2008 Archives
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Religion writers name evangelicals in election as last yearâs top story
Posted: 1/04/08
Religion writers name evangelicals
in election as last year’s top storyBy Adelle M. Banks
Religion News Service
WASHINGTON (RNS)—The nation’s religion writers considered political grappling of evangelicals for a GOP presidential candidate the top religion story of 2007.
Members of the Religion Newswriters Association named their Top 10 list of religion stories for the year.
01/04/2008 - By John Rutledge
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Book reviews
Posted: 1/04/07
Book reviews
Flawed Families of the Bible: How God’s Grace Works through Imperfect Relationships by David E. Garland and Diana R. Garland (Brazos Press)
We frequently hear discouraging statistics about family life in the United States—failed marriages, sexual abuse, violence and chaos. We don’t frequently hear reminders that the Bible, especially the Old Testament, brims with stories of the same problems. Some of them make today’s headlines look pale in comparison.
Diana and David Garland have provided a book that helps us face these stories and the issues they raise. Although the book makes a lot of guesses about what was going on in the minds of the biblical figures, it shines a reliable spotlight into dark corners that we need to see. The chapter on David and Bathsheba especially is eye-opening.
What are you reading that other Texas Baptists would find helpful? Send suggestions and reviews to books@baptiststandard.com. When reading through the whole Bible for the first time, or for the first time in years, people often ask, “Why in the world is that in there?!” Now we have a wise guidebook to explain why and to show “how God’s grace works through imperfect relationships.”
01/04/2008 - By John Rutledge
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EDITORIAL: BGCT in â08: Purpose over pander
Posted: 1/04/07
EDITORIAL:
BGCT in ’08: Purpose over panderThis will be a pivotal year for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The outcome will turn on several factors, but none more important than this: We must focus on our historic purpose, not pander to self-interest.
The BGCT Constitution defines the “nature” of the convention straight-up: “This convention is and always shall remain, only and solely a medium through which Baptist churches shall work harmoniously in cooperation with each other, promoting the work and objects set forth in this constitution.” And what are those “objects”? “To awake and stimulate among the churches evangelism, missions, Christian education and benevolent work and enterprises; to cultivate a closer cooperation among the churches and promote harmony of feeling and concert of action in advancing all the interests of the Redeemer’s Kingdom.”
For generations, Baptists have set aside ego, turf and even minor theological differences to cooperate. We have done so based on this truth: We can do more together than we can alone. But I’m not sure we still believe it.
That’s because we mirror society, particularly the me-first Baby Boom generation, which idolizes the individual. From politics, to advertising, to education, to about everything in-between, it’s all about what “I” wants.
01/04/2008 - By John Rutledge
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TOGETHER: Gospel means evangelism & ministry
Posted: 1/04/08
TOGETHER:
Gospel means evangelism & ministryI have sounded the twin notes of evangelism and ministry throughout my time as your executive director. I have done this because I am convinced both notes must be played in harmony if our churches are to have a full and healthy response to Christ’s call to “follow me.” The spiritual idea that drives me is that we have been called to be a Jesus kind of people and to build Jesus kind of churches.
Jesus came preaching the good news of God: “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news” (Mark 1:15). Sin has broken everyone and separated us from God, but God loves us so much that he doesn’t want to spend eternity without us. He sent Jesus into the world to make sure we knew that. And the followers of Christ respond to that love and salvation by reaching out to others.
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
Jesus also came demonstrating the heart of God and the will of God to the world. He spent time with the poor as well as the rich. He called those who have much to be generous in their attitudes and stewardship toward the needy. He demonstrated that people who love God also will love the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the prisoners (Matthew 4:23-24; 25:37-40; Luke 4:18-19).
These are not two gospels. There is only one gospel, and Jesus embodied all of it.
01/04/2008 - By John Rutledge
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DOWNHOME: Not-so-patiently learning to wait
Posted: 1/04/08
DOWNHOME:
Not-so-patiently learning to waitIf you pray for patience, God might move you to a Texas neighborhood with plenty of trees.
(By the way, never pray for patience or wisdom unless you really mean it. Those are wonderful virtues, but their acquisition comes with a steep, steep price.)
Joanna and I moved to our home in Coppell, in far northwest Dallas County, not quite a year and a half ago. Our girls both had graduated from high school, and Jo and I realized we could trim our commute time without uprooting our progeny. So, we moved.
From a practical standpoint, we were thrilled with the shorter driving times each day. From an emotional standpoint, we reveled in the homey-ness of our house. And from an almost spiritual standpoint, we adored all the trees.
01/04/2008 - By John Rutledge
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Bird-eye view of Valley left indelible impression on long-tenured pastor
Posted: 12/28/07
Bird-eye view of Valley left indelible
impression on long-tenured pastorRIO HONDO—Considering the median tenure for Southern Baptist pastors at any given church is 4.2 years, Gene Horton’s 40-years-and-counting at First Baptist Church in Rio Hondo places him among the ranks of less than one percent of his peers.
Horton, who has been in the ministry 55 years, credits his lengthy of service to “God’s keeping power.”
Gene HortonFrances Knight, who has been a Sunday school teacher at the Rio Hondo church for 38 years, believes the secret of her pastor’s success is simple.
“God has kept him steady because he is a man of prayer, and he faithfully preaches the gospel of salvation,” she said.
01/02/2008 - By John Rutledge
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Explore the Bible Series forJanuary 13: God allows us to choose
Posted:1/02/07
Explore the Bible Series for January 13
God allows us to choose
• Genesis 12:1-9; 13:8-13
First Baptist Church, Petersburg
Choices. We all make hundreds of them every day. Many concern trivial issues and almost are made unconsciously. Others involve decisions that affect the course of our life as well as that of our family.
01/02/2008 - By John Rutledge
