Good News for Today

 Episode 570

A Heart for the Orphans, Unique Work in North Florida & What Easter Demonstrates

Pastor Jim Shiner has a heart for orphans – the church kind. He feels for churches that seem forgotten, abandoned, in need of intensive care. Churches withering from neglect, abuse, strife. Lydia and Asa Greear are doing a unique work in North Florida. And, Easter is a demonstration of the power of God over even death.

Host

Brandon Porter

Resources

Washington pastor develops strategy for leading troubled churches

International Mission Board

Transcript

Pastor Jim Shiner has a heart for orphans – the church kind. He feels for churches that seem forgotten, abandoned, in need of intensive care. Churches withering from neglect, abuse, strife.

“I have a heart for the orphan Christian, the person who’s been hurt,” Shiner said. “My ministry has been to come into a broken situation and get it healthy again.”

Shiner has been helped by Muldoon Road Church in Anchorage, Alaska, when she welcomed a lonely airman into her family when he was stationed for three years at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Shiner soaked up knowledge and spiritual maturity even as he acquired church leadership skills. Before his next duty station, he was ordained into the Gospel ministry.

The other church was Pines Church in Spokane Valley, where he served his second three-year military hitch at Fairchild Air Force Base in eastern Washington. Here again the pastor took a personal interest in him, the people were welcoming and supportive, and he was able to hone his spiritual skills.

Shiner says through those experiences, the Lord has taught him not only the value of the local church but guided him to ministry to those churches. He says at the end of the day, he’s learned that God’s desire is not for any believer to be in their faith journey alone.
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Lydia and Asa Greear are doing a unique work in North Florida. Asa is serving as a chaplain in businesses across the region. He’s found that 90% of the workforce in across North Florida doesn’t have a church home.

Through his work, he looks for ways to share the hope of Jesus with folks, to pray for them and to encourage them in their work.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.
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Easter is a demonstration of the power of God over even death. North Carolina pastor J.D. Greear writes that Easter shows:

Guilt doesn’t have the last word in our lives.

Apart from God, we stand condemned. Our guilt before God deserves the wrath that we saw poured out on the cross. But because Christ hung on that cross for us, the full penalty of our sin has been absorbed. So now we can say, with the apostle Paul, “There is no more condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Pain doesn’t have the last word.

Medieval Christian theologians often called this world a “vale (or valley) of tears.” They knew what many of us try to ignore: Everything we love eventually falls apart. Chronic illness racks our bodies. Miscarriages fill us with grief. Diseases like Alzheimer’s make us watch in pain as our loved ones’ mind...

 Episode 569

Church Festivals Mark Solar Eclipse, Prayer is a Key Component to Knowing Christ & Turn Your Small Group in an Outward Direction

Americans are preparing for a total solar eclipse that will spread across the country on April 8. Prayer is a key component of someone coming to know Jesus Christ. And, how can you small group be more outwardly focused? Here’s a couple of ideas from Chuck Lawless.

Host

Brandon Porter

Resources

Baptism in totality, Gospel outreaches, church festivals mark solar eclipse

International Mission Board

7 ways to turn your small group in an outward direction

Transcript

Americans are preparing for a total solar eclipse that will spread across the country on April 8. Churches are also looking for opportunities to capitalize on the event.

Steel City Church in Sheffield Lake, Ohio is hoping to use the eclipse as an outreach opportunity. They’re inviting people to be baptized in their church parking lot during the eclipse.

Pastor Billy Glover says they hope people will be able to say, “I did this at a time when the world went dark and I came out of that darkness.’

In Bell County, Texas, where the expected influx of visitors has prompted an official state of emergency, Coryell Community Church in Gatesville is hosting Eclipse at the Cross, a free, hours-long community event with Bible-based devotionals immediately before and after totality, entertainment, games, free parking, food vendors and more.

Of course, remember, if you plan to view the eclipse, you’ll need special polarized glasses to avoid damaging your eyesight.
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Prayer is a key component of someone coming to know Jesus Christ. Here’s an example, After years of prayer for her, Samira has agreed to listen to Bible stories. She is searching but is not yet open to any faith but Islam. Pray for Samira’s heart to hear God speak through His Word so she will accept Jesus.

And, as you pray for Samira, a similar request is connected to the translation of the Bible. Missionaries are work to translate the Bible into the heart language of a Muslim people group. Pray that they will learn about this translation through radio and social media.

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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.

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How can you small group be more outwardly focused? Here’s a couple of ideas from Chuck Lawless.

