G - PEOPLE FILES
- Rick Gage - Andre Gagne - Chip & Joanna Gaines - Steve Gaines - Stanley Gale - Billy Galloway - Richard L Ganz - Louder Garabedian - Zoraida de García - Joseph Garlington - Jim Garlow - Jonathan Garner - Frances Taylor Gench - Austin Gentry - Anthony George - Ian M Giatti - Dave Gibbons - John Gibbs -
==rick gage======
Rick Gage is an American evangelist and the founder of GO TELL Ministries, a faith-based organization that conducts crusades, youth camps, and other evangelistic outreaches. He began his ministry in 1986 after a career in college football coaching. Gage is the son of an evangelist, but admits that he led a "sinful lifestyle" as a young adult. He played college football at Blinn Junior College and Cameron University. After graduating in 1981, he became a football coach at West Texas State and Texas Tech University. Gage had a life-changing religious experience during a sermon by another evangelist, James Robinson. He then dedicated his life to ministry. He left coaching to work for his father's ministry before returning to coaching for a time at Liberty University. In 1990, he launched his own organization, GO TELL Ministries. Based in Duluth, Georgia, GO TELL Ministries focuses on evangelistic outreach primarily in small and medium-sized communities. Programs includes large-scale evangelistic events, often held in football stadiums. A crusade in Louisiana in March 2025 saw over 1,300 people make spiritual decisions. Youth summer camps are held in various locations, including Alabama and Virginia. On Track assembly programs are presented in schools and focus on issues like drugs, alcohol, and making positive life choices. The ministry partners with Brewton-Parker College to provide students with real-world ministry experience.
‘Small-town Billy Graham’ sees 1,600 commitments to Christ in south Georgia crusade
BAXLEY, Ga. (BP) – Hundreds of people streamed out of the bleachers at Jimmy Swain Stadium on Wednesday, responding to a call from evangelist Rick Gage to get right with God. In a scene that harkened back to evangelistic crusades of yesteryear, they crowded around the platform where the man dubbed the “small-town Billy Graham” had just wrapped up a fiery Gospel sermon that warned of judgment for unrepentant sinners and promised eternal life for those willing to turn from their sins and commit their lives to Christ.
(Roger Alford/Baptist Press 9/25/23) Read More>>>>>
BAXLEY, Ga. (BP) – Hundreds of people streamed out of the bleachers at Jimmy Swain Stadium on Wednesday, responding to a call from evangelist Rick Gage to get right with God. In a scene that harkened back to evangelistic crusades of yesteryear, they crowded around the platform where the man dubbed the “small-town Billy Graham” had just wrapped up a fiery Gospel sermon that warned of judgment for unrepentant sinners and promised eternal life for those willing to turn from their sins and commit their lives to Christ.
(Roger Alford/Baptist Press 9/25/23) Read More>>>>>
==andre gagne======
Dr. André Gagné is a distinguished scholar and educator whose work spans theology, biblical studies, and religious violence. Dr. Gagné holds a conjunct Ph.D. from l’Université catholique de Louvain (Belgium) and l’Université de Montréal. His educational journey includes a B.Th. (Bachelor of Theology) and a Master of Arts from l’Université de Montreal. He currently serves as a professor and chair of theological studies at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. Dr. Gagné’s scholarship focuses on several critical areas: Interpretation and reception of the Bible, Political theology, Religious violence His research has contributed significantly to understanding these complex topics. Dr. Gagné is a research associate at the Centre de recherche Société, Droit et Religions de l’Université de Sherbrooke (SoDRUS). He is also an associate member at the Institut d’études anciennes et médiévales de l’Université Laval (IÉAM). Additionally, he collaborates with the Centre d’expertise de formation sur les intégrismes religieux, les idéologies politiques et la radicalisation (CEFIR). Dr. Gagné has authored several impactful books, including: “American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times” “Religion and Violence in Western Traditions” “Ces évangéliques derrière Trump: Hégémonie, démonologie et fin du monde” (in French) “The Gospel According to Thomas: Introduction, Translation, and Commentary” “The Global Impact of Religious Violence” “Constructing Religious Identities during the Second Temple Period” (co-authored) His research sheds light on critical intersections between faith, politics, and violence. In summary, Dr. André Gagné is a respected theologian, educator, and researcher whose work contributes significantly to our understanding of religious dynamics and their impact on society.
