Texas Baptist Voices - Baptist Standard: Recent Episodes
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Jim Lemons uses the illustration of a bumblebee stuck in a jar to illustrate the importance of looking up to God if a person is to be free.
Ruth and Joe married while he was in seminary. The early years were a struggle, but her mom's marriage advice proved really helpful.
Will we rise above political affiliations to embody what it means to be a Christian in a divided society? Prayer is one way we can.
“Women encounter disorienting differences between their Baptist churches on Sunday and their workplaces on Monday.”
Leon Blevins cautions against the fallacy of thinking the church and the state are synonymous and champions church-state separation.
Ben needed more than a handout. He needed advocates and a network. Baptist Temple in San Antonio took up the challenge.
Of all the bad choices a loved one can make, the most serious and devastating is not to believe in Christ, Joshua Sharp contends.
Wade Berry calls for a humility that balances the responsibility to follow God’s call with the need to trust God for the results.
Cristian Cervantes argues that certain New Testament Scripture passages can’t be read as affirmation of transgender.
David Holcomb suggests eight ways to reflect a faithful Christian witness as Christians engage in contemporary politics.
Everything seemed bigger when I was a kid, but, “Nothing was as big as my little mind believed.” God, however, “is bigger than I remember.”
Editor Eric Black, Old Testament professor Timothy Pierce, and theology and ethics professor Kimlyn Bender respond to Richard Hays’ new book.
Kimlyn Bender, Baylor professor of theology and ethics, responds to Part II of a new book contending for God’s acceptance of same-sex sex.
Timothy Pierce, professor of Old Testament, responds to Part I of a new book contending for God’s acceptance of same-sex sex.
Roger Williams played a significant role in establishing religious liberty, one of America’s key freedoms. Baptists do well to remember.
Associational Director Scott Whitson describes three reasons churches are struggling and suggests solutions to combat those problems.
Wade Berry explains the sometimes tense relationship between truth and unity, and issues a warning and challenge.
Carol Crawford Holcomb relates Obadiah Holmes’ 17th-century contribution to Baptist’s advocacy for religious freedom.
“My adopted country gave me a new start, freedom I never had enjoyed before and a bright future for my family. But as a Christian, I’m saddened by the hateful rhetoric that often greets newcomers today.”
“For more than 200 years, Baptists in America and Southern Baptists in particular proudly have repeated the stories of our fight for religious freedom.”
Sergio Ramos, durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, recuerda el rico legado de familiares y ministros que han influenciado su vida.
Sergio Ramos, during Hispanic Heritage Month, remembers the rich legacy of family and ministry leaders who have influenced his life.
Ruth Cook shares her perspective on heaven gained in childhood from her mom, from her grandmother and through her own aging.
Wade Berry cautions against three types of threat to Christian unity—cultural change, competing gospels and toxic ecclesiology.
I still remember going to video rental stores as a kid, excited to get a movie, TV show or video game to enjoy. Of course, those days are over. The...
Parker Bowen challenges us to consider what the place and structure of our worship says about God's character, story and glory.
“What was done before will not be enough to move churches into the future,” Ben Karner writes. Churches will need Holy Spirit inspiration.
In our individualistic, democratized society, many wonder how much we have to agree to be united. Wade Berry addresses the question.
Ben Karner, noting worship is a verb, considers the full scope of worship as described in the Bible and to be embodied by Christians.
Ben Karner points to the church at Antioch as an example of leadership development in the church and suggests three guidelines.
Jesus didn’t simply pray for our unity. He modeled the disposition necessary if his followers are to be what Jesus wants us to be.
Ben Karner reminds us of the power of the early church’s purposeful compassion through giving specifically and as they were able.
While on a walk through her neighborhood, Ruth Cook saw a metaphor for how people can be known by how they respond to loss.
“Too many people who claim to be Christian have no idea what it means to be a Christian and have no understanding of the teaching of Christ.”
“Hispanic Baptist work in Texas is connected to the history of Baptist work in Mexico. Both predate the formation of the BGCT.”
John Litzler compares the America he saw Saturday morning with what happened Saturday evening and encourages the first.
Ben Karner describes what successful outreach is, how it keeps a church thriving and why it is the church’s job.
In praise of God’s love, that changed a teenager debilitated by rheumatoid arthritis into a young man committed to Jesus.
The first mark of the authentic church is the Holy Spirit fills it. Boldness in communicating the gospel is a proof.
Cintia Aguilar describes a model of ministry that involves her whole family in embodying a communal calling.
Ruth Cook encourages cancer survivors through what she learned during her own experience with and surviving cancer.
Casey Spinks presents an argument for fetuses as human beings based on the doctrine of Jesus being fully human.
Josh King, new pastor of First Baptist Church in Lewisville, describes six things he’s learned about Texas Baptists in six months.
“Not all distinctions are bad, and support and cooperation can thrive even when disagreements are real,” Myles Werntz contends.
