Posted: 7/25/03

Bible inspires Alabama governor to reform tax code

By Bob Smietana

Religion News Service

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (RNS) –First there was “What Would Jesus Do?” Then there was “What Would Jesus Drive?”

Now, Christians in Alabama are asking, “What (or Who) Would Jesus Tax?”

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, a conservative Republican and Southern Baptist, has proposed a $1.2 billion tax package that raises taxes on the wealthiest residents and businesses and cuts taxes on poor families. Riley argues that he has a moral obligation to do so, said David Azbell, the governor's press secretary.

“Gov. Riley has said many times that there are three things he has found in reading the New Testament,” Azbell said. “We are to love God, love our neighbor and take care of the poorest of the poor.”

The tax plan helps make “an immoral tax system moral,” Azbell said. In Alabama, a family of four that makes as little as $4,600 a year still has to pay income taxes. In neighboring Mississippi, the comparable income threshold for paying taxes is $19,000.

“I just don't think you can find a justification in the New Testament for taxing a family that makes $4,600 a year,” he said.

Riley's plan, which fills a $675 million shortfall in Alabama's budget and provides new money for education and other state services, passed the state legislature in June. It now faces a Sept. 9 referendum. Alabama's churches will play a key role in getting the tax package approved, Azbell predicted.

In recent years, Alabama's Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Methodists all have passed resolutions calling for tax reform, and the idea has been supported by Catholic and Jewish leaders.

One of the leading advocates for tax reform is University of Alabama law professor Susan Pace Hamill. Her interest in the issue was sparked by a newspaper article she read during a sabbatical at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, which labeled Alabama's income tax as “the least fair” in the country.

Before that time, said Hamill, a former IRS attorney who teaches tax and business law, she was just “too busy” to notice the inequities in Alabama's tax system.

“There were lots of little signs that should have tipped me off that something was seriously wrong here,” she said. Like the sales tax on groceries that was “abysmally high,” she said, while “the property tax on my house was ridiculously low, and the school that my kids attend was constantly begging for donations to meet things that ought to be part of the regular budget.”

That combination means that Alabama's poorest resident pay almost 11 percent of their income in state taxes while the richest pay less than 4 percent, she explained. Most tax codes are progressive–the more income someone has, the higher rate they pay.

“There is no defense for putting a greater proportional burden on the poor, known as regressive taxation,” Hamill said.

She has become a kind of evangelist for tax reform–speaking in churches, writing op-ed pieces and publishing a law review article titled “An Argument for Tax Reform Based on Judeo-Christian Ethics.”

John Giles, president of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, said he supports the idea of giving tax relief to the poor. But a $1.2 billion tax increase “is a separate issue.”

“Some of the governor's advisers are trying to make this (tax increase) more palatable by adding the issue of tax relief for the poor,” he said.

Giles argues the state's budget shortfall is caused by mismanagement by the state legislature, and that the cure is “good stewardship.” Taxpayers should not be asked to make up for mistakes of the past, he said.

“What are the taxpayers supposed to do?” Giles asked, “Go back to the legislature and say, 'Well done, now here's another $1.2 billion for you to waste.'”

But James Evans of Crosscreek Baptist Church in Pelham, who supports the governor's plan, said one of the most important things Jesus did was “to take care of people's past mistakes.”

Alabama's Christians need to do likewise, Evans said. “To say we are not responsible for the mistakes of the past keeps us tied to those mistakes and keeps in place a system that hurts people,” he said. “That's not good theology or good civics.”

Dan Ireland of the conservative Alabama Citizens Action Program doesn't like “the idea of paying more income tax,” but still supports the governor's plan. Ireland, who led a 1999 campaign that defeated a proposed state lottery, said if the plan fails, that may mean a push for more gambling.

“If we don't pass this plan, what are we going to do?” he asked. “Cut (state) services? Or are we going to start listening to the gambling folks who say that gambling is the salvation for economic development?”

Posted: 7/25/03

Armenian convert feeds faith in Texas

By Jenny Hartgraves

Staff Writer

When Artyom Tonoyan graduated from Dallas Baptist University in May, it was more than a great accomplishment. It was a dream come true.

As an Armenian citizen, he believed receiving an American education was something only the rich could afford. He never believed it was possible for him.

