I hear if you put a Whitman’s Sampler under your pillow, the cavity fairy will bring you … a $200 invoice from your dentist. If you try it, you should know that while the midnight snacking is awesome, there most likely will be some time in the chair in your future. On the other hand, you’ll probably be smiling all the way to the dentist. Personally, I’ve been trying to come up with new ways to fight tooth decay while also utilizing my time more efficiently. Like this morning I’m putting … [Read more...]
Yeats: Conviction and compassion
This year’s Missouri Baptist Convention Worldview Conference was an extraordinary experience. Because it was held on the campus of Hannibal-LaGrange University, many students engaged in thought-provoking dialogue with the program personalities and participants. I’m encouraged by the thirst of the next generation to learn about engaging the culture from a faith perspective. One of the takeaways from the conference was the message from every speaker about the value of speaking and … [Read more...]
Lessons on resurrection
“But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come? How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” – I Cor. 15:35, 36 Even very young children wonder about death. God has created us with a curiosity that causes all to seek answers. We make a mistake when we think we must wait until children are a certain age to learn about death and the resurrection. When they start asking questions, we need to provide answers at a rate and depth they … [Read more...]
Evangelizing in their language
Nobody met me at the Mexico City airport. And from what I could tell, nobody was speaking English. I had to reach deep for every syllable I had learned in a Spanish class just to navigate across town. When I later paid the taxi driver in pesos and walked toward my destination the sense of accomplishment was incredible. God had kindly immersed me – sink or swim – in an alien culture. And for a 21-year-old at the time, that was a really big deal. What I remember most about my arrival as a … [Read more...]
When my purse runneth over
A woman’s purse. It’s the basic essentials of life … on a shoulder strap. Personally, I never know what surprises mine might hold. Not long ago I was searching for a receipt and – surprise, surprise – I found a candy bar. Well, sort of a candy bar. It had dwelt deep in the depths of that purse so long that even though it was still inside its wrapper, it was completely smooshed. And by “smooshed,” I actually mean something closer to “liquefied.” I was still looking for the receipt when it … [Read more...]
Will a man dare rob God?
If we don’t tithe, are we robbing God? Doesn’t the Old Testament teach tithing, while the New Testament stresses giving? These are important questions, and every sincere Christian wants to get the answers right. The Bible is our authority – and the last word on this issue. While it isn’t possible in this article to conduct an exhaustive study, we may highlight what the Old and New Testaments have to say. The Old Covenant The Mosaic Law required Israelites to give tithes … [Read more...]
A real ‘drag’ on our military
Near the end of my 10 years as an Air Force journalist, I was selected for a special assignment as a correspondent in Tokyo, Japan, for Stars & Stripes, the worldwide newspaper that has served the men and women of America’s armed forces since 1861. In fact, it was started by Union troops occupying Bloomfield, Mo., during the War Between the States (a museum still commemorates the occasion). It is read by more than 350,000 people worldwide. The list of distinguished journalists who … [Read more...]
Extraordinary prayer: No bands, no parades, just prayer
Last issue I called an audible requesting Missouri Baptists on April 8 to enter into a special time of prayer and fasting. In response, some are organizing prayer times in their homes or church houses. Others plan to join us in the Baptist Building. We are taking time to pray from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No lunch. Just prayer. Bring a cushion for your knees. Since I made this announcement, I have been amazed at the number of pastors and church leaders who have called or sent an email to the … [Read more...]
There’s death in that box
When the Rev. Jamie Coots died recently, it made national news. The co-star of National Geographic Channel’s reality TV show, “Snake Salvation,” was bitten on the hand by a rattlesnake as he led services at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus’ Name in Middlesboro, Ky. He died less than two hours later after refusing medical treatment. Coots and his followers represent a sect of Christianity that incorporates snake handling into worship, relying heavily on Mark 16:17-18 for support. … [Read more...]
Try this when you meet someone new
A believer’s life perspective changes when he prioritizes making disciples. He listens to know if the person he meets is lost or saved. If he’s lost, is he in transit or living nearby? If he’s saved, then is he making disciples? If he’s moving on and you probably won’t see him again, then share the full gospel message of salvation. It helps to be sensitive to who the person is, so engaging in attentive listening is required. You might ask about their religious background, culture, … [Read more...]
Christians and governments that criminalize homosexuality
By Doug Elders As an SBC pastor I am very disappointed in the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission’s recent article, What Should Christians Think of Governments That Criminalize Homosexuality? I strongly disagree with its perspective. I have been a Southern Baptist for nearly 40 years and have been so because we stand firmly on the unchanging authority of Scripture. I believe this article undermines very clear Biblical teaching about the abominable nature of homosexuality and … [Read more...]
‘Son of God’ biblical, but short on art
The Bible has inspired some truly masterful works of art: Michelangelo’s “Pieta,” Handel’s “Messiah” and DaVinci’s “Last Supper” are but three masterpieces that show man at his cultural pinnacle with a biblical underpinning. Sadly, biblical art has slipped a little. “Son of God,” a new theatrical release edited together from snippets of “The Bible” miniseries that aired on the History Channel last spring, doesn’t rise to Da Vinci’s standards. To be honest, it doesn’t rise to Thomas … [Read more...]
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