Posted: 11/19/04

BaptistWay Bible Series for Nov. 28

Weakness in Christ can be a mighty thing

2 Corinthians 12:14-13:13

By Todd Still

Truett Seminary, Waco

Prior to taking a trip, most people make preparations. They make sure responsibilities are covered, possessions secured, bags packed and reservations made.

For the last 12 weeks, we have been traveling over the textual terrain of 2 Corinthians. Along the way, we have encountered majestic, moving texts as well as multiple interpretive conundrums. As we come to the end of our exegetical journey through this epistle, we discover the Apostle Paul is planning to visit Corinth a third time (12:14; 13:1). Before doing so, however, he wants to prepare the way for his arrival by reiterating a number of his ongoing concerns with the church.

Following a spirited defense of his apostolic ministry, replete with a scathing denunciation of his opponents and a “fool's speech” (10:1-12:13), Paul informs the Corinthian assembly he now is ready to come to them again.

As he anticipates his third visit to the city, Paul wants the congregation to know that unlike the "superlative apostles," he has no intention of being a fiscal burden upon them (12:14). Paul had not received remuneration from the Corinthians in the past, and he

was "holding out his hand" in hopes of procuring future material support.

Accusations from adversaries notwithstanding, neither Paul nor Titus sought to pull the wool over the church's eyes by refusing support when present with them only to garner gain unethically by deceitfully skimming off the top of the collection when they were not looking (vv. 16-18). As their father in the faith, Paul, like a loving parent, was willing to spend on and be spent on by his children in the Lord (v. 15). He did not want their material goods; he wanted a reciprocal relational commitment from them.

Not only did Paul want the Corinthians to know that he did not minister to them with ulterior monetary motives, he also wanted the church to realize his apostolic aim both when present and by letter was to build them up (v. 19).

The apostle admits in verse 20 he is fearful that when he comes again to Corinth, neither they nor he will find the other as they would wish. Paul fears he will encounter a fellowship sullied by sin and that he will have to mourn over people who unrepentantly persist in sinful practices (vv. 20-21). The transgressions Paul enumerates in verses 20-21 are illustrative of a people who fail to take purity and community seriously.

In 13:1-5, Paul underscores his ongoing commitment to deal seriously with sin among the Corinthians. Although some of them might think he is lenient and will turn a blind eye toward spiritual disobedience, Paul warns he will bear witness against sin even as he did during his second, “painful” visit (vv. 1-2). While Paul may well be “weak” in Christ, Christ is strong in him as he deals with the Corinthians. Even as Christ, who was crucified in weakness, was raised by God's power, Paul, who is weak in Christ, is empowered by God (vv. 3-5).

Prior to his arrival in Corinth, the apostle urges the congregation to engage in self-examination. He calls the church members to test themselves so they might discover if they actually are believers (v. 5). In this process of spiritual scrutiny, Paul hopes they will realize he has not failed them. Moreover, he trusts they will commit themselves anew to doing what is right and follow his example (vv. 6-8).

To the extent his weakness in Christ results in their being spiritually strengthened, Paul rejoices. Moreover, it is his prayer the congregation will continue to make spiritual progress (v. 9). Indeed, the apostle's purpose in writing 2 Corinthians is to call the church to their spiritual senses so he might not have to play the “apostolic heavy” upon his arrival. Paul believes the Lord has granted him apostolic authority over the assembly; however, his desire is to exercise this spiritual oversight gently, not with severity (v. 10).

Having called the Corinthians to self-examination and having assured the assembly of his commitment to their spiritual well-being, the apostle concludes this letter with various admonitions and greetings (vv. 11-12). First, Paul exhorts the church to mend its ways and put things in order. If Paul's letters are any indication, there was plenty of mending and ordering needing to be done!

The apostle also enjoins the assembly to heed his appeal. Within 2 Corinthians, Paul makes multiple appeals, so it is unlikely he has any particular appeal in mind. Rather, it is likely he would have regarded the entire letter as an apostolic appeal to the church.

Additionally, Paul calls the congregation to unity and harmony. From all appearances, division plagued the fellowship. To combat this discord, the apostle admonishes them to “live in peace.” Should they alter their attitudes and behaviors, they would be the beneficiaries of the love and peace of God.

In the last lines of the letter, the apostle utters a memorable trinitarian prayer upon the Corinthians (v. 13). Specifically, Paul pronounces upon the fractured fellowship “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit.”

I regard the letter as a treasure, for I am convinced that careful reflection upon and thoughtful application of its contents enriches believers in the Lord, who, though rich, became poor so we might be rich (8:9).

Discussion question

How do you go about becoming weak so Christ can evidence his strength in your life?

Posted: 11/19/04

BaptistWay Bible Series for Dec. 5

Jesus teaches followers how to be disciples

Matthew 5:1-16

By Todd Still

Truett Seminary, Waco

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus features as both a teacher and a healer (4:23; 9:35). BaptistWay lessons for this quarter focus upon the former. Specifically, over the course of the next 13 weeks, we will consider Jesus' instructions as presented by Matthew in chapters 5-7, 10, 13, 18 and 23-25.

