Posted: 9/14/05

BaptistWay Bible Series for Sept. 25

Rely on the leadership of God

• Joshua 7:1-12, 16-21

By Ronnie Prevost

Logsdon Seminary, Abilene

The story of Israel at Ai is almost as short as the name of the little town just north of Jericho. But the brevity of the town’s name belies the number and variety of lessons Israel had to learn from the experience.

Israel was fresh from the great victory at Jericho. Perhaps the people were cocky. After all, they were “undefeated.” Their triumph against overwhelming odds had instilled in them a sense of invincibility. After all, Ai was “small potatoes” compared to Jericho. Oh, they had relied on God when they really needed to, but Ai was something they could take care of themselves.

For a printer-friendly version, click on the printer icon at bottom of page.

But they had forgotten far too much. First, they had forgotten who had won the victory at Jericho. In our culture, we tend to see this as taking God for granted. But this was beyond the way we would see it. Their culture’s concept of war was somewhat different from that most of us hold. They believed that, as the people of God, when they were at war it was not really a matter of them versus the other people. It was their God warring against the “god” of the other town or nation. That is why, when a battle was won, the booty and plunder belonged not to themselves but to God. But Achan had violated that rule, and the whole community would suffer as a result.

Now, Israel was coming to another battle with sin in their midst. And they were fighting a temptation similar to what we often face: self-reliance versus reliance on God. This put them in what is often called a “double bind.”

First, they believed what is referred to as the “Deuteronomic formula.” This was a system of belief which held that if one does good, God would bless. If one sinned, God would curse. And they measured God’s blessings and curses in terms of material wealth, health and long life. By this, with sin in their community, their attack on Ai was doomed. Their over-confidence blinded them to their need for God.

In the aftermath of the defeat at Ai, Israel learned of Achan’s sin. They felt they had to be rid of sin in their community. The way they dealt with it, as recorded in Joshua 7:24-26, was to destroy Achan, his family and his possessions in the Valley of Achor (which means “trouble”). And they covered Achan with stones as its own kind of monument to greed and sin—but mostly to obscure even the existence of Achan.

As they saw it, they were now free from sin and the trouble brought on them by Achan. Certainly, their reliance on God was renewed.

One problem is that Israel did not always remember what they had learned at Ai. Later, through the prophets Isaiah and Hosea, God alluded to what had happened. God’s people had again forgotten God and were again relying on themselves. And again they would suffer defeat as a result. Their suffering would bring cleansing. Then redemption and restoration would come.

In Isaiah 65:10, God promised that, then “Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me.” Similarly, Hosea 2:15 put it this way, “There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.”

What a wonderful promise! God does hold his people accountable and often (usually?) lets them suffer many of the consequences of disobedience. However, God is in the business of redemption. When his people turn back to him, he will restore. Then, the places that once stood for trouble (brought by sin) become places of hope (brought by God).

That is the meaning of the wonderful passage in 1 John 1:19: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Much of our unrighteousness arises from sources similar to those that hounded Israel. We so easily cry out to him when we are in difficult situations. But it seems most of us forget to rely on God when our lives are going smoothly. We arrogantly think can take care of things all by ourselves. As it happened with Israel, that self-reliance inevitably leads to failure and sin. That is when we find that we have dug ourselves into those very deep holes. And then we call out to God once again. Thank God he still listens.

But we need to learn from Israel’s example and from our own mistakes. Perhaps at this point, we can learn from another old saying: “When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.” The lesson is that, regardless of circumstances, in good times and bad, when we think we can make it on our own, we are digging ourselves into very deep holes. When we live mindless of God’s leadership and without his power, we do so at our peril. But there still is hope. Not in ourselves, but in God’s grace, love, mercy and presence.

Discussion question

• Why do we need God even when our lives are going well?

• What are some ways we take God’s leadership and strength for granted?

• How should our lives be more consistently reliant on God?

