No Shame?
The idea that shame has no place at all in the life of the believer says too much.
What Can We Learn from Willow Creek?
When a high-profile minister like Bill Hybels falls from grace, it provokes us to ask, What are some important lessons can we learn from this?
Six Dangers Young Adults Are Currently Facing
By Sam Horn There are certain cultural influences and age specific tendencies that can be observed in each generation. These “generational habits” are not always …
My “Interracial” Engagement
By Rebekah Anderson In 280 days, I get to marry my best friend—the man I admire more than anyone else in the world. And some …
Back to School Prayer Guide
We begin a new school year with many concerns, apprehensions, and hopes. What better way to begin this school year than to begin in prayer?
Five Things Every Visitor to Your Church Wishes You Knew
The average church’s retention rate of unchurched first-time visitors is less than 3 percent. How can churches help visitors become regular attenders?
Rethinking Revoice
Is it possible to “redeem queer culture” while remaining true to Biblical standards and terminology? The Revoice Conference thinks so, but it is a difficult concept to square with the Bible’s teaching on sin and redemption.
Seven Words That Will Change Your Life
“I was wrong. Will you forgive me?” Seven words and two sentences that will change your life and your relationships for the better.
A Mother’s Shield
Mothers are not generally regarded as warriors. However, the Bible describes some mothers who fought in a hand-to-hand combat for their children.
The Logic of the Pro-Choice Position
Logic is not what drove many to the pro-choice position, and it will be unlikely in itself to move them away from it.
When Not to Email
How we communicate matters. When it comes to communication, there are clear benefits of having in-person conversations over emailing and texting.
The Paralysis of the Fear of Man
Have you ever squandered a clear opportunity to testify about Jesus? The fear of man is strong. But we can consider ourselves in light of Who God is and fear Him most of all.
Expressing Gratitude to God
Whether spontaneously uttered, purposefully remembered, or extensively prepared, our gratefulness to God for Who He is and what He has done for us should be expressed regularly.
Renewal and Prophetic Distance
How should the church engage culture? It’s an important question because the culture is at war, and we’d better know where we stand when the roar reaches its fever pitch.
Charlottesville: How Should the Church Respond?
In these times of racial and political discord and division, how should the church respond? What can pastors do to lead their people with Biblical conviction to be on mission with Jesus and make a difference?
Thin Green Line
When you hear the word “God,” money is probably not your first thought. However, if we’re not careful, money can quickly take the place of God in your life.
Prophetic Significance of the Temple Mount
The past two weeks have seen amazing events taking place in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount. These events may well be a precursor to the fulfillment of important prophecies relating to the end times.
The Future of Seminary Education, Part 2
The change in theological education represents a fundamental shift in both educational philosophy and religious pedagogy, is already having great effect on pulpits and pews.
The Future of Seminary Education, Part 1
Changes in either the church or higher education are quickly mimicked and often magnified in seminaries, and the speed at which these parties are changing is a relatively new phenomenon.
What Do You Mean, Relevant?
Many Christians obsess over making Christianity relevant. But why should Christianity be made relevant, and what would a relevant Christianity look like?
On Hank Hanegraaff’s Conversion to Eastern Orthodoxy
Within quite a few supposedly evangelical churches, we are witnessing the adoption of Catholic and Orthodox aesthetics and liturgical practices even where official allegiance to Catholicism or Orthodoxy is not claimed.
Because He Lives
This Easter we are reminded once again that Jesus did not stay in the tomb but is fully alive. And our lives right now are worth the living just because He lives.
Movie Review: The Case for Christ
The Case for Christ is solid apologetics shared through the heartfelt and compelling story of Lee and Leslie Strobel.
Liberty and Responsibility
A significant portion of our society, including a large number of professing believers, experience a disconnect when the terms “liberty” and “responsibility” are used together.
Treasures of the Trial
God brings trials of various kinds into all our lives, and we are not to be surprised by this.
Reflections on a Family Tragedy
A pastor shares his thoughts on the tragic double murder of a family in Illinois.
Drastic Measures
Moses took radical action against sin. He understood that sin leads to destruction and death, and he didn’t mess around.
Your Mom Chose Life
As followers of the living God, we have an obligation to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to stand for life.
When Christmas Is on a Sunday
Sunday Christmases bring dilemmas. Christmas is a special day, steeped in family traditions, and we’re not all that accustomed to spending time at church on Christmas Day.
