July 4, 2018
UN-related religious liberty committee led by ADF repJuly 3, 2018 by Diana Chandler, Baptist Press | |
Days after the U.S. withdrew from the United Nations Human Rights Council of 47 nations, a U.S. attorney has been named head of a multi-faith NGO advising the U.N. on religious freedoms globally. READ MORE |
Oklahoma marijuana law a 'dangerous foothold'July 3, 2018 by David Roach, Baptist Press | |
Oklahoma’s adoption of what may be the nation’s most permissive medical marijuana law has left some evangelicals concerned the drug could gain an increased hold on the state. READ MORE |
SBC LIFE launches 'web-first' designJuly 2, 2018 by SBC LIFE Staff | |
SBC LIFE has transitioned to a “web-first publication,” the journal of the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Executive Committee reported in its summer 2018 edition. READ MORE |
ERLC: Church's internal discourse needs protectionJuly 2, 2018 by Tom Strode, Baptist Press | |
An effort by Texas abortion providers to obtain a church’s internal communications would violate the First Amendment and a federal law protecting religious freedom if successful ... READ MORE |
Missionaries you should know: George Liele
Greear: Humility & hope for the SBC
Peru's dream of a World Cup: A lesson for missions
Migrant ministry gets early start in California
K. Allan Blume BR Editor | Celebrate Freedom Recently, debate has grown among evangelicals about the appropriateness of celebrating national holidays in Christian worship services. A little research reveals this is not really a new discussion. Early in our nation’s history, some churches forbade the celebration of national holidays like Independence Day and some required such celebrations. Each reached their conclusions from a combination of their culture, worldview and mixed interpretations of scripture. Even the decision to declare war against Great Britain was far from unanimous in Christian communities. Christians rarely agree on everything. But, I hope we can agree that freedom is a priceless gift. It is one that many around the world would like to have and would pay a high price to own. As Americans, we are not free to do anything we choose – that would not be biblical. However, we greatly value the freedoms granted to us in our U.S. Constitution and purchased by many courageous men and women about 242 years ago. Our freedoms of speech, religion and the freedom to express our views democratically at the ballot box are worthy of appreciation. We have much to celebrate this July 4th. I hope your celebration will include a time of reflection on God’s design in the creation of our nation and prayer for understanding His purpose for our future. One of my prayers for our nation is that we – those who know Christ – will use our resources and energy to proclaim the gospel of salvation through Jesus alone to all nations of the world. The message of the gospel is the only message of real freedom that has an eternal impact on all people, everywhere. This guest column at BRnow.org has a good perspective on the holiday. Happy Fourth of July from the staff of the Biblical Recorder! People need to know! |