Posted: 9/14/05

Family Bible Series for Sept. 25

Instructions for living a life that pleases God

• 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

By Donald Raney

Westlake Chapel, Graham

Over the past several weeks, we have been examining what the Bible has to say about the purpose for our lives. Last week, we discussed the fact that our divinely given purpose is to live in a right relationship to God. But is it enough simply to love God and accept his offer of salvation through Jesus? What practical significance does that have on our daily lives? Is it possible to live a life that pleases God? If so, what does such a life look like?

This week, we are going to look at some practical instructions the Apostle Paul gives for living a life that pleases God.

For a printer-friendly version, click on the printer icon at bottom of page.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Paul spends most of the first part of this letter expressing thanksgiving for the news he has heard about the Thessalonian church. Paul heard about how the influence of the believers in Thessalonica has spread to encourage other believers in the area.

Now Timothy has returned to Paul with first-hand news of the depth of faith and love this church demonstrates. Paul begins chapter 4 by commending the Thessalonian believers for the way they already have been practicing the lessons he had taught them earlier. They already were doing well in living lives distinct from those of their pagan neighbors.

Paul encourages them to continue to strive for even deeper levels of commitment. He wants them to hold up their ethical and moral standards even more. They already know the teachings Paul passed on through the authority of Jesus; now they need to move forward in their sanctification.

“Sanctification” is one of those “big church words” that many people often hear without knowing exactly what it means. Sanctification is the process by which the life of a believer is set apart for God’s purposes. The sanctified life is distinct through the practice of personal holiness. Sanctification brings us into a right moral and ethical standing before God.

This does not make the believer perfect, but it simply means that the intentional focus of life is moved from satisfying one’s own desires to seeking to please God. Paul insists this is God’s will for each of them and urges them to continue to strive toward that goal.

Paul then addresses two specific areas where sin most often finds the easiest access; sexuality and money. Perhaps more than any other, these two areas of our lives can interfere with our striving for a sanctified life.

Apart from technological differences, the world Paul lived in was not so different than the world we live in. The drive to satisfy sexual desires was clearly evident throughout the society of the time. Pagan worship ceremonies often included various sexual acts, and pagan temples often employed prostitutes. Prostitution also was prevalent in the marketplace, as well.

Paul was writing to people who had been exposed to these things all of their lives. He knows that even for believers, this natural desire could lead to immoral behavior. He thus encourages them to learn to grow in self-control, to possess their bodies to the degree that they satisfy their appetites in such a way that clearly demonstrates their relationship to God.

In addition to calling the people to live their faith through sexual purity, Paul also tells them they should maintain a high ethical standard in business dealings with one another. No one should defraud or transgress against his or her neighbor.

As with sex, the drive to obtain more and more wealth can be very tempting and can cause us to lose sight of our responsibility toward others. We can come to see them simply as means of obtaining what we want. This often can rob the other person of his or her sense of value, and Paul tells us God certainly will not leave such actions unpunished.

Further, because it is God who calls us to holy lives, anyone who refuses to submit those earthly desires to God is rejecting the word of God rather than a message taught by humans. Here again, Paul likely is speaking to those in the church who want just enough of the gospel to gain salvation without having it affect their daily lives. This is certainly a warning people of every generation need to hear.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Paul next gives the church two positive commands to accompany the two negatives he had just given. In verses 9 through 12, Paul reminds believers to continue to excel in love for one another and to conduct their lives in a quiet and honest manner. As with the earlier commands, following these commands would make them distinct from the world of non-believers surrounding them. Such behavior in itself would be a witness to non-believers.

Paul again commends them for their well-known love for all believers and encourages them to work toward an even deeper love. He also tells them they should do honest work which does not seek to attract attention and does not interfere in the life of someone else. Such behavior not only will please God, but also will be appreciated by everyone and will allow each person to meet their own needs.

Discussion questions

• What are ways we might transgress against or defraud our neighbor?

• What things can we do to move toward sanctification?

