An IMB missionary told me something interesting on my recent trip to Taiwan. We Americans tend to be far more “patriotic” than people from other nations. Other people appreciate their nations – we love America. There is an increasing conflict among American Christians as to how involved the church should be in political activity. Left wing churches embrace political action as a part of their pursuit of social justice. They have abandoned the gospel for social transformation and embrace political action without shame. But those of us who hold faithfully to scripture have to balance … [Read more...] about Jerry Falwell, Jr’s Statement to Glenn Beck: Is the Gospel Secondary to Political Gain?
Our Cloud of Witnesses
So I’m gearing up to preach on Hebrews 12:1-2 here in a couple of weeks…going to talk about how life is a race and like all races we have to endure. This is a race that takes us through the entire course of our lives and involves everything from the shape our character to our families and jobs to the people we impact and ends only when we come face to face with Jesus. It’s not a race about finishing first (as if we even could, having millions who have finished before we were even born), it’s not about being fast, it’s not even about being graceful (some of the most faithful people have … [Read more...] about Our Cloud of Witnesses
Always Reforming
Some things I love about being a part of the SBC: 1) We have a great love for God’s Word. Admittedly, I wasn’t born when the Conservative Resurgence started; and I was a child when most of the meetings and changes occurred. I’ve merely been a beneficiary. But I have gotten to know some men and women who were there through it all and staked reputations and friendships on one main issue: the Bible. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to hear their words and learn their hearts, and to see the humility, the love for Jesus, and the love for his word. 2) We have a great love for missions. … [Read more...] about Always Reforming
Albert Mohler: Why All Southern Baptists are Calvinists
At the 2006 SBC Pastor's Conference, Albert Mohler listed ways that all Southern Baptists are Calvinists: A belief in the inerrancy of Scripture - "It is not by accident that there are no great Arminian testimonies to the inerrancy of Scripture. We really do believe that God can work in such a way that the human will wills to do what God wills that will to do. And that is exactly why we believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. We do not believe that the Apostle Paul was irresistibly against his will drawn to write the Book of Romans.” A belief in the substitutionary atonement - "The logic … [Read more...] about Albert Mohler: Why All Southern Baptists are Calvinists
What is Primary?
Here are what I think are some primary, secondary, and tertiary theological issues: PRIMARY: Trinity Substitutionary atonement Hypostatic union Christ's resurrection Christ's second-coming Inerrancy of Scripture Virgin birth SECONDARY: Calvinism/Arminianism (due to its effect on your view of God and Scripture) Cessationism/charismaticism Women in ministry Baptism Lord's Supper TERTIARY: Credo/paedo baptism Earth age Eschatology (as in pre/post/amillenial, dispensational, etc.) Church polity ____________________ Would anyone erase a third … [Read more...] about What is Primary?
Community–the primary apologetic
But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as Holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you… 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) Ever since my high school days I’ve had a thing for apologetics. I used to debate non-Christians on various web forums over science, philosophy, and belief; then in college I belonged to a group some friends started called the Society of Christian Apologists and Philosophers (SOCAPS for short—it had a ring to it!). We took the Bible, Faith Has Its Reasons, and Mere Christianity as our main texts and sought to engage … [Read more...] about Community–the primary apologetic
Blogging: Planting Seeds from Afar
I’ve thought a lot lately about the role I play or potentially could play as a Christian blogger. God has brought a decent amount of traffic and recognition to my blog, especially lately, and I always wonder the affect it has on those who read it. There are those who simply follow a link to my blog and are only on the site for less than a minute. Some are referred to an article I’ve written by another site, read it, and move along in a matter of minutes. There are some of you who have chosen to receive emails of anything posted here or at Modern March. Regardless of the amount of time someone … [Read more...] about Blogging: Planting Seeds from Afar
Happy 10th Anniversary, 2000 Baptist Faith & Message!
The latest revision of the Baptist Faith & Message is now a decade old. In celebration, I'd like to offer my humble opinion on the good and bad revisions. Note: Some were introduced at some level in the 1998 revision, though solidified in the 2000 edition. The Good Gender Roles - A much needed clarification of Scripture's clear teaching of male headship in the church and in the family. Both Articles VI and XVIII clearly state the worth and gifting of women while explicitly and unapologetically describing their roles. Exegesis - The removal of "Jesus Christ as the exegetical … [Read more...] about Happy 10th Anniversary, 2000 Baptist Faith & Message!
Readers and Do-ers…
Hey everyone. It's been a crazy couple weeks in the SBC blogosphere between the convention and other "discussions". I personally am taking a brief hiatus from the blogosphere for the month of July (and maybe August). The hardest part won't be skipping writing and commenting, but keeping myself from reading everything going on out there in the up-to-the-minute nature of blogging. I add that just to let some of you know that I haven't died or joined a cult or anything. Anyways, I thought I'd leave you guys with something to talk about. Summer. Great time for reading. Great time for … [Read more...] about Readers and Do-ers…
Baylor and Berkeley: A Liberal Pushback
College football in America was rocked to the core by recent news of conference expansion and realignment. Moderate spectators and rabid fans alike were no doubt anxiously anticipating the outcome of these sudden developments. With Nebraska’s departure to the Big Ten Conference and Colorado to the PAC-10 Conference, the Big 12 Conference was rumored to likely dissolve quickly thereafter, with Texas and and handful other Big 12 schools possibly headed to the PAC-10. One of the teams looking to follow the money train to the PAC-10 was Baylor University. Texas Governor Rick Perry has been … [Read more...] about Baylor and Berkeley: A Liberal Pushback