by Lauren Keating | Mar 4, 2024 | Episodes
Evangelicals’ nuanced views on immigration should encourage faith leaders to offer biblical responses to all concerns, key evangelical leaders said Feb. 28 upon the release of a new Lifeway Research study. In an inspiring union between Champion Forest Church in Houston and urban congregations in Detroit, led by the friendship between Senior Pastor Jarrett Stephens and Pastor Torion Bridges of Detroit, a heartwarming initiative unfolds. And, Friendship is perfectly demonstrated in the Trinity by the relationship between God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, writes Jared Pryer in the Baptist Press Toolbox.
by Lauren Keating | Mar 1, 2024 | Episodes
Evangelicals’ nuanced views on immigration should encourage faith leaders to offer biblical responses to all concerns, key evangelical leaders said Feb. 28 upon the release of a new Lifeway Research study. In an inspiring union between Champion Forest Church in Houston and urban congregations in Detroit, led by the friendship between Senior Pastor Jarrett Stephens and Pastor Torion Bridges of Detroit, a heartwarming initiative unfolds. And, Friendship is perfectly demonstrated in the Trinity by the relationship between God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, writes Jared Pryer in the Baptist Press Toolbox.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 29, 2024 | Episodes
In the wake of devastating wildfires that sweeping through the Texas Panhandle, Governor Gregg Abbott declared a state of disaster for 60 counties. American evangelicals have complex perspectives on immigration and want a nuanced political response, but most want Congress to act soon. And, in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Rick Harrington, a pastor in Massachusetts offers guidance for believers in an election year.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 28, 2024 | Episodes
Noncommercial religious broadcasters are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review copyright royalty fees, alleging they favor secular speech over religious expression. In the midst of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, which has tragically claimed over 10,000 civilian lives, the story of Luba, a woman whose life was shattered by the bombing of her home in Bakhmut, highlights the profound impact of compassion and faith. And, in the midst of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, which has tragically claimed over 10,000 civilian lives, the story of Luba, a woman whose life was shattered by the bombing of her home in Bakhmut, highlights the profound impact of compassion and faith.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 27, 2024 | Episodes
While Augusta, Georgia may be known as the home of the PGA Masters tournament…it like most cities…has great needs. An envelope with a suspicious white powder on it found at the Louisiana church membership of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed no toxicity in field tests, the FBI said Feb. 19. And, Theologian Chuck Lawless is experiencing neuropathy in his feet – that’s a tingling sensation that eventually leads to numbness.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 26, 2024 | Episodes
While Augusta, Georgia may be known as the home of the PGA Masters tournament…it like most cities…has great needs. An envelope with a suspicious white powder on it found at the Louisiana church membership of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed no toxicity in field tests, the FBI said Feb. 19. And, Theologian Chuck Lawless is experiencing neuropathy in his feet – that’s a tingling sensation that eventually leads to numbness.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 23, 2024 | Episodes
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has released its first state public policy agenda, which examines upcoming pieces of state legislation that are noteworthy. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled last week that frozen embryos are “children” for the purposes of a wrongful death lawsuit. The decision reverses two lower court rulings. And, shadow Christians can feel unimportant and believe their contributions don’t matter, since they and their efforts reside behind the scenes and out of the spotlight.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 22, 2024 | Episodes
There’s a piece of land nestled next to a lake in Alaska, and Tommy Bishop said when he’s there, he thinks of somewhere else. Amanda Hicks knew there were bees inside the building that once housed Chula Baptist Church. Everyone in the small Missouri town knew that. And, what does Gen Z need?
by Lauren Keating | Feb 20, 2024 | Episodes
With a recent mission trip to Australia, Fruit Cove Church in North Florida has reached its goal of extending its missions footprint to all seven continents. Author, speaker and a mentor to many, Rhonda Kelley was known for her vibrant spirit and dedication in serving women in the local church, in the seminary classroom, and at the state and denominational level. And, Augustine is credited as having said, “God had only one Son who never sinned, but He never had any sons who didn’t suffer.”
