Posted: 6/10/05

Lawmakers fail to agree on school finance remedy

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

AUSTIN–In the end, Texas lawmakers simply could not agree on how to fund public schools.

Balancing lower property taxes, a higher sales tax and a business franchise tax in a way that adequately funds public schools ultimately proved too difficult a task for members of the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, who ended the regular session in disagreement.

House members wanted a higher sales tax than senators, but a lower business franchise tax. Both groups wanted lower property taxes.

Gov. Rick Perry said lawmakers would continue working on the issue, and a special session may be called if a resolution appears reachable.

Suzii Paynter, director of citizenship and public policy for the Christian Life Commission, a ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, said reforming public school finance should be a priority for Texas.

Education nurtures people's gifts and improves their lives, she explained.

“In order to live out the potential God has given us, education is essential,” Paynter said. “It is very difficult to live out our potential without education.”

For Baptists, education is even more vital, she noted. The ability to read and reason is crucial in churches where laypeople make critical decisions. Education also is needed for people to read and learn biblical principles.

Paynter encourages churches to look for ways they can bring school districts together. Prayer also can make a difference if believers commit to it, she said.

Politically, Paynter believes this failed attempt to overhaul school financing could have implications for the November elections.

“I think people are losing patience with the school finance issue,” she said. “I think it'll be an election issue.”

Posted: 6/10/05

Texas Baptist Forum

Character inspires trust

Strong concerns have been ex-pressed concerning the Baptist General Convention of Texas reorganization and its effects on Executive Board representation. In February, I spoke and voted against the new constitution.

Frankly, I still have reservations. Even as revised, the representation plan troubles me. Yet I voted for the changes, for two reasons:

First, the governance committee did not have to change anything. The votes were there–on board and convention levels–to pass the original proposals. Opposition was not strong enough to necessitate compromise. Never-theless, the committee listened, re-evaluated and worked diligently to accommodate the concerns as fairly as they could. Compromise is difficult for the side with the advantage. The committee showed Christian concern and a spirit of servanthood that should not be ignored.

• Jump to online-only letters below

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

"One of my jobs is to keep men from enjoying war and killing too much. … If we can bring justice to people who deserve punishment and limit the damage in bringing freedom, I have no conflict whatsoever. If I can teach people to be moral warriors, I've done my job." John Anderson Navy chaplain who ministers in Iraq (USA Today/RNS) "Whenever the state and religion have become inextricably intertwined, it is almost always religion that suffers a loss of spiritual freedom, independence and prophetic witness. Religion is most authentic when its leaders remain outside the palace, the castle or the White House and enter those precincts only as Nathan did (to King David in the Old Testament)–to speak truth to power, to chastise rulers when they err by acting in an arrogant, illegal fashion." James Rudin The American Jewish Committee's senior interreligious adviser (RNS) "We have to be careful when a pastor moves into the CEO mode and becomes too market-oriented, or there might be a reaction against megachurches, just as there is against Wal-Mart." Kurt Fredrickson Director of a doctor of ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary (BusinessWeek/RNS)

Second, even as a vocal critic, I was treated with respect and dignity. Never was I bullied to fall into line. BGCT leaders talked with me, graciously explained their positions and truly listened to my point of view. Their humble attitude and concern cannot be overlooked.

The character of BGCT leaders inspires trust. I may not agree with everything they propose, but compromise does not mean I get everything my way. I trust these people and believe they have done everything possible to listen and address concerns and to make the best plan available.

I voted for the bylaws. I support Charles Wade and the BGCT. Character and conviction allow me to do no less.

Van Christian

Comanche

May healing begin

If the first day of Bill Underwood's tenure as interim president indicates how he will lead Baylor University, the regents should rest easy knowing they made a wise selection.

Underwood's first three staff selections bode well. Michael Morrison, chief of staff, is a strong nod to Waco that Baylor intends to remain close to her host city. Morrison has proven his effectiveness in Waco, serving two terms as mayor. Underwood reached out to Waco through this appointment.

Paul Powell, special assistant to the president for denominational relations, is a name known to virtually every Texas Baptist. Tying the dean of Truett Seminary to denominational relations is a fit and should give Texans relief that Baylor intends to be Baptist in its expression of Christian faith.

For anyone concerned Baylor might drift toward secularism, Underwood's decision to move the chair of the religion department, Randall O'Brien, to provost ought to put such cares to rest. Powell and O'Brien have more than an academic interest in the expression of faith; each has led churches as pastor.

