Posted: 4/26/06

Explore the Bible Series for May 7

God’s light awaits at the end of the journey

• Isaiah 49:1-53:12

By James Adair

Baptist University of the Americas, San Antonio

Isaiah 49:1-6

Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and he also was a modern-day prophet. He spoke the words of God to a white America unwilling to give up its privilege and prejudice, and he spoke to a black America that needed to hear that God cared about their plight.

In the last speech of his life, delivered in Memphis on April 3, 1968, he hinted at a self-awareness that he was a prophet of God. As a prophet, he realized his words would outlive him, because they were filled with power from a divine source.

Despite his very human desire to see the end result of all his efforts, he recognized that, like other prophets before him, he might not. Nevertheless, he was committed to doing God’s will, no matter the cost.

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We know very little about the prophet who speaks in Isaiah 49, often referred to as Second Isaiah or Isaiah of the Exile. We do know he was aware of God’s call as a prophet, and he was committed to getting God’s message to his people, regardless of the consequences.

This passage is the second of four Servant Songs in the latter part of Isaiah. Christians have traditionally seen Jesus as the fulfillment of these prophecies, while Jews have traditionally regarded the people of Israel as the servant of these songs.

The word “Israel” in verse 3 almost certainly is a gloss added to the Hebrew text to emphasize this interpretation. The Septuagint adds “Jacob” and “Israel” to 42:1, the beginning of the first Servant Song, for the same reason.

These re-readings of Scripture are an age-old way of making prophecies relevant to the current age, but it equally is appropriate to consider the context of the original prophet, who spoke to his people during the Babylonian exile.

This prophet was aware God had chosen him to speak words of encouragement to his people, but he felt like a failure because he didn’t see results. “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity.” Yet he trusted God would recompense him for his faithfulness: “Surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.”

As a result of his faithfulness, he received a new message, a message built on his previous word of liberation for his people. “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

God’s message of liberation from oppression was a message that resonated with the whole world, not just with his fellow Jews in exile. The prophet realized God was concerned about the whole world, not just the chosen people. All true prophecy contains a message for the world, not just a select group.

Martin Luther King spoke primarily to audiences of African- Americans, but his words were meant for all Americans, indeed for the whole world. Freedom, justice, racial equality, peace and an end to poverty are issues that apply to all people, in our day as much as in 1968 or in 550 B.C.

Isaiah 50:4-11

The Texas Legislature currently is meeting in Austin in a special session designed to deal with issues related to public education. Surveys show Texans rank education of children as one of the state’s top priorities, and the third Servant Song reminds us of the importance of the education ministry within the church, as well as in the wider context.

The New International Version of the Bible translates the first part of this passage, “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue,” while the New Revised Standard Version translates the passage as, “The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher.” Both translations emphasize the importance the prophet placed on sharing the word of God with his contemporaries.

Teaching is not always easy, for it sometimes is met with opposition—more often verbal than physical, but opposition just the same.

It is important for our churches to have teachers well-versed in their understanding of the Bible and theology, but it is equally important to have teachers open to listen to and learn from their students. We need teachers who know how to elicit more from their students than the standard “Sunday school answers.”

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

The fourth Servant Song is the best known to Christians, because parts of it are quoted in the New Testament and applied to Jesus’ crucifixion. It is a regularly scheduled reading for Good Friday in the lectionaries of many liturgical churches.

In its original historical context, it probably applied to the prophet who spoke the words of these chapters, perhaps after his death, but as Christians we recognize the words apply even more significantly to the life of Jesus, especially the events surrounding his passion.

The book of Isaiah was well represented in the manuscripts found in the Judean Desert near the Dead Sea, and one of those manuscripts, containing the complete text of the book, has an interesting addition in 53:11. Whereas the standard Hebrew text reads, “After the travail of his soul he shall see, and he shall find satisfaction,” the Dead Sea Scroll says, “After the travail of his soul he shall see light, and he shall find satisfaction.”

This reading, which is probably original, reminds us that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how much we have suffered, and no matter what struggles lie ahead in our future, God’s light awaits us at the end of our journey.

