Faith
Southern Baptist Leader Steve Gaines Dies, Faithful Remembrance and Hope
Faith Points:
- Gaines served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2016 to 2018 and helped revise the Baptist Faith and Message.
- Under his leadership at Bellevue Baptist Church, the “Bellevue Loves Memphis” initiative mobilized thousands for community service.
- He earned a doctorate in preaching and authored books on the power of prayer and the need for spiritual revival.
Dr. Steve Gaines, a revered former President of the Southern Baptist Convention, entered his eternal rest on Friday at the age of 68.
After a courageous two-year battle with cancer, the longtime Bellevue Baptist Church pastor is now in the presence of his Savior.
Gaines dedicated over four decades to pastoral ministry, leaving an indelible mark on the largest Protestant denomination in the United States.
His legacy is defined by a deep commitment to the Great Commission and the defense of biblical doctrine.
Dr. Richard Land described Gaines as a man possessed of a pastor’s heart and evangelistic zeal who provided decades of service to the Lord’s Kingdom.
“We will miss him greatly and are comforted only by the fact that he’s in a far, far better place now, in the arms of his Savior.”
The Gaines family, including his wife Donna and their four children, continues to covet the prayers of the faithful during this time of transition.
We honor his lifelong dedication to the Gospel and his unwavering stand for the Truth of God’s Word.
Faith
Jesus’ Promise to the Thief Offers Hope Today
On Good Friday, we look toward the cross as the sacred place where human brokenness meets the restorative power of Almighty God. While the world saw a scene of defeat and suffering, Scripture reveals a King who was reigning even as He was dying for our sins.
The thief on the cross recognized Christ’s authority, asking the Lord to remember him despite his own past. To be remembered by God means to be put back together after being torn apart by the weight of sin and worldly separation.
“Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
“Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
Through the shedding of His blood and the breaking of His body, Jesus bridges the gap created in Eden. His sacrifice on Calvary ensures that no matter how dismembered a life feels, the grace of God can restore it to wholeness.
Faith Facts
- The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God restoring what sin has torn apart.
- Biblical remembrance signifies the divine act of reuniting and healing the broken elements of a person’s life.
- Communion serves as a powerful declaration of life, uniting the body and blood of Christ to symbolize our spiritual restoration.
As we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, let us bring our brokenness to the foot of the cross.
Trusting that His grace is sufficient, we can believe He will redeem and put our lives back together.
Faith
Iranian Athletes Defy Death, and Hope Shines Through Tyranny
Faith Facts
- Iranian state media labeled the athletes traitors after their silent protest on the global stage.
- The Iranian regime has a documented pattern of using harsh punishment against athletes who dissent or break contracts.
- Former athletes say the regime uses threats against family members to pressure players into returning.
Iranian women soccer players are facing potential death sentences after demonstrating courage during the Asia Cup in Australia. These athletes stood in defiant silence during their national anthem, signaling a quiet protest against the murderous regime taxing their homeland.
Despite offers of asylum from the West, many players felt forced to return to Iran due to extreme intimidation and threats against their families.
The regime’s ruthless history of executing athletes serves as a grim warning of the dangers these women now face.
Former President Donald Trump and other world leaders urged humanitarian protections, noting that returning to Iran could be a death sentence.
The international community continues to monitor the situation as the Iranian government has recently executed protesters following sham trials.
“They’re fighting the regime for one word: freedom.”
We must pray for the safety of these courageous women and their families as they navigate the darkness of an oppressive regime.
Their struggle reminds us to cherish the God-given liberties we often take for granted in our own nation.
Iran’s Women’s Soccer Team Faces Real Fear of Losing Their Lives
Faith
Believers’ Stand on Liberty Challenged Yet God’s Truth Prevails
Bishop Robert Barron is addressing claims made by Carrie Prejean Boller regarding her recent removal from the White House Religious Liberty Commission.
The bishop said her dismissal was not rooted in religious prejudice but followed disruptive behavior during a commission meeting.
Barron noted that Boller reportedly diverted the proceedings for personal agendas and showed aggressive conduct toward witnesses.
Faith Facts
- The Catholic Church condemns antisemitism and upholds respectful dialogue.
- The commission continues its work amid the dispute over Boller’s removal.
- Faithful leadership calls for civility, truth-telling, and the common good.
Chairman Dan Patrick confirmed the removal followed a February meeting where Boller allegedly prioritized a personal agenda over the commission’s collective mission.
Despite the claims of discrimination, other Catholic members remain active on the board, continuing their work for the nation.
“To paint herself as a victim of anti-Catholic prejudice or to claim that her religious liberty has been denied is simply preposterous,” Barron stated.
We must pray for our leaders to act with wisdom and humility as they defend the sacred values of our Republic.
True religious liberty is maintained when we stand firmly on Biblical principles without causing unnecessary division.
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