O'Brien will engender goodwill as he hears how the faculty thinks Baylor 2012 ought to be implemented.

The fact Underwood announced these roles first to the Baylor faculty speaks well for the trust and candor Baylor needs. If the wisdom shown by the regents and interim president is any indicator of how the members of the presidential search committee will perform, then the Baylor family need not be concerned about our future leadership. May the healing begin.

Steve Wells

Houston

Hispanic education urgent

Thanks a million for your editorial, “Quiet action could have huge impact,” regarding the importance of educating Hispanic Texans (May 30).

I pray that Texas Baptists will pray for us as we select the members of the Hispanic education task force and then try to find ways and means to inspire all our churches to help with this huge and urgent task.

If all our churches will see the problem and decide to participate in solving it, we will certainly help to alleviate it.

I know our God will help us; I pray we will be faithful. Pray for us.

Alcides Guajardo, president

Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas

Mineral

The real Hero

When I was 8 years old, my father took my brothers and me fishing at Mill Creek. I raced across an old log to my favorite slough and caught so many goggle-eyed perch I ignored the dying day and the gathering storm. As darkness fell, I frantically searched for the log but wound up lost in the dark, rainy woods.

Around 2 in the morning, I spotted a light at Mr. Bound's house and asked him to drive me to the creek. When we arrived, Center's fire department was searching for me. Fire Marshal Hap Rogers gasped: “Doug, where have you been? Your dad thinks you're lodged under that driftwood near the foot log. He's still diving for you.”

Sliding down to the creek, I embraced my wet, exhausted father and tried desperately to articulate what was choked up in my heart. My friends welcomed me as a hero at school a few days later. But I knew who the real hero was. I still do.

And when I was 14, I was rescued again, not from the darkness of night, but the darkness of sin. I wandered into a tent revival off the town square at Center one night, and the preacher told me the heavenly Father was searching for me. I found the Father's light that night, and when my friends saw the change in my life, they began treating me like a hero. But I knew who the real Hero was. I still do.

Doug Fincher

San Augustine

Posted: 6/10/05

Missouri Convention free to continue lawsuits

KANSAS CITY, Mo.–The Missouri Baptist Convention is free to continue its lawsuit against five Baptist agencies that pulled out from the convention's control.

In a preliminary opinion issued May 31, the Kansas City-based Missouri Appeals Court for the Western District reversed Cole County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Brown's March 2004 decision to dismiss the MBC's legal action against The Baptist Home, Missouri Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Foun-dation, Windermere Baptist Confer-ence Center and the Word & Way newspaper.

Brown had ruled the convention's Executive Board and a group of affiliated churches did not have the legal right to file the lawsuit because MBC documents define the group's “members” as individual messengers to convention meetings rather than churches. The convention is an unincorporated association under Missouri law, and thus its members must be the ones to bring lawsuits on its behalf.

When attorneys for the convention asked permission to amend their lawsuit with individual messengers as plaintiffs, Brown denied their request.

But in its May 31 opinion, the appellate court said Brown's decision was improper. It also said the MBC's Executive Board has the legal right to sue as a representative of the convention because it is comprised of members, and members elect the board's officers. However, Brown was correct in dismissing the board from the suit as a freestanding corporate entity, the appeals judges noted.

The appeals panel also upheld Brown's determination that the six churches do not have standing to sue.

The appellate court said Brown correctly determined that messengers, not churches, are members of the convention. “The trial court correctly analyzed the question of membership in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the convention,” the opinion noted.

The five agencies can request a rehearing before the appellate court or ask the court to transfer the case to the Missouri Supreme Court. If the appellate court turns down the request, the entities can ask the Supreme Court directly to consider the case. Deadline to request the rehearing is June 15.

If the entities choose not to pursue the option or the courts turn them down, the case will return to Brown's courtroom.

Currently, a second suit with MBC messengers as plaintiffs, filed in October, is pending before Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan. If the first case is returned to Cole County, the two lawsuits likely would be combined. “The tradition is to combine the youngest case with the oldest,” Missouri Baptist Foundation attorney Larry Tucker said.

“The reversal of the dismissal order is in itself a very important procedural victory for the MBC,” said Michael Whitehead, lead attorney for the convention. “But the opinion also contains some very important language that rejects major legal arguments of the breakaway entities. This language should help the trial judge reach the merits, which should result in the sooner return of these ministries to the Missouri Baptist Convention family.”

Amidst a struggle between moderates and conservativess over control of the MBC in 2000 and 2001, the five institutions changed their charters to allow each entity to elect its own trustees. In the past, the convention had elected board members.