But through the grace of God and an American missionary, Tonoyan explained, he not only received the degree he always wanted but found what he's always needed–Jesus Christ.

Tonoyan, whose friends call him “Art,” grew up under oppressive communist leadership, and his father actively participated in the Communist National Party. As a 14-year-old, he lived through a violent earthquake that killed 60,000 people in his small city. He remembers sitting in the classroom when it happened, watching the walls crack and crumble on the students.

“Walking down the streets was like digging through coffins,” he said. “It was very apocalyptic. People would literally come out from underground horrified and think that this was the end of the world.”

In an atheist nation, the earthquake caused people to question the reality of God for the first time and talk about religion openly. Tonoyan's family was homeless and poverty-stricken, and they moved to Ukraine in search of a better life.

Tonoyan always wanted to go to school. The system of higher education in Ukraine is expensive, but not because of tuition. Students study for years with private tutors, preparing for entrance exams to gain acceptance at the few credible universities. Tonoyan's family did not have the money to help him study for school. After years of studying on his own, he was devastated when he wasn't accepted at any university.

“I just thought everything was unfair,” he said. “When a lot of people are making it and you can't, it's tragic. So I started hating myself and hating my parents. I hated everything and everybody. I felt like a failure.”

With the fall of communism, “everything my family worked for and believed in became a sham,” he said. His father turned to alcohol, and Tonoyan ran away. At 17, he joined his older cousin in the jewelry business, a profitable and popular industry for Armenians. While training for the business, Tonoyan was kidnapped and held for ransom. His cousin owed money to former business partners in Poland, and he told the kidnappers his young cousin would pay the debt.

“My cousin–my partner–set me up. I was just a kid,” he said.

The robbers took Tonoyan to Bratslav, Poland, and demanded $20,000 ransom in 12 hours. If they didn't receive the money, they said, they either would kill Tonoyan or sell his kidneys.

“They told me that if I preferred living to dying, then I could sign in the bottom right corner. At 17 years old, you don't want to die or become a half-person. I had no idea what I was going to do.”

As they held him at knifepoint, he caught a glimpse of a dangling cross above his head and turned to God for answers. The cross, which he had worn as jewelry without religious significance, had been ripped from his neck.

“It was the first time I had ever gotten on my knees to pray. I said: 'God, if you exist, then help me get out of here. I'll serve you for the rest of my life, I promise.'”

In one of the many acts of mercy in Tonoyan's life, the robbers took him to the international post office at rush hour to make a phone call. Beaten and bruised, the Armenian stood out in the crowd with three brute men holding his arms. When one man briefly released his grip to light a cigarette, Tonoyan took off running.

“It was like a movie,” he said. “I nearly got hit by a car, and I'm screaming, 'Help!' in every language I can think of, hoping somebody would understand. A couple of cab drivers got one of the guys, but the other two were still after me.

“I ended up hiding in the bushes, bloody with my clothes torn. They had taken all my proper documents–my passport, my visa. I was trapped.”

It wasn't long before the police discovered him and helped him find his assailants. They returned his passport, and he didn't press any charges. “I told them, 'I don't want to ruin your lives, just let me leave,'” he said.

At 18 years old, Tonoyan was determined to make it on his own. He returned to Ukraine and after a brief period of parties, drinking and drugs, he was left homeless on the streets. There was no one to turn to, he said, because “when you run out of money, you run out of friends.”

“It was winter, and I was freezing cold. I was sleeping wherever I could, in parking lot entrances or public toilets,” he said. “Nobody cared if I was dead or alive, and I started thinking about killing myself. I didn't want to prolong the pain.”

Tonoyan had forgotten all about his prayer to God. He rationalized his escape in Bratslav, giving credit to his fast legs and quick instincts. He had forgotten those feelings of death and despair in the earthquake at 14. All his life, he relied on himself to make it through.

But when he couldn't trust himself, he could only learn to trust an angel–an angel named Ria Voss.

Voss has been to the Ukraine on 14 mission trips with her friend. She remembered seeing Tonoyan for the first time as “a street kid with dirty clothes” in Chequeaz.

“I saw this huge crowd of people gathered outside, and this woman was speaking English, and people were singing about Jesus,” Tonoyan recalled. “A guitar was playing, and all I could do was make fun of them, crack jokes. I thought these people were freaks.”

But Tonoyan's curiosity drew him immediately to this woman–her smile, the way she stood and took pictures of all the children, the way she reached out to him and treated him like someone important. Voss was the first American he had met, and he wanted to talk about “macho men” Arnold Schwarzenneger and Sylvester Stallone, he said.

When Voss told him she knew somebody even bigger than them, he was taken in.

“Jesus,” she said. “Jesus is more famous than those guys.” Voss, who lives in Grand Rapids, Mich., shared her Christian testimony with Tonoyan. Out of eight people standing around, he was the only one to make a profession of faith that day.

“There was something so special, so different about Artyom–I knew that God had a call on his life,” Voss said. “I loved him from the minute I saw him.”

“The thing that touched me the most was that here was this lady, a thousand miles from home, and she's come all this way and paid all this money to come and talk to me about Jesus,” Tonoyan said. “All I could think was: 'Who am I? I am nothing, I'm nobody.' She had sacrificed so much to come and talk to this nobody.”

Voss gave him a Bible with the name of a local church and her phone number in America, something she said she never did but felt it was appropriate.

“She told me that as soon as I get a chance, I should call her,” Tonoyan said. “But I'm homeless, I thought. I can't afford to call America. But I just nodded my head OK.”

That was the beginning of an incredible relationship between this Armenian boy and American woman. After reuniting at the church in Kharkov the next day, made possible by a donation from a stranger on the street of the exact amount for bus fare, Tonoyan and Voss made a promise to stay in touch. Tonoyan learned English quickly, and within six months he started translating for Americans who came to his country.

A new Christian and a faithful student, Tonoyan was consistent in reading the entire New Testament.

“For two weeks, I couldn't get past the geneaology. This begat this, and this begat that–I read it over and over trying to understand,” he said. “I remembered Ria telling me to read it carefully because it was the word of God.”

“In six months, he grew spiritually like nothing I'd ever seen,” Voss said. “He had such a hunger and a longing for Christ. Because he's been faithful in the little things, God's continued to be faithful to him and his wife.”

Tonoyan has come a long way from that cold winter day in the streets of Ukraine, but he gives all the credit to two people in his life–Jesus and Voss. Without Jesus he wouldn't have a purpose, and without Voss he wouldn't have his life, he said. “She was the vehicle used for God's love.”

Voss even gave Tonoyan the chance to pursue his dream of an American education by bringing him a scholarship application for Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas. The application was sent first to Ukraine, and then put into the hands of a pilot to take to Armenia where Tonoyan could pick it up. Out of thousands who applied, Tonoyan was one of the few to receive his first full year tuition free.

In fact, he received all his tuition free. Even when he transferred to DBU, “God provided for me over and over again,” Tonoyan said.

Upon acceptance at Baylor University's Truett Seminary, there was a mix-up with his international papers, and he now has to wait on a work visa so he can raise money for school. On top of that, he and his wife, Lydia, whom he met at Christ for the Nations, are expecting their first child in November.

“God has sustained both him and his wife at DBU for four years,” Voss said. “He has the heart's desire to do what God wants and a tremendous desire to study. These kids have walked the faith-walk like nothing I've seen.”

Eventually, Tonoyan hopes to return to Ukraine and start a Christian college, sharing God's love with people and making dreams of quality education come true.

If he could ask Jesus one question, he said, it would definitely be “Why me?”

As a “nobody” from Armenia, he said, he understands the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

Posted: 7/25/03

Vivian Dyer	Beth Larner	Tommy Larner

Around the State

Appointments

Five people with Texas were among the 70 missionaries recently appointed by the International Mission Board:

Vivian Dyer will serve in Central and Eastern Europe in community outreach and ministry. She previously served as a church planter with the North American Mission Board in Orlando, Fla., and as a program coordinator at Southwestern Seminary. She also worked in the inner-city youth program of Glenview Church in Fort Worth. She has been working in Europe as an International Service Corps volunteer with the IMB the last two years.

