| July 12, 2013 by Shawn Hendricks, BR Managing Editor | |
 | As CP dollars lag more than 15 percent behind this year’s budget in North Carolina, the Executive Committee of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina approved a 10 percent decrease to the 2014 CP budget during their July 11 meeting. READ MORE  |
| Not guilty verdict stirs response from Baptist leaders July 16, 2013 by Diana Chandler & Erin Roach, Baptist Press | |
 | Southern Baptist leaders voiced a call for active love and respect for justice in response to George Zimmerman’s exoneration in the death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla.. READ MORE |
| N.C. pastors voice concerns for future after marriage ruling July 15, 2013 by BR staff | |
 | Since the Supreme Court’s ruling on gay marriage June 26, many N.C. Baptist leaders continue to share their disappointment, and encourage the church to be "salt and light." |
| Pastor from South Asia reaches out to N.C. July 16, 2013 by Melissa Lilley, BSC Communications | |
 | Matek* ministered and shared the gospel in Pakistan for many years before the country he loved so dearly forced him out. |
| OTHER BR NEWS |
Chaperone charged with sex crimes at Caswell
Post-DOMA, gay marriage backers target states
Bill Cutrer, professor & doctor, dies suddenly
Platt: In 'sex-crazed culture,' Bible makes 'no exceptions'
Reaching people in their cultural/ethnic context
America again is a 'House Divided'
 K. Allan Blume BR Editor | No time to lose heart The last two weeks have poured on us some very emotional, gut-wrenching news. One of our pastors said the Supreme Court’s decision on DOMA/Prop8 was "a dark day in American History." The Florida jury’s conclusion that George Zimmerman is not guilty sparked a wide range of emotions and protests. All the while, concerned Americans are still outraged over scandals at the IRS, DOJ, NSA and the cover-up of Benghazi. And, these are only the beginning. Some are too consumed with finding a job and paying bills to worry about national issues. Making a living preoccupies their time. Frankly, most pastors and church leaders have enough to keep themselves busy and emotionally drained within the churches they serve. Caring for the sheep and staying on mission for Christ is all they can handle. God has a word for us in Galatians 6:9, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." This is not a time to lose heart. Let’s stay on course with the assignment God has given us. The magnitude of the world’s lostness is far greater than the intensity of the many crises surrounding us. The promise that "we shall reap" is still dependable. It is God’s promise to all believers who keep our eyes on Jesus. If we need further encouragement, we should read the parable in Luke 18 that begins with this explanation, "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart." It’s time to pray! Prayer puts the current news in perspective with the eternal Good News. Be encouraged as you read Matek's story! Email me: [email protected] |
