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Ways to make guests feel unwelcome By David Francis, Director of Sunday School, LifeWay Christian Resources Published May 8, 2008: Got too many people visiting your church? Need to do some things to discourage them from coming back a second time? Here are a list of ways to make guests feel unwelcome should they show up at your church or class.
Silent witnesses stymie the gospel By Keith Manuel, Evangelism associate, Louisiana Baptist Convention Published April 24, 2008: A recent USA TODAY article described the rate of solved murders throughout the United States as down because of the silence of witnesses.
'Can I go to heaven when I die, too?' By David Sills Published April 10, 2008: I was in Peru recently helping to train some national leaders. As always, I was so thankful to be able to travel to teach humble Christian workers like these students.
Ten 'excuses' for new Sunday School classes By David Francis Published March 27, 2008: At a conference held last year at LifeWay, Rich Smith, minister of discipleship at First Baptist Church in Ellisville, Mo., asked for input on starting classes that match teaching and learning styles. As I thought about it, it occurred to me that just about any excuse to start a new Sunday School class is probably worth trying.
Reasons why you need to consider long-term care insurance By Jane Wendel, GuideStone Financial Resources, SBC Published March 27, 2008: Due to better health-care options, medical technology, and more healthful lifestyle choices, Americans are living longer.
Moving beyond the Feb. 5 Union tornado By David S. Dockery Published March 13, 2008: C.S. Lewis in �The Problem of Pain� says that God often uses the experiences of suffering as a megaphone to awaken us. Suffering and pain, Lewis said, are often the essential means by which God brings about dependence, fortitude, patience, and forgiveness in His children, while also arousing acts of mercy and compassion.
Ambassadors for Christ By Henry Blackaby Published February 28, 2008: Our Bible is full of truth from God. It speaks about the nature of God, His purposes, and His ways. It also has much to say about our lives and what our relationship with God should look like.
Finding peace in the storm By Frank Abbamonte, pastor, North Arnold Mill Baptist Church, Woodstock Published February 28, 2008: �Mom, get the prayer chain going at church. We�re in the middle of a tornado and�oh no, the ceiling�s falling in�I gotta go!�� [Click] �
The religious test failed by voters and candidates By Randall Balmer, c. 2008 Religion News Service Published February 14, 2008: For the past several decades, we Americans have evinced more than passing curiosity about the religious views of our presidential candidates, and they feel obliged to talk about their faith.
Listen to some Jerry Clower By David Prince Published January 31, 2008: Listening to Jerry Clower will make you a better sermon-listener. Of course, many of you about now are asking yourself, �Who is Jerry Clower?�
Talking so your children listen By Ginger Plowman Published January 17, 2008: Do you ever get the feeling that your children aren�t listening to your instructions? You have just offered an ocean of wise counsel but your little sailor seems to be floating in an entirely different sea.
A fresh look for the New Year By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor Published January 3, 2008: Every now and then it�s nice to get a new suit of clothes that reflect modern styles and tastes. After all, you can only wear that wide-lapel suit for so long until you begin to look like your father.
The ghosts of atheism past, present, and future By Dick Staub, c. 2007 Religion News Service Published December 20, 2007: And lo, I awakened from a dream during this most blessed Christmas season.
Stress-free holidays By Dwayne Hastings Published December 6, 2007: By mid-December, you may be grimacing when you hear Andy Williams croon, �It�s the most wonderful time of all,� on the radio. By then you might be yearning to hear the strains of �Auld Lang Syne.�
Re-Think or Repent? One pastor�s response: Willow Creek confession By Wayne J. Edwards Published November 22, 2007: A little more than twenty years ago the �seeker sensitive� movement was introduced to the American Church through what appeared to be a very successful �church growth� strategy used by Willow Creek Church in Chicago, Ill. The leader of that philosophy of ministry was Bill Hybels, who, through his annual �church growth� seminars, books, tapes, and other forms of media, encouraged pastors to abandon everything they had been taught about how to �do� church and to accept this new paradigm.
For every challenge there's an opportunity By Tom Ehrich, c. 2007 Religion News Service Published November 8, 2007: I figured the Lutheran Church of Finland didn�t fly me across the ocean to tell fairy tales to their church communicators. So I described this challenging new world in which mainline churches find themselves.
Worship, like Alice's Wonderland, is truly 'curiouser and curiouser' By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor Published October 25, 2007: We live in strange times in how we �do� church.
