I hope everyone understands that gambling in our state is not being pushed so our citizens can have a little recreation as we help fund our schools. This is about money. Lots of money. Hundreds of millions of dollars.
With that kind of money at stake, some unsavory forces quickly become involved.
Get off the main streets and take a walk in the cities where casinos are active and you will find misery, poverty and homelessness.
Gambling is not the wonderful cure-all for government needs and richer communities as is promised.
In fact, I believe it to be a sad day when the state government becomes dependent on its citizens losing their money.
Tony Barber, pastor
Church on the Bluff, Hoover
What can we do?
- Pray for our local and state representatives.
- Vote.
- Pay attention and be alert.
Lyle Dease
Associational missionary
Pickens Baptist Association
Whenever you read or study the Bible, pray for God to open your mind to the understanding of who He is and what He requires. The theme and purpose of God’s Word is to reveal Himself to humanity and provide an understanding of the person of Jesus and the salvation He graciously offers the world.
Bobby McKay, pastor
New Liberty Baptist Church
Morton, Mississippi
Dear Pastors,
Please remember that your walk with Christ is far more important than your work for Christ. Focus on your relationship with Him. Walk in intimacy with the Father. Your ministry will flow out of that.
Carl Williams
@carlmwilliams on X
The leader in fight creates conflict.
The leader in flight avoids conflict.
The leader in fawn feigns empathy, gaslighting those in conflict.
The leader in health is an ambassador of shalom, inviting honesty even when it’s
uncomfortable, prioritizing truth and transparency.
Chuck DeGroat
@chuckdegroat on X
In case you missed these nuggets
Excerpts from the March 28 edition of The Baptist Paper:
We can fight for our beliefs without demonizing each other.
In a world bursting with diverse opinions and beliefs, it’s easy to find ourselves at odds with others.
As followers of Christ, we’re called to stand firm in our beliefs while also extending love and respect to those who differ from us. This balance isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a scriptural mandate and a practical pathway to peace and unity in a diverse world.
Let’s embrace our differences, not as barriers, but as opportunities to demonstrate the love, understanding and grace that are at the heart of our faith.
Tony Martin of Mississippi
Guest editorial
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No matter where you are in your leadership development, you can grow and improve as a leader.
Here’s why:
- Leaders help us advance the mission.
- Leaders keep us from drifting.
- Leaders often inspire and encourage us.
- Leaders identify emerging problems.
- Leaders set the pace in caring for people.
Todd Gray of Kentucky
Opinion piece
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Communities along the path of the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 prepare for an influx of eclipse chasers, with churches considering how to welcome visitors and share the love of Jesus.
Baptist Standard
To read these articles and find out more about The Baptist Paper, visit tbponline.org. Call 800-803-5201 to add the paper to your TAB subscription.
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