Texas Tidbits_11204

Posted: 1/09/04

As Kara Lea Oliver receives her degree from East Texas Baptist University, her family honors the letter of a request to hold applause until the ceremony’s end by silently holding homemade signs. Oliver graduated summa cum laude.

Texas Tidbits

DBU names missions professor. Southwestern Seminary missions professor Robert Garrett is joining the faculty at Dallas Baptist University. As the first professor of missions at DBU, he will develop the university's missions studies curriculum at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, as well as coordinate student missions programs.

Robert Garrett

A former missionary to Argentina, Garrett was a professor at the Seminario Internacional Teologico Bautista in Buenos Aires from 1981 to 1994. He served as a guest professor at Southwestern Seminary in 1994, prior to his election to the faculty the following year. He served as director of the seminary's World Missions Center from 1996 to 1999 and has held the George W. Bottoms Chair of World Missions since 1999.

ETBU graduates 69. Lynn New, psychology professor and dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences at East Texas Baptist University, delivered the charge to the 69 graduates at the school's commencement ceremony last month.

Baylor social work grads get high marks. According to the Texas State Board of Social Work, graduates from the Baylor School of Social Work Bachelor of Arts program achieved a 100 percent passing rate on its licensing exam. Graduates from the Baylor Master of Social Work program achieved an 88 percent passing rate. The overall passing rate for Texas schools is 69 percent.

HBU celebrates Founders' Day. Voddie Baucum was the featured speaker at Houston Baptist University's Founders' Day convocation last month. The event also featured the debut of "Christ is Our Foundation," a hymn composed by Ann Gebuhr, music professor and director of the HBU School of Music.

Pinson lectures set. "The 'Baptist' in Houston Baptist University" is the theme a lecture series by Bill Pinson Jan. 22-23 at HBU. Pinson is executive director emeritus of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and volunteer director of the BGCT Baptist Distinctives Committee's Texas Baptist Heritage Center.

UMHB accreditation reaffirmed. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools announced last month that the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's accreditation was reaffirmed. The action followed two years of self-study and peer review by college administrators across the nation. Universities generally go through the accreditation process every 10 years.

DBU graduates 365. Dallas Baptist University awarded degrees to 265 undergraduate and 100 graduate students at its Dec. 19 commencement. Hubert Martin, chief financial officer at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, received an honorary doctor of humanities degree. Martin' tenure at Southwestern Seminary spans three decades.

Benefit concert marks centennial. Baylor University's School of Music will celebrate 100 years of conferring music degrees with an on-campus benefit concert Jan. 23. "Collage: Degrees of Excellence" will feature all performance areas of the music school. Proceeds benefit Baylor School of Music scholarships and programs. For ticket information, call (254) 710-1161.




Together: BWA merits Texas Baptists’ support_11204

Posted: 1/09/04

TOGETHER:
BWA merits Texas Baptists' support

Voices from around the world sing “All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name.” This is how each meeting of the Baptist World Alliance begins, and it always is one of the most spiritually moving experiences of my life.

Many years ago, I pastored an English-speaking Baptist church in Baumholder, Germany, for two years and learned to appreciate the challenge that Baptists face when they are a small minority in a sea of official but nominal Christians.

Later, I gave an address to a work group at the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Stockholm, Sweden. Since coming to serve Texas Baptists, I attend BWA meetings and am overwhelmed with gratitude for and amazement at the profound faith and commitment of our Baptist brothers and sisters. There are 211 national Baptist unions and conventions involved in the BWA, representing 110 million Baptists around the world.

CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board

Texas Baptists have been an integral part of working with the European Baptist Federation, an organization affiliated with the BWA, in creating new mission strategies for Eastern Europe. Our Texas Partnerships Resource Center, led by Don Sewell, has provided encouragement and $50,000 annually to help establish a church planting office that coordinates the work of more than 25 indigenous church planters in Eastern Europe. In 2002, the Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger provided $136,600 for the BWA's Baptist World Aid to use in seven projects in Africa and Asia. Texas Woman's Missionary Union enjoys a close fellowship with the BWA Woman's Department.