The MBC then voted to defund the agencies. Later, a majority of MBC messengers voted to file a lawsuit, asking the courts to overturn the agencies' revised charters–thus reclaiming the convention's ability to name the agencies' trustees.

Compiled from Associated Baptist Press and Baptist Press reports.

Posted: 6/10/05

On the Move

Ron Bartoo as pastor of Silver Creek Church in Azle.

Ray Bullock to Big Bend Church in Terlingua as interim pastor.

Bill Chambers to Calvary Church in Vernon as interim pastor.

Brad Chandler has resigned as youth minister at Live Oak First Church in San Antonio.

Daniel Dodson to Lawn Church in Lawn as minister of youth.

Sammy Elliott to First Church in Seymour as pastor from Calvary Church in Colorado City.

Barry Fikes to First Church in Richland Springs as pastor.

Joe Giles to First Church in Texas City as minister of education and administration from First Church in Thomaston, Ga., where he was minister of education.

Jeff Griffin to Clear Fork Church in Weatherford as pastor.

Jeremy Henson to First Church in Canton as minister of youth from First Church in Heath, where he was minister of youth and education.

Lee Huff has resigned as pastor of First Church in Campbell.

Kenneth Jordan to First Church in Alpine as pastor.

John Leslie to Midway Church in Springtown as minister to youth.

Darrell Mathis to Hilltop Family Church in Springtown as minister of education.

Michael Moratto to The Fellowship of Killeen as worship leader from First Church in Stephenville.

Clif Phillips to Lebanon Church in Cleburne as interim pastor.

Wallace Pierce has resigned as pastor of Rolling Acres Church in Bangs.

Mat Riddle to South Burleson Church in Burleson as minister to senior adults from Cana Church in Burleson.

Freddie Stice to First Church in Guthrie as pastor.

Chad Stubblefield to First Church in Loving as interim pastor.

Wayne Taylor to Eureka Church in Weatherford as pastor.

Jim Thigpen to First Church in Fort Davis as interim pastor.

Jesse Tunnell to First Church in Brock as pastor.

Joey White has resigned as pastor of Parkview Church in San Saba.

Posted: 6/10/05

Pinson named Texas Baptist Elder Statesman

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

INDEPENDENCE–Bill Pinson, ex-ecutive director emeritus of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, was named the 53rd recipient of the Texas Baptist Elder Statesman Award during a recent service at Independence Baptist Church.

Pinson accepted the annual honor presented by Independence Association and the Baptist Distinctives Committee/Texas Baptist Heritage Center of the BGCT.

BO Baker, who brought the message, called the service a “great gathering of eagles,” as he spoke of Baptist leaders who have “given their lives for the cause of Christ.” He singled out Pinson as a person who not only preached the word of God but who lived it.

“We've come to this historic place to honor a good man … and to have a season of renewal,” said Baker, who is a longtime family friend of the former BGCT executive director.

Pinson, a native Texan, professed faith in Christ at age 10 and was baptized by First Baptist Church of Lancaster. While a college student, he answered God's call to preach and conducted numerous student revivals.

He eventually earned a doctorate and became a professor of Christian ethics at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. In 1975, Pinson became pastor of First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls, and in 1977 Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in California elected him president.

Pinson returned to Texas in 1982 to become executive director of the BGCT, where he served until his retirement in 2000. He currently provides leadership to the Baptist Distinctives Committee and the Texas Baptist Heritage Center.

Bill Pitts, professor of religion at Baylor University in Waco and president of Independence Association, presented the Elder Statesman Award to Pinson.

In accepting the award, Pinson said, “I have been fortunate beyond measure.” He noted that no one ever is alone or self-made. He spoke of the many people who have been involved with him in the “cooperative effort” of the “family of faith.”

Pinson cited the role of his longtime associate, Doris Tinker, and the work of the BGCT Executive Board staff.

Throughout the service, the importance of Pinson's family also was noted. His wife, Bobbie, and daughters, Meredith Creasey and Allison Hopgood, attended the service, as well as Pinson's sons-in-law, David Creasey and Jerry Hopgood, and grandsons, Austin and Brooks Creasey and Zachary and Matthew Hopgood.

BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade cited Pinson's continued role as a “clear explainer and passionate advocate” of Baptist distinctives, the beliefs that Baptists have stood for through the ages, such as the priesthood of the believer and religious liberty.

Many of those beliefs now are held by non-Baptists in American Christian life, Wade said. Many Baptists, however, no longer treasure those beliefs, thus indicating the importance of Pinson's continued ministry.

