SBC Voices

I received this post from a friend who requested anonymity.  I appreciate his willingness to share this very personal struggle. I hesitate to write these words and I write with anonymity because I am not so bold as others who share their struggles.  At the recent Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Albert Mohler responded to a question and gave an impassioned plea for the evangelical community at large to repent of half-truths it has told and homophobia it has displayed towards those in homosexual relationships and struggling with same-sex desires.  In a limited sphere of the blogging world, at … [Read more...] about Ministering to those Struggling with Same-Sex Desires

I have shared with you some thoughts on Woven Theology, today I want to share what I find the most freeing part of this theological system.  I get to be involved with God, I am responsible to do my job, but the results are not mine.  Let me explain a little further. The work of Salvation involves us, God and a lost person.  I will look at each one of these individuals, and what their responsibility and function is in this process.  By the end, I hope you will feel as free and liberated in sharing your faith as I do.  It's not a burden, it's a joy. Our first responsibility is to prayer. … [Read more...] about The Woven Evangelist

We are five Christian Americans living in Ecuador.  We eat Chinese stir fry, Italian pizzas, Southern pot roast, Spanish paella, Mexican burritos, Ecuadorian salsa de aji, Chilean empanadas, and Venezuelan arepas.  We were born in Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Maryland, and Venezuela.  We’ve celebrated birthdays in Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Israel, Gaza, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Tennessee, to name a few.  We use  American Sign Language and English at home.  The kids use English and Spanish at school.  We use Spanish and … [Read more...] about What Determines Identity?

People are fascinated with angels.  This is not a new thing.  The church at Colossae (or at least false teachers there) had a fascination with angelic beings.  And I suppose they are quite fascinating.  But you want to know what is even more fascinating?  The gospel. How crazy that angels long to “look into the gospel” (1 Pet. 1:12); we are bored with the gospel and long to look into angels.  What is even crazier is that this idiocy is probably part of what has the angels so baffled.  God redeems a humanity filled with idolaters, guilty of sin no less treasonous than the angels that … [Read more...] about Monday’s Ministry Musing: Angels and the Gospel

Here is it, folks. You can watch the entire exchange and make your minds up. Fair warning, emotions are running high on this issue. This site will not be hosting a "bash-a-thon" for either participant in this exchange. Let's deal with the content of the discussion (well, the question and the answer.) … [Read more...] about Al Mohler’s Response to Peter Lumpkins: The Complete Video

I have been known to claim the title of Calvinist, but I have discovered the fatal flaw in that word.  It means too many things, and everyone hears what they want to hear when the C-bomb gets dropped.  Immediately people make assumptions about my theology and where I stand on certain issues.  Many people have no idea what is really means, but have either positive or negative views of it.  To add insult to injury, apparently there are some at the SBC who believe that all Calvinist should pack up and leave.  I think we have been blamed for a decrease in Baptisms recently as well.  Today I am … [Read more...] about No More C Word

I am more encouraged about the direction of Southern Baptists and their future than I have been in a long time. Reading blogs you can get an enhanced sense of our division and splintered nature.  We do indeed face real problems and challenges, no question about it. But I think that there is a growing sense of unity among certain groups (there are those who are determined to fight - and they have legitimate points to make) but there is a sense of optimism here that may or may not have come through the feeds. Bryant Wright did a great job.  There was neither much controversy, nor any … [Read more...] about Leaving Las Vegas (tomorrow – and Phoenix today)

Just when you thought it was safe to go into the desert, a group of pro-gay organizations, zeroing in on the upcoming SBC Convention and gasping for public attention, is demanding an apology from the SBC “for the harm its teachings are causing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.” Oh, please. Or, rather, please don’t. A coalition composed of The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, Believe OutLoud, Faith in America , GetEQUAL, Soulforce and Truth Wins Out plans to present a petition during the Convention, asking the SBC to end the “insidious bigotry … [Read more...] about No Apology Necessary

There is a protest going on here by pro-homosexual groups.  It's not much of one - I haven't even seen it, except on twitter.  They say that we are purveyors of hate and discrimination, oppressing homosexuals out of hatred, fear and bigotry. On the other hand, there are those who claim that key leaders in the SBC are compromising in their views on homosexuality. Yesterday, a homosexual recovery group (which our friend Thom Hunter works with) was given time on the stage to describe their ministry.  I can't flesh this out much, but I think that there is a new approach developing. Here is … [Read more...] about Is it a New Day for Baptists and Homosexuality?