Over the last several weeks, state news has been filled with comments regarding the words of Rep. Sally Kern concerning the homosexual agenda. The focus has been on her statement that homosexuals are more dangerous than "terrorists" as they push...

On June 1, 1968, Polla and I said, "I do." On June 2, when we moved to Pratt, Kan., to take a summer job in the oil field, we said, "Oh, me!" We found ourselves away from home for the first time and very alone.

I had read the words many times. Indeed, I had pondered them and mulled them over in my mind for days. What did the Psalmist mean when he said, "Those who sow in tears . . . he will surely come back with shouts of joy carrying his sheaves with...

Prayer is the key. How often have you read this simple truth or heard it articulated by a Christian leader? All of my life, I have been taught, and throughout my ministry, I have taught others, that the key to the demonstrated power of God is...

A recent Barna poll revealed that young people today do not like the term "Christian." They prefer other designations that describe the "Christian" lifestyle. It seems that "Christian" has fallen into disfavor because it creates negative images in...

Because I am a preacher, I tend to think in threes. Normal people have circular thoughts or thoughts that come in ones or twos, or maybe even fours or fives. But any self-respecting Baptist preacher will always think in three points. It just isn't...

As I waited to preach a message on missions last Sunday morning, I contemplated how fortunate we Americans are. Surely in the history of the world, no people have been more greatly blessed.

Have you ever had a mountaintop experience? These exhilarating emotional highs are usually fueled by good news and positive, encouraging experiences. Most of us can recall times in our own lives when we felt we were on top of the world. Nearly all...

Only on rare occasions do I use this column to reflect on past events, but if you will forgive me, I want to take this opportunity to share some thoughts about our recent convention. You will get the news through other pages of the Messenger, but...

This week, the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma will meet in annual session at Moore, First. These meetings are always times of reflection on the victories of the past year and a fresh look at the opportunities for Kingdom impact in the new...