Things are different now in some ways. SBC Voices has deliberately added a number of new writers. The change is welcome. New perspectives are good.
Although SBCV is often labeled as a Cal site, contributors here are a mix of theological views, cal and non-cal. No question the choice here was mostly, perhaps fully, Greear, but it has been said that the welcome mat is out for some Traditionalist contributions.
SBC Today has an interim director who has said, “I would also like to invite Dave Miller of SBC Voices to join myself in moderating a fruitful and charitable discussion on soteriology, and how Christians can unite in-spite of apparent theological differences.” All this is healthy, since we are on the same side, and we hope Dave Miller will soon be healthy enough to respond positively if he so chooses.
Since being elected SBC president by a landslide, J.D. Greear’s old sermons, podcasts, and writings have received a huge amount of attention, mostly by those looking for a ‘gotcha’ or two. Yes, it is a generational change and I supported it. But, no, there will not be a lot of significant changes to the Grand Old SBC. The president has very limited powers. There’s only one way to top the surge of popularity and interest which comes from being elected SBC prez, which brings me to…
…the recent story about how Fewer Americans are spending their final days in the hospital and more are dying at home, new research shows. In all, just short of 20% of Medicare-insured patients who died in 2015 did so in an acute-care hospital, down from 32.6% who did so in 2000. Some 40% of these patients died in a home, hospice, assisted living facility or other community setting in 2015 — up from about 31% in 2000. I noticed the change from the 1980s, my early years as a pastor. This is significant for clergy and a welcome change. Dying in a hospital often means that family and close friends are restricted from being near.
An unwelcome change here in northeast Georgia is evidenced by my seeing far, far too many roadkill armadillos. Wish you Louisiana people would keep your nasty, leprous critters to yourselves. Same for Texans and fire ants. Alas, the day is past for all that I’m afraid. The armadillos and fire ants we will have with us always. [Coincidentally, National Geographic just put an interesting story up on armadillos and leprosy. I had read an interesting book on the Louisiana leprosarium a few years ago. Probably got a sermon illustration or two out of it but not as good a story as Damien/Molokai.]
A woman preaching the convention sermon? I’m not seeing that change, although one year a woman was nominated to preach it. A messenger rose and nominated “Rev. Hastings Sehested,” for the task. As I recall, Adrian Rogers was moderating the session and after the nomination said, “…nominates Nancy Hastings Sehested.” The nominator wanted to disguise the gender by leaving off her first name, “Nancy.” Baptists can be too clever at times. Rogers put an end to any gender confusion with that because the nominee was from his association in Memphis which had earlier expelled the church that called her as pastor. Her few supporters exhibited some degree of chagrin at his action. I don’t see any issue with a woman SBC president.
OK, answer truthfully: Will your church effectively excise Jesus for this Sunday’s service? Will you do a patriotic-themed travesty where the sanctuary cross is covered up by the American flag and where the sermon is a half-baked mixture of selective scripture drive-bys mostly filled with “take our country back” political fulminations? Brethren, go get the bbq. Have a home cookout. Fly the flag. Make note of the occasion in worship…but worship the One who is God from everlasting to everlasting.
The Cupo Mundial is looking pretty good. Germany is out. Brazil is in.
