WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

What Fatherhood means for Black America.

Actor Denzel Washington once stated: “If the father is not in the home, then the boy will find a father in the streets.”

Families across America are crumbling. Let’s reverse this trend.

Is there hope for the future of the traditional family in America?

Mark Lanier, with Biblical Literacy with Champion Forest, continues has lesson: We are not condemned.

Pastor Jarrett Stephens, in the pulpit at Champion Forest, continues: Fighting for Strength.

Today’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
You and you alone are worthy of praise and honor.
While the world believes in the big bang, I stand on your Word – that in the beginning you created all. More below….

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Host Terry Lowry interviews influential and knowledgeable guests on relevant topics for today.

WHAT FATHERHOOD MEANS FOR BLACK AMERICA

Discussed by Terris Todd
with Project 21 (www.NationalCenter.org)

Actor Denzel Washington said it best: “If the father is not in the home, then the boy will find a father in the streets.”

Terris Todd is the Director of Coalitions & Outreach at the Project 21 Black Leadership Network, a non-profit, non-partisan educational foundation with the National Center for Public Policy Research in WDC.

Click here to read Project 21’s report on this topic.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Terris was raised by a single mother. Did he have good male role models growing up?

Where did Terris learn his hard work ethic?

Is the traditional family, defined as a mother, father, and their children, on the verge of extermination in America? Terris discusses some of the reasons, specifically the government and welfare.

Are some in the black community ostracized for speaking out on this issue?

Fathers are too often missing from the equation. What are some of the consequences?

What are some benefits of fathers being involved in their child’s life? Terris shares about the family life of elephants. Yes – elephants.

Is there still hope for men in America? Is there hope for the future of the traditional family in America?

Click here to help support the National Center for Public Policy Research.

THE PRICE OF DONUTS

Discussed by Sara Tracey
with The What's UP Radio Program

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson who taught at a small college in the Western United States. Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year regardless of his or her major. – Anonymous author

*Edited for time and content.

To read the full story, click here.

WE ARE NOT CONDEMNED

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

DO YOU EVER BATTLE THE VOICES IN YOUR HEAD THAT SAY YOU AREN’T WORTHY OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS? HOW CAN WE SILENCE THOSE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS?

This week, Mark Lanier is back with his series on the book of Romans, giving us hope and encouragement as we seek to find peace in God in a noisy, messed up world.

To view Mark Lanier’s video for this lesson, click here.

If you have a prayer request, need Scripture encouragement, or would like a copy of Mark’s lessons each week, email wantmore@biblical-literacy.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

WHO SHALL BRING A CHARGE?

What was the Roman Patron-Client System? Mark discusses the Dionysus of Halicarnassus. Who is our defender? Mark uses a great illustration of the verses to explain how they would have been read at the time – and why Paul was so passionately encouraging the people. It’s really interesting, so listen in! It can be found at the 45-minute mark at the link above.

WHO IS THERE TO CONDEMN US?

If God knows everything we’ve done – and He is the only one who can condemn us – why doesn’t He?

What four things did Jesus do for us so his father God would not condemn us all to hell? He died for us. He was raised to life again. He is enthroned. He intercedes on our behalf.

For more information about Mark Lanier’s Biblical Literacy class, click here.

FIGHTING FOR STRENGTH

Discussed by Pastor Jarrett Stephens
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 3

WHY? THAT’S THE QUESTION: WHY? WHY DID I LOSE MY JOB? WHY DID MY SPOUSE DIE? WHY DID I LOSE MY BABY? WHY GOD? WHY?

This week, Pastor Jarrett Stephens continues in the FIGHT series, encouraging us to look past the WHY and focus on the WHAT. He says one profound statement on Friday: “Don’t trade what you know for what you don’t know.”

NOTE: Champion Forest will be hosting a special celebration for America’s 250th Birthday. Click here for more details and to register for the event.

Find Pastor Jarrett Stephens’ sermon here.

Find Pastor Jarrett Stephens’ sermon notes here.

 If you have questions about a sermon, please contact Champion Forest at questions@cfbc.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

THE “WHY” OF SUFFERING: OUR FAITH

How does suffering help grow our faith? (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7)

Does suffering have a “purifying effect”? Pastor Jarrett explains what this means…

THE “WHAT” OF SUFFERING

Suffering brings power. (2 Corinthians 4:10-12) Pastor Jarrett shares a wrestling story…

Suffering brings purpose. Tune in tomorrow as Pastor Jarrett shares a moving story about some good friends.


If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, or if you have a prayer request, text: 281.688.2630 and follow the text prompts.

For more details about Champion Forest Baptist Church, click here.

PRAYER

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Heavenly Father,

You and you alone are worthy of praise and honor.

While the world believes in the big bang, I stand on your Word – that in the beginning you created all.

You are all-powerful, all-knowing, all-seeing, and compassionate beyond measure. You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.

Too many desire your blessings, but refuse to bow before you. Too many seek forgiveness without a contrite heart.

They cry out to you when life comes crashing down. They cry out asking where you are.

Father God, you are with us – always near. We cannot hide from you and we cannot outrun you. Your eyes are in every place watching the evil and the good.

Forgive me when I fail you. Plant my feet on the solid rock of my salvation. I choose to serve and follow you this day.

Now, let’s be going and doing and working and sharing the Good News found in your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray,

Amen