When I left seminary, I was just dying to get into a pastorate so I could try out all the good ideas that had been germinating through all those hours and hours of sitting in a seminary classroom. I believe…
OUT LOUD
“Christianity is a religion for sinners. It doesn’t encourage you to sin; it encourages you not to. But it provides a way of forgiveness and redemption. That’s what Tiger Woods, like many sinners, needs.” Brit Hume The Fox News analyst,…
Church partners with VBMB to open counseling center in southwest Va.
BOONES MILL, Va. — When Darrell Hunley became the pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Boones Mill, his background caused him to be sensitive to the emotional, as well as spiritual, needs of the surrounding county. Hunley, who is board…
Statement is first-ever consensus on religious expression and law
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A diverse group of leaders who often find themselves on opposite sides of the contentious battles at the intersection of church and state joined forces Jan. 12 to unveil an unprecedented consensus statement aimed at advancing public understanding…
Is there common ground on abortion? Both sides say, probably not
WASHINGTON (RNS) — On the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, anti-abortion activists prepare for the annual March for Life and their counterparts plan religious services to pray for the safety of abortion providers. But, 37 years after the…
FAITH DIGEST
University can reject Christian courses. The University of California has the right to reject courses taught at Christian high schools, a federal appeals court ruled Jan. 12. Calvary Chapel Christian School in Murrieta, Calif., and the Association of Christian Schools…
Heavenly songs drive home gospel message
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While working on songs for a new album, most songwriters don’t read the book of Revelation over and over again for inspiration. But that’s exactly what singer/songwriter Phil Wickham did to prepare for the release of his…
Israel’s Messianic Jews wary of stepped-up persecution
ARIEL, West Bank (RNS) — After their teenage son was nearly killed by a bomb disguised as a holiday gift basket, few people were as eager for Ya’acov Teitel to see justice as Leah and David Ortiz. Teitel, an Orthodox…
RIGHT OR WRONG? Learning about mission from immigrants
I tell our Sunday school class the stream of immigrants pouring into our city represents more of an opportunity than a challenge. What can we learn from them about doing mission with more integrity? The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) instructs…