Discussion questions

• To what extent can the words we speak as Christians today be considered prophetic? What can we do to speak more prophetically to the world around us?

• Can you think of any modern-day prophets? How does society as a whole treat them? How does the church treat them?

• In the light of the potential for conflict, how do we recruit Bible study teachers and other teachers in our churches? What qualifications do we expect our teachers to have, if any?

• Which parts of the fourth Servant Song seem to apply most directly to the life of Jesus? Are there any parts that do not seem to apply to Jesus?

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

Posted: 4/20/06

BaptistWay Bible Series for April 30

Competing loyalties require discernment

• 1 Samuel 20:1-18; 35-42

By Joseph Matos

Dallas Baptist University, Dallas

We interpret the phrase “blood is thicker than water” as meaning family relationships are stronger than, and thus superior to, any other kind of relationship. When pressed to decide between family and others, family prevails.

There are times when this philosophy is sound but also times when it is misguided. In 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan was caught between his father Saul (blood) and his best friend David (water). How would he decide between the two?

1 Samuel 20 continues where chapter 19 ended. There Saul made a second personal attempt on David’s life, again by throwing a spear at him (19:10), resulting in David’s flight. In flight, David sought out Jonathan. He had questions needing answers. David’s main question in essence was, “What have I done to Saul that he now wants me dead?” (20:1).

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Jonathan was not oblivious to Saul’s actions toward David. In chapter 19, prior to this second attempt on David’s life, Jonathan had confronted his father on David’s behalf. He reminded Saul that David had done him no wrong. Rather, just the opposite; David had benefited Saul through his military victories (vv. 4-5).

Seemingly convinced by Jonathan’s pleadings, Saul reassured Jonathan he would not harm David (v. 6). Apparently, it was because of his recollection of these words and his confidence in his relationship with his father that Jonathan claimed ignorance about such a plan to kill David. Surely, Jonathan told David, Saul would not do anything without informing him about it (20:2).

David assured Jonathan of the truthfulness of his own claim— “David took an oath” (v. 3). He also offered a possible explanation as to why Saul would withhold such information from Jonathan. Saul, David surmised, knew of the close bond between him and Jonathan and knew if he did hurt David, Jonathan would be grieved. Again, David stated the gravity of the situation—“there is only a step between me and death” (v. 3).

Truly, Jonathan was torn. His loyalty was tested. He thought he had reason to believe his father. But he also had no reason not to believe David. In an action indicating his trust of David, without rejecting loyalty to his father, Jonathan could only say, “David, I’ll do whatever you want” (v. 4). His true loyalty was to the truth, and he was willing to do what was necessary to get at the truth. He would concern himself with what to do once the truth was discerned.

The New Moon festival was the next day and David was required to attend with King Saul. But he would not attend. In the event Saul inquired of David’s whereabouts, Jonathan was to tell Saul that David had requested him (Jonathan) to attend an annual family sacrifice instead.

By Saul’s reaction to David’s absence, Jonathan would know his father’s intentions. David gave Jonathan even further reason to trust him when he requested that if he indeed was guilty of any wrong doing, he preferred that Jonathan kill him, not Saul (v. 8).

Jonathan gave David reason to trust him in return. He again denied any knowledge of plans to kill David, but if he did know, he would certainly tell David (v. 9).

As events were to unfold, Jonathan agreed to inform David of Saul’s response. In this conversation, Jonathan again demonstrated where his loyalty lay. Not only was Jonathan loyal to the truth; he was also loyal to the plans of God. Verses 13-15 suggest Jonathan was aware of the fact that David was one day to be king. Jonathan invoked a blessing on David reminiscent of royal blessing—“may the Lord be with you” (v. 13) and requested mercy be shown to his household when all David’s enemies had been destroyed.

God had called David to be king. Saul posed a threat to that taking place (even if at this point he did not know David was to succeed him). Jonathan, however, had to decide if he would follow his father’s plans or the Lord’s plans.

Together, David and Jonathan reaffirmed their covenant to one another (vv. 16-17).

