SBC Voices

SBC’s New Calvinism & Patriotic Worship: Part 1

by

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?

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

Here’s to the Golden Age of NAMB

by

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

Ezell’s Interview with Al Mohler

by

Someone put a link to this interview in the comments on Howell's post. And I thought it was worth hearing from Dr. Ezell's own words how things are going at NAMB. I found myself a little more sympathetic to Ezell - he's had a rough job.  I sure wouldn't want it.  It's an interesting and seemingly forthright discussion. 1)  I was surprised at the forceful description of the inadequacy of the way NAMB was functioning prior to his coming.  At about 16:30, he says that NAMB was "pathetic."  He describes NAMB as the Montreal Expos (badly managed and facing extinction) and said that NAMB needed … [Read more...] about Ezell’s Interview with Al Mohler