Posted: 8/09/05

Family Bible Series for August 21

Actions always have consequences

• Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Revelation 20:11-15

By Mitch Randall

First Baptist Church, Bedford

Consequences. It is a difficult concept even for adults to appreciate fully. The task of teaching children this simple concept becomes extraordinarily complicated. Children—and many adults for that matter—struggle with seeing the consequences of the decisions they make. From the everyday mundane to the most life-altering situations, people make choices every day that affect them for the rest of their lives.

A 5-year-old boy was having a difficult time learning that hitting was not a good idea. His parents were perplexed with the situation—hitting him back seemed childish, not to mention a bit hypocritical. The one thing the little boy disliked more than anything, though, was when he was made to feel like a little baby. He was the younger brother, and anything that alluded to the notion of “babyish” was frowned on loudly.

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His mother came up with a brilliant idea—parents cherish these when they happen—she made him put socks on his hands anytime he was caught hitting someone else. He hated the idea of wearing socks like they were mittens. For some reason, he thought this made him look “babyish.”

After about five times of slipping these socks on his hands and watching him crying profusely at the idea, he came to understand that if he did not want to wear sock mittens, then he would have to stop hitting. And guess what—he did. He finally got the idea that there were consequences to his decisions.

If it were only that easy every time, I’m sure God would use this technique on us. For some reason, adults still have yet to grasp the concept of consequences, both earthly and eternal. God loves us indeed, for he sent his only Son to die for our sins. However, the life we lead upon this earth brings about eternal consequences for the life to come. While Christ’s death and resurrection has secured salvation for the believer, eternal consequences remain in peril for the poor choices we make in life.

Romans 14:10-12

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians, the apostle explains the importance of living well while here on earth. We will all face the judgment seat of God for the choices we have made here on earth. As God’s creation, we are accountable to him. He has entrusted us with the great responsibility of being his representatives upon this planet. As his ambassadors to the world, we have a serious responsibility to our Lord. There is coming a day when we will have to give an account of our mission here on this earth.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Paul continues this idea in 1 Corinthians 3, where he uses the analogy of laying a foundation to be built upon. Paul recognizes the foundation that believers build their lives upon is none other than Christ, but the actual building remains our responsibility. Through our choices and decisions throughout life, we build our personal life building of brick or straw. Paul also knew a day was coming when our workmanship would be tested by the difficulties we face. And ultimately, our life buildings would be judged by the Lord himself as he examines each for their craftsmanship and construction.

Paul knew the importance of teaching believers to come to grips with the decisions they made. Their decisions, and ours, have eternal consequences.

Revelation 20:11-15

In the book of Revelation, John writes of a day when Christ will judge the world. His obedient servants will be separated from those opposing his gracious work in the world. Those choosing the world over obedience to God will face an eternal torture, according to John.

The evangelist paints a bleak picture for those choosing to disobey God. The consequence for those poor choices has an everlasting consequence as far as John saw it. But for those who chose the way of the Lord, they will find their names written in the book of life.

In each of these passages, the message is clear. The way we live today affects tomorrow and eventually the eternal tomorrow. Making certain our names are discovered in the book of life is essential for every believer. By professing Christ as Lord and being obedient to his calling, the holy quill inks the name of another heavenly resident.

Discussion questions

• What is a consequence? Does every action have a consequence?

• Why do we have such a difficult time fully understanding the results of our actions?

• Does the way we live today affect our eternity? How so?

• What are your thoughts about the security of the believer and the idea that our choices affect our eternal dwelling?

Posted: 8/09/05

Explore the Bible Series for August 21

Rejoice in the Lord’s sovereignty

• Daniel 7

By Dennis Tucker

Truett Seminary, Waco

Chapter 7 signals a significant change in the book of Daniel. Although the chapter begins by speaking of King Belshazzar (mentioned in chapter 5), there are obvious differences with chapters 1-6. The earlier chapters were primarily narrative texts meant to relay a message in story form. Chapters 7-12 shift in genre, employing apocalyptic visions as the primary vehicle for conveying theological truth.

A shift in perspective

Beyond a change in literary form, the most significant change may be in the depiction of the kingdoms. Although the king is portrayed as the enemy in chapters 1-6, there remains a distinct hope that the king will change once he is confronted with the reality of Daniel’s God. In each story, the king appears to submit, even confess, his belief in the God of Daniel. The apparent lesson to be learned for Jews living in exile under foreign oppression is that faithful living may, in fact, change a king and his entire kingdom.

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But in chapters 7-12, such hope for a change in foreign rulers has been abandoned. The kingdoms are no longer places where faithful living may, in fact, change a king. The opening lines of chapter 7 hint at such an ominous turn. We are told Daniel saw the four winds of heaven “churning up the sea” and that four beasts came up from the sea.

In the Old Testament, sea and water are frequent metaphors for chaos and disorder. In essence, the kingdoms mentioned in chapters 7-12 are kingdoms derived from chaos and disorder. In short, living in these kingdoms will be a far different task than presented in the first six chapters.

