Posted: 12/16/05

Baptist Briefs

CBF leader meets with secretary of state. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Coordinator Daniel Vestal and a dozen other religious leaders met in Washington, D.C., with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. They called on the United States to lead in global poverty reduction initiatives at a World Trade Organization meeting. The interfaith group challenged Rice to advance proposals that would open global markets to trade and boost economies of developing nations. The religious leaders also lobbied for a $5 billion increase in poverty-focused development assistance in President Bush's 2007 budget request.

First Korean state convention president elected. New England Baptists elected their first non-Anglo president and the first Korean president of a state convention. Messengers to the 23rd annual meeting of the Baptist Convention of New England in Londonderry, N.H., elected Paul Kim, founding pastor of Berkland Baptist Church in Cambridge, Mass., president without opposition. Kim, who was named a Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary distinguished alumnus in 2004 for his work in church planting, serves as a trustee of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board. Tommy Oliver, pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Stratham, N.H., was elected vice president. Messengers unanimously passed a $2.8 million budget for 2006–a 5 percent increase and the first increase in more than five years.

First ordained Southern Baptist woman pastor dies. Addie Elizabeth Davis–whose 1964 ordination by Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham, N.C., to pastoral ministry marked a first among Southern Baptist churches–died Dec. 3 in Covington, Va., after a brief illness. She was 88. Davis, a graduate of Meredith College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, both in North Carolina, served churches in Vermont, Rhode Island and Virginia. The Baptist Women in Ministry organization provides annual scholarships to female ministerial students through a fund established in Davis' honor.

New Mexico executive director search ends. Joseph Bunce, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bloomfield, N.M., is the unanimous choice of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico executive director search team to become the state convention's next executive director. Bunce has spent all but four of his 50 years and his 30-year ministry in New Mexico. He was president of the New Mexico convention in 1998 and 1999. A special meeting of the convention will be held Jan. 31 at Hoffmantown Baptist Church in Albuquerque during the state evangelism conference to act on the recommendation. If elected, Bunce will assume his new role Feb. 13.

Oklahoma Baptists approve Armenia partnership. Messengers to the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma's 99th annual meeting approved a missions partnership with Armenia. Oklahoma Baptists ratified a $22.65 million budget for 2006–a 1.8 percent increase over the current year–with 60 percent earmarked for Oklahoma causes and 40 percent for the Southern Baptist Convention. They also learned that about 300 Oklahoma Baptist churches doubled their number of baptisms in the past year. Messengers re-elected President Bob Green, pastor of Arrow Heights Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, and elected First Vice President Randy Childers, director of missions for Rogers Baptist Association, and Second Vice President James Swain, pastor of First Baptist Church in Kingfisher.

Virginia Baptists OK reduced budget. Messengers to the Baptist General Association of Virginia annual meeting approved a $14.4 million budget for 2006–$300,000 less than the current year. Treasurer Eddie Stratton projected a shortfall of up to $500,000 for 2005. Budget Committee Chairman Darrell Foster attributed the shortfall–and resultant reduced budget–to about $2.3 million in designated giving for disaster relief following the South Asia tsunami and Gulf Coast hurricanes. The 2006 budget excludes Averett University in Danville, Va. Virginia Baptists ended allocations to the school last year in a dispute over homosexuality and biblical authority. Virginia Baptists elected without opposition three officers endorsed by the moderate Virginia Baptists Committed organization–President Bert Browning, pastor of Huguenot Road Baptist Church in Richmond, First Vice President Boyce Brannock, an attorney and member of First Baptist Church in Waynesboro, and Second Vice President Barbara Filling, pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Charles City.

Illinois Baptists continue search. The committee appointed to find a potential executive director for the Illinois Baptist State Association has narrowed its search to eight candidates, Chairman Jim Rahtjen reported to the Illinois Baptist annual meeting in Springfield. The committee—named to find a successor for Wendell Lang, who left the executive director’s post in April for a Tennessee pastorate—received 47 recommendations for the position, 30 of whom agreed to be considered, Rahtjen said. The committee has interviewed each of the eight finalists, he added.

Michigan Baptists endorse marriage amendment. Messengers to the Baptist State Convention of Michigan’s 48th annual meeting approved a resolution supporting a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Michigan Baptists also approved a $3.4 million budget—a $500,000decrease from the current year, with anticipated Cooperative Program receipts from churches at $1.7 million.

NAMB invites Baltimore to become Strategic Focus City. In a video presentation to the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, North American Mission Board President Bob Reccord invited Baltimore to become a Strategic Focus City. Executive Director David Lee noted Baltimore churches must in turn invite the mission board and state convention to join them in the evangelistic and prayer emphasis. Messengers re-elected their slate of state convention officers and approved a more than $6.6 million budget for 2006.

Six baptized at Penn/Jersey annual meeting. Baptist pastors baptized six people during Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania/South Jersey annual meeting in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Messengers re-elected President Jerry Dixon, pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Gettysburg, Pa., and Recording Secretary Melba Beaudreaux of Dallas Baptist Church in Dallas, Pa. They elected First Vice President Jimmy Knox, pastor of Chambersburg Baptist Church in Chambersburg, Pa., and Second Vice President Roger Mano, pastor Philadelphia International Bible Church in Philadelphia. Messengers approved a $3.3 million budget for 2006, a 2.69 percent increase over the current year.

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.

Posted: 12/20/05

Mercer, Georgia convention agree to terms

By Greg Warner

Associated Baptist Press

ATLANTA (ABP)—Mercer University and the Georgia Baptist Convention have agreed to terms that will end their 172-year-old relationship.

The convention will end funding of the school after 2007, but Mercer will get control of trustee elections and all assets, including a $19.6 million endowment controlled by the convention.

A Nov. 15 vote of the Georgia Baptist Convention mandated an “orderly” dissolution of the relationship after convention officials claimed, “Mercer has already moved away from the theology, doctrine and principles for which the convention stands.” The convention complained specifically about a pro-gay student group on campus and Mercer support for “non-Southern Baptist organizations.”

The terms, negotiated by Mercer President Kirby Godsey and convention Executive Director Bob White, were approved by the convention’s executive committee Dec.13. The agreement has already been approved by Mercer’s executive committee and will be considered by trustees in April.

“Neither of us got everything we wanted,” White told the executive committee Dec. 13, “But I want to help bring about an orderly discontinuance of the relationship.”

Godsey lamented “the unilateral action of the Georgia Baptist Convention” to end the relationship, but he added: “It does not, of course, alter the heritage or the history of the institution, nor does it diminish the high Baptist traditions and values that gave rise to the university. In the days ahead, we must discuss how more deliberately and intentionally the university honors the Baptist traditions on which it was founded.”

Under the agreement, Mercer will create a self-perpetuating board, rather than allowing the convention to elect a portion of trustees. Endowed capital-improvement funds totaling $19,572,959, contributed by the convention in past years, will be released to the university.