1. Have two maps available each time you meet – one of your city, and one of the world– and pray specifically for a part of your city and one nation of the world. The maps themselves say, “The world around us is bigger than we are” and “There are a lot of people to reach.” Help group members think beyond themselves by this outwardly-focused, map-centered praying. 

2. Be amazed by Jesus. This one may be the most important step to take. Read the Gospels, and here’s what you’ll find: people who are amazed by Jesus talk about Him. Wonder leads to proclamation. On the other hand, we won’t be outwardly focused if we’ve lost our astonish...

 Episode 568

Latest Developments in Israel-Hamas War, Christian Aid Workers Stuck in Haiti & The Death of the Baby Boomers

The pressure on Israel from world leaders to establish a cease fire with Hamas is mounting. A group of Christian aid workers from Louisiana are stuck in Haiti. And, in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Thom Rainer says churches will miss much when baby boomers begin to die.

Host

Brandon Porter

Resources

EXPLAINER: Latest developments in Israel-Hamas war

Prayers urged for Louisiana Reach Haiti staff members trapped in Port-au-Prince

International Mission Board

The death of the Baby Boomers: 7 things that will happen in your church

Transcript

The pressure on Israel from world leaders to establish a cease fire with Hamas is mounting.

However, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission says people should keep in mind, “Recent reports from the United Nations have revealed “clear and convincing” evidence of sexual abuse against hostages in Gaza, with indications of ongoing sexual violence. The UN team found reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in Israel.”

The ethics group asks people to pray for people on both sides of the war – specifically focusing on – survivors, injured individuals, displaced families, grieving loved ones and the successful delivery of essential resources to the region.

U.S. officials are working with U.N. and humanitarian aid organizations to distribute aid to the region.

There are hopes a more long-term solution to deliver aid can be established. However, it may take weeks to put the plan in action.
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A group of Christian aid workers from Louisiana are stuck in Haiti.

Urgent prayers are been issued for the safe return of two Louisiana Reach Haiti Children’s Village staff members who are trapped in Port-au-Prince, the capitol city of a country that has seen recent explosion of gang activity.

Ministry President Darrin Badon told the Baptist Message that the staff members were visiting family members when the most recent explosion of violence occurred and have been trapped since.

Badon said that the children and other staff at the Children’s Village are safe in Cap Haitien, a city located 85 miles north of Port-au-Prince. However, he said the airport in the city is closed and they are starting to see shortages of food and goods that come from Port-au-Prince.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.

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In the Baptist Press Toolbox, Thom Rainer says churches will miss much when baby boomers begin to die.

One of the things he says is, churches will miss out on the greatest transfer of wealth in history. 

Cumulatively, the Baby Boomers will leave a lot of money behind at their deaths. Much of it will go...

 Episode 567

Disaster Relief Assess Damage in Ohio and Indiana, Movie Displays A Mother’s Unwavering Faith & Showing Gratitude

Indiana Disaster Relief is responding to damage in the towns of Selma and Winchester, with assessors, storm recovery, chaplains and a feeding unit. Based on a 2022 book by Rebecca St. James, “Unsung Hero” is a story of a mother’s love and guidance. And, in Philippians 4, Paul says, “Whatever is true, honorable, righteous, holy, pleasing, or praiseworthy, if there is something that is virtuous and if there is something worth praising, think intently about these things” Josh Hebert says.

Host

Brandon Porter

Resources

Disaster Relief workers assess storm damage in Ohio, Indiana

‘Unsung Hero’ movie displays a mother’s unwavering faith

International Mission Board

To truly care for your flock, you must lean in

Transcript

Indiana Disaster Relief is responding to damage in the towns of Selma and Winchester, with assessors, storm recovery, chaplains and a feeding unit. Work in support of first responders has been happening throughout the weekend, according to leaders there.

At least three people were killed by storms that ripped across the central U-S on Thursday leaving damage and destruction in its wake.

Ohio-based relief teams were awaiting orders to join in the efforts.

Relief workers are asking believers to pray for all affected.
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Based on a 2022 book by Rebecca St. James, “Unsung Hero” is a story of a mother’s love and guidance. It chronicles the life of Helen Smallbone, the mother of Christians singers Rebecca St. James and Luke and Joel Smallbone who are a part of For King and Country.

The movie tells how the Smallbones moved to the United States when they were young and fostered faith and love in their lives.

The native Australians grew up just south of Nashville, Tennessee and were befriended by their neighbor Kay Dekalb Smith and her family.

Producers say it’s a story of love, friendship and perseverance that helped prepare three of the biggest names in Christian music on their journey.

Unsung Hero is rated PG and in theatres.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.

