As I walked into the hospital, I looked on a visitation card at the name of the man who had requested that I visit him. He was dying of cancer and wanted me to come and pray with him. I was honored to do so. When I walked into his hospital room, I was taken aback by his appearance. His body was thin. His skin was darkened. His teeth were shattered. All of this was the result of endless rounds of chemo. Yet in spite of all the doctors could do, Jim was dying. He was on the brink of … [Read more...]
An appeal to rightly apply 2 Chronicles 7:14
As we approach July 4th, many pastors preach about Christians in America repenting of sin and turning back to the Lord so that He will bless His churches. One text they often use is 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NASB): “[If] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Is that an appropriate application of this text? To be clear, these are God’s … [Read more...]
SBC President Steve Gaines speaks on Trump Victory
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BP) -- Today Americans have a new president -- Donald J. Trump. As Christians, it is Scripturally incumbent upon us to pray for him and for all our political leaders (cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-2). It is also mandatory for us to honor all people, even those with whom we disagree (cf. 1 Peter 2:17). If we disagree with someone's opinions, we must do so without attacking the person. There has been far too much inflammatory rhetoric coming from Christian leaders throughout this … [Read more...]