JACKSON, Tenn. (BP) – It’s graduation season, and I’d like to congratulate all you graduates, as well as your parents, family and friends. This is a momentous accomplishment for which you should be justly proud. I have long thought if ever I gave a graduation address, I would speak to what I call “the graduation […]
By Ronnie Floyd NASHVILLE (BP) – We need to rediscover the public invitation in worship services across America. Skepticism and criticism from various parties and persuasions have discouraged pastors and churches to such a degree that it has led many to modify or even discontinue public invitations in worship services. When polls and surveys determine […]
Editor’s note: J.D. Greear is pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, N.C., and president of the Southern Baptist Convention. By J.D. Greear, DURHAM, N.C. (BP) – John Wesley famously said, “God does nothing in the world except in answer to prayer.” That’s probably an overstatement, but the apostles’ experience in Acts verifies at least […]
By Joe Graham Perhaps you’ve seen the recent news release that NAMB will be requesting the National Collegiate Ministry assignment at the upcoming meeting of the SBC. I’ll do my best to explain what has led to this decision, what it will mean to Southern Baptists, and what it will mean for us here in […]
By Roger Alford Pastor Craig Dale made a great point Sunday about the indispensable role of mothers by telling a hilarious tale about a 14-year-old boy who came home from school hungry, only to find his mother upstairs in the bed sick. “Mom, I’m really, really sorry that you’re not feeling well, but I want […]
Here’s some disheartening data: “If you were born between 1925 and 1945 there’s a 60 percent chance, you’re in a church today. If you were born between 1946 and 1964 there’s a 40 percent chance, you’re in a church today. If you were born between 1965 and 1983 there’s a 20 percent chance, you’re in […]
By Paul ChitwoodInternational Mission Board President I recently had the privilege of preaching at First Baptist Church of Murray, Kentucky, in conjunction with the celebration of the church’s 175th anniversary. One of the many unique aspects of this historic church is the fact that the Cooperative Program was birthed at First Murray where, in 1900, Pastor […]
All of us, church members and pastors alike, talk about how hard it is to do evangelism in our local context. There are many reasons why it is hard and all of us have heard most of the obstacles. I want to share a simple way to open the door to sharing your faith that […]
Baseball’s season opener is just around the corner, meaning warmer temperatures, longer days, and summertime fun ahead. Fans, here’s a trivia question for you: which major league batter holds the all-time MLB strikeout record? This batter finished his career with more strikeouts than hits: 2,597 strikeouts and 2,584 hits. He’s the only player with more […]
It was just over one year ago when the pandemic became such a serious concern that businesses, schools, and churches closed down in-person experiences. At worst, people were operating from fear and at best from an abundance of caution. I don’t judge anyone regarding decision making given the unprecedented circumstances in which leaders found themselves. […]
One of the great joys of being a Christian is sharing your story. The story of how you came to faith in Jesus Christ. But one of the greatest challenges as a Christian is how to begin the conversation of Christianity with friends and family that you have known for years. Recently I had a […]
I love to preach every Sunday, but I especially love to preach about the cross and the resurrection at Easter. At Easter, I proclaim that Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and give us a way to forgiveness and heaven. Yet, He didn’t stay in the grave. Jesus conquered death and rose […]