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In Philippians 4, Paul says, “Whatever is true, honorable, righteous, holy, pleasing, or praiseworthy, if there is something that is virtuous and if there is something worth praising, think intently about these things.” Josh Hebert says, “While this is a command for all Christians, it is a non-negotiable for pastors because it undergirds our care for our congregation. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude and think intently about the best in our people, it makes it much easier to care for them – not just through action, but through emotion as well.
Gratitude sets the tone for a positive relationship. Moreover, gratitude can be contagious. If you lead by example, your people w...

 Episode 566

Return of Easter Pageants, Alabama IVF Bill Undermines The Unborn & Books Prayer Leaders Should Read

For 29 years, Southview Church in Lincoln, Nebraska enjoyed their annual Easter play. It was a tradition for the church and the community. The Covid pandemic not only stopped the play in 2020, but the effects would be felt for four Easters. Inconsistencies between Alabama’s strict abortion laws and its IVF bill that allows embryo destruction are causing Christians to wrestle through the issue. And, up for reading a book to energize your prayer life? In our Toolbox, Kie Bowman says you can look to the past for inspiration.

Host

Resources

Transcript

For 29 years, Southview Church in Lincoln, Nebraska enjoyed their annual Easter play. It was a tradition for the church and the community. The Covid pandemic not only stopped the play in 2020, but the effects would be felt for four Easters.

This month, the folks at Southview are excited to share the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection as the annual tradition returns.

Sylvana Airan, a member of the church, wrote the play in 1992. She looking forward to the opportunity for the community to celebrate the joy of Easter with them.

“I’m very humbled that God has used me and this play and excited that God is using our church in such a mighty manner to share the Gospel,” she told Baptist Press.

She says 90% of the church is involved in the play in some way.
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Inconsistencies between Alabama’s strict abortion laws and its IVF bill that allows embryo destruction are causing Christians to wrestle through the issue. One ethics group says new legislation in Alabama creates a conflict between the state’s proclaimed pro-life stance and the legal endorsement of practices that disregard embryonic life in IVF processes.

The ERLC says the situation raises questions about the true essence of being pro-life, challenging whether the term should only apply to opposition against abortion or extend to protecting life at all stages, including in vitro fertilization treatments.

This dilemma is also prompting a broader ethical debate about the value and dignity of human life. The ERLC is urging Alabama legislators reconsider and align its legal and moral principles to consistently uphold the sanctity of life from conception onwards.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.

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Up for reading a book to energize your prayer life? In our Toolbox, Kie Bowman says you can look to the past for inspiration. He points to the classic written by Jonathan Edwards just years before America’s founding.

In 1749 Edwards published The Life and Diary of David Brainerd which documents the ...

 Episode 565

ERLC Asking To Oppose the VFHSA, NC Church Mourns Loss of Pastor’s Wife & Prioritizing Spiritual Growth

A Christian ethics group is calling on the Biden administration to withdraw the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) planned expansion of in vitro fertilization (IVF) insurance coverage which would include service members who are single or in same-sex relationships. The congregation of a coastal North Carolina church is grieving the loss of its senior pastor’s wife, who died six days after her family’s car was struck by the driver of another vehicle who was seeking to elude police during a chase. And, Mary and Martha were two sisters who loved Jesus. In one biblical story, Martha asks Jesus to chastise Mary because Martha was busy entertaining guests while her sister was sitting and listening to Jesus. Instead, Jesus encouraged Martha to be more like Mary.

Host

Brandon Porter

Resources

North Carolina church mourns loss of pastor’s wife who died following crash

International Mission Board

Prioritizing spiritual growth over ministerial productivity

Transcript

A Christian ethics group is calling on the Biden administration to withdraw the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) planned expansion of in vitro fertilization (IVF) insurance coverage which would include service members who are single or in same-sex relationships.

The ERLC is also asking U.S. legislators to oppose the Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023, which seeks to permanently codify the expansion into federal law.

The VA announced the planned expansion on Monday (March 11). The proposed expansion also includes the provision of IVF to veterans who are not able to produce their own sperm or eggs due to service-connected injuries or health conditions by allowing access to donated sperm, eggs and embryos.

The expansion marks the first time fertility treatments of any form have been covered by Tricare, the federal insurance covering service members and their dependents, without regard for marital status, sex, or gender identity.

In their announcement, the VA stated their desire to implement the new expansion quickly and make the coverage available to veterans in a matter of weeks.
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The congregation of a coastal North Carolina church is grieving the loss of its senior pastor’s wife, who died six days after her family’s car was struck by the driver of another vehicle who was seeking to elude police during a chase.

