Monday, August 22, 2016

• Olympics wrap-up: God praised by athletes in triumph, defeat

  by Tim Ellsworth, posted Monday, August 22, 2016 (3 years ago)

  

  Screen Capture from NBC

  RIO DE JAINEIRO (BP) -- The images and memories of the 2016 Olympics will endure for much longer than the torch's flame.

  Simone Biles racking up five medals (four gold) in gymnastics. Usain Bolt running away from every challenger. Katie Ledecky doing the same thing in the pool. Michael Phelps further establishing himself as the greatest Olympian ever.

  The list could go on. Read More

• FROM THE SEMINARIES: Steve Gaines joins Oxford tour; convocation, Elliff, Meador at SEBTS; engage Islam strategically, SBTS profs say

  by SBC Seminary & BP Staff, posted Monday, August 22, 2016 (3 years ago)

  Today's From the Seminaries: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Read More

• Starr cuts ties with scandal-rocked Baylor

  by Diana Chandler, posted Monday, August 22, 2016 (3 years ago)

  WACO, Texas (BP) -- Ken Starr has resigned his law professorship at Baylor University, cutting final ties with the Baptist school rocked by allegations that it mishandled sexual assault allegations and intimidated female students who complained.

  "Frankly, the university determined that it wanted a break in the employment relationship, so I've accepted that decision and will, of course, honor the decision," the Waco Tribune quoted Starr Aug. 19. "Nothing changes my love and respect for Baylor." Read More

• Kim Davis suit dismissed, but challenges persist

  by David Roach, posted Monday, August 22, 2016 (3 years ago)

  

  ASHLAND, Ky. (BP) -- Although a federal judge has dismissed three lawsuits against Kim Davis, a Kentucky county clerk who refused to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the religious liberty of officials in other states continues to face legal challenges.

  Federal judge David Bunning, who jailed Davis for five days last year, closed the court's files on all cases against her Aug. 18 and ordered them removed from the docket. Read More

• Transgender debate continues as students return

  by David Roach, posted Monday, August 22, 2016 (3 years ago)

  NASHVILLE (BP) -- As students return to their classrooms, the Obama administration's transgender directive continues to provoke a variety of responses among America's public schools.

  On one end of the spectrum, states like Massachusetts, California and Washington have embraced the administration's May directive that public schools and universities must allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their perceived gender identity rather than their biological sex. Some local school boards have responded positively as well, as in Charlotte, N.C., where the school ... Read More

• Olympics: USOC volunteers strive to be 'a light for Jesus'

  by Tim Ellsworth, posted Monday, August 22, 2016 (3 years ago)

  

  Photo provided

  RIO DE JANEIRO (BP) -- Their relationship began because of tragedy, as Craig and Beverly Bohnert each had experienced their share of pain and heartache.

  But the Lord used those tragedies to bring them together. And now the Bohnerts, who served as volunteers for the U.S. Olympic Committee this year in Rio, are doing their best to be faithful witnesses for him in the work that God has called them to do.

  "As God opens doors, we're able to minister," Beverly said. "I'm just asking God to ... Read More

• Olympics: Bapt. volunteers share Jesus, see lives changed

  by Tim Ellsworth, posted Monday, August 22, 2016 (3 years ago)

  

  Photo by Tim Ellsworth.

  RIO DE JANEIRO (BP) -- While the Olympics may draw fans from all over the world to celebrate athletic accomplishment, they also draw missions volunteers interested in taking the Gospel to the nations.

  Steve Paquette, of Golden Acres Baptist Church in Phenix City, Ala., and James Gardner, of McClendon Baptist Church in West Monroe, La., were part of a team of about 25 volunteers from International Sports Chaplains who witnessed to people at various Olympics sites in Rio. Read More

• FIRST-PERSON: State conventions -- a closer look

  by Doug Munton, posted Monday, August 22, 2016 (3 years ago)

  SBC first vice president Doug Munton, examining the work of state Baptist conventions, notes, "They keep us locally focused" while supporting churches with a range of ministries and resources. "[D]on't lose sight of their benefit and the blessing they have been and can continue to be," the Illinois pastor writes. Read More