It may now seem surprising to many United Methodists, and even more Baptists, that for most of our histories in the United States, all Methodists and Baptists were regularly designated as evangelical denominations. The most important reason is that both...
By Robert Dilday Despite economic woes and continuing tension with Ukraine, Baptists in Russia are “busy binding up wounds, both the physical and the spiritual ones,” leaders said in a statement Dec. 22. “We thank God when the guns in…
By Jeff Brumley A pair of robbers being chased by police turned Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis into the scene of more than Christmas drama on Monday. According to media reports, the Southern Baptist Convention megachurch was evacuated and searched…
By Corey Fields I love Charles Dickens’ 1843 story A Christmas Carol. A few people in my congregation like to tease me because I can’t get through an Advent season without using it as a sermon illustration. It was a…
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. – John 1:14a MSG Occasionally called the “forgotten Christmas story,” the first chapter of John describes the incarnation of Christ in philosophical prose. In contrast Matthew and Luke give…
I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help overhearing her pain, frustration, and determination. The lady I sat down beside in the busy terminal was obviously troubled. As I took a load off and tried to find my boarding…
Should missionaries ever seek to change social practices and work to make laws that would change what is thought unacceptable in the countries to which they go? Most Christians now would probably say No, although perhaps they would allow for…
By Jeff Brumley Baptists have historically minimized bodily movement in worship and prayer out of concern for appearing too charismatic or Catholic, scholars and spiritual formation ministers say. Baptisms and altar calls and the occasional layings-on of hands are accepted,…