The question in those chapters concerned how one can change the kingdom by faithful living. The question in chapters 7-12 is will one choose faithful living in the midst of unrelenting oppression—in the face of circumstances not soon remedied.

Perilous circumstances

Most readers of Daniel would of course respond to the last question above by asserting they would choose faithful living in the midst of difficult circumstances—some in fact may believe they are doing so even now. But we must be reminded of the circumstances to which Daniel 7-12 refers. Most scholars generally agree that the events described particularly in Daniel 7-8 are referring to events that took place during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes IV (175-164 B.C.).

The land of Palestine fell into the hands of Alexander the Great some time in 333 B.C. Following his death, the kingdom was divided among his four generals, and through a series of twists and turns, Palestine fell into the lands of the Seleucids. During this time, the Seleucids attempted to impose Hellenism on the Jewish land.

Antiochus Epiphanes IV became king in 175 B.C. and ruthlessly enforced the Hellenistic policies of the empire. Jews were sold into slavery, temple worship was banned and participation in Jewish rites was forbidden (i.e., circumcision, festival activities, etc.). Antiochus challenged the monotheistic claims of the Jews, claiming he in fact was a god—hence his name “Epiphanes,” a Greek word used to refer to the manifestation of a god. This probably explains the frequent mention in chapters 7-8 of the “little horn’s” arrogant and pompous speech (cf. 7:8, 20).

The most devastating act occurred in December 167 B.C. In an attempt to discredit the Jewish temple and squelch any thoughts of Jewish resistance, Antiochus marched into the temple and dedicated it as an altar for Zeus.

We are told elsewhere of the grizzly details of that day: “On the twenty-fifth day of the month they [Antiochus and his forces] offered sacrifice on the altar that was on top of the altar of burnt offering. According to the decree, they put to death the women who had their children circumcised and their families and those who circumcised them and they hung the infants from their mother’s neck” (1 Maccabees 1:59-60).

All of this suggests that faithful living would do nothing to convert the king. Rather, faithful living apparently meant imminent death. If faithful living will not convert the king, and if faithful living could mean one’s life, then is there any hope? This is the existential question that plagued those who lived during the times described in Daniel 7-12. But it is a question answered unequivocally in the book of Daniel.

Certain hope

Although the circumstances of the Jews living under the rule of Antiochus Epiphanes IV appeared most uncertain, the visions of Daniel suggest hope is not lost forever. In 8:26, we are told Antiochus “will be destroyed, but not by human power” (literally, “hands”). Even though events suggest ruthless rulers will go unchecked in their domination, the faithful must remember God remains sovereign.

The book of Daniel offers hope to all who live in the uncertain times of the present day. The book of Daniel does not deny the difficulties of their present experience. Nor does it suggest their present experience has the final word. The book of Daniel does not describe some type of “pie in the sky” theology that dismisses the pain and fear of the present moment. Rather, the book of Daniel suggests that in light of the pain and fear of the present moment, we must choose faithful living and then lean into the presence of a faithful God.

Discussion question

• How do most people respond to the “pain and fear of the present moment” they might be experiencing?

• Why is it difficult to choose faithful living and trust in God in the midst of such difficult circumstances?

Posted: 8/08/05

Rainer picked to lead LifeWay,
anticipates 'big shoes to fill'

By Greg Warner and David Winfrey

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Trustees of LifeWay Christian Resources will vote Sept. 12-13 on the nomination of Thom Rainer to head Southern Baptists' official publishing arm.

The presidential search committee announced its choice Aug. 5 in Nashville, where LifeWay is based. Rainer, 50, is founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

"I am honored and excited to be the nominee of the search committee," Rainer said in a statement. "I look forward to the vote of the full board of trustees in September."

If elected by the 59-member board, Rainer will succeed Jimmy Draper, 70, who is retiring after 15 years at the helm of LifeWay, one of the largest Christian publishing companies in the world. Rainer is expected to assume his new duties Oct. 17 and work alongside Draper until February.

"I am incredibly excited to have a man of Thom Rainer’s gifts and vision to work alongside in the months ahead," said Draper. "He is a proven leader, a brilliant statesman and a gifted visionary. That’s why I believe LifeWay’s best days are still ahead."

Rainer declined to speculate on how he might lead the agency. “I am not going to be presumptuous until the full board meets,” he said. “Right now I’m just enjoying the great, great honor of the nomination. Jimmy Draper is some pretty big shoes to fill. He’s a legend, not only in the Southern Baptist Convention and LifeWay but in the evangelical world.”

LifeWay, with 124 retail stores, recorded total revenue of more than $428 million in fiscal 2004.
Before pursuing full-time vocational ministry, Rainer studied corporate finance and worked in corporate banking in Atlanta and Anniston, Ala.

Despite that background, he said, “I anticipate that my learning curve’s going to be very steep.”

