Resources from 2017

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) -- I will never forget one Christmas Eve many years ago when my family decided to read the account of Jesus' birth in Matthew instead of Luke. It's a tradition among my extended family, as I'm sure it is with other families, to read Scripture at our holiday gathering, and we naturally gravitate to Luke's version. The stories of Luke are so familiar to us, and many can recite the narratives nearly verbatim. Luke, after all, is famous for describing the details of Jesus' birth with the beauty and wonder of a master storyteller. Nearly all of the essential parts of the story, save the ...

RICHMOND, Va. (BP) -- During 2017, Southern Baptists -- in partnership with thousands of International Mission Board personnel around the world -- seized opportunities toward fulfilling the Great Commission. Three young women whose hearts have been focused on following their Lord's call to international missions led Southern Baptists' efforts in giving and going. Southern Baptists' efforts to give, send and celebrate through the IMB in the past year included:

Mary's response to the angel Gabriel's news, David Jeremiah writes, still speaks to each year's celebration of the Messiah's incarnation. "She didn't ask for time to ponder the decision," Jeremiah writes. "She was already living a surrendered life.

ATLANTA (BP) -- Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has gained a victory in federal court, where a judge ruled the city's policies under which he was fired are unconstitutional. Federal Judge Leigh Martin May granted summary judgment to Cochran Wednesday (Dec. 20), finding Atlanta's pre-clearance rules governing such activities as writing a non-work-related book violate the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment by restraining speech in advance and inviting "unbridled discretion" by the city to approve or deny outside work.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP) -- Milton Ferguson, 89, the second president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, died today (Dec. 21) in Kansas City, Mo., after a brief battle with cancer. Ferguson's tenure as president at Midwestern Seminary began in February 1973, and he served the seminary community in this role before retiring in 1995 at the age of 66. "Serving as Midwestern Seminary's president for 23 years, Dr. Ferguson led the ...

NASHVILLE (BP) -- As football begins to wrap up for the year, sports enthusiasts need not despair. The season for Smocket is right around the corner. Smocket (a made-up competition) is featured in "Game On!" -- the 2018 Vacation Bible School theme from LifeWay Christian Resources. In January, several thousand children's ministry workers will get an introduction to Smocket and other Game On! content at one of LifeWay's six 2018 VBS previews.

SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (BP) -- Some churches long have held special Christmas services to acknowledge the pain and loss many people feel surrounding the holidays. But in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and Las Vegas, sadness and grief are particularly intense this year for those impacted by two senseless tragedies. Amid the aftermath of deadly massacres this fall in both cities, pastors there are seeking avenues to bring consolation and comfort. The "primary" way to minister to grieving people "isn't a five-step method as much ...

NASHVILLE (BP) -- This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups. This week's Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum. Bible Passage: Philippians 2:5-11

NASHVILLE (BP) -- For LifeWay Christian Resources, 2017 marked a historic move and the launch of several new resources and services to meet the needs of churches in a rapidly changing culture. In November, LifeWay moved into its new Nashville headquarters celebrating with a dedication ceremony. At the same time, LifeWay opened a new store in downtown Nashville, returning a retail presence to a community where LifeWay Christian Store had been a fixture ...

NASHVILLE (BP) -- I just wanted to make her smile once. That was all I wanted that Christmas. I wanted my wife to smile again. Christmastime has taken a quantum leap toward the better in my family over the past few years. Our 2012 Christmas was mired in grief with few glimmers of glee. Today, it is conversely defined mostly by joy with sparse speckles of pain. The climb out took time and a work of God's Spirit through His Word in our hearts. God's Word can do the same for you and I will share with you how. Just know first ...