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Thinking About America the Right Way

I have been excited all year about the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States. Why? I suspect that for a person my age, it has to do with memories of the bicentennial celebrations of 1976. The 200th anniversary... Continue Reading »

Should Christians Practice Their Faith in Public Office?

Recently, a man approached me with a three-fold statement regarding Christians who work for the government. The first argument was that those in public office were bound by the Constitution in a different way, primarily regarding the First Amendment.... Continue Reading »

Success, Fulfillment, and the American Dream

In the rush of modernity, the question of how to achieve success seems perpetually before us, and penetrates our society far more deeply than is obvious at first glance. Success has been an invaluable marketing tool for those who... Continue Reading »

Re-Consecrating Humans Through Worship in a Desecrated World

What does it mean to “do” church in a way that’s human? This is the question I found myself asking after reading Carl Trueman’s most recent book, The Desecration of Man. The Desecration of Man Trueman argues that we... Continue Reading »

Rightly Ordered Patriotism: Is America an Exceptional Nation?

(Editors’ note: The following story, which was originally published in Modern Reformation, was reprinted as a condensed article in the July 2026 print edition of The Baptist Courier.) _________________ And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago Most... Continue Reading »

I’m a Christian Teenager. What Do I Say to My LGBT-Identifying Friends?

(Editors’ note: this article was originally published at Southern Equip) Whether at public school or in a workplace, we must equip teenagers to love their LGBT-identifying friends without sacrificing the truth. I’m a professor who is almost 40 years... Continue Reading »

Baptists and the Fiction of Christian Nationalism

So what is a Christian? In short, a Christian is a believer in the person and work of Christ. This means that a Christian has concluded in mind and conscience that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God... Continue Reading »

Spreading God’s Love Through Thousands of Handwritten Letters

It’s the simple gestures and acts of kindness that sometimes mean the most and can brighten someone’s day — like receiving a handwritten note in the mail. That’s what Allison Bond realized. But little did she know the impact... Continue Reading »

Better Together: The Unending Impact of a Typical Southern Baptist Church

If you want to get Mark Clifton talking, ask him about a church’s impact on its community and beyond. Want to see him find another gear? Call those churches “small.” “About 13,000 [Southern Baptist] churches last Sunday morning had... Continue Reading »

The Unreached People Group in Your Backyard: SCBaptists on Disability Ministry

Pastor Mike Thompson has a picture in mind for what the body of Christ should look like. It comes from the Parable of the Banquet Table, where a master sends his servant out to invite more and more people... Continue Reading »

From Buddhist Roots to Bold Witness

“You cannot be in here,” the evil spirit said to Mary, “I see a different Spirit around you, a Spirit within you. There is a light around you, and that light is not welcomed in this home anymore.” Mary... Continue Reading »

America Will Be Great Again When It’s Good Again

1976 was one of my favorite childhood years. I was nine years old, and late that year the Lord began opening my spiritual eyes to my heart’s true condition — sin and self sat atop its throne, and I... Continue Reading »

Grief Is Not an Enemy of Faith

(Editors’ note: This article originally appeared at The Gospel Coalition.) Just a few days after my grandfather died, I found a video cassette of our oldest son’s birth. I transferred the video to a digital file, and Corina and... Continue Reading »

A Summer of Welcome: Ideas for Practicing Hospitality

One of my favorite things is when our house is full of people. I love hospitality because, over the years, the Lord has taught me it’s not about my house, cooking skills, or picture-perfect decor. Instead, biblical hospitality is... Continue Reading »

‘He Gets All the Glory’: Canes’ Slavin Reflects on Stanley Cup Win

When Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin finally wrapped his hands around the Stanley Cup and hoisted it over his head, he felt what every hockey player dreams about. “Pure excitement,” Slavin said nearly a week after the Hurricanes beat... Continue Reading »

Is it Your Church’s Job to Disciple Your Kids?