André Gagné On Trump’s Evangelical Base
Today’s guest says that many evangelicals use characters from the Christian Bible to legitimize their support of Trump. Dr. André Gagné says the argument goes “God can use imperfect individuals. Look at King David: King David committed adultery and killed the husband of Bathsheba, and God still called him a man according to my heart. King David was not perfect. The apostle Peter, who was one of the 12 apostles, betrayed Jesus, and Jesus reinstated him forgave him… ‘oh, you see, God can use someone like Trump to bring America back to him.'”Gagné argues, that these stories lend imperfect figures that are easily compared Trump.
(WORT 3/15/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Today’s guest says that many evangelicals use characters from the Christian Bible to legitimize their support of Trump. Dr. André Gagné says the argument goes “God can use imperfect individuals. Look at King David: King David committed adultery and killed the husband of Bathsheba, and God still called him a man according to my heart. King David was not perfect. The apostle Peter, who was one of the 12 apostles, betrayed Jesus, and Jesus reinstated him forgave him… ‘oh, you see, God can use someone like Trump to bring America back to him.'”Gagné argues, that these stories lend imperfect figures that are easily compared Trump.
(WORT 3/15/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==chip & Joanna Gaines======
Evangelicals turning on Chip and Joanna is about disgust, not love
Chip and Joanna Gaines, a beloved Christian couple and reality television celebrities, stand accused by fellow evangelicals of being traitors to the MAGA evangelical understanding of Christian faith.
Their act of betrayal: Casting a gay couple with twin boys on their Back to the Frontier reality show.
There’s a sickening sense of déjà vu about evangelical outrage over all matters related to human sexuality. Never has it been more depressing to say, “Here we go again.” From Jerry Falwell’s pathetic attacks on Teletubbies to the “God hates fags” banner of Westboro Baptist Church to the most virile anti-gay evangelical preachers in America, here we go again. I don’t think evangelicals ever will recover from their outrage over Obergefell v. Hodges. (Baptist News Global 7/22/25) READMORE>>>>>
Chip and Joanna Gaines, a beloved Christian couple and reality television celebrities, stand accused by fellow evangelicals of being traitors to the MAGA evangelical understanding of Christian faith.
Their act of betrayal: Casting a gay couple with twin boys on their Back to the Frontier reality show.
There’s a sickening sense of déjà vu about evangelical outrage over all matters related to human sexuality. Never has it been more depressing to say, “Here we go again.” From Jerry Falwell’s pathetic attacks on Teletubbies to the “God hates fags” banner of Westboro Baptist Church to the most virile anti-gay evangelical preachers in America, here we go again. I don’t think evangelicals ever will recover from their outrage over Obergefell v. Hodges. (Baptist News Global 7/22/25) READMORE>>>>>
==john gaines======
John Steven Gaines (born December 31, 1957) is an American Southern Baptist pastor, and the 61st President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is currently serving at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova (a suburb of
Memphis, Tennessee), one of the largest congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention and has visited Israel 16 times. On Sunday, July 10, 2005, the Pastor Search Committee of Bellevue Baptist Church presented Dr. Steve Gaines to the church congregation. At the conclusion of the services the Bellevue family overwhelmingly voted to call Steve Gaines as the seventh Pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church. Gaines succeeds the longtime Bellevue pastor Adrian Rogers.
Memphis, Tennessee), one of the largest congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention and has visited Israel 16 times. On Sunday, July 10, 2005, the Pastor Search Committee of Bellevue Baptist Church presented Dr. Steve Gaines to the church congregation. At the conclusion of the services the Bellevue family overwhelmingly voted to call Steve Gaines as the seventh Pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church. Gaines succeeds the longtime Bellevue pastor Adrian Rogers.
Bellevue, Southern Baptists pray for Gaines as he battles cancer
Members of one of the most well-known Southern Baptist churches are focusing their prayer efforts on their pastor this Sunday (Dec. 3). Bellevue Baptist will be lifting up Steve Gaines as he battles kidney cancer.