Rainer is the author of 16 books. His recent "Breakout Churches" examines the characteristics of growing congregations. His research indicated that baptisms in Southern Baptist churches are in decline, even after conservatives took control of the denomination beginning in 1979. Recently Rainer said, however, the statistics would be even worse if moderates had remained in leadership.

At least three of Rainer’s books, including “Breakout Churches,” were published by Zondervan, not LifeWay's Broadman & Holman publishing label.

Rainer said that while he might bring an outsider’s perspective to the post, “There’s so much good going on at LifeWay right now that I don’t even know how my outside perspective is going to compare to what I see on the inside.”

Lawrence Smith, vice president of communications for Southern Seminary, said Rainer will continue to teach and lead Southern’s school of missions, evangelism and church growth through the end of the semester in December.

Rainer was not as specific with his plans. “I have to discuss timetables with the seminary leadership,” he said.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Rainer earned both the master of divinity and a Ph.D. degrees at Southern Seminary. Prior to joining the Southern faculty, he served as pastor of churches in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and Indiana. He has served as a church consultant and church-growth conference speaker for several years and is president of Rainer Group Church Consulting. He also is president of Church Central, a website he formed with Internet publisher NetWorld Alliance that offers training and other resources for church leaders.

"Dr. Rainer has proven himself to be a successful leader of the local church and at the seminary," said search committee chairman Rick Evans. "He is a gifted man of authority in the areas of trends within the Christian church and in church growth."

Rainer and his wife, Nellie Jo, have three sons — Sam, Art and Jess.

Rob Marus and Lindsay Bergstrom contributed to this story.

Posted: 8/05/05

Praise by 'every tribe, tongue
and nation' ends congress

By Ken Camp

Texas Baptist Standard

BIRMINGHAM, England—In what some participants characterized as “a foretaste of heaven,” about 12,000 Baptists from more than 200 nations joined their voices in worship at the closing session of the Baptist World Congress.

From praise choruses led by British Christian composer Graham Kendrick to a multinational choir singing the majestic strains of the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah,” Baptists from around the world ended their 100th anniversary meeting with the same multi-cultural flair that characterized every assembly during the five-day gathering.

Anthems by the Cambrensis Choir from the United Kingdom, a testimony by Malawian Baptist General Secretary Fletcher Kaiya who has adopted 15 AIDS orphans, an interpretive dance by a Russian Georgian group, the Caribbean rhythms of the Redeemed Messengers from Trinidad and Tobago, and a message from Fausto Vasconcelos of Brazil reflected the multi-ethnic nature of the worship service.

“You are witnesses of the power of the cross and of the empty tomb of our Risen Lord, the Living Water,” said Vasconcelos, president of the Brazilian Baptist Convention. He challenged Baptists to be sensitive, compassionate, powerful and wise witnesses of what they experienced in Christ.

Near the end of the service, newly elected Baptist World Alliance President David Coffey pronounced a benediction on all of the delegates, asking groups such as parents, ministers, students and business people to stand as he offered a word of blessing for each category.

Kendrick asked the assembled delegates to join hands as he and the Baptist World Congress praise band led the assembly in singing “Blessed Be the Tie” and the “Doxology,” while a mass choir comprised of the choral groups that performed during the Congress filed onto the platform

Coffey, who said the choir represented “every tribe and tongue and nation,” sang the “Hallelujah Chorus” before he declared the Baptist World Congress ended.

Posted: 8/05/05

Texas, Virginia approved as
Baptist World Alliance members

By Robert Dilday

Virginia Religious Herald

BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP)—Texas Baptists and Virginia Baptists became full-fledged members of the Baptist World Alliance following election by the BWA’s General Council.

The Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist General Association of Virginia join 211 other conventions and unions affiliated with the BWA, representing 32 million baptized believers around the world.

The General Council, which handles much of the business of BWA, also accepted a new member union from Africa, elected new executive staff members and officers, and welcomed President-elect David Coffey of Great Britain, who succeeds South Korean Billy Kim as leader of the worldwide Baptist organization.

The council met just prior to the BWA’s Congress in Birmingham, England.

Both the Texas and Virginia conventions had been seeking BWA membership—particularly since the Southern Baptist Convention withdrew from the organization last year, charging it with liberal theological and anti-American leanings. Because most churches in the Texas and Virginia conventions also affiliate with the SBC, its withdrawal left those congregations without a “channel of fellowship with Baptists around the world,” said Alistair Brown, who chairs the BWA’s membership committee.

Brown said the membership committee recommended the state conventions’ election only after close scrutiny of their structure and the BWA’s constitution, which stipulates that member bodies be fully autonomous and not an integral part of another convention or union.

Both the BGCT and the BGAV are legally independent of the SBC, said Brown. “Through the years, there has been a strong fellowship (between the SBC and the two state conventions) and a real sense of belonging to the SBC,” he added. “However, that is not the same as being structurally or legally a part of the SBC.”

Both conventions honor the freedom of churches to direct funding to a variety of missions causes, including the SBC and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and both already were admitted into the North American Baptist Fellowship, a regional affiliate of the BWA.