How to 'flunk' retirement By Erich Bridges Published October 11, 2007: �Old soldiers never die; they just fade away,� Gen. Douglas MacArthur observed in the twilight of his long military career.
Navigating Christianity and culture with C.S. Lewis By Dick Staub Published September 27, 2007: Recently, I sailed the Irish Sea with 80 Americans on a C.S. Lewis Study Cruise. That C.S. Lewis is still in vogue is a minor miracle.
NOAH volunteers make their mark By Jim Burton Published September 13, 2007: On the third floor of the World Trade Center in downtown New Orleans, more than 16,000 Southern Baptists have gathered for meals, devotions, and fellowship during the last 17 months. Each has left their mark on the city in so many ways.
Breakfast is for everyone By Tamara Quintana Published August 30, 2007: Growing up in North Central Texas in the �70s afforded me the privilege of watching Icky Twerp and Slam Bang Theatre each school day during breakfast. Notice I said, �during breakfast.� There was no such thing as skipping breakfast in my home. My mother called it �brain food.�
It's time to believe God By Henry Blackaby Published August 16, 2007: Faith, or belief, can only operate in the present. It takes no faith to believe what has been � that�s settled. Likewise, it takes no faith to believe what God can do, for with God all things are possible. Faith functions in what you believe God is going to do right now.
Howard Dayton: Renting vs. buying By Howard Dayton Published August 2, 2007: The cost of housing is probably the greatest expense for most Americans. In searching for housing, most of us have had to decide whether to buy or to rent, and the choice usually depends on how much you can afford to spend.
What will God do on Thursday nights this summer? By Jim Burton, senior director, Partnership Mobilization, North American Mission Board Published July 19, 2007: The Thursday commitment service at the Henderson, Ky., World Changers turned into something very special last summer. It happened when staffer Sammy Jo Turner issued a challenge for students to be involved in vocational missions.
Ministers and/or Wives Wellness Retreat By Danny Watters, Specialist, Church Minister Relations Published July 5, 2007: A ministry to ministers/wives not having the opportunity of obtaining a health screening and/or physical.
Ruth Graham: The silent rock By Benedicta Cipolla Published June 21, 2007: Throughout the six decades of Billy Graham�s career, his wife, Ruth Bell Graham, served as the only true constant in his life other than his faith.
Who needs long-term care insurance? By Jane Wendel Published June 7, 2007: Due to better health-care options, medical technology, and more healthful lifestyle choices, Americans are living longer, more productive lives. But as life expectancy increases, more seniors are reaching the stage in life where they need home health-care assistance or to move into a care facility. Because these services are generally not covered by either traditional health insurance or Medicare, and you must meet stringent financial limitations to qualify for Medicaid, many baby boomers are now purchasing long-term care insurance.
VBS with a good bowl of G.R.I.T.S. By Kim Harris Published May 24, 2007: I love most everything inherently southern. Whether it is sweet tea, my Grandmother�s yeast rolls, a Southeast Conference football rivalry, wading across a creek, or a Saturday night gospel singing. Mention one of those things and you automatically have my attention.
The Bible is back! By Michael Griffin, Sr., Pastor, Liberty Baptist Church, Hartwell Published May 10, 2007: On March 8th, the Georgia Board of Education voted to add two more classes to the state�s curriculum: �Literature and History of the Old Testament Era� and �Literature and History of the New Testament Era.� They are now set to appear in Georgia classrooms next year.
Handwriting on the wall By Bobby Welch Published April 26, 2007: As I emphasized last year, the 1 million emphasis on baptisms by churches in the Southern Baptist Convention was to be the target that would challenge everyone to do their very best. Like the bar for high jumpers, the goal of 1 million baptisms was and is to draw the very best effort from us as the �jumpers.�
Christian speech is now 'hate speech' By Jody Hice, Pastor Published April 12, 2007: In one of the latest examples of �we�re-out-to-destroy-the-U.S.-Constitution� rulings, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has made another unthinkable decision. I hope you�re sitting down for this � the court concluded that the words �marriage,� �natural marriage,� and �family values� are hate speech.
Does Jesus' 'Tomb' mean the end of faith? By James Martin, c. 2007 Religion News Service Published March 15, 2007: For many years I�ve wondered about the following scenario: What if an archeologist turned up the bones of Jesus and had some decent proof? And what if it was hard to deny the claims?