When the New Moon festival arrived, Saul noticed David was absent. Saul supposed David was unclean and could not attend. One wonders if Saul had become so delusional by this point he could not clearly see the reason for David’s avoiding him.

The next day, however, David was absent again. When Saul asked of David’s whereabouts, Jonathan gave the explanation he had discussed with David. He even went further to remove any guilt from David by stating David’s brothers “ordered” him to attend the family sacrifice (v. 29).

Saul was not satisfied with this explanation. He became enraged at Jonathan, using pejorative language of him (and his mother for that matter). Again, Jonathan pleaded David’s innocence. But Saul attempted to kill Jonathan, his own son, by throwing a spear at him as he did David.

Jonathan finally found out the truth about his father and he left “in fierce anger.” But his anger was mixed with grief at “his father’s shameful treatment of David” (v. 34).

Following the agreed upon method, Jonathan informed David of Saul’s reaction. They kissed and wept together (v. 41). Then Jonathan sent David away; though their friendship was sealed.

Jonathan did not live according to the contemporary interpretation of the phrase “blood is thicker than water.” He lived by another principle, another loyalty—a sense of truth and justice and obedience to God.

Discussion questions

• What might have happened if Jonathan lived by the phrase “blood is thicker than water”?

• How do you choose between competing loyalties? What should be the deciding factor?

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

Posted: 4/20/06

Family Bible Series for April 30

Don’t let fear interfere with sharing the gospel

• Acts 2:1-4, 22-24, 32-33, 36-41

By Greg Ammons

First Baptist Church, Garland

The beautiful float made its way through downtown Pasadena, Calif., in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Suddenly, the float sputtered and slowed to a stop. It ran out of gas. The entire parade halted until someone could get gasoline and refuel the float. Ironically, the float represented the Standard Oil Company. It was striking to see a float representing a vast oil reserve sitting powerless because of a lack of fuel.

Many believers in Jesus Christ have difficulty sharing their faith. They often feel powerless in witness. Yet Jesus promised all power would be given to us (Matthew 28:19). The early disciples realized this power as the Holy Spirit helped them witness.

The Holy Spirit equips witnesses (Acts 2:1-4)

The celebration of Pentecost came 50 days after Passover. The word “Pentecost” means “50.” Jesus was crucified and resurrected during Passover. Fifty days later, his disciples were together in one place when the Holy Spirit came upon them.

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Suddenly, there was a sound like the blowing of the wind. Notice the passage does not say it was a wind but a sound (v. 2). Tongues of fire came to rest upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (vv. 3-4).

The same disciples who were fearful at the cross were now bold at Pentecost. What made the difference? It was the empowering of the Holy Spirit to equip their witness.

As a part of the preparation for a Billy Graham Crusade in Detroit, counselors completed a survey about their faith. One question on the survey asked, “What is your greatest hindrance to witnessing?” Only 9 percent of the respondents said they were too busy to share their faith. Another 28 percent said they lacked enough information to witness. The largest percentage (51 percent) admitted fear was the primary reason for not sharing their faith in Christ with others.

The same Holy Spirit who empowered the first-century believers will equip Christians today to witness. There is no need to fear.

The Holy Spirit uses the message (Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36)

Peter stood up at Pentecost, raised his voice and addressed the crowd (v. 14). Again, Peter was the same disciple who denied Jesus three times at the crucifixion. Yet, now the Holy Spirit made him bold to share his faith.

Each of the sermons recorded in the book of Acts had a common element to them. The common thread was the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

It was known in the New Testament and the Greek language as the kerygma. Peter proclaimed the kerygma to the crowd gathered at Pentecost. It was this message the Holy Spirit used. Peter concluded, “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (v. 36).

D.L. Moody was a great Christian evangelist in America in the 1800s. He established many schools in the Northeast and Midwest. Moody also was known for his unorthodox method of presenting the gospel. On one occasion, a woman approached Moody and criticized his gospel presentation. Moody replied, “I am not always pleased with my presentation either. What is your method of presenting the gospel?” The woman stated she had no such method. Moody replied, “Then I like my method better than your method.” However we present Christ, it is the kerygma message that the Holy Spirit empowers.

