SPRINGFIELD – Life is anything but certain, especially amid conflict. But, for one Missouri Baptist church member and Marine Corps veteran, the truth of God’s Word provides certainty during tumultuous days. Tim Garrison, member of Second Baptist Church in Springfield, has already experienced tremendous and unique changes in his life. As a federal prosecutor and major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR), in 2013 Garrison was recruited to be a Marine Corps judge advocate to help train … [Read more...]
Humility builds unity
Christians are called to be different from the world. Our interactions with one another ought to look decidedly different from the world’s interactions. Few actions blemish the name of Christ more than Christians uncharitably engaging one another. I recently observed an interaction on social media between a self-professed Christian speaking about the “other side” in a vaccination debate. Though this was a Christian speaking specifically about other Christians, the language was presumptuous, … [Read more...]
Missouri Baptists encouraged to pray for, reach out to veterans
JEFFERSON CITY – Every generation has moments that define them. For many, 9/11 was that defining moment. As men and women immediately answered their country’s call to fight terrorism, many more would answer that call for the next nearly 20 years in Afghanistan, America’s longest war. Now that the U.S. military has withdrawn from Afghanistan, veterans from the war there are reflecting on their experience while emotionally processing through the controversy surrounding America’s … [Read more...]
Words expose the heart
Have you ever said something and instantly regretted it? We all undoubtedly know the devastating disappointment of hurtful words spoken in uncharitable tones. I’ll never forget when I was 13 years old and told my mother she was ruining my life (she wasn’t). Even in my youthfulness, I instantly regretted the foolish outburst. In that moment I expressed a greater desire for authority and control rather than a godly desire to honor my mother. I learned very quickly that words not only bring … [Read more...]
Christians are saved for service
Salvation is not an end but a beginning. The Gospel not only gives us new life but teaches us how to live as new people in Christ. Quite simply, the Gospel must change every aspect of our lives. Salvation necessarily brings wholistic life change. The fruit of the Gospel must be evidenced following a person’s salvation (Galatians 5:22-24). Internal heart change must produce external fruit (Matthew 7:18-20). The Bible makes this clear by repeatedly using a simple phrase – “one another”. Used … [Read more...]
Every Christian needs biblical counseling
Much in life requires regular help from others. For instance, every year people go to the doctor for an annual check-up. Even without a physical ailment, there’s wisdom in being regularly examined. Similarly, people take automobiles to the mechanic for preventative maintenance. Since everything eventually deteriorates, there’s wisdom in having someone regularly care for your vehicle. Yet when it comes to soul care, many people in churches are disinterested. Thinking that counseling is for … [Read more...]
MBC’s Bennett calls Missouri Baptists to renew evangelistic fervor in 2021
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptists should tear down barriers to evangelism by focusing on Christ Jesus while steadily engaging in gospel conversations, the Missouri Baptist Convention’s Brad Bennett told The Pathway in a recent interview. According to a 2019 survey published by LifeWay Research, more than half of those who attend church at least monthly say they engaged in no evangelistic activity during a six month period. “Sharing the good news that Jesus paid for our sins through His … [Read more...]
Year-in-review: God’s gracious gift of 2020
I’m aware many readers might feel friction reading this article’s title. For many of us, 2020 has felt anything but a gracious gift. Perhaps you attribute disappointments on another proof of this year’s wretchedness or are excitedly anticipating 2020 ending. I personally can resonate with this sentiment. For my family 2020 has held every possible emotion. We moved from our home city to a new town and ministry in the midst of a pandemic, have grieved two miscarriages, and are praising the … [Read more...]
Mohler tells MBC messengers, ‘Culture changes, the gospel does not’
ST. CHARLES – While change in the world is inevitable, Christians have confidence that the Gospel forever remains unchanged. Speaking on how the current cultural context affects Gospel presentation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. gave the plenary address to conclude the 2020 annual Missouri Baptist Convention held in St. Charles, Oct. 27. Mohler began his address by warmly greeting Missouri Baptists and offering compliments for meeting during the … [Read more...]
Out with the old, in with the new
At the end of every year and beginning of a new one, a similar refrain is told – out with the old, in with the new. The difficulties of a closing year give way to the anticipation of bright new beginnings. The idea of newness opens up a world of possibilities. And yet, most of us generally tend to reject change. Fearing uncertainty and feelings of unsettledness, many of us functionally prefer to keep things just as they are – safe and unchanged. Rather than viewing change negatively, the … [Read more...]
Amid national election, rest in God’s providence
SEDALIA – As anyone who’s absorbed even the smallest amount of media knows all too well, the upcoming presidential election is fast-approaching. Adding fuel to the tumultuous fire of an election cycle are this year’s unique catastrophes – a global pandemic, social unrest, forest fires, and economic insecurity. For those wrestling with political anxiety, find comfort in knowing Scripture speaks clearly to how Christians ought to view and engage politics. Those who struggle with worry over … [Read more...]
How should Christians wrestle with decisions?
Life is plagued with tough decisions. How to spend time, which restaurant to visit, which job to pursue, or which person to marry are small samplings of life’s various decisions. Because decisions carry consequences, people respond in different ways to decision making. Wanting to move on with life, some people impulsively make decisions with little deliberation. For others terrified of making a wrong decision, debilitation often accompanies long deliberation. Endless lists and irrational … [Read more...]