Inerrancy isn't enough By Douglas E. Baker Published March 1, 2007: Russia is the largest country on earth and full of natural resources, but it is dying. Its people cannot surmount the degradation of years of neglect and of rhetoric that promised so much, but delivered so little.
I remember Benny Delmar A Johnny Appleseed of church planters By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor Published February 15, 2007: I remember Benny Delmar.
Are Georgia Baptists missional? By John Waters, First Baptist Church, Statesboro Published February 1, 2007: Most leaders have added a new word to their vocabulary in recent days � missional. As church leaders strive for relevant and purposeful ministry, the cry to become missional has become increasingly popular, especially among younger and so-called emerging leaders.
"Historic" Baptist gathering at the Carter Center By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 18, 2007: The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported on January 10 that a �new Baptist Convention was announced at the [Jimmy] Carter Center by representatives of about 40 moderate Baptist groups that have distanced themselves from the conservative Southern Baptist Convention.� The meeting referenced in the AJC article took place on January 9 and was attended by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.
The world at America's doorstep By Philip Connor Published January 4, 2007: The news is out! According to census information released Aug. 15, the face of the United States is changing. CNN�s headline proclaimed, �Explosion of diversity sweeps U.S.� The New York Times said, �Immigrant Numbers Swell New York.� The Atlanta-Journal Constitution wrote of a local county, �Immigrants Transform Gwinnett.� These recent stories reflect the missional opportunities that exist within our nation.
Season of self-denial By Wanda S. Lee Published December 21, 2006: A letter from Lottie Moon, missionary to China, was published in the Foreign Mission Journal in 1887 urging Southern Baptist women to take seriously their role in reaching the world for Christ. In today�s busy church life, we sometimes forget her call to prayer, sacrificial giving, and self-denial. As we begin our celebration of Christmas, let�s remember the words of Lottie herself:
2006 year-end tax tips By Sherre Stephens Published December 21, 2006: Think it�s too early to start your tax preparation? A recent flurry of tax legislation and expiring tax credits and deductions that Congress may retroactively extend at year�s end calls for early preparation despite a later filing date (April 18, 2007).
A word fitly spoken By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor Published November 23, 2006: Can we program God to speak to us on demand? Most congregations would state an emphatic �No� while expecting their pastor to be on the receiving end of just such an arrangement. Such double standards are common in all walks of life.
The lost members of the church By Peter Beck Published November 9, 2006: Baptists are a peculiar people. We insist that one make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We insist that they be baptized before they can join our church. And, yet, some of us insist upon nothing else once they�re members.
Children and finances By Howard Dayton Published October 26, 2006: The chaotic financial situation produced by the indebtedness of American families makes one wonder what might become of the children of our next generation. The Bible directs us to �teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it� (Prov. 22:6). But, where does a parent begin?
Observations of an evangelist By Jerry Drace Published October 12, 2006: Since February 1975 when God led me to establish the Jerry Drace Evangelistic Association He has allowed me to preach in more than 1,000 churches in our nation. During that time I noted observations where my team and I spoke.
The ministry of amiable nicks By Mark Coppenger, pastor of Evanston (Ill.) Baptist Church and professor at Southern Seminary Published September 28, 2006: The other evening, we headed north to Milwaukee to take in a Cubs game at Miller Park, and something strange happened: The Cubs won. The evening was a joy � in a beautiful park with friendly people.
Sept. 11, five years on By Erich Bridges Published September 14, 2006: Five years after one of our worst national nightmares unfolded in broad daylight, the echoes of Sept. 11, 2001, continue to reverberate.
What to do in an emergency By Tamara Quintana Published August 31, 2006: Early one morning I got a call from one of my coworkers who had witnessed an accident on the highway. She could see the man on the ground but didn�t know what to do. She was afraid to render aid.
Dixie Chicks, go home By Russell D. Moore Published August 17, 2006: The title of this commentary has nothing to do with Natalie Maines� views on foreign policy.
The new Southern Baptist Convention By Frank Page, president, Southern Baptist Convention Published August 3, 2006: TAYLORS, S.C. (BP) � To be writing this article is truly an overwhelming feeling. As I have said in previous press releases, the presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention is not something I ever sought or ever believed to be possible. However, God directed this entire scenario in an incredible fashion.