Posted: 6/10/05

Texas Tidbits

BUA trustees approve strategic plan. Baptist University of the Americas trustees approved a strategic plan for 2005 to 2010–"Bridging the Future"–and adopted a record budget of more than $3.3 million. The strategic plan includes new academic programs such as a minor in social work in partnership with Baylor University's School of Social Work and Buckner Baptist Benevolences, an associate's degree in cross-cultural studies and preparatory groundwork for a master's degree in global leadership. Other strategic goals include student recruitment, development and creation of student placement services.

DBU awards degrees. A Grand Prairie pastor and a Dallas layman received honorary doctorates from Dallas Baptist University during spring commencement, as the university awarded degrees to 356 undergraduates and 163 graduate students. Bill White, pastor of the Oaks Baptist Church in Grand Prairie for 12 years and the son of former DBU President Fred White, received an honorary doctor of divinity degree. White has served on the DBU board of trustees. William Scott Robinson, a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Park Cities Baptist Church, received an honorary doctor of humanities degree. Robinson is director of multifamily investments with Archon Residential. He has served on the DBU board of trustees, the DBU Foundation and the DBU Legacy Society.

ETBU graduates 159 students. East Texas Baptist University awarded degrees to 159 students at spring commencement ceremonies. Bruce Tankersley, religion professor at ETBU, delivered the charge to the graduates.

Former missionary joins HPU faculty. Mary Carpenter, a Baptist missionary who served in Albania and London, has been named an associate professor of Christian studies at Howard Payne University, where she will lead the university's cross-cultural studies major. Carpenter earned her undergraduate degree from Howard Payne and a master's degree from Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon School of Theology. She also holds an honorary doctorate from HPU. Before their appointment to Albania by the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, she and her husband, David, and their three children–J.T., Mary Margaret and Anne– lived in Brownwood 13 years. Since they returned to Texas, she has served as a consultant for All Peoples, a global missions-consulting firm, and is the global missions coordinator for First Baptist Church of Woodway.

Hardin-Simmons class establishes scholarship. The Hardin-Simmons University Class of 1955 has established an endowed scholarship. The class specified that when the scholarship corpus reaches $10,000, the earnings income from the fund each year will go to the school's Annual Scholarship Fund.

New scholarships offered at Howard Payne. Some recent high school graduates may be eligible for one of three new freshman academic scholarships at Howard Payne University. The Robnett Scholarship provides $30,000 over four years or $7,500 per academic year. To be eligible, a student must have been the valedictorian or salutatorian at an accredited high school, score 29 or higher on the ACT or at least 1310 on the SAT. The Taylor Scholarship provides $20,000 over four years, or $5,000 per academic year. A recipient must have been in the top 10 percent of his or her high school graduating class or score at least 25 on the ACT or 1160 on the SAT. The Newman Scholarship offers $14,000 over four years, or $3,500 per year. Candidates for this scholarship must be in the top 25 percent of their graduating class or score at least 22 on the ACT or 1010 on the SAT. For more information, visit www.hputx.edu or contact the HPU financial aid office at (325) 649-8015 or (800) 880-4478, toll-free.

DBU dedicates International Center room. Dallas Baptist University recently dedicated a room in its new International Center in honor of Rebecca Brown, DBU director of international student services, for 14 years of service to the university and its international students–currently numbering 325 from 51 countries. In addition to her work at DBU, she and her husband, Donald, have been involved in missions through Oakview Baptist Church in Irving, and she taught English as a Second Language in the amnesty program.

DBU hosts Gallup Lectures. International lecturer and author David Cook spoke on medical ethics and the challenge of integrating faith and learning in the classroom during the Gallup Lecture Series at Dallas Baptist University. Cook is a fellow of Green College, distinguished visiting professor of Christian ethics at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Arthur Holmes professor of the integration of faith and learning at Wheaton College.

Baylor hosts pipe organ camp. Baylor University's School of Music will host its third Pipe Organ Encounter for Adults on the Baylor campus June 27 through July 1. The weeklong camp is co-sponsored by the American Guild of Organists and the guild's Central Texas chapter. The camp director is Joyce Jones, Baylor's Joyce Oliver Bowden Professor of Organ and organist-in-residence. Daily classes cover church service playing, organ registration, pedal technique and improvisation. The camp also includes daily organ lessons and evening recitals. Cost for the week is $325, which includes tuition, housing and all meals. For more information, contact Karen Johnson at (254) 710-1417.

