There are multiple things that Christ accomplished for us when he died on the cross. He “paid” our sin debt (Romans 3:25-26), “cleansed us” from defilement (1 John 1:9), defeated the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15), reversed the curse of death (Galatians 3:13), gave us a model for how to love others and overcome injustice (1 Peter 2:21), and demonstrated to us how much God loves us (Romans 5:8), just to name a few. Theologians … [Read More]

Guest Blogger: Mike McDaniel, Director of SendRDU
“Contextualizing the Gospel in the New South.” That’s the title for this year’s Advance Conference, April 26-27 in RDU. Last year we called for a resurgence of the local church. This year we’re focusing on the major issues that are standing in the way of that happening here in the South.
The South is changing. Urbanization and the vibrant growth of our cities have transformed the cultural landscape. Cities like … [Read More]

As a Southern Baptist I join many in anticipating the upcoming report from the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force (GCRTF). I love our convention. I love the network we have created to get the gospel to the ends of the earth, our uncompromising stand on the truth of the Word and the greatness of the gospel, and our ability to bring together millions of believers to serve, help in times of disaster, train a … [Read More]

This question was asked to “me” publicly in the Biblical Recorder by Steve Davis, pastor of a really exciting NC church, Spout Springs Church, in Cameron. Here is the original question, and here is an answer (though, I must add, though I am on the task force, I am not an officially recognized spokesperson for the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force, hereafter “GCR.”)
I can certainly understand Steve’s question… and hate that it has to be asked. … [Read More]

Between the Times is now on Twitter. You can follow us at http://www.twitter.com/BetweenTheTimes.

As we come to the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 we will begin to see the greatest episodes of self-deception given at any time in a given year. More individuals lie to themselves from the end of December to the start of January than any other week. Promises about exercise, diet, moral change, renewed devotion, and the like fill our minds. For most, however, by the time mid-January arrives we find ourselves … [Read More]

#8) Southern Baptist have a hopeful future if we can devote ourselves to a cooperation that is gospel centered and built around a biblical and theological core and not methodological consensus or agreement. (Phil 2:1-5; 4:2-9)
When I delivered the axioms message at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in the Spring this axiom, for some reason, caused hesitation and concern for some.  Therefore, let me take another run at it.
There are essential and non-negotiable components of biblical … [Read More]

This time of year one of the more common expressions heard in the Christian subculture is “let’s keep Christ in Christmas.” Most of the time I hear this uttered in reference to the use of the phrase “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” in pop culture, the media, and more than a few retailers.
For those of us in the church who worship the babe born in Bethlehem, we would do well to look inwardly … [Read More]

#4) Southern Baptists have a hopeful future if we can unite around and affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as a healthy and sufficient guide for building theological consensus that avoids the equally deadly extremes of liberalism on the left and sectarianism on the right. (1 Tim 6:3-4).
What do we as Southern Baptists agree on doctrinally and theologically?  I believe the answer is quite a lot and I would like to pinpoint a number … [Read More]

We at Between the Times are grateful for each of you who take the time to read our articles. We’ve been blessed during 2009 with a handful of guest contributors, several new regular contributors, and thousands of new readers. It has been a good year. As Christmas approaches, we wanted you to know that we will be closing shop December 25 through the end of the year so that all of us can spend time … [Read More]