On Jan.22, 1984, Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday in January as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. His directive encouraged all Americans to value life, both born and pre-born. Being reminded of the value of human life is important beyond January. The World Health Organization states that there were more than 73 million abortions worldwideContinue reading “Pro-life After January”
Tag Archives: pastor
Remember Your Pastor
Recently I was invited to give a charge to the church at the ordination service for a young Kentucky Baptist pastor. It was an inspiring worship service, and many attended to encourage him and his family and to celebrate God’s call on his life. My text was Hebrews 13:7 where the author wrote to the believers, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to youContinue reading “Remember Your Pastor”
Celebrate Mission: Dignity
I am a Christian by the grace of God, Baptist by conviction and Southern Baptist by choice. I value cooperation and believe the kingdom of God and the gospel enterprise is strengthened when people of like faith and practice work together for the glory of God and the good of people. One reason I love being Southern Baptist is becauseContinue reading “Celebrate Mission: Dignity”
5 “I Wills” to Win Against Fear
Fear is an enormous challenge for many of God’s people. Milly Jones, in a blogpost under the heading of Milly’s Scribblings, discovered 145 Bible verses encouraging God’s people who battle fear. She wrote: “I have searched the Bible using an online tool for verses that tell us not to fear, not to be afraid, etc. I have added in verses that encourage us toContinue reading “5 “I Wills” to Win Against Fear”
Do You Believe in Tithing?
Tithing is generally understood as setting aside 10% of one’s income to be given to one’s local church as an act of worship to the Lord. I grew up in a home where my mother tithed off our household income. So, when I became a Christian, tithing was a natural expression of worship to God and support of my local church. When Connie and I married, we practicedContinue reading “Do You Believe in Tithing?”
It’s Been a Good Year
2025 has been a great year for Kentucky Baptists. As a convention of 2,350 churches, God has given us wonderful unity and noticeable fruit as we partner together to help churches reach Kentucky and the world for Christ. Here are seven ways it has been a great year for Kentucky Baptists: 1. God has provided servant leaders to help churches in our state: 2025 has been aContinue reading “It’s Been a Good Year”
Jumping to Conclusions
The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions. This well-worn jibe is used to describe those (myself included at times) who react rather than reflect and jump to conclusions about people and situations instead of considering whether there might be more to the story than meets the eye. The writer of Proverbs highlights the danger of this personal predilection. Solomon writes in Proverbs 18:13, “If one gives an answer before he hears,Continue reading “Jumping to Conclusions”
Funding the Great Commission
“Massachusetts independent movie theatre turns 100 — and shows how to survive and thrive.” That was the headline from a Nov. 25 episode of a national radio show featuring The Capital Theatre in Arlington, Mass., identifying it as a success story in the context of 5,000 similar venues closing their doors since 2020. What did this theatre do differently from their movie showing peers? They provided good service, expandedContinue reading “Funding the Great Commission”
Ministering to Mr. or Mrs. No
‘Mr. or Mrs. No’ are fictional names of real people in many Baptist churches. They are people who possibly mean well but over time have developed a stranglehold on the growth and health of their church. They possess an outsized influence and people either like them, are afraid of them or are determined to overlook them. Mr. or Mrs. No make life difficult for pastors. Not because they always say “no” to everything the pastor wants to do, but because they have never learnedContinue reading ” Ministering to Mr. or Mrs. No”
I am thankful for…
Nothing changes one’s attitude like saying ‘Thank you.’ Giving thanks is the quickest route out of discouragement, anger, fear and so much more. The psalmist reminds us of our opportunities and responsibility to give thanks to God. “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us comeContinue reading “I am thankful for…”
Dr. Todd Gray 