The Channel of Peace
Sometimes the water we are trying to navigate gets a little shallow, doesn’t it? This is the precise time we need to sail into God’s channel of peace.
A Christian Response to the 2016 Election
If you are overly joyful or overly disappointed following Tuesday’s election, you have probably put too much stock in a human leader.
Looking for Peace in All the Wrong Places
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope for humanity’s real problem.
A Response to Campus Pride’s ‘Shame List’
Hostility toward the gospel is nothing new, and our response to it has already been scripted for us and modeled by generation after generation of gospel-servants who have suffered likewise.
Sharing Our Faith in an Antagonistic Culture
We live in a time of unique opportunity when it comes to sharing our faith. But there are other factors that make this a challenging time for evangelism.
Perry Noble’s Missed Opportunity
The fall of mega-church pastor Perry Noble has stunned the evangelical world and has raised the alcohol issue to the forefront of evangelical discussion yet again.
What Does ‘Judge Not’ Mean?
One of the more frequent retorts that is thrown at Christians is that we are not to judge. Unfortunately, some Christians have picked up on this and are propagating it too.
Reflections on the Orlando Terrorist Attack
The recent savage shooting in Orlando has left the nation reeling, stunned by the awful display of cruelty and barbarism. It is fitting and proper, at a time such as this, to “weep with those who weep.”
Evangelicals’ New Celebrity Status
A letter to the editor introduces the evangelical as “America’s newest celebrity,” who increasingly is the lead story, the headline, and the main attraction.
Bombings in Brussels, Multiculturalism, and Jesus
This morning, terrorists struck the heart of Belgium. Why the cycle of hate and aggression? There are no simple, one-size-fits-all answers. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any answers at all.
Risen: Movie Review
Risen is a well-made film that may give opportunity for many gospel-centered conversations to happen among believers and unbelieving friends.
What about Muslims?
Controversy over Islam is increasing both within American religion and among American political candidates. How are Christians, and especially Baptists, supposed to think about Muslims?
God Will Fix This!
On Dec. 3 the New York Daily News published the headline “God Isn’t Fixing This” in response to the outpouring of prayer support for the victims of the San Bernardino shootings. So how should we think about this from a Biblically informed worldview?
A Colorado Black Friday
On Nov. 27, a gunman opened fire outside of a Planned Parenthood facility. We need to begin wrapping our minds around what happened and relating it to our walk with Christ in the world.
Reflections on the Paris Terrorist Attacks
On the evening of Nov. 13, Islamic terrorists struck at the heart of France. The attacks were as well-orchestrated as they were devastating: armed to …
Gender Confusion and God’s Design
What does it mean to be male or female? What does the Bible and general human reasoning say about this?
Woodlawn: Movie Review
With the recent Hollywood success of War Room as a #1 movie, I see no reason why Woodlawn will not be a huge hit too. The main character, Hank Erwin Jr., is played by Sean Astin, who is best known from his role as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings. Moviegoers will also know him as Rudy in the movie by the same name. Woodlawn has a wonderful storyline with compelling subplots and superb acting.
What about Life on Mars?
The scientific community is abuzz this week with the announcement that liquid water has been confirmed on Mars. Of course scientists have long known that water is abundant in our universe (including on Mars), but specific evidence of a stable supply of liquid water has been lacking.
War Room: Movie Review
A few months ago, my wife and I were privileged to attend a preview screening of War Room, the latest movie produced by the Kendrick brothers (Courageous, Fireproof, & Facing the Giants are some of their other works). The movie opens Friday, August 28th, and I urge you to attend a showing in your community to support the movie.
The Groan and the Glory
An axiom of the Christian life is, Those who are truly saved will suffer. Living in the here and now means some degree of struggle.
Abortion: Is This Really a New Problem?
Recently released videos by The Center for Medical Progress have brought to light some of the more egregious atrocities committed by Planned Parenthood in the name of women’s health and medical research.
Planned Parenthood, “Another Boy,” and Rachel Weeping for Her Children
It was a cold, dark night in Bethlehem when the soldiers came. Methodically and without the slightest trace of pity they marched from house to house ransacking each one.
Theological Reflections on the Iranian Nuclear Agreement
November 30, 1938. Surrounded by a throng of his fellow countrymen, a triumphant Neville Chamberlain held aloft a historic peace agreement.
