WAYNESVILLE — Heavy rains and subsequent floods from the Gasconade and other rivers soaked much of central Missouri over the past week, leading to road closures and churches opening their doors to victims. Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency Aug. 6, as Mark Twain National Forest and many roads, including main north-south artery Highway 63 were closed. More than a foot of rain fell over a few days in the Waynesville area, flooding more than 100 homes. The Red Cross opened a … [Read more...]
Preparing for school is more than buying supplies
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – II Tim. 2:15 As children get ready to go back to school, their spiritual growth needs to be considered above all else. It is this spiritual aspect that motivates a child to learn factual knowledge and develop behavior that is pleasing to God. Parents and churches would do well to set aside time to emphasize to children the importance of their education. They need to … [Read more...]
Should you believe in ghosts?
Ghosts are everywhere. They star in major motion pictures from “The Shining” to “Scary Movie 2.” Some ghosts are friendly (Casper) and some are frightening (Bloody Mary). Popular television shows like “Ghost Adventures” use the latest technologies to “prove” that spirits of the dead are all around us – and want to make their presence known. But is this true? The short answer is no. As Christians, we must gauge all truth claims by the Bible, the ultimate and unchanging measure of … [Read more...]
MMO seeds produce overflowing
Missouri Missions Offering Remember growing something from seeds as a science experiment in school? In most of those science experiments, as in most of our own planting of flowers or fruits, the seed pack has a picture of what is produced by the seeds we plant. The Bible promises us that the seeds we sow in faith for the kingdom of God will also produce a crop. We don’t always know what that kingdom crop will look like. The faithful men and women who are planting churches and doing … [Read more...]
From Missouri to Africa and back again: Freshwater answers call to plant churches
BOLIVAR – In 2009, Joshua and Tish Hedger moved to Bolivar to plant a church. They were hired by Second Baptist Church of Springfield to do so. When Hedger asked the leadership of Second Baptist what they desired this church to look like, they gave one simple requirement: to be a church plant that plants churches. Hedger and Freshwater have taken this seriously. In their first three-and-a-half years of existence Freshwater has planted or is in the process of planting 12 churches in … [Read more...]
Leading children to Christ, tell them Bible stories early
Growing up, my best friend was Jimmy and we did everything together for several years. It was only natural one summer to invite him to Vacation Bible School at my church. His parents let him go and he soon wanted to give his heart to Christ, so my mother talked to his mother. That’s when I learned about the “age of accountability” and even though I had accepted Christ and been baptized at age seven, apparently Jimmy’s mother – following the tradition of their church – insisted that he be … [Read more...]
What young atheists can teach us
Larry Alex Taunton directs the Fixed Point Foundation, which seeks innovative ways to defend and proclaim the gospel. Recently, his organization reached out to college-age atheists nationwide in a unique campaign. As Taunton contacted leaders of Secular Student Alliances and Freethought Societies, he had one simple request: Tell us your journey to unbelief. Taunton did not dispute their stories or debate the merits of their views. He just listened. Many stepped forward – some reluctantly – … [Read more...]
MBC Churches’ Baptisms top 10,000
JOPLIN – Baptismal waters have been stirring in Missouri. The 1,909 churches that make up the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) recorded 10,364 baptisms last year, according to information provided by churches in the Annual Church Profile (ACP). Though only 83.3 percent of churches submitted an ACP a report, it is the most accurate gauge of church activities available. Though 2012’s 10,364 baptisms is slightly higher than the previous two years, it still reflects a downward trend of … [Read more...]
But can you make disciples?
It was an honor to meet recently with a young pastor from southwestern Missouri. He wanted to know how he could get his church to become active witnesses for Christ. He had a pen and paper and was ready to write down a training program or book he could use. However, my advice was to model the behavior he expected of them. MAWL is an acronym for Model, Assist, Watch, and Leave that was developed by then-International Mission Board missionary Curtis Sergeant, who is now with E3 Partners … [Read more...]
Islam’s doctrine of deception
Like Christianity, Islam is monotheistic, yet it denies basic Christian doctrines like the Trinity, the deity of Christ, Jesus’ death and resurrection, and salvation by grace through faith. Muhammad’s encounters with heretical Christian sects, and the lack of a Bible in Arabic in his lifetime, no doubt contributed to his faulty understanding of the Christian faith. But two lesser-known teachings based on the Qur’an are equally disturbing. Christians should understand them in order to more … [Read more...]
Hannibal woman goes from storm victim to DR volunteer
HANNIBAL – Sandy and Earl Cox’s property was among many where trees were down in the yard. A large part of a maple tree hit the corner of their house. But it wasn’t until after Sandy Cox had paid $700 to a professional tree service company, did she learn about some that would have taken the tree down without charge – Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief (DR). She dutifully took pictures for insurance and personal scrapbooking, and then got on the computer. Cox, a member of Calvary Baptist … [Read more...]
JOHN YEATS: Juvenilization is a challenge to spiritual maturity
I’ve learned a new word –Juvenilization. I never thought of this as a legitimate word or a concept until recently when my son, who is a pastor in Texas, called and said, “Dad, you have to read this book! I’m leading my staff through it.” The book? The Juvenilization of American Christianity by Thomas E. Bergler. As a student of history, I found it a fascinating read. Thomas Bergler is a Midwest historian. His work is primarily a mosaic history about the impact of modern youth ministry in … [Read more...]
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