The Holy Spirit moves people to respond (Acts 2:37-41)

When Peter preached, the Holy Spirit moved the hearers to respond. They were cut to the heart and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (v. 37). Peter replied: “Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (v. 38). About 3,000 people accepted the message, were baptized and added to the kingdom of God (v. 41).

As believers in Jesus today are faithful to share Christ, the Holy Spirit moves the hearers. Many Christians feel it is their job to move people to respond. However, this is the work of the Holy Spirit. We must be faithful to witness and allow the Spirit to accomplish his work.

One theologian noted Jesus had 132 specific contacts with people in the New Testament. Interestingly, only six of these specific contacts occurred in the Temple while four of them took place in the synagogue. The remainder of the contacts, 122 of them, took place outside the walls of the religious institutions of the day. Most of Jesus’ contacts occurred in his normal traffic pattern of life on a daily basis.

As you go about your daily activities, be faithful to share his message. The Holy Spirit will use the kerygma of your message and bring others to faith in Jesus. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to be effective witnesses for Christ.

Discussion questions

• What is your greatest hindrance to sharing your faith?

• What is your favorite method of presenting the gospel?

• Do you share your faith consistently in your daily activities?

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

Posted: 4/20/06

Explore the Bible Series for April 30

When God wants to do a new thing, saddle up

• Isaiah 44:1-48:22

By James Adair

Baptist University of the Americas, San Antonio

An entire generation or more of Jews had been born and had grown up in Babylonia, far from their ancestral home. It was common practice in the ancient world for great empires, after they had conquered a territory, to transplant the leading citizens—the ruling family, aristocratic classes and priests—to a distant land and resettle them there.

The idea behind this policy was that rebellions most likely would be led by those who had lost the most in terms of prestige or power. They would be discouraged from leading a revolt if they lived on foreign soil, surrounded by people who spoke a different language and worshiped different gods.

Generally speaking, the people who were transplanted became assimilated into the surrounding culture after a couple of generations and no longer thought of themselves as distinct ethnically or culturally from their neighbors.

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After about 50 years in exile, the Jews in Babylonia were in danger of losing their identity, unless they experienced a spiritual renewal. “Isaiah of the exile,” the prophet responsible for the oracles in Isaiah 40-55, had a message of hope for the lost generation of Israel, and he also offered a plan for spiritual renewal with a kicker: God would soon let them return home!

Isaiah 44:1-5

One of the most common archaeological finds in ancient Israel is a jar handle from a broken piece of pottery, often stamped with an indicator of ownership—“belonging to Jacob” or “to Obed,” for example. Many jar handles and other objects contain the inscription lmlk (lemelech), which means “belonging] to the king.”

In these verses, the prophet says God is about to pour the divine spirit over the Jews, in effect putting a stamp on their hand that says “belonging to the Lord.” God will not allow Israel to fade into the background, become assimilated to the surrounding culture and lose their identity.

On the contrary, the prophet says Israel’s identity comes from its association with the Lord, an association so greatly to be desired even non-Jews will adopt the name of Israel in order to claim that association.

Isaiah 44:6-20

Although it is common for people to imagine that the theological outlook of the nation of Israel was more or less constant throughout its history, a close reading of the Old Testament shows Israel’s ideas about God and theology in fact developed significantly over time.

Nowhere is this development more apparent than in the “official” position concerning the uniqueness of God, as reflected in the canonical books that date from various periods of time.

The most important common element that held the nation of Israel together during the preexilic period was their belief in the Lord (Yahweh). Israelites were followers of Yahweh, in contradistinction to their neighbors who worshiped other gods.

But did the other gods exist? Apparently many people thought it was possible other gods existed, even though they were not to be worshiped by faithful Israelites. A good example of this point of view can be found in Joshua 24:15, where Joshua urges Israel to serve only Yahweh, as his family will do. Note that he does not deny the possibility of other gods, but he does suggest that they are unworthy of Israel’s worship.

