Christ followers, under the power of the Holy Spirit, will tell everyone about Him. (Acts 1:8)
I love Christmas, the lights, family gatherings, decorations, music and gift giving. It's a time of year when people show compassion to the hurts and needs of others. We see it displayed in the days leading up to Christmas by children taking gifts to the elderly in the nursing home, groups singing carols and delivering... Continue Reading →
A sign leading into Yankton, South Dakota reads, "Yankton, S. D. The Home of 30,000 Friendly People and a Few Sore-heads." We understand the sign, because we all know a few soreheads. Grumbling and complaining are rarely labeled as being a problem. Grumbling is not one of the seven deadly sins. To my knowledge, there are no... Continue Reading →
Once upon a time, churches were considered safe havens that were untouched by the violence of our world. The recent mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina has again reminded us of the need to be prepared for the unthinkable. First Thessalonians 5:3 cautions us about the false thought... Continue Reading →
When Southern Baptists observe World Hunger Sunday on October 11, they will be called to act on the commands of Scripture. The Bible tells us that when Jesus saw the hungry and hurting multitude in Matthew 14, "He had compassion on them..." He healed and fed those who flocked to Him. Scripture is... Continue Reading →
Most churches, businesses, and organizations fail to prepare for any kind of disaster. The result is that each of these entities lessen their ability to survive and recover. However. a far greater tragedy is that the church often fails to minister in a positive and effective manner following disasters. Kentucky Disaster Relief's strategy plan, "Ready... Continue Reading →
Tornadoes are the most violent storms in nature. Almost 1200 tornadoes strike every year across the United States. Winds can reach more than 200 miles per hour, and they can destroy a neighborhood in seconds, leaving behind loss and chaos. Every year, thousands hold their breath as they watch 15 to 20 of these deadly... Continue Reading →
The single fastest-growing religious group in Western culture is those who check the box next to the word "None" on national surveys. This group represents almost 20 percent of the population in America. Sadly, most churches are reaching few of this group for Christ. We are living in a post-Christian world, and "Nones" are declaring to us,... Continue Reading →
Nellie was laid to rest one, October afternoon. She was eight years of age when complications from HIV/AIDS robbed her life. Nellie contracted HIV/AIDS from her mother's breast-milk. When her mother died of this terrible disease, someone left her in a box outside an orphanage. She was a beautiful, vibrant, active little girl. She loved to hear Bible... Continue Reading →
In Autopsy of a Deceased Church, Thom Rainer explores consistent themes among churches that have died. Then, in response to those themes, and most importantly, he walks the reader through the “radical paths necessary to keep the church alive to the glory of God.” One of the consistent themes he discovered was that dying churches... Continue Reading →
When disasters come roaring into our lives, loss follows. The loss can be material possessions: our home, vehicles, household belongings, income, photos, and keepsakes. Even more devastating, the loss can involve loved ones. Those who have been affected by these disasters are left to cope with feelings of: Loss Intrusion Vulnerability Escape We must have... Continue Reading →
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