During the last few weeks, many South Carolina Baptist Convention churches have been disturbed and puzzled by the Christmas Eve sermon by Perry Noble of NewSpring Church, a church affiliated with the SCBC. This also precipitated a review and apology from this pastor on his blog. However, his 2014 Christmas Eve message and his theological […]
Viewpoint: Four Considerations for Southern Baptist Churches
As we near the coming of the Lord, we should be more focused than ever before. As our 50,000 plus churches and congregations partner together in Gospel causes, the time is now for us to rise up like never before. I want to ask you to consider these four things with me in 2015. 1. […]
On Sanctity of Life issues, Jesus on the Scene Changes Things
Every year, millions recognize the third Sunday in January as “Sanctity of Life” Sunday. The abortion issue is always a hotly debated subject, and considering all that is at stake, it should be. For the Christ-follower, Jesus has changed us. This change must have the greatest impact on both what we believe and how we […]
Mental health advisory group seeks input from Southern Baptist churches
“I was depressed and felt all alone, even though I was surrounded by people.” “When I was diagnosed with depression, I felt as though I finally understood why I felt alone,” said one man after seeking help through his doctor. “However,” he continued, “I still was afraid of telling anyone in my church about my […]
Advent Without the Tinsel
The very word “advent” essentially means the arrival of something. So, as we celebrate Christmas, we supposedly celebrate the arrival of God into human form. The Incarnation is a moment to savor. All of our presents and lights and parties ought to have a better meaning. But usually they don’t. So, in a bid to […]
Fresh Ideas: The Aroma of Christmas
What’s the best Christmas scent? Is it cinnamon? Pine? Nutmeg? No, it’s much better than those! The “aroma of Christ” is something every Christian spreads like a sweet perfume. Read carefully: “But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of Him […]
At the Movies: A Schizophrenic Moses?
According to the Hollywood Reporter, actor Christian Bale has said of Moses, “I think the man was likely schizophrenic and was one of the most barbaric individuals that I ever read about in my life.” This on the completion of his new film, “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” wherein Oscar winner Bale played the man who […]
Viewpoint: ALS, the ‘blue zone’ & church
Sometimes a critical health diagnosis may be short-lived and the patient returns to good health. Then there are times when the news forces an individual to face their mortality. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has had an extraordinary amount of exposure due to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge earlier this year. Today, more people are aware […]
Viewpoint: Fewer churches growing, more churches declining
From 1978-1983, 30.5 percent of churches in the Southern Baptist Convention were seeing at least a 10 percent increase in total membership over a five-year period of time. During this same time, 51.9 percent of our SBC churches were plateaued and 17.6 percent were in decline. Declining churches, as defined in this denominational study, are […]
At the Movies: ’40’ & ‘Redeemed’ reminders of God’s grace
Dramatized precautionary tales for the Christian come at a cost, whether tackling the issue of abortion in the documentary “40,” or adultery in “Redeemed.” The pro-life documentary 40 examines the effects of abortion during the 40 years since Roe v. Wade. The film takes a straightforward stand and sends a warning to young women, making […]