Give Him the glory! By Frank Page, SBC President Published July 20, 2006: In this, my first article, I would like to set the tone for that which is to come. I firmly am convinced that Southern Baptists need to renew their understanding of who is in charge, of who has the power and who sets the agenda. This day, I call on all Southern Baptists to reaffirm that we belong to the Lord, that we accept His marching orders, and that His great Book, the Word of God, gives us that which we need for life.
Tips for vacationing without busting a budget By Howard Dayton Published July 6, 2006: We are a recreation-and-entertainment-oriented nation � maybe obsessed is a more descriptive word than oriented. Of course, vacations aren�t bad; in fact, they�re good and can be very helpful if kept in proper perspective.
Why attend and support a Georgia Baptist College? By Mike Simoneaux, Vice President for Academic Services, Truett-McConnell College Published June 22, 2006: The most precious opportunity we have as Christian parents is to raise our children in the Lord and armed with a Christian worldview. Yet 80% of us will send our children to institutions to study under faculty who disdain the message of Christ. In addition, numbers of believers will decide to support those same secular institutions, rather than the colleges that reflect the values espoused in Georgia Baptist pulpits.
Content to preach the Word By James L. Smyrl, PhD (Cand.); Former Pastor, Sunset Ave. Baptist, Rocky Mount, N.C. Published June 8, 2006: As a 35-year-old Southern Baptist, I would not consider myself an �emerging convention leader,� I am simply one person who is where God has called and doing what God has directed.
Be compelled by God, not men, to seek leadership By Buckey Kennedy, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Vidalia Published June 8, 2006: In the past months I have read, watched and listened to many within our convention, both on a statewide and national level, talk of an impending collapse of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Emerging Leaders or Submerging Servants? By Ben Brammer, Doctoral student, Southeastern Seminary Published May 25, 2006: As a 26-year-old pastor I am excited about the potential for the emerging generation of Southern Baptists. We live in a changing culture, and our generation will encounter unique and challenging obstacles that previous generations did not experience.
You can�t spell �SBC president� without a �C� and a �P� By Mike Stone, senior pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Blackshear Published May 25, 2006: When a convention leader told me a few weeks ago about Dr. Ronnie Floyd�s forthcoming nomination as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, I confess I was overjoyed. I�ve read his books. I�ve seen his broadcast. I�ve heard of his wonderful accomplishments for the Kingdom.
Why is Da Vinci so successful? By Andreas Kostenberger, Professor, Southeastern Seminary Published May 11, 2006: One of the questions I get asked regularly as I speak on The Da Vinci Code is, �Why do you think the book is so wildly successful?�
Pastor, how big is your vision? By Rick Warren, Pastor, Saddleback Church Published April 27, 2006: Over the years, I�ve learned that � contrary to popular opinion � the bigger the vision, the easier it is to reach that vision, and, ultimately, the size of a pastor�s vision should be determined by the size of God.
Responding to The Gospel of Judas By R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, Southern Seminary Published April 13, 2006: Headlines around the world are announcing the publication of a �long lost� and �suppressed� ancient document, known as The Gospel of Judas. The National Geographic Society announced the publication at a major media event April 6, just in time to boost publicity for its special on the National Geographic Channel April 9.
As evangelicals, it �s time we focus on our own sins By Anne Graham Lotz Published March 30, 2006: When I attended the �The Hand of God in U.S. Politics� seminar recently at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the attendees seemed alarmed about the power of �the religious right.� As the panelists and attendees voiced their concern, I sat quietly wondering, �How is it that when the world thinks of American evangelicals, it thinks primarily of political issues instead of our love for others or our loyalty to Jesus?�
Taking sports captive for Christ By Tim Ellsworth Published March 16, 2006: My spirits always tend to rise a little at this time of year.
MSC � standing in the gap in missionary service By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor Published March 2, 2006: Mission Service Corps personnel are a valuable part of the Southern Baptist missionary force. That fact may have been lost in an article I wrote in last week�s issue of the Index.
Will Southern Baptists keep their eyes on the ball? By James T. Draper Jr. Published February 16, 2006: Think about how many sports involve a ball � baseball, golf, football, just to name a few. The one thing they have in common is that if you don�t keep your eye on the ball, you�re not going to be very successful.
