This is another in a series of excerpts from “What Every Christian Should Know About the Trinity,” published by the MBC’s High Street Press (visit highstreet.press). Stated simply, salvation is God’s remedy for the sin that has ruined everything and alienated everyone from Him. The Lord reveals this remedy as soon as Adam and Eve rebel against Him. God promises a future Redeemer who crushes the head of Satan (Gen. 3:15). Then, He provides additional promises throughout the Old Testament, … [Read more...]
New life – sans baggage
A gift bag full of gift bags. I have that. A Walmart bag full of Walmart bags. Got that too. That extra big tote bag in my closet? Do I even need to tell you that I filled it with a bunch more tote bags? I’m kind of a bag lady. This is anything but a bag-brag, because I do understand that when it comes to storage, what I really probably need is a better bag of tricks. I would say I don’t want to be left holding the bag, but it seems I kind of do. And I’m going to put other bags in that … [Read more...]
Theology from a song
“When I’m 64” became a hit when it was included on the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album released by The Beatles in 1967. What many do not know is that the song was written by band member Paul McCartney when he was 14 years old. In his lyrics he envisions life 50 years in the future. The famous refrain is, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?” The Great Commission and Great Commandment give purpose to life. God commissions us to “go and make … [Read more...]
Continuing in faithfulness to racial reconciliation
EDITOR'S NOTE: Jon Nelson, pastor of SOMA Community Church, Jefferson City, is president of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC). He also serves as chairman for the MBC Executive Board's Racial Reconciliation Task Force. If you know anything about me and my journey with Christ, you know that my passion is for the local church. I have said many times that “the local church is the hope of the world; there is no plan B.” In 2022 there may not be any subject more difficult to talk about … [Read more...]
Three lessons from a quarantined Christmas
Christmas is my most anticipated season of the year. After all, who doesn’t look forward to gifts, gaiety, and celebrations? Yet this past Christmas was unlike any other – my family was quarantined for Christmas. The January blues came early when my son tested positive for Covid-19 shortly before Christmas. In an instant, our carefully made Christmas plans came crashing down and we were forced into isolation. Our Christmas plans were instantly cancelled. Through the initial disappointment … [Read more...]
The value of a human life
While convalescing from Covid, I found time to read some academic papers. One caught my attention in a significant way—the statistical value of a human life. Based on nine different studies, the U.S. Department of Transportation determined that the statistical value of a human life is somewhere near $9 million. The Department of Transportation uses this kind of information to determine long-term, multigenerational trends and the economic impact of developing various forms of … [Read more...]
Parental rights become priority for Mo. legislature
“I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.” Those words, spoken by Virginia Democrat gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe during a Sept. 28, 2021, debate sent shockwaves through taxpaying parent’s living rooms. Many believe it contributed mightily to McAuliffe’s defeat and could spell trouble for like-minded Democrats in the fall elections. McAuliffe’s remark reflects a view held by many Democrats and their constituents like the National Education … [Read more...]
An underrated tool
As football season comes to an end, at least on the collegiate level, it is the perfect time to look back and think of what might have been. After years of a dumpster fire of a football program at the University of Arkansas, I was ecstatic to celebrate an eight-win season. The victories over Texas A&M, Texas, LSU, and, (apologies to my fellow Missourians) MIZZOU were especially sweet. However, consider what might have been. We would have had nine wins if it were not our year to play … [Read more...]
A Christmas at the Baptist Homes
If a tradition can be established in three seasons, my favorite tradition as Baptist Homes president is visiting each campus during December. I enjoy seeing the attractive display of lights and the well-adorned Christmas trees that grace each campus. These lights are a reminder that Jesus, “The true light, which gives light to everyone, has come into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him” (John 1:9-10). My favorite decorations are the nativity scenes that serve … [Read more...]
Christmas programs
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. – Prov. 22:6 (NKJV) It is interesting to watch today’s children’s Christmas programs and compare them to those of long ago. It seems that many of those today try to make it entertaining for the children so much that the real meaning of Christmas is sometimes lost. Why do we assume that children today all want something that is “jazzed up” so they can have a fast beat. Children will like the music … [Read more...]
Picture perfect Christmas
You better not pout, I’m telling you why. Because somebody will snap a pic and post it on social media and you’ll have to live with that face forever. And ever. That’s why I try not to show my seasonal angst. And still…every time. Every time I look awful, I run into my most together friend. HER. That altogether all together friend. I try not to let it, but it surely can make me cranky. And angsty. Crangsty. One time when I looked my absolute worst, I saw HER at Target. Her hair was … [Read more...]
Creating Christmas memories for hurting children
Christmas is right around the corner. For many, just as Andy Williams used to sing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Anticipation is building for many children as they contemplate what good things might be in the presents they will unwrap on Christmas day. I know this to be true, as I had the same sense of anticipation and excitement when I was a child growing up. Although my family was as “poor as church mice,” my parents worked hard to ensure that my brothers and I had a good … [Read more...]
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