At National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), the mission is clear. With unwavering commitment, they work to advance biblical truth; to promote media excellence; and to defend free speech in our nation. This year’s seventy-fifth annual convention, Proclaim 18, reaffirmed this duty. The call to those of us in Christian radio, television, and internet could be heard throughout the convention center.
“If not you, who? If not now, when,” charged Dr. Jerry Johnson, President and CEO.
As impressive as the list of special speakers, their boldness for using their God-give platforms to proclaim Christ to a broken world was even greater.
From platforms as large as the oval office, the cry to make our voices heard was made. “To the NRB, I say, your ministries; your messages are needed now more than ever,” said Vice President Mike Pence. “Let’s redeem the time by renewing the faith. Bow the head, bend the knee. Pray for America,” said Pence.
Brian Bird, Executive producer and co-creator of Hallmark Channel’s original series, When Calls the Heart, urged attendees to, “Hold on to what is true.”
With the pressure for Christians to compromise growing stronger, David and Jason Benham encouraged us to be a light. Not like a flame that goes out easily when the winds blow, rather, “Be like a coal who only gets stronger with the wind.”
Actor Jim Caviezel who plays Luke in the upcoming film, Paul, Apostle of Christ said, “Indifference was the greatest sin of the twentieth century. Well my friends, it is the greatest sin of the twenty first century as well.”
Hard hitting topics every Christian needs to be aware of like abortion and race relations were open for discussion. Rick Warren, senior pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and Dr. John M. Perkins, civil rights activist spoke on the need for racial unity within and without the body of Christ. As Christians, we’re supposed to be known for our love toward others. “If people like what they see, they’ll listen to what we say,” said Warren. With America growing more multi-cultural by the day, “Are you going to reach the America you wish it was, or the one it’s going to be?” he asked.
Things are indeed ever changing in America and as always, the NRB is ready to respond. With continued threat of internet censorship on Christian viewpoints, NRB has launched a new initiative to defend free speech called, Internet Freedom Watch. As stated on their website, “As critical a communication platform as radio was in 1944, in today’s public square, the internet is a dominant — perhaps the most dominant — platform for the exchange of ideas. Chillingly, a growing censorship of Christian and politically conservative viewpoints on the internet is happening in America and across the globe.” NRB, through Internet Freedom Watch, tracks reported cases of the censorship or suppression of conservative, Christian views.
Although this year’s convention has ended, the excitement for next year’s convention in Anaheim, California is already growing strong. I spoke to many in attendance who have been coming for decades with no intention of ever missing a convention. As one faithful member and attendee said, “I wouldn’t dream of missing NRB!”
To find out more information about NRB, visit their website. Additional information about Internet Freedom Watch can be found here.
If you’re not already making plans to attend next year’s convention, I urge you to do so. You’ll be so glad you did.
First published at NashvilleChristianVoice.com