Suellen C. Leonard, 44, died on Saturday, March 9, as a result of injuries sustained in a crash that happened Sunday, March 3 in Morehead City, North Carolina. Her husband is a pastor in Morehead City.

While the family and church family is devatstated by the loss, they are still pulling together to help one another. So far, the church’s GoFundMe page for the Leonard family has raised thousands of dollars.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB....

 Episode 564

IMB Senders Summit, God Is For Life & Ways to Turn Your Small Group in an Outward Direction

The International Mission Board (IMB) Senders Summit, held near Richmond, Virginia, gathered 124 participants to discuss and share strategies for missionary training and sending within their churches. As debate surrounding the issue of life takes center stage in America’s political debate, pregnancy resource centers stand as beacons of hope, providing essential support and guidance to expectant mothers, affirming the sanctity of life. And, maybe you’re involved a small group or Bible study connected to your church. How can your group be outwardly focused? That is…helping people come to know Jesus Christ. Chuck Lawless provides some tips in the Baptist Press Toolbox.

Host

Brandon Porter

Resources

Iron sharpens iron at IMB Senders Summit

International Mission Board

7 ways to turn your small group in an outward direction

Transcript

The International Mission Board (IMB) Senders Summit, held near Richmond, Virginia, gathered 124 participants to discuss and share strategies for missionary training and sending within their churches. The event focused on equipping church members to become missionaries, highlighting successful models from various ministries, and emphasizing the importance of churchwide involvement in missions discipleship. Attendees discussed how to start or enhance missionary training, with a future summit planned to continue these efforts.

Leaders emphasized that churchwide involvement in missions discipleship contributes to a healthy church environment that can raise up the next generation of missionaries.

Katie Bennet affirmed this in the students she serves. “The majority of students that come to us and have a clear calling to missions have been discipled well by their local church and have been given leadership opportunity,” Bennet said.
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As debate surrounding the issue of life takes center stage in America’s political debate, pregnancy resource centers stand as beacons of hope, providing essential support and guidance to expectant mothers, affirming the sanctity of life.

We had the privilege of speaking with Todd Unzicker, the Executive Director-Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina says, “This issue of life is theological. I became a Christian at 28 and was immediately drawn to the biblical teaching that all people are made in God’s image. The imago Dei, the image of God, is the cornerstone of our advocacy for life.”

He emphasized the Scripture’s clear message: “God is for life.”

He says in North Carolina, he’s leading believers to defend life, love th issue of life, adopt children, and volunteer to serve in areas related to this issue.

These are the ways we embody our commitment to life at all stages.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.

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Maybe you’re involved a small group or Bible study connected to your church. How can your group be outwardly focused? That is…helping pe...

 Episode 563

Prayer Guide for Presidential Election, Haitian Gang Violence Hinder Southern Baptist Work & Helping Yourself So You Can Help Others

It may be months before American –believers vote in a general presidential election, but the need to pray for the candidates and the country can’t start too soon. As escalating gang violence and political instability threaten civil war in Haiti, Christian Haitian leaders who collaborate closely with ministers there are forced to postpone outreaches. And, pastors often struggle to admit or even realize they need help. In an article at Baptist Press, Mark Dance encourages pastors and all believers with some reminders as they focus on their mental health.

Host

Brandon Porter

Resources

A prayer guide for the 2024 presidential election

Haitian gang violence, political turmoil hinder Southern Baptist work

International Mission Board

FIRST-PERSON: Helping yourself so you can help others

Transcript

It may be months before American –believers vote in a general presidential election, but the need to pray for the candidates and the country can’t start too soon.

The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission has released a prayer guide for this year’s presidential election.

A portion of the guide calls on believers to pray:

* Pray that God will protect the candidates running for office, keeping them safe and healthy as they travel and campaign around the country.

* Pray that God will protect the candidates’ families.

* Pray that candidates will desire to exhibit high character, speak truthfully, and conduct themselves with honor.

* Pray that the most competent, highest character candidates will win their respective races.
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As escalating gang violence and political instability threaten civil war in Haiti, Christian Haitian leaders who collaborate closely with ministers there are forced to postpone outreaches.

About a quarter of Haiti’s estimated 11.5 million people live in the Port au Prince metropolitan area, according to 2023 CIA World Fact Book numbers.

Keny Felix, president of the National Haitian Fellowship, said the country is essentially cut in two because so much of the commerce is centralized in Port au Prince.

Violence escalated Feb. 29 when gangs attacked Port au Prince, storming police stations and killing at least four officers. Police have declared a state of emergency and enacted curfews in unsuccessful attempts to curb the violence.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.