“The (membership) committee is fully satisfied that each is an organized Baptist body of the kind described by the constitution, that each is fully autonomous, that each is seeking to live in peace and harmony with others and that each fully intends to be supportive of the work of the BWA,” said Brown in presenting his committee’s unanimous recommendation.

The General Council approved the election without debate and followed it by sustained applause.

Both conventions’ executive directors—Charles Wade of Texas and John Upton of Virginia—thanked the council following the vote.

“I urged Texas Baptists to come to this meeting so that the world would know we are proud to be part of the world Baptist family,” Wade said. “I wanted Texas Baptists to know how big the Baptist family is.”

Upton said he’s often asked how many churches are affiliated with the BGAV. “I’ve learned to say there is only one church—the church of Jesus Christ,” he said. “We are so excited to be a part of this movement of Baptists around the world and this part of the body of Jesus Christ.”

In withdrawing, the SBC also ended its $425,000 annual contribution to the BWA— overwhelmingly the largest contribution of any member union. But BWA General Secretary Denton Lotz said North American churches—most of them SBC affiliates—had given $500,000 this year, more than enough to replace the loss.

Virginia’s annual contribution of about $150,000 now makes it the largest member giver to the BWA. Texas is a close second with about a $129,000 annual contribution.

Emboldened by the positive financial report, the General Council approved a 2006 budget of $2,345,275, an increase over 2005’s $1,974,773 budget. Member unions are expected to contribute about $557,000 toward the budget goal—most of it coming from unions in North America and Europe.

Also approved was about $2.5 million in disaster-relief and development projects for Baptist World Aid, a ministry of the BWA. The amounts represent goals for which BWAid will seek funding for the projects. They are not promises of funding.

The council also approved a statement of Baptist identity, which the Congress later received.

The statement includes confessions of faith regarding the hope of a new heaven and new earth, belief in the Trinity, Scripture as having “supreme authority as the written word of God and are fully trustworthy for faith and conduct,” the church and the kingdom of God, the atoning and redemptive work of Christ, stewardship of creation, mission, religious freedom and justice.

“This is a strong message to send to our Baptist family in this (centennial) year,” said Keith Jones, who chaired a committee that formulated the statement. “We hope it will be used to declare to the world who we are.”

Jones, who is rector of the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague, Czech Republic, said the statement is Christ-centered and “places the Trinity at its heart.” It also is evangelistic, Baptist in ecclesiology, “puts the accent on mission and the coming reign of God” and stresses the need to be good stewards of creation and to take strong stands for the poor and needy, and for religious liberty.

In other action, the General Council:

—Welcomed British Baptist leader David Coffey, who will assume the BWA’s presidency at the end of the Congress. Outgoing president Billy Kim of South Korea has completed a five-year term.

—Elected two new executive staff members. Fausto Vasconcelos, pastor of First Baptist Church in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, succeeds Tony Cupit, who is retiring as director of the evangelism department. Ron Harris, director of advancement for Bethel College in St. Paul, Minn., becomes director of the BWA’s new department of advance, created by the merging of the old communications and development departments. Wendy Ryan, director of communications for 17 years, will retire this year.

—Received a report from its 21st Century Committee, which is evaluating the BWA’s ministry structure. Over the next five years, an implementation task force likely will propose changes, which must be considered by the General Council before going into effect.

Managing Editor Ken Camp contributed to this report.

Posted: 8/05/05

Warren calls SBC withdrawal
from BWA a 'silly' mistake

By Trennis Henderson

Kentucky Western Recorder

BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP)—Affirming that Baptists from around the world can “have unity without uniformity,” Rick Warren told reporters at the Baptist World Alliance’s centenary congress that the withdrawal of Southern Baptists from BWA was a “silly” mistake.

“God has called us to enjoy and fellowship with each other and work together. We’re all in this together,” he said, adding Baptists can “celebrate our diversity and celebrate our unity.”

Warren, a keynote speaker during the July 27-31 Baptist World Centenary Congress in Birmingham, England, is pastor of Saddleback Community Church in Lake Forest, Calif., and author of the international best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life.

During a July 28 press conference, Warren addressed a question about last year’s decision by the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest BWA member, to withdraw membership and funding from BWA. “I think that was a mistake,” he said flatly. “When the Southern Baptists pulled out funding, my wife and I wrote a check for $25,000 to BWA.

“I see absolutely zero reason in separating my fellowship from anybody,” he declared. Noting he has theological differences with many of the diverse denominations that invite him to speak, Warren added, “That doesn’t stop me from fellowshipping with them.”

When he heard of the SBC’s withdrawal, he added: “I thought, ‘This is silly! Why would we separate ourselves from brothers and sisters in the world?’”

Warning that Baptists often are “known for what we’re against rather than what we’re for,” Warren said, “I am praying for a second reformation of the church” that will focus more on deeds than words.”

“The first Reformation was about beliefs. This one needs to be about behavior. … We’ve had a Reformation; what we need now is a transformation.”

