SBC Voices

The Baptist churches I grew up in could be counted on to follow the biblical standard for church worship services.  (It had to be biblical, or why would every Baptist church do it the same way?) After someone made the necessary announcements, either the choir would sing its "Call to Worship" or we'd sing a hymn or two (out of the Baptist Hymnal - the repository of all songs holy enough to sing in church).  There would be a pastoral prayer with the appropriate references to thee and thou to demonstrate awe.  Hymns were led by a nicely dress man in a white shirt, tie and dark suit as Moses … [Read more...] about Discussion Topic: When “Special Music” Isn’t So Special

NOTE: I have just released a book which compiles (and edits and expands) these posts. It is called "Disqualified? What the Bible Says about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry."   It is available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version will be released in the next couple of days - not sure what the hold-up is there. This book reviews the biblical evidence on divorce and remarriage, beginning with the cornerstone in the Old Testament - the twin principles of God's intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman and the understanding of the brokenness caused by sin. It then lays the … [Read more...] about Divorce and Remarriage in the OT: Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – Establishing Grounds for Divorce

I'm not a little guy.  I stand 6'4" in my shoes and I am trying to diet now to get down to 300 pounds.  Walking a tightrope for me would be a near impossible task.  But it would be easier than finding the balance between speaking the truth and speaking in love - the model Paul gave us for Christian conversation. 1)  There is no question that the biblical warnings about false teachers coming into this world has come true.  Emergent compromise. Blurring of theological lines.  Gospel ignorance and even false gospels abounding. Biblical illiteracy.  It is everywhere..  The idea that we should … [Read more...] about Speaking the Truth in Love: Walking a Tightrope Would be Easier (in a Driscoll, Jakes, Calvinism/anti-Calvinism, Alcohol etc. World)

… [Read more...] about Matt Chandler’s Controversial Sermon at Elevation Church/Code Orange

Mark It’s always been difficult raising Mark.  From a very young age his temper was a problem.  He was kicked out of kindergarten for violent behavior towards the other children.  The screaming was one thing.  The shoving another.  But once he began biting and stabbing other kids with pencils the school’s guidance counselor knew that something had to be done. The rage only got worse through the years.  Mom and dad had been punched, spit upon, kicked, yelled at, threatened, shoved, and had become ninja-like in their ability to dodge flying objects hurled forth from Mark’s angry … [Read more...] about Which Child Do You Want to Parent?

We are smack dab in the middle of a political season.  Frankly, I am glad that the Iowa caucuses are an historical event now and I can answer my phone again without listening to a prerecorded political message.  But, on the other hand, I got wrapped up in the race this time.  I attended the caucus for only the second time and I even spoke on behalf of a candidate.  My candidate, Rick Santorum, won our caucus by a huge margin - I claim credit for his statewide win!  (In case you haven't heard, the recount showed that Santorum won Iowa by about 35 votes instead of losing it by 8.) I got into … [Read more...] about Masters, Slaves and Scripture: A Template for Christian Political Involvement?

In today’s “Theology Corner” we’re taking questions from our readers.  The first question comes from A Paul in Seabrook, TX.  A assures me that his entire first name is simply A, and that his initial and name are in fact identical.  I imagine this causes all sorts of excitement when traveling internationally in places where the American alphabet is not in use.  Please do not send me emails, Facebook postings, text messages via cell phone, or actual paper letters correcting me on whether our alphabet is Roman or Hindu or anything else.  We live in America (well, I don’t) and we use that … [Read more...] about What’s Our Doctrine of Yard Implements?