By Aleisha A. Langhorne, Pastor, Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church, Maryland This piece is a reflection on the influence and power of women, most notably, Eve as an Ezer*—a helper; women in the genealogy of Jesus as listed in Matthew [Tamar (Matthew 1:3); Rahab (1:5); Ruth (1:5); and the wife of Uriah the Hittite (1:6)]; … Continue reading
By Rick Burnette Let me tell you about my church. My church meets every Friday from noon until 6:30 p.m. My church has boxes and bins full of food, some tables and a few folding chairs, but no pews. My church is led by a Guatemalan-born preacher, Pastor Miguel. My church starts its weekly time … Continue reading
By Colin Kroll You hear the lyrics to “Fast Car” rise from a nearby basement. But if you chose to investigate further, you might find something surprising: a diverse gathering of strangers who have come together around their love for making music to learn, practice and rehearse a vocal arrangement in community. What can 188 … Continue reading
By Grayson Hester For many Western Christians, the hope in the gospel begins with the crucifixion and crystallizes in the resurrection. For Christians who are also refugees, however, the hope likely resonates most intimately with Jesus’ birth. It is there, on a donkey in the middle of the desert, that Emmanuel truly means something. Mary … Continue reading
By Andy Hale The free church celebrates the centrality and authority of scripture. While we might disagree on the interpretation of the scriptures, we believe the Bible, under the Lordship of Christ, is central in the life of the individual and church. But for anyone who has studied the Bible critically, you know there are … Continue reading
By Brooke and Mike, CBF field personnel, Southeast Asia “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not form harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 Esau is the youngest in his family. He is the third of four siblings to have … Continue reading
By Grayson Hester Amid natural disasters that have literally shifted the ground, sometimes what’s required is a faith that can move mountains. Or at least move people from comfort to community, from inaction to compassion. It’s the faith required of an entire country following the catastrophic 7.6 earthquake that rocked Ishikawa, Japan, on January 1, … Continue reading
By Jessica Hearne, CBF field personnel, Virginia “Then Peter came to him and said to him, ‘Lord if my brother or sister sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 “Forgiveness does not relieve someone … Continue reading
By Marv Knox Two feelings stand out as Becky Buice Hall looks back on her three-decade career at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship—her persistent calling to care for CBF field personnel and the abundant blessing of relationships. Hall started working at CBF in August 1993 and continued through the end of January 2024. At 30 years … Continue reading
By Andy Hale Happy belated Earth Day! It feels as if the debates over climate change have subsided, with most people accepting that our planet is in trouble. However, what is still contested is the means by which to reverse course based on the special interests of specific industries. “A brief survey easily demonstrates that … Continue reading
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