South Texas Children's Home breaks ground for children's center. More than 400 people attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Piper Children's Center at South Texas Children's Home. The center is named in honor of Katy Piper and in memory of Paul Piper, founders of the Christ is our Salvation Foundation, which gave the children's home a $1 million matching grant to launch fundraising for the project. The 15,000-square-foot children's center will house the McKaig Family Play Therapy Center, the Linda Lawrence Dansby Commissary, Ed Rachal Memorial Clothing Center and the Vaughn Library and Learning Center, as well as a sponsor center, a child play area and staff offices for childcare personnel.

UMHB receives matching grant. The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has received a grant of almost $40,000 from the Exxon Mobile Foundation's educational matching gift program. Exxon Mobil employees, retirees, surviving spouses and directors contributed $1.4 million to Texas institutions of higher education in 2004, which was matched by the Exxon Mobil Foundation with $3.7 million in unrestricted educational grants. The educational matching gift program matches gifts to higher education on a three-to-one basis and has provided more than $301 million to higher education in the United States. This year, the program's combined contributions provided 932 colleges and universities across the country with more than $26 million.

Cheek scholarship established at HSU. Don Brooks, a retired electrical engineer and computer industry executive from Menlo Park, Calif., established an endowed scholarship at Hardin-Simmons University in honor of his lifelong friend, Tom Cheek. Funds from the earnings of the endowed scholarship will be awarded to worthy and needy students, HSU President Craig Turner said. Cheek, owner of a Dallas-based industrial equipment sales company, is a Hardin-Simmons alumnus and member of the university's board of development. He is a member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas.

Posted: 6/10/05

TOGETHER:
Pinson legacy: Vision & accountability

Texas Baptists have been blessed through our history by men and women who have made a difference for God and for good. One of those men still lives among us, and we were in Independence to honor him and to express the gratitude all Texas Baptists feel for his wise and faithful leadership in our convention during the past 45 years.

Bill Pinson served Texas Baptists as executive director for 18 years, longer than anyone else. Now in retirement, he keeps on serving with wisdom and commitment. He leads the Baptist Distinctives Committee, which has put together the insightful articles that appear on the back page of the Baptist Standard. He deserved the Elder Statesman Award.

Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

More new churches were started in the Pinson years than in any period. A culture that embraced church planting as one of the most strategic methods of evangelism came into being among Texas Baptists. All our institutions were strengthened. One of his proudest achievements was helping to imbed the idea that the convention exists to serve the churches, not the churches to serve the convention.

In the spirit of the Apostle Paul, he took pains not only to be accountable to God, but to men as well. Every audit was clean. Every action was above board. Every vision set forth was for the glory of God. One of the great goals was to triple our gifts to the Mary Hill Davis Offering led by Texas WMU. Churches began to get the idea that although Texas is a great mission base, it also is a great mission field.

With more than 11 million people in Texas who claim no church home, God challenges us to reach out to these people and encourage them to know God, to put a church family in close proximity to them and to pray for their salvation.

As we move forward, I am reminded of the two things (both seen in Bill Pinson's ministry) required for a growing spirit of cooperation. 2 Corinthians 8-9 describes the Apostle Paul's passion to raise funds to help the starving Christians in Jerusalem (vision) and his willingness to answer to the churches (accountability).

It is still true: Shared vision and mutual trust are required for meaningful, long-term cooperation. Paul's vision was to feed the starving Christians in Jerusalem. He enlisted every church and challenged believers to discover the joy of sacrificial giving. When the vision is big enough and urgent enough, people will be drawn to it.

Paul's willingness, even determination, to be accountable to the churches served to bolster their trust in him. It was not enough for Paul to be right in God's sight; he understood the importance of being right in the sight of men, as well. No Christian leader should shy away from being financially forthcoming.

As for the BGCT, our mission is to encourage, facilitate and connect churches in their work to fulfill God's mission of reconciling the world to himself. Our vision is we can do that together in ways we never could do alone. You and your church can share in that vision.

And we will be accountable to you. Every church can get a printout that tracks every dollar you have given. Our annual audit holds us accountable so that we will not be careless in handling your mission dollars.

As we urge the people of the world, “Be reconciled to God,” so we urge Texas Baptist churches: “Go courageously into all the world. Give generously so that all may know. Pray earnestly so that always and in everything God's will will be done and the glory will all go to him.”

We are loved.

Posted: 6/10/05

Be agents for change pastor urges

By Jocelyn Delgado

Communications Intern

CORPUS CHRISTI–Hispanic Texas Baptists who have been changed by God can become agents of transformation, insisted Julio Guarneri, pastor at Iglesia Bautista Getsemani in Fort Worth.

