This is a list of recent blog posts which we found interesting. That we found them interesting doesn’t mean we necessarily agree with or endorse the ideas presented in the posts, but that we found them to be intriguing and thought-provoking. (They are listed in no particular order of interest). Please post your comments to discuss any article that strikes your interest. If you have recent blog posts to nominate, please send the link to admin@sbctoday.com.
About Theology
“Why I’m a ‘Calminian,’” by Craig Blomberg on the Koinonia blog, with a defense of being in a mediating position between Calvinism and Arminianism, which he describes as “Calminian.” When the authors of Whosoever Will claimed that name two years ago, some Arminians and Calvinists said it was impossible; that there were only the two antithetical positions. Perhaps with a world-class scholar like Blomberg disagreeing, the idea of a mediating position will gain a new hearing.
“Books on Calvinism and Predestination,” by David Brumbelow on the Gulf Coast Pastor blog, with recommendations for books addressing these issues.
“Salvation: The Sovereign Work of God’s Grace,” by the Seeking Disciple (Roy Ingle) on the
“Christ’s Death: Designed for All, Designed for Some?, Part 1” and Part 2, by Peter Lumpkins at the SBC Tomorrow blog, with reflections on the historical and biblical problems with the doctrine of limited atonement.
About the SBC and Church Life
“Characteristic Excellence,” by Randy Stone in the Pursuing Ministry Excellence blog, with some suggestions about how excellence might be evaluated on a church ministry staff.
“Two Statements that Hinder Baptist Cooperation,” by Ed Goodman on the SBC Voices blog. The title is self-explanatory; the two statements are “Calvinism IS the gospel” and “Calvinism is heresy.”
“Megachurches in the Southern Baptist Convention,” and “Midmegachurches in the Southern Baptist Convention,” by Thom Rainer on his blog, with a listing of the 177 megachurches (churches over 2,000 in weekly worship attendance) and the 357 “midmegachurches” in the SBC (churches with between 1,000 and 2,000 in weekly worship attendance). These churches are anomalies in the SBC, accounting for just 1.5 percent of all SBC churches – 98.5 percent of all SBC churches average less than 1,000 in worship attendance.
“Four Hands of the Missionary,” by Tobey Pitman on the Church Breaking Out blog, with recommendations for four qualities of effective missionaries and ministers.
“The ESV or the NASB?” by Ron Ingle (the Seeking Disciple) at the Reformed Arminian blog, with comments on the strengths and weaknesses of these two Bible translations.
“What to Do When You Really Mess Up,” by Ed Steele on the Worship HeartCries blog, with ideas about how to deal with your own mistakes.
About the Christian Life and Culture
“Fighting to Feel: The Importance of Prompt Repentance,” by Jesse Owens on the Helwys Society Forum, with a thoughtful reflection on the biblical and spiritual necessity of repentance, and the price of refusing to do so.
“Let Someone Else Praise You, and Not Your Own Mouth,” and More Thoughts on Proverbs 27:2 and Self-Promotion,” by Denny Burk on his blog, with reflections on the application of Proverbs 27:2 to self-promotion on blogs and social media, via Dane Ortlund.
“The Light of the Lord’s Life,” by Brad Whitt on his blog, with reflections on God as life and light in John 1:4.
“Modern Bible Translations Are Good, I Sayeth,” by Fletcher Law on the Fletcher Law and Grace blog, answering the question of the utility of modern Bible translations.
“Fighting the Right Battle with the Wrong Weapons,” by Dave Miller on the SBC Impact blog, with advice about how to fight the battles that confront us.
“You Can’t,” by Perry Noble on his blog, with a perceptive list of things you can’t do if you’re being obedient before the Lord.