Fielding a question about claims that The Purpose Driven Life comes across as an adulation of men, Warren responded, “I don’t know how it could be an adulation of man when the first sentence of the book is, ‘It’s not about you.’ The whole book is, ‘It is all about God.’“

The biggest surprise about the book is “that I got to write it,” Warren said. “At the right time in the right way, God decided he wanted to bless this book.” It has sold nearly 30 million copies in 50 languages.

The book’s subtitle “is the most fundamental question in life, ‘What on earth am I here for?’” he said. “It’s the universal question, whether you’re old or young, rich or poor, Eastern or Western.”

Describing the book’s content and writing style as simple, Warren added, “I’m a simple person. I’m here to feed sheep, not intellectual giraffes. Simple does not mean it is simplistic. Simple means it is clear. I think it is all about God.”

Warren said his ministry now is focused on helping pastors worldwide, principally through the website pastors.com. Some pastors confuse prominence and significance, Warren cautioned. But prominence has a price, he said. “I think always being in the spotlight blinds you.

“Your ministry is significant whether it is prominent or not.”

Urging pastors to “live for an audience of one,” he said, “Fame is fleeting. What’s more important is your character. God is even more concerned with your character than with your ministry.

“I hate the celebrity culture,” he added, citing his commitment to never broadcast his church’s worship services on television or radio.

“I never wanted to be a celebrity,” he insisted. “Unfortunately, the book kind of blew my cover.”

In response to their newfound fame and fortune, Warren said he and his wife, Kay, set up three foundations, including one to provide ministry to people with AIDS and one to help train pastors. He also stopped taking a salary from Saddleback and returned the salary the church had paid him the past 25 years.

“Every time I give, it breaks the grip of materialism on my life,” he noted.

“The difficult part was: What do you do with the fame, the attention?” Warren told reporters. “God said to me the purpose of influence is to speak up for those who have no influence.” In response, Warren has endorsed the One Campaign to reduce world hunger and has unveiled a “PEACE plan” urging every local church to be involved in planting churches, fighting poverty and AIDS, and promoting education.

“Issues like disease and poverty and education I will work on with anybody,” he said. “Those are not just Baptist issues. Those are human issues.”

As church leaders wrestle with changing trends, Warren said they also “need to focus on what’s not going to change in the next 10 years.”

Human nature, human need and God’s answer to them will never change, he pointed out. “Vision is not the ability to predict the future,” he insisted. “Nobody can predict the future. Vision is the ability to understand the time you’re in right now and to adapt accordingly.”

While “the message never changes,” he added, “If we don’t change the methods, we’re being untrue to the message.”

Urging churches to pursue effective ways to fulfill people’s “longing for belonging,” Warren declared, “I don’t see many people interested in Christendom. But I see a lot of people interested in God.”

Asked for his reaction to Warren’s comments about the SBC withdrawing from BWA, Morris Chapman, president of the SBC Executive Committee praised Warren’s ministry, but suggested he might feel otherwise about the BWA if he had studied it as extensively as Chapman.

“The convention’s vote to withdraw came after the Executive Committee undertook five years of study and an intense effort to find reasons to maintain the relationship with and membership in the BWA,” Chapman wrote, via an e-mail message while on vacation in Montana. “A significant number of Southern Baptist leaders actively engaged in the work of the BWA General Council year after year. Had Rick personally been involved to that degree, he may have come to the same conclusion reached by the SBC.”

Chapman continued: “All Southern Baptists, including me, honor Rick’s right to relate to the BWA as he feels God leading him. His comments about the withdrawal of the SBC shouldn’t be interpreted as a lack of love for the convention of which he has been a part all of his life.”

Greg Warner of Associated Baptist Press contributed to this story.

Posted: 8/05/05

Persecution the norm for
many Christians, panelists note

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP)–Latvian Baptists often encounter “difficulties” from their countrymen working to halt their efforts to spread the gospel, said Yanis Smits, bishop of the Latvian Baptist Union

Smits' story was the norm from a panel discussion during a Baptist World Centenary Congress seminar, where Baptist leaders around the globe shared stories of suffering for their faith.

Believers reported incidents of violence in the Middle East, church burnings in South Asia and refugee Christians being deported from Western Europe only to face persecution in their home countries.

The causes of the violence varied, as each leader shared his or her pain during the session, which was primarily closed to the media. Panel participants discussed persecution on background rules, which prohibits journalists from identifying speakers and locations unless permission is granted.

Persecuted Christians worldwide need the support of other believers, Smits said. He urged churches to pray regularly for those who suffer because of their faith. God will support them through their trials, he added.

Meeting and getting to know persecuted believers through organizations like the Baptist World Alliance can encourage congregations to reach out through prayer, Smits said.

Baptists on the opposite side of the world can know the needs of others through e-mail and mail. Prayer petitions can be specific. People are more likely to pray for people they care about.

For certain regions such as Latvia, publicizing the issues may be helpful, Smits added. Media can expose the injustices that are happening. Letters to government agencies may accelerate change in a region, he noted.