The ministry of adoption By Brian Priest, education pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Calhoun Published February 2, 2006: �Can you not have children of your own?� I bit my tongue as I responded to the question. �She is my own,� I replied. The usual reaction was given, �Oh. Well, you know what I mean.� Yes, I do know what that person and the countless others who have asked similar questions mean. They want to know if my wife and I are capable of having biological children. After all, don�t most people only adopt after exhausting all other means of starting a family?
Why the church needs apologetics By Mark Coppenger Published January 19, 2006: Now and then apologetics has a direct impact on lost people, leading them toward conversion, or at least away from hostility. For instance, perennial skeptic Antony Flew now expresses a form of theism, in part because of the argument from intelligent design in nature. (See the interview at www.biola.edu/antonyflew/.)
Turning attendees into part of the family By Rick Warren Published January 5, 2006: Today, a lot of Christians are what I call �floating believers.� It is an expression of America�s rampant individualism.
Are you going to miss the party? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 22, 2005: I admit it. I am a traditionalist. I am a conservative. I am sentimental. I am old fashioned, maybe archaic, but I never thought of calling off worship services when Christmas was on Sunday. It just never occurred to me that doing that was an option, and it wasn�t an option as long as my mother was living. I guess my parents just instilled into the fabric of my very being a loyalty and an allegiance to the church that just won�t permit me to accept the notion that calling off church is an option.
England�s other state religion, multiculturalism By James Lileks, c. 2005 Religion News Service Published December 8, 2005: �I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.�
Teaching an old dog new tricks Reflections on "Stained Glass & Starbucks" By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor Published November 24, 2005: I admit that I don't like change. I used to like it much more when I was younger, especially before I passed the half-century mark four years ago. As a child I could never understand why my parents so embraced the status quo. "Keep things like they are, don't rock the boat," seemed to be their mantra.
One coach�s lesson in life By Tim Ellsworth Published October 27, 2005: A high school football coach in New Jersey had two words for school officials who told him he had to stop leading his team in a pre-game prayer.
How should one respond to Republicans' ethical troubles? By David P. Gushee, c. 2005 Religion News Service Published October 13, 2005
A Missional Church By Ed Stetzer, Special to the Index Published October 13, 2005: Thanks so much to The Christian Index for the Sept. 29 article on the missional church. For many evangelicals, the terminology is new, but the actual practice is as old as the church and her sacred effort. Now that the word "missional" is on the front page of The Christian Index, Lifeway's Facts & Trends, and throughout Baptist Press, it is good to be clear what the word means and why it matters so much.
A wealth of faith among the poor By Dale Hanson Bourke, c. 2005 Religion News Service Published September 29, 2005: It was easy to feel sorry for them. The poor, displaced, battered citizens of New Orleans confronted us with the disparity of economic life in America.
A flood of biblical proportions By David P. Gushee, c. 2005 Religion News Service Published September 15, 2005: "My eyes fail from weeping. I am in torment within, my heart is poured out on the ground because my people are destroyed, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city. What can I say for you? With what can I compare you, O Daughter of Jerusalem? Your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can heal you?"
To help your kids, throw out the TV, turn off the computer and eat together By Tom Ehrich, c. 2005 Religion News Service Published August 18, 2005: As summer winds down and children gather again at school bus stops, it is time for families to ask the annual question: What will truly make a difference in children's well-being?
Hardly a 'Godless Constitution' By D. James Kennedy: c. 2005 Religion News Service Published August 4, 2005: The U.S. Supreme Court split the difference in June when it ruled that a Texas Ten Commandments exhibit is constitutional but two Kentucky Decalogue displays are not. "Historical" displays, those graced with age, are fine, it seems, but "religious" displays, those graced by pastors, are not.
Is it really a Holy Bible for Christians? By Dale Hanson Bourke Published July 21, 2005: The boys were about 10 years old as I recall, but youth was no excuse, according to my grandmother. During a skirmish after Sunday school, one boy hit the other over the head with his hard-bound Bible. The assailant brought down the wrath of my godly grandmother, who moved him to tears with the words: "This is the holy word of God. How dare you use it as a weapon!"
The day my world changed By John Avant Published July 7, 2005: Want to wake up Monday morning and be glad the alarm is going off? I know � that would take a miracle.
The challenges of cross-generational transition By Ed Stetzer, Director of Research, NAMB Published June 9, 2005: ALPHARETTA (BP) - Let's hope this will be the "Year of the Younger Leader" at the SBC annual meeting. As greats like Adrian Rogers, Jerry Vines, Jim Henry and others begin to transition their leadership, so too must the Southern Baptist Convention.
