The Lost Practice of Recognition Councils
Baptist churches are by definition autonomous in their polity. It’s one of the “distinctives” by which they are known. This does not... Read More
The Holy Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry in the Old Testament
Were Old Testament believers, as a necessary part of their sanctification, permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit? In this post I will... Read More
The Recent SBC Statement on Salvation: A Point of Concern
On May 30, a group of Southern Baptist leaders issued a document titled “A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of... Read More
Harmonizing 1 Peter 4:8 with Matthew 18:15
An argument often raised against the regular practice of church discipline detailed in Matthew 18:15–18 is Peter’s comment in 1 Peter 4:8... Read More
"I Thank Thee That I Am Not as Other Legalists," Or, How "Freer Than Thou" Became the New "Holier Than Thou"
Some time ago I was asked in a conversation whether I ever drank beverage alcohol and I replied “No.” Upon hearing my... Read More
"Saved, Baptized, and a Member in Good Standing"
I heard that phrase once a month growing up, and for years never considered the possibility that Baptists would administer the Lord’s... Read More
God's Wisdom…but Mine
In the interests of avoiding a reputation as an iconoclast, I thought it might be good to offer a positive follow-up to... Read More
God Is Not My Fall Guy
“Hello, my name is__________, and I approve this message.” This awkward disclaimer became part of standard political jargon in 2002, when the Bipartisan... Read More
One More Reason Why the Resurrection Is Such Good News
I realize that resurrection Sunday may feel a bit like last week’s news. After all, it’s done. We’ve celebrated. Now we’ve moved... Read More
Archaeology, the Resurrection, and Faith
Here we go again. A new sensational archaeological announcement that proves that there were first century Jews who embraced Christ and the hope of... Read More