SBC Voices

SBC Pastors Conference: Vance Pitman Responds to the Critics

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Since the brouhaha about the 2011 Pastor's Conference hit the blogs, there has been a somewhat surprising silence from Vance Pitman, the president of the PC and the one responsible for the slate of speakers.  Associated Baptist Press has an article up in which Pitman responds to some of the criticisms that have been made. There have been three primary criticisms. 1)  The inclusion of Jamar Jones as pianist raised theological hackles. He is part of TD Jakes' church.  Some have labeled Jakes a modalist.  I did some research, though I have to admit that it was not extensive or exhaustive. … [Read more...] about SBC Pastors Conference: Vance Pitman Responds to the Critics

Choices in Giving: The Other Side of the Coin

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If you had twenty bucks right now to give to a cause, where would you give it?  Better yet, let me walk you through an average day of credible needs and see where that twenty dollars goes. First there’s the homeless guy at the intersection on your way into the office.  He has the requisite tattered cardboard sign that ends with “God Bless”, but does not have the gift, say, of a perfect radio voice to propel him out of his plight.  Does he get the money—perhaps partly to assuage your sudden guilt for stopping on the way to get yourself a pastry and an overpriced coffee drink? What about … [Read more...] about Choices in Giving: The Other Side of the Coin

Go Read David Roger’s Post: “The One True Universal Faith” (at sbcIMPACT)

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Because I said so!  Don't argue with me, y0ung man.  As long as you blog on my blog (it's not really mine, I know), you will blog by my rules.  Respect your elders! Maybe bossing you around isn't the best approach.  But David has written an excellent article at sbcIMPACT on "The One True Universal Faith" dealing with universalism, pluralism, and how Western Christians can obey the Great Commission without reproducing Western culture. Excellent article.  Warning though - this is not fast food, it is a juicy steak. I am closing comments here.  The comment stream at sbcIMPACT is open. … [Read more...] about Go Read David Roger’s Post: “The One True Universal Faith” (at sbcIMPACT)

What Must We Do To Be Relevant

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With all the problems in the world, we often question who to help and how to help them.  We worry about giving and having our hard-earned money being mis-spent. As a child I learned that the money Baptists give to missions is one of the best ways to give and be assured the assistance we give makes all the difference in the world--the difference between clean water and filthy contaminated water.  Southern Baptist have been digging wells, stocking streams with fish, and teaching agriculture skills to get more bountiful crops for decades.  We have annual offerings for all kinds of things.  … [Read more...] about What Must We Do To Be Relevant

Things we left behind

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I put this on my blog on March 17. Yes, every bit of the history is oversimplified. I think, though, we would do well to consider whether we've chosen to neglect too much of the last 2000 years.--Doug For those of you that didn’t realize it, today is St. Patrick’s Day. What does that mean? Well, if you grew up in the Southern US, it means you wear green and maybe pretend you’re Irish. Other places, though, it means other things. For some, it’s a much more important day. Why? Because they know who St. Patrick is. Unfortunately for a lot of us Baptists, we’re not so aware. You see, … [Read more...] about Things we left behind

You Probably Heard that Love Is, but Faith Is a Verb Too

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Author's note: This post was adapted and reworked from a post I wrote for my personal blog: Jeofurry's Jesus Journey. For those who would want to ask, Jeofurry is an old, but unique, nickname I was given in HS. A few months back in our Thursday night Bible study, we were working our way through Hebrews and the end of chapter 10 into the beginning of chapter 11.  Most believers remember Hebrews 11 as the "Faith Hall of Fame" or some similar moniker.  But we sometimes forget the faith embodied by those mentioned there.   It wasn't perfect or flawless.  The men and women cited there were … [Read more...] about You Probably Heard that Love Is, but Faith Is a Verb Too

SBC Blog Madness 2011

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It's time for another epic tournament of Southern Baptist blogs. This has become an annual high mark in the SBC blogging conversation. Prizes have not been disclosed yet, but we're doing what we can to make it interesting. This round will close next Thursday 24 March 2011. The top four in each division will advance to the next round. … [Read more...] about SBC Blog Madness 2011

Review of David Platt’s “Radical Together”

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David Platt’s first book Radical has already changed the lives of many people, and this change has impacted several churches.  Many churches have used Radical as small group material, and many will be observing Platt’s six hour Secret Church simulcast.  (Our local church is one of them). On April 19 Platt will release his second book, Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God .  Radical was an urgent plea for individual Christians to take back their faith from the American Dream.  This offering is an urgent plea for churches to reshape their vision and … [Read more...] about Review of David Platt’s “Radical Together”

Is It “Christian” to Feel Like You Have No Way Out?

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This piece originally appeared on my blog in November 2010. I'm grateful for a chance to give a wider audience. May the Lord use it to His glory and, perhaps, to your comfort if you are in a place of uncertainty today. -AR Once when I was unsure what to do about a matter, a pastor I love and respect reassured me that, "God is not the author of confusion" (1 Cor 14:33). I took comfort in the reminder that the Lord loves His children, He does not play head games with them. But, I admit that I walked out of that pastor's office confused about confusion. Look at what Paul says in 2 … [Read more...] about Is It “Christian” to Feel Like You Have No Way Out?