Good News for Today

Today marks America's 247th Independence Day. This celebration highlights the freedom to worship and practice faith openly in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Alliance of Christians in Cuba (ACC) has condemned ongoing human rights and religious freedom violations, demanding the release of religious prisoners like Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo and the free operation of new churches. Chaplain Col. James F. Linzey (Ret.) reflects on the spiritual cost of freedom, inspiring his song "Creator of the Universe," now known as the "Space Force Hymn."

In recent news, Mark Rienzi, president of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, testified before Congress on utilizing existing federal laws, including the Ku Klux Klan Act, to combat antisemitism at universities. Additionally, South Fork Outdoorsmen Church in Rigby, Idaho, has rejuvenated its congregation through community outreach and simple services, growing significantly since its relaunch in 2018. Lastly, the practice of praying Scripture, highlighted by the book Lead with Prayer, suggests two methods for praying Scripture: "Bible your prayers" and "Pray your Bible". 

Oklahoma’s top education official, Ryan Walters, has mandated that public schools incorporate the Bible into lessons for grades 5-12, sparking controversy and raising constitutional concerns. Meanwhile, First Church in Berlin, Maryland, held a special Vacation Bible School for children with disabilities, offering sensory-friendly activities in partnership with Joni and Friends. Families expressed gratitude, and the church plans to continue similar programs. Additionally, Mark Dance offers pastors three simple time management tips: budget ministry time, create boundaries for family time, and take regular breaks, emphasizing that self-care is strategic, not selfish. Visit us at baptistpress.com to sign up for our free morning and afternoon emails. Thanks for listening to GOOD NEWS FOR TODAY.

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Wednesday, June 26, said she is exploring the idea of buffer zones around houses of worship in response to a pro-Palestinian protest at a synagogue on Sunday but said that placing regulations on masks at public demonstrations — at this point — would likely not hold up in court. 

There were pro-Palestinian protesters who had their faces covered on Sunday, and by Monday at a press conference, Bass said she would examine a number of issues, like requiring permits for protests and regulating “people wearing masks at protests.”

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Millions continue to suffer religious persecution globally, with wars and civil conflicts exacerbating already existing ills in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the U.S. State Department documented in its 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom.

The report on 199 countries and territories attempts to present a nonbiased overview of persecution by governments, extremists and members of society, relying on information from government officials, religious groups, nongovernmental organizations, journalists, human rights monitors, academia, media, and others.

Concurrently, the report notes advances in religious freedom and the United States’ commitment to continue advancing the freedom that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken deemed “an essential part of what it means to be human: the ability … to decide on our own what we believe or don’t believe without fear of repression.”

Escalations of religious persecution amid wartime and civil conflicts were noted in several reports including Israel, the West Bank and Gaza; Ethiopia, Haiti, Niger, Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, Mali and other countries.

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In the Baptist Press Toolbox, Jonathan Hayashi asks what knocks people our of ministry? He acknowledges immorality or financial greed play a role, but he wrestles with how bitterness affects those trying to minister to others.

“Bitterness is scary because it can eat you for lunch, like cancer taking up your whole body. The greatest weapon to battle against the root of bitterness is trusting in the sovereignty of God.

How should pastors respond against bitterness in their hearts?

Our faith in Christ must triumph over our feelings in self. The best way to counter bitter thoughts is to trust and embrace the comfort you find in the glorious doctrine of God’s sovereign grace.

Why? Satan only has certain limits, like in the story of the Book of Job. He is not omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent like our Creator God. The book of Hebrews says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb 13:5). God, in his infinite love, does not unfriend us or walk out on us because we mess up.”

In a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) sent the case of Idaho and Moyle v. U.S. back to the Ninth Circuit Court in a ruling released today. The case involves a conflict between state law and the Biden Administration’s Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).

“At the heart of the case is the wild assertion by the Biden Administration that abortion is healthcare. Instead of dismantling that argument and protecting lives, the Court punted,” said Brent Leatherwood, Ethics & Religious Liberty (ERLC) president. 

“We agree with Justices Alito, Thomas and Gorsuch that any perceived conflict here is the result of the federal government’s novel approach to EMTALA. These justices would have moved forward with ruling on the merits of the case––and the Court should have done so,” he said.