Repent or Resign - what to say and not say from the evangelical pulpit By Matt Friedeman Published May 26, 2005: "Let me just say this right now: If you vote for John Kerry this year, you need to repent or resign."
The Angel Stadium Declaration By Rick Warren Published May 12, 2005: LAKE FOREST, Calif. (BP) - On April 17, more than 30,000 members of the Saddleback family gathered in Angel Stadium to celebrate our congregation's 25th anniversary. But we did more than just rejoice in the way God fulfilled the original vision He gave me for the congregation in 1980. I also shared a new vision God has placed on my heart, one for mobilizing all God's people - all over the world - to tackle the giant obstacles that keep people in spiritual darkness.
The care and feeding of vocational evangelists By J. Mike Minnix, Vice President for Evangelism, Georgia Baptist Convention Published April 28, 2005: What can a pastor and church do to bless and assist God's evangelists? It is not a question that most of us will consider without some prompting, yet it is one we should consider since full-time, vocational evangelism is a God-ordained ministry. In fact, the Scripture presents the evangelist right next to the office of pastor in the Bible (Ephesus 4:11). So, how do we care for and feed God's evangelists?
A voice for the poor is stilled, but heard By David Sarasohn, c. 2005 Religion News Service Published April 14, 2005: (RNS) Last week, the world remembered a figure who warned, "It is manifestly unjust that a privileged few should continue to accumulate excess goods, squandering available resources, while masses of people are living in conditions of misery at the very lowest levels of subsistence."
Why the miraculous mystery of the Atlanta hostage drama haunts us By Eugene Cullen Kennedy, c. 2005 Religion News Service Published March 31, 2005: (RNS) Sometimes a story that seems a straightforward mystery solved, such as the brutal murders by a dangerous prisoner in Atlanta last week, contains within it an unanticipated mystery that turns it into two stories difficult for us to comprehend fully.
Terri Schiavo's case reminds each of us of the importance of having a Living Will By Douglas G. Couch, Vice President, Georgia Baptist Foundation Published March 31, 2005: Each of us have rights concerning our health care. You have the right to accept or refuse treatment, and to determine in advance your wishes regarding medical decisions should you become incapacitated.
The American Protestant majority, RIP By Russell D. Moore Published March 17, 2005: LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) - When working toward our "God and Country" badges, my childhood Boy Scout troop was shuttled over to the neighborhood United Methodist church for sessions with the pastor about being good Christians and good citizens. I remember my Southern Baptist sensibilities being shocked when the pastor said, in response to a question, that he didn't believe in angels or demons.
Precious in His Sight By C. V. Dinsmore, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Georgia Baptist Children's Home and Family Ministries Published March 17, 2005: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14
Is it so bad to teach that the God may have designed the universe? By James Lileks, c. 2005 Religion News Service Published March 3, 2005: (RNS) It's almost a cliche, or a reality TV show: New York family moves to the Shenandoah Valley and learns that the elementary school breaks in the middle of the day for Bible lessons. You can hear the lawsuits barreling down I-81, can't you?
Christian revival shakes the Big Apple, with more to come By Tony Carnes, c. 2004 Religion News Service Published February 17, 2005: NEW YORK - They are patriotic, hard-working, mostly Democratic and mainly from immigrant families. They are also born-again Christians. Their faith is increasingly typical of this city. On Sunday mornings about 1.5 million out of 8 million New Yorkers now attend an evangelical, charismatic or Pentecostal church, according to a recent religious census.
Five biblical purposes for your marriage By Rick Warren Published February 3, 2005: LAKE FOREST, Calif. (BP) - I suppose you'd expect a man who's been married 30 years to a beautiful, intelligent woman would be able to share with you the intimate secrets to having a perfect marriage.
Oil-rich nations fail to deliver for Muslims in Indonesia By John Farmer, c. 2005 Religion News Service Published January 20, 2005: (RNS) The tsunami that struck southern Asia has cast an unflattering light on the Muslim world and its mindless hatred for the West.
Arguing with success in fighting AIDS By Erich Bridges Published January 6, 2005: RICHMOND, Va. (BP ) - Success is hard to argue with, but that doesn't stop some folks from trying.
