By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] In September, I had the privilege of “preaching” at my home church (Lima Baptist) in Travelers Rest, S.C. I grew up in that church and was saved and baptized at Lima Baptist. That’s where my spiritual roots are. Lima is similar to many churches in Tennessee. It’s small in size. Right now, the church is in a downward trend — maybe 30-40

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] Evil is real. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not. How do we really know? “For the Bible tells me so.” Do a “Google” search on the internet and you will find a multitude of verses that proclaim evil is real. I John 5:19 leaves no doubt: “We know that we are of God, and the whole world is under the sway

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector It’s hard to believe that summer is nearly over. When I was a kid, we usually did not return to school until later in August or even after Labor Day. Now, most schools across Tennessee already have begun. It is a reminder that time is fleeting. We think we have plenty of time, but unfortunately, too many of us waste valuable time that

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] God is on His throne and He’s in control, but Satan is not on summer vacation. It seems like the more Southern Baptists and Christians try to do the right thing, the more Satan interferes and creates confusion and chaos. Southern Baptists took a strong stance against sexual abuse, especially of children, during the recent meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] Two trains from opposite directions are moving toward each other at breakneck speed. A collision is inevitable. Train one is religious freedom. Train two is the Equality Act, H.R.5. The United States House of Representatives passed the Equality Act, H.R.5. on May 17 by a margin of 236-173. See story on page 1. This would eliminate the use of the Religious Freedom

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] As a baseball umpire for more than 35 years, I have had more than my share of criticism over the years, I have learned to accept it. It’s part of the game. Everyone who attends a baseball game is an umpire and a critic. Last week I was umpiring district high school baseball games. In one game, I was the plate umpire.

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] The National Football League held its annual draft in Nashville last week. By all accounts, it was a boost to the city’s (and state’s) economy. Thousands of people traveled to Nashville to watch their favorite teams draft the future of those squads. I’m a football fan. I enjoy watching the Tennessee Titans, but I don’t “live or die” depending on how they

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] LifeWay Christian Resources’ decision to close their “brick and mortar” stores by year end has caused some angst among Tennessee Baptists. And, I admit, I’m one of them. I understand their reasoning. According to their news release, LifeWay Christian Stores has experienced a decline in customer traffic and sales. Business is business, but in LifeWay’s case, it also is a ministry to

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] “Hate” is one of the most powerful words in the English language. Most dictionaries define the verb “hate” as to “feel intense or passionate dislike for (someone).” “Hate,” when used as a noun means “intense or passionate dislike.” How we use the word “hate” is important. In and of itself, “hate” is not a bad word. There are some things we need