in the comments. Watch below if you are still upset. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSReSGe200A … [Read more...] about Yes. Peter Lumpkins Got a Time-Out
Why I’m Sending Back The Gospel Project
It finally arrived. A few days ago the UPS guy lugged in two hefty boxes. Inside the boxes contained a treasure that I have been awaiting for months now. I honestly, have never been so excited about a Sunday school curriculum. I opened the box and with trembling hands pulled out the leaders guides to The Gospel Project. In my feeble hands I was holding the most potent and subtle dose of Arminian/Traditionalist/non-Calvinistic kryptonite this world has ever seen. From various sources I have been informed that this Gospel Project thing was a subtle way to indoctrinate our churches in … [Read more...] about Why I’m Sending Back The Gospel Project