The convention will continue to fund about $3.5 million for Mercer scholarships for 2006 and 2007, after which convention support will end. Mercer will seek similar funds directly from churches beginning in 2006.

Both sides pledged an amicable end to the relationship, which has become increasingly tense in recent years as fundamentalists have gained power in the state convention.

“I didn’t want to see it come to conflict that would leave Mercer and the Convention tattered,” Godsey told the Georgia convention’s executive committee.

“I want to express gratitude to Georgia Baptists,” he added. “The convention has made a grand difference in the university. Mercer is a Baptist university and will continue to be so. We will also continue to give scholarships to Baptist students.”

Messengers to next year’s Georgia Baptist Convention meeting likely will be asked to approve the dissolution as part of the executive committee’s report.

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.

Posted: 12/20/05

Fate of hostages in Iraq still unknown

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)—Militants threatening to execute a British Baptist and three other Christian hostages by Dec. 10 had conveyed no word of their captives’ fate as of Dec. 12, according to multiple news reports.

That left their families, friends and colleagues scattered across the globe anxious for news.

“We all look to each other and offer a kind smile or a warm hug whenever that other person feels that they can’t handle it, and that happens quite a bit right now,” Ed Loney, brother of Canadian hostage Jim Loney, said Dec. 11, according to the Canadian Press news service.

On Nov. 26, an Iraqi militant group calling itself the Swords of Righteousness kidnapped Loney along with British Baptist peace activist Norman Kember, 74, and two other members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams working in Iraq. The militants initially announced they would execute the four Dec. 8 if American and British officials did not meet their demand to release all Iraqi prisoners.

Then, late in the afternoon of Dec. 7, the kidnappers sent word to news agencies that they had extended their deadline to Dec. 10.

Dec. 10 marks International Human Rights Day—just one of the story’s many ironies.

Friends and family of the hostages noted that they were in Iraq to oppose the very war and alleged treatment of detainees that their abductors do.

“My husband, Norman, doesn’t believe in violence, and neither does his family,” said Pat Kember in a Dec. 7 statement released from her London home. “We believe as he does that everyone should live in peace. This is an extremely worrying, stressful time for all of Norman’s family. We are praying with people from all faiths for the safe release of Norman and his friends.”

Ken Sehested, who served as the longtime executive director of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, said Kember has been a friend of his more than two decades.

“He is a genuinely modest man, with a scientist’s mind, a comedian’s dry wit, but also a quietly passionate heart—not to mention a winsome countenance,” Sehested said. He noted that Kember went to Iraq because he was embarrassed to sit at home and simply protest the war while soldiers were risking their lives on the field.

“That’s classic Norman—earnest but not loud,” Sehested said. “He’s simply trying to be a Christian.”

Christian Peacemakers’ co-chair, Carol Rose, said Dec. 7 the group has long opposed alleged abuses of Iraqi detainees by U.S. and other allied authorities, as well as what it describes as the “illegal occupation” of Iraq by U.S., British and other allied forces.

“It’s not unusual in the world for people who are not the ones doing the evil to bear the brunt of the reactions of those who are hurt by that,” she said, adding that it shouldn’t surprise Christians that suffering sometimes comes along with doing God’s work.

She also said she hopes the situation would inspire thought and action among Christians in the United States and across the globe.

“Part of what we’re hoping for is not only the swift and safe release of our friends and for the reuniting of those detained under such horrific circumstances all over the world and especially in Iraq, but also that this can be a moment when the church moves into determined and courageous action for following the Prince of Peace,” she said. “So that would be a way to honor and to partner with the lives of our co-workers, as well as just give witness to the truth that we live out of.”

Religious leaders from vastly different ideological persuasions have called for the hostages’ release. Jesse Jackson, the Baptist minister and civil-rights activist, appeared on Al-Jazeera and CNN early on Dec. 7 urging their captors to free the peace workers.

Later in the day, British news agencies reported that one of that nation’s most high-profile Islamist radicals, Abu Qatada, also called for the hostages’ release.

“I urge them to release the four prisoners in Iraq. This is a merciful act according to the principles of Islam,” the cleric said, according to an English translation of his Arabic statement published by the DeHavilland news service. Qatada has been imprisoned by British officials since 2002 on suspicions that he has ties to the Al Qaeda terrorist network.

The other hostages detained with Kember and Loney are Canadian Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32; and American Tom Fox, 54. The activists were abducted shortly after they left a Baghdad house, headed for a meeting with a Muslim group.

Unlike the vast majority of Westerners currently working in Iraq, Christian Peacemaker team members do not travel with weapons, bodyguards or armor for protection. They also, in the event of just such a kidnapping, agree to oppose any attempts to rescue them by violent means.

Christian Peacemaker officials released a statement Dec. 8 calling for Christians and others around the world to mark International Human Rights Day with prayer vigils for the hostages and for peace.

“Christian Peacemaker Teams calls for all people of conscience around the world to initiate non-violent public actions for peace and for prayer on December 10th in support of international human rights and in support of ending war and occupation,” the statement read. It asked vigil leaders to highlight the following phrases: “Love your enemies,” “End the occupation,” and “Free the captives.”

Supporters of the hostages held organized vigils in several nations and at least 15 states, including New York, California, North Carolina, Texas and Kentucky.

At a Dec. 7 vigil at the Episcopal Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville, N.C., Sehested said the captives would probably not want the attention now being focused on them.

“These four would be embarrassed—probably annoyed—to be the center of such attention, insisting that we focus instead on the hundreds of thousands in Iraq and elsewhere who have died, whose bodies have been maimed, whose lives have been shattered by this abominable war,” he said.

Sehested continued, referring to a large poster with photos of the captives on the cathedral’s chancel: “But their complaint would be misplaced. Their faces on the altar are not simply about them; they are our window into a world with which we are barely acquainted.”

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.

Posted: 12/20/05

Westmoreland nominated for Samford presidency

By Greg Warner

Associated Baptist Press

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP)—Andrew Westmoreland, president of Arkansas Baptists’ Ouachita Baptist University, has been nominated to become president of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.

The Samford search committee will recommend Westmoreland during a special meeting of trustees Jan.10, the university announced Dec. 15.

Westmoreland was chosen from among 140 nominees, the search team said. He visited the Samford campus Dec. 6 to meet with three constituent panels—faculty/staff, students and alumni/donors—as well as university leaders.

“The feedback received from the review panels was overwhelmingly positive and affirmed what the search committee discovered about Dr. Westmoreland,” said search committee co-chair Hobart Grooms, a Birmingham attorney and Samford trustee. “Respondents stated that they felt Dr. Westmoreland was a wonderful and more than capable candidate to lead Samford into the future.”

In a Dec. 1 e-mail to Ouachita faculty, staff and students, Westmoreland said he became “open to the possibility” of the Samford presidency in late October, after several conversations with the committee. After prayer, he said, he realized “this move might be best for all concerned.”

“The matter is in God’s hands,” he added. “I cannot explain what God is doing here, but I have surrendered.”

