Return of Easter Pageants, Alabama IVF Bill Undermines The Unborn & Books Prayer Leaders Should Read

For 29 years, Southview Church in Lincoln, Nebraska enjoyed their annual Easter play. It was a tradition for the church and the community. The Covid pandemic not only stopped the play in 2020, but the effects would be felt for four Easters.

This month, the folks at Southview are excited to share the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection as the annual tradition returns.

Sylvana Airan, a member of the church, wrote the play in 1992. She looking forward to the opportunity for the community to celebrate the joy of Easter with them.

“I’m very humbled that God has used me and this play and excited that God is using our church in such a mighty manner to share the Gospel,” she told Baptist Press.

She says 90% of the church is involved in the play in some way.
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Inconsistencies between Alabama’s strict abortion laws and its IVF bill that allows embryo destruction are causing Christians to wrestle through the issue. One ethics group says new legislation in Alabama creates a conflict between the state’s proclaimed pro-life stance and the legal endorsement of practices that disregard embryonic life in IVF processes.

The ERLC says the situation raises questions about the true essence of being pro-life, challenging whether the term should only apply to opposition against abortion or extend to protecting life at all stages, including in vitro fertilization treatments.

This dilemma is also prompting a broader ethical debate about the value and dignity of human life. The ERLC is urging Alabama legislators reconsider and align its legal and moral principles to consistently uphold the sanctity of life from conception onwards.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.

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Up for reading a book to energize your prayer life? In our Toolbox, Kie Bowman says you can look to the past for inspiration. He points to the classic written by Jonathan Edwards just years before America’s founding.

In 1749 Edwards published The Life and Diary of David Brainerd which documents the prayer life of one of the most extraordinary Christians in American history. It became the biggest-selling book of the 19th century in America and it remains in print today.

The book chronicles Brainerd’s willingness to serve Christ as a missionary to Native Americans. It details his faithfulness despite circumstances and, ultimately, his obedience to the point of illness and death.

It’s a humbling and inspiring book that will bless and challenge you. Read the full piece from Kie Bowman in our Toolbox at Baptist Press.