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...]
What is God teaching us?
Most would agree this year has been hard on many levels. Added to the normal daily stressors have been an array of life-changing events – global pandemic, economic shut down, and current social unrest. While the Christian worldview broadly understands everything fits perfectly into God’s complete plan (Ephesians 1:11), the question is often asked, “What is God teaching us?” To answer this question, a few biblical affirmations need to be made. First, Christians must recognize God uses … [Read more...]
Churches serve North St. Louis County
ST. LOUIS – In times of crisis, hope is a rare commodity. While much of the country is struggling in fear and uncertainty, local churches are coming together meeting the needs of their communities. This effort was recently seen on a bright, sunny day in one of the state’s hardest-hit areas amid the COVID-19 pandemic, North St. Louis County. On May 1, two Missouri Baptist Churches – First Baptist Church of St. John and Garden Baptist Church – partnered with the St. Louis Area Foodbank to … [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...]