SBC Voices

Engaging Your Neighbor

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The phrase "engaging your culture" is often used and in my opinion, misused.  We aren't trying to engage a culture, but rather a people within a culture.  I know I am somewhat arguing semantics, but I think rephrasing it to "engage your neighbor" helps put things into perspective.  We are trying to win people.  We are not, or at least should not, be trying to "win a culture." With that being said...  What are some things that you and/or your church is doing in order to engage your neighbors, your community?  Is it more than inviting them to your church to hear your "awesome band" and … [Read more...] about Engaging Your Neighbor

“Vision is overrated”

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This was a tweet that I read from Jared Wilson... I'm not sure what I think about it. "Vision is overrated" From what I have seen, many in the Reformed camp tend to shy away from words and topics such as "vision," while other camps-such as Andy Stanley, Craig Gross, etc. spend a little(maybe a lot) too much time on "vision." In my mind when the Bible talks about leadership, which is a lot, "vision" is included.  Vision is in fact part of leadership and it isn't something we can ignore, at least if we are to be good leaders. To have a productive conversation about this I would like … [Read more...] about “Vision is overrated”

Revealing Our Inner Onion

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I know the journey seems so long. You feel you're walking on your own. But there has never been a step Where you've walked out all alone. Troubled soul don't lose your heart, Cause joy and peace he brings. And the beauty that's in store, Outweighs the hurt of life's sting. There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears. There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, We’ll see Jesus face to face. But until that day, we'll hold on to you always. -- Jeremy Camp, "There Will Be a Day" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le-TG4sRRiQ But … [Read more...] about Revealing Our Inner Onion

Diverse Voices Debate: What Does Eternal Security Have to Do with Baptism?

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Is the belief in eternal security necessary to perform a valid, biblical baptism? Do the doctrinal beliefs of the church or administrator of baptism contribute to the validity of that baptism? Should a person who wishes to join a Baptist church and was baptized by immersion in a church that believes salvation can be lost be re-baptized in a Baptist church? This debate has raged in blogs for years, often creating as much heat as light. In our last debate we focused on church oversight of baptism. Now, we tackle this thorny issue in hopes that we can take one step toward greater … [Read more...] about Diverse Voices Debate: What Does Eternal Security Have to Do with Baptism?

Southern Baptists and Denominationalism

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Like me, most of you missed what I hear was a great conference-Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, and the Future of Denominationalism.  If you would like to read Trevin Wax's summaries of the messages follow the links below. Here are links to my summaries of all the lectures at the Union University conference: Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, and the Future of Denominationalism. Special thanks to David Dockery and Tim Ellsworth for the invitation to live-blog this event. Trevin Wax To listen to the messages go here- Union University. … [Read more...] about Southern Baptists and Denominationalism

Church Discipline for Persistent and Willful Non-Attendance

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not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins Hebrews 10:25-26 (ESV) Neglecting the meetings of the church is a sin and church discipline is to be used in the case of unrepentant sin. Church discipline not only restores wayward sheep, but also removes unbelievers from the church and protects the corporate witness of the local church. If a member is not attending, it is … [Read more...] about Church Discipline for Persistent and Willful Non-Attendance