Focal Passage: Matthew 21:23-32 We’ve all heard it said or probably have said it ourselves: “I’ll take care of it.” But then it never gets done. The idea is that words are easy but follow through is harder. What really matters is not just what we say, but what we do. Here in Matthew 21, Jesus confronts a group of people who said all the right things but refused to
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, but how do parents protect their children from online predators in the digital age? An online Nihilistic Violent Extremist network group known as 764 has been discovered as one that targets children and teens on popular gaming sites, like Roblox, to begin grooming them. Predators often lie about their identity and age to form a relationship with potential victims. Then, they coerce children and
By Dustin Allman Pastor, The Fort Church, Kingsport Focal Passage: 1 Kings 18:25-39 As I get older, I’m less competitive about many things but I still love a good challenge! So did Elijah! God alone is full of glory. The surrounding context shows us that a showdown of worship is imminent. The purpose of this showdown wasn’t for entertainment, but to demand a choice of worshiping either Yahweh
By Scott Barkley Baptist Press GALLATIN – A week ago, pastor Travis Fleming of First Baptist Church, Gallatin, thought all-digital worship services, recommended masking and strict social distancing were a thing of the past. But after a July 25 baptism service, reports began to trickle in of members testing positive for COVID-19. By Thursday, when several positive cases had been reported at First Baptist, a team consisting of Fleming, deacons,
By Scott Barkley Baptist Press These days at Long Hollow Baptist Church, interruptions aren’t considered bad. The plan isn’t as crucial as the response. Things flow from a position of prayer, ultimately pointing toward Christ. Structure exists, sure. There’s still an order of worship. Trained childcare workers remain ready and available. Pastor Robby Gallaty prepares and prays over his sermons. But anyone feeling led to come to the altar can
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector lwilkey@tnbaptist.org SMYRNA — Only God. That’s the explanation pastor Kent Shingleton has for what occurred at Hope Fellowship Church in Smyrna during a year that will forever be known by a virus that brought the world to a screeching halt. For nearly nine years the former church plant met in a local elementary school and members spent a great deal of time each
By Glenn Metts Pastor, Shiloh Baptist Church, Seymour Focal Passage: Isaiah 37:14-20, 30-35 God listens to the prayers of His children. Indeed, He hears, He cares and He responds to us according to His righteousness, His love and wisdom. He is never too early. He is never too late. He is always on time. It stirs in my heart that I do not pray enough! Franklin Graham, the son
Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Convention churches contributed $2,941,530 through the Cooperative Program in July. For the year-to-date, Tennessee Baptists have given $25,831,963. In the midst of a pandemic, the amount is just $295,149 or 1.1 below what was given at the same time last year. In addition, gifts are $418,037 or 1.59 percent below budget needs after the first nine months of the budget year.
By Bob Smietana Senior Writer for Facts and Trends (from LifeWay Research) NASHVILLE — When it comes to charity, a personal touch works 10 times better than Facebook — at least for churchgoers. A new report from Nashville-based LifeWay Research found more than half of Protestant churchgoers say a personal connection inspired them to give money to a charity for the first time. Social media such as Facebook inspired only 4
Focal Passage: Matthew 21:23-32 We’ve all heard it said or probably have said it ourselves: “I’ll take care of it.” But then it never gets
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, but how do parents protect their children from online predators in the digital age? An online Nihilistic Violent Extremist
By Dustin Allman Pastor, The Fort Church, Kingsport Focal Passage: 1 Kings 18:25-39 As I get older, I’m less competitive about many things
By Scott Barkley Baptist Press GALLATIN – A week ago, pastor Travis Fleming of First Baptist Church, Gallatin, thought all-digital worship services, recommended masking and
By Scott Barkley Baptist Press These days at Long Hollow Baptist Church, interruptions aren’t considered bad. The plan isn’t as crucial as the response. Things
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector lwilkey@tnbaptist.org SMYRNA — Only God. That’s the explanation pastor Kent Shingleton has for what occurred at Hope Fellowship
By Glenn Metts Pastor, Shiloh Baptist Church, Seymour Focal Passage: Isaiah 37:14-20, 30-35 God listens to the prayers of His children. Indeed, He hears, He
Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Convention churches contributed $2,941,530 through the Cooperative Program in July. For the year-to-date, Tennessee Baptists have given $25,831,963.
By Bob Smietana Senior Writer for Facts and Trends (from LifeWay Research) NASHVILLE — When it comes to charity, a personal touch works 10 times better