• If Paul was writing this letter to you or your church, for what things might he commend you? In what areas are you currently seeking to excel even more?

Posted: 9/14/05

Explore the Bible Series for Sept. 25

Move to the high ground—Jesus Christ

• Romans 3:1-20

By Trey Turner

Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Temple

Is God faithful? (Romans 3:1-4)

A part of this author’s testimony takes place in his West Texas town on typical Sundays in a typical Texas Baptist church. The typical part of the story is probably what makes his testimony illustrative, because sitting next to him each of those Sunday mornings, Sunday nights and Wednesday nights were other youth with big hearts ready to be filled up as God poured himself out.

Yet these young men and women did not respond to God at this time. God was talking, particularly to a young man whom he would call to be a pastor. This young man’s friends would sit, yawn, listen and pass notes. There were times the newly called minister also did these things because this kid was not special—it was the calling on his life that was unique and special.

For a printer-friendly version, click on the printer icon at bottom of page.

As shown from these verses in Romans, some ‘special’ calling does not make anyone extra special, immune to sin or bigger than life. Individuals called to vocational ministries are entrusted with the word of God but do not form some special class of Christian believer.

The questions: Is God faithful when those sitting in the pew with this newly called minister are not hearing all their friend is being prompted in his heart? Yes, God's word is plain to everyone—his standard is laid out for all generations. Is God faithful since those he called to ministry cannot live up to God’s holiness and then fail at some of the expectations placed on them? Yes, God remains faithful to his name. How is he faithful? God has not walked away from the generations. Though he has prompted hearts and his word has been conveyed so extensively in our Texas context, God has not turned away from those who do not hear, ignore, or even reject his voice. He chooses instead to be true to his word another day.

Is God fair? (Romans 3:5-8)

Years ago, someone talked about the contrast of polished diamonds displayed on black velvet. If a person wants to see the amazing facets of a diamond, this is a great way.

Likewise, the Apostle Paul anticipates arguments some could use saying, “God uses me to show just how great his grace is.” In one way, this person could say: “OK, you have made your point, I have showed your holiness against my sin. Now why am I being punished?”

Conversely, “Let’s go sin more and more so that God can look more and more holy.” Paul points out that both of these statements are ridiculous. Remember the purpose of Christ’s coming—he judged sin, but he came out of heaven looking to receive the sinner.

Are all sinners? (Romans 3:9-12, 18)

Lest anyone believe God or his spokesperson, Paul, is pitting one group against another to make one religious group look good and another inferior, see how he levels the proverbial playing field. Paul has talked to the semi-ignorant Gentile (1:21-24), to the moralistic idealist (2:5-6) and to the faithful Jew (2:25-28).

Here then is the universal for the gospel. Neither one’s nationality nor religious background ultimately matters. All people must accept their own unrighteousness before their Creator. Salvation must be a part of every person’s experience.

Are all accountable? (Romans 3:19-20)

Paul describes the role of the law as the ultimate silencer—that which stills the prideful heart and humbles the whole of God’s creation. A person can hear Paul say, “Remember the purpose of the law.”

The law is a powerful teacher, but a terrible master. There is a God behind the law. The law shows us the character of God and the proper view of humanity. The law commands and demands but has no saving power in itself. Instead, Paul says, “Through the law we have become conscious of sin.” Like a mirror to our souls, the law shows people a picture.

Intellectually, people can accept the thought that every person is created equally loved by God, but why is it all too easy for believers to think that God makes some a ‘better’ equal than others? How the world would be different if Christians would grasp the amazing love of God for the sinner. Compassion from the heart of God could draw all people to that humility and ministry that would issue forth from that heart.

Hurricane Katrina reminds us of how there is no high ground where everyone is safe. The only high ground, spiritually speaking, is to meet the savior, Jesus Christ. No one is exempt; instead, all are welcome and invited.

Discussion question

• How does the law relate to your salvation?

• How can Christians have more compassion for nonbelievers?

