“This familiar season of gratitude also exposes the nagging, internal struggle that wreaks havoc in the typical American heart. Though we want to grow in thankfulness, enticements toward greed often overcome us,” noted pastor Adam Dooley.
First-person articles, comments, letters to the editor, blog excerpts, social media posts and more.
Before cameras, microphones, and social media, God’s Old Testament prophets were the original communicators—using every tool of their time to capture attention, confront culture and call people back to truth.
Since we live in such a secular culture, it’s easy to think most nonbelievers are indifferent — even hostile — to the idea of attending church.
“This is not a time for Southern Baptists to get mad. It is not a time to look for a person or persons to blame. Southern Baptist leaders need to know that we can handle disappointing news and face challenges with resolve, not rage. This is a time for Southern Baptists to buckle up and get ready for some tough news, some hard choices, and the necessity of working up hill for years,” said Chuck Kelley.
In other words, the only certainties in life are its unpredictability and its brevity.
I’ve consulted with hundreds of churches over the years, and sadly, online trolls are a common enemy shared by some of the most effective churches in America.
“I recognize Deborah is not a friend you meet for coffee. She speaks sharply and pulls no punches,” writes Meredith Flynn.
On Monday afternoons, I often check in with our members who were out of worship on Sunday. As I spoke with an older woman in our congregation, we found ourselves talking about the generational differences between us.
Recently, while walking verse-by-verse through 1 Corinthians, I found myself wrestling with texts that, frankly, I would have never chosen to preach if my only concern was what people wanted to hear.
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