...and I’ll raise a toast to that. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. ALASKA chose the worst possible way by trashing the entire concept of the Cooperative Program. How Alaska Baptists would destroy the Cooperative Program and blame it on NAMB, was my article of a month ago. The somber Alaska Baptists actually voted to excise NAMB from the CP. They will keep that money in-state. Bad leadership. Bad decision. Deplorable reaction to NAMB which has spent more per capita in Alaska than any other state. Maybe brains will thaw and that action will be reversed. Until then, Alaska … [Read more...] about State conventions are making opportunity cost decisions about the Cooperative Program…
The official Voices guide to the Georgia senatorial runoff races and the fate of all humanity
Since the other Voices team members live in solidly Democratic states like Virginia and others are in foreign countries like Iowa and Indiana, it falls to me to write the official and definitive SBC Voices guide to the Georgia senatorial runoff races, the two contests that will determine the fate of the nation, yea, of all humanity. Here's where we stand and why the two remaining elections are so important: Republican seats in the U. S. Senate: 50 Democratic seats in the U. S. Senate: 48 Georgia has two Republican senators who are fighting for reelection. If the Dems win them both they … [Read more...] about The official Voices guide to the Georgia senatorial runoff races and the fate of all humanity
Thoughts and Observations about Our Election
It is the election that never ends, it just goes on and on my friends. Some people started counting it not knowing what it was, and they’ll just keep on counting it forever just because it is the election that never ends… I stuck that annoying song in your brain, so, you are welcome. That may be the least annoying thing I do in this post. Let me share my theme. It is time for Christians, and for Southern Baptists, to honor God by accepting the results of this election with grace. We must stop acting silly and spouting nonsensical conspiracy theories about “stealing elections.” See, the … [Read more...] about Thoughts and Observations about Our Election
Why Should I Remain Southern Baptist?
I have had discussions with friends recently who asked that question. Many younger Southern Baptists wonder if fighting the fight against the established powers who resist progress on racial issues, who protect sex abusers instead of exposing them, who think our solutions lie in the 1950s and 60s, more than in the NT, is worth it. Why not cut bait and move on? I have seen discussions among minorities who, seeing the way Southern Baptists fawned over a man like Donald Trump, wonder if the SBC has any real passion to correct its racist past. At times, I wonder too. Of course, those … [Read more...] about Why Should I Remain Southern Baptist?
Last week was a quiet week…
...if you were on Mars...deep underground...in a wire mesh sealed cave...with noise cancelling headphones. The latest "most important election in the history of our country" is over, except for the shouting, recriminations, complaints, demonstrations and the like. In my church yesterday one would have thought last week was a quiet week. There was scant mention of the election because far more important subjects demanded attention: worship of almighty God, the eternal Gospel, hurting and hungry people. I'm not going to spend the next four years griping and complaining, a … [Read more...] about Last week was a quiet week…
Election Day Observations and Predictions
I'd like to share some observations and predictions about the election here today. Before you take any of my predictions too seriously, remember that I stated with full confidence that the GOP would never nominate Trump in 2016, and once they did, I stated here that Trump had absolutely no chance of becoming president. My previous failures at prognostication do not prevent me from engaging again in prognostication. 1. Everyone says this as established truth, but our actions and words sometimes ignore it - whoever wins tonight, God is still on the throne. All of those "the future of the … [Read more...] about Election Day Observations and Predictions
Your guy lost, so get over it.
No one wants to hear your whining for the next four years...not your wife, your kids, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, your dog, or your cat. People voted, that’s that. Your daily life likely isn’t going to change one bit. You could gripe full time but how much good would that do the country, your family, your friends, your church, or yourself? Maybe you should have shared the Gospel more and politicked less. Maybe your church would be more unified on the eternal Gospel if you didn’t get so deep into the latest election as Armageddon. You could gripe less and … [Read more...] about Your guy lost, so get over it.
Just how easy, or difficult, is it to become an SBC church?
One of the long running narratives about our Grand Old Convention is that it doesn't take much to become a Southern Baptist Church. That's a false narrative. Here's what it takes: Local SBC associations have extensive and detailed requirements and processes for churches to join. Here is the web page for my local association in Georgia. There are 1,116 SBC associations. I can offer anecdotal reports for the handful of associations in which I have participated. There are committees involved, examinations of doctrine and practices, a waiting period, and a formal vote for … [Read more...] about Just how easy, or difficult, is it to become an SBC church?
Look at Us! (Dr. CB Scott)
Dr. CB Scott has been a pastor and an administrator both at SBC seminaries and colleges. He is now a DOM in Kentucky. He was a key player in the early days of blogging. He is an ardent Auburn Tigers fan. War Eagle! Former VP Joe Biden said something at the end of the recent debate that really made me think. He stated, "Look at us." I did exactly as he asked. Then I looked through both him and President Donald Trump. I looked so far through them both that I saw behind Mr. Biden his running mate, Senator Harris. Looking through and behind Mr. Trump, I saw Vice President Pence. Then it … [Read more...] about Look at Us! (Dr. CB Scott)
Baptists You Should Know, M. Theron Rankin
The history of the SBC includes thousands of missionaries, pastors, workers, and others who often get lost to history. My goal is to highlight a few of those people in order that we can be encouraged and inspired by their lives and sacrifice. Milledge Theron Rankin was born on July 28, 1894, in Newberry, South Carolina as the fourth child and third son of his parents. His father was Milledge Whitfield Rankin, a Baptist preacher who served small and medium-sized churches through a long ministry in South Carolina. Like most ministers of that time, MW Rankin made a modest living for a family … [Read more...] about Baptists You Should Know, M. Theron Rankin