A Regular Baptist Response to the Same-Sex Marriage Decision
With the Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide, supporters of traditional marriage can’t help feeling as though they’ve been punched in the solar plexus.
Misdirected Love
The greatest danger facing the believer is not future persecution but daily love seduction from the world system.
Who Redefined Marriage?
Governments can use the powerful apparatus of civil censure to force people to behave as if a relationship between two people of the same sex were a marriage. But it is not and it never will be.
“Shades of Gray” Morality in a Black-and-White World
At least theoretically, we are living in a culture governed by moral relativism. The old codes of right and wrong are no longer seen by the general populace to apply.
The Interview
The controversy surrounding The Interview is full of mystery and drama. It’s a drama that we can’t just stand by and watch, but should evaluate carefully from a Christian worldview.
The Paris Attack’s Impact on Ministries in France
Seventeen people died in the terrorist attacks in Paris last Wednesday. How will this affect our ministries in France?
Observations on the Islamic Terrorist Attack in Paris
Over the past week, the world has been transfixed on the slaughter of innocents in Paris by Islamic terrorists determined to exact revenge on those who insult their prophet, Muhammad.
Resources for Understanding Islam, and Freedom of Speech and Religion
With the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, the subject of radical Islam has been catapulted into a position of media prominence. This has brought, in …
A Disturbing Trend in the Abortion Debate
Some pro-choice advocates agree that life begins at conception, but remain pro-choice.
Living with Dignity
Thoughts on dignity, suicide, and the sanctity of life in the wake of Brittany Maynard’s death.
Clarifications on the Houston Church Subpoena Issue
Clarifying what is and isn’t at stake in the Houston subpoena issue.
The Dangers of the Celebrity Pastor Syndrome
Examining the possible dangers that can flow from idolizing celebrity pastors.
When Is a Finger Just a Finger?
In the midst of many rather serious world events being covered in the news media, something that happened in an NFL preseason contest caused a bit of a stir.
Resolution: The GARBC in a Postmodern Era
1999 GARBC Annual Conference resolution, passed by voting messengers, The GARBC in a Postmodern Era.
A Closer Look at the Status of Women in Islam
An Iraqi-born Baptist missionary takes a critical look at the treatment of women in Islam and its theological rationale.
Obama Clashes in Africa with Gay Issue
President Barack Obama on Thursday praised the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage as a “victory for American democracy” but clashed with his African host …
Petition Urges Obama to Ban Creationism
A petition urging the Obama administration to ban the teaching of creation and intelligent design in U.S. schools was recently filed on the White House …
Gideon in Trouble for Giving Bible to Student
World News June 21: A substitute teacher believes he was fired because he’s a member of an international religious organization that distributes Bibles. Read more about this and other news.
DOJ Must Respond to Rehearing Request
World News June 18: The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued an order that the Department of Justice must respond to a rehearing request regarding the legal status of a German homeschooling family. Read more about this and other news.
SBA Meet Drafts Resolution on Boy Scout Change
World News June 14: Southern Baptists expressed their “opposition to and disappointment in” the membership policy of the Boy Scouts of America. Read more about this and other news.
ACLU Sues Over Free Speech, Privacy Rights Issues
World News June 11: Two prominent civil rights groups have filed a lawsuit against the National Security Agency. Read more about this and other news.
Denominations Lose Churches, Members
World News June 7: The number of churches that were dismissed from Presbyterian Church (USA) last year has increased by fivefold compared to 2011. Read more about this and other news.
Baptist Volunteers Active After Recent Disasters
World News June 4: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are active in seven states responding to damage from floods, tornadoes, and other disasters on the eve of hurricane season. Read more about this and other news.
Voters Don’t Like DOJ Probing News Reporters
World News May 31: Most voters don’t approve of the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation of news reporters. Read more about this and other news.
Alternatives to Boy Scouts Sought After Decision
World News May 28: People concerned about the Boy Scouts’ membership policy are seeking alternative groups to join. Read more about this and other news.
Baptist Relief Workers Assist Tornado Victims
World News May 24: Oklahoma Baptist disaster relief workers were in action immediately after the tornado hit. Read more about this and other news.
Supreme Court to Take Up Public Meeting Prayers
World News May 21: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Monday to take up a case involving a New York town’s policy regarding prayers presented before public meetings. Read more about this and other news.