One of the great theological innovations of the exilic period was the realization that not only was Yahweh the only God worthy of Israel’s worship, but Yahweh also was the only God worthy of anyone’s worship, because all other gods were false gods. The extended discussion on the futility of worshiping idols that were not really gods at all is a classic exposition of the uniqueness of God, an idea Israel adopted from that time forward.

Isaiah 44:24-45:7

One of the primary texts in the latter chapters of Isaiah that leads most scholars to posit a sixth-century B.C. date for these prophecies is the present passage, in which Cyrus the Great, king of Persia from 559 to 529 B.C., is mentioned twice by name (44:28; 45:1). Furthermore, the context of the passage indicates it is describing a contemporary ruler rather than a future king.

The language the prophet uses to describe Cyrus is striking. He is called “God’s shepherd” (44:28) and even “God’s anointed” (45:1), the same word translated elsewhere as “messiah.” Of course, Cyrus is not the messiah, merely a person God has chosen to perform a important task, even though he does not know God (45:5). This passage reminds believers God can work through a variety of people and through many different circumstances to accomplish the divine will. For that reason, God’s people need to be sensitive to the world around them, outside the church as well as within it, for God might be at work in surprising places and through surprising people.

Isaiah 48:20-21

An old Red Skelton joke has a couple of rabbits hiding in a briar patch while a coyote is circling outside trying to figure out a way to get in. One rabbit looks at the other and says, “Should we make a run for it or stay here and outnumber him?” The other rabbit responds, “I guess we’d better make a run for it. We’re both males!”

Through the instrumentality of Cyrus the Great, God had provided the Jews in exile with a means to escape their current situation. Apparently, however, many Jews were comfortable in their new surroundings and preferred to stay behind. “Go out from Babylon, flee from Chaldea,” the prophet urges them. “God has accomplished a new exodus for Israel, if only you’re willing to join it.”

It’s easy to become comfortable with our lives, and there’s something to be said for stability. However, when God wants to do something new, when a unique opportunity for service presents itself, we need to keep ourselves ready to respond to God’s call.

Discussion questions

• Do other people identify us as “belonging to the Lord”? What characteristics do you look for in people who claim to be God’s people (e.g., doctrines, lifestyle, personality traits)? Do you think people outside the church evaluate “belonging to the Lord” in the same way?

• Although as Christians we claim that there is only one true God, we sometimes act as though other gods exist. What are some of the gods in today’s world that can distract us from following the one true God?

• What is the difference between the way God works through unbelievers and the way God works through believers? How can we discern whether what someone proposes is God’s will? If we think we might be hearing God’s call to change our lives in some radical way, how can we know whether the voice we hear really is God’s?

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

Posted: 3/31/06

Prayers enable Texas team’s
ministry in Spain & Portugal

By Ken Camp

Managing Editor

MINERAL WELLS—As if leading four-dozen Texas Baptists from eight churches on a choir tour and mission trip to Spain and Portugal didn’t create enough stress for Jim Clayman, troubling preliminary medical tests meant he needed to schedule a biopsy three days before the group’s departure.

“I never expected to get the report back so quickly, but I got the word 12 hours before we were leaving,” said Clayman, minister of music at First Baptist Church in Mineral Wells.

He learned he has prostate cancer—“about a six on a scale of one to 10” in terms of severity, he said.

Jim Clayman from First Baptist Church in Mineral Wells conducts a Texas Baptist choir as they perform a concert at a military base near Caceres, Spain. The concert drew about 600 soldiers.

Clayman proceeded with the mission trip and initially chose not to tell anyone involved about his test results.

“I didn’t want to be a distraction,” he said.

But even though they didn’t know about his specific needs, many Christians prayed for Clayman by name on the day after received the doctor’s report, thanks to a prayer guide prepared in advance of the mission trip by missionaries David and Joy Borgan.

“You helped to uphold Jim and Kay (his wife) during this crisis, and in the grace and strength of the Lord, Jim led the choir to Spain and Portugal, and led them all week to reach out to the communities they had come to serve,” the Borgans wrote to their prayer partners in an e-mail after the Texans returned home.

