In 1534, King Henry VIII of England made a bold claim that he was the sole head of the Church of England. In that act, he merged the power of his throne with the power of heaven itself. The divine right of kings, reflected in this assertion, meant that everyone had to obey the king […]
Confronting Cultural Opposition with God’s Truth
The first overt full-throttled insurrection against God’s truth was perpetrated by our first parents, Adam and Eve. Since that catastrophic day, the rebellion has gone on unabated by the human race. Humanity has been in opposition to God’s truth since Genesis 3. In that chapter, God laid down some very clear objective truth claims to […]
Race Relations: Koinonia in Our Hearts, Heads, Feet, and Hands
Race relations is a sociological concept that involves the study of relations between races and the effectiveness of practices designed to improve these relations. Using survey data, Manhattan Institute political scientist Eric Kaufmann reported earlier this spring that “at a time when racist attitudes and behavior have never been more positive, pessimism about race and […]
Christian Conscience Provides Early Warning System
Baptists have long been standard-bearers of freedom of conscience for everyone, even for fellow citizens marketing ideas we might find objectionable. In fact, it is fair to say that America would have run on a decidedly different track had our Baptist forebears abandoned that foundational cause. Doing so might have rendered life more comfortable in […]
‘Lord, Teach Us To Pray’
I love listening to how others pray and what they say. The language they use reflects their understanding of God. Some refer to God as “Father,” reflecting a profound sense of intimacy. Others approach Him as “Sovereign God” or “Lord,” suggesting a healthy dose of respect. Unfortunately, the prayers of some reveal how little they […]
Columbia Metro Baptist Association’s Cathy Locklear Retires
Cathy Locklear, Columbia Metro Baptist Association’s ministry mobilizer, has announced her retirement, effective Aug. 31. For more than 20 years, Locklear has assisted the association with a variety of ministries including hunger ministry, Woman’s Missionary Union, and an evangelistic block party trailer.
CMBA executive director retires
George Bullard, executive director of Columbia Metro Baptist Association, retired June 10. The longtime denominational leader officially notified CMBA’s Visionary Leadership Community of his plans during the group’s monthly meeting in Columbia. Bullard has served the CMBA since 2017. After serving in several missions roles with the former Home Mission Board, Bullard went to Columbia […]
‘6 Yellow Balloons’ is author Rosalie Hall Hunt’s own mission story
From the author who brought to life the intimate stories of historic women of missions comes Rosalie Hall Hunt’s own story, “6 Yellow Balloons,” her memoir of growing up in China as a “missionary kid” and following God’s call to become an international missionary herself. At times funny, sorrowful and exhilarating, her story is one […]
Angels shadow us, editor’s book reveals
Do Christians ever encounter angels? Courier Editor Rudy Gray believes they can, and sometimes do — though people may not always be aware. In fact, Gray believes he and other members of a missions team from a church he pastored may have encountered one in human form on a plane. “Angels are real, and they […]
‘The Best Heroes’ to benefit Connie Maxwell Ministries
Doug Kauffmann, retired pastor of Connie Maxwell Baptist Church, has released an illustrated children’s book based on a cherished memory of a magnificent frigid day he spent with his father at Yankee Stadium in December 1962. “The Best Heroes” (Courier Publishing, 28 pages) is the story of a father and son who attend the NFL […]