by Lauren Keating | Apr 1, 2024 | Episodes
Four weeks after they became trapped in Port-au-Prince, two staff members of Louisiana Reach Haiti (LRH) have made it safely to the ministry’s Children’s Village in Cap Haitien. Now that wildfires are under control in the northern panhandle of Texas, what about the cattle? Texas is home to some 11 million head of cattle, more than 85% located in the Panhandle, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. And, in our Toolbox, scholar Malcolm Yarnell gives us seven reasons the resurrection brings joy to Christians. Here are three of them.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 29, 2024 | Episodes
Professor James Tour of Rice University uses his expertise in nanotechnology to engage in deep discussions about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God’s design for human sexuality is better learned in the church through the Scriptures than on TikTok. That’s what Nick Moore, the pastor at First Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee says. And, today is Good Friday. It’s the day Christians remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on a Roman cross.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 28, 2024 | Episodes
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on March 26 in a case that will rule on the availability of mifepristone, a drug commonly used in medication abortions. Sight & Sound’s “Jesus,” portraying the Savior’s life in a theatrical musical, will be available for free livestreaming Good Friday through Easter, March 29-31. And, everyone involved in ministry faces challenges. In the Baptist Press Toolbox, Chuck Lawless writes about the sad consequences when we start blaming others for more than their share.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 27, 2024 | Episodes
Most pastors are expecting one of their largest crowds on Easter, but those expectations have tempered some in the past decade. Ministering to people in recovery centers and homeless shelters has resulted in some amazing Gospel success stories at Faith Baptist of Myra. And, in one of His most well-known parables in which He taught the importance of patience in prayer, Jesus contrasted a powerful judge to a vulnerable widow (Luke 18:1-8).
by Lauren Keating | Mar 26, 2024 | Episodes
The latest Congressional spending package allows federally funded gender transitions and essentially bypasses current restrictions on government-funded abortions, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) told Baptist Press. In 1945, a group of Baylor students began leading a series of worship gatherings that came to be known as the Waco Youth Revivals. And, maybe you have a friend who started out as a Christian but isn’t producing fruit in their faith journey. In the BP Toolbox, Todd Gray offers three tips for reaching them.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 25, 2024 | Episodes
It may be hard to believe the beginnings of the COVID pandemic began more than four years ago. That could be because so many effects of the pandemic took years to withdraw. This week is a special week in the life of the Christian faith as believers look toward resurrection Sunday. And, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, told to a crowd of Pharisees, Jesus invited the religious to find redemption. He told a story of a prodigal, the kind of moral reprobate the Pharisees knew would be far from God’s kingdom.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 22, 2024 | Episodes
A new poll from Pew Research says religious influence on society is shrinking. It mirrors a family reunion from the best of the Kendrick Brothers’ work. “The Forge” revives beloved characters from “War Room” and features actors from “Courageous” and “Overcomer.” And, Ken Sande of Peacemaker Ministries should do their bests to hold on to their pastors.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 21, 2024 | Episodes
Pastor Jim Shiner has a heart for orphans – the church kind. He feels for churches that seem forgotten, abandoned, in need of intensive care. Churches withering from neglect, abuse, strife. Lydia and Asa Greear are doing a unique work in North Florida. And, Easter is a demonstration of the power of God over even death.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 20, 2024 | Episodes
Americans are preparing for a total solar eclipse that will spread across the country on April 8. Prayer is a key component of someone coming to know Jesus Christ. And, how can you small group be more outwardly focused? Here’s a couple of ideas from Chuck Lawless.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 19, 2024 | Episodes
The pressure on Israel from world leaders to establish a cease fire with Hamas is mounting. A group of Christian aid workers from Louisiana are stuck in Haiti. And, in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Thom Rainer says churches will miss much when baby boomers begin to die.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 18, 2024 | Episodes
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. Inconsistencies between Alabama’s strict abortion laws and its IVF bill that allows embryo destruction are causing Christians to wrestle through the issue. And, up for reading a book to energize your prayer life? In our Toolbox, Kie Bowman says you can look to the past for inspiration.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 15, 2024 | Episodes
