Jesus is a controversial figure in our society. Jesus was also a controversial figure in the first century. Mark sets forth three different opinions that first-century Jews had about Jesus.

MARRAKESH, Morocco — As early death toll counts have surpassed 2,000, Send Relief partners in Morocco are already meeting needs in the aftermath of the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the African nation shortly after 11:00 pm local time Friday night.

McCAYSVILLE, Ga. — Dr. David Drake faithfully served as the pastor of churches in Georgia and Florida for more than 30 years including First Baptist Church in Cartersville, Palm Springs Baptist Church in Palm Springs, Fla., Central Baptist Church in Waycross, First Baptist Church in Ellijay, and currently First Baptist Church McCaysville & Copperhill. He has served these churches with distinction and faithfulness.

FORT WORTH, Texas - The World Missions Center and Office of International Students Services at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary held the “Taste of the Nations” event Wednesday, which featured food from the native countries of four different international student fellowships, a missionary panel, and a crowd of over 200 people.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Southern Baptist Convention President Bart Barber shared his optimistic outlook for the future as he visited the offices of the North American Mission Board in Alpharetta, Ga., on Wednesday. “I’m going to predict that spiritual awakening is coming for America, and that we’re going to have the opportunity to benefit from that and participate in that, and it’s not just wishful thinking,” Barber said in response to a question from NAMB president Kevin Ezell about the future of the SBC.

Southern Baptist seminaries were raised up, I believe, by the Lord — not to take the place of local churches — but to come alongside and help local churches. That is why I am convinced that the ideal context to train men and women for ministry is a seminary that is in partnership with good, healthy local churches — churches that take seriously their responsibility to disciple the students we train together.

MOUNT VERNON, Ga. — Steve Edwards has built a successful women’s basketball program at Brewton-Parker College. He has been coach of the year in the Southern States Athletic Conference. He has coached in three national tournaments. But, for Edwards, who doubles as campus pastor, all those accolades pale in comparison to the spiritual victories his teams have celebrated over his eight years as head coach.

“Are you serious?” I nearly shrieked.  “Surely there is someone else, someone better.”  My mind was blown. An assistant position had come open in the youth Sunday School class and my beloved thought I would be a good fit.  That was me a long time ago; I hadn’t taught youth in 20 years.  I felt old.   Sarah and Elizabeth old.

We are at the beach this week. During the same time period last year we were also fortunate to be able to head to the beach with some very dear friends. This is something that happened on our beach trip last year. Our trip had been planned for about 9 months and it came at the perfect time. I love the beach, it is my happy place for sure. Let me rephrase that. I love the beach and the peacefulness of the ocean. I do not necessarily love to “get in” the ocean waters.

I recently went to the doctor due to an unusual amount of headaches. She did the usual checkups on my blood pressure, heart rate, and sugar levels. Then she asked me the probing questions concerning stress, diet changes, and any common denominators that might bring on the headaches. Of course, the next step was lab work. When my lab work came in, she consulted with other doctors on staff to gain their insight. And with all the information gathered, she was able to make a diagnosis.