FIRST-PERSON: Why our 2021 theme is ‘Great Commission Baptists’
In these uncertain, divisive and fearful times, I want to remind us of a sustaining vision we find in God’s inerrant, all-sufficient Word – a vision recorded by the apostle John in the midst of their own fearful and uncertain times. The church of the John’s generation had been scattered, hunted down, imprisoned and tortured. The apostle John himself was boiled in oil and socially distanced, by himself, on the island of Patmos.
FIRST-PERSON: The apostle Paul’s response to our ‘cancel culture’
For many people, the way to deal with difficult relationships is not to fix them, but simply to end them, J.D. Greear says. But the Gospel sends us into the world to love people who will sometimes offend us.
FIRST PERSON: It’s time to retire the Broadus gavel
SBC President J.D. Greear says "it is time to retire the Broadus gavel," in use at SBC annual meetings since 1872 but named after a slaveholder and supporter of the Confederacy, because of the "mixed messages" it sends.
FIRST-PERSON: Who’s Your One is not just a slogan
J.D. Greear calls on Southern Baptists to lament the downward trend in baptisms and to "ask God what He would have each us do about it."
FIRST-PERSON: A call to a day of fasting and prayer
J.D. Greear invites Southern Baptists to join him and other SBC leaders to pray and fast on the National Day of Prayer May 7 and outlines eight aspects of prayer to consider.
FIRST-PERSON: Updating your church’s playbook for COVID-19
"The mission of your church hasn't changed," J.D. Greear says. "... But changing times call for changing strategies." Greear explains how his church reimagined ministry for this unusual time.
Why canceling the 2020 SBC Annual Meeting is putting ‘Gospel Above All’
Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear offers the rationale for the decision to cancel this year's SBC annual meeting as well as encouragement and ideas for churches as they minister during the COVID-19 crisis.
FIRST-PERSON: What’s the Big Deal About Baptism?
"We make a big deal out of baptism," SBC President J.D. Greear says. He then outlines four truths that shape the way Baptists view baptism.
FIRST-PERSON: Why aren’t Baptists … baptizing?
Southern Baptist Convention pastor J.D. Greear analyzes reasons baptisms may be declining the SBC and proposes some solutions.
FIRST-PERSON: What to do when you have more than enough
The manna God provided the Israelites each morning would go bad if they tried to keep it overnight. "So, if there was extra manna, what should they have done with it?" J.D. Greear asks. "They should have shared it."