“God’s grace was sufficient for them, and they felt upheld by your prayers. Nothing kept them from doing the work God had called them to do.”

The Borgans served 17 years with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board in Spain and Portugal. The last two years, they have worked in Portugal as independent missionaries, with their home base in Mineral Wells. Borgan is pastor of the International Christian Fellowship Church in Portimao, Portugal, but the couple continue to make frequent ministry trips to Caceres, Spain, where they served nine years.

The recent Texas Baptist mission trip to Spain and Portugal marked the anniversary of a similar event Steve James—former minister of music at First Baptist in Mineral Wells—put together 10 years ago at Borgan’s request. James, now on staff at Grace Community Baptist Church of Fannett, near Beaumont, returned as a part of the group Clayman assembled.

After serving as hosts to the Mineral Wells team in 1996, the Borgans later invited other Texas Baptist groups to Spain for similar musical mission trips—the Singing Men of Texas in 1999, the choir from Southwest Baptist Church of DeSoto in 2000 and the Cowboy Band from Hardin-Simmons University in 2001.

The Borgans put together a busy itinerary for their recent Texas Baptist visitors. The choir sang in three evangelical churches, a Catholic cathedral and a downtown plaza in Caceres; at a nearby military base; at an amphitheater in Merida dating back to the Roman Empire; at a children’s home in Alvor; and at an auditorium and a church in Portimao, as well as attending receptions involving prominent elected officials who welcomed the guests from Texas.

At the Spanish military base, the Texas Baptists distributed copies of Mark’s Gospel and received an unexpectedly warm reception, the Borgans noted.

“Whereas the last time we were at the military base, there was a real resistance to sharing the gospel, today there was an amazing openness and receptiveness that we have never seen there before,” the Borgans wrote in an e-mail report.

“About 600 soldiers poured into the outdoor seating area, and the choir sang with great enthusiasm as the crowd applauded with equal excitement. … Some of the girls gave their cowboy hats to the men, at their request, and by the time Gospels of Mark were offered, everyone wanted one—in fact, there weren’t enough to go around.”

Participants agreed the most emotional moment of the trip came the night before the choir was scheduled to perform at the municipal auditorium in Portimao, when Clayman revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer—after struggling all week whether to share his medical report with the group.

“I didn’t want to be the focus of attention,” he said. But eventually, after seeing how the group bonded and prayed together, he decided to share his prayer concern with them. “It was an uplifting time. I felt the people rally around me.”

Mark Bumpus, pastor of First Baptist Church in Mineral Wells, agreed, noting, “It was a courageous announcement on Jim’s part, and it riveted the hearts of everyone together.”

And, Clayman added, the experience gave new meaning to two songs the choir performed: He Never Failed Me Yet and Somebody’s Praying for Me.

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

Updated: 4/18/06

Texas Baptist Forum

Baylor’s Christian mission

Joseph Bottum’s recent commentary regarding Baylor University (published in several periodicals) is, as Mark Twain once commented about rumors of his death, greatly exaggerated.

Jump to latest online-only letters.

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

“I remain convinced that racism is the greatest sin in America, because it is the problem which keeps us from dealing with our other problems together. It is an affront to the God who loves all the world (John 3:16). Loving our neighbor as ourselves is basic to following Jesus (Matthew 22:39).” Jim Denison Pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas (godissues.org) “You will waste your cancer if you do not believe it is designed for you by God. It will not do to say that God only uses our cancer but does not design it. What God permits, he permits for a reason. And that reason is his design. If God foresees molecular developments becoming cancer, he can stop it or not. If he does not, he has a purpose. Since he is infinitely wise, it is right to call this purpose a design.” John Piper Baptist pastor and author of the Reformed tradition, writing on the eve of his surgery for prostate cancer (BP) “Our nation cannot afford a shrill and shallow debate that distorts reality and reduces the options to ‘cut and run’ versus ‘stay the course.’” Thomas Wenski Bishop of Orlando, writing on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding the war in Iraq (RNS)

Drawing upon a single personnel decision, Bottum invites readers to witness “Baylor University’s apparent collapse” under secular pressure. While both legal and practical concerns limit a university’s ability to discuss or respond to criticism regarding tenure decisions, I write to affirm that we, at Baylor, remain committed to our distinctive Christian mission within an academically rigorous, yet nurturing, environment.