6,570. That might seem like a large number; however, when you look at it as days, it is but a drop in the bucket. It is 18 years to be exact. That’s roughly how long parents have with... Continue Reading »

Hope for the Proud: How God Welcomes All Types of Repentant Sinners

Have you ever counted yourself out of the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 because you can’t relate to being the lost sheep? You admire God’s welcoming, loving heart toward the prodigal son, but you wonder if... Continue Reading »

Graduates, Remember the Rich Young Man

(Editors’ note: This article was adapted from the commencement address at Bethlehem College and Seminary, originally published at Desiring God.) Fifty-five years ago this month, I was sitting in a seminary commencement service like this one, ready to receive... Continue Reading »

An Unlikely Case of Alcoholism Becomes a Case of Grace

Geraldo Ortiz grew up in a loving home. He went to work. He paid his bills. He seemed to be an unlikely candidate for alcoholism. But emotions are either dealt with or numbed. Ortiz lived in Puerto Rico until... Continue Reading »

What the Bible Says About … the Christian’s Hope

Christians often hear statements like, “I hope the car doesn’t run out of gas,” or “I hope he shows up for the appointment.” In everyday speech, “hope” carries no guarantee — it expresses a desire, not a certainty. So... Continue Reading »

Does the Church Keep Us Saved?

You could hear a pin drop if weren’t for the subtle sound of weeping from the pulpit. The room was on edge, waiting to hear a single word from the preacher. It was hard to breathe. The weight of... Continue Reading »

Dear Graduate: Know Why God Made You

(Editors’ note: My son, Jake Robinson, graduates high school on May 22. He is the youngest of our four children and is the final Robinson child to bid farewell to high school and begin the tricky launch into adulthood.... Continue Reading »

IMB Releases ‘Blueprint’ for NextGen Seeking to Reach the Nations

The International Mission Board has released “Blueprint: Recognizing God’s Design for His Glory Among the Nations,” a new course and companion book for students, young adults and ministry leaders to understand Scripture as one unified story and recognize their... Continue Reading »

Chicken and Church Planting: How a 40-year-old Country Boy Planted a Church in Anderson

It was never just about chicken or church planting; it was about God’s sovereignty. Stephen Watson grew up in Camden, S.C., riding four-wheelers and exploring the woods. He trusted in Jesus as His Savior at a revival service when... Continue Reading »

New and Noteworthy Books — May 2026

The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving — Revised and Updated (Multnomah, 2012) by Randy Alcorn Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle... Continue Reading »

‘Experiencing God’ Sequel Addresses Godly Habits

Richard Blackaby suggests pairing what he calls “godly habits” with daily routines. The firstborn son of Southern Baptist Convention elder statesman Henry Blackaby spoke May 18–20 at the Billy Graham Conference Center, two miles northeast of Asheville, about the... Continue Reading »

Who Will Succeed the Longest-serving Governor in S.C. History?

South Carolina is no stranger to the longevity of its political leaders. Sen. Strom Thurmond served just one term as governor of South Carolina (1947–1951) but his service as senior senator in Washington stretched from 1956 to 2003 —... Continue Reading »

Most Churchgoers Aiming to Serve In and Out of Church

Most churchgoers say they’re looking for ways to serve God as well as the people in their churches and communities, but many still struggle to make that a reality. Serving God and others is one of eight key signposts... Continue Reading »

Homeless After 28 Years

I remember the day my pastor’s wife became homeless. Helen was a great pastor’s wife. She served faithfully for decades alongside her husband, Len G., who served as the pastor of a First Baptist Church in a small town... Continue Reading »

Money: An Instrument for Blessing, Not an Indicator of It

(Editors’ note: This article was originally published at 9Marks)   I was in college. I was a young Christian. And I remember walking past my pastor’s luxury car into the church office one day, and was greeted by a... Continue Reading »

Stewarding Money as a Good and Faithful Servant

There’s a scene in Finding Nemo of a flock of seagulls incessantly chanting, “Mine, mine, mine,” over and over. They are depicted as greedy birds obsessed with claiming their fish food. When they see a fish, they call out... Continue Reading »

Five Dangerous Assumptions Baptists Make

Whether consciously or subconsciously, we all make assumptions that affect our lives. Some assumptions are more dangerous than others. Assuming the waiter correctly relayed your order to the chef is not nearly as hazardous as assuming that the oncoming... Continue Reading »

First Person: Why Giving Is a Matter of the Heart

When asked about giving my money to God, one thought comes to mind: Stewardship. Stewardship means it is not mine to control. It means I am taking care of something that belongs to someone else. It all belongs to... Continue Reading »