Gaines made the church aware of his health need on Nov. 19. He told his church family he has “a great team of doctors in Memphis who are treating me.” He said he also plans consult with physicians at M.D. Anderson in Houston. Gaines, a former SBC president, has served as pastor of the Memphis-area church since 2005.
(Brandon Porter/Kentucky Today 12/2/23)
Read More>>>>>
Members of one of the most well-known Southern Baptist churches are focusing their prayer efforts on their pastor this Sunday (Dec. 3). Bellevue Baptist will be lifting up Steve Gaines as he battles kidney cancer.
Gaines made the church aware of his health need on Nov. 19. He told his church family he has “a great team of doctors in Memphis who are treating me.” He said he also plans consult with physicians at M.D. Anderson in Houston. Gaines, a former SBC president, has served as pastor of the Memphis-area church since 2005.
(Brandon Porter/Kentucky Today 12/2/23)
Read More>>>>>
Steve Gaines Files
“Charles Stanley was a pioneer in Christian broadcasting. For decades his television ministry, In Touch, reached millions of people with the Gospel of Christ. He was a great man of God and he will be missed.”--Steve Gaines, former SBC president; April 18, 2023
==stanley gale======
Rev. Stanley D. Gale is a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America and author of several books, including Finding Forgiveness: Discovering the Healing Power of the Gospel, A Vine-Ripened Life: Spiritual Fruitfulness through Abiding in Christ and What Is Spiritual Warfare?.
Stanley Gale Files
“Humility functions in the fear of the Lord. Such fear makes God large in our eyes. We are completely and continually dependent upon Him. We exist by Him and for Him. We live through Him. In Him we live and move and have our being. The greater the presence of humility in our hearts, the greater we will see ourselves as debtors to grace and the more in awe of God we will be. James tells us that God 'gives more grace,' asserting that 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble' (4:6). Humility is a conduit of grace.
— Stanley Gale; Vine Ripened Life
— Stanley Gale; Vine Ripened Life
==billy galloway======
March 31, 2015: Picayune Item: Local churches to celebrate Easter with services
This week, a number of churches across Pearl River County are commemorating Easter Sunday. “Easter is the wonderful story of the resurrection of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ,” Central Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Billy Galloway said.
This week, a number of churches across Pearl River County are commemorating Easter Sunday. “Easter is the wonderful story of the resurrection of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ,” Central Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Billy Galloway said.
==Richard L Ganz======
Richard L Ganz
Take your disabling thoughts captive through confession. Paul urges us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (Rom. 12:21). Confront your disabling thoughts. Turn them over to God and become who He sees you can be. It will take work to take your thoughts captive each time they pop into your mind. But it is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit.......It is possible. It is not easy to retrain your thoughts or to respond in new Christ-like ways. Take heart: as God empowers you to focus your mind on the right things, it will become easier. You can develop a new frame of reference, based on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. --Richard L Ganz
==louder garabedian======
Evangelicals voice opposition to Uruguay's parliamentary vote to legalize euthanasia
In August, the Council of Evangelical Representation of Uruguay (CREU) released a video message from its president-elect, Pastor Louder Garabedian, declaring, “The Evangelical Alliance has a clear and firm message about euthanasia — we say, categorically, no to euthanasia. No to accelerating the process of death.”
Garabedian added that “palliative care is a transformative tool that brings dignity to those who suffer, even in the midst of terminal illness.” The bill, introduced by lawmakers from the ruling Frente Amplio party, aims to “regulate and guarantee the right of individuals to experience the dying process with dignity, under circumstances they determine.” It allows for a “painless, peaceful and respectful” death for patients who meet strict criteria — including being an adult, mentally competent, and suffering from either a terminal, incurable condition or “unbearable pain.” (Christian Post 10/21/25) READMORE>>>>
In August, the Council of Evangelical Representation of Uruguay (CREU) released a video message from its president-elect, Pastor Louder Garabedian, declaring, “The Evangelical Alliance has a clear and firm message about euthanasia — we say, categorically, no to euthanasia. No to accelerating the process of death.”
Garabedian added that “palliative care is a transformative tool that brings dignity to those who suffer, even in the midst of terminal illness.” The bill, introduced by lawmakers from the ruling Frente Amplio party, aims to “regulate and guarantee the right of individuals to experience the dying process with dignity, under circumstances they determine.” It allows for a “painless, peaceful and respectful” death for patients who meet strict criteria — including being an adult, mentally competent, and suffering from either a terminal, incurable condition or “unbearable pain.” (Christian Post 10/21/25) READMORE>>>>
==Zoraida de García======
Evangelical Council of Venezuela seeks legal clarity for churches, faith-based non-profits before Supreme Court
The petition was presented by a legal team led by attorney and specialist Maurice Eustache, joined by CEV President Pastor César Mermejo and Secretary of Records and Correspondence Pastor Zoraida de García. The filing took place at the Supreme Court headquarters in Caracas. The CEV said the initiative follows a mandate approved during its 51st National Assembly in March, where members established an advisory commission on religious freedom connected to the movement “Understanding the Times.” The Evangelical Council stressed that its action is not meant to confront authorities but to safeguard the constitutional freedoms of association and worship. The group said it seeks to ensure that churches and ministries can operate with “legal security” under Venezuelan law. (Christian Daily International 10/25/25) READMORE>>>>
The petition was presented by a legal team led by attorney and specialist Maurice Eustache, joined by CEV President Pastor César Mermejo and Secretary of Records and Correspondence Pastor Zoraida de García. The filing took place at the Supreme Court headquarters in Caracas. The CEV said the initiative follows a mandate approved during its 51st National Assembly in March, where members established an advisory commission on religious freedom connected to the movement “Understanding the Times.” The Evangelical Council stressed that its action is not meant to confront authorities but to safeguard the constitutional freedoms of association and worship. The group said it seeks to ensure that churches and ministries can operate with “legal security” under Venezuelan law. (Christian Daily International 10/25/25) READMORE>>>>
==joseph garlington======
January 20, 2025: Garlington at Trump inauguration: “Grant us the grace to be authentic intercessors for our nation,” Garlington prayed. He urged attendees to persist in their spiritual efforts, emphasizing that continued prayer is essential for sustained transformation.
==jim garlow======
Speaker Johnson's close ties to Christian right — both mainstream and fringe
The speaker has affiliated himself with some of Sheets' ideological allies in the NAR movement, including Pastor Jim Garlow. He hosts regular World Prayer Network livestreams in which Johnson has been a frequent guest. In an Aug. 9 broadcast, Garlow said Johnson "ranks up there in the top 1 percentile" in Congress and has "worked with us very closely." Johnson, in turn, praised Garlow. "I'm so grateful for the ministry and your faithfulness. It's a great encouragement to me and others who are serving in these sometimes rocky corners of the Lord's vineyard." Garlow was part of a group of religious leaders who hosted dozens of online global prayer sessions for "U.S. election integrity" which promoted false claims of election fraud and hosted prominent figures in the effort to overturn the election including Trump's former lawyer Sidney Powell, who pleaded guilty last month in a Georgia court to six counts of conspiracy to commit election interference.
(Susan Davis/NPR 11/15/23) READ MORE>>>>>
The speaker has affiliated himself with some of Sheets' ideological allies in the NAR movement, including Pastor Jim Garlow. He hosts regular World Prayer Network livestreams in which Johnson has been a frequent guest. In an Aug. 9 broadcast, Garlow said Johnson "ranks up there in the top 1 percentile" in Congress and has "worked with us very closely." Johnson, in turn, praised Garlow. "I'm so grateful for the ministry and your faithfulness. It's a great encouragement to me and others who are serving in these sometimes rocky corners of the Lord's vineyard." Garlow was part of a group of religious leaders who hosted dozens of online global prayer sessions for "U.S. election integrity" which promoted false claims of election fraud and hosted prominent figures in the effort to overturn the election including Trump's former lawyer Sidney Powell, who pleaded guilty last month in a Georgia court to six counts of conspiracy to commit election interference.
(Susan Davis/NPR 11/15/23) READ MORE>>>>>
July 11, 2023: Bucks County Beacon: Pennsylvania’s Prayer Warrior: Abby Abildness And Her Dominionist Crusade In The Commonwealth
We initially reported on the NAR in August last year. As stated in that report, some of the NAR’s most prominent leaders include: Cindy Jacobs, John Benefiel, Lance Wallnau, Abby Abildness, Dutch Sheets, Chuck Pierce, Ché Ahn, Lou Engle, Jim Garlow, Steve Strang (Charisma News), Steve Shultz (Elijah List).
We initially reported on the NAR in August last year. As stated in that report, some of the NAR’s most prominent leaders include: Cindy Jacobs, John Benefiel, Lance Wallnau, Abby Abildness, Dutch Sheets, Chuck Pierce, Ché Ahn, Lou Engle, Jim Garlow, Steve Strang (Charisma News), Steve Shultz (Elijah List).
May 25, 2023: Right Wing Watch: Kingdom In Politics Is Training Right-Wing Christians to Run for Office for the Purpose of ‘Bringing Heaven to Earth’
While WPN founders, right-wing activists Jim Garlow and Mario Bramnick, often use the program as a conduit for the promotion of wild conspiracy theories, Wednesday night’s program featuring a conservative Christian political strategist named Aamon Ross who runs a political consulting business called Kingdom In Politics, the purpose of which is to “prepare and inspire believers to take an active role in politics.”
While WPN founders, right-wing activists Jim Garlow and Mario Bramnick, often use the program as a conduit for the promotion of wild conspiracy theories, Wednesday night’s program featuring a conservative Christian political strategist named Aamon Ross who runs a political consulting business called Kingdom In Politics, the purpose of which is to “prepare and inspire believers to take an active role in politics.”
April 25, 2023: Church Leaders: Christian Group To Organize Prayer, Evangelism Campaign at Sold Out SatanCon
The social media broadcast featured pastors Jentezen Franklin, Paula Cain White, Samuel Rodriguez, and Jim Garlow; author Eric Metaxas; worship leader Sean Feucht; American Association of Christian Counselors president Tim Clinton; James Dobson; and the former president himself, who noted in his remarks his belief that “we’re being discriminated against as a faith.”
The social media broadcast featured pastors Jentezen Franklin, Paula Cain White, Samuel Rodriguez, and Jim Garlow; author Eric Metaxas; worship leader Sean Feucht; American Association of Christian Counselors president Tim Clinton; James Dobson; and the former president himself, who noted in his remarks his belief that “we’re being discriminated against as a faith.”
Feb 23, 2023: God TV: ASBURY UNIVERSITY LEADERS HALT NON-STOP WORSHIP TO SHIFT REVIVAL TO ‘SENDING’ MODE
Asbury revival attendee, Jim Garlow, shared on Facebook his conversation with the President of Asbury University, Kevin Brown. It was the first time he met him on Sunday night. He also attached a photo of him inside the Hughes Auditorium along with the post.
Asbury revival attendee, Jim Garlow, shared on Facebook his conversation with the President of Asbury University, Kevin Brown. It was the first time he met him on Sunday night. He also attached a photo of him inside the Hughes Auditorium along with the post.
Feb 14, 2023: Charisma: Jim Garlow: Is Asbury Revival the Third Great Awakening?
People across social media are calling out what is going on at Asbury University as the start of a revival. Jim Garlow was one of the first people to post about the Asbury University revival and what he was hearing from leaders at the auditorium. I sat down with Garlow to talk about whether or not this move of God is the start of the Third Great Awakening.
"I'm praising God. This is a remarkable moment that we've cried out for. Now we'll see what God's going to do with this. I think this could be the big one, the one we have longed for, the revival that could go global," Garlow says.
People across social media are calling out what is going on at Asbury University as the start of a revival. Jim Garlow was one of the first people to post about the Asbury University revival and what he was hearing from leaders at the auditorium. I sat down with Garlow to talk about whether or not this move of God is the start of the Third Great Awakening.
"I'm praising God. This is a remarkable moment that we've cried out for. Now we'll see what God's going to do with this. I think this could be the big one, the one we have longed for, the revival that could go global," Garlow says.
Jan 31, 2023: Baptist News Global: Museum of the Bible to host Wednesday morning event to pray for God’s judgment on America, and breakfast is not included
Well Versed is led by Jim and Rosemary Garlow. He is a former pastor who served on Donald Trump’s Faith Advisory team for four years and has a daily radio commentary. She identifies herself as a relative of Oskar Schindler (of Schindler’s List) and is active in various causes supporting Israel, including making more than 70 trips or spiritual pilgrimages to Israel.
Well Versed is led by Jim and Rosemary Garlow. He is a former pastor who served on Donald Trump’s Faith Advisory team for four years and has a daily radio commentary. She identifies herself as a relative of Oskar Schindler (of Schindler’s List) and is active in various causes supporting Israel, including making more than 70 trips or spiritual pilgrimages to Israel.
==jonathan garner======
Response to Jeffrey Jay Lowder on God and Consciousness
Lowder has written a post on the argument from consciousness for the existence of God. His argument, if sound, would establish consciousness as being a piece of evidence that lowers the probability of naturalism; however, it would not show that theism gets a boost in probability because theism and naturalism are not the only hypotheses available. Lowder looks at objections to his argument, such as the following:
(Jonathan Garner/Philosophy of Religion Blog 9/17/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Lowder has written a post on the argument from consciousness for the existence of God. His argument, if sound, would establish consciousness as being a piece of evidence that lowers the probability of naturalism; however, it would not show that theism gets a boost in probability because theism and naturalism are not the only hypotheses available. Lowder looks at objections to his argument, such as the following:
(Jonathan Garner/Philosophy of Religion Blog 9/17/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==Francis taylor gench======
Frances Taylor Gench is a Presbyterian minister, New Testament scholar, and the Herbert Worth & Annie H. Jackson Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Union Presbyterian Seminary. Gench is ordained in the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and has served as parish associate at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
in Washington, D.C. She has previously served as a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly's Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church (2001-2006), and has served as a faculty member at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (now a part of United Lutheran Seminary).
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and has served as parish associate at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
in Washington, D.C. She has previously served as a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly's Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church (2001-2006), and has served as a faculty member at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (now a part of United Lutheran Seminary).
Scripture, by the power of God’s Spirit, continues to form and reform us, shaping our vision of the world and guiding us to new understandings of what God is calling us to be and do. This is why Presbyterians and other Reformed Christians take as their motto the ancient words “church reformed, always reforming” (Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda) or, as the Book of Order fully translates it: “The church reformed, always to be reformed according to the Word of God” in the power of the Spirit (Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda secundum verbum Dei). (For more, read here.) This important point – that Scripture itself continues to form and reform the church – is often overlooked in the midst of contentious ecclesial debates where one “side” claims faithfulness to Scripture and declares that the “other side” has abandoned it. Often, there is biblical logic and integrity to an opponent’s point of view.
--Francis Taylor Gench; Presbyterian Outlook; On women pastors and biblical authority: A Presbyterian reflection 7.6.23
--Francis Taylor Gench; Presbyterian Outlook; On women pastors and biblical authority: A Presbyterian reflection 7.6.23
==austin gentry======
Austin Gentry is a NC-born-and-bred millennial currently living in Houston, TX and serving as the Young Adults Pastor at Second Baptist Church. Austin received his Bachelors from UNC Chapel Hill as well as his Masters from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Austin Gentry
Our minds only have so much bandwidth to ponder the details—big and small—of our lives; but since nothing could seem more insignificant than the number of times we sit down and rise up each day, those trivial moments are automatically discarded in our minds. And yet, God gives thought to it. He’s counted every single time we sat down and gotten back up. That’s how closely God is watching and looking after us. But this truth conveys more than just the fact that God counts and considers; it means that what we consider to be so utterly insignificant to us—is evidently significant to God.
This ought to give us great hope: If the most meaningless things to us actually matter to God, then clearly, the most weighty things to us matter so much more to God. If our own sitting and rising do not command our own attention, but they do command the attention and care of God, then how much more then does our anxiety and anguish, despair and doubts, our trials and tribulations command the attention, care, and investment of God. We may be dismayed and be tempted to think that God doesn’t know… oh, but He knows all that much—and much more. And that is a comfort. --Austin Gentry; God Hears, Sees, Knows You (Psalm 139)
This ought to give us great hope: If the most meaningless things to us actually matter to God, then clearly, the most weighty things to us matter so much more to God. If our own sitting and rising do not command our own attention, but they do command the attention and care of God, then how much more then does our anxiety and anguish, despair and doubts, our trials and tribulations command the attention, care, and investment of God. We may be dismayed and be tempted to think that God doesn’t know… oh, but He knows all that much—and much more. And that is a comfort. --Austin Gentry; God Hears, Sees, Knows You (Psalm 139)
==anthony george======
Dec 17, 2022: Frederick News-Post: Some Georgia pastors push back against spread of Christian nationalism
First Baptist Atlanta senior pastor, the Rev. Anthony George said he prefers to call himself a “patriotic Christian instead of a Christian nationalist.” A patriotic Christian means “You’re proud of our country and proud of the things your country stands for,” George said. What’s in a name?
First Baptist Atlanta senior pastor, the Rev. Anthony George said he prefers to call himself a “patriotic Christian instead of a Christian nationalist.” A patriotic Christian means “You’re proud of our country and proud of the things your country stands for,” George said. What’s in a name?
Preaching a Gospel of Conspiratorial Politics
The senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia, is upset. Rev. Anthony George complained during his sermon Sunday (Oct. 23) that someone publicized what he said during a prayer event earlier this month with U.S. Senate hopeful Herschel Walker. That someone was me. On the morning after allegations emerged that Walker paid for a girlfriend’s abortion, George emceed a prayer event for Walker at First Baptist. For George, the allegations were just an attack by Satan. We know that because while First Baptist staff barred reporters from entering the building, I found videos and broke the news about what George and Walker said behind closed doors. Although a staffer said they would give George my request for comment, he never responded. Now George thinks my reporting is also the work of the devil. “One of the things that people will do to you — and Satan will use people to do to you — is to try to make you afraid of following God,” George preached on Sunday. “I had this happen just a few weeks ago. Had a little prayer meeting here, said it was going to be private [with] somebody seeking office.” “The thing went public, people posted it, and I’m telling you I got all kinds of hatred and animosity coming at me on social media,” he added before turning his fire on who publicized his comments. “You cannot be intimidated by adversaries. And sadly, your biggest adversaries in the will of God are not even pagans, they are liberal Baptists — which may be pagan. But I’m telling you: There are wolves in sheep’s clothing out there. So, this thing about being in the will of God, it is not for pansies, it is not for sissies, it is not for the faint of heart.” None of this is too unusual for a George sermon (except the part attacking dissenting Baptists like me). Satan is nearly omnipresent in George’s sermons as he warns constantly about the attacks of the devil on himself and First Baptist. And he regularly peppers his sermons with political rants, conspiratorial claims, and warnings about alleged persecution of Christians. At times his messages sound a bit like a cable news show with some Bible verses and prayers instead of commercial breaks. (Word & Way 10/27/22) Read More>>>>>
The senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia, is upset. Rev. Anthony George complained during his sermon Sunday (Oct. 23) that someone publicized what he said during a prayer event earlier this month with U.S. Senate hopeful Herschel Walker. That someone was me. On the morning after allegations emerged that Walker paid for a girlfriend’s abortion, George emceed a prayer event for Walker at First Baptist. For George, the allegations were just an attack by Satan. We know that because while First Baptist staff barred reporters from entering the building, I found videos and broke the news about what George and Walker said behind closed doors. Although a staffer said they would give George my request for comment, he never responded. Now George thinks my reporting is also the work of the devil. “One of the things that people will do to you — and Satan will use people to do to you — is to try to make you afraid of following God,” George preached on Sunday. “I had this happen just a few weeks ago. Had a little prayer meeting here, said it was going to be private [with] somebody seeking office.” “The thing went public, people posted it, and I’m telling you I got all kinds of hatred and animosity coming at me on social media,” he added before turning his fire on who publicized his comments. “You cannot be intimidated by adversaries. And sadly, your biggest adversaries in the will of God are not even pagans, they are liberal Baptists — which may be pagan. But I’m telling you: There are wolves in sheep’s clothing out there. So, this thing about being in the will of God, it is not for pansies, it is not for sissies, it is not for the faint of heart.” None of this is too unusual for a George sermon (except the part attacking dissenting Baptists like me). Satan is nearly omnipresent in George’s sermons as he warns constantly about the attacks of the devil on himself and First Baptist. And he regularly peppers his sermons with political rants, conspiratorial claims, and warnings about alleged persecution of Christians. At times his messages sound a bit like a cable news show with some Bible verses and prayers instead of commercial breaks. (Word & Way 10/27/22) Read More>>>>>
==ian m giatti======
Ian Michael Giatti is a seasoned ministry leader whose first passion is teaching the Word of God for audiences of all ages. In addition to his career in broadcast and digital journalism, Ian has served as a Sunday School teacher, in ministry leadership, and has led Bible studies for inmates and staff at local jails. Giatti and his family live in Texas.
What happens when you tweet in 2023 that God is not “feminine”?
Denny Burk, a professor of Biblical Studies at Boyce College, the undergraduate school of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, found out firsthand after he shared a few quotes from the book The Christian Family, written by Dutch Calvinist theologian Herman Bavinck. In a blog post Monday, Burk shared a statement from Bavinck in which the author wrote, “God is never portrayed or presented as being feminine” in the pages of Scripture. After receiving “a lot of negative interaction” following the tweet, Burk offered additional context for Bavinck’s statement in which Bavinck discusses how the Bible portrays God with respect to the exclusiveness of sexual characteristics. --Ian M Giatti; Christian Post: Christian prof faces backlash on Twitter for sharing theologian's quote saying God is not 'feminine' 1.12.23
Denny Burk, a professor of Biblical Studies at Boyce College, the undergraduate school of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, found out firsthand after he shared a few quotes from the book The Christian Family, written by Dutch Calvinist theologian Herman Bavinck. In a blog post Monday, Burk shared a statement from Bavinck in which the author wrote, “God is never portrayed or presented as being feminine” in the pages of Scripture. After receiving “a lot of negative interaction” following the tweet, Burk offered additional context for Bavinck’s statement in which Bavinck discusses how the Bible portrays God with respect to the exclusiveness of sexual characteristics. --Ian M Giatti; Christian Post: Christian prof faces backlash on Twitter for sharing theologian's quote saying God is not 'feminine' 1.12.23
==john gibbs======
Feb 21, 2023: Politico: What It Looks Like When the Far Right Takes Control of Local Government
In their first meeting, the new board members adopted a series of measures that changed things in Ottawa County. They fired the county administrator and replaced him with John Gibbs, a former Trump administration official, Christian missionary, failed congressional candidate and election denier who once suggested women should not have the right to vote.
In their first meeting, the new board members adopted a series of measures that changed things in Ottawa County. They fired the county administrator and replaced him with John Gibbs, a former Trump administration official, Christian missionary, failed congressional candidate and election denier who once suggested women should not have the right to vote.
==dave gibbons======
The Christians mounting a moral counter to Trump's immigration agenda
The bottom line: Moderate leaders like Dave Gibbons, lead pastor of multiethnic Newsong Church in Santa Ana, Calif., tells Axios that those are distortions of Christian values that sanctify exclusion and fear. "The Gospel's good news doesn't leave people out, especially the stranger," said Gibbons, who works with the group Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) to accompany immigrants to hearings. He said the moderate and progressive Christians are countering MAGA's theology not with rallies, but with courtside accompaniment, rapid responses and "the Beatitudes." (Axios 10/23/25) READMORE>>>>
The bottom line: Moderate leaders like Dave Gibbons, lead pastor of multiethnic Newsong Church in Santa Ana, Calif., tells Axios that those are distortions of Christian values that sanctify exclusion and fear. "The Gospel's good news doesn't leave people out, especially the stranger," said Gibbons, who works with the group Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) to accompany immigrants to hearings. He said the moderate and progressive Christians are countering MAGA's theology not with rallies, but with courtside accompaniment, rapid responses and "the Beatitudes." (Axios 10/23/25) READMORE>>>>
April 28, 2023: Laurinburg Exchange: Methodist churches share thoughts on disaffiliation decisions
“We knew what we had in the United Methodist Church,” shared Judy Gibson, chairperson of the FUMC church council, and that the older congregation was more comfortable with staying put. “We decided to stay with what we felt secure in and didn’t want to deal with the hullabaloo of disaffiliating and not knowing exactly what we were getting into.”
“We knew what we had in the United Methodist Church,” shared Judy Gibson, chairperson of the FUMC church council, and that the older congregation was more comfortable with staying put. “We decided to stay with what we felt secure in and didn’t want to deal with the hullabaloo of disaffiliating and not knowing exactly what we were getting into.”