Finding Ways to Give By Scott Barkley, Index writer Published December 16, 2004: Ways Baptist Church in Wrens didn't get the memo.
Those threatening Boy Scouts are at it again, believing in the big guy By James Lileks, c. 2004 Religion News Service Published December 2, 2004: Move over, OBL (Osama Bin Laden) - our new national threat comes from the BSA. They're a strange, religiously oriented group whose stated purposes ought to make your blood run as cold as chilled mercury. We've had remarkable success in recent years keeping them from undermining American power, thanks to the U.S. military. But now it's official, and what was once a shadowy war is out in the open.
Faith-based election requires soul-searching from all By David P. Gushee Published November 18, 2004: JACKSON, Tenn.(RNS) The role played by religious faith and moral values in this election is the biggest story to emerge in the wake of George W. Bush's victory.
Make at least one mistake a week By Rick Warren Published November 4, 2004: It's not uncommon for me to remind the leaders at Saddleback Church that they have my permission to make at least one mistake a week. I tell this to staff members and to lay leaders, explaining periodically that it's OK to make mistakes - provided they're not making the same mistakes over and over again each week.
Ominous diagnosis remains true By Kelly Boggs, Pastor, Valley Baptist Church, McMinnville, Ore. Published October 21, 2004: In 1973, Karl Menninger penned a book titled, Whatever Became of Sin? Within its pages the eminent psychiatrist lamented the fact that American society seemed to be in the process of rejecting the concept of a divine standard of right and wrong.
Non-Christians: Friends or foes? By Ginger Plowman, Assistant Director, Proverbs 31 Ministries Published October 7, 2004: I recently heard a young man preach a sermon on the importance of sharing the Gospel. His philosophy was that as long as Christians are obeying God by witnessing to the lost, they should not care whether the lost accept Christ.
Sept. 11 has taught us to kill or be killed By David P. Gushee, Graves Professor of Moral Philosophy, Union University, Jackson, Tenn. Published September 23, 2004: I made a commitment to read the report of the Sept. 11 commission before the third anniversary of those horrible attacks arrived. Two movie images came into my mind as I read the parts of the report that discussed the organization and activities of the Islamist terrorist network, especially al-Qaida.
Why give to World Hunger? By Ricky Thrasher, Consultant, Church and Community Ministries, Georgia Published September 23, 2004: As we approach World Hunger Day on October 10, there is always the question: "Why give to World Hunger?" There are so many answers that can be given to that good question.
No editorializing, just the Word By Mike Stone, Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Blackshear Published September 9, 2004: Ed Setzer�s column in the August 12th issue, �What Will It Take to Bring Young Leaders Back?� really struck a chord with me. Reading it aloud to my wife, she commented that it sounded like something I would have written. I only wish that I had.
The need for both frogs & tadpoles By James T. Draper Jr., president of Lifeway Christian Resources Published August 26, 2004: New York Giants owner Wellington Mara claims Jesus� parable of the pearl of great price inspired him to part with several draft choices and a load of cash in order to draft rookie quarterback Eli Manning. Then, he signed two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner, who will both compete for the starting quarterback job and serve as Manning�s mentor.
What will it take to bring young leaders back? By Ed Stetzer Published August 12, 2004: Jimmy Draper caused quite a stir when he said that young leaders were disconnecting from the Southern Baptist Convention. He then invited younger leaders to �help formulate a strategy to solve the problems (BP, June 28). As a 37-year-old denominational servant, I am not sure if I am a young leader anymore but let me at least add to the dialogue.
The declension of America By William F. Harrell, Pastor, Abilene Baptist Church, Martinez Published July 29, 2004: MARTINEZ (BP) � In Webster�s Dictionary, the word �declension� is described as a falling off towards a worse state; a downward tendency; deterioration; decay. It perfectly depicts what is happening to the United States right before our eyes.
Is the SBC a frog in the kettle? By James T. Draper Jr., President of LifeWay Christian Resources Published July 15, 2004: One way to boil a frog is to put it in a kettle with lukewarm water and slowly turn up the heat. The frog doesn�t really sense the changing temperature and before the frog knows it�s too late, well, it�s too late.
