SBC Voices

Until I get to visit my grandson. Then I realize how little it really matters. I'll get back to it when I get back to it. … [Read more...] about Blogging seems important….

There is a phrase that I use quite frequently in my preaching, writing, and praying before services.  In some form or fashion I often say that the Christian life is a quest to enjoy what Christ has already purchased.  I doubt that the phrase is original with me (so little is original with me—that’s why I say that).  However, I thought it may be wise to show where I get this notion from Scripture. Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with two really long run-on sentences (v3-14 and 15-23).  In 1:3-14 Paul outlines the “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” that are ours in … [Read more...] about Enjoying What Christ Purchased

The end draweth nigh.  Well, I don't know about that end, but the end of the discussion on whether we should accept the recommendation of the task force to adopt the unofficial moniker "Great Commission Baptists" to be used by Southern Baptists.  We've hashed and rehashed it and then rehashed it again.  We've had no shortage of articles published here (mostly against the proposal) and we've discussed it from just about every angle. But now we are about 6 weeks out from the convention and the time is coming to stop talking and start voting.  Bart Barber had an article last week that spelled … [Read more...] about Why “Great Commission Baptists” Matters to Me

Josh King is the lead pastor of Sachse's First Baptist Church in Sachse, TX, and has a blog called JoWiKi.  I am grateful for this post which he shared with us. Social media is a strange beast. The lines between what is socially acceptable have not yet been clearly defined as it relates to twitter and the like. While that is the case I am growing increasingly concerned with the way many young ministers seem to use it in the fine art of self promotion. I am not an expert and have probably crossed the line a time or two but I have put some thought into this. See if you agree with this list … [Read more...] about Social Media and the Fine Art of Self-Promotion (by Josh King)

It may come as a surprise to folks who see me go a little nuts on April Fools day, but I generally don't joke about anything that has to do with God. Christians?  We are a funny people and joking about our foibles seems appropriate. The Godhead in Glory seems a bit beyond the scope of my humor.  But there is an old joke that makes a point I'd like you to consider later. A man was trapped in a flood on top of a barn.  He prayed, calling out to God and a voice came from heaven saying, “I will save you, my son.”  With that confidence, he relaxed on the roof and awaited his rescue.  Soon, a man … [Read more...] about “One Thing Changed” – An Ancient Solution to our Modern Problems?

Family is an interesting thing.  For the most part, you don't pick your family, you show up into the world with people that stay in your life and you have no say in the matter.  The church can be like that.  We become part of the family and look around and see who else is in the body with us.  Many times we find people we connect with and click with.  Sometimes we find ourselves at odds with people, and sometimes we find people we just don't agree with, but love anyway. I have some brothers who I love dearly but I just don't always agree with.  I don't agree with everything that Rick Warren … [Read more...] about Dave Miller, Rick Warren, Mark Driscoll and Peter Lumpkins

(Chris Roberts has a brilliant suggestion for the current conflict in the SBC.  Let's turn it into a game - a competition.  Then, there can be a clear winner and loser! My blood is already pumping faster at the prospect. Chris blogs at "Seek the Holy.") History has seen fit to bless humanity with two significant individuals carrying the name Calvin. One, John Calvin, was a theologian of some repute. The other, simply known as Calvin, was an imaginative, well-behaved (by relative standards of behavior) six-year-old boy. Because the SBC is currently involved in a controversy over the first … [Read more...] about Instituting Calvinball in the SBC (by Chris Roberts)

“Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm” –Proverbs 3:30 In other words don’t pick fights that aren’t yours.  That sounds reasonable enough but it kind of begs a question: what fight is mine? Consider this example.  I attend The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  I have a vested interest in what happens there.  Dr. Albert Mohler is our President.  He is someone that I consider to be a very faithful man and a great leader.  In a very real sense he is one of the authorities that the Lord has placed in my life.  So, what happens when bloggers start taking on … [Read more...] about Proverbs for Christian Blogging: Don’t Pick a Fight That Isn’t Yours

I had a shocking conversation with an old friend this week. He told me that his wife, whom I had known as a vibrant, passionate, committed Christian, had abandoned her family, her faith, and embraced a life of sin with wild abandon.  I would have never believed that it was possible.  I'd preached to her, talked with her about deep spiritual matters, and watched her grow. What happened? As I pondered that chilling event, my mind cast back to a pastors' conference I attended nearly 20 years ago.  The prominent pastor who hosted the conference was discussing the ongoing problem of moral … [Read more...] about A Stunning Reminder: The Darkness Lives in Me