“God has called and will continue to call women. And those he calls, he equips—regardless of the circumstances surrounding the call.”
Jalil Dawood, pastor of Arabaic Church of Dallas and a refugee who fled Iraq in 1982, describes what life is really like for refugees.
I became a Southern Baptist by accident—providence, really—but I remain a Southern Baptist by choice and conviction. Not only am I in doctrinal alignment with the SBC, but I am...
Wade Berry expresses the struggle of weighing convictions and connection when there is a disconnect between oneself and one’s denomination.
Dustin Slaton suggests dialogue with five essential elements to address and overcome the distance between NAMB and the BGCT.
Jack Goodyear agrees with Southern Baptists’ resolution on religious liberty and calls Baptists to continue opposing Christian nationalism.
Johnny Teague loves growing a garden. One plant in his garden is not like the others and gives him a picture of growing in Christ.
The Bible doesn’t support all the memes, Jay Givens contends in his examination of what the Bible says about the land of Israel.
Tensions are rising over the North American Mission Board’s relationship with Texas Baptists. Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention will vote on the highly controversial “Law Amendment” at their annual...
As high school seniors make plans to become college freshmen, a campus minister points to advice from Jeremiah for that journey.
Brandon Galbreath shares what his grandmothers taught him about being good and God's goodness demonstrated through Jesus’ crucifixion.
Rev. William Lawson, who died May 14 at age 95, holds a special place in Patti Greene’s life as the person who led her to Jesus.
Pastors’ kids have a unique and sometimes negative experience of the church. A pastor’s kid suggests ways to improve care for PKs.
Chad Selph passed away Dec. 16, 2023, after a three-year battle with cancer. He was our pastor and friend. For me, Lezah, he was my boss. I, Joel, realize the...
Atrocities once condemned are happening again today. Would you be willing to identify with the targets of those atrocities?
Ellis Orozco wraps up a four-part series explaining three principles for how Christians should approach elections and politics in general.
God used a West Texas teacher/preacher and an everyday man—who loved his wife and family and worked hard—to bring revival.
A consistent biblical approach to voting requires Christians to know the Bible, but a growing number of Christians don’t.
The historic Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, with help from Baylor University's Soundings Project, brought youth and police together.
The responsibility to vote includes approaching the privilege with the spirit of Christ and from a Christ-centered perspective.
First Baptist Church in Amarillo saw positive results from a new Bible study focused on bridging worship and work.
“How do we engage in the brawl without becoming brawlers? ... How do we vote from a biblical, Christ-centered worldview?”
It’s easy to think not much happens in small towns and small churches. Sometimes, that’s true. But big things are happening through revitalization at First Baptist Church in Rosebud.
Parenting is difficult, sometimes very difficult and requiring outside help. Joe and Ruth Cook share some of what helped them.
Two Port Arthur churches—one mostly white and Baptist, one mostly African American and nondenominational—facing history, worshipped together.
Holy Week is central to Christianity, culminating in a risen Savior, but “if we aren’t careful, Easter becomes ordinary.”
“Peter Scazerro calls culture ‘that imprecise something.’ For too long, culture has been the ‘black box’ of pastoral leadership.“
Johnny Teague relates the story and influence of his childhood pastor, Brother Bill Schibler, who continues to point people to Jesus.
A pastor shares his candid reflections on spirituality, marriage and the body in the aftermath of his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis.
Ron Cook responds to Alexander Lang's blog post "Departure: Why I Left the Church" with encouragement for both pastors and churches.
Lanny Hall remembers his older sister teaching him a hymn giving him lifelong encouragement and a lighthearted phrase when he needed it.
Pastor Damon Pearce knows the importance of praying for pastors and encourages church members to pray for their pastor.
God has a path of life for believers in Jesus. Are you on that path of following Jesus or heading down a different one?
Hunter Brown offers a view of pastoral care from his experience as a youth minister. Spoiler alert: it's all about presence.
The bipartisan Dignity Act is largely consistent with a 2023 SBC resolution and with past statements from evangelical leaders on immigration.
Much of modern worship music falls short of Scripture’s vision. A biblical vision of it will strengthen it and bring glory to God.
Pastor and seminary professor Mike Morris cites his support for the Afghan Adjustment Act and calls for its passage.
Seth Pitman, member of the committee to nominate BGCT Executive Board members, offers another perspective on the women in ministry motion.
Texas Baptist Women in Ministry suggest 10 practical ways to demonstrate support for women in pastoral and other ministry roles.
Leadership of Calvary Baptist Church in Waco responds to the women in ministry motion adopted during the 2023 BGCT annual meeting.
Women who experience a distinct call to the pastorate should be called "pastor" just as called men are, Hannah Brown contends.
Patti Greene reminds readers of Amos's story, a so-called minor prophet called from agriculture to become God's messenger to Israel.
Jordan Villanueva seeks to clarify language used in recent weeks that communicates Texas Baptists always have had a historic stance on women in ministry.
