SBC Today

by Franklin Kirksey
Romans 5:1-21

Introduction

Much more is the theme of Romans chapter 5.  Please note the phrase “much more.”  Dr. Woodrow Kroll, Senior Bible Teacher for the international media ministry Back to the Bible, Lincoln, Nebraska, comments, “The comparative of choice for the apostle Paul was the Greek poll? mallon, meaning ‘much more’ or ‘all the more.’  It was a favorite of Paul’s when he wanted to show that one thing was much greater than another.  Paul uses this comparative expression not less than five times in Romans 5 (vv. 9, 10, 15, 17, 20).  He also used it twice in Romans 11, comparing God’s benefits to the Jews and the Gentile nations (vv. 12, 24).  Paul uses it elsewhere frequently in his epistles: see 1 Cor. 6:3; 12:22; 2 Cor. 3:9, 11; 8:22; Phil. 1:14; 2:12; Philem. 1:16.”[1]     Continue reading →

By: Ron F. Hale

Opening Explanation:  The author is seeking to use the title of a classic sermon by Dr. R. G. Lee[1] (1886-1978) entitled Pay-Day Someday, while connecting the hybrid word (above) to the potential problem of receiving as church members those coming from other faith traditions that practice Paedobaptism[2] (baptism of infants) or affusion (sprinkling or pouring) without teaching them the NT truths of believer’s baptism by immersion and membership requirements.

Southern Baptists have always believed that the baptism of infants cannot be supported historically or doctrinally in the OT or NT; nor has it been espoused by our statements of faith.  Furthermore, we have never tried to make the case that certain rituals from the OT (i.e. circumcision) should serve as a NT symbol or sacrament.

Southern Baptists have never been Paedobaptists!  We have heard all the educated elucidations of the Princeton tradition, and read the writings of Luther, Wesley, and the popes of Rome and all of them put together have never been able to shake our resolve that we have indeed gotten this one right.   We are baptizers and we immerse people after they have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. This is who we are and what we do! Continue reading →

by Dr. Franklin Kirksey

Psalm 75:1-10

Introduction

The World Court receives mention more and more in news stories like one on PBS (08/12/12) about the island of Palau related to the issue of “Global Warming.”

Dr. Paul Lee Tan shares, “The International Court of Justice or the World Court sits in the Palace of Peace in The Hague, Holland.  Fifteen judges from different countries are there.  The UN pays for the bill.

But in nearly 30 years of its life, the World Court has handled only 61 cases, rendered 26 judgments and given 15 advisory opinions.  It has settled only 10 disputes, mostly ‘trivial conflicts of a technical nature.’

And then on Dec. 10, 1979, the World Court began hearings on an American request to find Iran guilty of international law. Continue reading →

To the Little Girl in the Yellow Dress

By Walker Moore

Not long ago, you and I sat on a plane together. You tried to show me how old you were, but you had trouble keeping all four fingers up at the same time. Like all children your age, you were wide-eyed and cute as a newborn kitten.

You were at the perfect age to share everything you knew with anyone who would listen. You told me your name, your dogs’ names and your doll’s name. You told me about your baby brother and how he cries a-l-l t-h-e t-i-m-e. And then you showed me how you cover your ears when he gets too loud.

I watched you squint your eyes and put your hands over your mouth as you giggled. You asked if I had any kids, and I told you I had two boys. You weren’t impressed. You asked if I had a dog, and I told you I used to, but she got old and died. You gave me a sad look and then started singing and brushing your doll’s hair. What a wonderful age you are!

Continue reading →