THE IDLE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Ever-deepening Christian faith is called upon by believers who sometimes are challenged by their “trust and obey” commitment. We need only point to COVID-19, which has laid claim to as many as seven million lives worldwide, and many times that number who have been affected greatly by the pandemic’s countless joy-sucking tentacles. We
Read moreACU’s Siburt Institute for Church Ministry recently announced leadership changes, including David Wray stepping down as director of the annul Summit. The 115th Summit will be held in the fall, with details to be announced. Known for years as Lectureship, the annual event changed to Summit in 2008. Leah Andrews, Wray’s Summit assistant, is now the Summit director. Wray will
Read moreBy NANCY PATRICK This past Valentine’s Day found me held hostage in my home by a rare Texas blizzard and power outage. As I shivered beneath a thick comforter, I reflected on February 14, 1967, when my husband Mike proposed to me. Passionately in the throes of young love, we had attended a Sweetheart Banquet for our church that evening.
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON Birthdays are days that represent a special occasion. I post pictures of our boys’ birthdays on Facebook every year, remembering their special day. We send gifts to our granddaughters on their birthdays, and I take my wife out to eat on her birthday. We have days that honor extraordinary people in the history of our nation. Christmas
Read moreOn June 1, 1921, a racist mob in Tulsa, Oklahoma, destroyed much of a prosperous Black neighborhood that was known as America’s Black Wall Street. Hundreds of people were killed and four hotels, two newspapers, eight doctor’s offices, seven barbershops, half a dozen real estate agencies, and half a dozen churches were destroyed. One of the Black houses of worship
Read moreBy MIKE PATRICK One afternoon while I worked in the backyard, my wife, Nancy, went for a neighborhood walk to get in some exercise. About a quarter mile from the house, she heard a dog make a noise with a raspy bark. At first, she couldn’t tell from where the bark came. Then she realized it emanated from a storm
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON War. Mention the word in any group, and you will get a lively conversation. Unfortunately, it will probably be the topic of many discussions this week. There will be debate over right and wrong. Arguments on if Christians should fight in wars or not. Everyone wants “world peace.” None of us wants war, but discussions will arise
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By LORETTA FULTON “Destination Dig: Unearthing the Truth About Jesus,” “Anchored: Deepening Faith in God,” “Rocky Railway: Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through.” Sound familiar? A year after COVID-19 shut everything down, an old favorite, Vacation Bible School, is returning, with its enticing themes and promises of adventure, fun, worship, and learning. Some churches are going totally old school, hosting VBS
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Expertly written and acted, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum has been ransacked as an eye-catcher for many projects, presentations, and programs over the years. Based on the book and Broadway play, the 1960’s movie awakened in humankind that funny things do happen along the way, sometimes even en route to church. Much has been
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Spirit Of Abilene 