If elected, Westmoreland would complete the presidential carousal at three of the largest Baptist universities. On Dec. 2, Mercer University in Macon, Ga., elected as president Bill Underwood, interim president of Baylor University. Underwood was a leading candidate for the Baylor presidency before removing his name from consideration. Trustees of the Texas Baptist school in Waco elected Nevada educator John Lilley as president Nov. 3.

Samford’s next president will replace Tom Corts, who is retiring after 23 years. The 164-year-old university, affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention, reports 2,882 undergraduate students, 1,558 graduate students and 264 faculty members.

Westmoreland, 48, has served his entire career at Ouachita, in Arkadelphia, Ark. President since 1998, he has been an administrator at the Arkansas Baptist school for more than 19 years. He is best known for his successful fund-raising for the 1,700-student school, including two campaigns that raised more than $60 million each. He served as vice president for development until 1995, when he became executive vice president.

Search committee co-chair Albert Brewer, a former Alabama governor and retired Samford law professor, praised Westmoreland’s “leadership skills, views on academic freedom, thoughts on the balance of faith and learning, (and) interpersonal skills,” among other qualities.

A graduate of Ouachita, Westmoreland received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1979. He earned a master’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a doctorate in higher-education administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

A native of Batesville, Ark., Westmoreland is married to Jeanna Westmoreland, associate professor of education and dean of Ouachita’s School of Education. The Westmorelands have one daughter, Riley Elizabeth.

In addition to his duties as Ouachita president, Westmoreland serves as professor of political science and education. He is the author of Leading by Design, published in 2005.

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.

Posted: 12/20/05

Churches adopting Chrismon trees

By Terri Jo Ryan

Special to the Baptist Standard

The Chrismons (CHRISt-MONogramS) ornaments were first developed in 1957 by Frances Kipps Spencer of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Va., when she set out to create decorations appropriate for a church Christmas tree.

An evergreen tree, ancient symbol of eternal life, forms the background for tiny white lights and gold Chrismons designs, based on biblical and theological concepts familiar to believers.

The symbols used are interdenominational and the heritage of all Christians. Chrismons are a type of Christmas Tree decoration used in many churches and often in the homes of Christians. The symbols used represent a variety of biblical and theological concepts that are well known among most believers.

Technically, if the ornaments on a Christmas tree are comprised mostly of Christian symbols, the tree is known as a “Chrismon Tree.” Most Chrismons are white with gold decorations of beads, ribbon and glitter.

Common Chismons incorporate images of fish—an symbol for Christ, the Greek word for “Fish” forming an acrostic that spells out “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”—along with the cross, stars, angels, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, taken from the New Testament passage: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Rev. 22:13)

Another more complex symbol is formed of a superimposed “X” and “P”. X is the greek letter Chi, and the P is the Greek letter Rho—the first two letters in the name “Christ” spelled in Greek (Xpistos).

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.

Posted: 12/20/05

CYBER COLUMN:
Skipping Christmas

By Brett Younger

For centuries, Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus by coming to church to sing, pray, remember, give thanks and recommit our lives to Christ. What were we thinking?

The front-page news is that many of the biggest churches in the United States have decided that the best way to celebrate the coming of Christ is to cancel worship.

The primary reason given is that attendance will be sparse. Ed Young of Fellowship Church pointed out that in 1994, the last time Christmas fell on a Sunday, only 300 people showed up.

When did we decide that the purpose of worship is to draw a crowd? Attendance at the first Christmas wasn’t big, but God decided to go ahead with it, anyway.

Another reason offered by these megachurches is that canceling worship is in keeping with their “family friendly” approach. Eddie Long, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, said his church is “always promoting family. (Cancelling worship on Christmas) keeps them together and not running off to get dressed up to go off to church.”

Too many churches give the impression that the primary purpose of the church is to support the family. The New Testament teaches that the church is our family. Christians put Christ ahead of their family. Jesus felt this so strongly that he said, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters cannot be my disciple.” (This verse isn’t going to make it onto anybody’s Christmas card.)

What about the people without a family—the elderly, singles, lonely people, those a long distance from family? Isn’t it possible that some of those who are alone at Christmas need to worship God?

In lieu of a worship service, Willow Creek Community Church is handing out a DVD. Cally Parkinson, communications director, explained, “What we’re encouraging people to do is take that DVD and in the comfort of their living room, with friends and family, pop it into the player and hopefully hear a different and more personal and maybe more intimate Christmas message.”

If watching a DVD is more personal and intimate than worship, then should we cancel worship on every holy day? Maybe churches could encourage members to gather with their family for brunch on Easter or go bowling together on Good Friday.

The issue isn’t that people will skip church on Sunday. The real problem is that churches are failing to tell the truth about Christmas. It’s hard to read the Gospels and see how our modern Christmas celebration could have begun with the ancient story. In the Bible, Christmas isn’t about big crowds, family gatherings or expensive presents.

The first Christmas marks the beginning of a small, counter-cultural community of people who put their trust in God’s way and none of their faith in materialism and selfishness. Christmas invites us to have different standards, hopes and dreams than those who don’t know the meaning of Christ’s coming.

If we believe that Jesus’ birth changes the world, then we’ll change the way we see our world. The work of Christ’s hands will be continued in the work of our hands. We’ll have compassion for all people—especially those that are usually left out. Because Jesus has come, we will walk out of step with the rhythms of the world.

On Sunday at our not-at-all-megachurch, we will sing, pray and listen to the story. We’ll remember the first Christmas and give ourselves again to the one born in Bethlehem.

Brett Younger is pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

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.

Posted: 12/20/05

BaptistWay Bible Series for Jan. 1

Jesus provides the model for talking with God

• Luke 11:1-13

By Jeffrey Lee

Logsdon Seminary, Abilene

How do you pray? What do you pray for? It is easy to get lost in meaningless prayers.

Christ gives us the blueprint for the right way to pray. Luke 11:1-4 is known as the Lord’s Prayer. As we follow the prayer, we should model our prayers after Jesus’. Prayer ushers us into the presence and power of God and makes him evident in our lives. Many Christians live with a sense of guilt when it comes to prayer.

We have seen prayer move mountains. We have seen God’s healing power in response to prayer. Prayer can be, if used properly, one of the most powerful tools a Christian has. It is a shame many do not know how to pray effectively.

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Being devoted to prayer and learning how to pray is very difficult. It is interesting that the only place in Scripture where the disciples asked Jesus to teach them something was when they asked him to teach them to pray in Luke 11:1.

First, we see the disciples do not know how to pray, so they ask Jesus to teach them. If we find ourselves at a loss for words and do not know what to pray, we can ask God for help, and he will.

In verse 2, we are instructed on how to start the prayer. First, Jesus addresses God by saying “Our Father in heaven … .” Our aim is to talk to God, and we should make it known by addressing the One to whom we are praying. Focus on God, not the people and things around you. He cares about the emotions of the heart.

