KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP) – Political leaders, social activists and the entertainment industry are ballyhooing for extreme reform in this rather chaotic era, as if trying to reconstruct our nation ideologically. Sadly, I'm not sure the outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential election will get us into balance. Then what will? Hollywood plays to humanity's narcissism and love of gadgets, and a growing anger that seemingly calls for anarchy. Many of us who see the Bible as the inerrant Word of … [Read more...]
Owen Strachen: Spider webs of our making
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article first appeared online at Midwestern Seminary’s blog, For The Church (ftc.co). I’ve found a resonant image playing in my mind related to my pride. Like a squirming bug trapped in a spider web, entangled at every juncture, so too can we Christians of all backgrounds and proclivities trap ourselves in webs of pride that threaten to kill our spirituality and love for the Lord. What do I mean by this? Simply this: with activities or involvements that revolve … [Read more...]
Three types of evangelism to avoid
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following essay was first published online at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s blog site, For The Church (ftc.co). This morning I purchased flowers for my wife because our 31st Anniversary is tomorrow. The florist, however, appeared condescending and unhelpful. It was not a great experience. I was reminded about the importance of being loving, genuine, and caring in evangelism. With these attitudes in mind, let me share about some unhelpful approaches to … [Read more...]
The idol of ease
This column was written by Melani Lenow and originally appeared on BiblicalWomen.com. It was finally the weekend after a busy week and an overall busy month. Early on Saturday was a pro-life event and I was debating whether to attend. In my heart, I feel strongly about this cause, but in my flesh I really wanted to sleep late. My flesh won out, and time after time I silenced my alarm. After all, I deserved a little rest, right? As it was nearing the “if I don’t get up now, there is no way … [Read more...]
Blaming Christians for Orlando deaths?
Column by Eric Metaxas originally appearing at breakpoint.com. It’s not news that the news media treat Christians unfairly. But to blame us for terrorism? An ISIS-inspired terrorist killed forty-nine people at a gay nightclub in Orlando. Yet just three days after the attack, the New York Times editorial board laid the blame for Omar Mateen’s self-professed act of Islamic terrorism squarely at the feet of…believers in traditional marriage. I’m not kidding. For those confused about how … [Read more...]
Has the Next Great Spiritual Awakening Begun in Burlington, NC?
Column by OneCry's Malachi O'Brien, pastor of The Church at Pleasant Ridge in Kansas City-area Harrisonville and associate pastor of prayer and church revitalization at nearby First Baptist Church in Raytown, Mo. He previously served as president of the Missouri Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference. The fame of revival spreads the flame of revival! The flames of revival have ignited in Burlington, NC, in a way that can only be explained by the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit. What … [Read more...]
When you’re not good at evangelism
Lori McDaniel, IMB Global Mission Catalyst I’m not good at being an encourager. Or, as a friend put it, “You’re not a pillow-fluffer.” And it’s true; I’m not. It is a conscious effort for me to discipline myself to be an encourager. At the risk of sounding spiritually shallow, I’ve never felt I’m great at evangelism either. You, too? I suspect this might be you since, according to a Barna Group survey, only 1% of Christians believe they are gifted at evangelism. This, however, is not a … [Read more...]
Jason Allen: On preaching, public invitations
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following essay was first posted on “For the Church,” a blog published by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary online at ftc.co. I once preached a series of renewal services at Rosedale Baptist Church in Abingdon, VA. Commonly referred to as a “revival,” or, in previous generations, a “protracted meeting,” each service carried a specifically evangelistic emphasis. I prayed the Lord would be pleased to honor the preaching of His Word, call many to faith in Christ, and … [Read more...]
Albert Mohler: Unconditional surrender demanded
Now that the moral revolutionaries are solidly in control, what is to be demanded of Christians who, on the basis of Christian conviction, cannot join the revolution? The demands have now been presented, and they represent unconditional surrender. The latest terms of surrender were delivered by Mark Tushnet, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. In a stunningly candid essay, Tushnet declared a total liberal victory and chastised his fellow liberals for what he … [Read more...]
SJR39: Is the future bleak?
Column by Bill Victor, Staff Missionary of the Missouri Baptist Convention Recently, the Missouri State House of Representatives’ Emerging Issues Committee denied the opportunity for Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 39, otherwise known as Missouri Religious Liberty Amendment, to go before the full House for a vote, effectively putting an end to that bill. It provoked reflection on the loss of religious liberty and its impact on the churches of this state. Imagine a world where your religious … [Read more...]
When ball becomes Baal
It’s rare to see kids playing sports in the neighborhood anymore. We’re now organized and “professionalized”—including uniforms, state-of-the-art facilities, endless trips to the field, competitive coaches, equally competitive parents, and the after-season tournaments designed to give parents “bleacher bottom.” In addition, you’ve got to pay to play—and when you’ve paid that much, you’ll be sure to play. It is also fun, and it can be instructive. I love to watch my kids play sports. In … [Read more...]
Making evangelism a habit – as did Jesus, Paul
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following first appeared, April 18, on Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s “For The Church” blog (ftc.co). Recently I was under conviction when I had the opportunity to share the gospel and did not take it. As I drove home in my car, I prayed that someone would be faithful and share the gospel with the person with whom I had not spoken. Developing godly habits is extremely important. And one of these healthy habits is to share the gospel with those we … [Read more...]
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