“Those countries are afraid of publicity because that shines light,” Smits said. “Light is a blow to darkness.”

In other locations, however, Christians should share such information carefully, the bishop said. Public exposure to specific problems could make believers targets of violence. Believers were advised to respect the wishes of local Baptist leaders about revealing such information and consult BWA officials when further guidance is needed.

Posted: 8/05/05

Pastor urges Christians to 'get in the game'

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

FORT WORTH–Life easily becomes a spectator sport, but “that is not the way God intended for life to be lived,” said Lance Watson, pastor of St. Paul's Baptist Church in Richmond, Va.

Watson addessed the Texas African American Baptist Fellow-ship/Church Health and Growth Conference at North Fort Worth Baptist Church.

God intended the followers of Christ to “get in the game” and not be spectators, he said. God's goal is that believers be actively engaged in local churches.

Church attendance alone “places you in the posture of being a spectator,” Watson said. People watch and are entertained and feel better. Church attendance without ministry commitment is like a couple living together and pretending to be married.

A church also must be characterized by unity, not uniformity, the pastor said. Unity refers to a oneness of body with many parts. “I'm not required to be like you, but yet I am part of the body.”

“God's goal is that we would grow up, … mature in the faith,” Watson said. Mature people do not “chase fads” and are not gullible. They have experience that “gives them the power to discern,” and “maturity creates stability.”

The pastor also stressed the importance of love in a church. Love provides a “measure of where we are in our spiritual life.”

And there is a calling from God. “God called you, not in time, but in eternity,” Watson said. “That is why God … has cultivated you, because he called you.

“God knows how you're going to end up before you even start up,” the pastor said.

With that calling comes gifts for ministry, Watson said. “You don't have to have talent” to do ministry because God gives gifts for service when he calls someone. Therefore, there's no excuse for not getting in the game.”

“All of us are called upon to be copycats” of Christ, he noted. “Since we are all connected, it's critical we all have the same objective–to be like Jesus.

“Jesus gave up everything he had just to get in the game,” Watson said. “He's still in the game.”

Posted: 8/05/05

God wants his people to
share blessing with everyone

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

FORT WORTH–Christians have a blessing to share, and the people who need it are “right in our midst,” said Gary Patterson, pastor of Berean Bible Baptist Fellowship in San Antonio.

Patterson spoke during the New Church Fellow-ship Recognition Banquet held in conjunction with the annual state African American Fellowship meeting in Fort Worth.

“Guess who's coming to dinner?” Patterson said, referring to the 1967 movie starring Sidney Poitier. In the movie, an African-American was coming to dinner in an Anglo home.

Today, Patterson said, people from all over the world are coming to America, and God wants his people to reach out to them, crossing racial lines.

“You've got a blessing, and your job is to give it” to all people, he said. The blessing is not for geographic nations; it is for all people groups.

As African-American churches of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, “we've got to start thinking outside the box,” Patterson said. “You've got to come out from people who are just like you.”

Berean Fellowship is doing that. The church now has five worship services and is reaching Koreans, Brazilians, Sudanese and others, he said. “Maybe all of us can get together and we can touch the world.”

Posted: 8/05/05

Around the State

Howard Payne University presented service pins to several staff and faculty members to mark their terms of service. Robert Mangrum, professor of history and political science, was honored for his 25 years with the school. Mary Dunham, head of technical services and assistant professor of library science, was recognized for 20 years of employment. Recognized for 15 years of service were Brenda Brittain, executive secretary to the vice president for academic affairs; Gerry Clarkson, associate professor of physical science; Gary Gramling, dean of the School of Christian Studies; Peter James, professor of modern languages; and Patsy Weeks, outreach director of the Heart of Texas Literature Center. Marking 10 years were Wendy Grooms, associate professor of mathematics; John Nickols, assistant professor of history and political science; Cathy Sneed, assistant professor of social work; and Rob Tucker, associate professor of music and band director.

Michael Goodman has been named Baptist Student Ministry director at East Texas Baptist University. He had been serving as university student minister and city strategist for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Margie Williamson, head women's basketball coach at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor for the last five years, has resigned. She plans to pursue a doctorate in sports administration.

Melissa Wiseman, associate professor of economics at Houston Baptist University, has received an outstanding advising certificate of merit from the National Academic Advising Association.

Eight Howard Payne University students graduated with perfect 4.0 grade-point averages. Each received a plaque along with a diploma to commemorate the acheivement. Recipients were Jennifer Hurst of Cedar Park; Joanna Jordan of Art; Lanny Kirk of El Paso; Rebekah Lawson of Newberg, Ore.; Rebecca Montoya of Mineral Wells; Brian Potter of Georgetown; Justin Woodard of Brownwood; and Brandi Wright of Eastland.

Retiring

Howard Harper, as pastor of First Church in Markham, after 18 years of service. He was in the ministry 36 years, including 13 years at La Belle Church in Beaumont. He is available for supply preaching at (979) 843-5442.