Next, Jesus praises the name of God. We should praise his name with every breath we breathe, so how much more important is it that we praise his name in our prayers.

“Your Kingdom come … .” It is not we, but God who rules all of creation, and it is his will that will be done throughout the universe. God is in control of all things and his will is worked out in all of creation.

In verse 3, Christ asks God to meet all his daily needs. Think about the fact that the God of creation wants to hear from you. We should place all our needs, cares and worries into the very capable hands of God. God will take care of you. He wants us to ask him, so ask him, and he will be there for you. God intended for prayer to be a priority.

In verse 4, Christ states the need for repentance and forgiveness. We are all sinners, and we fall short every day. Christ says, “Forgive us our sins,” to give us the opportunity to repent. We must confess our sins to God and repent, and we will receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Christ also states that since we have received forgiveness from God, we too should forgive those who harm us. Forgiveness is the first and most important part of a good community.

In the final part of the prayer, Christ asks for deliverance from the “evil one.” Christians are tempted on a daily basis. We cannot stand alone, but God can deliver us; all we need to do is ask him.

We should be praying for each other, because it is tremendously powerful and meaningful when we pray for our fellow believers. Prayer is the language of the heart. There are many types of prayer. We come before God in very peculiar ways.

Just because we are Christians does not make us good prayers. Some Christians I know do not pray and some only pray when it is convenient or when they want something. Is that the way we should pray? I do not think so. Christ gives us the example of prayer, and we constantly should be in an attitude of prayer.

In verses 5-7, Christ tells us a story of two friends and what they would do for one another. If two friends would care that much for each other, how much more would the Creator care about his creation. God loves everyone, and Christ died for all people.

Verse 9 says, “Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Are we seeking? Are we knocking? In a lot of ways, I do not think we are. We should seek Christ in all we do. For in verse 10 it says, “… he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” God is looking out for us; all we must do is to seek after him. He gives his grace freely; all we need do is ask for it.

One of the many good things about prayer is that we must go to God to do it. It is very difficult to go to God if we have any negative thoughts and bitterness in our hearts. The Lord sees through that. What we have in our hearts has a tremendous effect on our prayers. That is why Jesus says we must confess anything in our hearts that could disrupt our prayers. The Lord says this, so there will be nothing that can separate us from the grace of God.

Discussion questions

• How does your praying compare to how Jesus taught his disciples to pray?

• How does prayer affect your life?

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.

Posted: 12/20/05

Family Bible Series for Jan. 1

Work was a part of God’s original plan

• Genesis 1:26-28, 31, 2:15; Proverbs 6:6-10; Colossians 3:22-4:1

By Donald Raney

Westlake Chapel, Graham

Depending on which survey you look at, as many as two-thirds of American workers are dissatisfied with their current jobs. Yet, apart from sleep, we spend more time at work than any other activity.

At the heart of the problem is that most people now view what they do for a living as a job or career rather than as a vocation. Work is seen as a chore or necessary evil rather than a calling from God.

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The idea of God calling a person to a certain job most often is seen as being reserved for missionaries and ministers. Yet the Bible is clear that a person’s work is important to God and is a part of God’s plan for each person.

God gives each person specific gifts and abilities and calls him or her into specific vocations (whether into the ministry, business, education, or industry) in which he or she may use these gifts and receive the most fulfillment in life. The key is to see work in its proper perspective as ordained by God from creation and seek to develop a biblical work ethic that will lead to personal fulfillment and satisfaction at work.

Genesis 1:26-28, 31, 2:15

When many people think about the origin of work, they first think of God’s punishment of Adam after the fall in Genesis 3:17-19. They read these verses and conclude that work was a part of the punishment for sin and was never a part of the original plan.

This conclusion both misreads the Genesis 3 passage and overlooks other verses in Genesis 1-2. The emphasis in Genesis 3:17-19 is not on the inauguration of human labor but on the fact that labor will be difficult following the fall. The ground is cursed and will make work more difficult by producing weeds and thorns.

According to both Genesis 1 and 2, one of God’s first statements to humanity dealt with their work. Humanity was given the responsibility to tend and take care of the earth through tilling and harvesting. Humanity also was allowed to exercise dominion over the rest of creation. All of this was assigned to humanity before the fall.

Thus work is not part of God’s punishment on humanity for sin, but is a gift from God and a part of the original plan. Through our work, we are allowed to participate with God in maintaining the created order.

Proverbs 6:6-10

Not only is work a part of God’s plan for us, it also is beneficial to us. Many times in the biblical wisdom literature, the author points to the benefits of labor and contrasts it with the folly of laziness or sloth.

In Proverbs 6, the author calls on the reader to consider the ant. Though it is one of the smallest creatures, it constantly is at work, so it continually is prepared with all of the food and provisions the colony needs for every season. It does this without having to be coerced by a commander or supervised by an overseer.

Those who are tempted to spend their time resting or sleeping should understand it is through work that we have the things we need. Without working, we are unable to provide food, shelter or clothing for ourselves and our family. Poverty and scarcity quickly overtake those who give in to the temptation toward laziness.

These verses certainly are not intended to encourage the reader to become a workaholic who never rests. Indeed, the Bible teaches the importance of rest in the proper amounts. These verses simply remind the reader of the fact that honest work has its benefits.

Colossians 3:22-4:1

The New Testament writers also were very much aware of the place of work in God’s plan and its benefits. These writers often state that, because of these factors, we should do our work in a way that honors God.

The Apostle Paul discussed this a number of times in his letters. In his letter to the Colossians, he discussed guidelines for the relationship between slaves and their masters.

Many modern readers are troubled by such passages because Paul does not condemn the practice of slavery. Yet such a view overlooks the major cultural differences between our society and that of Paul. The slavery of Paul’s day was completely void of the cruelty associated with slavery in the Old American South and was often voluntary and temporary servitude.

Also, we must remember that Paul was focusing on the theological issues of interpersonal relationships rather than attempting to encourage social reform. Paul may in fact have felt that if people began to carefully consider the theological implications of their actions, they might come to decide for themselves that the practice was unethical.

Such concerns finally can blind the modern reader to the modern applications of these passages. Since Paul was addressing the relationship between a worker and master, modern readers can apply these passages to the relationship between employers and their employees.

In this light, we can see that Paul is encouraging both parties to conduct their business in a way that pleases God. For the employee, this means carrying out their tasks as if God was their boss. They should avoid all hints of dishonesty or laziness and should seek excellence in all they do. For the employers, this means they should treat all employees with respect and equality.

Work is indeed a necessary part of life. Yet we should not look at it as a chore or burden. It is a gift from God that allows us to participate in God’s plan for creation. It is beneficial to us as it is done in the proper perspective, and God intends for it to be done in a way that honors him.

Discussion questions

• Do you see your work as a job or as a vocation? Why?

• How are you doing your job as unto the Lord?

• Apart from the financial aspects, how can work be beneficial to us?

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.

