Is Grandpa Turning in His Grave? Exhortations for Free Will Baptists from Our Own Heritage
by Derek Cominskie Over the last several weeks, the HSF’s articles have focused on major moments or times of impact in Free Will Baptist history. In this article, I’d like to look to the future and contemplate what might lie ahead. In fact, someone suggested that I write on this topic; because, in his words, I have “seen the denomination from a couple different angles,” having transferred from Gateway Christian College to Welch...
The 1962 Split Among Free Will Baptists: Lessons Learned
by Jeffrey L. Cockrell Our world is often characterized by division and strife, and unfortunately strife often comes to the church. In Acts 15, we find that the first official debate in church history concerned Gentile salvation. It was a turning point, and the early church solved the issue with good communication and clear understanding.[1] Thus, the Gospel message was allowed to go forth without hindrance. We can all learn important...
How a Failed College Became a Catalyst for Unity: John Welch and the Free Will Baptist University
by Eric K. Thomsen From their earliest days—long before the formation of the National Association—Free Will Baptists in both North and South demonstrated great concern for education. A number of historic schools were started and closed, or absorbed by other denominational groups, as was the case after Free Will Baptists merged with Northern Baptists in 1911.[1] Only three regional Free Will Baptists colleges remained in operation...
Teach Them to Sing
by Rebekah Talbot Alabama summers: hot, humid days where there’s little left to do than to sit under a fan, staring at the heat waves hovering over the sizzling pavement. By the time night fell, this curly-headed girl and her sisters were stir crazy to say the least. These were times when my wise mother would sit down at our antique, upright piano and pull out her childhood hymnal. We’d hear the melody from a distant room, and one by...
How to Give (and Receive) Godly Counsel
by Sarah J. Bracey One of my favorite service opportunities is to help out with the 2-3 year olds in the nursery at church. Never a dull moment with these little ones! I love to talk with them each week about God and put together some craft or coloring page that goes along with our lesson. Don’t let the glue sticks and safety scissors fool you. Sometimes these crafts can actually be quite complicated and require some skilled hands to...
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