PLANO, Texas (BP) – A Dallas-area megachurch has decided to escrow Cooperative Program funds temporarily in order to evaluate future support of Southern Baptist Convention causes. At issue are what the congregation calls "various significant positions taken by the leadership of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission that do not reflect the beliefs and values of many in the Southern Baptist Convention," according to a statement the church released to Louisiana's Baptist Message … [Read more...]
Gaines Q&A: from Trump to prayer for revival
ONTARIO, Calif. (BP) -- Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines discussed a range of topics of interest to Baptists in a question-and-answer session with state Baptist paper editors during their Feb. 14-16 annual meeting in Ontario, Calif. The discussion covered President Donald Trump's first 25 days in office including the refugee crisis; controversial comments by Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission president Russell Moore during the election; churches tithing 10 … [Read more...]
Trump’s potential impact on markets sparks discussion
DALLAS (BP) -- As the era of President Trump begins to unfold, his potential impact on financial markets prompted analysis in the first of a new video series released by GuideStone Financial Resources, the financial services arm of the Southern Baptist Convention. In the series entitled "Conversations with GuideStone," Chief Strategic Investment Officer David S. Spika will periodically offer insights for investors about current events and what they can expect in 2017. Regarding the … [Read more...]
Trump immigration order sparks biblical analysis
WASHINGTON (BP) -- With President Trump's travel ban from seven predominantly-Muslim countries on hold at least temporarily, some Christians are evaluating biblical teaching on immigration and refugees. On one side of the debate, the National Association of Evangelicals' World Relief arm is helping to draft a letter signed by hundreds of pastors asking Trump to rethink the travel ban. Other Christians have emphasized the need for stringent border security along with compassion toward … [Read more...]
GCC features musical diversity
SPRINGFIELD – Worship will play a role in the Great Commission Conference at Ridgecrest Baptist Church here Feb. 23-25, featuring Michael Card and the Chris White band. In a career that spans 34 years, Card has recorded 37 albums, authored over 25 books, hosted a radio program, and written for a wide range of magazines. Penning such favorites as “El Shaddai,” “Love Crucified Arose,” and “Emmanuel,” he has sold more than 4 million albums. Card said he seeks to encourage his audience to join … [Read more...]
Spirit of giving displayed in Kimberling City
KIMBERLING CITY – Setting a goal proved to be inspiring and motivating for FBC Kimberling City in 2016. The congregation set a goal for 3,000 shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and they collected more shoeboxes than ever before with a final total of 3,231. Last year, the church collected 2,864. Senior pastor, Jeff Hardy, was overjoyed with the result. “It was exciting to see the church grab hold of the project and accept the challenge,” he said. “These shoeboxes are one … [Read more...]
MOVIES: Send Hollywood a message
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP) -- Following a contentious election season, it's apparent that many Americans are tired of corruption and ineptness in our political system. Will this latest presidential election change Washington D.C. for the positive? We can hope and pray that it will. Now, when it comes to Hollywood, there is an opportunity for Christians and conservatives to send a message that could provoke change for the better. Many Christians want change in the entertainment capital. It's … [Read more...]
Ramsey Creek proud of past, leaning toward the future
PIKE COUNTY – How does a Missouri church “in the middle of nowhere,” according to its current pastor, survive for 200 years? To Ramsey Creek Baptist Church Senior Pastor John Bateman the reason is clear: “Anything the Lord’s not involved in or not approving of will die.” The church recently celebrated its 200th anniversary by hosting a weekend party that included old time gospel music, sermons by former pastors, lots of activities—from bounce houses and community dinners to an animal … [Read more...]
A Christian view of economics
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Regrettably, many American Christians know little about economics. Furthermore, many Christians assume that the Bible has nothing at all to say about economics. But a biblical worldview actually has a great deal to teach us on economic matters. The meaning of work, the value of labor, and other economic issues are all part of the biblical worldview. At the same time we must recognize that the Christian worldview does not demand or promote a particular economic … [Read more...]
The end of freedom in America?
FORT WORTH, Texas – A quick review of recent news headlines in the United States reveals an increasing number of incidents where governmental executives, legislators and judges have borrowed from the intolerant presuppositions of secular progressivism to restrict the religious liberties of believers. These incidents are strong signs of not just a lack of respect for the “first freedom,” but of an insidious, incipient hostility toward believers in traditional religion: The … [Read more...]
MBF chairman encourages renewed Foundation support
JEFFERSON CITY – It’s an exciting new day at your Missouri Baptist Foundation! In this quarter’s column, it is my privilege as the incoming chairman of the board of trustees to bring you this brief report on recent developments at the Foundation, and on some promising new and renewed partnerships that make the future even brighter. First, an historic ruling by the Missouri Supreme Court on September 20, 2016, brought to a close a 15-year legal dispute about governance of the MBF, and … [Read more...]
Behind the scenes of ‘The Insanity of God’
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — When Nik and Ruth Ripken moved with their three sons to Africa, they had no idea how much obedience to Christ would cost. Years later, producer Craig Martin sensed that the Ripkens’ experiences would be vital viewing for the church in America. The assassination of four Somali Christian friends and the death of their son Timothy rocked the foundations of the Ripkens’ faith. Their spiritual crisis launched a search for answers. They needed to know: Is Jesus worth it? Is … [Read more...]
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