Southern Baptist Churches Growing in Numbers, Declining in Membership
Southern Baptists experienced growth last year in the number of churches affiliated with the denomination and the total amount given for denominational missions causes.
What’s Right With the Church – Part 1
Church of God World Missions General Director Tim Hill offers a perspective.
By Tim Hill
How often have you heard someone ask, “What’s wrong with the church?” I dare say you’ve heard that question more times than you can count. Well, I can answer it now, and set the record straight once and for all.
What’s wrong with the church? Short answer—I’m in it. Before you get over-confident in yourself, let me add this—You’re in it too.
The church is made up of a bunch of humans, plagued by human frailties, faults, and failures. There will always be plenty of “wrong” with the church as long as the human element exists.
On the other hand, what is “wrong” with it, is also “right” about it.
Where else could we, imperfect sinners saved by grace, go and find acceptance?
Where else could we, who are blind, maimed, and unworthy, go and find shelter?
Where else could we who are empty, struggling, and alone, find comfort and friendship?
When Jesus said He would build His church, He knew that the material of choice would be weak and faulty, but He also knew redemption would make it all useable. He got no prize when He got me, but His blood made me worthy, and His grace made me acceptable. Now I’m a part of His family.
Sure, there’s plenty wrong with the church, just as there’s plenty wrong with the bank, the hospital, and the supermarket. But the right far outweighs the wrong.
What makes the difference? A little thing called “Grace.”
Questioning Attorney Finds Quantum Physics and the Bible Agree
Author Mark Hicks has made a stunning and compelling connection in his new book, “Surprise: The Agreement of Quantum Physics, Relativity & the Bible / Modern Science and the Bible: They Say the Same Thing.”
Lucado, Thomas Nelson, CBA, The Salvation Army Partner in ‘Give Hope Where It Counts’ Campaign
Bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado is partnering with his publisher Thomas Nelson and The Salvation Army and CBA, the Association for Christian Retail, to reach one million broken hearts with the message of his book You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times (September 10, 2013). Through the “Give Hope Where It Counts” campaign, Christian retailers are selling a special Salvation Army edition of You’ll Get Through This.