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If your church is having Vacation Bible School this summer, Melita Thomas wants you to think about your follow up plan. Families are open to hearing from the church their child attended for VBS.

At Baptist Press she writes, “Provide opportunities for families from within your church to build relationships with unchurched families.

Conduct a family movie night, a cookout in a local park, or some other activity for the whole family within two weeks of VBS to give unchurched families an opportunity to reconnect with the church. This year, why not partner with a local minor league ball team to host a Faith Night? Offer discounted tickets in a reserved seating block and encourage VBS families to attend. Plan for a picnic on the grounds or tailgating before the game begins. Encourage families to get to know a family they haven’t met yet.”

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Francis Schaeffer’s classic work, “True Spirituality,” explores what spirituality is and how one comes by it. Realizing the real-life disconnect many believers make regarding spirituality has compelled Schaeffer to remind us that true Christian spirituality happens “in the Spirit’s power.”

A Lifeway Bible Study says, “We cannot discipline ourselves into spirituality. We cannot will ourselves into spirituality. Regardless of what might seem the brightest place to search for spirituality, we must look for it where it can be found -- in the Spirit’s power.

In explaining this, Schaeffer stresses “two equal lines of reality.” The seen reality makes itself known daily. The unseen is more subtle, “the world of Christians who have died, who are with Christ now.” True spirituality happens when we live now in accordance with our death and our resurrection with Christ. When we live by faith now, empowered by the Spirit, as if we have already experienced resurrection, then true spirituality will infuse our lives.”

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for warning labels to be placed on social media, saying in a post to X it is “an important contributor” to a youth mental health crisis.

“Congress’ top priority should be making these platforms safer by passing legislation to protect kids’ health, safety and privacy,” he said.

Among those cheering the surgeon general’s actions, there is also some doubt as to its potential impact. Similar steps in the past appear to have been at least somewhat effective when it came to tobacco products. Listening to questionable music, not so much.

“I love that the surgeon general says this, but unless the social media platform is being held legally accountable for the things that take place there, I think it becomes an exercise in futility,” said Chris Martin, director of content for Moody Radio and author of “The Wolf in Their Pockets: 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead.”

The result is “warning-labeling” things and getting the same amount of attention that comes with FBI anti-piracy screens at the start of a DVD, he pointed out. That said, such a step could be helpful in a “collective reflection on how social media is negatively affecting all of us, but especially young people.”

Go to the story at Baptist Press for suggestions on how you to use social media wisely.

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Down in Abilene, Texas, North Park Church had dwindled down to about 30 people and were looking for their next pastor. When they talked with Joe Grizzle about serving as their pastor, they told him that they may not be able to keep the church together much longer. 

He told them he’d take the challenge and settled in for ministry. Grizzle says he began reaching other pastors and ministry leaders in Texas. It wasn’t long before others joined in to help the struggling church.

They used block parties and fall festivals to generate attention. But, according to Grizzle, what made the difference was intentionally focusing on disciple making. Through relationships centered on God’s Word and spiritual growth, the church saw people respond, believe and follow Jesus.

Now, rather than focusing on an exit strategy, Grizzle says he’s excited about the church’s future.

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Janae Zook writes about the impact mothers have that they may not realize.

“God continues this partnership he began in Eden, choosing us—ordinary women—as conduits for his grace and purposes. We see this truth repeated throughout Scripture. Even in Eve’s rebellion, he chose to make her “the mother of all living.” God’s promise of a Savior is fulfilled as Mary gives birth to Jesus. To this day, God calls us and positions us to make disciples. My heart soars when I read Paul’s words to Timothy, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” We should marvel at the profound influence our role might have on our children and grandchildren. God used Lois and Eunice to cultivate Timothy’s faith, whose ministry has had eternal significance throughout the ages,” she writes.

She writes, “Our lives must give our children the best of us so that we may disciple their hearts and display God’s love. We must remember this calling demands our physical presence. God’s pairing of us with our children doesn’t end after the newborn stage or the arrival of kindergarten. Mothers are called to a place of primary influence. God’s path to significance is often counterintuitive. He calls us to a life in his upside-down kingdom—a kingdom where the judge sits in place of the guilty, where the last shall be first, and where perhaps the overlooked, unpaid work carries the greatest currency of all.”

