I love that a Tennessee pastor will be the next pastor of one of Tennessee’s most iconic churches. Yes, I know Ben Mandrell is originally from Illinois and graduated from college in Indiana, but he served as college pastor, then senior pastor, of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson from 2006 to 2013, earned his Doctor of Ministry from Union University, and was president of Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville since
Science has brought undeniable blessings to the world. But its achievements over the past 400 years have enticed many in Western culture to enshrine science as the answer to everything and the only reliable source of truth. Although this view (sometimes called scientism) is unscientific, it has led to the false perception that science and religion are opposed. Can science and Christianity coexist, much less harmonize? I firmly believe so.
Is it possible to be salt and light in a culture where Evangelical Christians champion individual freedom, autonomy, and liberty while seeking to legislate societal morality through majority rule? This question reveals a genuine tension for Evangelical Christians. How do we advocate for personal freedoms while using the democratic process to influence and enforce our biblical understanding of moral standards in society? I formulated this question a month ago while
What about the person in the deepest jungle who has never heard the name of Jesus? Or the man stranded on an island throughout the entirety of his life? I have been asked about similar scenarios more than once. Varying versions of these questions abound, but the heart behind each inquiry is the eternal destiny of those who never hear the gospel. If I may state the dilemma bluntly, do
AAA reports a record of over 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Fourth of July holiday, an increase of 2.4% over last year. The average trip will be 50 miles from home. As July 4 falls on a Friday, people will have a long weekend. Airline flights are setting new records. Whether your family plans to journey to other areas or plans a stay-at-home Tennessee holiday, these educational,
Moses killed an Egyptian. King David had an affair and assassinated the husband. Peter “Vincent Van Gogh-ed” a soldier’s ear. History is messy, but for every bad thing that happened, the good should shine that much brighter. Moses led the way to freedom for the Israelites. David was a man after God’s own heart. And Peter was a disciple of Christ who helped spread the gospel far and wide ultimately
In 1902, Mrs. Mildred Golden, Tennessee WMU Corresponding Secretary (1898-1902), cast a bold vision for Tennessee Baptists to pray for their Tennessee mission field and give to the first state missions offering. A total of $800 was given that first year. For the next decade, without the convenience of electric typewriters, word processors, or computers, Mrs. Golden and her husband, Dr. W.C. Golden (TBC Executive Secretary, 1902-1910), wrote and copied
No one lives in a vacuum. Despite our occasional efforts to deny it, the people around us influence nearly every part of our lives for good or bad. Either you benefit from the nurture, example, and encouragement of those who speak into your life, or you suffer, stumble, and lament due to the absence of these things. A difficult past may not destroy you, but it will shape you. Likewise,
June is Pride Month, and every year it crashes into our culture like a tsunami, flooding us with an aggressive amount of pro-LGBTQ+ messaging. Transgenderism has become a leading force to normalize gender confusions and sexually deviant behaviors. Unfortunately, the church — and most commentary offering a traditional or biblical perspective on gender identity — is often labeled as bigoted or largely goes unheard. But not this year. This year,
The Southern Baptist Convention, held in Dallas two weeks ago, was, in my view, one of the most significant annual meetings our denomination has experienced in recent years. The agenda was packed, with critical decisions made on resolutions, amendments, budgets and other matters. Having had time to reflect, here are my key highlights and takeaways from our time in Dallas:
I love that a Tennessee pastor will be the next pastor of one of Tennessee’s most iconic churches. Yes, I know Ben Mandrell is originally
Science has brought undeniable blessings to the world. But its achievements over the past 400 years have enticed many in Western culture to enshrine science
Is it possible to be salt and light in a culture where Evangelical Christians champion individual freedom, autonomy, and liberty while seeking to legislate societal
What about the person in the deepest jungle who has never heard the name of Jesus? Or the man stranded on an island throughout the
AAA reports a record of over 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Fourth of July holiday, an increase of 2.4% over last year.
Moses killed an Egyptian. King David had an affair and assassinated the husband. Peter “Vincent Van Gogh-ed” a soldier’s ear. History is messy, but for
In 1902, Mrs. Mildred Golden, Tennessee WMU Corresponding Secretary (1898-1902), cast a bold vision for Tennessee Baptists to pray for their Tennessee mission field and
No one lives in a vacuum. Despite our occasional efforts to deny it, the people around us influence nearly every part of our lives for
June is Pride Month, and every year it crashes into our culture like a tsunami, flooding us with an aggressive amount of pro-LGBTQ+ messaging. Transgenderism
The Southern Baptist Convention, held in Dallas two weeks ago, was, in my view, one of the most significant annual meetings our denomination has experienced