In the annual message to the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, Guarneri noted the meeting's theme was “Ahora es el tiempo para cambiar”–now is the time to change. He insisted it is time to do exactly that.

Guarneri called for a reformation of churches that would lead them to become transformational. The Baptist General Convention of Texas, which supports the Hispanic Convention, refers to transformational churches in its vision statement as churches joined together to help their communities and the world. The first reformation divided the church, and this second transformational reformation will unite the church, he said.

Transformational churches begin with people who have been transformed by Christ, Guarneri said. People who have experienced the power of God can affect others around them. They see ministry opportunities in the world. They want to make disciples, which is the mission of believers.

“God will not change,” Guarneri said. “He is perfect. The word of God does not change, because it is perfect. … But people are called upon to change, because we are not perfect.”

The notion of being transformed people especially is important because Hispanics are the key to contemporary mission work, Guarneri said. The center of Christendom is moving southward, and Hispanics will need to supply missionaries throughout the world.

“Pastors prepare saints so they can go out and evangelize,” Guarneri said through an interpreter. “We need to return to the future of making disciples.”

Posted: 6/10/05

Posted: 6/07/05

BaptistWay Bible Series for June 19

Christ was the key to God’s redemptive plan

• Revelation 4:1-3; 5:1-14

By Wayne Smith

First Baptist Church, Lamesa

John, exiled to the isle of Patmos, had a vision of the risen Christ who gave him messages to write to seven churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 1-3). Revelation 4-5 link the exhortations of the letters to the judgment and triumph of the risen Christ.

This lesson presents John’s vision in heaven of an omnipotent God and a triumphant Lamb of God. The visions John received were much like those pictured in Daniel 7 and Ezekiel 1. The prophets Daniel and Ezekiel were in exile in Babylon when they received prophetic visions that enabled them to assure the Israelites that a remnant of their nation would survive exile and persecution. God would fulfill his plan for the world.

Revelation 4:1-3

Chapter 4 begins with an invitation from Christ to “come up here” (v. 1) and see the next phase of the revelation. John is allowed to view the magnificence of heaven.

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Revelation 4:3-11

God, described as radiant and brilliant light, is seated on a throne surrounded by 24 elders on thrones. Thunder and lightning come from God’s throne, reminiscent of the Old Testament portrayal of his presence (Exodus 19:16, Psalm 77:18, Job 37:4). Seven blazing lights representing the presence and purpose of the Holy Spirit burn before the throne. Four creatures representing God’s creation are gathered around the throne. The elders and the creatures continually worship and praise God.

Revelation 5:1-14

God holds a scroll written on both sides sealed with seven seals, signifying completion. The scroll contains the narration of God’s purpose in history (Ezekiel 2:9-10). An angel asks who is worthy to break the seal and open the scroll. As John weeps because no one is worthy, one of the elders tells him the Lion of Judah and the Root of David is worthy—titles used in the Old Testament for the Messiah (Genesis 49:9, Isaiah 11:1, 53:2). Christ, as a slain lamb with seven horns symbolizing complete power and seven eyes symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s presence throughout the world, opens the scroll.

The elders and creatures worship the Lamb with harps and golden bowls of incense. They sing a song proclaiming Christ as worthy. The sacrifice of the Lamb of God for the sins of mankind made it possible for everyone to become part of the kingdom of priests serving God (Exodus 19:1-6). Thousands of angels and the elders and creatures surrounding the throne sing of the worthiness of the Lamb to be seated on the throne and to receive the praise of man. Every creature in the world joins the elders in proclaiming the worthiness of the Lamb.

Although many of the early Christians to whom John’s letter would be read would be martyred, his message was not one that the sacrifice of human lives would accomplish God’s plan. The image of Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God opening the scroll of God’s plan for the world is one of victory because Christ’s death was a part of God’s plan. Christ willingly surrendered his life as the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption for the world. Believers would be willing to die in Christ’s name, but their deaths would not accomplish the same purpose.

The deaths of martyrs should not be denigrated. Those who died in Christ’s name should be remembered as examples of courage and perseverance. Certainly the ones who died rather than deny Christ and worship the Roman emperor are to be respected for their courage and devotion.

But the deaths of martyrs would not give meaning to the lives of those who faced the oppression of a cruel Roman government. The magnificent scene John viewed was intended for Christians who were actively obedient to the charge given them by the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). They were enduring and some were dying, but John was about to inform them that victory already had been secured.

