By Michael J. Brooks The Samaritans were the “untouchables” of the first century. They shared Jewish ancestry, but their lineage was changed through intermarriage with Canaanites and pagans.... Read more
By Andy Waits, FBC Springville My wife and I are expecting our first child. We are excited and nervous. Having had two miscarriages last year, we approach this pregnancy with severe anxiety.... Read more
By Michael Brooks Years ago students had to relocate to attend theological seminary. I often joke that when I was young, we had seminaries to attend, not just click on! The rise of Internet... Read more
By Carey Kinsolving and Friends “Jesus gives light to everyone by letting you buy it from the grocery store,” says Omar, 5. The Apostle John had a different kind of light in mind when... Read more
By Michael J. Brooks It’s interesting that scripture exhorts us both to be like children, and not to be like children. I was always puzzled as a kindergartner by the picture we had in the ch... Read more
By Carey Kinsolving and Friends “Jesus is the Word because through him all things are made,” says Jonathan, 8. “What he said became. Through the words of Jesus, the Earth and man were... Read more
By June Mathews, contributing writer In the spring of 1969, 31-year-old Dan Sims had been a member of First Baptist Church Trussville only a few months when he “got told” by then-pastor Rich... Read more
By Michael J. Brooks Gabriel Byrne portrayed Dr. Paul Weston, a therapist on the TV program “In Treatment.” I caught a few episodes several years ago when our cable company gave a pre... Read more
By Carey Kinsolving and Friends “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). “The ve... Read more
By Michael J. Brooks, Siluria Baptist Church I stood there a bit speechless since it didn’t work out like I’d planned, though I suppose it made me look kind-hearted. I paid the bill for my h... Read more