Wednesday, December 18, 2019

• SBC seminaries send out more than 1,100 graduates

  by Seminaries staffs, posted Wednesday, December 18, 2019 (3 years ago)

  

  SEBTS Photo

  During the first two weeks of December, six Southern Baptist seminaries sent out more than 1,100 graduates to pursue their ministry callings.

  Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

  KANSAS CITY, Mo., (BP) -- The Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary community celebrated the culmination of its students' hard work, dedication and perseverance, as the school held its 66th commencement Dec. 6. Read More

• Congress nears repeal of tax on churches

  by Tom Strode, posted Wednesday, December 18, 2019 (3 years ago)

  

  Photo by Art Toalson

  WASHINGTON (BP) -- Congress appears near the repeal of a tax on churches and other nonprofit organizations that Southern Baptist entities and other opponents began calling for last year.

  The House of Representatives voted 297-120 Tuesday (Dec. 17) for a spending bill that includes language rescinding a section of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that requires houses of worship and other nonprofits to pay a 21 percent tax on such employee benefits as parking and transportation. If not repealed, the highly criticized measure -- which took effect Jan. 1, 2018 -- would cost the charitable sector an estimated $1.7 billion in the next decade, according to foes of the law. It also would burden churches and others with accounting and compliances costs not previously required. Read More

• A missionary's look at Lottie Moon's impact

  by Jack Swift*, posted Wednesday, December 18, 2019 (3 years ago)

  

  WMU graphic

  EAST ASIA (BP) -- If you hear about something enough times, the topic can become mundane. That's what the name "Lottie Moon" became to me growing up in the church. I knew the name was associated with a Christmas offering, but I couldn't tell you who she was, why the offering was named after her, or why she was worthy of remembrance. I certainly didn't know the hardship she endured as she sought to relieve the suffering of others -- placing herself in harm's way to provide hope in the midst of a physical and spiritual famine.

  Now I realize that we need to know more about Lottie Moon, and we need to pass on her legacy through word and action. Read More

• CHRISTMAS HYMN: In the Bleak Midwinter

  by Keith Getty, posted Wednesday, December 18, 2019 (3 years ago)

  

  iStock photo

  NASHVILLE (BP) -- This carol is the creation of two extraordinary artistic talents: English poet Christina Rosetti and German composer Gustav Holst, best known for composing the orchestral suite "The Planets." For me, this melody is the most beautiful of all the Christmas carol melodies.

  In the second verse of the carol, Rosetti explores the contrast of the reigning Lord of all heaven and earth becoming a man and being born in the humblest of circumstances. Read More

• FIRST-PERSON: Peace in the sovereignty of God

  by Erik Reed, posted Wednesday, December 18, 2019 (3 years ago)

  

  "Kaleb lived exactly the length of time God determined in eternity past," says Tennessee pastor Erik Reed of his son, who died earlier this month. "Nothing was stolen from him. Everything was grace." Read More