Posted: 12/20/05

Explore the Bible Series for Jan. 1

Christians are to lead lives of worship

• Romans 12:1-8

By Trey Turner

Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Temple

I am afraid worship is ‘dumbed-down’ more than we realize because of the consumer culture around us. Worship is limited to that which wells up in us because something profoundly affects our emotions and engages our feelings. For that matter, good movies have the ability (and budgets) to do that more than most worship services. If we are limited to worshipping only when feeling grips us, we may be weaker spiritually than we need to be. Do we think worship can happen by an act of the will, but not before the emotions?

As you read Romans 12:1-8, you will see that Paul is working from a definition of worship which acts primarily out of the will. If Christians understand Paul, their worship will come because of the reality of God’s redemption, not simply emotion. Then their service will come out of their worship.

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The previous 11 chapters have been carefully presented to show how God plays no favorites but extends eternal hope in Jesus Christ to all who will believe. Because of God’s mercy, which is our salvation, the believer worships. Worship is the activity of the transformed believer. Worship, as an experience, does not happen to people, but begins with the believer’s disciplined action.

Worship: Present yourself (Romans 12:1)

God was the initiator by showing his desire for a relationship with people. He then made a way for that relationship to be restored after humanity’s fall. Because of God’s redemptive work, the believer is to worship him based on his or her salvation—which is experienced through the mercy of God. Simply put, the body that God redeemed, use for good.

Verse 1 is the action done by a priest set apart. Offer that body as a sacrifice as though by a devoted priest. The priest reasonably serves God by giving himself wholly and holy to God. Similarly, present yourself to God’s service since he has redeemed you. Doing so is “reasonable service.”

Worship: Renew your mind (Romans 12:2-3)

It could go without saying that Satan has great influence on this world. We can see his fingerprints on a materialistic, addicted, self-centered culture. Paul tells Christians they do not have to follow these patterns of slavery. Instead, Christians are to renew their minds, producing new patterns.

The transformation of behavior is a result of denying natural and sinful patterns, reaching instead for values God approves and habits the Spirit of God helps to develop. As God makes the believer new, his will is uncovered. God’s will is not a secret to be kept or hidden. It is walking in fellowship with God—enjoying the Spirit’s leading by faith.

People will test what others may say about God by walking in a disciplined way, in fellowship. These Christians will begin to learn the pattern of what God says, comparing what is confirmed with that which is counterfeit. Testing what other people say about God is done with humility before God. Paul recognizes we are not to think too highly of ourselves.

Worship: Use your gifts (Romans 12:4-8)

Notice all the discussion about worship to this point is emotionally neutral. Worship happens out of the human will by deliberate choice. I give my life to God, I give the patterns of my life to God. As a third part, I give my service to God.

I also make my gifts available to the church. Our gifts belong to one another. Out of worship, I give myself voluntarily to my brothers’ and sisters’ edification. Again, this is part of one’s deliberate act of worship. I present myself in actuality to the Lord, not merely in word—it is my worship. I present myself to God through my life and thought orientation—it is my worship. I present myself to God and to the building up of the church—this, too, is my worship. All of these are done with a spirit of humble service and joy.

By Paul’s underlying definition, worship is a diligent work. It will not take place exclusively on Sunday morning or Saturday night. Worship can take place in the absence of emotions, but will only take place when one acts, “in view of God’s mercy … .”

Lord, let us live in worship … “in view of God’s mercy.”

Discussion questions

• Describe what happens when someone worships. When was the last time you worshipped? Why did you worship? Did someone prompt you to act in view of God’s mercy or did you see his mercy yourself?

• What are patterns the world operates out of? How do you put away these worldly patterns and live with different values?

• What are your spiritual gifts and how do you use them to worship the Lord in service?

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.

Posted: 12/16/05

Around the State

The Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas has presented its Horizon Award to George Young, who ministers to individuals older than 60 at Trinity Church in San Antonio. The award is given to someone who exemplifies excellence in aging adult leadership.

John Baugh, founder of Sysco Corporation in Houston, was presented the Abner V. McCall Religious Liberty Award by the Baylor Alumni Association Dec. 17 during fall commencement. The award is given to Baylor alumni or friends who exemplify the dedication and commitment to religious liberty demonstrated by the former Baylor University president for whom the award is named. A Baylor regent emeritus, Baugh also is a founding trustee of Houston Baptist University and served as a director of the Baptist Foundation of Texas more than 25 years. He is the author of The Battle for Baptist Integrity. He and his wife, Eula Mae, are members of Tallowood Church in Houston.

A group of students from Howard Payne University took time from their studies for a mission trip to help flood victims in New Orleans reclaim their homes. From right to left are Shane Blackshear, Jared Renshaw, the New Orleans couple they helped, Vicente Richarte (background), Josh Houser, Joanna Brown, Aaron Brown (background), Jessica Oster and Brandon Wilson.

Virgil Grotfeldt, assistant professor in art at Houston Baptist University, has been nominated for the Hunting Art Prize. Members of Houston's art community selected nominees who have made a long-term commitment to their career and have a five-year, post-graduate exhibition record reflecting national exposure. The competition has a $50,000 first-place award.

New faculty members at Dallas Baptist University include Judy Abercrombie, assistant professor of education; Larry Ashlock, associate professor of worship; Jekabs Bikis, assistant professor of business; Bill Gilbert, associate professor of education; and Gail Wallace, associate professor of sociology and director of adult student services.

Brad Russell has been hired as director of communications at Baptist University of the Americas. Russell also will continue as pastor of The Springs Church in San Antonio.

The Student Athlete Advisory Council of East Texas Baptist University collected 603 cans and $132 in donations during its recent canned food drive. Items donated were given to Soda Lake Association to help needy families.

The Association for Recorded Sound Collections has selected Robert Darden, associate professor of journalism at Baylor University, as a winner of the award for excellence in research in recorded rhythm and blues, soul or gospel music for his book People Get Ready: A New History of Black Gospel Music.

Anniversaries

Calvary Church in Denison, 100th, Nov. 13. Greg Smith is pastor.

Marc Wilson, 25th, as minister of music at First Church in Mexia, Nov. 25.

Battetown Church in Cameron, 60th. Wayne Shuf-field is interim pastor.

Jimmie Wright, 30th, as pastor of New Mount Olive Church in Wharton.

Marcelino Gonzales, 15th, as pastor of Primera Iglesia in Rosenberg.

Scott Rambo, 10th, as pastor of The Bridge Fellowship in Sugar Land.

Keith Peteway, 10th, as pastor of Shiloh Church in Franklin.

Butch Strickland, fifth, as pastor of Independence Church in Brenham.

Retiring

Charles Morris, as pastor of Ida Church in Sherman, Oct. 31. He served the church three years and was in the ministry more than 30 years, primarily serving as a bivocational and interim pastor to churches in Grayson and Collin associations.