This is a view shared by our board of regents, president, provost, vice presidents, deans, chairs and faculty, as well as dozens of prospective faculty who have visited campus this spring for interviews.

Our faculty members come from some of the world’s finest institutions and have been drawn to Baylor by its distinct mission and its aspiration to demonstrate that first-rate academics are fully compatible with an active faith commitment. Along with our current professors, prospective faculty are individuals of faith who are excited about the university’s twin goals—to balance outstanding teaching and mentorship with increased research and creative endeavors while reaffirming and deepening the institution’s Christian mission in the historic Baptist tradition.

These goals have been repeatedly embraced by all of Baylor’s constituencies, including the board of regents, the Faculty Senate and the current administration.

I can assure anyone interested in a Baylor education that these goals have not and will not change.

J. Randall O’Brien, interim provost

Baylor University

Waco

The Bride & the dandy

When Charles Taylor of Liberia came to power, we Baptists were proud to publish that “one of our own” had achieved world prominence. Now that the former dictator is charged with crimes against humanity and is being held by the United Nations, it would do us well to publicly acknowledge our shame.

In our rush to rejoice when the Bride of Christ goes out walking with the political dandy of the day, we too often fail to admit that in such company she frequently wakes up the next morning dressed as the Whore of Babylon.

David Maltsberger

Boerne

. Letters are limited to 250 words. News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 4/13/06

Hispanics called to pray about immigration

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS—Texas Baptist leaders are calling Hispanic Texas Baptists to pray about the debate on immigration reform.

A letter signed by Baptist University of the Americas President Albert Reyes, Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Director Charles Wade, BGCT President Michael Bell, Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas President Alcides Guajardo and Frank Palos, interim director of BGCT Hispanic Ministries, encourages Hispanic Texas Baptists to examine the immigration issue in light of the biblical call to compassionate ministry.

“Decisions that are being made today and in the coming months will impact the lives of 1.2 million undocumented immigrants in our state, 12 million undocumented immigrants in our nation, and all Hispanics in the United States of America,” the letter reads.
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“We want to continue to be the presence of Jesus to the poor and the oppressed in our communities, especially the undocumented immigrants. The Gospel of Matthew 25:35 says, ‘Then the King will say to those on his right … for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat … I was a stranger and you invited me in … ’. Let us enthusiastically pass on the blessings we have received to the undocumented immigrants in our midst.”

Hispanic Baptists also gathered for prayer at the end of the BGCT-sponsored Hispanic Youth and Singles Congreso for a “solemn assembly,” where a proclamation was read.

“Be it therefore resolved that Texas Baptist youth and singles at the 2006 Hispanic Youth and Singles Congreso representing over 1,200 Hispanic congregations encourage President Bush, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to pass just and compassionate legislation that addresses stronger border security, respect for the law, and a process for citizenship with regard to U.S. undocumented immigrants,” the document concludes.

The gathering at Congreso could set an example for Hispanic young people, Reyes said. He wants them to know they can influence politics.

“We stand together representing youth and singles of Hispanic churches,” he said.

Immigration reform is an important issue that Texas Baptists need to pray about, Wade said.

“Texas Baptists are grateful for the 1,200 Hispanic congregations that are a part of our common life,” he said. “Our Hispanic brothers and sisters have been part of the Texas Baptist family for over 100 years. We’re joining them in prayer that the decisions made by our government will be fair and just and will promote both the security of our nation and the safety of all immigrants.

“Some matters in life can only be resolved when people genuinely pray for God’s will to be done in our land and in our lives.”

Immigration reform affects every Texas Baptist congregation, Reyes observed. Undocumented workers are ministering in congregations throughout the state. They are expanding the kingdom of God.

“I believe the immigration-reform issue they’re debating in the Senate that has come through the House … that very well could be a defining moment in history.”

