My wife and I have had a unique opportunity lately, taking classes in order to become foster parents. In the classes, we have seen and heard the modern secular humanist ideas of what "discipline" is. This is the model used by the public school system. It's a mockery that they call it discipline, because it's anything but. The basic premise comes from your friend Abraham Maslow, who made a hierarchy of needs. His basic premise, however, is totally flawed. It begins with humans who are "good" and if they have their needs met, they will achieve more and be better. This this flawed … [Read more...] about The Problem with “Modern Discipline”
Blue Collar Blog Madness: Let the Madness Begin!
It's March, and its time for the annual SBC Voices Blog Madness to tip off! The opening round has concluded and the top four in each bracket has advanced. Look for the Round Two post later this afternoon. Things are a little different this year. Gone are the powerhouse blogs that dominated the madness in years past. This year we are celebrating "Blue Collar" blogs - those average blogs that have some great things to say. The rule is simple - if you are on our blogroll (the Featured list on the main page) you aren't eligible. I asked for nominations and I've got the four regionals Here's … [Read more...] about Blue Collar Blog Madness: Let the Madness Begin!
Reflections on “The Gospel Project” Webcast – and a Challenge!
First, let me start with a confession. Today was lots of fun for an Iowa pastor! I got to spend time with some really cool people, people whose names I have known for years and with whom I have interacte only (or mostly) online. I got to chat with Ed Stetzer, Trevin Wax, to meet JD Greear and Matt Chandler, to have lunch with Travis Loller from Associated Press, and to share meals and coffee with Matt Svoboda, Micah Fries, and the Godfather of Baptist blogging, the inimitable Marty Duren. And LifeWay demonstrated some wonderful Southern hospitality. They brought me here, put me up in … [Read more...] about Reflections on “The Gospel Project” Webcast – and a Challenge!
The Gospel Project Webcast Is on NOW!
Here is the link to the gospel project webcast. The webcast itself begins at 2:00 PM, but I think there will be coverage starting about 1:30 - that is Central Daylight Time. LifeWay has some of the friendliest people I've met, they've been great hosts. http://lifeway.live.s3.amazonaws.com/tgp.html Hope some of you will take the time to follow along. I will be adding comments below. Trevin Wax: going deep means different things to different people. To some, its all about information, but even demons know. Others simply want immediate application and treat the Bible like a … [Read more...] about The Gospel Project Webcast Is on NOW!
Matt Chandler at Lifeway Chapel
I'm at Lifeway Chapel, waiting for Matt Chandler to speak. I don't really know how to "live blog." but I'm trying. I'm using my phone and my fat fingers make that hard. I will be constantly updating this post. Rainer says 4500 have already signed up for gospel project. Chandler. Danger for LifeWay employees and church workers-that Jesus and the gospel become a product you package, present and promote instead of a personal commitment. He just apologized for using the ESV instead of Holman. Great moment. Paul utterly rejected confidence in the flesh (Phil 3) but often … [Read more...] about Matt Chandler at Lifeway Chapel
From SUX to MSP to BNA for TGP
First, yes, the designation for Sioux City's airport is SUX. It is both a description and a designation. Assuming all goes well between here and Nashville, I will be live blogging from Lifeway tomorrow during the webcast introducing the Gospel Project Sunday School curriculum, at 2 Central time. I will also be tweeting at @davemiller7 during the day. Hope you will watch the webcast. Then we will actually be able to discuss what is really in TGP. Hope you will follow it tomorrow. … [Read more...] about From SUX to MSP to BNA for TGP
What Really Matters in the Church? (by David Worley)
Tennessee pastor David Worley (known as Volfan007 to many) offered this good word about the essentials of church. What should a church be most interested in? Numbers and finances? Budgets and Backsides in the pews(or chairs)? I don’t think so. Oh, I’m not saying that these things are not important. They are. And, nobody would be more excited about my church having double the attendance that we have now, than me. Nobody would love to see the finances being much better and overflowing, than me. But, there are some people, who would make these things THE most important factors in determining if … [Read more...] about What Really Matters in the Church? (by David Worley)
Can one be a member of more than one local church? (by Stephen Young)
(Stephen M Young is a missionary living in Brazil. He blogs at "Beyond Outreach" and has a personal blog as well. I appreciate him sharing this post with us.) I am interested in the opinions here on SBC Voices. Can someone be a member of two local churches simultaneously? (Let’s keep the hypothetical to SBC churches.) I am putting the question out as a general question, but have added some examples to think it through. Case 1: A missionary who, being sent as a member of his home church, joins with a local church in the country in which he is working. Can he be a member of USA Baptist … [Read more...] about Can one be a member of more than one local church? (by Stephen Young)
The Lord’s Prayer, part 2: The Requests Concerning God
This is part two of a study on prayer I wrote for my church. You can read part one here. Part Two :: The Requests Concerning God (6:9-10) This first section of three requests begins with a direct address to God, specifically God “our Father in heaven.” This is significant in three main ways: Prayer is personal. Prayer is reverent. Prayer is corporate. First, prayer is personal. The Bible fills our minds with great and glorious thoughts about God. He created all things; he is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere-present; he is awesome and fearful; he is holy; his ways are … [Read more...] about The Lord’s Prayer, part 2: The Requests Concerning God
A Blogging Dilemma: Dealing with the Wolves among the Sheep
Author's Note: I blog about what I am thinking about and I've been thinking a lot about this ever since I became the editor of this blog - especially recently. While certain individuals may come to your mind, and may have come to mine as I wrote this, this is not directed at any individual. I'm just trying to think through this biblically and practically. I hope you will do the same. Personal comments against anyone will be deleted. How are we supposed to treat people who oppose the gospel of Jesus Christ but still want to take part in a Baptist blog? It is a tough one. Part of me says … [Read more...] about A Blogging Dilemma: Dealing with the Wolves among the Sheep