Managing Your Finances as a Christian Couple

Writing about how married couples handle their money is a tricky matter, mostly because both parties, though one in marriage, may have very different opinions on how finances should be handled in the marriage. To begin, both the husband... Continue Reading »

“Let the Little Children Come”: A Brief Case for Welcoming Children into Corporate Worship

(Editors’ note: this article was originally published at 9Marks) If you’ve ever worked in an office, you’ve probably heard of “Take Your Child to Work Day.” On this occasion, parents bring their son or daughter to the workplace to... Continue Reading »

The Nature of Sin and Three Choices to Overcome It

I’ve listened as friends reacted to news about a strong believer committing a grievous sin. Their reaction is often one of shock, disgust, and anger. They might say, “This person was such a strong Christian, so I never saw... Continue Reading »

Missions Will Draw Out the Worst in You

(Editors’ note: This article was originally published at Desiring God) Before I became a missionary, I assumed missionaries were supposed to be super-saints —un-caped crusaders faithfully following God anywhere and everywhere. I (almost) imagined them arriving on the field... Continue Reading »

First Person: The Missionary Call of Motherhood

Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from “Mercy in the Margin,” a devotional book by Chelsey DeMatteis, coming from B&H Publishing in August. “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to... Continue Reading »

Loving the Long‑Haul Neighbor

There were five of us gathered in a small study room in the campus library, launching a new small group built around the Alpha Film Series. I opened the night by asking everyone why they had come. When it... Continue Reading »

Take That Risk for Jesus

(Editors’ note: This article was originally published at Desiring God.)   When was the last time you felt an impulse to do something fresh and daring for Jesus, but then you glanced around, thought how strange you might look,... Continue Reading »

Southern Baptists See Attendance and Baptism Gains Amid Membership Declines

Southern Baptist churches saw sustained growth in attendance and baptisms, but the two-decade membership decline continued in 2025. Total Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) membership fell by more than 3 percent from 2024 to 2025, dipping to 12,331,954, according to... Continue Reading »

Easter and Christmas Church Attendees: The Fallacy of Consumerist Christianity

(Editors’ note: this article was originally published by Paul Tripp) Maybe you noticed this on Easter. Perhaps your sanctuary or worship center was far fuller than a typical Sunday. Maybe you saw the “Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday” population... Continue Reading »

How Does Faith Shape Politics?

Have you ever heard someone say that “the government should not legislate morality,” or invoke “separation of church and state” to suggest that religious beliefs should not influence political decisions? In my last piece, I argued for tearing down... Continue Reading »

You Are Not Your Beliefs

(Editors’ note: This article was originally published at Reformation21) In the early 2000s, I had the privilege to teach at Delaware County Christian School, in Newtown Square, Pa., 10 miles outside of Philadelphia. I taught a variety of theology... Continue Reading »

Avoid the Appearance of Evil

Avoid the Appearance of Evil: The saga of Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and a reporter shows why boundaries in marriage are a good thing (Editors’ note: this article was originally published at WORLD Opinions) Back when he served as... Continue Reading »

S.C. Legislature Closer to Legalizing THC-infused Products

Will you soon be able to walk into a convenience store and legally buy a can of pot or pick up a pack of gummies infused with THC? The shocking answer is yes — and perhaps more disturbing, thanks... Continue Reading »

Do You Long for Revival? Pray, Preach, and Publish

Last year, I had the opportunity to go to Tokyo with a small group of pastors and future missionaries. At this moment, conservative estimates note that less than 1 percent of the Japanese people consider themselves to be evangelical... Continue Reading »

Two Words That Will Change Your Life

I do. These two words have the power to change your life forever. No longer are you a solo operative navigating the complexities of this world alone. No longer are you allowed to let dishes pile up in the... Continue Reading »

Biblicist Versus Biblical: Can Sources Outside the Bible Be Rightly Informative?

Disclaimers and Definitions I would like to say two things from the outset of this post. First, the question in this post’s subtitle is massively important. It is essentially asking if anything besides the Bible can inform our thinking,... Continue Reading »

Recovering the Mission of the Home: Ordinary Faithfulness, Eternal Impact

It is no secret that we live in a post-modern culture infected with feminism. Traditional marriage, motherhood, and homemaking are seen as oppressive prisons that women must escape. Young women are taught to passionately pursue their careers and climb... Continue Reading »