The initial unit, which is comprised of five lessons, examines the “Sermon on the Mount,” the first of the five discourses of Jesus recorded in Matthew's Gospel. Many believers consider this careful and artful compilation of Jesus' teaching to be the center from which all else Christian emanates. If such an emphasis places too much weight upon these chapters, it nevertheless rightly highlights the significance of this sermon and the vital role it has played in shaping Christian doctrine and ethics.

“The Sermon on the Mount,” whose name is derived from Jesus being situated on the side of a mountain when delivering this discourse (5:1), is comprised of a brief introduction (vv. 1-2), nine beatitudes (vv. 3-12), a metaphorical depiction of disciples as salt and light (vv. 13-16), an extended section concerning the disciples' relationship to the law in light of Jesus' interpretation of the law (vv. 17-48), instructions regarding the proper practice of righteousness (6:1-18), teaching about worldly wealth and earthly worries (vv. 19-34), admonitions on appropriate conduct and prayer (7:1-12), a series of warnings (vv. 13-27) and a succinct conclusion (7:28-29). This week's lesson focuses upon 5:1-16.

At the conclusion of chapter 4, Matthew reports that Jesus became widely known in both Galilee and Syria because of his teaching and healing ministry (vv. 23-24). Furthermore, the Gospel indicates Jesus attracted sizeable crowds from all around as he went about proclaiming and inaugurating the kingdom of God/heaven (v. 25).

While Matthew prefers to use “kingdom of heaven” to refer the rule of God made manifest in and through Jesus' mission and person–the phrase occurs 32 times in Matthew and not at all in Mark and Luke–Mark and Luke employ the more or less synonymous “kingdom of God” –the phrase appears 45 times in Mark and Luke but only five times in Matthew.

Although great crowds flocked to Jesus, his message from the mountain, a revelatory location in Matthew (4:8; 8:1; 15:29; 17:1, 9; 24:3; 28:16), was (and is) directed primarily to his disciples (5:1). However, all who are blessed with eyes to see and ears to hear may become his faith-filled followers (13:16-17). That Jesus sat as he taught was in keeping with rabbinical practice in his day (5:1; 23:2; 24:3; Luke 4:20; 5:3).

“The Sermon on the Mount” commences with Jesus extending congratulations (“blessed are”) to those who: are poor (or contrite) in spirit (v. 3), mourn (over sin?) (v. 4), are meek (or humble) (v. 5), hunger and thirst for righteousness (v. 6), and are merciful (v. 7), pure (or singular) in heart (v. 8), peacemakers (v. 9) and persecuted (vv. 10-12).

It is probable that Jesus' radical reconfiguration of what constitutes the truly fortunate, happy and good life mystified his original audience at least as much as it has subsequent ones. Paradox permeates the beatitudes and the whole of the Christian life.

What prompted Jesus to applaud people of such deportment and lot? One reason the teacher from Nazareth could pronounce such people blessed is that they would have been embracing values that characterized Christ and his kingdom. Restricting ourselves to Matthew's Gospel alone, we discover Jesus as “poor in spirit” (26:36-46), mournful (23:37-39), meek (11:28-30), hungering and thirsting after righteousness (4:1-11; 21:12-13), merciful (9:10-13; 12:7; 18:33; 23:23), pure in heart (11:29; 16:21), a peacemaker (26:52) and persecuted (26:47-27:56). Those who emulate Jesus' character and conduct are blessed–if not here, in the hereafter.

In addition to Jesus' moral vision, one also may explain the beatitudes by taking into consideration Jesus' conviction that God will in due course reverse the adversities and inequities that may well typify the lives of those who dare to be his disciples.

Although Jesus' faithful followers already participate in “the kingdom of heaven” (5:3, 10), the consummation of his kingdom awaits the righteous intervention of God. Until such a time, Jesus has instructed us to pray “Our Father in heaven … Your kingdom come” (6:9-10).

Following the reiteration and contextualization of the eighth beatitude (v. 11-12), Jesus likens his disciples to salt (v. 13). Salt can serve a variety of functions, including seasoning and preserving food. Salt that has been tainted, however, no longer is useful. Disciples worth their salt do not compromise their commitment to Christ and his lordship, even in times of duress.

Jesus' followers do not conceal light; they, like a city on a hill and a lamp upon a stand, shine light so others might see (vv. 14-15). Specifically, believers engage in good works so others might be led to give the heavenly Father glory (v. 16). The heavenly Father as a perfect Father sees our secrets, hears our prayers, knows our needs and forgives our sins (5:48; 6:4, 6, 9, 12, 14-15, 18, 32; 7:11). This is the God who was and is revealed in Jesus.

Will Jesus be revealed in us? A needy world awaits our positive response to the radical discipleship to which we have been called.

Discussion question

Which of Jesus' teachings did you need to be reminded of?

Posted: 11/19/04

Bob Jones president praises Bush election

By Adelle Banks

Religion News Service

GREENVILLE, S.C. (RNS)–The president of Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist school in South Carolina, has written President Bush to say his re-election shows God has given the nation “a reprieve from the agenda of paganism.”

Bob Jones III read his letter to students at a chapel service on the Greenville, S.C., campus, and it was posted on the school's website.

“In your re-election, God has graciously granted America–though she doesn't deserve it–a reprieve from the agenda of paganism,” he said.

Jones encouraged the president to move on with his conservative agenda, suggesting Bush should remove staffers who don't agree with his biblical values.

“You owe the liberals nothing,” he said. “They despise you because they despise your Christ.”

Jones added that he expects those values to contribute to policy decisions made in the coming four years on matters such as sexuality, sanctity of life and freedom of speech.

“You have four years–a brief time only–to leave an imprint for righteousness upon this nation that brings with it the blessings of Almighty God,” he said.

President Bush was criticized for visiting the school during his 2000 presidential campaign. At the time, the school had a ban on interracial dating.

Posted: 11/19/04

Baptist Briefs

SBTC holds 7th annual meeting. The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention adopted a $19.2 million budget and re-elected Chris Osborne, pastor of Central Baptist Church in College Station, as president during its annual meeting at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano. Also elected were Ed Ethridge, director of missions of North Texas Baptist Association, as first vice president; Bill Sutton, pastor at First Baptist Church, McAllen, second vice president; and Brenda Wills of First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, secretary-treasurer. Messengers approved a resolution urging parents to “ensure the godly education” of children “whether in public schools, private schools, home schools or through the church's education program.” Other resolutions opposed embryonic stem-cell research and supported a ban on “partial-birth” abortions, urged Senate confirmation of judges who will “not legislate from the bench,” decried religious persecution and ethnic cleansing, voiced support for the United States' opposition to terror, promoted Christian citizenship and encouraged SBTC churches to double their number of baptisms next year.

CBF offers conference for Christian educators. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's Initiative for Congregational Life will sponsor its 5th annual "True Survivor" conference for Christian educators March 7-9 at Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas. The conference will provide continuing education and fellowship for Christian educators, age group ministers and church education staff. Conference leaders Diana Garland of the Baylor University School of Social Work, Dave Odom with the Center for Congregational Health and Bo Prosser, CBF coordinator for congregational life, will focus on the theme, "Missional Leadership: The Island of Intentionality." The Jack Naish Distinguished Educator Award recognizing excellence in Christian education will be presented during the conference. The conference costs $50, and more information is available by contacting Toni Draper at (800) 352-8741 ortdraper@thefellowship.info.

SBC creates Hispanic task force. The Southern Baptist Convention has appointed a task force to increase mission efforts among the nation's growing Hispanic population. Bob Reccord, president of the SBC North American Mission Board, said he created the task force of Hispanic leaders to determine the needs and hopes of Hispanic churches within the denomination. Daniel Sanchez, director of the Scarborough Center for Church Planting and Church Growth at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, will chair the 15-member task force. The task force is expected to make recommendations to the mission board next year.

Scholarships available. The Baptist Communicators Association will award three scholarships next spring for the 2005-2006 school year to students training for careers in religious communications. The association will award a $1,000 general undergraduate scholarship, a $500 graduate scholarship and a $1,000 scholarship to an ethnic minority or international undergraduate student. Funds may be applied toward tuition, books or housing and meals. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 grade point average. To receive an application, call (615) 904-0152 or e-mail bca.office@comcast.net.

Marshall named seminary president. The board of directors for Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kan., unanimously elected theologian Molly Marshall as president, effective Jan. 1. She reportedly will be the first woman president at a Baptist-affiliated seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Marshall was the first woman to teach theology at a Southern Baptist seminary, serving 11 years at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. She left in 1995 over differences with the seminary's administration and has been with Central Seminary nine years.

Posted: 11/19/04

Alcohol-related wreck changed future student minister's life

By Leann Callaway

Special to the Baptist Standard

SUGAR LAND–Casey Cease killed a friend nine years ago in an alcohol-related car accident, and guilt left him wanting to kill himself.

Now Cease–a Texas Baptist youth evangelist and student minister–travels around the country speaking to teenagers and young adults, telling them how God took him from complete brokenness and transformed him through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The summer before his senior year of high school, Cease invited some friends to his house for a July 4 barbecue.

“It was like most other parties I attended where we drank beer, played games and hung out,” he recalled. “I was already struggling with depression during this time, and as the night wore on, things just got worse.”

At about 1 a.m., he and one of his guests got into an argument.

“I ran inside my house, grabbed the keys to my 1995 Z-28 Camaro and jumped into my car,” he said.

Friends surrounded his car and tried to stop him, but they eventually gave up, deciding to give him some time to calm down on his own.

“When they left, I drove over a curb to get around the car that was in front of me, and I sped off,” he said. “As I came to the exit of my neighborhood, I stopped and began sobbing. I finally gathered myself enough to decide that I just wanted to go back home”

He turned onto a main street and began speeding home.

“Going around a curve, I suddenly saw my friend John in the middle of the street with his hands raised in the air as if to stop me,” he said. “I tried to swerve the car, but John jumped in the same direction. His body rolled up on the hood of my car and crashed through my windshield. I lost control of my car and crashed into a tree. I was unconscious, and John was killed instantly.”

After the accident, Cease was placed on suicide watch in a mental hospital. During this time, John's parents came to visit him.

“They told me that they were Christians and that they forgave me,” Cease said. “At the time it was impossible for me to understand this, but now I know that they were being merciful by not giving me what I deserved and extending grace to me. They were a true Christian witness by living out a testimony to the power of Jesus Christ in their family's life.”

Not long after, Cease made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

“Over the course of my senior year of high school, I began attending church and reading the student Bible that my mother had bought for me,” he said. “It seemed like everywhere I turned, God was drawing me to himself.”

Following his high school graduation, Cease went to court and pleaded no contest to negligent homicide–a 4th-degree felony.

“I was placed on five years of probation, had 200 hours of community service–of which, part of my service was speaking to students–and I had a breathalyzer in my car,” he explained.

While speaking in schools, Cease developed a passion to share the message of Jesus Christ with students.

“It was during that time when my heart was really for helping students,” he said. “I was a young believer, and the youth minister at the church I was attending offered me an internship in youth ministry. I served for two summers as an intern.”

In 1999, Cease accepted God's call to enter into full-time ministry.

Today, he serves as the student pastor at Crossbridge Community Church, a Texas Baptist congregation in Richmond. In addition, he is a sought-after youth communicator and books more than 100 events each year, including citywide outreach events, revivals, retreats, Disciple Now weekends and youth camps.

“Understandably, I am often asked to share my testimony at ministry events,” he said. “I really try to utilize my story more as an illustration of God's grace extended to man through Christ, rather than allowing my story to be the main topic.”

Over the past year, Cease has distributed more than 5,000 free copies of his testimony CD titled “Tragedy to Truth” throughout the country.

Cease also speaks in school assemblies and presents a program called “Next Choice,” where he shares his life experiences and emphasizes the importance of the choices we make and how they can have lifelong consequences.

“When I speak in schools, I try to have a church in the area or a campus Christian club to sponsor an event where I can share Jesus directly, as well,” he explained.

“One of the main things that I have learned from the students I work with is that they are tired of people sugarcoating everything, and they are hungry for truth. Even lost kids have said that they appreciate me being real and just telling it like it is, rather than spending the entire time trying to make them like me. Students really are starving for the truth and want it presented without fear.

“Another thing that is very apparent in the lives of students today is that their behavior is a symptom of a life that is seeking satisfaction in places and things that were never meant to satisfy them.

“While the expression of their sin may be different and more extreme than older generations, it is still rooted in an existence that is dependent upon culture rather than being dependent and satisfied in Christ. That is why the mission of this ministry is to assist people in shifting their dependency on culture to a dependency on Jesus Christ, and to help people live life with purpose–for the glory of God and his kingdom.”

Posted: 11/19/04

ANOTHER VIEW:
Consider reasons to offer thanks

By Joe Alcorta

Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving Day Nov. 25. Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving is the most popular holiday in our nation. Most businesses and all schools allow their employees to be off that Thursday.

We celebrate Thanksgiving because in October 1789, both houses of Congress requested President George Washington to proclaim a day of thanksgiving.

This year, even before the turkey is sliced, let us stop and give thanks to God and to people for the many things we enjoy.

Sure, we have bills to pay and problems to solve. We have sickness, stress and death in our families. But regardless of circumstances, we Americans have so many things for which to be thankful:

If you are reading this, you are alive. Thank God that you are alive. Regardless of your health condition, thank God for your health. There always are others who are worse off. Thank God for your doctor and medications.

And if you are reading this, you probably have been eating. So, let's take time to thank God for the food we eat daily. It may be hard for you to realize there are hundreds of people who die every day because they have nothing to eat.

Most of us at one time or another have worked or still are working. Let us thank God for our place of employment. Take time to thank your boss, manager or supervisor for providing a job for you. And you bosses, how about saying thank you to those hard-working and faithful employees?

And clothing? Check your closet! Most Americans have an abundance of clothes and shoes in their closets they do not use. Let us thank God for our clothing.

Regardless of how big or small your home is, it is a home. Again, there are thousands of people who are homeless.

Best of all, we have families! At one time or another, we all have had parents and grandparents. And if not parents and grandparents, perhaps an uncle or an aunt who took care of you and provided food, clothing and shelter during your childhood years. Take time to say thank you to Mom and Dad for all they have done for you. Take time to say thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for all the love they have shared with you. Do you have a spouse? Take time to say, “Thank you for what you do for me.”

Also, at one time or another, we have had teachers, men and women who have influenced our lives. Why not take time this Thanksgiving and say a special thank you to that special elementary, middle school, high school or university teacher? Call them, e-mail them, send them a card or, better yet, visit them in person. A kind word from you would mean so much. I challenge you to do that.

And what about that preacher? If you have a little religion, perhaps you attend a church where a minister has blessed you in a special way. Take time to say thank you to them. Don't forget the spouses of these church leaders. They, too, need an encouraging word. Take time to show your appreciation to your children's teachers at church.

Everybody has friends. Well, at least one. There always are people who have come our way. People we know from school, work, church, the grocery store, the doctor's office and Little League. A kind word, a card or a phone call saying, “Thank you for being my friend” certainly will be appreciated. Try it. What do you have to lose?

I personally have much for which to be thankful.

I thank God for the privilege of living in this great country. Our Bill of Rights has given me freedom of speech, religion and the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” I am thankful for the right and privilege of voting.

I thank the Lord for my good health.

I thank God for great and caring parents who were great role models for me.

My wife of 42, years, Liandra, has done so much for me. She is a great spiritual lady.

Our four children–Cecilia, Joe, Adriel and Andrew–have brought great joy to our lives. I am thankful for what each one has taught me.

And, of course, our seven grandchildren–Roy, Jessica, Michael, Morgan, Caleb, Ashby and Trey–have changed our lives forever.

I am thankful for my eight brothers and sisters. I know without a doubt that they love me and are my great encouragers.

OK, I challenge you to take time this Thanksgiving and say thank you to someone special and see what happens.

Try it. You will like the results.

Joe Alcorta has been professor of Spanish at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene 33 years. He has written numerous books, and lessons from “Speak Spanish in 60 Days” have been published in several newspapers.

Posted: 11/19/04

DOWN HOME:
Decisions await matrimonial path

Seeing as how I'm a guy, my Logically-Anticipated-Consequences radar doesn't always function as it should.

This has been true lately. My L-A-C radar failed me miserably, although my Oh-Yeah-That-Makes-Perfect-Sense hindsight still functions with 20/20 clarity.

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about how Lindsay–our oldest daughter, flesh of our flesh, wellspring of abundant joy and a junior in college–is getting married.

Lindsay and Aaron met their freshman year at Hardin-Simmons University and have fallen indescribably and infinitely in love. So, Aaron has asked Lindsay to marry him, and she has said yes. She even has “the ring” to prove it.

They plan to get married a year from December, right after Aaron graduates from HSU and one short semester before Lindsay intends to don cap and gown and receive her degree.

Silly me, I thought that was that. At least until next summer sometime. The way I figured it, Lindsay and Joanna, her mother, would start looking at wedding dresses in maybe July. And before school starts next fall, she'd decide on her bridesmaids' dresses and perhaps pick a photographer. During the fall, they'd order flowers and a cake. Eventually, they would tell me when and where to go to get measured for my tuxedo. Then we'd have ourselves a wedding.

But, apparently, wedding planning is like air in a vacuum. It expands to fill every available space.

Exactly eight days after Lindsay announced her engagement, Joanna bought their first wedding magazine. That was on a Friday, the same day Joanna and Molly, Lindsay's younger sister, and I took a road trip.

Along the way, I learned about seven or eight new and incredibly unique possibilities for preparing a bride's bouquet. I also listened to in-depth discussions of appropriate colors for bridesmaids' dresses at Christmas, ways to add color to the bride's dress, the possibility and indeed probability that a red-velvet cake would work at a Christmas wedding and the relative merits of starting the wedding ceremony at 2 or 3 in the afternoon.

All this, and the bride-to-be wasn't even part of the discussion. Yet.

We haven't been this excited at our house since the Lewisville Fighting Farmers won the state football championship. Come to think of it, I was the only one this excited back then.

If anticipation is half the fun of it, I understand why brides and their mothers, sisters and girlfriends enjoy planning weddings so much. For every man and woman who walk an aisle, hundreds, maybe thousands, of delicious decisions wait to be made. Each more intriguing, more ripe with possibilities than the last.

No wonder marriage is a divine institution. The anticipation, apparently, is heavenly.

Posted: 11/19/04

EDITORIAL:
Calculus of lame duckery

My, how time flies. Just three weeks ago, we didn't know who would occupy the White House the next four years. Now, we're hearing “President Bush” and “lame duck” in the same sentence.

Poor guy. He hasn't even lifted his hand to take his second oath of office, and everybody from preachers to pundits is talking about how his effectiveness soon will be limited. He even acknowledged he's got about 18 months to accomplish the major goals of his administration. Then his clout will diminish rapidly, because friends and foes will know they can wait him out if they don't want to follow his lead.

Second-term presidents aren't the only lame ducks. Bosses nearing retirement often exert very little influence. Workers about to transfer are lame ducks, as are coaches with eyes on the next team. Parents can become lame ducks when their children allow others to influence them more than Mom and Dad.

Unfortunately, Christians can become lame ducks, too. When our witness becomes irrelevant, ineffective or even negative, we're lame ducks. At least three variables factor into the calculus of lame duckery:

Hypocrisy. Nothing damages a Christian's testimony worse than when walk does not match talk. We know we're sinful humans, but if Christ's presence in us doesn't distinguish us from the people around us, we're lame.

Zealotry. Some well-meaning Christians become lame ducks because they're unreal. Their judgmentalism sets them apart from the very people they wish to reach with the gospel. Their piousity seems unattainable, and non-Christians don't even want to consider becoming a Christian, because they think they must be perfect first.

Apathy. This is the big one. We become lame ducks when we fail to care for the lives–spiritual and physical–of the people around us. When we adopt a secular mindset and refuse to see their need, we're lame. And practically useless.

The president of the United States may become a lame duck early in his second term, but a Christian should remain active, winsome and influential every day God gives life.
–Marv Knox
E-mail the editor at marvknox@baptiststandard.com

Posted: 11/19/04

EDITORIAL:
Hunger offering: Every penny counts

Baptist tables will creak this week under the burden of Thanksgiving feasts. No wonder Thanksgiving is one of our most popular holidays. We appreciate the Three F's of the day–family, football and food. And even if some folks quibble about how much they enjoy family and football, the appreciation for food is unanimous.

This Thanksgiving, as Texas Baptists dig in to the turkey, green bean casserole, candied sweet potatoes, fresh rolls, pie and other special dishes on our tables, we should remember victims of hunger across our state, throughout the nation and around the world. This is the season we collect the Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger, which truly is an investment in the people Jesus called “the least of these.” And rather than mere acts of charity, our gifts provide an accurate reflection of our love for and devotion to him (Matthew 25:31-46).

Middle-class Baptists sometimes have a hard time comprehending poverty and the depths of hunger. But the Baptist General Convention of Texas' Christian Life Commission has created a paint-by-numbers portrait of hunger. See:

Twenty percent of the world's 6.3 billion people (one out of five) live on less than $1 per day. Half get by on less than $2 per day.

A variety of causes prevent many of the world's nations from growing enough food to feed their citizens. The causes range from soil erosion and depletion, to water shortages and pollution, to destructive farming methods, to war, ethnic rivalry, greed, and political corruption and oppression.

Every day, more than 30,000 children in the developing world die from diseases that can be prevented or treated. Seventy percent of all childhood deaths stem from malnutrition and preventable disease.

Every year, 12 million people die because of polluted water.

In America, “the land of plenty,” 34 million people, including nearly 13 million children, are exposed to hunger regularly.

The U.S. child poverty rate is twice that of any other industrialized nation.

Requests for emergency food assistance have increased by 19 percent in the past year, according to the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

In 2001, 23.3 million people received emergency hunger relief from America's Second Harvest. That's equal to the combined population of the nation's 10 largest cities.

Texas has the second-highest incidence of food insecurity and hunger in the nation.

One-third of inhabitants of the Texas-Mexico border live in poverty.

One in 10 Texas children is hungry.

Most poor people are in working families. More than 80 percent of poor Texas families with children had at least one adult who worked.

The Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger will help alleviate this kind of suffering from Texas to Thailand and more than 60 points in-between. The goal is just $750,000. If all Texas Baptists would contribute only what we spend on our own Thanksgiving meal, we could eclipse that amount many times over, and never feel the pinch.

As you eat that turkey, ponder the poor and hungry. And send your check to Offering for World Hunger, c/o Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 N. Washington, Dallas 75246-1798.
–Marv Knox
E-mail the editor at marvknox@baptiststandard.com

Posted: 11/19/04

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 28

Following Christ is about relationship, not ritual

Luke 13:1-35

By Pakon Chan

Chinese Baptist Church, Arlington

The synagogue ruler is the person who takes care of the building and the services. He also assigns the readers and determines the order in which readers are called to the reading desk to read Scripture. A man in such a position usually will care more about the system and order than people. A dilemma developed between Jesus' ministry and the existing religious system, since Jesus cared about personal needs so much.

The Sabbath originally was installed for people to focus on their relationship with the Creator by refraining from work (Exodus 31:13). It started from the spiritual need of humanity to the later development of a formal religious rite. Once a spiritual act or personal piety turns into a religious rite, it will lose its personal flavor to become a formality of religious duty.

A fruitless fig tree

No one is more evil than the other (13:5); we all are sinners and will perish. Jesus looks for the fruit of repentance in us. If he cannot find any fruit in us, we will not be able to sustain in God's judgment. In the parable, Jesus makes a plea for us. We may have wasted a lot of time before, but if we are serious about our lives, we still have some time to make it up (vv. 8-9). Make the choice now to accept Jesus to be our personal Savior, and we will be saved and allowed into God's kingdom.

What do we care?

While Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, he encountered a woman who for 18 years had not been able to straighten her bent body. Jesus immediately spotted the need of the woman and responded to her need by laying hands upon her to heal her (vv. 12-13). Unfortunately, the synagogue ruler did not see the need of the woman and did not appreciate Jesus' good deed. He cared more about his religion and its rituals than people. Ritual to him had become its ends and people its means. People were used by religious leaders to fulfill their religious duties.

Sometimes we invite people to church just because we want to have a bigger church. In some cases, churches increase their membership by transferring members and not by baptizing new believers. It is a tragedy for God's kingdom if we are satisfied with this situation. From time to time, we have heard complaints from non-believers that they were used by Christians to fill up their churches. They did not feel any genuine friendship from Christians. It is very sad if we care more about our religious duty or church attendance than people.

The Sabbath not only is a religious rite; it also is the blessing of God to those who want to find rest in him. Jesus wanted to set the woman free from Satan's bondage and give her rest in God (v. 16).

The kingdom of God

After Jesus had healed the woman, he changed the subject to the issue of the kingdom of God. Again Jesus told them that God's kingdom was the place people could find rest. The gospel message of Jesus is just like the mustard seed. If we plant it into people's heart, it will grow into a big tree they will find rest in (v. 19).

The kingdom of God also is a life-changing power–once we receive it, it will change our whole life to make us a new being (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is like the yeast in the flour to “work all through the dough” (Luke 13:21). Yeast will grow and spread. We, as Christians, should be like yeast to reach out to our neighbors and lead them to Christ.

Someone in the crowd asked Jesus as he was approaching Jerusalem, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” (v. 23). Jesus answered and encouraged them to keep on striving to enter God's kingdom (v. 24). Jews think they are in God's good graces since they are descendants of Abraham. They expect the door to God's kingdom to be wide open for them. But Jesus said the door is narrow, and they should “make every effort to enter through the narrow door” (v. 24).

No one can take anyone into the kingdom of God except Jesus. Nationality, church membership or family tradition cannot bring a person into God's kingdom. Each person must make his or her own choice to enter God's kingdom through Jesus. It does not matter if they are coming from the east or west, north or south, they all will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God (v. 29) if they have faith in Jesus.

The Jews may think they have first priority or the first place in God's kingdom. On the contrary, Jesus said, “Indeed, there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last” (v. 30).

Discussion question

What do you care about most?

What have you learned from this chapter about the kingdom of God?

Posted: 11/19/04

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Dec. 5

Meals can be times of eternal significance

Luke 14:1, 7-15

By Pakon Chan

Chinese Baptist Church, Arlington

Baptists and Chinese are alike in that if we meet, we eat. Meals in the Bible and the Jewish tradition are used not only for social purposes or for satisfying physical needs, but also are expressions of fellowship between people, and and individual and God.

Meal fellowship

Inviting people to have a meal at your home is a good opportunity for building friendships and sharing the gospel. Our church always encourages Christians to invite people for a meal at their home in order to open a door for sharing the gospel and for encouraging people to go to church. This type of hospitality will cause a guest to feel respected and honored.

Many times, Jesus used meal fellowships to minister to people. The larger part of chapter 14 is about meals or meal fellowships. Jesus was invited to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee in the beginning of this chapter. But Luke tells us their invitation to Jesus was not out of love or respect. They watched Jesus very carefully during the meal to find fault so they could accuse him (14:1).

Jesus was watched all the time, and so are we (1 Corinthians 4:9). Some watch us to find fault, while others want to see Jesus in our lives. It is good if people see Christ in us and feel the love of God in a Christian home. Many international students are so impressed by such love and hospitality offered by Christians that their perceptions and misunderstandings of the Christian faith are changed.

Humility as a virtue

Humility in today's society is becoming obsolete. Boasting is a basic survival skill in the commercial world. Everybody wants to be treated as an important person. Schools and mass media teach people to focus on their own value in a very egotistical way. Individualism is the social norm and the typical American mentality. Aiming at an important seat is the goal for many people's entire lives. Recognition becomes one of the most important motivations besides money in work and ministry. How to teach Christian humility is one of the issues needed in a discipleship training course.

The Christian virtue, humility, is not just self-denial or lack of worth. Humility should come from a right attitude and healthy self-esteem. The right attitude toward praise and honor is to understand that they are gifts given by others. When we do things, we don't do it to receive praise and honor in return. If people praise us or give us honor, we should receive it with gratitude. If no one recognizes our work, we should still work diligently and happily.

God gives us talents and abilities to use to serve him and people, and they are not meant for boosting our ego and seeking honor. So, Jesus told the guests to pick the lowest place. If they were asked to move to a better place, then they were honored (v. 10). But if they were not asked to move, they should be happy with where they were seated.

Unselfish service

Jesus then turned to the host to remind him to serve with an unselfish motive. Luke told us there are two types of rewards– the reward given by man and the reward given by God.

Jesus did not say we should not be paid for our work in an ordinary sense. We work to earn our living and support our family. There is nothing wrong in working for pay. What Jesus wanted to say here is our service is rendered in fellowship. In Christian fellowship, we should give generously and unconditionally, for that will show our Christian love.

If we give because we want to be given to in return, it is not fellowship; it is business. Jesus obviously told us that we should intentionally avoid getting repaid in what we do in fellowship. What we give or serve in fellowship should be out of genuine love. We should not see people as a means to satisfy our selfish needs.

Instead, God will repay what we have done for him at the time of Christ's return. God is watching us, and he knows how hard we work for him and others to keep the fellowship. The Apostle Paul tells us: “You will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 4:24).

This passage also encourages us to have fellowship with people without discrimination. Jesus died for all people, and he redeemed us into fellowship with him and all Christians. It is very easy for people to invite others with the same social status and educational background for fellowship. That is always one of the major obstacles to hinder fellowship ministry in church.

Jesus urges us, if we give a banquet, “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (v. 14).

Discussion questions

Can you give some practical ways to practice Christian humility in your daily life?

How can your fellowship include more people with different social status or cultural backgrounds?

Posted: 11/19/04

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Nov. 28

Tell everyone the good news–God is great

Psalm 145:3-5, 8-9, 11-21

By Angela Hamm

First Baptist Church, Lewisville

Psalm 145 shows us David's heart as he praised God for his mighty acts, which are told from one generation to another, for his gracious provision of an everlasting kingdom and for the gracious manner in which he responds to those who love him.

This psalm is the last psalm with David's name associated with it. The title of the psalm is a psalm of praise. It praises God's attributes and deeds. The psalm also contains tones of individual thanksgiving. One author writes, “It is magnificent in its beauty and almost breathtaking in its grandeur.”

An interesting thing to note in this psalm is an alphabetical acrostic. David begins each verse with a different letter from the Hebrew alphabet. Long ago, before the invention of printing, texts had to be handwritten. Books were extremely expensive and rare. Acrostic psalms made memorization easier. Many Hebrew prayers and songs are acrostics.

Psalm 145:3-5

When we contemplate the greatness of God we find ourselves surrounded by mystery because the works of God can cause us to stand in awe. Romans 11:33 reads, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out.”

The greatness of God is seen in his mighty works. We can see God's works in creation, in nature and in salvation. When we meditate on God's word and his works, we are able to think about what God is like, to think about what he has said and to remember what he has done. God has done great works in the past that will be passed on from generation to generation. A wonderful truth to embrace is knowing God continues to do great things for us, in us and through us that we need to share with others.

One of the important obligations of the older generation is to pass on to the younger generation the truth about God. God is so great we cannot explain him; however, we can love him and tell others how great he is. God's character and works give us enough material to share with others for a lifetime.

Psalm 145:8-9

While God is extremely powerful and awesome, he also is tender and attentive to the needs of his people. David reminds his readers of God's wonderful nature–kindness, mercy, slow to get angry, unfailing love, compassionate. These attributes show us the kind of God we serve and how he responds to us. God manifests himself in grace. God's tenderness is manifested through his works. Since God shows us his gracious nature, it should motivate us to show kindness, mercy, patience, unconditional love and compassion to others.

Psalm 145:11-21

God is God. He has no rivals, and we should live in light of this fact. David is telling us there is a direct link between our heart and our mouth. We speak what is in our own heart. If our hearts are full of the things of God, then we will not be able to stop talking about him to others.

A friend of mine says we should be so full of God that when we bump into others, our words will flow and our hearts will spill over with his love and grace. Our words are important. We have the opportunity to tell others about God, or we can be careless and do more harm than good by keeping silent.

God does not withhold any good thing from his children. David praises God for satisfying the hunger and thirst of every living thing. God's hands are overflowing with good things for us. When God supplies our needs, we must praise him. How can we keep silent in sharing these truths with others?

Think about it

Our God is great in everything he does. There is not a single area in which he does not excel. There is not a single thing in which he is not head and shoulders over the crowd. Our God is so great, so strong and so mighty! Our God is an awesome God.

During an earthquake some years ago, the people of a small village were scared and anxious, but at the same time they were surprised by the calmness and joy of a woman they all knew. A man asked the woman, “Are you not afraid?” “No,” the woman answered, “I rejoice to know that my God can shake the world.” Who in your life needs to know that you belong to a God who can shake the world?

Discussion questions

Name an individual who told you about God's greatness.

With whom have you recently shared God's greatness?