By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

To say that America desperately needs God’s life-giving breath would be an understatement. In recent weeks, many people have cast ballots in the presidential primaries across the nation. We have prayed for direction, listened to our gut, or followed our anger and frustration, but nonetheless we cast our votes. Did we cast them for God or for Egypt (government)?

Now, what does that mean? In recent days, controversy has swirled around different religious leaders speaking for or about certain political candidates. Scores of opinions have flowed from fingertips out into the blogosphere. Many things have concerned me, but only one should be consuming me. Where am I placing my trust?

In the days of the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, similar conversations swirled among God’s people. Should they stay in Jerusalem, or flee to Egypt? Isaiah said, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!” [Read more…]

By Roger P. Freeman
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Nashville

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The missions strategy for the Southern Baptist Convention ministry through our churches is found in Acts 1:8.

“Jerusalem” represents missions through the local association.

“Judea” represents missions through our Tennessee Baptist Convention.

“Samaria” represents missions through our North America Mission Board to unchurched areas of the United States and Canada. [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Have you ever been asked to “mind your own business?”

We probably all have at one time or another, especially by family and close friends who might not appreciate our opinions.

Sometimes, as family and friends, we may feel the need to “stick our nose” into someone else’s business, especially if we fear negative consequences for that person.

Most of the time, however, we probably need to stay out of other people’s affairs. [Read more…]

Editor’s Note: Though Belmont University is no longer an institution of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, it would not be here today if not for dedicated Tennessee Baptists who gave sacrificially to purchase the current Belmont campus and establish the school in 1951.

By Albert W. Wardin Jr.
Professor Emeritus of History, Belmont University, Nashville

Some months ago Belmont University published a well-edited history — FROM HERE TO ANYWHERE: A HISTORY OF BELMONT UNIVERSITY, 1890-2015, by — Joy Jordan-Lake.

The school has proclaimed its longevity by billboard, stickers, and other means.

This effort has come as a surprise to faculty and alumni who know that Belmont University (then known as Belmont College) was formed in 1951, but is now claimed to be twice as old. The Belmont Vision in 1976 included a lengthy article in its March issue, “Belmont Celebrates Silver Anniversary,” and an additional article, “Banquet To Mark 25th Anniversary” with Dr. Herbert Gabhart, president, presiding along with   four of the original trustees. A graduate of the school in the 1970s has proudly shown me his graduation ring inscribed with the year 1951. [Read more…]

By Todd Brady
Vice President for University Ministries, Union University

Along their journeys of exploring the world around them, children need moms and dads who understand the tremendous privilege and parental responsibility of being interpreters for their children.

For a parent, opportunities for interpretation abound. A child wakes up to a new world every day. Nothing is bland. Boredom has not cynically shown up on their doorstep yet. Every day, sights are seen for the first time. Sounds are heard for the first time. Words are being assigned to things they see and touch and hear and smell. Every day is a new day to explore. All things are new. Oh, the wonder of being a child.

At our church, we take the Lord’s Supper each month. When I walk into the sanctuary on those Sunday mornings and see the table prepared, I think about what we’re going to experience, I say a little prayer and I think about my family who sits on the pew with me. On those days I always smile. I know it’s going to be a good day. And I know that later that afternoon I’m going to get to do some interpreting for my boys.

Now on one hand, five fidgeting boys with wiggly bodies and clumsy hands are not a good mix with little pieces of bread and plastic cups full of grape juice — not to mention that the fabric on the pews is a light color and that the bread and juice is reserved for mom and dad and those boys in the family who have been baptized by immersion (after all, this dad is a Baptist). [Read more…]