Bill Pinson, executive director of the BGCT for 18 years, greatly increased the involvement of our staff in BWA work. This participation has brought great rewards to Texas Baptists as we have gotten acquainted with our Baptist brothers and sisters from many nations of the earth. Their faith and courage in the midst of challenges that we in America can scarcely understand has been an inspiration to us all.

Historically, the Southern Baptist Convention has been a faithful and supportive partner with the BWA in fellowship, evangelism and ministry. However, a special committee now has recommended that the SBC sever all relationship with BWA, citing “aberrant and dangerous” theology. I know BWA General Secretary Denton Lotz and BWA President Billy Kim of Korea, pastor of one of the strongest Baptist churches in the world. Both of them are faithful preachers of the Bible and its gospel. Neither of them is a liberal in his theology.

Baptists do not agree on every detail of every doctrine, and there always has been room for debate and disagreement on some issues and on the nature of methods. But to suggest the BWA is unfaithful to the great doctrines of Baptist life or uncertain about the facts that Jesus is the way of salvation and the Bible is true and trustworthy and authoritative for Baptist life is simply false. The German theologian who is cited in the SBC committee's statement has answered the charges made against him by saying, “What is being presented as a direct quote is neither my language, nor could I identify with such a statement which I would dismiss as theological trash.”

Texas Baptists will continue to support the work of the BWA because we believe in the importance of preserving the unity of our witness for Christ with Baptists around the world.

We are grateful for the consistent commitment of the BWA to a strong biblical and historic Baptist faith; to mission work that, following the example of Jesus, is both evangelistic and responsive to human needs; to religious liberty everywhere in the world; and to Baptist life and work on every continent. Knowing the Baptist people from every continent has been a genuine gift to Texas Baptists.

The world of Baptists does not depend on the Southern Baptist Convention's money for its life and progress, but Baptists of the world grieve over the SBC leaders' decision to sever ties with the BWA and the millions of Baptists it represents. And we must tell the truth about the BWA–not allow these false accusations to continue.

World Baptists still desire a continued relationship with Southern Baptist churches, and Denton Lotz has made it clear that all Southern Baptists are welcome to come to the BWA centennial celebration in England in 2005.

For the sake of a lost world and for the advance of the kingdom of God, it is more crucial than ever to maintain truly global relationships. Baptists need a common and united witness. I am confident the BGCT will continue in its glad support and involvement in the life and work of the BWA.

Several weeks ago, Billy Kim and Denton Lotz were invited by Dallas Baptist University and the BGCT to be in Texas the last week of January. Kim brings with him the beloved children's choir of his church. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, they will sing and he will preach at DBU in the morning, at the Baptist Building in the afternoon, and in a rally of support at First Baptist Church in Plano that evening.

We encourage all Baptists who are committed to the gospel of Christ, believe and live under the authority of Holy Scripture, care about the unity of Baptist people, are passionate about living out the great commands and the Great Commission of our Lord, and want to be inspired and encouraged by the life and witness of Baptists around the world to step forward in prayerful, personal and financial support of the BWA.

In 2003, the BGCT contributed more than $175,000 to the work of the BWA. The BGCT Executive Board will be asked to recommend a larger commitment in 2004. Many of our churches have included the BWA in their own budgets because they want to support work of Baptists around the world. Texas Baptists and other supportive Baptist congregations can take similar steps.

In spite of difficulties, rumors and misrepresentations, the work of God goes forward.

We are loved.




Voucher bill awaits Congress_11204

Posted: 1/09/04

Voucher bill awaits Congress

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)–Several significant church-state issues will be hanging in the legislative balance when Congress reconvenes late this month.

The Senate recessed before Christmas after failing to pass a funding bill for several federal agencies. The legislation includes a measure to create the first federal school-voucher program, targeted for schools in the District of Columbia.

The House provided final passage to the bill on a 242-176 vote. In the Senate, some objections to the legislation meant it could not be passed at least until the Senate meets again Jan. 20.

The massive $328 billion package is a catch-all spending bill that provides funding for 11 federal agencies and for the District of Columbia's government.

The voucher program would provide scholarships of up to $7,500 a year to low-income D.C. students to attend the private school of their choice–including religious academies. Many church-state separationist organizations oppose such voucher programs as a violation of the First Amendment's ban on government support for religion.

However, the Supreme Court ruled last year a school-voucher program in Cleveland passed constitutional muster because government money flowed to the religious schools through the genuine private choice of parents.

