Recently I opened a blogpost for the discussion of sports. It has been a great diversion – I love sports, probably too much. But that post has served two purposes. It gave us a chance to talk about sports while also keeping the sports trash-talk (something I consider a moral imperative) off the other posts. If you want to post about the Hawkeyes, the Yankees, or any of the lesser teams out there, you have a place to go. There is a small group of bloggers who seem to come by Voices for no purpose other than to talk about the Conservative Resurgence that restored the SBC to its … [Read more...] about A Moderate’s Playground: My View of the Conservative Resurgence
The SBC & CP: What Language Do You Speak?
On Wednesday, Dave linked to a blog post by Micah Fries entitled, “The Tie that Binds?” Micah wrote his post in response to a Baptist Press article reporting on the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s recent passage of a resolution in support of the Cooperative Program and in support of Executive Director David Hankins’ open letter to the trustees of NAMB regarding the nomination of Kevin Ezell to lead that missions agency. Micah confessed that he was “startled” when he read the article. The following quote by Dr. David Crosby, Pastor of FBC New Orleans, particularly jumped out at him: The CP is … [Read more...] about The SBC & CP: What Language Do You Speak?
The Koran and the Gospel
Originally posted at Modern March This post was prompted by a poor “tweet” and the even poorer statement by Ray Bakke that led to it. Redeemer City to City, a church planting resource that I admire and respect, held the Movement Day 2010 Conference in New York City, the headlining speakers being Timothy Keller and Bill Hybels. Naturally, I was interested. I was at work at the time, so my following of the conference was via the Twitter hashtag #mday2010 on my phone. Things were going smoothly until this came across the #mday2010 feed: Now, I’m not one for trying to be the … [Read more...] about The Koran and the Gospel
IMHO: Blog-posts Worth Reading 10/6/2010
I have read two posts this morning that I think are well worth your time to read. I will link to them and encourage you to go there. Alan Cross First, Alan Cross, who has been one of my favorite bloggers for some time, has a powerful article called "The Failings of Christendom." He says, "Christendom is the establishment of Christianity (or a version of it) as the state or accepted religion in the larger culture. It is the syncretism of Biblical Christianity with the goals and purposes of the prevailing world system, creating a mixed civil religion that looks Christian in its forms, … [Read more...] about IMHO: Blog-posts Worth Reading 10/6/2010
Church Attendance: What Makes a Good Church Member?
Until he retired in 2002, my dad was a railroad man. As I was growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, he worked in the city 90 miles from where we lived, driving back and forth every night. His weekends were unusual—typically Tuesday and Wednesday—and he worked nights. This was hardly a 40-hour-a-week job as it was often fraught with late trains and mechanical problems requiring overtime. When he was at home he slept about four hours a day, and spent a good chunk of the rest of his time building various carpentry products to supplement his income. For most of my childhood, dad didn’t go to … [Read more...] about Church Attendance: What Makes a Good Church Member?
Bill O’Reilly Feeds Bill Maher Stale Bread
I'm wondering did anyone catch the No-Spin-Zone last night? Am I the only one who thinks somebody needs to call Bill O'Reilly, invite him to lunch, and explain some Bible facts to him? Last night's episode of the "Bold-Fresh" Factor-Man feeding biblical advice to Bill Maher, fell short of a few loaves and fishes. Someone...puleeze, explain to the two Bills how important the Old Testament is to Christians and what we believe. The Old Testament is not a bunch of "allegory" and fiction. Bill Maher thinks the entire Bible is filled with fantasies--not just allegories. He corrects Bill … [Read more...] about Bill O’Reilly Feeds Bill Maher Stale Bread
Commenting Philosophy at SBC Voices
I appreciate the intelligent and lively discussions we have here at SBC Voices. I thought it would be good for me to say a little bit about my philosophy and approach here. I have made a few small changes since I was appointed editor, and so I thought I should let you know my philosophy and policies for blogging and commenting. First of all, the point here is to have an open discussion of current trends and issues in the SBC and to deal with biblical topics. We do not have a single viewpoint here. We have contributors who are five-pointers and other who see n0 point in Calvinism. We … [Read more...] about Commenting Philosophy at SBC Voices
What Does It Mean to Enthusiastically Support the Cooperative Program?
After much intensive research, discussion, and prayer, an SBC committee, whose members included a who’s who of Southern Baptist leaders, issued its historic report and recommendations to the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention assembled in their Annual Meeting. After a move on the Convention floor to amend the Committee’s report and recommendations, the messengers defeated the proposed amendments and overwhelmingly approved the final report and recommendations. On this day, the messengers from cooperating churches of the SBC spoke clearly about the future direction of the … [Read more...] about What Does It Mean to Enthusiastically Support the Cooperative Program?
Books that Shaped My Life and Ministry
What are the books that have formed your views on ministry or have helped you to be more effective in what you do? I’m going to share mine. You share yours. Tell us the books you have read that have shaped and formed your ministry. Let’s all agree that the most important book is the Bible. We believe that the Bible is our final authority and shapes our lives and ministries more than any other book. We know that. The topic of discussion is other books which God has used in your life. 1) “Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome” by Kent and Barbara Hughes This book traces … [Read more...] about Books that Shaped My Life and Ministry
PLEASE! Enough of the “God’s Man” Tactic, Okay?
We are waiting for IMB to follow in NAMB's footsteps and name a new president. My hope is that when they make their nomination, they will forgo the "We have found God's Man" tactic that was used by NAMB trustees and their search committee. Ted Traylor, Bryant Wright and others put on a full-court press for the nomination of Kevin Ezell as NAMB president. They designated him as “God’s Man” for the job. Before I dig in, let me say that I think that Kevin Ezell may just be exactly the man we need at NAMB. NAMB needs a visionary leader – he seems to be that. NAMB needs integrity – everyone … [Read more...] about PLEASE! Enough of the “God’s Man” Tactic, Okay?