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Pastors often struggle to admit or even realize they need help. In an article at Baptist Press, Mark Dance encourages pastors and all believers with some reminders as they focus on their mental health.

First, he says don’t self-diagnose. Go talk to a doctor or someone trained in counseling.

Second, let others pastor you.

...

 Episode 562

ERLC Files Amicus Brief in Supreme Court, Disaster Relief Helps Texas Wildfire Recovery & Everyone Needs Jesus

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has filed an amicus brief in an upcoming Supreme Court case which will rule on the availability of mifepristone, a drug commonly used in medication abortions. In Canadian, Texas, residents and volunteer fire departments battled the state’s largest wildfire, prompting evacuations. Churches and Disaster Relief teams are aiding in recovery efforts. And, “Everyone needs Jesus.” Tim Dowdy says today we are told that there are an estimated 281 million lost people just in North America.

Host

Brandon Porter

Resources

ERLC files amicus brief in Supreme Court abortion drug case

Churches, Disaster Relief teams address Texas wildfire recovery

International Mission Board

Transcript

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has filed an amicus brief in an upcoming Supreme Court case which will rule on the availability of mifepristone, a drug commonly used in medication abortions.

The case, Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, will be the first time the Supreme Court has weighed in on the issue of abortion since the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

The High Court will review an August 2023 decision made by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans that placed limitations on the availability and usage of mifepristone. The ruling of the appeals court would end the availability of the drug by mail, allow the drug to be used only through the seventh week of pregnancy (rather than the previous limitation of 10 weeks) and require the drug to be administered in the presence of a physician.

This ruling, put on hold by the Supreme Court until its decision is handed down, would reverse changes the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 that eased conditions for obtaining the drug.

Originally approved by the FDA in 2000, mifepristone is reportedly used for more than half of all abortions in the United States. The drug is made by New-York based Danco Laboratories and is used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol, in medication abortions.
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In Canadian, Texas, residents and volunteer fire departments battled the state’s largest wildfire, prompting evacuations. Churches and Disaster Relief teams are aiding in recovery efforts. They provide shelter, meals, and laundry services to affected individuals. The fires, ignited by power lines, have caused significant damage and two confirmed deaths, highlighting the community’s resilience and the extensive recovery process ahead.

So far more than 11,000 acres have been burned by the fires.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar...

 Episode 561

Proposed Funding Minibus for ERLC, NOBTS Holds Sold-Out Abide Conference & Turn to Him For Our Soul Longings

With Congress poised to pass a minibus package of funding bills on Friday (March 8), the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is celebrating the inclusion of several provisions, while lamenting the exclusion of others. Tara Dew emphasized the profound truth that believers are children of God, having direct access to Him. And, we are bombarded daily with reports of violence, anger, disease and a host of other issues. It’s important to note that as terrible as these issues are, they are really symptoms of an even greater issue at the very foundation of who we are as human beings.

Host

Brandon Porter

Resources

ERLC sees pros and cons of proposed funding minibus

SBC DIGEST: NOBTS holds sold-out Abide conference

International Mission Board

Transcript

With Congress poised to pass a minibus package of funding bills on Friday (March 8), the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is celebrating the inclusion of several provisions, while lamenting the exclusion of others.

The bipartisan minibus package contains six of the 12 required appropriations bills which fund the government.

The House passed the minibus package on Wednesday (March 6), and the Senate is expected to vote on the bill ahead of Friday’s government funding deadline. The package then goes to President Biden to sign, thus avoiding an impending government shutdown.

Congress had previously failed to pass any of the 12 necessary appropriations bills since the fiscal year ended on Sept. 30of last year. Instead, Congress passed a series of continuing resolution bills, extending the deadline for funding the government while the House and Senate worked on their versions of the 12 bills.
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Tara Dew emphasized the profound truth that believers are children of God, having direct access to Him. Speaking at the Abide Conference the campus of New Orleans Seminary, she highlighted Jesus’ use of “our father” to illustrate the shared relationship with God among believers. Dew stressed the importance of approaching God with reverence, acknowledging His holiness to truly pray for His will to be done in our lives.

Dew’s message serves as a reminder of the balance between the intimacy and the awe of our relationship with God. While believers enjoy a close, familial bond with God, it’s crucial to recognize His supreme holiness and authority. This understanding shapes how we approach God in prayer, fostering a respectful and sincere communion with Him, aligning our desires with His divine will.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.
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We are bombarded daily with reports of violence, anger, disease and a host of other issues. It’s important to note that as terrible as these issues are, they are really symptoms of an even greater issue at the very foundation of who we are as human beings. The ministry of Jesus helps us understand no...