Many Democrats and some moderate Republicans have objected to the voucher provision and other aspects of the bill–such as its softening of a gun-control law–that House and Senate leaders reportedly slipped in at the behest of the White House. This was done even though both houses of Congress have not approved the measures individually.

If passed, the bill would create the nation's first federally funded voucher program–a precedent that voucher opponents don't want to see set. Because of objections over the vouchers and other aspects of the bill, it may face a filibuster when Senate leaders bring it to the floor again. The bill is HR 2673.

A handful of other bills touching on moral or church-state issues also are pending in Congress:

Gay marriage. The Federal Marriage Amendment has been introduced in both houses. It would amend the U.S. Constitution to ban marriage and “the legal incidents thereof” for same-sex couples. Both versions have been referred to their respective chamber's Judiciary Committees. The House version (HJR 56) has garnered 107 co-sponsors.

bluebull Government funding for religious charities. The House has passed two bills re-authorizing government programs that contain provisions expanding the government's ability to provide funding to religious groups to perform social services.

The School Readiness Act (HR 2210), which authorizes funding for the federal Head Start early-childhood-education program, passed the House July 24. It contains a provision explicitly allowing religious organizations receiving Head Start funds to discriminate in hiring practices on the basis of religious ideology. This would repeal anti-discrimination provisions under which Head Start has operated for years.

That bill is now before the Senate Education Committee. Many observers believe it will have a more difficult time in the Senate than in the House.

In May, the House added similar provisions to the Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003 (HR 1261).

However, the Senate passed a version in November removing the employment-discrimination exemption. The bill is now before a House-Senate conference committee to hammer out the differences between the two versions.

bluebull Partisan political involvement by religious groups. Legislators who think churches should be allowed to endorse or oppose political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status are making the second attempt in as many years to amend Internal Revenue Service codes. The latest version of Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., titled the “Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act,” currently sits in a House committee and has 165 co-sponsors.

Although the House soundly defeated a similar bill last year, the legislation has strong support from many Religious Right leaders and organizations. They claim churches, pastors and religious organizations are being unfairly silenced on political issues by IRS regulations. Opponents claim the bill threatens religious liberty and gives religious groups political privileges that other tax-exempt organizations don't enjoy.

This year's version of the bill is HR 235. It has not moved out of the House Ways and Means Committee since it was introduced there 11 months ago.




Cybercolumn: Prospects for the New Year by John Duncan_11204

Posted: 1/09/04

CYBERCOLUMN:
Prospects for the New Year


By John Duncan

I am sitting here under the old oak tree, treasuring the prospects of a new year. My mind pulsates with the pleasures of ministry and a simple goal for a new year—to make more personal visits as a pastor.

My great Uncle John lived in a small town in South Louisiana for over 35 years. He made his living as a medical doctor. He learned the art of medicine in the Navy. He treated soldiers at Normandy during World War II.

John Duncan

I remember as a child of no more than 6 or 7, somewhere in the late ‘60s, of riding with him when he made a house call. Do doctors still make house calls in the 21st century?

I stepped out of the car and walked beside my uncle. Rain fell. The rain fell on huge trees in front of the house, huge South Louisiana bayou trees tangled with vines and drooping limbs bending to kiss the ground.

We walked up the steps, stood on the wooden porch, and a woman greeted us at the screen door. We stepped inside the house, and my physician uncle disappeared carrying his black doctor’s kit, stethoscope and all.

I stood. I waited while leaning against the wall with my hands behind my back next to the screen door in the kitchen. I watched in silence. Minutes later, my great uncle returned. He spoke a few soft words, and we journeyed into the rain under the dripping South Louisiana bayou trees and into the car that felt like an umbrella. That is all I remember.

Do doctors still make house calls in the 21st century? Do preachers still make house calls in the 21st century?

My New Year’s resolution is to make more house calls.

The ministry unfolds in the drama of three noble things—a tree, a Person and people. The tree stands tall, a cross covering us from life’s storms like an umbrella. The Person lives as the dynamic Christ who rearranges the priorities of life and heals the heart shattered by sin, pain and unexpected attacks on life. The people march in the mud puddles and daily tasks of life as the saints of God or as those whom Christ desires to know him as the Saint of saints.

