Sweet Tea & Theology

Wisdom of Solomon, Obama and Abortion

Obama and Solomon

There has been much past discussion about Obama concerning his stance on abortion.  This discussion is not going to end anytime soon and rightly so.  I’ve made the point and so have two other bloggers recently that as Christians we must pray that Obama seeks God’s direction and changes his position on abortion.  The wisdom Obama has shown thus far is what he said at a Planned Parenthood event earlier this year.

“The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act” (source)

Obamanians: Thought I’d Seen It All

I’m driving home with my family this past Saturday. We’re a few miles from home and in astonishment, I say, “Did you see it?! Do you all see it?!” I was pointing to the car just in front of us and to the right.  My wife and daughter didn’t see it and were asking, “What?!” in a frustrated tone since I was so stirred up about what I was showing them. So I speed up, passed a car to come along side the vehicle I was pointing at. So just what did I see? I saw the most unbelievable license plate which I have recreated below.

A Calvinist Missionary and Other Notables

When it comes to missions and evangelism in the Southern Baptist Convention today’s hot button is Calvinism and it’s resurgence among younger Southern Baptists.  Is the concern that Calvinism does and will stifle missions and evangelism in the SBC valid?  The answer seems to depend on who you ask.  Regardless of theology, it’s a Gospel issue and  a sin problem.  One of my dead horses is a concern of pelagianism which I’ve mention recently.

So what does Calvinist missionary Kevin L. Howard say ON BEING A SBC CALVINIST (& MISSIONARY)?

Southern Baptist Pastors: A Must Read Letter

Open Letter to All Pastors of Churches in the SBC

Dear Pastor,

Let me first clarify that this letter is for Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) pastors in general. I am well aware that what you are about to read does not include all pastors - at least not in totality.

…What is really so remarkable about the question of SBC decline is not the decline itself, but rather the simple answer that is so obvious no one will talk about with any seriousness openly in the SBC.

Read the whole thing!

President Obama: Another View of the Election

The United States has elected it’s new President.  A President election that marks a milestone achievement concerning race in this country.  Our first black, or African-American, President.  I hope this will help in the healing process of race relations in this country.  However, for myself and many other this election was never about race. It was about who, either McCain or Obama, would best serve this country and her people.  I hope that was atleast one main point of focus!  The main point of contention is that Obama was thought to be the most pro-abortion candidate ever.  He even referred having a child as a “punishment.”

A Healthy View of Church?

“Because people like me come from professional backgrounds, and we want churches that reflect our backgrounds. I don’t want to be opening my home to people. I don’t want to get involved in people’s lives. I don’t want needy people in my church. Before people like me went into Christian ministry, we were lawyers, doctors, businessmen. And when we get involved in ministry we bring those values with us. We want to lead growing churches with professional people, church administrators, healthy budgets. We want church to be a well-run organization with polished presentations.” Chester, Tim, and Steve Timmis. Total Church. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008), 69.

Obama, Higher Taxes, Selfish Virtue

I want to offer an idea that is atleast a step in the right direction for those who favor Obama’s tax increase.  I read the article where is quoted concerning taxes and selfishness Obama.

“John McCain and Sarah Palin they call this socialistic,” Obama continued. “You know I don’t know when, when they decided they wanted to make a virtue out of selfishness.”(Source: ABC News)

Reformation Day 2008: Protestant Courage

I remember several years ago while talking to a Roman Catholic about doctrine.  Though she had just left the convent and would no longer be in process to become a nun, she was a devout Roman Catholic as far as I could tell.  She left the convent and married a friend of mine.  We were all having dinner and I don’t quite remember what exactly we were talking about, but I can tell you how the conversation ended.  After a few minutes of dialogue, in her frustration, she finally said, “We’re Catholic, we don’t use the Bible!”

Highway to Heaven

While driving on the interstate across state lines you never know what you might see.  While driving behind a semi on the doors to the trailer we saw two things.  On the left was a very large Icthus aka fish symbol.  On the right door were the words “Psalm 22:19.”  In the NASB, that verse reads:

But You, O LORD, be not far off;
O You my help, hasten to my assistance.

Then, as we passed the semi there was a quote in very large letters on the side of the trailer.  I thought it was sort of interesting.

Deeper Conference, First Baptist Woodstock: Paul Washer

In a previous post I blogged about the Deeper Conference.  I didn’t get to attend as I’d hope, but below is one of Paul Washer’s presentations that is quickly becoming very popular.

Play the audio above or download MP3 here.

Enjoy!

Mark

Piper On Christian Voting As Though You Were Not

How should Christians think of voting as that time is upon us in the USA?  John Piper unpacks this with something we can often forget about during times like these.  Scripture!

Voting is like marrying and crying and laughing and buying. We should do it, but only as if we were not doing it. That’s because “the present form of this world is passing away” and, in God’s eyes, “the time has grown very short.” Here’s the way Paul puts it:

Blog Action Day 2008:Poverty

What is poverty?  How do we fight poverty?  Can we do more?  How do we do more?  What is particular day all about?

What is Blog Action Day?
Today thousands of bloggers will unite to discuss a single issue - poverty. We aim to raise awareness, initiate action and to shake the web!
(click the banner for more info.)

The Issue

And If Obama Is Elected

Change! Change is what we keep hearing about that Obama will bring if elected president. I’m hoping for change too. I hope I at least to get a little change back from my income taxes due to the poor Congressional policies, unethical business practices and irresponsible consumers that led to this huge bailout.

And what will happen if Obama is elected?  Steve Hays has given the correct answer below.  It’s just too good of a line to let go without honorable mention.  Especially, since Triablogue moves so fast.  To hear some people talk you might think this isn’t too far from what some might believe.

Roman Catholic Evangelism

My last post was to make folks aware of Michael Horton’s forthcoming book Christless Christianity.  I believe this will be an important book for evangelical churches.  This post is about another forthcoming book that I am not excited about.  One that Horton’s book should be in opposition to.  I’m talking about Frank Beckwith’s Return to Rome: Confessions of an Evangelical Catholic (RtR) which is set to be published in November 2008.

Christianity Without Christ?

What happens when we take Christ out of Christianity?  That’s the question Michael Horton asks in his new book Christless Christianity.  This book follows this year’s theme of “Christless Christianity” on the White Horse Inn radio show.  I was excited when I first got the email about the book.  Then I read that this discounted offering includes a two DVD set as well which has four sessions.  I imagine that this package could be an excellent small-group (or large) resource.  For more information including audio and sample video go to the Christless Christianity website.