In response to recent gun violence and political and religious division in Fort Worth, Pastor Erik Vance calls for prayer and repentance.
Randy Bradley demonstrates the value he has found in using artificial intelligence as a research tool, giving examples from Google Bard.
Ruth Cook encourages ministry leaders by sharing ways she has learned to deal with disappointment and failure in church ministry.
ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence pose challenges to pastors and churches that require prior commitments and training to overcome.
Conflict in the church doesn't have to be a bad thing. If navigated well, it can lead to positive outcomes.
Ruth Cook, a public school educator, explains why Christian educators should stay in the public school system, despite the many challenges.
To address evangelical's current leadership problems, Wade Berry calls for selecting Christian leaders whose character matches 1 Timothy 3.
BGCT Associate Executive Director Craig Christina reminds Texas Baptists they are stronger together and calls them to maintain their unity in diversity on women in ministry.
To address evangelical's current leadership problems, Wade Berry calls for selecting Christian leaders whose character matches 1 Timothy 3.
Believers have an edge in better understanding what is going on in this world and in understanding and interpreting the Bible.
Joshua Sharp contends, since all Christians have a functional creed, a clearly stated creed is better than vague or assumed language.
Instead of just trying to make women feel better, women's ministry can go deeper and be more honest, Abby Manes contends.
Kayelee Arensman reminds us the Sabbath is made for us. What's more, God commands us to remember it. We have more than permission to rest.
From her own experience, Cintia Aguilar describes three things churches should do to demonstrate their support for women in ministry.
Texas Baptists' Associate Executive Director Craig Christina explains why Texas Baptists oppose gambling and advocate against it.
Texas Baptist pastors Tedrick Woods and Chad Chaddick explain why they visit the Texas Capitol to advocate for their legislative positions.
Joshua Sharp argues even if you are not a pastor or don't have a seminary or Bible college degree some level of familiarity with Greek and Hebrew is incredibly valuable.
Patti Greene shares her experience of God calling her to write books and suggests four ways others can hear and discern God's call for them.
Jay Givens looks deeper into the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the message Jesus' original audience would have understood.
Nathan Patzke adds his voice to those who oppose a list of churches with women pastors purportedly connected to the SBC.
Don Newbury, retired president of Howard Payne University, reflects on some changes Texas universities have made over the years.
Everett Berry, professor of theology at Criswell College, explains why certain leadership functions in the church should be limited to men.
Jeff Warren, senior pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, explains why he advocates for women leading in ministry.
Abby Manes shares her story of becoming a foster parent and describes what that calling looks like, including the challenges and joys.
Churches want to be sensitive to special needs but don't always know how. Ashley Myers offers some suggestions from her own experience.
"Rather than desensitizing ourselves to the harms of this world, do we engage in practices that re-sensitize us to the pain others feel?"
Young adult ministry requires taking account of context. Grace offers a focal point for leaders to listen to where young adults are.
There are countless conference options, but conference culture has become a problem and needs to be challenged.
Ruth Cook plans to read through the Bible this year with a group of friends. She's finding more in Genesis than she expected.
After reading through the Bible for the first time, Smith Getterman shares how he did it and what he learned about reading the Bible.
Antwuan Malone, pastor to young adults, offers encouraging counsel to those seeking to reach and disciple young adults.
A former student of Craig Bird, who died Dec. 12, reflects on his professor's ministry and investment in students.
Cristian Cervantes describes the origin of Hanukkah and how he and his family celebrate it as Jewish Christians.
Ruth Cook reflects on the darkness of cancer, cancer treatment and recovery, and how Christ is a light who dispels the darkness.
Joshua Sharp argues Christians should reject the idea youth pastors, college pastors and other pastors are not "real" pastors.
Recovery often leads affected communities to feel stronger, more united and more content than they were before disaster occurred.
Especially in uncertain and hurting times, we search for something to cling to and bring us into a place of safety and security.
Joshua Sharp asks, "Where do we draw lines" between the letter and the spirit of God's Law based on what Scripture contains?
Baptist Standard board member Teresa Martinez reflects on her board service and the role the Standard plays among a diverse readership.
BGCT First Vice President Dr. Julio Guarneri calls Texas Baptists to take certain steps to prepare for a future almost here.
Ricardo Brambila, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana in Dallas, shares his church's history and examines challenges for the future.
Dr. Gabriel Cortés, chief of staff for Baptist University of the Américas, describes the impact BUA has in Texas and the world.
"My best friends in the world are here in this Baptist family. I can declare with all my heart: God is still with us and moving us forward."
Karen O'Dell Bullock, distinguished Baptist historian, shares the impact of the Baptist World Alliance on her and many others.
Dennis Wiles, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington, explains the missiological significance of the Baptist World Alliance.
Dr. Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International, shares why the Baptist World Alliance matters to him and all Baptists.
Texas Baptists are actively sharing the gospel on Texas college and university campuses. They ask you to pray for their efforts.