SBC Voices

Perverting Biblical Faith into Magical Religion

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(I published this Monday over at sbcIMPACT.  This is a subject I feel passionate about, so I decided to repost it here, for anyone who wanders by over the weekend.) Christians put their faith in a powerful, living God who works in and among his people in grace and strength.  When we submit to him as Lord and seek his glory, his presence and power work among his people.  Magic is the manipulation of spiritual forces to gain personal advantage – prosperity, fertility, forgiveness.  They are not the same, but I think too many Christians treat their faith as just another form of magic – a … [Read more...] about Perverting Biblical Faith into Magical Religion

In the Image of God: Male and Female in Genesis 1:16-28

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The New Testament has what appear to be some pretty direct and decisive words about the roles of men and women at home and in the church.  In fact, those words can be downright shocking to our modern sensibilities. In 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul makes what seems to be a pretty clear statement about the role of women in the ministry of the church, one that does not sit well with many today. “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” The words seem to be pretty clear.  Paul says that women should not teach men the truths of scripture or … [Read more...] about In the Image of God: Male and Female in Genesis 1:16-28

Tell Us about Your State Convention Meeting

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I didn't get to go to the Baptist Convention of Iowa meeting this year.  My daughter is a senior and had the lead in the school play, which performed that weekend (yes, I'm bragging!).  The school play trumped the state convention this year.  Its the first time in many years that they carried on at the BCI without me.   I hear they did just fine. So, did you go your state convention meeting?  SBC Voices readers are from all over the country (and a few internationals mixed in).   I'm interested in knowing your perspective on what went on at your state convention. Any significant motions … [Read more...] about Tell Us about Your State Convention Meeting

Ed Stetzer’s Advice: Resist (Politely) the TSA Searches

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Ed Stetzer has written a passionate plea to resist the full-body scans and the invasive pat-downs that the TSA is now demanding for those who fly. Here is the link. Read it.  He makes a lot of sense. He gives four reasons why the searches are wrong. He also makes three suggestions for action. We should, if possible, not fly and then tell the airlines that the TSA searches are the reason. We should opt out of the full-body scans if you must fly.  You will then be "patted down" in the most personal way, but he suggests this is better than the virtual naked pictures of what he … [Read more...] about Ed Stetzer’s Advice: Resist (Politely) the TSA Searches

Radically Redefining Transparency in the SBC: Part 1

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Containing updates and revisions to interact with Dave Miller's recent post, "Combating the Culture of Secrecy in the SBC: Trust the People!" this post was originally published at FromLaw2Grace on July 16, 2010. "Component Two:  Making Our Values Transparent:  We must also work toward the creation of a new and healthy culture within the Southern Baptist Convention.  If we are to grow together and work together in faithfulness to the command of Christ, we must establish a culture of trust, transparency, and truth among all Southern Baptists. . . ." (Quoted from Penetrating The Lostness:  … [Read more...] about Radically Redefining Transparency in the SBC: Part 1

Quick Baptism, Slow Discipleship

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There’s been some talk recently about some churches practicing “spontaneous baptisms” as a part of their services.  Without getting into the validity of that specific practice, the largest complaint seems to be that quick baptisms like that downplay the significance of baptism and church membership.  On the other hand, there are churches that require a person to jump through various hoops of lengthy classes and pastoral interviews before even allowing for baptism.  After all, baptism is a first step of church membership, and to have a regenerate church membership you have to make sure the … [Read more...] about Quick Baptism, Slow Discipleship

“Parking Wars” – A Primer in Human Depravity

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Human sin should never be funny, but on "Parking Wars" on "A&E" (10 PM ET on Tuesdays) it is pretty hilarious.  I love the show.  I also think it is a perfect illustration of human attitudes toward sin.  Watch it sometime and see what I mean.  There are few illustrations of human depravity, about human attitudes toward sin, that are clearer than those you will see on Parking Wars. Parking Wars takes place mostly in Philadelphia, though they also go to Detroit and other cities.  It follows three aspects of the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA).  Parking enforcement officers walk the … [Read more...] about “Parking Wars” – A Primer in Human Depravity

Shameless Plug: “Perverting Biblical Faith into Magical Religion”

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I have posted at sbcIMPACT a revision of something I wrote several years ago.  It is my belief that we tend to pervert true biblical faith (which calls us to die to self and live for God's glory) into a magical religion (in which we manipulate spiritual forces for personal gain).  I hope you will take time to read it and comment there. Here's the link to the article at sbcIMPACT. Follow the link to sbcIMPACT - still, in my opinion, one of the best blogs in the Baptist world! Please forgive this shameless plug. … [Read more...] about Shameless Plug: “Perverting Biblical Faith into Magical Religion”

What Is Good about the SBC?

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I think there is a lot wrong with the current SBC. I've been vocal about the culture of secrecy, the mega-church mentality, the legalism and so many other things.  On blogs, we tend to focus on what is wrong, what is bad, what needs to be fixed. But, aren't there some good things as well?  Are we all just sticking around because we have nowhere else to go, or we don't have the courage to leave?  What are those good things?  Wouldn't it be good to spend a little time speaking of what we love about the SBC - why we stick with it, even though there are things we don't like? WHY I LOVE … [Read more...] about What Is Good about the SBC?