Posted: 9/13/05

The list below of organizations providing relief and shelter for victims of Hurricane Katrina will be continually updated.

Go To: Statewide |  North Texas Area |  Dallas Area |  Fort Worth |  Houston Area |  Golden Triangle Area |  Waco Area |  Coastal Plains Area |  San Antonio, Valley Area | 

SBC Survivor Information Database–The Southern Baptist Convention is offering a free online service at www.sbc.net to aid those displaced by Hurricane Katrina to reconnect with their family and friends.

Florida position open for youth minister displaced by hurricane:
Dane Blankenship, senior pastor at First Baptist Church, Cape Coral, Fla., says his church is in need of a youth minister and would like to offer the position to a person/family directly affected by the hurricane.  "We have immediate housing available for this family and would be able to pay a competitive salary as well."
Write Blankeship at pastor@firstbaptistcapecoral.com

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Financial contributions to the BGCT, designated "Katrina relief," benefit both the disaster relief ministries of Texas Baptist Men and other Texas Baptist ministries to victims of the hurricane.

Mail to: BGCT Controller's Office, 333 N. Washington, Dallas, TX 75246

The Texas Baptist Missions Foundation can accept disaster relief contributions by credit card. Call (214) 828-5343 or toll-free (800) 558-8263.

East Texas Baptist University
East Texas Baptist University will be a collection point for donations for the “Harrison County Unity Day for Katrina Relief” sponsored by radio station KMHT 103.9 FM/1450 AM. The station will be broadcasting live Friday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Texas Baptist Men

Texas Baptist Men disaster relief volunteers are providing emergency food service and other ministries to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

To contribute financially, send checks designated "Katrina relief" to Texas Baptist Men, 333 N. Washington, Dallas, TX 75246.

For more information on how to volunteer, call (214) 828-5350.

Buckner Baptist Benevolences

Buckner is accepting contributions at four sites to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Buckner can accept cash donations at all sites, as well as online at www.buckner.org.

Other items needed are shoes, clothing and food staples. Only new clothing and shoes can be accepted.

Collection sites:

• Houston – Buckner Children and Family Services. Contact: Maggie Pilgreen, c/o South Main Baptist Church, 4100 S. Main Street Houston, TX 77002. Phone: (281) 630-6610.

•Beaumont –Beaumont Children’s Village, 9055 Manion Drive , Beaumont, Texas 77706, Michelle Harris (409) 866-0976; mharris@buckner.org

•Dallas – Buckner Crisis Relief Center, 4828 S. Buckner Blvd. #B, Dallas, TX 75227, Jackie Belt (214) 275-9002; jbelt@buckner.org

•Longview – Buckner Children and Family Services, 110 E. Cotton Street , Longview, TX 75601, Greg Eubanks (903) 757-9383; guebanks@buckner.org

•Lufkin – Buckner Children and Family Services, 3402 Daniel McCall, Suite 21, Lufkin, TX 75901, Judy Morgan (936) 637-3300; jmorgan@buckner.org

North Texas Area

Powderly Baptist Church, Powderly, TX
Phone: 903-784-7917(home), 903-517-6863(cell)
Contact Person: Pastor Jerry Moore
Powderly Baptist Church in Powderly, Texas, near Paris ,has available a large gymnasium with 3 bathrooms and a kitchen. There are also 6 classrooms in which families could stay in the gym building. Our church has an additional 6 bathrooms and large kitchen in the church which is connected to the gym by a covered driveway. There is a large parking lot and the church is located 1/4 mile from an elementary school, post office and fire department. The church is 8 miles north of Paris as well as North Lamar Middle and High Schools. In addition, we have a 15 passenger van which can be used to transport people. We will be happy to come as far as necessary in order to help transport and could probably acpuire a few additional vans from other churches and bring a convoy. We also have had several churches offer to help with the food and other needs of the people. Contact numbers are: Jerry Moore (pastor) 903-784-7917(home), 903-517-6863(cell), moore.pk@1starnet.com (e-mail); Raymond Allen 903-732-3784; Michelle Burks 903-784-3944. We have a couple who have also volunteered to house a family or couple in their home.

