Comments on: Wrapping Up: Encouragement

By: Strange BaptistFire » Blog Archive » The Pseudo-Demarcation Line of Resolution No. 5 and the Shifting Sands of the SBC

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 17:58:16 +0000

[...] But what I do know is that the three favorite words of the Pharisees was, “Is it lawful?” And Jesus’ favorite response to them was, “Woe to you, hypocrites!” Now I am not calling proponents of this resolution modern-day Pharisees or legalists, but there is a real danger they are facing which they must answer. As Thorn said, “You can’t raise a generation of men and women on the infallible/inerrant word of God and expect them to remain comfortable while introducing extra-biblical law and denying our Christian liberty.” Our conviction on the sufficiency of Scripture should cause us to rest in God’s complete revelation in the Word of God written and the Word of God Incarnate. Where Scriptures is silent, we must not speculate. [...]

By: Jeff Richard Young

Jeff Richard Young — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 18:20:17 +0000

Dear Brother Joe,

I don’t think I’ve ever been called, “courageous” before, and I’m not sure I deserve it now, either. Thank you, though. I’m just desperate for my people in my local church to accept God’s Word into their lives. They say they believe the Bible, sure, but they really don’t use it to make decisions in their lives. This alcohol resolution does NOT help in the process.

It is still God’s Word, though, no matter what the SBC does with it, and it will still accomplish God’s purposes.

Love in Christ,

Jeff

By: Strange BaptistFire » Blog Archive » Conservatism ≠ Legalism? Seeking a Definition of and Defense for Conservatism

Sat, 17 Jun 2006 23:36:19 +0000

[...] Joe Thorn: [...]

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 19:43:49 +0000

Joe,

Great point about the sufficiency of Scripture and the fact that “You can’t raise a generation of men and women on the infallible/inerrant word of God and expect them to remain comfortable while introducing extra-biblical law and denying our Christian liberty.” I think you nailed it here.

Also, what about the sufficiency of Jesus Christ in salvation? Do you think the syngergistic emphasis undermines the sufficiency of Jesus Christ to “save to the uttermost”?

I am encouraged as well, largely in part because of the courage and conviction of men and women in the SBC who are pointing the finger out ourselves and calling us to honesty, integrity, brokenness, and repentance.

By: jrizz123

jrizz123 — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 14:37:17 +0000

This was my 5th convention. It was the same old thing 75% of the time…with the business, the motions, the resolutions, etc. It is a long, boring business meeting. But there was creativity this year, and a new feel to what the convention is.

There were a lot suits this year…pastors are obviously feeling more comfortable not looking like the poster boy of the SBC. I’m serious about this. My first SBC no one considered a dressed down approach.

This year there was much more talk about theology. There were lots of books available that reflected both sides of the current debate. Dever was given a slot, as was Warren, in the pastor’s conference, which encouraged me. Warren, BTW, was good, despite the video. And to hear McManus, etc, was so refreshing. I think Bryant Wright did a phenomenal job in putting together a conference like that. I hope Hayes follows in his footsteps.

There was also recognition of a younger presence and vision in the SBC. I didn’t talk to anyone, young or old, who wasn’t aware of the issues that have been raised on the blogs over the past 3 months. No one.

The alcohol thing, the vote on the integrity thing, and the shofar thing wasn’t disappointing so much as expected. But my encouragement is that the SBC of the future will have left those things behind.