And that stands as the reason for more pastoral house calls: Storms come; the mud creates a mess of life; rain drips, drips, drips; the cross stands tall like a tree soaking up the storm; Christ makes house calls knocking on the door of the heart, and people need people. The Apostle Paul calls Christ and people needing people the church. The church is a glorious wonder.

So here I am under the old oak tree. You have heard my new year’s resolution.

"For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’" (Romans 10:13-15)

And how can they hear unless the preacher makes at least one house call?

John Duncan is pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury, Texas, and the writer of numerous articles in various journals and magazines




Cybercolumn: Prospects for the new year by John Duncan_11204

Posted: 1/09/04

CYBERCOLUMN:
Prospects for the New Year


By John Duncan

I am sitting here under the old oak tree, treasuring the prospects of a new year. My mind pulsates with the pleasures of ministry and a simple goal for a new year—to make more personal visits as a pastor.

My great Uncle John lived in a small town in South Louisiana for over 35 years. He made his living as a medical doctor. He learned the art of medicine in the Navy. He treated soldiers at Normandy during World War II.

John Duncan

I remember as a child of no more than 6 or 7, somewhere in the late ‘60s, of riding with him when he made a house call. Do doctors still make house calls in the 21st century?

I stepped out of the car and walked beside my uncle. Rain fell. The rain fell on huge trees in front of the house, huge South Louisiana bayou trees tangled with vines and drooping limbs bending to kiss the ground.

We walked up the steps, stood on the wooden porch, and a woman greeted us at the screen door. We stepped inside the house, and my physician uncle disappeared carrying his black doctor’s kit, stethoscope and all.

I stood. I waited while leaning against the wall with my hands behind my back next to the screen door in the kitchen. I watched in silence. Minutes later, my great uncle returned. He spoke a few soft words, and we journeyed into the rain under the dripping South Louisiana bayou trees and into the car that felt like an umbrella. That is all I remember.

Do doctors still make house calls in the 21st century? Do preachers still make house calls in the 21st century?

My New Year’s resolution is to make more house calls.

The ministry unfolds in the drama of three noble things—a tree, a Person and people. The tree stands tall, a cross covering us from life’s storms like an umbrella. The Person lives as the dynamic Christ who rearranges the priorities of life and heals the heart shattered by sin, pain and unexpected attacks on life. The people march in the mud puddles and daily tasks of life as the saints of God or as those whom Christ desires to know him as the Saint of saints.

And that stands as the reason for more pastoral house calls: Storms come; the mud creates a mess of life; rain drips, drips, drips; the cross stands tall like a tree soaking up the storm; Christ makes house calls knocking on the door of the heart, and people need people. The Apostle Paul calls Christ and people needing people the church. The church is a glorious wonder.

So here I am under the old oak tree. You have heard my new year’s resolution.

"For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’" (Romans 10:13-15)

And how can they hear unless the preacher makes at least one house call?

John Duncan is pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury, Texas, and the writer of numerous articles in various journals and magazines




Addison Road takes a ride into Christian music_122203

Posted: 12/19/03

Addison Road takes a ride into Christian music

By Leann Callaway

Special to the Standard

RICHARDSON–With a fresh sound and youthful enthusiasm, the worship band Addison Road is breaking new ground as they make their way into the Christian music scene.

While attending Baylor University, Jenny Chisolm (lead singer) and her then boyfriend Ryan Simmons (guitar) realized they shared an interest for making music and decided to do something about it. They wrote and performed their own songs and even booked shows–only to soon realize they needed a band. Their friends and fellow students, Ryan Gregg (lead guitar) and Travis Lawrence (bass), joined the band. Chisolm and Simmons were married in 2002. A year later, drummer Joshua Anzaldua joined the group.

The name does not derive from a street in North Dallas, as some Texans might surmise.

Addison Road is Jenny and Ryan Simmons, Travis Lawrence, Ryan Gregg and Joshua Anzaldua, who is not shown. Hear a clip from their song “All I Need is You” in Real Player format here.

Gregg explains the origin this way: “We got the name Addison Road after going through hundreds of names we coudn’t agree on. We were playing in chapel at Baylor and offered $50 to anyone who wrote down a band name that we liked enough to pick. We got hundreds more names and didn’t like any of them. Then, the sound guy backstage said he just named his son Addison. So we liked that, and I think there is a C.S. Lewis poem called, ‘Addison’s Walk’ which we thought sounded cool, but we liked ‘road’ better.”