Bob Campbell, as pastor of Westbury Church in Houston, effective Aug. 31. A dinner and roast will be held in his honor Aug. 28. He has served the church 14 years and has been in the ministry 47 years. For information, contact Becky Brown, 10425 Hillcroft St., Houston 77096; (713) 723-6428, ext. 20.

Marsha Birdsong of South Garland Church in Garland illustrates a point in the missions lesson to fourth graders during the church's Vacation Bible School. She donned the Cubs jersey to talk about the work of a missionary in Chicago. After catching the ball, each child told something he or she was thankful for.

Jere Wilson, as pastor of First Church in Henderson, effective Jan. 15, 2006. He has served the Henderson church 10 years and has been in the ministry 37 years.

Anniversaries

Thomas Edwards, 30th, as pastor of Clear Creek Church in Kempner, June 26.

Belle Plain Church in Brownwood, 90th, July 31.

Karen Martin, fifth, as chidren's minister at Westbury Church in Houston.

Victory Church in Marshall, 35th, Aug. 14. Special guests will include Lynn Eckeberger of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and musician David Sam-mons, both former members of the church. A meal will follow the morning service. A golf tournament also is being organized. For more information, go to victorybaptist. marshalltx.com. Ron Segers is pastor.

Forest Avenue Church in Sherman, 90th, Aug. 28. Scott Jones is pastor.

College Heights Church in Plainview, 75th, Sept. 10-11. A fellowship time will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday. Members and former members are encouraged to bring photos and other memorabilia that document the history of the church. Former Pastor Bud Traylor will preach in the Sunday morning service. A meal will follow. A program featuring music from past and present members will begin at 1:30 p.m. Former pastors Toby Irwin and Cecil Golden will participate. For more information, call (806) 293-3644. Don Robertson is pastor.

Posey Church in Sulphur Springs, 100th, Sept. 11. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Former Pastor John Morgan will preach in the morning service. An afternoon service will feature testimonies and remembrances. Jim Poe is pastor.

Turkey Creek Church in Hughes Springs, 125th, Sept. 11. Charles Russell is pastor.

Second Church in Galena Park, 50th, Sept. 18. Former members and staff are asked to call the church at (713) 672-9232 so that personal invitations may be sent. Chester Poston is pastor.

Death

Carlene McGregor, 76, July 28 in Dallas. Her husband, Don, was editor of the Mississippi Baptist Record and a founding director of Assoc-iated Baptist Press. She enjoyed music, singing and gardening. She is survived by her husband of 58 years; daughter, Alice Tyrone; sons, Bob and Wayne; mother, Lucille Barnhill; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Events

Albert Reyes, president of Baptist General Convention of Texas and Baptist University of the Americas, will preach at the Aug. 14 building dedication of the newly relocated Primera Iglesia in Plano. Reyes will speak in the morning service of First Church in Plano, Primera's sponsoring church, and tour the facilities after the service. Moises Rios is pastor of Primera, and Jerry Carlisle is pastor of First Church.

The Heights Church in Richardson will host a women's ministry event Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. Author and speaker Sue Bohlin will lead the program on “How to Handle the Things You Hate, but Can't Change.” The program seeks to help women improve their relationship with God, their husbands and families, and within their community. Tickets are $9 and include dinner. Free childcare is available by reservation. Ticket and child care reservations must be made by Aug. 14 by calling (972) 238-7243, ext. 434.

Ordained

Byron McAllister and Craig Ayers as deacons at First Church in Caldwell.

Revivals

Oak Hills Church, Kempner; Aug. 14-19; evangelist, Glynn Tyson; pastor, Andy Papson.

First Church, Santo; Aug. 21-24; evangelist, David Forshee; pastor, Bart Poole.

New Deliverance Mis-sionary Worship Center, Waco; Aug. 22-26; evangelist, Willie Clark; pastor, Stanley Adams.

Posted: 8/05/05

Bartimaeus church looking
for a lift, hoping for help

By George Henson

Staff Writer

DALLAS–Twenty-two years ago, Baptist Standard readers helped members of Bartimaeus Baptist Church attend worship services. Pastor David Whitmore's congregation is counting on generosity to help the helpless once again.

Bartimaeus Baptist Church directs its ministry to the handicapped of Dallas and the surrounding area. Some are able to attend only if the church transports them.

Right now, it cannot.

The van bought with Standard reader's help 22 years ago is in need of great repair, if not replacement. The floorboard has worn out in places and must be replaced, along with the generator, air conditioning and transmission.

The estimate for a new van that will accommodate six motorized wheelchairs and seats for five others stands at $54,000–a big expense for a church that averages fewer than 40 people for services.

Before the van's demise, Whitmore or his wife, Priscilla, would start a route about two hours before worship services to pick up six people in wheelchairs, a blind man and his wife and a young man unable to drive. One of the stops was at an assisted-living center, and depending on the number of people who wish to attend services, sometimes a second trip was necessary. The route includes parts of Dallas, Mesquite and Seagoville.

