For those following the conversation among Southern Baptists about soteriology, you will want to note Dr. Jerry Vines’ recent contribution to the discussion, “It’s Time To Discuss the Elephant in the Room.” Among other things, Dr. Vines offers a rejoinder to the impression that the “Traditional” statement is semi-pelagian. You’ll want to read the entire statement and observe in particular this conciliatory note:
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Mohler Responds to the “Traditional” Baptist Statement
Albert Mohler has responded to a recent statement issued by a group of Southern Baptists about the doctrine of salvation. Mohler’s essay is direct and generous. It takes the drafters’ concerns seriously and answers substantively. It’s a clarion call to unity around the BF&M. In short, it’s statesmanlike, which is exactly what we need right now. He writes,
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Robbie George Issues Bi-partisan Rebuke
Robbie George is rightly outraged about the failure of the U.S. House Representatives to pass a bill outlawing sex-selective abortions. He writes: Shameful deeds are almost always accompanied by shameless lies. Some members of Congress who shamefully voted against the prohibition of sex-selective abortions are shamelessly claiming (or permitting their spokesmen or surrogates to claim) that the proposed legislation was unnecessary because sex-selective abortions don’t occur in the United States or are so rare as to make legislation unnecessary. The National Right to Life Committee has helpfully provided a link to the most up-to-date (2011) research paper on the question.
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Paige Patterson’s B21 Video: Classic!
Dr. Paige Patterson filmed a video invitation to the Baptist 21 event coming up in June at the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans. This is really classic! Click here to sign-up. (HT: Jon Akin)
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I need more cowbell…I mean, tambourine!
“Will Ferrell brought you more cowbell. Dirk Nowitzki brings you more tambourine” (via @ESPN). Dirk Nowitzki made a cameo appearance with The Avett Brothers in Dallas, Texas over the weekend, and it was reminiscent of Will Ferrell with the cowbell. I have to say, however, Nowitzki gives Ferrel a run for his money for the awkwardness prize.
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Win a Free Copy of BibleWorks 9
BibleWorks is having a contest and will give away free copies of their software to two lucky winners. This is the best Bible software on the planet for those working in a PC environment, and it would be worth your time to take a shot at winning. Here’s the info from the BibleWorks website:
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LA Times Profiles Fred Luter
The Los Angeles Times has a profile today of the Rev. Fred Luter, the next president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Here’s the summary: The Rev. Fred Luter Jr. has long been a prominent African American voice among a largely white denomination with a segregationist history. Now he is poised to become its first black president. Read the rest here. (HT: Jim Smith)
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Les Misérables Is Coming This Christmas
The musical version of Les Misérables is set to be released in theaters this Christmas. It stars Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert, and Anne Hathaway as Fantine. I’m a big fan of Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean. The rest of the cast is exciting as well.
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Federal Court Rules DOMA Is Unconstitutional
The Associated Press reports, A federal appeals court Thursday declared that the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutionally denies federal benefits to married gay couples, a ruling all but certain to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court. In its unanimous ruling, the three-judge panel of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston said the 1996 law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman discriminates against gay couples because it doesn’t give them the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples. The court didn’t rule on the law’s other politically combustible provision, which said states without same-sex marriage cannot be forced to recognize gay…
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Justin Taylor Interviews Piper and His Successor
Last week, Justin Taylor sat down for an interview with John Piper and his successor, Jason Meyer. Piper and Meyer give a candid glimpse into the process that led Bethlehem Baptist Church to select Meyer as their next pastor. Watch this, and witness a clear testimony of God’s faithfulness to His people. (HT: Colin Hansen)