By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

One of the major stories in Baptist Press last week dealt with an Oregon judge who ruled that two Christian bakers discriminated against a lesbian couple because they would not bake their “wedding” cake.

In this issue (page 3) we have a story which deals with churches establishing policies as they relate to same-sex ceremonies and funeral services for homosexuals. [Read more…]

By Chris Kelly
Exec. VP/General Counsel, TBF

It’s a new year, and maybe you have set some of the “regular” resolutions, i.e. read the Bible more, lose weight, exercise, see the world, etc. Now that we’re deep into January, I won’t ask how many of those resolutions have been abandoned, but I will suggest you make one additional resolution this year that will greatly benefit your family and you: make an estate plan! I realize that this resolution isn’t as exciting as some others you can make (no new outfits or trips involved here; however, it doesn’t involve sweating), but it is still an essential act of stewardship for Christians that can bring so much peace to families. [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Are you a mission-minded person?

What does it really mean to be mission-minded?

Most any Southern Baptist worth his or her salt would answer quickly, “Of course I am mission-minded. I’m a Southern Baptist.

Folks, there are thousands upon thousands of self-proclaimed Southern Baptists sitting in our pews who don’t know the first thing about being “mission-minded.” [Read more…]

By Randy C. Davis
TBC Executive Director

Okay. Here’s my pitch.

I’m asking … please, give 10 percent.

Now you’ve heard me encourage your churches to invest 10 percent through Cooperative Program giving for Great Commission work. Moving toward 10 percent giving by 2024 is one of the Five Objectives Tennessee Baptists affirmed at The Summit last year. However, this time the 10 percent I’m talking about is giving 10 percent of yourself…literally.

I’m talking about you joining me on a different kind of journey; the “Chubby Challenge” journey. I’d better explain. [Read more…]

By David Roach
Contributing Columnist, B&R

The claim of some pro-choice groups that Scripture does not address abortion would have surprised both Jews and Christians living in the first century. That’s because they were virtually unanimous that the Bible implicitly — though clearly — prohibited the killing of unborn children.

Abortion advocates today tend either to deny this fact or remain gladly ignorant of it. [Read more…]

By Chris Turner
Director of Communications, TBC

Tennesseans are a pioneering people, and a hearty people. It took resolve to come over the Appalachian Mountains and settle a wild and rugged territory. It took a greater resolve, bolstered by a deep commitment to Jesus Christ, for Tennessee Baptists to root the gospel in the hearts of people and stay at Great Commission work in the face of daunting challenges. [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Everyone knows the analogy of the frog in the kettle. Put a frog in a kettle of water and it is happy as can be. Slowly but surely turn the temperature up and before the frog knows it the kettle is boiling and the frog is cooked.

Christians, the kettle is not only boiling, it has boiled over.

If you don’t believe it, consider the case of former Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran. [Read more…]

By Todd Brady
Vice President, Union University

Throughout the fall, the nation’s eyes have been riveted on Ferguson. Our focus was again zoomed in on Ferguson last Monday night as my wife and I stood with bated breath in front of our kitchen television awaiting the Grand Jury’s decision concerning the sad happenings of this past summer.

For the last four months, tensions have tightened and emotions have escalated as community leaders and individuals on the street have continuously shared their opinions about the situation. [Read more…]

By Randy C. Davis
TBC Executive Director

You’ve just gotten off a flight. It was delayed leaving, cramped while flying, and late landing. You trudge to the luggage carousel fully expecting to file a lost luggage claim. After a long wait, there it is, riding the conveyor a bit tattered or dirty from where it was dropped on the ground.

“Well, at least my luggage made it,” you mumble to no one in particular. [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

The Baptist and Reflector celebrates a milestone in 2015 — its 180th anniversary.

On Jan. 1, 1835, the first copy of THE BAPTIST (the forerunner of the Baptist and Reflector) rolled off the press. See replica of the first issue on this page.

Former B&R Editor Fletcher Allen compiled a history of the paper (Telling the Truth in Love)which was published in 2005.

In his “prologue” Allen recounted a portion of a letter received by the B&R when it celebrated its 140th anniversary in 1975. [Read more…]