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.
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.