The letter urges Hispanic Texas Baptists to pray about the issue during worship services in the next six weeks. Suggestions include praying for the president, lawmakers, undocumented workers, ministry to undocumented workers, protective borders and a process for undocumented workers to become citizens.

“Let’s pray that all of our actions reflect the spirit of Jesus, who placed the poor, the prisoner, the blind and the oppressed at the center of his ministry,” the letter continues. “To God be the glory for what he will do through us.” News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 4/17/06

Lenten observance 'culture shock'
for some DBU students

DALLAS—Students who entered chapel at Dallas Baptist University recently found themselves immersed in ancient traditions different from the worship styles with which many of the evangelical students are familiar.

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” read Rose Johnson, associate professor of English. The lights were lowered and the students stood and repeated St. Francis of Assisi’s prayer with reflection.

The worship experience marked one aspect of Lenten observance at DBU.

“It was a culture shock at first,” said Lauren Hickman, a senior. Like many of her classmates, the only dates of the Christian calendar she had previously celebrated were Christmas and Easter. Hickman has since become fascinated with the ancient holiday’s historical, ecclesiastical and spiritual significance.

“It shocked but also drew me to Christ and made me feel connected to the universal church, like standing in a great cloud of witnesses,” she said.

The Lenten observance was part of DBU’s worship formation program, which began three years ago. Through this program, DBU is seeking to find ways to practice new forms of praise, rediscover old traditions and emphasize worship as a way of life.

“We’re borrowing elements we think are important for students—the reading of Scripture, the confession of sins, the importance of learning from history,” explained Philip Mitchell, assistant professor of English and director of DBU’s honors program. “At the same time, we’re using elements from our own tradition, including congregational singing and spontaneous prayers. We’re not giving that up.”

Mitchell participates in the worship formation committee along with several other DBU faculty, staff and students. The committee currently plans special chapel services for Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Pentecost and All Saints. Celebrating historical church holidays and introducing elements from liturgical-style worship is as much an educational experience as it is a spiritual one, Mitchell explained.

“The goal is to educate students about these things, introducing them to a more complex, deep, and unusual worship,” he said.

Though pointing out that the Bible nowhere mandates these traditions, Mitchell has found that observing Lent enriches his faith. He compares Lent’s emphasis on personal reflection and confessing sins to Baptist tent revivals, where people confronted their sins and made life-changing decisions.

“For myself, confession is always followed by forgiveness and growth, which, in turn, leads to great joy,” he said.

For all the variations of preference and practice, however, only one thing really matters, he insisted. “If worship doesn’t confront us with who God is, we’ve failed,” Mitchell said.

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

Posted: 4/17/06

HPU students in North Africa
	Fifteen students from Howard Payne University participated in a 10-day trek across North Africa during spring break, led by Mary Carpenter, director of the school’s cross-cultural studies program. Ashley Hayes (left) visits the hospitality offered by a Bedouin family. Erin Houchin (above) enjoys a camel ride through the desert.

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

Posted: 4/17/06

CYBER COLUMN:
April’s Foolish Newsletter

By Brett Younger

What do people expect from their church newsletter?

Everyone wants news about upcoming events, updates on members, crossword puzzles, recipes, and fishing tips, but beyond that we’re not sure.

Ministers write columns on anything and everything: why they are Episcopal; why they are not Episcopal; something cute one of their children did; and something cute they imagined their child doing.

Amazingly, many church newsletters are still as interesting as a zip code directory. The one issue at Broadway Baptist Church that families fight to read first is the one which is filled with the pastor’s lies. We recently mailed out our fourth annual April 1st newsletter. You can check it out by clicking here. (It will open as a pdf file).

Reading about our Wednesday night traumas, fundraising efforts, parking innovations, bald staff members, and imaginary new member will make you appreciate your own church newsletter more.

Brett Younger is pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth and the author of Who Moved My Pulpit? A Hilarious Look at Ministerial Life, available from Smyth & Helwys (800) 747-3016. You can e-mail him at byounger@broadwaybc.org.

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