Opinion Column Archives - Baptist & Reflector

IF TOMBS COULD TALK

April 19, 2019

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton.

Emptiness. We seek to avoid this feeling with every fiber of our being. When you feel emotionally empty it’s as if all sentiment and feeling have gone south for the winter, and left you in the cold, harsh conditions of the Arctic. When your dreams keep turning up empty it’s as if someone has stolen the fire in your eyes and replaced it with smoky, gray ashes incapable of being ignited again. Many people trudge through life shrouded in emptiness. Listen to an ancient tomb in a garden near Golgotha speak volumes to us all. [Read more…]

A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN

April 18, 2019

I had the privilege this week of attending the third day of Holy Week Services at Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church. For more than two decades, this church has welcomed churches and members of all denominations to its campus to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see story at https://baptistandreflector.org/lebanon-churches-rally-around-the-cross-and-jesus/).

I’ve been a Baptist all my life and I know some Baptists think we’re the only ones who will be in heaven. And, of course, every other denomination has folks who believe the same thing.

Lonnie Wilkey

My theory is that those folks are wrong. We may not drink the same flavor of Kool-Aid, but I believe that any Christian, regardless of denomination, who has confessed their sins, repented, and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will be in heaven.

As I sat in the sanctuary of Cumberland Presbyterian Church that day, I was worshiping alongside Nazarenes, Methodists, Church of Christ, Cumberland Presbyterians, Baptists and Lutherans. I got chills singing “Are You Washed in the Blood?” and “The Old Rugged Cross” with other Christians.

At that moment, it didn’t matter what denomination we belonged to. We were praising our Risen Savior. That is what heaven will look like. B&R

EASTER: GROWING UP WITH AN ESSENTIAL TRUTH

April 18, 2019

By Chuck Kelley Jr.
President, New Orleans (La.) Baptist Theological Seminary

Chuck Kelly

My childhood was different than most. I grew up in the home of a funeral director. For the first years of my life, we literally lived in the funeral home itself in an apartment above the family rooms, casket room and chapel.

Far earlier than most, I learned an essential truth about life: Death is inevitable for all. [Read more…]

BRICK AND MORTAR VS. ONLINE: BOTH ARE NEEDED

April 17, 2019

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org

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 the thousands upon thousands of Southern Baptist churches across our convention. [Read more…]

WINNING THE STATE OF TENNESSEE BY ALL MEANS

April 16, 2019

By Randy C. Davis
TBMB President & Executive Director

Everyone likes to win. Even the most non-competitive people prefer winning to losing. Losing is a momentum killer. It’s a drain. It puts people on edge. Winning, however, builds momentum and breeds more winning. We don’t have to look any further than the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team to see the effects of winning.

Through the years, the Vols have had spotty success, but when they weren’t winning, there was criticism of underachieving. Fans, coaches, administrators — everyone — would get tense which was usually followed by a blame-game and a coaching change. [Read more…]

NO REASON TO DOUBT

April 8, 2019

By Phil Holmes
Director of Missions, Loudon County Baptist Association

It is a characteristic of the human condition to doubt oneself — doubting if the right decision was made, doubting if I’m good enough, doubting if I measure up. Within the body of believers, we doubt too. Sometimes we even doubt if God is in control. But, there is something we tend to forget: God is love, He never changes and He will never forsake His children! [Read more…]

‘HATE’ SHOULD BE USED ONLY FOR SIN

April 5, 2019

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org

“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 to “hate” — violence, poverty, abortion, liver and onions, Clemson, etc. But there are some people who use the word to stir up bitterness and anger. That needs to stop. The word “hate” is polarizing our nation as never before, especially when it is used to describe Christians. [Read more…]

THE PARABLE OF THE THREE TENNESSEE FARMERS

April 3, 2019

By Matt Tullos
Stewardship Development Specialist, TBMB

Three farmers in Tennessee went out to farm. All three farmers made the most of their field and their fields produced a great harvest. But the first farmer was a bit shortsighted. He kept all his harvest as well as the seeds for the coming years at home. So, while he kept the farm going, the impact he had was limited. Very limited.

The second farmer looked beyond his own farm to three other farms. One in a village in Africa, the second a neighboring state and another in Canada. He’d go visit them every now and then to see their progress. But that’s about all he had time to give and go by all alone.

Article continues below video.

[Read more…]

TENN. BAPTISTS KNOW THE RECIPE FOR MISSIONS

April 2, 2019

By Randy C. Davis
TBMB President & Executive Director

Great Commission work is like having a balanced diet and Acts 1:8 is the recipe.

You know the recipe: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” However, it is one thing to know the recipe, it is quite another to actually cook up Great Commission work. I believe Tennessee Baptists are great cooks.

April is the month we celebrate North American missions and offer support to Southern Baptist missionaries through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. As is so often the case, Tennessee Baptists rise to the occasion. Proof? Tennessee Baptists have given an average of over $4.4 million annually over the last five years through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. I believe our generosity flows because we see the need to saturate our country with the gospel. [Read more…]

GUEST COLUMN: HEALTH TIPS

March 25, 2019

By Greg Burton
Pastor, Colonial Heights Baptist Church

Editor’s Note: Before beginning any exercise program, consult your physician.

Far too often as we age, we back off good health practices. We are more comfortable in the recliner than we are on the walking trails or at the gym. Age brings needs to us that are more urgent than when we were younger. I encourage all of you over 50 years old to consider weight training at a gym. [Read more…]

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