It was the triumphant Christ who gave meaning to the lives of first century Christians.

Christ’s revelation to John was sorely needed. Persecuted Christians were reaching a point where they had seen all the early church leaders and other Christians killed or exiled. With the Romans demanding emperor worship and recognition of Caesar as lord, many Christians must have considered compromise. Why not deny Christ publicly and then secretly continue to work as a Christian in spreading the gospel?

But was compromise effective? Certainly John did not think so. He was willing to be exiled to an island rather than quit bearing his “testimony of Jesus” (v. 9). God’s plan included using John where he was, revealing to him a message of hope and meaning for those who suffered as he had.

Application

We are able to view heaven through John’s description of Christ’s invitation to John to “come up here and see things which were to take place.” We have the assurance that whatever our lot in life and the suffering we endure here, our future is secure. Moreover, we have the resource that gives meaning to our lives, the risen Savior who fulfilled God’s plan. We can say with Paul: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Discussion question

• How does the image of the triumphant atoning Savior in heaven strengthen my faith?

Posted: 6/07/05

LifeWay Family Bible Series for June 19

Strive daily to become more like Christ

• Philippians 2:12-18

By Mitch Randall

First Baptist Church, Bedford

What are you doing these days to help grow your faith in Christ? Is sitting on the couch and watching television helping the kingdom of God? Is checking the mail the highlight of your day? Is living your life as though nothing has changed in the last 10 years purposeful anymore? In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, he gives some encouragement to those needing a nudge to get growing.

Philippians 2:1-11

In one of the most beautiful passages within the New Testament, Paul eloquently describes the essence of Jesus Christ. He encourages the Philippian Christians with the inspiring words, “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ.” Then, he launches into the best description of Jesus’ essence and sense of purpose ever penned.

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Paul speaks of Jesus’ incredible humility, even the humiliating way he died upon the cross. Because of Jesus’ great resolve and willingness to obey God, the Father lifted up the Son for everyone to worship. Jesus’ name would be confessed as Lord, to the glory of God.

Understanding that believers are called to seek after the mind of Christ offers a starting point for us to begin moving toward growth. Any step toward growth must begin with the standard of measured success. For Paul, there was nothing more acceptable than striving to be like the Lord. From the very first step toward spiritual growth, the Christian should be striving toward growing more like Christ.

Philippians 2:12-13

On the heels of this most excellent description of Jesus, Paul encourages his readers with a challenge of his own. The relationship between Paul and the Christians at Philippi was a very familiar one. The Philippians had a special place in the heart of the apostle. They had welcomed him during his visit there, obeying his commands and following his teachings. Now, even though separated, the Philippians still were obeying Paul’s teachings.

He instructs them to “work out their own salvation.” On the surface, this phrase seems somewhat problematic when trying to understand salvation comes through no human works. However, after a careful examination of the phrase, a thought provoking explanation sheds light on the purpose of our existence as a Christian.

The Greek phrase katergazesthe means “to work out.” The true thought behind the word means to work out in the field or mine. In other words, Paul was encouraging his readers not to figure out their salvation, but to exercise their salvation in their lives. Coming directly after his words about the way Jesus lived and died, this concept offers us a purpose for living out our faith.

Paul recognizes the daunting task he is asking the Philippians to do. He says they are to work out their salvation with “fear and trembling.” Within those two words lies the great paradox for Christians. Living with the mind of Christ means living in humility, striving for justice and distributing compassion. The way of Jesus leads through the narrow gate, takes us down the unpopular way and places us on the road towards Golgotha. Living like Jesus is a choice made with fearful hearts and trembling hands.

Yet in everything we do and say, we do it for the good pleasure of his work. As difficult and hard as the road was that Jesus trod, in the end, it brought about peace and joy for humanity. As followers of Christ, we are called to grow toward him. Just as a plant grows toward the sunlight, the Christian should grow toward the Son of God.

Discussion questions

• What difference are you making for the kingdom of God right now?

• How are you becoming more like Christ?

• How can you grow toward Christ in your life?

Posted: 6/07/05

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for June 19

God steps into the breach that rends lives

• Ezekiel 12

By Dennis Tucker

Truett Seminary, Waco

In chapter 12, the book of Ezekiel returns to a previous theme—the rebellious house of Israel. Earlier in the account of Ezekiel’s commission (chapter 2), the verb “to rebel” and its noun derivatives were used seven times reiterating the obdurate nature of this people.