Today, as Addison Road is growing in popularity, they are performing at concert venues, churches, youth rallies, coffee houses and college campuses. The band also has opened for popular Christian recording artists such as Big Daddy Weave, David Crowder Band and Shane Barnard.

Despite their busy schedule, the band remains dedicated to serving the local church. Each week, they lead worship at First Baptist Church of Richardson’s new 11 a.m. praise service.

“God has opened so many doors for the band and has shown that he will provide,” Anzaldua said. “We thank God for the opportunity to lead worship every Sunday at First Baptist Church of Richardson.”

Wherever Addison Road performs, their desire is to bring people into a closer relationship with God.

“We feel called to let people from our generation know that God has a purpose for them,” Jenny Simmons explained. “Our real purpose is ministry. If all we do is simply put on a fun show and write cool music, then we’re not doing anything worthwhile. It is our prayer that God uses us to convict, change and encourage people’s hearts.”

Her husband added: “We want to be an encouragement to the people we come in contact with. We really just want to be ourselves, and we want people to know that God loves them. Hopefully, we can step out of the way and let God work through us.”

Band members also said they want to help build bridges for local churches to use as a tool for attracting youth and ministering to their needs.

“We want people to leave with excitement about the message they have received,” Lawrence said. “Jenny does a great job explaining the meaning behind our songs, and if one person comes to know Christ through us being there, that makes everything worth it.”

To help youth further understand the message behind their music, Ryan Gregg and Jenny Simmons have written a 12-week devotional book, which they hope will be published. The book coincides with each song on their new CD, “Breaking Beautifully,” which was produced by Barry Blair, a founding member of the Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline.

“We put a lot of thought and time into the devotional book,” Simmons said. “It’s been read and edited by several ministers and is ready to go, so hopefully we can get the finances soon to get that rolling. We have really seen the need for youth to have a devotional book written by people who are young enough to understand them but old enough to challenge them. We feel this is something that will be an asset to their daily walks with the Lord.”

Ministering to teenagers is especially important to Addison Road, because of their backgrounds in Baptist churches around the state. Ryan Simmons grew up in the music ministry, and his father is music minister at First Baptist Church of Weatherford. Jenny Simmons was raised at First Baptist Church of Duncanville, where her mother worked in the youth ministry.

“Growing up, I watched so many of my friends in church who were ‘playing church,'” she said. “They never understood God or the concept of an intimate relationship that could change their lives. That makes me so sad, and I think it’s an epidemic the modern church faces.

“If kids are just going to church to hang out with their friends and socialize, then they are really missing the point that church is supposed to edify our personal walks. I feel called to relate the message to youth that there is a huge difference between going to church and knowing God on a day-to-day, heart level. We get to use music as a platform to share that message. We hope to encourage youth by sharing our struggles and weaknesses, being real with them and connecting to them through the lyrics of our songs.”

As a solid foundation has been laid for Addison Road, they are trusting God to direct their paths and are hoping that leads to a record label.

In July 2003, Addison Road was selected out of hundreds of bands for the Grassroots Music Sampler CD, which will have a 20,000 unit national circulation through Christian bookstores, colleges and radio stations. This summer, they will lead worship at LifeWay’s Centrifuge Camp in Panama City, Fla., from May 15 to Aug. 7.

“I have no doubt that God has paved the way for us to be playing music,” Gregg said. “There’s just too many things that have happened to feel otherwise.”

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Wimberley church helps brings Christmas to nursing home_11204

Posted: 1/07/04

Wimberley church helps bring
Christmas to nursing home

By George Henson

Staff Writer

WIMBERLEY—The elderly woman's eyes lit up as she saw the baby doll on top of a pile of plush animals. She scooted across the room as quickly as her paddling feet could pull her wheelchair, never taking her eyes from her prize.

Finally, wheelchair next to the table, she reached for the doll. But her fingers barely reached the bottom of the box—not enough to grasp it.

She settled back briefly into her wheelchair, her eyes firmly locked on the baby perched above. Then she propelled herself out of the chair, grabbed the blond-haired, blue-eyed doll and fell back into the chair.