Ted Elmore, as associate director of the missional church center of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Dec. 31. He served the convention 13 years, after previously ministering as a pastor and then vocational evangelist. He will pursue global and local ministry opportunities in the areas of prayer and leadership development through Ted Elmore Ministries, P.O. Box 1833, Grapevine 76099. He can be reached at (214) 725-1513 or tedelmore@aol.com.

Deaths

Jesse Bigbee, 85, Nov. 12 in Cottonwood. He served Texas Baptist churches almost 50 years as pastor, including Independence Church in Brenham, the oldest continuously operating Baptist church in Texas. As pastor of the church, he also conducted tours of the church and museum, and oversaw the upkeep of Old Baylor Park, the original site of Baylor University. He retired in 1985. After two years of retirement, he again took the role of pastor, this time at Mitchell Church in Cisco, serving there eight years. At the time of his death, he was a member of First Church in Cross Plains. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Hazel; sons, Butch and Randy; daughters, Melanie Clonts and Pam Polaski; 14 grandchildren; and three great-granddaughters.

Orville Roberts, 85, Dec. 3 in Wharton. He was pastor of Almeda Church in Houston more than 15 years before serving First Church in El Campo from 1960 until 1973. He was director of missions of the Coastal Plains Area from 1973 until his retirement in 1986. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Roberts, and his brother, Aubrey. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruby; daughters, Glenda Stanton and Lisa Moritz; son, Darrell; sister, Ruby Brannon; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Licensed

Caleb Lain to the ministry at Paramount Church in Amarillo. He is worship leader at Johnson Ferry Church at Cedarcrest in Marietta, Ga.

Cody Lain to the ministry at Paramount Church in Amarillo. He is the youth associate at Northside Church in Weatherford.

Ordained

Dennis Whatley to the ministry at Hall Church in Jefferson. He is pastor of North Shore Church in Avinger.

J.J. Berrier, Jeff Hammett, Rebecca Rempert and Tom Winnenberg as deacons at Royal Lane Church in Dallas.

Roy Whitehurst as a deacon at Valley View Church in Longview.

Jim Gilbert, Scott Perkey and Barry Scott as deacons at Faith Church in Iowa Park.

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.

Posted: 12/16/05

Vote tally dispute points
to internal IMB disagreement

By Robert Marus

Associated Baptist Press

RICHMOND, Va. (ABP)–Conflicting reports about the vote totals for a new International Mission Board policy on speaking in tongues are focusing public attention on what may be a deeper disagreement about the agency's leadership.

Associated Baptist Press reported, in a story published in the Baptist Standard Dec. 5, that trustees of the agency had voted 25-18 to establish a new policy banning the appointment of new missionaries who had practiced a “private prayer language.”

The controversial prayer practice, related to glossolalia, or speaking in tongues, had previously been practiced by mission board President Jerry Rankin.

Wade Burleson, a mission board trustee from Oklahoma who opposed the policy change, said the tongues policy puts the missionary-sending agency “in the absurd position of having the president of our International Mission Board not qualified to serve as a field missionary. This does not make sense.”

Burleson issued an open letter to the Southern Baptist Convention opposing the tongues policy, as well as a new set of guidelines for missionary candidates regarding what qualifies as an acceptable baptism. Some Baptist bloggers went further, suggesting the trustees' vote was a “nefarious” attempt to embarrass and get rid of Rankin.

The Southern Baptist Convention agency already excludes people who speak in tongues in public worship from serving as missionaries. But the mission board trustees voted Nov. 15 to amend its list of missionary qualifications to exclude those who use a “prayer language” in private.

The vote count reported by ABP originally came from a Nov. 30 posting on the International Mission Board's website. As of Dec. 9, that story had been altered to remove the vote tally.

The vote was taken on a show of hands, rather than a ballot or roll call. However, a report of the vote that appeared in the Southern Baptist Texan used a tally of 50-15. The newspaper is the organ of the fundamentalist Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.

Louis Moore, a mission board trustee from Garland and former board executive, said the 25-18 vote total, as reported by ABP and the Standard, was inaccurate. Moore said the total was actually 50-15 in favor of the new policy.

“After the vote was taken, my wife and I were with Tom Hatley, IMB trustee board chairman, so I asked him what the actual vote had been,” Moore reported. “Tom said the vote was 50-15. He should know, since he assigned counters and then tallied the vote himself. More than anyone else in the room, Tom was the most authoritative.”

Hatley, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Rogers, Ark., was returning from an overseas trip and unavailable for comment.

The IMB employee who wrote the initial story on the meeting disputed the 50-15 total. Mission board spokesman Michael Chute, who was seated in the back of the room, said the 25-18 figure was reported by another trustee counter and, from Chute's observations, was much closer to the actual vote total.

Chute and another IMB spokesperson said they determined there was “no official count” of the vote, and that is why the original posting on IMB's website was revised.

However, the operators of several Baptist weblogs have seized on the discrepancy to illuminate what they say are deeper controversies at the IMB.

Marty Duren, a pastor from Georgia and proprietor of the SBC Outpost blog (sbcoutpost.blogspot.com), reported on the vote question in a posting. Duren, pastor of New Bethany Baptist Church in Buford, Ga., said he believed the tongues vote was the result more of a vendetta against Rankin on the part of the Texas trustees than any doctrinal concern.

“It seems that this had less to do with missionary guidelines and more to do with insulting Jerry Rankin,” Duren wrote.

“If you truly believe that this is an unbiblical practice, you should have fired him outright rather than this nefarious, insolent move. It is a shame that a vocal minority of trustees, representing an even smaller section of the country, who have a personal dislike for Dr. Rankin would stoop to such a level of using an obviously confusing charismatic practice to further their disdain for the president of the board.”

Duren said he had interviewed several trustees who agreed with that assessment. He quoted one. “Trustee Johnny Nantz of Las Vegas was willing to go on record, saying, 'The issue is not doctrinal; the issue is the removal of Jerry Rankin. This is being used to end his tenure,'” Duren wrote.

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.

Posted: 12/16/05

Texas Baptist Forum

Speak up for Christmas

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2).

This Christmas season has included many surprises. Some of us were surprised by the department stores that opted not to use the word “Christmas” in their ads this year.

• Jump to online-only letters below

Letters are welcomed. Send them to marvknox@baptiststandard.com; 250 words maximum.