ABC�s of creating personal worship experiences for children Marietta church staff member offers suggestions for improved children�s ministry By Pamela Vandewalker, Minister of Drama/Children�s Music, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta Published July 1, 2004: Proverbs 22:6 says, �Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.�
Trusting God in the desert Published June 17, 2004: It was 3 a.m. Although the sun�s rays had retreated hours before, its hot breath refused to dissipate from the steppes of Kuwait�s Ad Dibdibah plain. Airborne sandy powder hung above us and dimmed lights as if in a London fog.
Christian Higher Education By John Waters, VP for Enrollment Services Brewton-Parker College Published June 3, 2004: Christian higher education is anchored in the belief that all truth is God�s truth, so that the pursuit of knowledge through academic disciplines is consistent with faith in God. Contrary to the learning attained at secular schools and universities, Christian higher education provides students with a biblical worldview through which knowledge finds its proper context and coherence in the person of Jesus Christ.
Paying the ultimate price By Peter Beck, Director of Marketing, Southern Seminary Published May 20, 2004: I�d never heard of Pat Tillman before he joined the Army two years ago.
Defending the faith in a post-Christian era By Hal N. Ostrander, Chair, Religion & Philosophy Division, Brewton-Parker College, Mt. Vernon Published May 6, 2004: Apologetics � the discipline teaching us how to defend our beliefs � is one of many stones adorning the jewel-encrusted crown of Christian faith. The apostle Paul polished this particular stone before the Roman procurators, Felix and Festus (Acts 24 & 25), and Agrippa, the Jewish king (Acts 26), confessing both his doctrine and piety in masterful ways. Much is learned from him, and whatever the era, the gospel is preached and God�s Kingdom is advancing because of the efforts of both evangelism and apologetics, the twin pillars of the kerygma.
The oppressive old master By Gregory Tomlin Published April 22, 2004: There are days Americans will always remember. Dec. 7, 1941; Nov. 22, 1963; and Sept. 11, 2001 are but a few of those days when the course of history changed and our country showed itself resolute in its defense of freedom.
Living on a low income By Howard Dayton Published April 22, 2004: People with low incomes � or interrupted incomes � often feel like they are living hand-to-mouth, and there always seems to be more month left at the end of their money.
Parenting in suburbia By Trey Graham Published April 8, 2004: Politicians have targeted a key constituent group known as �soccer moms� in recent years. This group of female voters symbolizes suburban parents who are known for being zealous in their child-rearing, working hard to provide the best of everything for their kids.
God uses those with a dream By Rick Warren, Pastor, Saddleback Church, Calif. Published March 25, 2004: Nothing starts happening until somebody starts dreaming. Every accomplishment started off first as an idea in somebody�s mind.
10 questions to ask about The Passion By Don Whitney Published March 11, 2004: Judging by ticket sales and media attention, the movie by Mel Gibson, The Passion of The Christ, already is one of the most popular and controversial films of our time. These questions will help in thinking through the movie or in discussing it with others.
These are exciting days for impacting our culture By Steve Hale, President, Conference of Georgia Baptist Evangelists Published February 26, 2004: According to Ephesians 4, the evangelist is as much a gift to the Church as is a pastor. In God�s economy, we simply have different functions within the Body, but that does not minimize the significance of any one gift. Depending on who you�re listening to, you�ll get a different perspective on the state of evangelism in America today. To observe some contemporary churches who are supposed to be �cutting edge,� a sustained four-day revival meeting is antiquated.
Pete Rose should have stepped to plate a long time ago By David L. Chancey, pastor McDonough Road Baptist Church, Fayetteville Published February 12, 2004: So Pete Rose finally admitted he bet on baseball. It only took him 15 years. Here is a man whose performance on the field clearly merits his entrance into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Children and the 'normalizing' of divorce By David P. Gushee Published January 29, 2004: The recent restructuring of marriage license fees in Tennessee has prompted a debate in our state about what our attitude should be about divorce.
Ethics & Public Affairs Keep the Faith By J. Emmett Henderson, Specialist, Ethics & Public Affairs, GBC Published December 4, 2003: At the close of his ministry, Paul looked back across the years and offered a critique. His final appraisal was: "I kept the faith."
Ethics & Public Affairs 'Til death do us part By J. Emmett Henderson, Specialist, Ethics & Public Affairs, GBC Published November 6, 2003: I arrived home from Navy Boot Camp. Margaret and I were married the next day. We both were seventeen. Two weeks later, I sailed to the Philippine Islands. When my "hitch" in the Navy was done, I returned home.

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