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. Inconsistencies between Alabama’s strict abortion laws and its IVF bill that allows embryo destruction are causing Christians to wrestle through the issue. And, up for reading a book to energize your prayer life? In our Toolbox, Kie Bowman says you can look to the past for inspiration.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 14, 2024 | Episodes
A Christian ethics group is calling on the Biden administration to withdraw the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) planned expansion of in vitro fertilization (IVF) insurance coverage which would include service members who are single or in same-sex relationships. The congregation of a coastal North Carolina church is grieving the loss of its senior pastor’s wife, who died six days after her family’s car was struck by the driver of another vehicle who was seeking to elude police during a chase. And, Mary and Martha were two sisters who loved Jesus. In one biblical story, Martha asks Jesus to chastise Mary because Martha was busy entertaining guests while her sister was sitting and listening to Jesus. Instead, Jesus encouraged Martha to be more like Mary.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 13, 2024 | Episodes
The International Mission Board (IMB) Senders Summit, held near Richmond, Virginia, gathered 124 participants to discuss and share strategies for missionary training and sending within their churches. As debate surrounding the issue of life takes center stage in America’s political debate, pregnancy resource centers stand as beacons of hope, providing essential support and guidance to expectant mothers, affirming the sanctity of life. And, maybe you’re involved a small group or Bible study connected to your church. How can your group be outwardly focused? That is…helping people come to know Jesus Christ. Chuck Lawless provides some tips in the Baptist Press Toolbox.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 12, 2024 | Episodes
It may be months before American –believers vote in a general presidential election, but the need to pray for the candidates and the country can’t start too soon. As escalating gang violence and political instability threaten civil war in Haiti, Christian Haitian leaders who collaborate closely with ministers there are forced to postpone outreaches. And, pastors often struggle to admit or even realize they need help. In an article at Baptist Press, Mark Dance encourages pastors and all believers with some reminders as they focus on their mental health.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 11, 2024 | Episodes
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has filed an amicus brief in an upcoming Supreme Court case which will rule on the availability of mifepristone, a drug commonly used in medication abortions. In Canadian, Texas, residents and volunteer fire departments battled the state’s largest wildfire, prompting evacuations. Churches and Disaster Relief teams are aiding in recovery efforts. And, “Everyone needs Jesus.” Tim Dowdy says today we are told that there are an estimated 281 million lost people just in North America.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 8, 2024 | Episodes
With Congress poised to pass a minibus package of funding bills on Friday (March 8), the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is celebrating the inclusion of several provisions, while lamenting the exclusion of others. Tara Dew emphasized the profound truth that believers are children of God, having direct access to Him. And, we are bombarded daily with reports of violence, anger, disease and a host of other issues. It’s important to note that as terrible as these issues are, they are really symptoms of an even greater issue at the very foundation of who we are as human beings.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 7, 2024 | Episodes
Evangelicals in France spoke up to stand for life earlier this week. Human rights advocates are speaking up for believers in Central America. And, it’s something people desperately fear. Speaking in front of a group. Oklahoma pastor Stephen Rummage believes he can help anyone be a more effective public speaker.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 6, 2024 | Episodes
According to a recent Barna study, pastors are becoming slightly more comfortable with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for some uses in the church but remain wary of its role when it comes to personal relationships. Iowa and Utah are the latest states to pass legislation protecting religious freedom from governmental intrusion, with related legislation active in Georgia and four other states. And, maybe you’re interested in using a commentary to help in your study of God’s Word. A commentary is a book written by a scholar that provides additional perspective and background information on a Bible passage or topic.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 5, 2024 | Episodes
The father of the 18-year-old student who was murdered at Campbellsville University in Kentucky spoke at the school’s chapel service last week and asked those assembled to choose forgiveness because “it’s the center of what Jesus is.” In Sterling, Virginia, Jefferson Hernández had not given a moment’s thought to what he and his wife Carol would call their new church in Sterling. And, “Grieving with Hope” by Terry Dorsett reflects on his journey through grief after losing his wife to pancreatic cancer.