"When you consider that 80 to 90 percent of the American public celebrates Christmas, that (retailers) actively solicit and advertise to … make millions and millions of dollars, and they're not willing to mention the words 'Merry Christmas,' something is drastically wrong." Manuel Zamorano Protester, who called off his boycott of Macy's department stores after the chain reinstituted "Merry Christmas" in its advertising (RNS) "When did it become the responsibility of department stores to preach the gospel? It is not the purpose of retail establishments to advance the cause of Christ. I do not recall Jesus ever saying, 'Why haven't you turned my marketplace into a house of prayer?' If Christ is missing from Christmas, don't blame department stores. The real reason is somewhere closer to home. … No wonder Christ seems to be missing from Christmas–Christians keep looking for him in the mall." James Evans Pastor of First Baptist Church in Auburn, Ala. (EthicsDaily.com) "The speaker believes a Christmas tree is a Christmas tree, and it is as simple as that." Ron Bonjean Spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., explaining Hastert's decision not to label the Capitol Christmas tree a "holiday tree" (Washington Times/RNS) "I think the 'Person' of the Year should be God. On the one hand, more people seem certain they know God's will on the social issues of the day. On the other, all of us feel the need to find answers as we confront the 'acts of God' dominating the news, like diseases and global catastrophes." Coleen Rowley Former FBI agent and one of three "whistleblowers" honored as Time magazine's "Persons of the Year" in 2002 (RNS)

Recently, I had another surprise. Of the scores of people I talked to about the attack on Christmas, I was surprised by the number of folk who hadn't heard about the attack. Do these people watch the news? Or should the question be, “Do these people watch the right news?” Any news agency that won't report this problem is obviously in bed with the “kill Christmas” group.

But it's better not to know the news than to do nothing after hearing it. I guarantee you that if enough Christians lodged a complaint against stores that refuse to use “Christmas” this week, they'd be talking about “Christmas” next week!

Edmund Burke spoke a truth when he said: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.”

Doug Fincher

San Augustine

Speak up for serious matters

The usual hot buttons of “In God We Trust,” “… one nation under God,” and so forth have been temporarily put on the back burner. Instead, we have changed to the hot buttons of Christmas, as politicians and religious leaders go for more money and political influence.

I heard a well-known religious figure say on the radio that if you don't call a decorated tree a “Christmas tree,” it is an attack on Jesus! The speaker of the U.S House of Representatives made a point of renaming the tree at the Capitol a “Christmas tree.” Some organizations want to boycott businesses if they don't use politically correct greetings–as defined by religious/political leaders.

Jesus told us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison and minister to the sick. Did he really intend to mandate certain words of greeting and correct terminology for decorated trees at this time of year and then just forgot to mention it?

Our nation is facing serious problems, not the least of which is corruption in our political system. We have hungry, homeless people and families who have lost loved ones in Iraq. How would Jesus respond to our lack of concern for serious matters?

I think he would weep.

Carl L. Hess

Ozark, Ala.

Circle grows narrower

Please look at Paul Pressler's last book, where he and others promised those of us with charismatic leanings a place at the Southern Baptist Convention table. Check with Wallace Henley in Houston as well.

I serve Central Baptist Church of Hixson in Chattanooga, Tenn., and have hosted Fresh Oil and New Wine conferences for years. Six hundred-plus Baptist churches cooperate with us.

We want to stay (in the SBC), but the circle of so-called orthodoxy grows ever narrower. If the gifts of the Spirit have ceased, then let the convention say it. Scholars may not believe in the supernatural, but no reputable New Testament scholar denies the gifts are clearly taught.

The action of the International Mission Board is one more step down for a declining denomination whose only hope is a fresh openness to the Holy Spirit.

Ron Phillips

Chattanooga, Tenn.

Decision hurts missions

Regarding the International Mission Board's decision not to appoint missionaries who use “prayer language” in private: I know there's debate about the nature of speaking in tongues in the Scripture. There are zealous and sincere people on both sides.

However, it is wrong for the IMB to limit God by eliminating missionaries who have their own (presumably Spirit-filled) way of praying.

Our church's mission giving will no longer include this organization.

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as he wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11).

Darryl Hall

Garland

Obituary embarrassing

I must tell you how disappointed I was with the Standard's coverage of the death of Dr. Adrian Rogers (Nov. 21).

My disappointment and embarrassment is that something so insensitive and one-sided would be printed about a Christian brother at his death.

It would have been better to ignore his passing rather than reprint an article from another agency. I find it difficult to believe that your talented writers could not write their own story.

Dr. Rogers was a man of dignity and humility, and whatever your theological and political differences, he deserved better treatment from your paper. Poor form, sir.

Keith Sanders

Keller

Design for intelligence

Kansas should be commended for taking a stand for teaching intelligent design.

The opponents of teaching intelligent design call such teaching “bad science.” Actually, Darwin's theory of evolution is bad science similar to the alchemist teaching of the past.

Teaching intelligent design in schools moves the teaching of biology out of questionable theories, just as atomic theories moved physical science out of the theory of the alchemist. Just as atomic theory showed heavy metals could not have “evolved” from lighter metals, archeological research now shows higher-order animals appeared rather rapidly–not over thousands of years as thought by Darwin's theory.

Teaching intelligent design in our schools will help today's students seek better scientific understanding of living organisms.

Bill Osborne

Houston

The separation between religion and government

Thank you for the story about the T.B. Maston Foundation’s award to Rep. Chet Edwards. Those of us who learned from Professor Maston at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary were forever influenced. He taught the responsibility of being honest. I also had the honor of studying Baptist history under Hugh Wamble at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

If there is one point I could make in respect to the subject of religion and government, as established by America’s Founding Fathers and the First Congress, it is about the complete fabrication perpetuated by some who claim to be Christians. I suspect both Maston and Wamble roll over in their graves every time they hear a Baptist minister reject the clearly stated comment of James Madison, who wrote: “Strongly guarded … is the separation between Religion and Government in the Constitution of the United States” (“Detached Memoranda,” William and Mary Quarterly, 3:555). Read it at a university library or search for it on the Internet.

I would also suggest that every Baptist read The Writings of Elder John Leland. One of the most recent eloquent comments relating to the debate comes from the Louisiana Baptist preacher Welton Gaddy: “If religion becomes just another political action committee, … another contract employee of the federal government … religion loses. … When in the history of religion have you ever known a prophet to speak truth to power when power was paying the prophets’ salary? (Christian Science Monitor, 3-9-05, p. 20).

Gene Garman

Pittsburg, Kan.

Compassion toward animals

There is seldom disagreement among individuals of various faiths, or even nonbelievers, when discussing the need for compassion in our world. It is this feeling of deep caring and love that many Christians experience in their relationship to God or Jesus Christ.

However, when the topic of compassion toward animals is raised, harmony can quickly dissipate, even among those within the same church. Instead of quoting Scriptures and getting into arguments about the context or meaning, we could simply ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?”

If Jesus asked you how the dead animal on your table once lived, what would you say? Would you tell him that the animal never got the chance to scratch in the dirt or feel sunlight on his feathers? Would you tell him how this lovely creature had his beak and toes cut off without pain-killers? Would you tell him about the fear and pain that the animal experienced at the slaughterhouse? Or would you simply say that you don’t know?

Christians are called upon to live to a higher moral standard. This duty requires constant evaluation of every thought, word and deed. When it comes to your holiday menu, make a choice for compassion and forgo the meat. Be responsible and accountable. Do what Jesus would do.

Nancy Hartwig

Folsom, Calif.

IMB oversteps on prayer language ruling

I am afraid the International Mission Board has taken a false step. Is it with in their authority to restrict someone’s private prayers with God? What line have they crossed, and where will it stop?

