I am addressing this publicly to you because of public comments you made on SBC Voices yesterday. You were upset by some comments a couple of our regulars made and you responded with your normal incisive and direct words. You have a powerful manner of speaking and articulating your points. I would not want to enter a debate with you - it might be like trying to counter a bazooka with a pop-gun! But I have something I want to say to you. And I want to say it publicly because I think a lot of us feel the same way. I'm on a brief sabbatical at my church and while I'm managing this blog … [Read more...] about An Open Letter to Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr.
Review of “Give Them Grace”
Every church should have a small group for parents. Maybe not to go over the latest Christian parenting book or fad, but simply to encourage one another that you aren’t the worse parent in the world and little Johnny is probably not Satan-incarnate. I read a good amount of Christian parenting books. I read the ones that tell you “do X so that your kid will be successful”, and I also read the ones that are more geared towards parenting with the gospel as a grid. Both leave me exhausted—convinced that I am going to mess up my kids. You see, I absolutely love my children and I want give … [Read more...] about Review of “Give Them Grace”
1611 Or Naught
Greetings, To my brethren in the SBC, why is thou seeking inferiority in less than ideal typography? If the 1611 version is the translation most accurate, doth text not infer grace and power also? If thou art to be correct in thy study and understanding, then why art thou not using the text most accurate? Doth thou have struggles reading text, do you lack understanding? God in His glory Hath given us text in a form that is most holy, separate from all other translations by the text in form as well as function. Why, if thou, wishest to read the most authentic of the authorized version would … [Read more...] about 1611 Or Naught
Hank Williams Jr. and His Obama-Hitler Comparison
Something happened last night that hasn't happened in years. Monday Night Football opened without the song that has become so identified with it, "Are You Ready for Some Football?" by Hank Williams, Jr. It seems that on Fox and Friends on Monday morning, Hank expressed his displeasure over the current occupant of the Oval Office by comparing him to one of histories most despicable men, Adolf Hitler. Well, sort of. He did not say that Obama was Hitler. He was evidently upset at hearing that House Speaker John Boehner had played golf with the president and said that "It'd be like Hitler … [Read more...] about Hank Williams Jr. and His Obama-Hitler Comparison
Advice to a Friend with Cancer
The following is a modernized and de-Britainized version of John Newton’s letter to Mr. B in 1774. I have tried to keep my changing of the words minimal but I have reformatted some to make it more readable for a blog entry as well. ----------------- My Dearest Sir, I see the necessity of having, if possible, my beliefs upon my fingertips, so that I may apply them as I need them every hour. Certainly, if my ability matched my desire, I would remove your tumor with a word or a touch; I would instantly take away every pain and inconvenience forever. But you are in the hands of One … [Read more...] about Advice to a Friend with Cancer
I’m Changing My Name
My real name is John Earle Patrick, Jr. It's on my driver's license and diplomas, but I've always gone by the nickname "Rick." Long story short: my grandfather, Earle Patrick, went by the nickname "Pat" all his life, and to avoid confusion with my father's name, my nickname took the other half of our surname, and I've always gone by "Rick." However, I now believe it is time for me to change my legal name, since it is offensive on so many levels. Let us begin by examining my first name "John." As you may know, john is slang for both a toilet and a prostitute's customer. This is … [Read more...] about I’m Changing My Name
Bartman, Buckner, Baptists and the Blame-game
Why did the Cubs miss out on the 2003 World Series? Everyone knows the answer to that. Bartman blew it, right? Steve Bartman reached out on to the field of play and prevented Moises Alou from making a catch he otherwise would have easily made and cost the Cubs their chance at glory. Facts are facts, right? Bartman was to blame. What cost the Red Sox the 1986 world series? Everyone knows that the Red Sox were about to win it all when Buckner let a ground ball go through his legs and cost them the lead and ended the World Series. Facts are facts, right? Buckner was to blame. There is … [Read more...] about Bartman, Buckner, Baptists and the Blame-game
Pursuing Holiness
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.—Hebrews 12:14 Holiness. Sanctification. Being saints. It’s all the same idea. If I were to put a simple definition to holiness it would be: acting like Jesus in all we do. God is the one who is “holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3) and we are to be imitators of God walking “in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:1-2). And holiness is a pretty big deal—after all, consider what the author of Hebrews tells us: without holiness no one will see the Lord. So how do we pursue … [Read more...] about Pursuing Holiness
Process aside, who has a problem with an SBC name change? (by William Thornton)
(Read William's blog, SBC Plodder, for his unique insights, Here, he asks an excellent question.) The SBC online world has hemorrhaged articles, opinions, and fulminations that Bryant Wright announced the appointment of his informal committee to look at a possible SBC name change. Not a few have been vehement over the process. Some have called for civility and patience. Others have maintained that the whole business has been orchestrated. While I understand the objection about process and while I don’t dispute that this has been unfolded in a premeditated and deliberate fashion, I’m … [Read more...] about Process aside, who has a problem with an SBC name change? (by William Thornton)
Four Words that are Critical for Pastors (Part 2)
In Part 1, I told you that I think we should be doing a better job saying "Thank you" as ministers and church leaders. If I knew how, I'd link back to that here. However, I don't know how. If an editor does it, thank you for that... Thank you ought to be often on our lips. Often enough to be known, but not so often as to be trite. I've two more words for you that ought to be infrequent from our lips. Here they are: "I'm sorry." Now, some of you just checked out. Come back and finish the post before you pounce for me saying we shouldn't say "I'm sorry." "I'm sorry" should be … [Read more...] about Four Words that are Critical for Pastors (Part 2)