Music Director Don Potts picks up others on his way to church as well.

But now, the church van is out of commission. Some ride the Dallas Area Rapid Transit paratransit system to church. That service isn't available to the people living at the assisted-living center, however.

Members who use the paratransit system also meet hardships.

While the church picks up the tab for the rides, the timing often is less than ideal, Whitmore said.

“Their ride comes, but often they are a half-hour or more late for services. Also, even if they schedule a pickup for some time after the service, the driver will arrive early. The drivers don't like to wait, so they have to leave early before services. They don't like it, and I don't like it, but our options are limited,” Whitmore said.

Whitmore and Potts both have long-term commitments to the church, with decades of service to the handicapped of the area.

Whitmore's father, Don Whitmore, started the church specifically to minister to the handicapped in 1959.

The elder Whitmore had a special identification with the handicapped after he contracted encephalitis while stationed in Iceland with the U.S. Army.

The disease left him with a left arm he had trouble controlling and a leg he had to drag behind him.

That sense of the history of the congregation has Whitmore feeling distressed that some members may not be able to attend homecoming services planned for Sept. 11.

“The blind we can pick up in cars, but the others present a bigger obstacle,” Whitmore pointed out.

Whitmore said he is confident that more handicapped people would attend the church if they knew of its existence and knew the church was in a position to minister to them. The new van could help with both those things, he said.

People who wish to help the congregation can contact Whitmore at (972) 613-5694 or (972) 226-9288.

Posted: 8/05/05

Texas Baptist author feels
dead certain of prayer's power

By Ken Camp

Managing Editor

Don Piper feels dead certain prayer works. In fact, he believes it brought him back from the dead.

Sixteen years ago, Piper left a Baptist General Convention of Texas church growth conference at Trinity Pines Conference Center. While on his way home to Alvin, where he served on staff at South Park Baptist Church, an 18-wheeler crossed into his lane on the Trinity River bridge and crushed his car.

Paramedics saw his mangled body and checked for a pulse several times. Finding none, they pronounced him dead at the scene.

Dick Onerecker was returning to First Baptist Church in Klein after attending the same conference at Trinity Pines when he saw the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. He stopped to ask if he could offer prayer and comfort to anyone.

Since other people involved in the wreck were not seriously injured, Onerecker acted against the advice of emergency personnel at the scene and climbed into what was left of Piper's car, placed his hand on the injured man's shoulder and began to pray for him.

“That didn't make sense for a Baptist preacher. We don't pray for dead people. But at that point, Dick was more obedient than theological,” Piper said.

After praying at length, Onerecker quietly began to sing, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” To his shock, the man who had been pronounced dead faintly began to sing along with him.

Onerecker summoned emergency medical technicians. After using a hydraulic cutter and spreader to remove Piper from the twisted wreckage of his car, they rushed him to the hospital.

When doctors examined him, they found no internal injuries to any vital organs and no evidence of brain damage–findings deemed impossible by the emergency personnel at the accident scene.

Piper spent the next 13 months either hospitalized or recovering in a hospital bed at home from 34 surgeries.

For 11 and one-half months, he wore an Ilizarov fixator–a frame designed to promote bone growth. The frame was held in place by four rods and about 30 wires that went through his leg, and it had to be tightened daily–an excruciatingly painful process, he said.

Nearly two years after the wreck, he finally told a few close friends what he experienced for 90 minutes between the wreck and when he showed the first signs of life.

Piper firmly believes he went to heaven and returned to earth. He remembers golden streets, a heavenly choir and joyful reunions with family members and friends who had died.

“For a long time, I considered it my sacred secret,” he said. “But I finally came to the point of asking, 'Why did I experience this if I was not supposed to tell about it?'”

He recounts his experiences in 90 Minutes in Heaven, published by Revell. Initially published last year, the book already is in its 13th printing.

Piper, who lives with constant pain and somewhat diminished mobility, learned to redefine normal life and wants to help other people who have been through difficult times.

“There are a lot of people who suffer silently,” he said. “I wrote the book because it might help some of those people. I wanted to help them find the new normal.”

Through his experiences, Piper learned several lessons:

God answers prayer.

“The only reason I am here today is because people prayed,” he said. In addition to prayers offered at the wreck, Piper said, members of his church contacted fellow Christians around the country after his accident to request prayer on his behalf.

When he contracted double pneumonia at the hospital and lost all will to live, he believes, their prayers sustained him.

“I never prayed to live because I didn't want to. The only reason I'm alive is because people pleaded with God for me to live.”

Christians are stewards of their suffering.

Since his wreck, Piper has talked with many people in wheelchairs, hospital beds and fixators, and they have found comfort when he was able to tell them: “I understand. I've been there.” He has been able to encourage people who have lost the will to live by telling them his story.

“We can take our disappointments and allow God to make them into divine appointments,” he said.

Heaven is real.

“I'm able to assure people that heaven is a real place, and if they want to know how to get there, Jesus is the way,” he said.