Van Richmond
Former Pastor of New Life Church, Nashville

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15 ESV).

Proclaiming the gospel. Some find the prospect frightening.  Others find it exhilarating. For Charles Hand, talking about Jesus was as natural as breathing. Cancer gave him just another reason to talk — not about death, but about eternal life.

The physicians at the Veterans Administration hospital in Oklahoma City rotate regularly. They typically spend about two weeks before moving on to other patients, and Charles’ oncologist was nearing the end of his tour of duty with this particular group. As he walked into the hospital room, Charles greeted him quickly and immediately began sharing the gospel with him. The physician listened briefly before replying, “Oh yeah. I was saved as a 6-year-old boy.” Charles inquired, “Really? Tell me about that.” [Read more…]

By Ernest L. Easley
Professor of Evangelism, Union University

Ernest Easley

There was a lot of talk on the topic of evangelism during the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in St. Louis.

The sermons that were preached, the panel discussions that were presented, and our mission boards’ reports all made reference to the 15-year decrease in baptisms in our Southern Baptist churches.

Plenty of people are attempting to explain the decline. Some say it’s because so many of our churches are not filing their annual report, thus skewing the numbers. Others say the decline is theologically based while still others say it’s methodological. [Read more…]

By David Evans
TBC Evangelism Specialist

David Evans

As you are aware, our nation is struggling with a great divide. Those that stand in the middle of the divide are our men and women police officers.  They wake every morning to fears that most of us cannot comprehend. They face the unknown everyday to protect and serve their communities. Lately they have been compensated with news of fallen officers. They are not paid enough and are not encouraged enough. [Read more…]

By Ken R. Speakman
Member, Tulip Grove Baptist Church, Old Hickory

Ken Speakman

I Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to “in everything give thanks.” To give thanks when you don’t feel like it is not hypocrisy; it’s obedience. Does this mean even when my flight is cancelled, my vacation has been interrupted, or some difficulty comes my way? Yes it does. God often has something else, or something better for you.

In January 2010, I was the guest speaker at the Michigan Gideon Mid-Winter Conference in East Lansing. It was a weekend conference and I was scheduled to leave very early on Sunday morning.

On my return flight to Nashville, bad weather caused me to miss my connecting flight in Detroit. “Lord, why is this happening to me,” I asked? “You know how I want to get home!” I would now spend Sunday in the Detroit airport.  As I stood at the counter and saw my plane still at the gate but without me on it, I thought, “I don’t like this Lord; it’s not fair!” [Read more…]