IRS Probed Conservative Groups’ Prayers
World News May 17: The IRS will soon face more than controversy and Congressional hearings over its discrimination of pro-life and conservative groups. Read more about this and other news.
IRS Intimidation of Conservative Groups Surfaces
World News May 14: An IRS campaign to apply additional scrutiny to conservative groups included those focused on government spending, the Constitution, and several other broad areas. Read more about this and other news.
Probe Launched over Gosnell Murders
World News May 10: A House committee has launched an investigation in response to the trial of the abortion practitioner charged with multiple counts of infanticide. Read more about this and other news.
Tyndale Released from Abortion Pill Mandate
World News May 7: In a huge victory for pro-life advocates taking on the controversial HHS mandate, the Obama administration is giving up its effort to force a Bible publisher to obey it. Read more about this and other news.
Pastor Won’t Back Down on Homosexuality
World News May 3: A California megachurch pastor who has recently come under fire for his views on homosexuality has declared that he will not be intimidated. Read more about this and other news.
Obama Addresses Planned Parenthood
World News April 30: President Obama addressed the nation’s largest abortion provider Friday, criticizing pro-life laws. Read more about this and other news.
Southern Baptist Chaplains Say SBC Website Blocked
World News April 26: Southern Baptist chaplains report that an SBC website has been blocked at military installations around the nation. Read more about this and other news.
Media Ignores Gosnell Abortion Atrocities
World News April 23: Congress is now far more aware of the Kermit Gosnell story, the abortionist on trial for murder in Philadelphia. Read more about this and other news.
George Beverly Shea, 104, Goes to Eternal Reward
World News April 19: Well-known gospel soloist George Beverly Shea, 104, died Tuesday evening following a brief illness. Read more about this and other news.
Idea Promotes Prayer and Fasting for U.S.
World News April 16: An idea for a national day of prayer and fasting, which began in a column just several days ago, has now become a national movement. Read more about this and other news.
School Cancels Santorum Over Gay Marriage View
World News April 12: A Michigan high school canceled a speech by former Sen. Rick Santorum after teachers became outraged over his opposition to gay marriage. Read more about this and other news.
Military Briefing Lists Evangelicals as Threat to America
World News April 9: Soldiers in the U.S. military have been told in a training briefing that evangelical Christians are the No. 1 extremist threat to America. Read more about this and other news.
Portrait of Jesus Taken Down to Avoid ACLU “Risk”
World News April 5: A portrait of Jesus that had adorned a southern Ohio public school district building since 1947 has been taken down. Read more about this and other news.
Writer Edith Schaeffer of L’Abri with the Lord
World News April 2: Edith Schaeffer, 98, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 30. Read more about this and other news.
Florida Gov. Scott Demands Investigation
World News March 29: Florida Gov. Rick Scott has stepped into the fray concerning a professor who told students to write the word “Jesus” on a piece of paper, throw it on the floor, and stomp on it. Read more about this and other news.
U.S. Pastor Tells of Torture in Iran Prison
World News March 26: Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen of Iranian descent imprisoned in Tehran, tells of the torture he has endured for his faith as well as the joy that comes with forgiving his perpetrators. Read more about this and other news.
Polygamy, Other Aberrations Next to Be Legalized?
World News March 22: Redefining marriage to include same-sex couples would jettison the rationale and logic behind prohibitions on polygamous marriages, according to several friend-of-the court briefs. Read more about this and other news.
Cyprus Financial Situation Rattles Markets
World News March 19: The island nation of Cyprus made headlines, and rattled markets across the Western world, by announcing a raid on private bank accounts this week. Read more about this and other news.
New Pope Said Conservative, Pro-Life
World News March 15: The archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has been selected as the next Roman Catholic pope. Read more about this and other news.
Broadcasters Warn of Religious Freedom Loss
World News March 12: Leaders at this past week’s National Religious Broadcasters conference warned that Christians may soon be forced to practice civil disobedience. Read more about this and other news.
Concern Mounts over Drones
World News March 8: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s unmanned Predator B drone fleet has been custom designed to identify civilians carrying guns and track cell phone signals. Read more about this and other news.
Department of Justice: Children Don’t Need Mothers?
World News March 5: The Department of Justice is saying that children do not need—and have no right to—mothers. Read more about this and other news.