Dallas Area:

The new Disaster Relief Unit of the Dallas Baptist Association is serving in Hammond, La., where they are a part of feeding up to 20,000 meals daily to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Hammond is about 40 miles northwest of New Orleans.
For complete relief information see the Dallas Baptist Association website: www.dba.net/dbanew/

Mimosa Lane Baptist Church in Mesquite will conduct a "Mororama Car Show" at the church from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Sept. 17 to raise money for Katrina relief. Entry fee is a minimum $5 donation. The event, conducted by the church's PitStop Ministry, which provides oil changes and minor repairs for those in need, will feature a display of 75 to 100 classic and unique show cars as well as music, entertainment, food and prizes. The church is located at 1233 N. Beltline Rd., Mesquite, south of Hwy 80. For more information, write Stephanie Smith at Allyseventservices@comcast.net.

Wilshire Baptist Church

Location: 4316 Abrams Rd., Dallas, Texas

Wilshire Baptist Church has partnered with University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, La., to provide clothing, shoes, bedding and toiletries for refugees who have sought shelter from Hurricane Katrina in Baton Rouge, La.

Specific needs:

• Cash donations to allow bulk purchase of clothing and bedding. Mark contributions "Baton Rouge Relief Project."

• New clothing for children, youth and adults. Wilshire cannot accept used clothing. Clothing needed is basics such as undergarments, socks, shorts, pants, T-shirts. Buckner Baptist Benevolences is donating 5,000 pairs of new shoes for delivery to Baton Rouge.

• New bedding items such as sleeping bags, pillows and sheets. Wilshire cannot accept used bedding items.

• Small toiletry items such as hotel-size bottles of shampoo, bars of soap, tubes of toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, etc.

The shoes, clothing, toiletries and bedding items will be delivered to Baton Rouge on Monday, Sept. 5., in two large trucks.

Donated items and cash contributions will be accepted at the north entrance to the church from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, September 1-4.

For more information, call (214) 452-3100.

Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Cedar Hill
Phone: 972-291-0066
Contact Person: Andrea Hernandez, Director of Colonial Hills Baptist Church Preschool Development Center
How they are ministering to victims: Child Care
Preschool development center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am – 2pm.  The church has some spots available in its preschool development center and would love to open them up to some families affected by the hurricane that might need free childcare. Currently there are 4 spots available in the Baby and Toddler Class which is for 6 months to 24 months, 4 spots available in the Two Year Old class, and 4 spots available in the Pre-Kindergarten (4 years) class. 

* Colonial Hills Baptist Church Preschool Development Center
820 E. Wintergreen Rd.
Cedar Hill, TX  75104
972-291-0066
Contact:  Andrea Hernandez
home 972-293-6924.

Cliff Temple Baptist Church, Dallas
125 Sunset Ave., Dallas
(214) 942-8601

Cliff Temple's Goslin Care Center caught fire at about 4 a.m., Sept. 2. Fire gutted the upstairs area where the clothes closet was located, and initial assessment indicated the building was beyond repair for the forseeable future, said Pastor Glen Schmucker.

Refugees from Hurricane Katrina were in the church parking lot waiting for the care center to open when church officials arrived to assess the situation. Cliff Temple will move its food pantry to the church's fellowship hall, which will function as the care center temporarily. The church needs:

–Canned goods to restock the pantry.

–Clothes. Everything in the church's benevolence clothes closet was destroyed by fire or smoke.

First Baptist Church, Duncanville

323 W. Wheatland Rd., Duncanville

(972) 298-1435

At least 50 people–and possibly up to 100–will be housed in a shelter at First Baptist Church in Duncanville. The church needs:

–Unused bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)

–Cots

–Board games and magazines

Fort Worth Area

Complete relief information at Tarrant Baptist Association's website: www.tarrantbaptist.org

For the latest on how Tarrant Baptist Association is responding: Click here.

