Alcohol-related wreck changed future student minister’s life_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

Alcohol-related wreck changed future student minister's life

By Leann Callaway

Special to the Baptist Standard

SUGAR LAND–Casey Cease killed a friend nine years ago in an alcohol-related car accident, and guilt left him wanting to kill himself.

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

ANOTHER VIEW by Joe Alcorta: Consider reasons to offer thanks_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

ANOTHER VIEW:
Consider reasons to offer thanks

By Joe Alcorta

Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving Day Nov. 25. Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving is the most popular holiday in our nation. Most businesses and all schools allow their employees to be off that Thursday.

We celebrate Thanksgiving because in October 1789, both houses of Congress requested President George Washington to proclaim a day of thanksgiving.

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

DOWN HOME: Decisions await matrimonial path_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

DOWN HOME:
Decisions await matrimonial path

Seeing as how I'm a guy, my Logically-Anticipated-Consequences radar doesn't always function as it should.

This has been true lately. My L-A-C radar failed me miserably, although my Oh-Yeah-That-Makes-Perfect-Sense hindsight still functions with 20/20 clarity.

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about how Lindsay–our oldest daughter, flesh of our flesh, wellspring of abundant joy and a junior in college–is getting married.

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

EDITORIAL: Calculus of lame duckery_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

EDITORIAL:
Calculus of lame duckery

My, how time flies. Just three weeks ago, we didn't know who would occupy the White House the next four years. Now, we're hearing “President Bush” and “lame duck” in the same sentence.

Poor guy. He hasn't even lifted his hand to take his second oath of office, and everybody from preachers to pundits is talking about how his effectiveness soon will be limited. He even acknowledged he's got about 18 months to accomplish the major goals of his administration. Then his clout will diminish rapidly, because friends and foes will know they can wait him out if they don't want to follow his lead.

Second-term presidents aren't the only lame ducks. Bosses nearing retirement often exert very little influence. Workers about to transfer are lame ducks, as are coaches with eyes on the next team. Parents can become lame ducks when their children allow others to influence them more than Mom and Dad.

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

EDITORIAL: Hunger offering Every penny counts_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

EDITORIAL:
Hunger offering: Every penny counts

Baptist tables will creak this week under the burden of Thanksgiving feasts. No wonder Thanksgiving is one of our most popular holidays. We appreciate the Three F's of the day–family, football and food. And even if some folks quibble about how much they enjoy family and football, the appreciation for food is unanimous.

This Thanksgiving, as Texas Baptists dig in to the turkey, green bean casserole, candied sweet potatoes, fresh rolls, pie and other special dishes on our tables, we should remember victims of hunger across our state, throughout the nation and around the world. This is the season we collect the Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger, which truly is an investment in the people Jesus called “the least of these.” And rather than mere acts of charity, our gifts provide an accurate reflection of our love for and devotion to him (Matthew 25:31-46).

Middle-class Baptists sometimes have a hard time comprehending poverty and the depths of hunger. But the Baptist General Convention of Texas' Christian Life Commission has created a paint-by-numbers portrait of hunger. See:

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 28: Following Christ is about relationship, not ritual_112

Posted: 11/19/04

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 28

Following Christ is about relationship, not ritual

Luke 13:1-35

By Pakon Chan

Chinese Baptist Church, Arlington

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Dec. 5: Meals can be times of eternal significance_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Dec. 5

Meals can be times of eternal significance

Luke 14:1, 7-15

By Pakon Chan

Chinese Baptist Church, Arlington

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Nov. 28: Tell everyone the good news–God is great_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Nov. 28

Tell everyone the good news–God is great

Psalm 145:3-5, 8-9, 11-21

By Angela Hamm

First Baptist Church, Lewisville

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Dec. 5: Proclaim Christ Lord with the way you live life_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Dec. 5

Proclaim Christ Lord with the way you live life

John 1:19-34

By Leroy Fenton

Baptist Standard, Dallas

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

Florida court rules school voucher program unconstitutional_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

Florida court rules school voucher program unconstitutional

By Robert Marus

Associated Baptist Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (ABP)– A Florida state appeals court ruled the state's school-voucher program is unconstitutional because it provides funding to religious schools.

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

HSU Friendship House opens_112204

Posted: 11/19/04 HSU Friendship House opens Danyel Rogers (l), community coordinator, and Linda Carleton, coordinator for the Hardin-Simmons University Neighborhood Enhancement Program, welcome Abilene-area residents to the HSU Friendship House,…

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge

At 86, Billy Graham says he’s feeling his age but stays committed to preaching the gospel_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

At 86, Billy Graham says he's feeling his age
but stays committed to preaching the gospel

By Marshall Allen

Religion News Service

PASADENA, Calif. (RNS)– In Southern California for yet another evangelistic crusade, 86-year-old Billy Graham says he feels his age but isn't about to stop preaching the gospel.

11/19/2004 - By John Rutledge