Doug did a great job filling you on on the goings-on around here. There were just a few more things I thought you might be interested to know. -AR Little Known Fact #8 - SBCVoices has millions of barrels of petroleum reserves in storage that Dave can release whenever he chooses to ease the prices at the pumps. (You might want start being a little nicer to him as you sure-up your summer driving plans.) Little Known Fact #9 - We know what's at Area 51. We know there are buildings, fences, cameras and motion sensors…lots of ‘em. Beyond that is anyone's guess. Little Known Fact #10 - … [Read more...] about More Inside Scoop on SBCVoices
The Inside Scoop on SBCVoices
It's a busy season for many of us that post around here, and so we're running on a "write-it, post-it" schedule rather than a "write-it, let-it sit and be scheduled, then post-it" kind of schedule. Well, except for one person that's not me, who has lots of posts in the queue. However, since we're a little short on content this week (How do I know we're short? When you see more than 1 Doug post in any 7-day time frame, we're short on good content), I thought I'd peel back the curtain with a few lesser-known facts about SBCVoices and the contributors here: Little known fact #1: There is … [Read more...] about The Inside Scoop on SBCVoices
SBC’s New Calvinism & Patriotic Worship: Part 1
This post, containing minor revisions, was first published at From Law to Grace on April 6, 2011. Should Southern Baptist churches discourage expressions of patriotism in their corporate worship services on national holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day? According to Professor Carl “Chip” Stam and some younger Southern Baptist pastors represented by Baptist21, the answer is apparently yes. Well, maybe not yes in so many words, but unwise and unhelpful to be sure. While perusing the B21 website to watch an interview with Nathan Akin (which I still have not been able to … [Read more...] about SBC’s New Calvinism & Patriotic Worship: Part 1
Are You Selling Something?
We have had a couple of discussions about depression and tough times around here this past week and it reminded me of this piece I wrote for our local Pastor's column a couple of years ago. For years, one of my favorite Bible verses has been Jesus’ promise to his disciples in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This promise goes against the grain in modern society. God didn’t promise you an easy life, or a cushy anything this side of heaven. If we believe Jesus, … [Read more...] about Are You Selling Something?
The Consequences of Careless Compassion
I asked you what was wrong with me "Nothing," you said, that you could see. "Just be what you were meant to be." And that's supposed to set me free? "But this feels wrong," I answered back. "Somehow I just seem off track." "You're fine," you said, with gentle tact "Your feelings are just out of whack." "Don't carry 'round your guilt that way. "We're living in a brand new day. "There's no more need to self betray, "Don't give self-judgment so much sway. But what of God? He sees inside Surely He won't just let me hide, With self and pride so justified And truth and grace so well … [Read more...] about The Consequences of Careless Compassion
John Newton On Controversy
I used to be a caged-Calvinist. Seriously, I was really bad. Once I came to embrace the doctrines of grace I became very ungracious. I guess I felt duped. Maybe I wanted so badly for others to embrace what had opened my eyes. Who knows, all that really matters is to say that I was a jerk. I measured people not by how much they loved Jesus but how doctrinally pure they were (read "whether or not they were Calvinist"). And I was very quick to get myself into arguments defending Jesus and his beloved disciple; John Calvin. Then I read this by John Newton and God used it to utterly break … [Read more...] about John Newton On Controversy
Darkness of the Soul: A Pastor’s Struggle with Despair
I was tempted to post this as an anonymous guest blogger, but I figured I'd put it out there under my own name. I was inspired by the comment made by Eddie on Saturday night on the "Golden Age of NAMB" post. You can find it. It cut me to the heart, for two reasons. First, a brother in Christ is in pain, hurting, in despair. Second, it brought back some memories of where I was last fall, when I felt everything Eddie said. I've never really contemplated suicide, but I've gone through times when I would have welcomed death. I wish that feeling came from a place of noble passion like … [Read more...] about Darkness of the Soul: A Pastor’s Struggle with Despair
Peacefully in my sleep
The old story goes that once upon a time in a Sunday School class, the children were talking about how they wanted to die. (Scary Sunday School class, I know.) One child expressed his feelings quite clearly: "I want to die peacefully in my sleep, just like my grandpa did." "Oh, really, Timmy?" "Oh yes, peacefully in my sleep. Not screaming in terror like the 4 people riding with him." Now, you may think that's an absolutely horrible story. If so, I'd recommend you not listen to me teach classes. I'm not that bad when I preach, but I get that corny on Wednesday nights … [Read more...] about Peacefully in my sleep
What is the Gospel?
What is the Gospel? from Southern Seminary on Vimeo. … [Read more...] about What is the Gospel?
Here’s to the Golden Age of NAMB
SBC Voices has discussed Kevin Ezell in great detail. Perhaps ad nauseum. The last thing we need is one more opinion. But that has never stopped me before. As I have responded to comments today, I decided I want to sum up my perspective, for what it is worth. I make you one promise: this is the LAST Ezell-related post for a while (unless I change my mind, of course). We seem to fall into about 3 general categories in our attitudes toward him. Ezellanators: People who think he hung the moon, walks on water and heals the sick with his hands. Ezellahaters: People who think he … [Read more...] about Here’s to the Golden Age of NAMB