Tommy and Beth Larner will serve in Middle America in church leadership development. The couple served as missionaries to Ecuador and Mexico from 1981 until 2000. He has been pastor of Tye Church in Tye the last three years. Both are natives of Texas, and she is a Hardin-Simmons University graduate. They have two adult children.

Mimosa Lane Church in Mesquite recently honored retired Dallas police officer Wes Smith (center) for “faithful Christian witness” during a Crossover 1997 in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention meeting held there that year. One of the people Smith shared Christ with during the evangelistic emphasis was Philip Barber (right)–self-described as being “a real mess … long hair, tattoos and drugged out.” Smith invited him to church and eventually Barber accepted Christ as his Savior and now is an ordained minister, Baptist author and a colleague of evangelist Ted Stone (left).

Anniversaries

Jerry Davis, fifth, as minister of music and activities at Immanuel Church in Paris July 5.

Toby Irwin, fifth, as pastor of Hayden Church in Wills Point July 13.

John Free, fifth, as minister to adults at First Church in Bryan July 13.

Willard Hill, 10th, as pastor of First Church in Pledger.

Al Travis, 25th, as organist of Travis Avenue Church in Fort Worth.

Risa Schneider, 10th, as pianist at First Church in San Marcos.

First Church in Bovina, 100th, Aug. 2-3. Activities will begin with a fellowship time at the church at 4:30 p.m., followed by free hamburgers at 6:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., Gary Morgan will be the guest speaker with former song leader Earl Hise bringing special music. Former pastor Virgil Goodwin also will be in attendance. Sunday morning will begin with coffee and doughnuts at 9:15, Sunday School at 10 a.m. and the morning service at 11 a.m. Former song leader Betty Hawkins will bring the special music. Gene Hawkins will be the featured speaker. A barbecue will be served at 12:30 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., Larry Heard will bring the sermon, and Grady and Dorthy Sorley will present a mini-concert. For more information, call (806) 251-1632. Aaron Reed is pastor.

Tabernacle Church in Gainesville, 100th, Aug. 10. A luncheon will follow the morning service.

First Church of Pleasant Grove in Dallas, 100th, Aug. 10. A complimentary lunch will be served. An afternoon program also is planned. Causey Gram is pastor.

First Church in Corpus Christi, 125th, Aug. 16-17. Saturday will feature golf and tennis tournaments. An open house will begin the evening activities, ending with a dinner. Former pastor Paul Armes will preach in the Sunday morning service. Historical presentations will be given during the Saturday dinner and Sunday morning. For more information, call (361) 883-2421.

Coastal Oaks Church in Rockport, 20th, Aug. 24. Lunch will be provided. Kevin Muilenburg in pastor.

Patillo Church in Patillo, 100th, Aug. 31. No Sunday School will be held, but the worship service will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a luncheon and program. For more information, call (940) 769-3210. Lynn Eckeberger is interim pastor.

Deaths

Bill Hamilton, 82, July 7 in Arlington. A graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Seminary, Hamilton was pastor of Plainview Church in Colorado City, New Hope Church in Mansfield and Park Heights Church in Tyler. He also helped start Mayfield Road and Rolling Meadows churches in Arlington, serving both as pastor. He retired in 1987. He is survived by his wife, Cleta; son, Loy; and daughter, Jackie Hester.

Rick Green, 59, July 8 in Fort Worth. He was a pastor in California for 37 years prior to coming to The Church in Cityview in Fort Worth last year as pastor of pastoral ministries. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carolyn; daughters, Sherinda Keadle and Shanna Arter; and 12 grandchildren.

Gene Greer, 80, July 12 in Dallas after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His long ministry included service to several Dallas area churches and with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He served with the BGCT from 1959 until earlier this year in a variety of capacities, primarily as associate director ot the State Missions Commission. After formally retiring in 1987, Greer volunteered at the convention. In 2001, he received the J.B. Gambrell Award, given in honor of his work of advancing Baptist distinctives. He was a member of Wilshire Church in Dallas. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen, and granddaughter, Erin. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elaine; sons, Bill and Andy; daughter, Virginia McBee; brother, Edward; sister, Mary Ann Camp; and four grandchildren.

Events

Friendship West Church in Dallas will hold a program emphasizing the need for organ donation among minorities Aug. 3 at 11:30 a.m.