Turning the doll to face her, she brushed the hair back from its eyes, and the smile on her face shone even more brilliantly than the light still blazing in her eyes.

Days later, a little girl received the doll for Christmas unwrapped. Her grandmother said it was much too beautiful to cover up.

Such joy multiplied as the 112 residents of Deer Creek of Wimberley nursing home did their Christmas shopping free of charge, thanks to donations from First Baptist Church, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and the local Lion's Club.

Residents of the nursing home selected four gifts, enabling them to give something to friends and family and participate fully in the holiday.

2003 was the eighth year the Woman's Missionary Union at First Baptist Church in Wimberley participated in the ministry. It marked the second year for the Episcopal church to participate and the first year for the Lions.

WMU members wrapped the gifts, complete with gift tags. They also stocked a refreshment table with punch and cookies.

Shoppers could keep their selections for themselves.

"They might take something for themselves, and that's fine, because even though we hope it's not the case, it might be the only gift they receive," said Mary Kate Riddle, WMU president at the Wimberley church.

Some of the gift selections were new, and others were gently used, according to Tess Wilson, organizer of the event for the last three years. When making her plea for contributions, "I just ask them to think what condition they would like to receive a gift in," she said.

Church members start bringing gifts for the bazaar in October, putting them in a box at the church, Smith said. She empties the box quickly so people can see it is empty and be encouraged to refill it. She stores the gifts at her home until the big day and sorts them into categories such as jewelry, books, purses and billfolds, socks and more general items, making "shopping" easier for the residents.

Dorothy Arthur, who has participated since the ministry began, said the bazaar is an important part of her holiday season.

"I like to see these people find things for themselves and others. They just seem to enjoy it so much," she said.

Betty Flournoy, who took care of the refreshment table this year after years as a wrapper, said the fact that many recipients of the ministry are long-time residents of the community and friends makes it even more special.

The bazaar is a definite blessing to the residents, said Kimberley Flores, assistant activities director at Deer Creek. "They don't get to get out to do this, so to bring this to them so they can participate in the traditions of Christmas and do their own shopping—their faces are all just lit up. This is wonderful."

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Cybercolumn for 1/05/04: New Year’s Resolutions by Brett Younger_11204

Posted: 1/02/04

CYBERCOLUMN
New Year's Resolutions

By Brett Younger

New Year’s Day is lost on some of us. I never understand the fascination with the descending ball in Times Square. I am too cheap to buy any fireworks more impressive (or more flammable) than a sparkler. Dick Clark is dull. I eat black-eyed peas all year long. Baylor is in a New Year’s Day Bowl with the frequency of Halley’s Comet.

I am especially tired of New Year’s resolutions. The effectiveness of this practice is questionable at best. Most resolutions are completely unreasonable:
Brett Younger

“I will never raise my voice again.”

“I will read a book every day.”

“I will lose a pound a week for the rest of my life.”

“I will never make another resolution.”

I am a dismal failure at such resolutions. Diets last until I’m offered a Krispy Kreme or anything edible I faintly desire. No matter how intellectual my reading list, I always end up spending more time with Garrison Keillor than Paul Tillich. The year I resolved to jog was dismal until I stopped jogging (about Jan. 15).

Like any minister, I need to make up religious reasons for my opinions. This is the strongest justification I’ve come up with for my disdain for New Year’s resolutions: The theological problem with resolutions is that they make good behavior the central focus of our hopes for the new year. While good behavior is often the result of the Christian faith, the Christian faith does not begin or end with good behavior, but with grace.

Robert Farrar Capon writes, “Christianity starts by telling you that you have no place left to go because you’re already home free; and no favor to earn because God thinks you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread. All you have to do is explore the crazy mystery of your acceptance.”

My only resolution this year is to live with a sense of God’s grace.

Only by grace will I ever learn to pay attention, recognize the intimations of the divine and sense the presence of God in the everyday. In recognizing grace, I will be grateful for the good gifts I have been given, focus on what I have rather than on what I don’t and appreciate the abundance of my experiences.

Grace leads to creativity, kindness and healing. By grace, I will live with imagination, enthusiasm and passion.

I may even lose 10 pounds.

Brett Younger is pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.