Fired Ohio Creationist Teacher Gets Day in Court
World News March 1: John Freshwater got a day in court as his latest attempt to get reinstated as a schoolteacher was presented in oral arguments before the Ohio Supreme Court. Read more about this and other news.
Tim Tebow Backs Out of Speaking Engagement
World News Feb. 26: Tim Tebow has backed out of speaking at First Baptist Church of Dallas, saying he “needed to lay low and steer clear of controversy.” Read more about this and other news.
Sen. Rubio Meets with Israel’s Netanyahu
World News Feb. 22: Sen. Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem on Wednesday evening. Read more about this and other news.
China’s Plan to Eradicate House Churches Eyed
World News Feb. 19: China’s Christians felt a noticeable rise in persecution in 2012 as the Communist government began the first of a three-phase plan to eradicate unregistered house churches. Read more about this and other news.
Educating Own Children “Not Fundamental Right”
World News Feb. 15: For a German family that fled to the U.S., the Justice Department is arguing that educating one’s own children is not a fundamental right. Read more about this and other news.
Catholic Pope Resigns, First Since Middle Ages
World News Feb. 12: Pope Benedict stunned the Roman Catholic Church on Monday when he announced he would stand down, the first pope to do so in 700 years. Read more about this and other news.
Can U.S. Conduct Lethal Drone Strike on Its Citizens?
World News Feb. 8: The Department of Justice has developed a white paper outlining the circumstances under which the U.S. can conduct a drone strike against an American citizen. Read more about this and other news.
Pro-Life Blacks Denied Tweeting Privileges
World News Feb. 5: The National Black Prolife Coalition has lobbied to have its Twitter account restored after the social media company yanked the group’s Tweeting privileges. Read more about this and other news.
Baptist Leader Addresses Boy Scout Crisis
World News Feb. 1: Frank S. Page issued comments on the current focus on the Boy Scouts of America. Read more about this and other news.
Boy Scouts Pressured on Gay Issue
World News Jan. 29: The Boy Scouts of America is reportedly on the verge of changing its policy on homosexuals. Read more about this and other news.
Netanyahu Wins Israeli Election
World News Jan. 25: The head of a Messianic Jewish ministry says it’s too early to know just what kind of government might emerge from Tuesday’s surprise election results in Israel. Read more about this and other news.
New Martyrs in Korea Reported
World News Jan. 22: Open Doors has confirmed the death of two Christians in North Korea. Read more about this and other news.
Alabama High Court: Unborn Need Protection
World News Jan. 18: The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that “unborn children are persons with rights that should be protected by law.” Read more about this and other news.
Teacher Forced to Remove Religion
World News Jan. 15: A public school teacher has filed a civil rights lawsuit after she was forced to remove all religious content from her classroom. Read more about this and other news.
Pastor Withdraws from Inauguration
World News Jan. 11: A pastor’s withdrawal from President Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony has left Christians lamenting over what they see as a new era of religious intolerance. Read more about this and other world news.
Criticism of Protection for Chaplains Termed Disturbing
World News Jan. 8: A report in WorldNetDaily notes that Barack Obama’s criticism of congressional efforts to protect the faith-based values of military chaplains is disturbing on many levels. Read more about this and other world news.
Christians Support Hobby Lobby Chick-fil-A Style
World News Jan. 4: Tens of thousands of Americans have committed to support Hobby Lobby on Jan. 5 after courts have refused to issue a ruling stopping the HHS mandate. Read more about this and other news.
Hobby Lobby to Defy Obamacare Abortion Mandate
World News Jan. 1: Hobby Lobby will defy the Obamacare mandate that health insurance for its employees cover “abortion-inducing drugs.” Read more about this and other news.
Christmas Day Finds Iranian Pastor in Prison Again
World News Dec. 28: It was a bad Christmas for Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, the Church of Iran pastor who has been returned to jail on an earlier charge. Read more about this and other news.
Court Sides with Colleges on Birth Control Mandate
World News Dec. 21: A federal appeals court sided with two colleges in a decision related to the ongoing court challenges to the Obama administration’s birth control mandate. Read more about this and other news.
Christians Ponder Connecticut Tragedy
World News Dec. 18: Christians, including Christian leaders, are pondering the tragedy of last week’s mass killings in a Connecticut grade school. Read more about this and other news.