New Orleans Seminary operation has been moved to Fort Worth. If you know anyone in the Fort Worth area who can assist with housing, please contact Southwestern Seminary at 817-923-1921.

Celebration Fellowship – available to help
want to be contacted as more information is available about logistics
Contact James Reeves, pastor James@celebrationnet.com

Eagle’s View (Saginaw) – Contact Kevin Groth 817-808-3969 They are already housing people with church families. Could use toiletries and gift cards from Walmart and Target to pass out to families located near Cherry St.

Fielder Road Baptist Church will provide housing by creating hotel-like rooms for families who will re-locate for long-term shelter. The church plans to access each situation and then relocate them to an apartment as soon as possible.

First Baptist Church, Everman – one house. Contact John Tallpo 817-903-7905

First Baptist Church, Keller
Pastor: Keith Sanders
Business Administrator: Ed Nelson cell: 817-368-0157
Contact 817-431-2545; ksanders@fbckeller.org;
Gymnasium sleeps 100-150 – enough restrooms
Only one shower
Kitchen can prepare food for same number
Can provide food and shelter
Need cots/sleeping supplies
Can ask church members about keeping families with special needs kids
Date: Preparation – one week
Length of stay: months

River Oaks Baptist Church
Contact Pastor Jim Lemons
Church available with kitchen, showers and bedding when needed.

Woodland Heights Baptist Church – some housing available Doug Riggs, pastor (817) 571-7884

Mahanaim Christian Fellowship, Crowley
Contact Pastor Ellison Donald – (817) 966-1592 cell
(817) 568-1592 hm., mcf3@juno.com
Church building is presently vacant and available to house refugees all Sept. and Oct.
The building is 4100 sq. ft., and includes a kitchen, two bathrooms, sanctuary, fellowship hall and four other rooms.
Located at 5500 Stewart Feltz Rd., Crowley. I-35 to Waco. Exit 1137 Rendon Crowley. West 5 miles to flashing yellow light (West Cleburn Rd.). Go North 1⁄2 mile, left at Stewart Feltz Rd. Church is on the right. OR south on Hulen Rd. past North Crowley H.S. Right (west) on Cleburn Rd. to Stewart Feltz Rd.

The Hope House, an arm of Bethlehem Baptist, Mansfield
Contact Portia Wilson – (817) 473-1236
Facility is available Tues, the 6th, indefinite time period. Can house 15. Meals provided, but kitchen available to people to use. Non perishable food/clothing/medical needs at clinic available starting Tuesday.

First Baptist Church, Grapevine
301 E. Texas St., Grapevine, 76051
Contact Russell Young, Business Admin. – (817) 301-7700
Gymnasium available with showers and kitchen. Need bedding. Can house 100 people for 2 weeks to one month.

Houston-area

Union Baptist Association: www.ubahouston.org

For a list of known needs in the Houston area or to request assistance as your congregations seeks to minister victims now housed in Houston, click here.

White Oak Baptist Church, Houston
White Oak Baptist Church in Houston, a congregation of 350, is housing and feeding 50 evacuees and is Pastor Forrest Lowry is asking its members to plan to give weekly for the long haul in caring for them. Others who want to help can make checks payable to White Oak Baptist Church 3615 Mangum Road Houston, TX 77092 (Put Katrina Shelter Fund in the Memo Line). All contributions are tax deductible.

OPERATION COMPASSION
A two-hour training session is required for volunteers at Second Baptist's West Campus, 19499 Katy Freeway or at its North Campus, 22770 U.S. 59 North in Kingwood.
–Registration: Volunteers are asked to register with their local religious organizations, which will coordinate with Second Baptist. Individuals without congregations can come to training without registering.
–More information: www.second.org/global/operation_compassion.aspx or 713-365-3479.

Some of the known needs include: