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TEXAS |
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===TEXAS===
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Texas is the most populous state in the South Central region of the United States. It borders Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and an international border with the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the south and southwest. Texas has a coastline on the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast. Covering 268,596 square miles (695,660 km2), and with over 30 million residents as of 2023, it is the second-largest state by both area and population. Texas is nicknamed the Lone Star State for its former status as an independent republic. The Lone Star can be found on the Texas state flag and the Texas state seal. Spain was the first European country to claim and control the area of Texas. Following a short-lived colony controlled by France, Mexico controlled the territory until 1836 when Texas won its independence, becoming the Republic of Texas. In 1845, Texas joined the United States as the 28th state. The state's annexation set off a chain of events that led to the Mexican–American War in 1846. Following victory by the United States, Texas remained a slave state until the American Civil War, when it declared its secession from the Union in early 1861 before officially joining the Confederate States of America on March 2. After the Civil War and the restoration of its representation in the federal government, Texas entered a long period of economic stagnation. |
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Interfaith Protest Confronts Christians United for Israel Summit
When John Hagee, founder of Christians United for Israel, spoke Monday night (July 29) at the group’s annual summit, he did so with the kind of theological self-assurance that has defined his decades of pro-Israel activism.“We cannot call ourselves followers of God’s holy and enduring mandate if we fail to stand with Jerusalem,” said Hagee, 84, who is senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio. But as Hagee spoke inside a convention center on the Potomac just south of Washington, anti-Zionist activists with Jewish Voice for Peace quietly maneuvered 25 kayaks into a tight line in the river outside. As the sun set over the water, the kayakers hoisted a banner. It read: “CUFI kills.” (Word & Way 7/31/24) READ MORE>>>>>
When John Hagee, founder of Christians United for Israel, spoke Monday night (July 29) at the group’s annual summit, he did so with the kind of theological self-assurance that has defined his decades of pro-Israel activism.“We cannot call ourselves followers of God’s holy and enduring mandate if we fail to stand with Jerusalem,” said Hagee, 84, who is senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio. But as Hagee spoke inside a convention center on the Potomac just south of Washington, anti-Zionist activists with Jewish Voice for Peace quietly maneuvered 25 kayaks into a tight line in the river outside. As the sun set over the water, the kayakers hoisted a banner. It read: “CUFI kills.” (Word & Way 7/31/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A Christian’s Response to Pastor Lawson’s Moral Failure
In September 2024 Pastor Steve Lawson was swiftly removed from his church in Dallas, Texas after it was discovered that he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman.2 The details were murky. In the absence of substantive explanations, social media filled up with speculation and gossip. Pastor Lawson was the very last person anyone expected to suffer such a “moral failing.” The adoption of terms like “moral failing” and “inappropriate relationship” as the go-to descriptors when a public figure is discovered sinning suggests a measurable decline for American Christianity. Biblical words like “sin,” “adultery,” and “fornication” have so fallen out of fashion even in the church that anodyne words like “failing,” “struggle,” and “inappropriate,” more fitting for the peccadillos of Hollywood celebrities, have replaced them. But these terms, especially “moral failing,” leave a lot to be desired. One problem is that they don’t come from the Scriptures. The Bible calls us to be holy, to reflect, by following the perfect law, God’s character in the world. This impossible task drives the sinner to the cross for mercy and salvation.(Christian Research Institute 10/12/24) READMORE>>>>>
In September 2024 Pastor Steve Lawson was swiftly removed from his church in Dallas, Texas after it was discovered that he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman.2 The details were murky. In the absence of substantive explanations, social media filled up with speculation and gossip. Pastor Lawson was the very last person anyone expected to suffer such a “moral failing.” The adoption of terms like “moral failing” and “inappropriate relationship” as the go-to descriptors when a public figure is discovered sinning suggests a measurable decline for American Christianity. Biblical words like “sin,” “adultery,” and “fornication” have so fallen out of fashion even in the church that anodyne words like “failing,” “struggle,” and “inappropriate,” more fitting for the peccadillos of Hollywood celebrities, have replaced them. But these terms, especially “moral failing,” leave a lot to be desired. One problem is that they don’t come from the Scriptures. The Bible calls us to be holy, to reflect, by following the perfect law, God’s character in the world. This impossible task drives the sinner to the cross for mercy and salvation.(Christian Research Institute 10/12/24) READMORE>>>>>
Morning Rundown: Gateway Church Faces Lawsuit Over Money-Back Guarantee on Tithes
Gateway Church, a prominent megachurch in Southlake, Texas, is facing a new legal challenge after four members filed a class action lawsuit alleging misuse of tithe money. The lawsuit, filed by Katherine and Garry Leach, along with Mark and Terri Browder, claims that Gateway Church, under the leadership of disgraced founder Robert Morris and other top leaders, failed to honor promises of transparency and accountability regarding church funds. Specifically, the members allege the church did not allocate 15% of tithes to global missions and Jewish ministry partners, as previously stated. The lawsuit accuses Gateway Church leaders, including Morris, former executive pastor Tom Lane, and current executive global pastor Kevin Grove, of fraud, misrepresentation and breach of contract. The plaintiffs argue that despite assurances from Morris that dissatisfied members could receive a refund of their tithes, these promises were not upheld. The legal filing states, “This lawsuit is about transparency, brought by members whose concern is not money in their pockets but rather biblical stewardship.” (Charisma 10/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Gateway Church, a prominent megachurch in Southlake, Texas, is facing a new legal challenge after four members filed a class action lawsuit alleging misuse of tithe money. The lawsuit, filed by Katherine and Garry Leach, along with Mark and Terri Browder, claims that Gateway Church, under the leadership of disgraced founder Robert Morris and other top leaders, failed to honor promises of transparency and accountability regarding church funds. Specifically, the members allege the church did not allocate 15% of tithes to global missions and Jewish ministry partners, as previously stated. The lawsuit accuses Gateway Church leaders, including Morris, former executive pastor Tom Lane, and current executive global pastor Kevin Grove, of fraud, misrepresentation and breach of contract. The plaintiffs argue that despite assurances from Morris that dissatisfied members could receive a refund of their tithes, these promises were not upheld. The legal filing states, “This lawsuit is about transparency, brought by members whose concern is not money in their pockets but rather biblical stewardship.” (Charisma 10/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Just Before His 90th Birthday, Chuck Swindoll Retires From Stonebriar To ‘Embrace New Chapter’
Charles (Chuck) Swindoll, founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, has announced his retirement from the church. This comes just months after the beloved pastor moved into a founding role at Stonebriar. Swindoll plans to shift fully to his work with Insight for Living. “I am endlessly grateful for the privilege of serving this church and witnessing the transformative power of God in our lives,” Swindoll shared in a statement. Chuck Swindoll shared his “gratitude and bittersweet reflection” as he announced his retirement from preaching ministry at Stonebriar Community Church. “After 26 incredible years as your senior pastor,” he said, “the time has come for me to retire from Stonebriar—and embrace a new chapter in my life.” Jonathan Murphy will continue as the church’s senior pastor.
(Church Leaders 9/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Charles (Chuck) Swindoll, founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, has announced his retirement from the church. This comes just months after the beloved pastor moved into a founding role at Stonebriar. Swindoll plans to shift fully to his work with Insight for Living. “I am endlessly grateful for the privilege of serving this church and witnessing the transformative power of God in our lives,” Swindoll shared in a statement. Chuck Swindoll shared his “gratitude and bittersweet reflection” as he announced his retirement from preaching ministry at Stonebriar Community Church. “After 26 incredible years as your senior pastor,” he said, “the time has come for me to retire from Stonebriar—and embrace a new chapter in my life.” Jonathan Murphy will continue as the church’s senior pastor.
(Church Leaders 9/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Board takes steps to create church insurance program
The Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board voted to take initial steps to create a Texas Baptist insurance program to enable churches to secure affordable property and casualty, liability and similar insurance coverage. At its Sept. 23-24 meeting, the board authorized the BGCT to create a corporation to make church insurance available and provide the initial capitalization of an insurance reserve, pending executive committee approval of a feasibility study and approval by messengers to Texas Baptists’ annual meeting. Since several major insurance carriers have left the Texas market, many churches either have been unable to renew their policies or have been saddled with steep premium and deductible increases.
(Baptist Standard 9/24/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board voted to take initial steps to create a Texas Baptist insurance program to enable churches to secure affordable property and casualty, liability and similar insurance coverage. At its Sept. 23-24 meeting, the board authorized the BGCT to create a corporation to make church insurance available and provide the initial capitalization of an insurance reserve, pending executive committee approval of a feasibility study and approval by messengers to Texas Baptists’ annual meeting. Since several major insurance carriers have left the Texas market, many churches either have been unable to renew their policies or have been saddled with steep premium and deductible increases.
(Baptist Standard 9/24/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Texas pastor's controversial sermons have driven 'hundreds' away from church
Mary DeMuth, a literary agent and prolific author of Christian books, attended Lakepointe Church in suburban Dallas for more than 23 years before leaving in December after she alleged senior pastor Josh Howerton began routinely revealing misogynistic beliefs during Sunday sermons. Amanda Cunningham, a former actor and model who went to Lakepointe for 12 years, cut ties with the megachurch in March after she said it apparently eliminated women's ministries, even while Howerton invited men to watch sports at Lakepointe's non-alcoholic tailgating events. And after Howerton told a now-infamous "old preacher joke" to the congregation about what women should do for their new husbands on their wedding nights. Melissa Ware got out of Lakepointe just last month after learning Howerton allegedly plagiarized his apology to the congregation for the joke from a similar apology by a Florida pastor—and after church staff reportedly tried to manipulate a traffic study to get a traffic light installed near its entrance. (MSN 8/23/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Mary DeMuth, a literary agent and prolific author of Christian books, attended Lakepointe Church in suburban Dallas for more than 23 years before leaving in December after she alleged senior pastor Josh Howerton began routinely revealing misogynistic beliefs during Sunday sermons. Amanda Cunningham, a former actor and model who went to Lakepointe for 12 years, cut ties with the megachurch in March after she said it apparently eliminated women's ministries, even while Howerton invited men to watch sports at Lakepointe's non-alcoholic tailgating events. And after Howerton told a now-infamous "old preacher joke" to the congregation about what women should do for their new husbands on their wedding nights. Melissa Ware got out of Lakepointe just last month after learning Howerton allegedly plagiarized his apology to the congregation for the joke from a similar apology by a Florida pastor—and after church staff reportedly tried to manipulate a traffic study to get a traffic light installed near its entrance. (MSN 8/23/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Dr. Cindy Trimm Returns to Houston with Empowering Sessions on Purpose and Leadership at Kingdom School of Ministry
Dr. Cindy Trimm, founder of Kingdom School of Ministry, has returned to Houston this week with an educational event focused on self-empowerment and finding one's purpose. According to a recent FOX 26 Houston report, Trimm, a noted speaker and author, is hosting a week-long session designed to instill hope and urge individuals to live up to their dreams. (Hoodline 8/7/24)READMORE>>>>>>
Dr. Cindy Trimm, founder of Kingdom School of Ministry, has returned to Houston this week with an educational event focused on self-empowerment and finding one's purpose. According to a recent FOX 26 Houston report, Trimm, a noted speaker and author, is hosting a week-long session designed to instill hope and urge individuals to live up to their dreams. (Hoodline 8/7/24)READMORE>>>>>>
Barber exhorts Southwestern graduates to go to the harvest
FORT WORTH—Get to work in the harvest, Southern Baptist Convention President Bart Barber challenged the 301 graduates of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College during spring commencement held May 3 on the Fort Worth campus. The spring 2024 graduating class included students representing 27 states of the U.S. and 22 countries. Seventy-seven of the 301 certificates and diplomas awarded were for non-English degrees and certificates. “This class represents the student body at Southwestern, which is now a multinational, multi-ethnic, intercultural, intergenerational community,” said SWBTS President David S. Dockery, noting the names listed in the commencement program that were representative of “every region of the country and multiple nations around the world, and we celebrate God’s goodness in bringing them here.”
(Southern Baptist Texas 5/14/24) Read More>>>>>
FORT WORTH—Get to work in the harvest, Southern Baptist Convention President Bart Barber challenged the 301 graduates of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College during spring commencement held May 3 on the Fort Worth campus. The spring 2024 graduating class included students representing 27 states of the U.S. and 22 countries. Seventy-seven of the 301 certificates and diplomas awarded were for non-English degrees and certificates. “This class represents the student body at Southwestern, which is now a multinational, multi-ethnic, intercultural, intergenerational community,” said SWBTS President David S. Dockery, noting the names listed in the commencement program that were representative of “every region of the country and multiple nations around the world, and we celebrate God’s goodness in bringing them here.”
(Southern Baptist Texas 5/14/24) Read More>>>>>
Two Dallas pastors: 'Simply say yes' to the 2024 bond package
Two Dallas pastors, with strong connections to the city's southern sector, voiced their support for the city’s upcoming 2024 Bond Package. Which of the ten propositions do they endorse? All of them. The Rev. David Wilson, who leads Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church, and The Rev. Jerry Christian, the senior pastor at Kirkwood Temple CME, spoke at a press conference on Thursday to give their support to the over billion dollars-worth of bond funds. (KERA News 4/26/24 ) Read More>>>>>
Two Dallas pastors, with strong connections to the city's southern sector, voiced their support for the city’s upcoming 2024 Bond Package. Which of the ten propositions do they endorse? All of them. The Rev. David Wilson, who leads Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church, and The Rev. Jerry Christian, the senior pastor at Kirkwood Temple CME, spoke at a press conference on Thursday to give their support to the over billion dollars-worth of bond funds. (KERA News 4/26/24 ) Read More>>>>>
Dallas church launches a pregnancy center to counter anti-abortion misinformation
The First Unitarian Church of Dallas is launching a pregnancy resource center to provide comprehensive reproductive health information and counseling. The church aims to counter misinformation from crisis pregnancy centers. The Truth Pregnancy Resource Center will offer sonograms, pregnancy tests, and resources for adoption. Unlike crisis pregnancy centers, it will also offer information on contraceptives and out-of-state abortion resources. “One of the focuses of this center is that birth and giving birth and determining the future of one's family isn't a crisis,” said T.J. FitzGerald, the minister of community care and engagement at the church. “The only crisis in this state is a crisis of humanity, a crisis of dignity, a crisis of compassion.”
(KERA News 4/26/24 ) Read More>>>>>
The First Unitarian Church of Dallas is launching a pregnancy resource center to provide comprehensive reproductive health information and counseling. The church aims to counter misinformation from crisis pregnancy centers. The Truth Pregnancy Resource Center will offer sonograms, pregnancy tests, and resources for adoption. Unlike crisis pregnancy centers, it will also offer information on contraceptives and out-of-state abortion resources. “One of the focuses of this center is that birth and giving birth and determining the future of one's family isn't a crisis,” said T.J. FitzGerald, the minister of community care and engagement at the church. “The only crisis in this state is a crisis of humanity, a crisis of dignity, a crisis of compassion.”
(KERA News 4/26/24 ) Read More>>>>>
First Baptist Abilene Pastor Brandon Hudson resigns after arrest
The pastor of a historic large Baptist church in West Texas has resigned two weeks after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Forty-four-year-old Brandon Hudson, the senior pastor of Texas' First Baptist Church Abilene, submitted his resignation Sunday after over a year as senior pastor. At the church's Sunday morning service, Bob Ellis, introduced by the church's personnel committee chair, read Hudson's letter of resignation and asked the congregation to keep Hudson and his family in their prayers.(Christian Post 4/12/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The pastor of a historic large Baptist church in West Texas has resigned two weeks after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Forty-four-year-old Brandon Hudson, the senior pastor of Texas' First Baptist Church Abilene, submitted his resignation Sunday after over a year as senior pastor. At the church's Sunday morning service, Bob Ellis, introduced by the church's personnel committee chair, read Hudson's letter of resignation and asked the congregation to keep Hudson and his family in their prayers.(Christian Post 4/12/24) READ MORE>>>>>
"You have seen the Humvees and the concertina wire and the national guardsmen on the television," Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso said during a March 18 lecture at Fairfield University, a Jesuit institution in Connecticut, according to the National Catholic Reporter. |
Texas Bishop Slams Greg Abbott, Says Christians Have 'Duty to Resist'
Texas state Rep. Matt Schaefer Abishop in El Paso, Texas, a popular U.S. entry point for illegal immigration, said statewide efforts to villainize migrants is a sad sight and falls on the shoulders of Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott has arguably been the most outspoken public official in condemning the claimed inaction of the federal government surrounding illegal immigration, which has soared under the Biden administration and hit a record high during the 2023 fiscal year. He instituted Operation Lone Star in March 2021 to build more border wall and leverage additional National Guard soldiers to deter migrants from entering unlawfully. (MSN 3/28/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
Texas State Rep. Matt Schaefer Provides A Case Study In Christian Nationalism
Texas state Rep. Matt Schaefer appeared on a Christians Engaged livestream last week, where he put his radical Christian nationalist worldview on full display, declaring that every elected official at every level is obligated to “worship God” and ensure that biblical commands are turned into public policy. Schaefer, who insists that every elected official must “really understand what the Bible says” before running for office, proclaimed that any government that failed to use its power to uphold “biblical mandates” is in direct rebellion against God. “The first biblical command for all rulers and all persons in authority is to worship God,” Schaefer said. “It’s all over the Bible. Look at the cycle of Israel and all the kings and the rulers that came along; when they obeyed, they had blessing, and then when they disobeyed, they had curses. The overriding command to every person, and every king, every state representative, every county commissioner—doesn’t matter what level—is to worship God and to love him. If you’re not doing that, then you’re out of his will.”
(Right Wing Watch 3/8/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Texas state Rep. Matt Schaefer appeared on a Christians Engaged livestream last week, where he put his radical Christian nationalist worldview on full display, declaring that every elected official at every level is obligated to “worship God” and ensure that biblical commands are turned into public policy. Schaefer, who insists that every elected official must “really understand what the Bible says” before running for office, proclaimed that any government that failed to use its power to uphold “biblical mandates” is in direct rebellion against God. “The first biblical command for all rulers and all persons in authority is to worship God,” Schaefer said. “It’s all over the Bible. Look at the cycle of Israel and all the kings and the rulers that came along; when they obeyed, they had blessing, and then when they disobeyed, they had curses. The overriding command to every person, and every king, every state representative, every county commissioner—doesn’t matter what level—is to worship God and to love him. If you’re not doing that, then you’re out of his will.”
(Right Wing Watch 3/8/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Abilene Christian University holds homophobic Holy Sexuality Week
Being LGBTQ has always been a reason for Abilene Christian University to expel a student. But after 2,000 people signed a petition voicing concerns with Holy Sexuality Week, the school is looking at its policy. A new alumni group called Wildcats for Inclusion called the statement “the opposite of homosexuality is holiness,” hateful.
(David Taffet/Dallas Voice 12/15/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
Being LGBTQ has always been a reason for Abilene Christian University to expel a student. But after 2,000 people signed a petition voicing concerns with Holy Sexuality Week, the school is looking at its policy. A new alumni group called Wildcats for Inclusion called the statement “the opposite of homosexuality is holiness,” hateful.
(David Taffet/Dallas Voice 12/15/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
In Texas, debate over school chaplains escalates school board culture wars
It’s been more than seven months since the Texas Legislature passed a bill allowing public schools to hire school chaplains, but for the Rev. Dave Welch, his work has just begun. Dining last month at the Taste of Texas, a sprawling restaurant/museum on the outskirts of Houston with 750-pound replica cannons made to resemble those from the Battle of the Alamo bolted to its entryway, the longtime conservative Christian activist outlined his two-pronged plan for what comes next. “Number one is winning over the leaders currently in the school system, the school boards — or changing them,” said Welch, who runs the Houston Area Pastor Council. “Number two is persuading and winning over enough pastors to see this as a mission field.”
(Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service 12/14/23)
Read More>>>>>
It’s been more than seven months since the Texas Legislature passed a bill allowing public schools to hire school chaplains, but for the Rev. Dave Welch, his work has just begun. Dining last month at the Taste of Texas, a sprawling restaurant/museum on the outskirts of Houston with 750-pound replica cannons made to resemble those from the Battle of the Alamo bolted to its entryway, the longtime conservative Christian activist outlined his two-pronged plan for what comes next. “Number one is winning over the leaders currently in the school system, the school boards — or changing them,” said Welch, who runs the Houston Area Pastor Council. “Number two is persuading and winning over enough pastors to see this as a mission field.”
(Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service 12/14/23)
Read More>>>>>
Texas activist David Barton wants to end separation of church and state. He has the ear of the new U.S. House speaker.
For nearly four decades, Texas activist David Barton has barnstormed statehouses and pulpits across the nation, arguing that the separation between church and state is a myth and that America should be run as a Christian nation. Now, he’s closer to power than perhaps ever before. One day after little-known Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana was elected as the new House speaker last week, Barton said on a podcast that he was already discussing staffing with Johnson, his longtime ally in deeply conservative, Christian causes.
(Robert Downen/Texas Tribune 11/3/23)
Read More>>>>>
For nearly four decades, Texas activist David Barton has barnstormed statehouses and pulpits across the nation, arguing that the separation between church and state is a myth and that America should be run as a Christian nation. Now, he’s closer to power than perhaps ever before. One day after little-known Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana was elected as the new House speaker last week, Barton said on a podcast that he was already discussing staffing with Johnson, his longtime ally in deeply conservative, Christian causes.
(Robert Downen/Texas Tribune 11/3/23)
Read More>>>>>
Inside the anti-LGBTQ effort to put Christianity back in schools
LGBTQ rights advocates warn that the rhetoric emanating out of some churches, where faith leaders and politicians have baselessly accused LGBTQ people of sexually “grooming” children, could lead to violence. “To watch faith weaponized in that way, I think, is really scary,” said Ricardo Martinez, the CEO of Equality Texas, an LGBTQ advocacy group. “That’s not a faith I recognize. It’s not the empathy, the compassion, the grace that I learned attending my church.” (Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton/NBC News 10/4/23)
Read More>>>>>
LGBTQ rights advocates warn that the rhetoric emanating out of some churches, where faith leaders and politicians have baselessly accused LGBTQ people of sexually “grooming” children, could lead to violence. “To watch faith weaponized in that way, I think, is really scary,” said Ricardo Martinez, the CEO of Equality Texas, an LGBTQ advocacy group. “That’s not a faith I recognize. It’s not the empathy, the compassion, the grace that I learned attending my church.” (Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton/NBC News 10/4/23)
Read More>>>>>
August 11, 2023: Dallas Observer: Oh, God: Judge Sides with Fort Worth in Early Stages of Atheists' Lawsuit
Instead of small banners on lampposts in downtown Fort Worth like they’ve used before, members of the local group Metroplex Atheists are turning to a billboard campaign to advertise an upcoming event titled “Keep God Out of Our Public Schools,” which will focus on the dangers of Christian nationalism.
The group sued the city of Fort Worth in federal court last month because it was told it wouldn’t be allowed to use city lampposts to promote the event, as it did in 2019.
The city’s policy on lamppost banners stipulates that an event being promoted must take place in Fort Worth and be open to the general public, be of common interest to the general community and recognize and/or contribute to the cultural fabric of the city. The Fort Worth group thought its event checked all of those boxes, but it was still denied access to use the lampposts for its banners because the event was deemed to lack sufficient magnitude to qualify.
Instead of small banners on lampposts in downtown Fort Worth like they’ve used before, members of the local group Metroplex Atheists are turning to a billboard campaign to advertise an upcoming event titled “Keep God Out of Our Public Schools,” which will focus on the dangers of Christian nationalism.
The group sued the city of Fort Worth in federal court last month because it was told it wouldn’t be allowed to use city lampposts to promote the event, as it did in 2019.
The city’s policy on lamppost banners stipulates that an event being promoted must take place in Fort Worth and be open to the general public, be of common interest to the general community and recognize and/or contribute to the cultural fabric of the city. The Fort Worth group thought its event checked all of those boxes, but it was still denied access to use the lampposts for its banners because the event was deemed to lack sufficient magnitude to qualify.
July 17, 2023: Anxious Bench: Church-Hopping in Texas
On July 1st, we determined we would go to a local, large and influential Methodist church.
On July 1st, we determined we would go to a local, large and influential Methodist church.
Dallas Mass Revival; Greenville, Texas
Bible Davids Files
“This is not just a conference, this is a move of God. This is the wave of the Holy Spirit....The Lord told me, he said, ‘Tell the people to shout fire seven times. He said, When they shout seven times, the whole place is going to erupt like a volcanic eruption with My glory.’”
--Bible Davids; Dallas Mass Revival; Greeneville, Texas; 7.1.23
Rebecca Bible Davids Files
“In case you don't know, this is not a show, this is not a regular conference. This is revival here. This is revival...You know when John the Baptist says, ‘I'm not honored to even unlatch your shoes,’ so I'm not going to go there,.”
--Rebecca Bible Davids; introducing Greg Locke at Dallas Mass Revival; Greeneville, Texas; 7.1.23
Greg Locke Files
"(I am) fully aware he is the “least likely man on the planet to not just be involved in deliverance ministry, but to somewhat be tip of the spear in helping to bring back a movement that should have never gone anywhere. We're talking about the number one ministry of Jesus, and yet here's what the Church by and large says. They say, ‘We'll get you a bracelet, a hat and a shirt that says ‘what would Jesus do? I know what Jesus did because I read a Bible. Jesus cast out evil spirits. You have to understand that I am a man that was against all of this. I was against deliverance; I was against miracles, tongues, signs, wonders, baptism of the Holy Spirit, supernatural healings. I preached the Gospel, the death, the burial, the resurrection. But you need to know something about Greg Locke: for 30 years, I preached cute sermons with really no power and deliverance changed everything about my life. Deliverance changed our church. Deliverance is not just a one-and-done. Deliverance is a disciplined Christian walk by the power of the Holy Spirit......I know all the arguments against why we're supposed to be here today. I know all the arguments against healing and laying hands on the sick and casting out demons and the foolish argument, ‘Can Christians be afflicted by demons?..........Of course they can be afflicted by demons. The Church has been demonized and can be set free by the power of the name of Jesus, but the problem is the pastors themselves have never submitted their life to personal deliverance, and if you have a leader that's never been delivered, you'll have a church full of people that are bound in their religion......I was that way for many, many years. I knew the truth, I saw the supernatural, but I was afraid of it......Moms and dads coming to church, pretending to love Jesus, then going home fussing, fighting, cussing, arguing, witchcraft on the television, burning sage in their house, Mama with her yoga membership getting a Kundalini Spirit down at the local Southern Baptist Church. Our kids look at all that, and they're like, ‘Well, my goodness, if that's Christianity, I don't want anything to do with it............It’s happening before your very eyes. Don’t miss your miracle......How many Christians here want to have this same anointing and this same encounter next month again?" he asked. “We need urgently to cover the expense for the event that runs into hundreds of thousands and the ministry that's just six months old. Step out by faith, be moved by God. If the Lord said to you, ‘I want you to step in and partner with this movement with ten thousand dollars,’ run to the altar. Run, run, run.”
--Pastor Greg Locke talks 'deliverance' from Evangelicalism at Dallas Mass Revival; 7.1.23
--Pastor Greg Locke talks 'deliverance' from Evangelicalism at Dallas Mass Revival; 7.1.23
New Texas Bill Would Require Schools to Display 10 Commandments in Every Classroom
A new Texas bill, if enacted, would require public primary and secondary schools in Texas to show a poster-sized display of the 10 Commandments “in a conspicuous place in each classroom.” Senate Bill 1515, sponsored by Texas state Sen. Phil King (R), includes a requirement regarding the exact size of the posters and the inclusion of the words “Thou shall” at the start of each commandment. (Milton Quintanilla/Christian Headlines 4/5/23)
Read More>>>>>
A new Texas bill, if enacted, would require public primary and secondary schools in Texas to show a poster-sized display of the 10 Commandments “in a conspicuous place in each classroom.” Senate Bill 1515, sponsored by Texas state Sen. Phil King (R), includes a requirement regarding the exact size of the posters and the inclusion of the words “Thou shall” at the start of each commandment. (Milton Quintanilla/Christian Headlines 4/5/23)
Read More>>>>>
Mar 9, 2023: Deseret News: Texas Tech coach resigns after Bible lesson drama
Mark Adams had been suspended by Texas Tech after officials determined that his biblical references in a recent conversation with a player were “racially insensitive”
Mark Adams had been suspended by Texas Tech after officials determined that his biblical references in a recent conversation with a player were “racially insensitive”
Feb 24, 2023: CBN: Revival Spreads to Texas A&M, Indiana Wesleyan and LSU: 'It's Not Religion. It's Just Meeting JESUS'
Michael Fehlauer, the lead pastor of the New Life Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, posted videos to social media that showed baptisms being performed in a public fountain at Texas A&M Galveston.
Michael Fehlauer, the lead pastor of the New Life Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, posted videos to social media that showed baptisms being performed in a public fountain at Texas A&M Galveston.
Dec 15, 2022: Religion News: Religious liberty concerns raised as Texas governor seeks to investigate groups helping migrants
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the state attorney to investigate nongovernmental organizations that he claims have assisted with “illegal border crossings” along the U.S.-Mexico border near El Paso, raising religious liberty concerns among faith-based groups and religious organizers helping migrants with medical needs and shelter
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the state attorney to investigate nongovernmental organizations that he claims have assisted with “illegal border crossings” along the U.S.-Mexico border near El Paso, raising religious liberty concerns among faith-based groups and religious organizers helping migrants with medical needs and shelter
Christian Headlines: Republicans Are 'Headed Toward a Civil War,' Pastor Robert Jeffress Says
A key evangelical ally during Donald Trump's administration says he will not endorse the former president for the 2024 Republican nomination............. But Jeffress says he will remain neutral for the 2024 GOP race.
"Donald Trump was a great president, and if he becomes the GOP nominee in 2024, I will happily support him," Jeffress told Newsweek.
He added that "the Republican Party is headed toward a civil war that I have no desire or need to be part of. My priority is being pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas and preaching God's word to millions of people each week on our television and radio broadcasts."
11.18.22
A key evangelical ally during Donald Trump's administration says he will not endorse the former president for the 2024 Republican nomination............. But Jeffress says he will remain neutral for the 2024 GOP race.
"Donald Trump was a great president, and if he becomes the GOP nominee in 2024, I will happily support him," Jeffress told Newsweek.
He added that "the Republican Party is headed toward a civil war that I have no desire or need to be part of. My priority is being pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas and preaching God's word to millions of people each week on our television and radio broadcasts."
11.18.22
November 11, 2022:
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser, a national pro-life grassroots advocacy organization criticized Republican strategists for failing to make the party's position on abortion clear during the 2022 midterm elections, citing it as a potential reason for some of the party’s losses this election cycle. I have to disagree with the point. The position was pushed by most Republicans and it was a motivating factor for large Democrat turnout. In June 2022, the Supreme Court overruled Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization on the grounds that the substantive right to abortion was not "deeply rooted in this Nation's history or tradition", nor considered a right when the Due Process Clause was ratified in 1868, and was unknown in U.S. law until Roe.
Actions by prolife leaders like Governor Greg Abbott of Texas signed off on legislation which would allow a person to turn in anyone who even contemplated an abortion brought the issues of safety to the attention of pro-abortion advocates.. and the women who supported a woman's right to choose made the issue important to them so they campaigned against any and all Republicans. Posted on Blog HERE
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Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser, a national pro-life grassroots advocacy organization criticized Republican strategists for failing to make the party's position on abortion clear during the 2022 midterm elections, citing it as a potential reason for some of the party’s losses this election cycle. I have to disagree with the point. The position was pushed by most Republicans and it was a motivating factor for large Democrat turnout. In June 2022, the Supreme Court overruled Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization on the grounds that the substantive right to abortion was not "deeply rooted in this Nation's history or tradition", nor considered a right when the Due Process Clause was ratified in 1868, and was unknown in U.S. law until Roe.
Actions by prolife leaders like Governor Greg Abbott of Texas signed off on legislation which would allow a person to turn in anyone who even contemplated an abortion brought the issues of safety to the attention of pro-abortion advocates.. and the women who supported a woman's right to choose made the issue important to them so they campaigned against any and all Republicans. Posted on Blog HERE
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Christian Post: Pastor advises young adults not to be 'discipled' by Taylor Swift, Disney on dating, marriage
A Texas pastor has warned a group of young adult Christians against allowing messages and themes found in Disney movies or Taylor Swift songs to inform their approach to dating and marriage.
Pastor David Marvin of Dallas' Watermark Community Church, who serves as the director of the young adult-centered ministry The Porch, preached a sermon last week outlining three common mistakes Christians make when dating.
11.10.22
A Texas pastor has warned a group of young adult Christians against allowing messages and themes found in Disney movies or Taylor Swift songs to inform their approach to dating and marriage.
Pastor David Marvin of Dallas' Watermark Community Church, who serves as the director of the young adult-centered ministry The Porch, preached a sermon last week outlining three common mistakes Christians make when dating.
11.10.22
“A revival is coming. We need to do a much better job as evangelists. Evangelists for Jesus, yes, but also in the public sphere as evangelists for liberty, for our values.”
-Ted Cruz; Texas Faith, Family, and Freedom Forum; Sept 2022
-Ted Cruz; Texas Faith, Family, and Freedom Forum; Sept 2022
Oct 6, 2022: Texas Monthly: Decoding the Christian Language of Texas GOP Officials
By declaring that “evil will always walk among us” or calling for Texans to “unify in faith,” politicians communicate specific ideas to the electorate.
By declaring that “evil will always walk among us” or calling for Texans to “unify in faith,” politicians communicate specific ideas to the electorate.
June 30, 2022: Insider: A Texas minister helps fly dozens of women to New Mexico every month to get abortions. He's one of many religious leaders coordinating abortion care with Roe v. Wade overturned.
- Before Roe v. Wade, a nationwide network of clergy helped women seeking abortion care.
- Similar networks are being revitalized by religious leaders in a post-Roe world.
- One minister in Texas helps 20 people travel to New Mexico every two weeks for abortions
March 24, 2022: KERA: Texas Christian University digs into its past with initiative studying slavery and racism
The research effort is part of an international consortium of over 60 universities researching the role of racism and slavery within their institutional histories.
The research effort is part of an international consortium of over 60 universities researching the role of racism and slavery within their institutional histories.
Feb 4, 2022: Baptist Press: Churches not holy huddles; ‘We’re an army,’ Pitman says
One-hundred twenty. Vance Pitman wants Southern Baptists of Texas Convention churches to understand two significant things about that number: it’s the size of the crowd that took Jesus seriously when He first delivered His mission, and the size of the average SBTC church. In fact, a majority of churches affiliated with the state convention have an average attendance of 120 or fewer
One-hundred twenty. Vance Pitman wants Southern Baptists of Texas Convention churches to understand two significant things about that number: it’s the size of the crowd that took Jesus seriously when He first delivered His mission, and the size of the average SBTC church. In fact, a majority of churches affiliated with the state convention have an average attendance of 120 or fewer
“Out of sight, out of mind” is not actually a proverb from the Bible. It is certainly no way for Christians to feel about the presence of false religions in the world. But if we decide that lost people everywhere are our business, then we can be thankful when God brings those lost people to our doorsteps. ”
--Bart Barber; First Baptist Church; Farmersville, Texas
--Bart Barber; First Baptist Church; Farmersville, Texas
Jan 24, 2021: Several, including Ralph Reed of the Faith & Freedom Coalition and Dallas-based pastor Robert Jeffress, condemned the insurrection but remained steadfast in their support for Trump. In an open letter, more than 100 pastors, ministry and seminary leaders, and other prominent evangelicals express concern about the growing "radicalization" they're seeing, particularly among white evangelicals. The letter notes that some members of the mob that stormed the Capitol carried Christian symbols and signs that read, "Jesus Saves," and that one of the rioters stood on the Senate rostrum and led a Christian prayer. The letter calls on other Christian leaders to take a public stand against racism, Christian nationalism, conspiracy theories and political extremism. Prominent white evangelical leaders have been among Trump's most vocal supporters. Several, including Ralph Reed of the Faith & Freedom Coalition and Dallas-based pastor Robert Jeffress, have condemned the insurrection but remained steadfast in their support for Trump. Signers of the open letter calling out Christian nationalism include Jerushah Duford, a granddaughter of the evangelical preacher, the late Rev. Billy Graham. In an interview with NPR, Duford said she was "heartbroken" by the events of Jan. 6, a feeling she said she experienced throughout the Trump years as she watched many white evangelical leaders align themselves with him.