In chapter 12, Ezekiel is told he is living among “a rebellious house” (v. 2)—they are a people who “have eyes to see, but do not see, ears to hear, but do not hear” (see similar comments made to earlier prophets, Isaiah 6:9-10 and Jeremiah 5:21). To such a house, one characterized by rebellion and forgetfulness, Ezekiel must present a startling message that will reawaken in them the certainty of God’s action. To this end, Ezekiel offers another symbolic act.

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The symbolic act of exile (12:1-16)

Ezekiel delivered this symbolic act of exile to his fellow exiles in Babylon. For those who had been in captivity since the first exile in 597 B.C., they may have hoped their exile would be short-lived, but Ezekiel presented another picture of exile to those already in Babylon. He assembled baggage for exile, dug through a wall and then made an exit through the breach in the wall as though he were being exiled. All this was done in their presence, but apparently without initial explanation.

The next morning Ezekiel offered an explanation for his symbolic act—one that most surely would have shocked those already in exile. Some onlookers may have thought Ezekiel was merely repeating their own experience of exile, but Ezekiel announces in verse 10, “This oracle concerns the prince in Jerusalem and the whole house of Israel who are there.” The “prince of Jerusalem” was King Zedekiah, but Ezekiel refused to label him “king”—from Ezekiel’s perspective, Jehoiachin still is the only legitimate king (see 1:2). The message is clear—the exile is not over, but in fact it will continue in new and unexpected ways.

In 2 Kings 25:4-7, we read of Zedekiah’s fate: “Then a breach was made in the city wall; the king with all the soldiers fled by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, by the king’s garden, though the Chaldeans were all around the city. They went in the direction of the Arabah. But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; all his army was scattered, deserting him. Then they captured the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, who passed sentence on him. They slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, then put out the eyes of Zedekiah; they bound him in fetters and took him to Babylon.”

The announcement of continued exile in this chapter coincides with the continued announcement that Israel is the rebellious house. For Israel, judgment is not over—it has just begun.

The judgment of the rebellious house (12:17-28)

In verse 17, Ezekiel is told to eat his food with quaking and to drink his water with trembling, symbolizing the manner in which the inhabitants of Jerusalem will eat and drink as a result of their fear and dread concerning the impending destruction. Yet apparently some among those remaining in Israel began to doubt the words of judgment were true.

Apparently a proverb was circulating that said, “The days go by and every vision comes to nothing” (v. 22). Such a Pollyanna view reveals the true nature of this “rebellious house” and further supports the notion that they were a people who “have eyes to see but cannot see.” God announced he would put an end to the proverb—he would demonstrate the veracity of such visions.

A second proverb also was circulating, suggesting that even if judgment were to come, it most certainly was not imminent. The people who remained in the land were claiming, “the vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophecies about the distant future.” And once again God announced he would put an end to this proverb—and an end to their perception of delayed justice. In verse 28, the Lord announces, “None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled.”

Implications

The image of covenantal relationship permeates the book of Ezekiel—and chapter 12 must be understood within this imagery. In our background text for this lesson, chapter 16 presents Jerusalem as the faithless bride of God. He finds her as a helpless child, and he nurtures her so that she grows “exceedingly beautiful, fit to be a queen” (16:13). Yet this beautiful queen is depicted in graphic and shocking imagery throughout the chapter suggesting a breach in their relationship. Chapter 16 presents a metaphor for the rebellious house of Israel mentioned in chapter 12.

The constant repetition of the phrase “the word of the Lord” in chapter 12 may cause us to focus too stringently on this idea alone. The repetition of this phrase is meant to characterize the great lengths to which God will go to restore this broken relationship. God has not abandoned his people in the midst of their disobedience and subsequent exile. He continues to come to them through Ezekiel’s announcement of God’s word to them.

The purpose of God’s word then was not to destroy the people, but to heal the breach. Such a reading is made abundantly clear in 16:59-63. God announces: “I will deal with you as you deserve because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant.”

But that is not the final “word of the Lord.” In the next verse, God proclaims, “Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.”

The continual arrival of the “word of the Lord” to those in exile suggests God’s love for his people, as exhibited in chapter 16, overrides his disappointment with the rebellious house mentioned in chapter 12. The book of Ezekiel is not simply about hearing the word of God and obeying, the imagery is far richer. The book of Ezekiel is about God’s unrelenting faithfulness to a faithless people. It is about God’s steadfast love healing a breach.

Discussion questions

• How do we experience the continual arrival of the “word of the Lord” to us?

• How do we experience God healing the breach in our own lives?