The Supreme Court announced Monday they will hear arguments in a Tennessee case that puts limitations on gender transition treatment for minors.

Ethics leader Brent Leatherwood told Baptist Press, “This Tennessee law, created to protect vulnerable children, is now being challenged by the Biden administration in their latest effort to push forward radical gender ideology.”

Leatherwood said, “The protection of children from harmful transgender surgeries and interventions is not only an entirely appropriate action by the state, it is desperately needed in an era when culture is consumed by the fiction of gender fluidity.”

More than two dozen states have implemented restrictions on transgender issues over the past couple of years.

The court said they plan to hear the case later this summer.

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Most churchgoers believe Christians have a good reputation with Americans in general, but they worry those feelings are starting to sour.

A Lifeway Research study finds 53% of U.S. Protestant churchgoers say most Americans have a positive perception of Christians. Two in 5 (40%) disagree, and 8% aren’t sure.

More consensus exists on the direction public sentiment is headed. Around 7 in 10 (69%) believe people’s perceptions of Christians in the U.S. are getting worse, while 21% disagree. Another 10% say they aren’t sure.

Two in 3 churchgoers (66%) say a reason the public perception of Christians is worsening is because fewer Americans believe faith in God is relevant. Around 2 in 5 point to Christians not acting any different than those who aren’t Christians (45%), more Americans rejecting Christianity because it claims to be the only way (40%) and Christians often looking down on those who aren’t Christians (38%).

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David Ludwig, a church leader in Pennsylvania, believes leaders must be learners.

He writes, “Leaders need to keep growing so we can develop other leaders.

You can’t give away what you don’t have. I’m thankful that as a young leader I had a mentor that taught me the value of leadership development. Leadership development was a priority in his ministry, and because of that he convicted me of the importance of making this a priority in my ministry too.

Leaders need to develop “potential-future leaders.”

These are the people who are not leaders yet, but they have the potential to be leaders someday. Why is it important to develop this group of people? Because one day, we will be gone. Who will lead when you are gone? Do you have a leader succession plan? Even if you have enough leaders now, it is always wise to develop future leaders.

Monday marked the second anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that overturned the Roe vs. Wade decision… moving the abortion debate primarily to state legislators.

Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission president Brent Leatherwood says the marker doesn’t indicate an end of an era but instead, a new beginning.

“We rejoice knowing the ruling put an end to the Roe regime, but also realize there’s still work to be done on the local, state and federal level to put an end to abortion once and for all. We will continue to work with lawmakers to enact policies that care for and serve both vulnerable mothers and preborn children.”

Currently, 14 states have enacted near-total bans on abortion, with some providing limited exceptions, such as those for cases of rape or incest. There are a few additional states where abortion is legal but with a gestational limit of six to 18 weeks.

Data from the initial months after Roe was overturned indicates abortion decreased throughout the country during that time period. However, the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion research and policy organization, released data earlier this year demonstrating a spike in overall abortions provided nationwide in 2023.

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Hope remains for members of of Springdale Baptist Church in Tazewell, Tennessee after a June 1 fire destroyed their entire church building. A building that dates back to 1882.  

A number of church members were at a birthday party when they received the call about the blaze.

Pastor Brandon Christian, who was at the birthday party, arrived as quickly as possible. 

“As the church was burning, I told our members that we’d be here on Sunday, holding a service,” he said.

And they were. 

Three years ago, the church had been a given one-room log church building that adjoins their property.

Christian said the church refurbished the building and has used it for special events only.

That’s where they’ve been meeting for services.

The church is working to rebuild and the pastor says other churches and the community has come to their aid.

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We’re all busy. Mark Dance offers some tips on how to manage your time.

He writes, “Jesus and His dozen apostles were exhausted from a ministry sprint that included a resurrection (Jarius’ daughter) followed immediately by the execution of John the Baptist. One thing ministry peaks and valleys have in common is that they both leave us exhausted and in need of a recharge.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve experienced the burn of burnout only to look at my calendar and see how long it had been since I’d taken a real break from my ministry routine. If you’ve gone more than three months without taking a break from preaching or teaching, you’ll experience this burn.”