by Lauren Keating | Feb 19, 2024 | Episodes
62 new missionaries were commissioned last week by the International Mission Board. The celebration took place in Phoenix, Arizona. In a concerning turn of events, the situation for the Catholic community in Nicaragua has deteriorated. This year alone, nineteen priests have been forcibly expelled. And, Lifeway discipleship expert Ken Braddy offers tips on starting new groups in your local church.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 16, 2024 | Episodes
Nearly 80 percent of American Jews felt less safe after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, and fearing antisemitism, many changed their public behavior, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) said Feb. 13 in its new report on antisemitism. John Cooper, the lead vocalist and bassist of the rock band Skillet. Cooper has penned “Awake & Alive to Truth,” a book that explores themes of truth and personal conviction. And, a Lifeway Bible study says, “Wedding ceremonies typically include the exchanging of vows. A couple declares their commitment to each other by saying, “I do.” God established marriage as a covenant. It is a formal commitment before God.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 15, 2024 | Episodes
Thomas Jefferson Bowen, a pioneer Southern Baptist missionary to Nigeria in the mid-19th century, significantly impacted Christian missions in Africa. Hailing from Georgia, Bowen ventured to Nigeria in 1850, dedicating himself to spreading the Gospel. And, a Lifeway Bible study titled “The Privilege of Prayer” emphasizing the vital role of prayer in Christian life.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 14, 2024 | Episodes
In Florida, a legal dispute has emerged involving Gunna Kristofersdottir, a former CVS employee who was fired for refusing to sell birth control, citing her religious beliefs. Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas is partnering with Send Relief and other organizations to host an Adoption and Foster Care Summit. And, building on the foundation of open dialogue with God, Kie Bowman introduces us to the second critical aspect of his “Two-Room Strategy for Prayer” the listening room.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 13, 2024 | Episodes
The National Summit on Antisemitism recently revealed a troubling insight: nearly half of Jewish Americans are reluctant to openly display their faith, driven by a fear of rising antisemitism. Keith Jefferson, a retired missionary, is spearheading an ambitious initiative to galvanize Black churches in the United States towards global missions, with a particular focus on Brazil. And, in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Jacki King says Gen Z is making an impact that should be well-noted.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 5, 2024 | Episodes
Thanks to God’s faithfulness, the generosity of donors and the hard work of partners, there’s a new ultrasound machine in New Mexico. This one is in the Legacy Pregnancy Resource Center in Hobbes, New Mexico. The day after Alli McCarty graduated college, she went on her first mission trip. She wasn’t a believer yet, but a few weeks after that life-changing experience, she put her faith in Christ. A desire for missions was ignited. And, in Acts 3 a man asked Peter and John for money. The giving of alms to the poor was a regular expression of faithfulness and worship to God.
by Lauren Keating | Feb 2, 2024 | Episodes
Religious freedom impacts economic prosperity and political rights, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Jan. 31 in his keynote address at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington. GuideStone Financial Resources has released its most popular annual publication, the 2024 Ministers’ Tax Guide for 2023 Returns prepared by Richard Hammar, available now for GuideStone members. In the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kenneth Priest and Richard Baker write, “A recession is coming.”
by Lauren Keating | Feb 1, 2024 | Episodes
Congress is holding social media executives responsible for actions they say turn a blind eye to human trafficking and look for ways to attract children to the social media platforms. Most adult evangelicals were saved in childhood with several factors influencing their decisions, according to newly released findings from Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research and Consulting. And, David Chancey encourages believers to “Find a place that is your place for a quiet time with God. Just you, your Bible, and God.
by Lauren Keating | Jan 31, 2024 | Episodes
A church building built in Gaza in 1954 has been heavily damaged in the Israel-Hamas War, former pastor Hanna Massad told Baptist Press. The Gaza Baptist Church is the only Baptist church in Gaza. Despite it being legal in 10 states and Washington DC, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is still pushing back against doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia. And, Texas pastor Danny Forshee knows people need hope.
by Lauren Keating | Jan 30, 2024 | Episodes
Ohio Overrides Veto Of Transgender Bill, Dislike of Organized Religion & Regular Biblical Intake Can Make A Difference
by Lauren Keating | Jan 29, 2024 | Episodes
More than 8 in 10 (81 percent) faith-based givers who donated money in 2023 gave funds to houses of worship, and 60 percent gave $1,000 or more, according to “Giving in Faith: Exploring Key Trends in Religious Giving,” a joint 2024 report from Givelify, a mobile and online app, and Indiana University’s Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. Dan Darling from the Land Center at Southwestern Seminary believes God’s people should Honor those who are in public office, even when we disagree. And, in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kie Bowman talks about the straight-line principle of prayer.
