Too often, we take for granted the biblical practice of believer’s baptism. Of course, we see it as something to celebrate, but we’re sometimes in need of a reminder about how important it really is, and why. Several years ago, a friend asked me about baptism – and not merely out of intellectual curiosity. He came from a Catholic background, and, though he had placed his faith in Christ, he was hesitant to accept believer’s baptism. To do so would come with costs. Likewise, I’ve known of … [Read more...]
Stand against ungodliness, celebrate fruitful ministry
During the past several years, opponents to biblical truth and morality have used Missouri’s initiative petition process to inject ungodliness into the state’s constitution. Last fall, Missouri pro-lifers faced defeat when pro-abortion Amendment 3 was taken to voters across the state—even though churches and pro-life agencies were outspoken in opposing this constitutional amendment. Similarly, recreational marijuana was unfortunately legalized in 2022 when it came before Missouri voters … [Read more...]
Pray for life, for elected officials, for the nations
For many years, I’ve loved reading about the lives of George Mueller and Brother Andrew – men whose ministries were built on prayer and whose hearts were brimming over with confidence in God’s faithfulness. Take Mueller, for example. According to Donald Whitney, professor of biblical spirituality at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mueller founded orphanages in 19th-century England that ultimately cared for more than 10,000 children. “Yet,” Whitney writes, “he never made the needs … [Read more...]
Does archeology shed light on the Nativity story?
Earlier this month, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Museum of the Bible and Archaeology. NOBTS President Jamie Dew rightly told Baptist Press that the museum and its resources “strengthen the Christian witness in the world that we live in.” I’m thankful that NOBTS is striving to strengthen Christian witness through archaeology. As mentioned in a previous editorial, I’ve had a longtime fascination with biblical archaeology, handed down … [Read more...]
Amendment 3: ‘Our work has only begun’
With the narrow passage of Amendment 3 on Nov. 5, Missourians have established within our state constitution what pro-abortion activists call a “right” to abortion. No matter what the state’s law may say, however, let’s not buy into the lie that anyone can have a “right” to murder pre-born babies. Such a “right” contradicts the strict command of the Lord of all life, Jesus Christ, who has been given “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matt 28:18). The same Lord who “fearfully and … [Read more...]
‘Crown Him the Lord of life’: Vote ‘No’ on Amendment 3
During the next two weeks, Missouri voters will enter the ballot box and reveal whether they believe every human has an inalienable right to life. Missouri will join nine other states in November to consider constitutional amendments aiming to legalize abortion. In the two years since the pro-abortion Supreme Court ruling, Roe v Wade, was overturned, pro-abortion activists have aimed – with great success – to codify abortion in state constitutions across the union. If Missouri voters … [Read more...]
An urgent call to fast, pray
In 1986, when dictatorial leader Ferdinand Marcos was ousted from power in the Philippines, newspapers were quick to cover the political and military realities that explained his demise. But according to co-authors Marvin Olasky and Warren Cole Smith, one reporter noticed something more than had the secular newspapers. In their book, Prodigal Press, Olasky and Smith write the following: “The New York Times, ignoring its Christian origins once again, covered (only) the material facts (about … [Read more...]
Religious pluralism fails, only Jesus saves
Not for the first time, the head of the Roman Catholic Church sparked debate earlier this month after apparently preaching religious pluralism to crowds gathered in the southeast Asian nation of Singapore. “All religions are a path to God,” Pope Francis said, according to a Sept. 13th report from The Catholic Herald. He added, “They are like different languages in order to arrive at God.” According to the news report, the pope used “similar language at an interfaith meeting during a 2022 … [Read more...]
Pray against, vote against, preach against pro-abortion Amendment 3
UPDATE (Sept. 10): The Missouri Supreme Court ruled on Sept. 10 that Amendment 3, which – if passed – will codify expansive abortion rights within the Missouri Constitution, must be placed on the state ballot, Nov. 5. Read more here. As I write these words, the fate of one of the most radical challenges to our constitutional order in the state of Missouri – namely, the proposed pro-abortion Amendment 3 – is being weighed in the state court system. Why do I call this legislation radical? I … [Read more...]
‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge’
This month, campus life and classes are ramping up at Cooperative Program-supported schools, like Hannibal-LaGrange University, Missouri Baptist University, Southwest Baptist University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary/Spurgeon College. Across the state, Missouri Baptist churches and associations have in recent years begun—or are expanding—their own educational programs: for example, churches like Crossway Baptist, Springfield; Heritage Baptist and Hillcrest Baptist, Lebanon; … [Read more...]
Pray, give to see Scripture available in all languages
A few years ago, at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting, the International Mission Board (IMB) gave Southern Baptists the opportunity to help provide Bibles for people groups across the globe—particularly, for people groups who don’t have access to Scripture in their heart languages. To mark the occasion, Southern Baptists who participated in this effort could highlight a verse from Scripture displayed in the IMB’s booth. My wife and I highlighted Revelation 5:6, which exalts … [Read more...]
‘We’re better together’: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief proves we are
Denominational leaders, when rallying the 47,000 autonomous churches of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) to work together for the proclamation of the gospel, often say, “We’re better together.” Few examples could prove the truth of this phrase better than Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR). Though SBDR has been rightly called the “third-largest disaster response group in the nation,” the work of this particular disaster response group isn’t coordinated by a type-A chief executive … [Read more...]
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