Chris Roberts blogs at "Seek the Holy". The recent “Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation” has brought a lot of attention to the theology of human nature. Of particular concern is Article 2 which states: We affirm that, because of the fall of Adam, every person inherits a nature and environment inclined toward sin and that every person who is capable of moral action will sin. Each person’s sin alone brings the wrath of a holy God, broken fellowship with Him, ever-worsening selfishness and destructiveness, death, and condemnation to an … [Read more...] about Is the Statement semi-Pelagian? (by Chris Roberts)
RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE SBC 2012 ANNUAL MEETING BY WM. DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR.
The following three resolutions were forwarded to the Resolution Committee for their consideration to present to the Southern Baptist Convention 2012 Annual Meeting in New Orleans: Resolution on Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Rights Resolution on Racist Statements in Mormon Source Documents Resolution on the Recognition of Baptist Minister, George Liele, as America’s First Missionary The first Resolution deals with same-sex marriage and civil rights; and it was primarily authored by Pastor Eric C. Redmond with minimal contribution, but full affirmation, from me. We are submitting it as … [Read more...] about RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE SBC 2012 ANNUAL MEETING BY WM. DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR.
A Resolution on Holistic Ministry for the SBC in New Orleans (by Alan Cross)
Alan Cross blogs at Downshore Drift. This is a resolution that I have submitted to the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention to be considered in a couple of weeks in New Orleans: A Resolution Affirming Holistic Ministry and Community Involvement By Local Churches WHEREAS, Humanity's greatest problem at the root of all other problems is that we rebel against God and are separated from Him because of indwelling sin and through continual sin; and WHEREAS, The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only solution to our problem as it reconciles us to God through faith and to one … [Read more...] about A Resolution on Holistic Ministry for the SBC in New Orleans (by Alan Cross)
Ten Random Reasons for Not Becoming an IMB Missionary
As I prepare to go back to the field later this summer, I am finding more and more people who want to talk with me about missions. They ask about my struggles and tell me about theirs. I’ve had many of these conversations before, but I still enjoy sitting down and chatting with folks about it. I encounter people who have experienced some sort of call, but have a litany of reasons why they can’t do it right now. They have reasons for not contacting the IMB, not filling out an application, not bothering to take even the slightest step towards fulfilling that call. I’d like to take a … [Read more...] about Ten Random Reasons for Not Becoming an IMB Missionary
A Common Ground Soteriology
I consider myself a child of the Conservative Resurgence. As at least a 3rd generation Southern Baptist, I am able to happily continue to identify with my denominational heritage thanks to the faithfulness, work, and dedication of my generation’s Pauls—men such as Paige Patterson, Adrian Rogers, Paul Pressler, Charles Stanley, etc. These men taught us that we must have a high view of the Bible. We are, by declaration, “people of the book.” Therefore what we believe must be grounded firmly in Scripture. They taught us that inerrancy is indeed “a hill on which to die.” After all, to lose … [Read more...] about A Common Ground Soteriology
Preach to All Men, Everywhere (by Paul Thompson)
Paul Thompson blogs at "The Bridge" and was a close second in our 2012 "Blue Collar Blog Madness" blogging tournament. A common thing I hear when I'm in the circles of Baptists is a lot of talk about what we think. (Maybe this is true of others, but it is true of too many Baptists.) I'm guilty of this very thing I'm writing of tonight. I have been pondering the need for church planting in the Magic Valley, Idaho and beyond. I've been reading about church planting and various articles on the subject from mission agencies. I'm not sure what to think on some things related to affinity church … [Read more...] about Preach to All Men, Everywhere (by Paul Thompson)
A NOLA Bloggers’ Get-Together?
One of the things I like to do at the convention is meet people I've only known through blogging. I've wondered about getting together and having a bloggers "meet and greet and eat" at some point. I wondered about the following. 1) We could meet at Cafe Du Monde after the last session of the Pastors Conference on Monday night. 2) We could meet for lunch in the food area that is by the displays - either Tuesday or Wednesday. 3) We could meet at another place (reasonably priced - not all of us are as rich as CB Scott) for a meal, but someone who knows the area better than I do needs … [Read more...] about A NOLA Bloggers’ Get-Together?
Calvinists, Non-Calvinists, Traditionalists: Nomenclature Issues in the SBC
Let me start by saying two things: I understand the arguments that have been made in favor of "traditionalist" as a designation for those who are Baptists but do not subscribe to the Calvinists' so-called "Doctrines of Grace." They have been called Arminian, but most bristle at that. They have been called anti-Calvinists and there are certainly a few of those around, but there are a lot of people who reject Calvinism but do not reject Calvinists. The most common term has been non-Calvinist. But people do not want to be known simply by what they do not believe. However, in spite of … [Read more...] about Calvinists, Non-Calvinists, Traditionalists: Nomenclature Issues in the SBC
ERLC Trustees Reprimand Land, Cancel His Radio Program
The trustees of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission have reprimanded Richard Land twice and have cancelled his radio program "Richard Land Live." While they did not terminate him, the reprimand is a serious thing and the cancelling of the program was a fairly aggressive step. He was reprimanded for the statements about the Trayvon Martin case made on the radio program. He was reprimanded for plagiarism on the same radio program. The radio program will be cancelled as soon as is contractually permissible. The trustees noted that while Land's plagiarism on his radio program … [Read more...] about ERLC Trustees Reprimand Land, Cancel His Radio Program
Calvinists: What Do You Want from Traditionalists?
So here is the turnabout in the interests of fair play. This is a Calvinist-only forum. My question to you is the opposite of what I asked to the "traditionalists" earlier. What is it that you want from the "traditionalists?" They are not going away and they are not going to adopt Calvinism. So, short of acquiescing to Reformed Dogma, what do you want from them? If Calvinists and non-Calvinist, traditionalists are going to partner together in the SBC's missions endeavors, what is it that you desire from them? Speak the truth with grace. Other than perhaps asking a question for … [Read more...] about Calvinists: What Do You Want from Traditionalists?