SBC Voices

Study Notes Or Plain Text: Which Bible Is Better?

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This Christmas, my church purchased ESV study Bibles for Sunday School teachers. The thinking was to give them an all-in-one resource to help them work out sticky passages and better grasp the meaning of the Bible. But there is a downside to these type of Bibles, even if they are very well done. I've often found myself checking the notes before I struggle to understand the text on its own merits. That is why I normally recommend plain text Bibles with minimal notes. What do you think? Which Bible would you recommend and to what types of readers? … [Read more...] about Study Notes Or Plain Text: Which Bible Is Better?

No More Heroes

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I was listening to a sermon by John Piper on my iTunes the other day when he said something that really intrigued me. Now, Dr. Piper often says things which I find stimulating and inspiring, but this little blurb hit me harder than most. He said, "Following Jesus is first and foremost not heroic!" Not heroic. … [Read more...] about No More Heroes

Should Preaching Be The #1 Priority Of The Church?

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The centrality of preaching has been on my mind lately. Mainly because of some conviction God has been giving, and also because of some excellent books I'm reading. For example, I read this statement by Dr. Mohler in his contribution to the book Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea For Preaching. "This is not to say that there are not other responsibilities or that there are not even other priorities for a pastor. However, there is one central, non-negotiable, immovable, essential priority, and that is the preaching of the Word of God." Does it follow that maintaining the preaching of the Word … [Read more...] about Should Preaching Be The #1 Priority Of The Church?

Have We Really Fallen This Far?

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Once upon a time, Southern Baptists believed the church had a mission. We held that our aim and authority came from the mouth of Jesus himself when he said, "Go and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:18-20). So, churches were specialists in one thing. That one thing was proclaiming the Gospel so that the lost could hear, believe and follow Christ. We were passionate about this one sacred task and began to send preachers to the nations. We insisted that everything our churches would do must related clearly back to that mission. After all, our local bodies belong to Christ and exist … [Read more...] about Have We Really Fallen This Far?

Is It Wrong To Mock Other Preachers?

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I was about to post a video that used satire to highlight some flaws in contemporary preaching, but something stopped me. While the video made some great points, I began to think about the hubris it takes for me to scoff at God's ministers. Who am I to pass judgment on another congregation's shepherd? At the same time, some types of modern preaching clearly exchange the Gospel for something else. My default response is to mock and scoff, while giving little though to the real spiritual peril they in which they stand. I have not prayed for these guys or their people, but I am too glad to … [Read more...] about Is It Wrong To Mock Other Preachers?

Marketing The Cooperative Program

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LifeWay Research is constantly releasing new data and helpful insights. But the most interesting part of their latest study was the purpose of the research. This new study was "conducted on behalf of the SBC's Executive Committee." I would like to address the purpose of this research. Here is the stated purpose of the XComm in their official description. The Executive Committee initiated the survey of all Southern Baptist churches to collect data that would provide an empirical baseline of our churches’ thoughts, feelings and perceptions about the Cooperative Program and stewardship, and to … [Read more...] about Marketing The Cooperative Program

Southwestern Seminary $3.5 Million Shortfall

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SWBTS has announced it must cut at least $3.5 million (about 10%) in expenses this year. The seminary is attempting to limit cuts to current employees or faculty, but "current economic trends would make this goal difficult to achieve."  Two programs have already been suspended: Naylor Children's Center, a laboratory school under the direction of the school of educational ministries Oxford Study Program and all of the Traveling Scholar overseas on-site study trips Which Institution Is Next? This announcement follows similar cutbacks from Southern Seminary.  I would expect to hear … [Read more...] about Southwestern Seminary $3.5 Million Shortfall

BF&M: Regeneration Comes Before Faith

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This post is inspired by a recent blog by Peter Lumpkins that details some views of B.H. Carroll on regeneration. I enjoy Peter's writing, especially when I disagree with him. This is the mark of all competent writers. But what caught my attention was this sentence: Carroll clearly rejected Founders' strange insistence upon "regeneration precedes faith" To me this didn't sound strange, but familiar. It reminded me of something I have read many times in the Baptist Faith & Message. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ … [Read more...] about BF&M: Regeneration Comes Before Faith

The Money Quote: What To Expect From The Cooperative Program

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Many have been guessing, including me, that the Cooperative Program is in trouble over the next few years. There is no prophecy in that statement, just sniffing the wind and thinking through some demographics. But the 2008 - 2009 global recession is already making the situation deteriorate much faster. In a recent letter from Southern Seminary, Dr. Mohler shared his concerns about their budget. In his explanation, he revealed the concerns are growing among denominational leaders. Here is a quote and I've emphasized the relevant portion. The Cooperative Program remains the mainstay of our … [Read more...] about The Money Quote: What To Expect From The Cooperative Program