We are concerned. As we look across our beloved Southern Baptist Convention, we see a problem that is significant, and is growing. Sadly, statistics inform us that this is an issue across the entire spectrum of SBC life, regardless of location or age and type of congregation. This issue is no respecter of persons. Our shared commitment to the Cooperative Program (CP) is on a precipitous decline. We believe this is a great tragedy that bodes ill for our Convention’s future. Lest you think we’re simply writing to stump for the CP, please understand that we believe there are vital … [Read more...] about Is the Cooperative Program Worthy of Sacrifice? by Nathan Finn and Micah Fries
The Centrality of the Lord’s Supper to Church Life
The Lord’s Supper serves as one of two symbols depicting for us the reality of the Gospel, baptism being the other. Whereas baptism tells the story of our union with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection to new life (Romans 6), the Lord’s Supper paints a picture of how Jesus accomplished such new life for us in the sacrifice of his body. In John 6, Jesus (rather graphically on the surface) told his followers, “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” (6:54-55). … [Read more...] about The Centrality of the Lord’s Supper to Church Life
Piper on Preaching to Other Religions
Chief Katie linked to this on an earlier discussion. It needs to be seen by every Christian. … [Read more...] about Piper on Preaching to Other Religions
Fan-atics? Stealing Ed Stetzer’s Idea
Ed Stetzer has a Friday feature where he posts signs. It's one of my favorites - can't believe some people actually put things on their church signs that they do. A case in point: sent to me today. I should send it to Ed, but I thought I'd just post it here. Is this fanaticism? Idolatry? Or normal Alabama silliness? You make the call. Let's all join together in hoping that Bama loses a game they shouldn't be in anyway. … [Read more...] about Fan-atics? Stealing Ed Stetzer’s Idea
Trolling for Comments at SBC Voices
SBC Voices is unique in the blogging community. We are an informational clearinghouse for Baptist blogs (our feed), a social network and a blue-collar blog. No blogging royalty here, we are every-Baptists and most of our names are known only within the SBC Voices community. But here at SBC Voices, people can have their say on Baptist-related issues and everyone else gets to comment on what is said. We have Calvinists, non-Calvinists, traditionalists and contemporarians and every other variety of Southern Baptist voices represented. We are probably a little more rowdy than some are … [Read more...] about Trolling for Comments at SBC Voices
Why We Shouldn’t Argue About Sex
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” -- Matthew 22:36-40 Christians do few things worse than share the love of Christ and the reality of healing and forgiveness with the sexually-disses among us. That would be the disoriented, the disappointed, the disturbed and the roundly discussed and often … [Read more...] about Why We Shouldn’t Argue About Sex
Preparing For When the Lights Go Out
I’ve shared in the past that I struggle with depression, discouragement, or if you’re feeling extra Elizabethan “fits of melancholy”. I loathe these times. I know what it is like to live in the enjoyment of what Christ has purchased. I know what it is like to be “on fire for the Lord”. In these times I figure I see things rather clearly. I see gospel metaphors everywhere. I see the beauty of Jesus all around me. In these times I am feasting on the goodness and greatness of God. I cherish these times. But then for some unknown (at least to me) reason the lights go out. Sometimes … [Read more...] about Preparing For When the Lights Go Out
Are You a Gulf War or World War II Christian?
I've been thinking a lot about politics lately; as an Iowan, it was hardly an option. And I have been writing about politics a lot lately - something I have promised to correct. Don't worry, while I'm going to start with politics and patriotism as a background, I've got a very biblical and spiritual point to make in this post. America's Greatest Economic Challenge As I have observed American politics and the American economy, I think I have placed my finger on what our biggest political problem is. We want to "fix our country" but we don't want to change anything significant while we … [Read more...] about Are You a Gulf War or World War II Christian?
Confessions of a Whippersnapper
Okay, so I was a bit inspired by Dave Miller’s post giving advice to the young whippersnapper types around. Now on the one hand they say, “You’re only as young as you feel!” If that’s true, then I think I must be nearing retirement. If 31 feels this different from 21, I hate to think what 41 or, gasp, 51 holds! But no matter how I feel, I still fit into that whippersnapper category. Later this year will mark the completion of my 8th year in pastoral ministry. While some would still consider that the infant stage, or maybe toddler, I tend to look at it more from the angle of, … [Read more...] about Confessions of a Whippersnapper
A Baptist Pastor Caucusing in Iowa
I just got back from the Republican Caucus. Well, actually, I just got back from the Democratic Caucus as well. We got some bad information and showed up at Obama headquarters and spent a few embarrassing minutes figuring out we were at the wrong place. So, we ended up being a few minutes late when we finally got to the Republican Caucus. The Democratic Caucus process is really complicated. They have "viable" candidates and "non-viable" candidates and revotes and groupings and all sorts of things. The Republican process is much simpler. Each candidate gets five minutes of promotional … [Read more...] about A Baptist Pastor Caucusing in Iowa