After several frustrating attempts to make my digital device work correctly, I called the IT expert. Invariably, his first question is, “Have you rebooted your device?” Sure enough, when I do the first thing on the trouble-shooting chart – “reboot” – most of my struggles with tangled-up electrons running amuck on a silicon chip sort themselves out. As federal and state guidelines are changing from quarantine and shelter-in-place to reengagement with businesses and communities, it is … [Read more...]
Thank you for supporting the CP, The Pathway
Thank you, Missouri Baptists, for giving through the Cooperative Program (CP). The Pathway is a Cooperative Program-funded ministry. That is why we do not have a subscription charge for mailing it directly to your homes, businesses and churches. The Pathway’s mission has always been to make Jesus Christ known and that all honor and glory is due Him. We attempt to do that by telling the story of how He is at work in our state through you. It is our desire to “build up the body” through … [Read more...]
One hundred years ago, pandemic ushered in a new era of Southern Baptist giving
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (BP) – Canceling services due to illness is not new to Baptist history. Pandemics, epidemics and weather have all been part of our collective experience. Possibly the most feared epidemics were those of yellow fever, which periodically swept through the South, emptying cities, towns and villages. Three major outbreaks occurred in 1820, 1854 and 1876. But these earlier epidemics did not have the impact of the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. It began in the fall of 1918 near … [Read more...]
Are we sinning by not assembling together?
The COVID-19 crisis has led to unprecedented closures across our country. Currently in Missouri we are not allowed to gather in groups larger than ten and, even then, we must remain six feet apart to maintain social distance in order to slow or prevent the spread of the virus in our area. Many if not most churches across the state opted to close down for at least two weeks in order to adhere to the CDC’s recommendation as well as to our own state law. Yet, as the crisis continues to extend … [Read more...]
Making peace with the dishwasher door
Forget all those personality tests. Never mind the character studies. If you want insights into your own psyche, try the dishwasher. It’s a handy-dandy machine that can reveal what you’re really made of. All you have to do is follow these simple operating instructions: 1) Leave dishwasher door open. 2) Unwittingly apply shin forcefully to side of the open door. 3) Repeat as needed. There’s your temperament analysis. A few years ago there was a week or two when our dishwasher door wouldn’t … [Read more...]
We will not retreat: The real reason for supporting the Cooperative Program
NASHVILLE (BP) – When the coronavirus (COVID-19) began to spread across the globe, our work as Southern Baptists did not stop. And as we approach and celebrate Cooperative Program Sunday in the SBC on April 26, it's possible that in our lifetimes, we have never had greater reason to continue to generously support the Cooperative Program. Our missionaries are still on the field, both overseas and in North America. Our seminary students are still being trained for ministry and missions. … [Read more...]
Where is your security?
Judging by nearly every metric, COVID-19 has significantly exposed what we value most. Widespread toilet paper shortages, panicked monitoring of the Stock Market, and food hoarding all bear evidence of people’s security being shaken. The recent pandemic’s sobering reality is we find security through what we believe we control. When our sense of control is either taken or shaken, so too is our sense of security and well-being. The feeling of lost security often results in familiar responses … [Read more...]
First person: Don’t waste your medical crisis
EDITOR'S NOTE: Karen Allen is the wife of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary president Jason K. Allen. KANSAS CITY (BP) – A year ago, on April 11, 2019, my life was forever changed. Until that day, 2019 was a year marked primarily by busyness. Life and ministry with my husband and family was full. The days were good, but long. Daily, I raced through my to-do list. When reading God's Word, too often my heart wasn't still before Him. Rather, I found myself looking for a quick nugget … [Read more...]
Greatest estate plan ever
I remember my first triathlon. Ok, it was my only triathlon. I wasn’t competing in it; I was a volunteer. I was leading a group of single adults from Council Road Baptist Church in Bethany, Oklahoma in an effort to support the Lake Placid Baptist Church in New York as it provided volunteer coordination for the “Ironman Triathlon”. The church ministered by providing volunteers for the many sporting events in its small town,made famous when it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1980--when we still … [Read more...]
Never lose sight of the gospel vision
From time to time, I serve on a board or belong to an organization that decides to build something, or requests a large amount of money from a donor or foundation for a special project. Invariably, a donor and/or the donor’s representative will ask if each of the board members gave something to demonstrate their private support. In other words, they want to know if you are serious about the vision, or simply wanting to maintain existence. No one wants to give to something merely to … [Read more...]
Missouri Baptist influence impacting the state, nation
Missouri Southern Baptists are the largest non-Catholic denomination in the state. We have always rallied around a commitment to carry the gospel to the world. We are also known for our fierce defense of religious freedom, or freedom of conscience. The Baptist Faith & Message affirms only God – not man or government – is Lord of the conscience. This aligns us with a biblical worldview of reality, one that demands our involvement in God’s created order. Such a worldview includes … [Read more...]
A power surge for abundant living
The other night I was jolted out of bed by one of those monstrous thunder cracks. I think you can still see the fingernail marks on the ceiling over my bed. It was one of those rattle-the-windows, race-the-heart, vibrate-you-right-down-to-the-spirit kind of thunder explosions. I sensed people all over the Midwest getting right with God. I’m not sure exactly how close the lightning was that came packaged with it, but I’m pretty sure my hair stood up for about an hour. My bangs have had a … [Read more...]
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