The federal government recently moved to forgive some portion of collegiate student loans for qualified borrowers. Though this policy ought to be analyzed from an economic and political viewpoint, Christians would be wise to consider it from a biblical standpoint. Should Christians support this policy because of the gospel, as some have suggested? Is student loan forgiveness an accurate application of biblical grace, forgiveness, and justice? More important than getting a federal policy … [Read more...]
What does the Bible say about abortion?
When the Supreme Court recently reversed Roe v. Wade, the issue of abortion exploded into the national consciousness. Now, more than ever, Christians must be clear that abortion is a moral question rather than a political one. As a moral issue, we must confidently know how Scripture addresses it. As Christians, our authority on abortion comes from the Word of God. God is not silent on the value of life, and we need to know what He says about it. Scripture offers three general principles to … [Read more...]
An eternal perspective
If you’re like me, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We easily become distracted by lesser things and miss the forest for the trees. We especially struggle with this in church life by becoming shortsighted. Instead of having an eternal perspective, we often focus on the minutiae of life. We know we’re struggling with a biblical perspective when we focus more on our preferences, feelings, and worldly measures of success than God’s bigger picture. The reality is, our goals are … [Read more...]
Who should be our next SBC president?
It was recently announced that current SBC president, Ed Litton, would not seek a second term of office. His announcement guarantees that a new president will be elected this year in Anaheim. Southern Baptists would be wise to carefully consider the type of biblical leader who should lead us in grace and truth through difficult days. As Anaheim draws closer, I would humbly recommend Southern Baptists remember three biblical principles when prayerfully considering our next convention … [Read more...]
Three lessons from a quarantined Christmas
Christmas is my most anticipated season of the year. After all, who doesn’t look forward to gifts, gaiety, and celebrations? Yet this past Christmas was unlike any other – my family was quarantined for Christmas. The January blues came early when my son tested positive for Covid-19 shortly before Christmas. In an instant, our carefully made Christmas plans came crashing down and we were forced into isolation. Our Christmas plans were instantly cancelled. Through the initial disappointment … [Read more...]
Always keep the main thing the main thing
We live in undeniably polarizing times. We often know more of what people oppose than what they support. This polarization has entered the church as Christians often divide into various ideological camps. Perhaps the most surprising division hasn’t come from convictional differences but from methodological ones. Rather than disagreeing on biblical principles, we’ve found ourselves disagreeing on pragmatic solutions. Whereas once we divided solely on biblical convictions, anymore we divide … [Read more...]
Amid uncertainty, veteran finds hope in God’s Word
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...]
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