TAMPA, Fla. (ABP) — Humor is both Susan Sparks’ heart and her arms to embrace strangers and implode barriers that would keep them from Jesus. Susan Sparks The stand-up comic who is also a pastor and former lawyer embodies a…
Pastor says God chooses who will be saved
PASADENA, Calif. (ABP) – A Southern Baptist pastor told a California audience June 26 that the notion that God foreknew which believers would freely choose to accept Christ is false. Steve Lawson, pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, Ala.,…
Burmese refugees joyful despite persecution, say visitors
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (ABP) — Baptist World Alliance President John Upton was part of a seven-member delegation to visit refugees near the border between Thailand and Myanmar while en route to meetings this week in Malaysia. Upton, executive director of…
Missouri Baptist Foundation files second appeal
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (ABP) — For the second time, the Missouri Baptist Foundation is seeking to appeal a Cole County judge's ruling that could force the institution to return control to the Missouri Baptist Convention. The Foundation filed a notice…
Baptists travel to Malaysia for annual meeting
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) – Baptist leaders from around the world are traveling this weekend to Malaysia for an annual gathering of the Baptist World Alliance. More than 300 Baptist leaders and delegates will converge on Malaysia’s capital of Kuala…
Patriotism, spiritual ties may pull Christians in opposite directions
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — When war erupted between Russia and Georgia in 2008, repercussions included more than the 2,000 deaths and tens of thousands of refugees attributed to the conflict. Casualties also included relations between the two countries’ Baptist fellowships,…
One Nation Under God
ARLINGTON, Texas (ABP) — When American Christians pledge allegiance to their nation and its flag—sometimes in worship services—does that reflect narrow nationalism or proper patriotism? Some Baptists believe it all hinges on how they interpret “one nation under God.” Nationalism,…
Hispanic Convention creates its own governing board
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ABP) — Standing at the start of its second century, the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas voted to incorporate the body into a nonprofit organization with its own executive board. Convention president Jesse Rincones said the decision…
Does the Star-Spangled Banner belong in the church sanctuary?
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Christians should express love for country, experts on the intersection of Christianity and public life agree, but they advise caution in how churches demonstrate patriotism in worship settings. Patriotic music, flag displays, recognition of veterans’ sacrifice and…