I am a pastor and very much understand the controversy behind speaking in tongues and private prayer languages. We are given direction in God’s word in relationship to these matters. The first thing this indicates to me is the authenticity of tongues and private prayers.

The Bible, as far as I can understand, never tells us to not speak in private prayer languages. We do indeed have biblical guidelines concerning disruptive and un-interpreted speaking in tongues but I do not know of any ban on private prayers. I would refer you to 1 Corinthians 14:39-40 and ask you to pray over the meaning of those verses.

I am deeply concerned over this move and would hope that we who are in the Body of Christ would pray about this issue. We need deeply committed, spiritual and passionate people to share the gospel throughout the world. Is a disagreement over one’s manner of prayer worth holding back the gospel message? Is praying in a private prayer language a sin and a valid reason to exclude a person from reaching out to the lost?

I have to ask myself what the purpose of such a ban is really about. Is it God’s will or just a matter of comfort zones? What is the real issue here?

David E. Jones

Jayton

Divorce rates higher among Christians

An article about divorce acceptance states that church participants are less likely to divorce—a contention embodied in the cliché “Families that pray together stay together” (Oct. 31). I disagree.

Divorce trends are tricky to interpret, but it’s widely accepted that rates are higher among Christians. Exacting statistics aside, should the rate in the church not be markedly lower?

Christian families have more children; therefore sending more “divorce kids” into society with baggage. Is homosexuality potentially baggage from this?

The church expends resources on societal ills, such as alcoholism, while divorce accountability is almost ignored. In a perverse way, it’s enabled. If divorce carried the teeth-gritting stigma that, say, homosexuality carries, the divorce rate in the church would plummet. Instead, we have divorce-care workshops, one with 12 steps, in which the 11th step is potential reconciliation. Should it be first?

“Well they’re divorcing. Let’s love ’em and help them through,” is a prevailing attitude. Imagine, “Well he’s having an affair. Let’s love him and help him through.”

Absurd.

We decry same-sex marriage while permissively looking away on divorce.

No-fault divorces are legal and moral problems. Since 70 percent to 80 percent of divorces are filed by women (true in the church), most for “irreconcilable differences,” there’s a hint how to attack the issue.

Listen to Mother’s/Father’s Day and husband/wife sermons side-by-side. The contrast explains much. Man funny; woman admirable. Church is feminized. Sports and work are not. Men are workaholic by week, golfaholic on weekends. So?

Chris Lenegar

Magnolia

Who would Jesus execute?

The 1,000th person to be executed in this country since 1976 recently was put to death in my state. I wish North Carolina could have gained national attention some other way.

I always have been against the death penalty. Governments always should avoid taking human lives in any situation, plus there always is the possibility that the prisoner may actually be innocent. Since 1973, at least 122 prisoners have been freed from death row thanks to prosecutorial misconduct, witnesses recanting their testimony, DNA testing and other second chances.

If the death penalty is a deterrent, then why doesn’t the government execute all killers? Whether you call it murder, homicide or manslaughter, taking a life is taking a life. What really bothers me is that many pro-life Christians support something that the Roman authorities did to Jesus.

Doesn’t one of the Ten Commandments say, “Thou shalt not kill”? Didn’t Jesus say, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” and “Whatever you do to the least among men, you also do unto me”?

If you disagree with me, then ask yourself, “Who would Jesus execute”?

Chuck Mann

Greensboro, N.C.

Volunteers in the storm

In reference to “Baptist Men involved in God’s activity” (Nov. 21): I had the honor to work with the Texas Baptist Men Dallas kitchen in Lufkin, riding out Hurricane Rita at Harmony Hills Baptist Church. I also worked in Vidor at First Baptist Church. Both churches are awsome and are lighthouses for the Lord.

At Lufkin, the small Dallas unit is set up to feed 4,000 to 5000 people each day. In the first 10 days, 85,000 meals were prepared, with “rookies” doing the cooking. At Vidor, I worked with chainsaw units from Evansville, Ind. They returned home in time for a tornado, and Baptist Men from Virginia and Oklahoma took their places.

The men that I met, worked with and saw God working through were an awesome and life-changing experience. 

I witnessed to a Red Cross driver from California who was in awe of the work that was being done. He was not saved, but the seeds were planted for the Holy Spirit. None of this could have been done without the leadership of the “Carpenter,” the Lord Jesus the Christ, who was the basis for the witness.

I am sorry for the victim’s losses to Rita and Katrina, but I’m so thankful for the experience with Texas Baptist Men.

Victor Norman

Longview

Double talk

Tom Reynolds’ (Dec 5) reasoning that “the Baptist General Convention of Texas is social,” and “the Southern Baptist of Texas is evangelistic,” and both are right because “Jesus is more than one point of view” (Dec. 5) is a lot of double talk.

Jesus had one point of view, which was truth. When the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention split from the BGCT, there was nothing about evangelistic versus social. Their first president, Miles Seaborn, explained: “Every one of us is a warrior to preserve God’s inerrant word” and he said he would not give another nickel of his tithe to anywhere he thought was ungodly. Their executive director, Jim Richards made it more clear: “Theological agreement will be the first foundation of the new convention. Those who depart theologically will be identified and called to repent. To the foes of Southern Baptists of Texas, we say, we’re not in competition with you, but we’ve been called to contrast you.”

Both conventions are evangelistic but when the SBTC rebelled, they started a verbal war against their brothers. It was so hurtful, in 1999 the BGCT formed a committee to handle the slander, saying, “Enough is enough.” Reynolds has added more slander—“social.”

The truth of the Bible is God’s perfect word, and the untruth in the Bible is from the devil and men who are liars, ignorant, uninformed and, as 2 Peter 3:16 says, “deliberately stupid.” As wind separates shaft from grain, the Holy Spirit separates untruth from truth.

Please don’t force me to believe otherwise.

Rex Ray

Bonham

Ability or quotas?

I truly hope the good people who attended the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting in Austin didn’t break their arms patting themselves on the back. I guess the BGCT has set out to “prove to the world” that they are diverse: “Look, secular world, we elected an Hispanic last year as BGCT president, and this year we elected a black. See how diverse we are and how we love everybody.”

But they didn’t stop there. Now, they’e going to meet quotas. Although I don’t know anything about (new President Michael) Bell, I’m sure he’s fully qualified to serve as president. But let’s get off the minority thing and elect officers on their ability not their race or gender.

I teach an adult Sunday school class. My assistant is a black woman. I didn’t recommend her because she was black or a woman. I recommended her because she is a great teacher, and I have all the confidence in the world in her to lead the class in my absence. I often call on her to read in class, not because she’s black, but because she’s an excellent reader. We have a black children’s church director. He didn’t get the position because he’s black, but because he’s highly qualified, and he loves children and the children love him.

So, let’s get over the fear that the secular world might point a finger at us if we don’t “prove” we are diverse and fail to meet quotas. We’re not out to please the world but to please God.

F.A. Taylor

Kempner

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.