Today marks the second anniversary of the Supreme Court case that overturned Roe vs. Wade. The decision paves the way for the abortion debate to move from Washington to state capitols across the US.

The last two years have been filled with ballot initiatives, executive orders and legislations across the US that has varied greatly.

The decision has created what is known as “abortion tourism” as people travel from their home state…where abortion is illegal or restricted…to a nearby state where they can gain access.

Numerous cases related to abortion are being considered by state Supreme Courts.

Still, though, there is abortion-related debate in Congress.

ERLC President Brent Leatherwood said, ““After the Dobbs decision, states are again empowered to shape abortion policy, but that doesn’t prevent Congress from making consequential decisions in this area. Senator Lankford and others clearly understand this with the courageous leadership they’ve shown this week by bringing forth several crucial pro-life bills, including the Conscience Protection Act and the Born Alive Survivors Protection Act.”

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Weather watchers continue to keep an eye on the Atlantic as a storm is strengthening in the warm waters off the coast. Mexico is still facing the consequences of a strong storm that came ashore last week. 

Storm predictors continue to say this could be one of the most active storm seasons in recent history.

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A Lifeway Research study finds 3 in 10 U.S. Protestant churchgoers (31 percent) have seen at least one type of congregational connection with those local centers since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

16% say their church has supported a local pregnancy resource center financially. 

14% of pastors encouraged those in the congregation to support a center financially (14 percent) or encouraged the congregation to refer those with unplanned pregnancies to the center (14 percent). 

11% say their church has encouraged the congregation to volunteer at a local pregnancy resource center.

Scripture engagement improves hope and lowers stress in Generation Z, a group that otherwise fares worse than any other generation, the American Bible Society said in its latest release from the 2024 State of the Bible.

Gen Zers largely saw their life’s plans interrupted by the COVID pandemic and are stressed and less hopeful amid an uncertain job market exacerbated by rising living costs and likely college debt, the ABS said in its third chapter of the annual report released June 13.

Since 2020, researchers have used Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Index to track human progress in areas defined by happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose in life, character and virtue, close social relationships, and financial and material stability.

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Before “The Forge” debuts in theaters across the country on August 23, Alex and Stephen Kendrick are giving select audiences an opportunity at a sneak peek at the film.

In two different screenings sponsored by Lifeway Films on June 10, and June 11, the filmmaking brothers shared their heart behind the movie to hundreds gathered to hear their story and watch the film.

Stephen Kendrick said “The Forge” provides a refocusing for churches and Christians on Jesus’ call to make disciples. “Our hope for every film is that it is an entertaining, inspirational ride you can watch and enjoy with your entire family. We love lifting up the name of Jesus in theaters. But our hearts’ desire is the kingdom,” he said. “Filmmaking is an excuse to make disciples, on set, through our films, through resources, and everything we do. Our hope is that this will be a tool for pastors to ignite a renewed passion for the Great Commission.”

The movie follows the story of 19-year-old Isaiah Wright, played by newcomer Aspen Kennedy, who is drifting through life – no job, no plans, no idea how to be a man. His mom, Cynthia, played by Priscilla Shirer, gives him an ultimatum – step up or move out. Enter Joshua Moore, played by Cameron Arnett, who not only gives Isaiah a job but much needed wisdom and spiritual guidance. Isaiah is forced to deal with his past, sacrifice his selfishness and discover how God might have a greater purpose for his life.

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In his book “Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners”, Dane Ortlund explores how Christians can grow in their faith and Christlikeness. The final session of our study from this book, entitled “Honesty,” delves into the role honesty plays in such growth.

The apostle John wrote, “If we walk in the light as He himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Ortlund makes clear his point: “You restrict your growth if you do not do the painful, humiliating, liberating work of cheerfully bringing your failure out from the darkness of secrecy into the light of acknowledgment before a Christian brother or sister.” If we are not honest with ourselves and others about our need for growth, we will not grow.