Homecoming Aug. 3 at Joy Church in Gladewater. The church is marking 99 years of ministry. Don Davidson will preach in the morning service. Lunch will be served followed by a concert by the Crim Family. Scott Johnson is the pastor.

The trio Surrendered will sing at Kendrick Lane Church in Waco Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. An offering benefiting Friends of Hymn Hour will be taken. Greg Brumit is pastor.

Posted: 7/25/03

BGCT reduces Dallas workforce by 10 percent

DALLAS–Twenty positions have been eliminated from the 220-member workforce of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.

The 10 percent reduction in full-time workers is the first step in a plan to bring expenditures in line with anticipated receipts. The convention has been operating at about 90 percent of budget this year, on the heels of an unmet budget the previous year.

The second phase of cutbacks, a reorganization of ministry priorities and cuts in ministry budgets, will be considered by the BGCT Administrative Committee when it meets Sept. 4-5.

BGCT Treasurer David Nabors said he could not predict the total amount to be cut from ministry budgets until the Administrative Committee meets. The cuts in ministry funds will be proposed for the 2004 budget, he said, and will be included in proposals sent to the BGCT annual session in Lubbock in November.

The staff cuts, however, will take effect Aug. 31. The workforce reduction will save the convention about $1.15 million in budgeted funds, Nabors said. Because several of the eliminated positions had been vacant in this budget year, the actual net decrease in personnel expenditures will be $822,500, he said.

Eight of the eliminated positions came from the BGCT's 106 ministry assistants, and 12 came from the 114 program personnel.

The action directly affected 13 current staff–seven ministry assistants and six program staff. Seven positions were vacant.

The BGCT Leadership Council met July 16-17 to set priorities, consider the staff reduction and discuss budget recommendations for the Administrative Committee.

The Leadership Council outlined nine priorities for the future, and each program area is making adjustments according to that list of priorities. Priorities identified were:

Starting missional churches.

Building relationships with churches.

Improving technology strategies.

Finding the best customized resources for churches.

Targeting funds to provide leadership development for clergy and laity.

Providing opportunities for churches in missions and ministries involvement.

Finding strategies to increase involvement with key cultures in Texas.

Leading churches to greater health.

Facilitating greater institutional involvement in ministry and missions.

“Although many companies do this kind of position reduction regularly, it is a new experience for us. Our goal is to approach this with the greatest care, compassion and generosity,” BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade wrote in a memo to all Executive Board staff.

“All reductions were decided based on position, not person. Performance was not the guiding criteria in these decisions.”

That was echoed by Chris Liebrum, human resources director. “These cuts were made strategically, based on priorities,” he said.

“Declining receipts, coupled with a lower level of investment returns, have caused us to cut back in several areas of expenditure, including personnel,” Nabors said.

One factor has been that BGCT-related churches have been slow to embrace the Adopted Budget in recent years. Currently, about one-third of the Cooperative Program giving receipts come through the BGCT Adopted Budget, the option most likely to send the largest amount of money for Texas causes.

Individuals directly affected by the staff reduction were notified by July 22, and sectional meetings were held at the Baptist Building to discuss changes related to specific program areas.

Employees who are losing their jobs are being provided severance packages, including salary and medical insurance, based on tenure.

“We are also making available to each person affected the resources of a transition company. This group will help each person deal with all aspects of transition to a new area of work,” Wade said.

"This is a painful process. We recognize that these individuals came to the BGCT out of a clear sense of calling. We will miss them and their giftedness. Our prayer is that doors for ministry will open quickly for each of these people.”

The seven ministry assistants who posts are being eliminated are Stacy Rice in the Center for Strategic Evangelism, Lori Perkins in the office of prayer and spiritual development, Connie Coulter in the Center for Community Ministries, Kay Clark in Texas Partnerships Resource Center, Lisa Davis in the Bible Study/Discipleship Center, Omega Abaunza in the Church Stewardship Center and Ken Parks with the Texas Baptist Historical Collection and Archives.

Two program staff are losing their jobs as a result of the cutbacks: Gary Crouch, director of building and support services, and Debbie Sheppard, a designer with the Communications Center.

In addition, two graphic designers in the Communications Center, Looie Biffar and Lynda Kokel, are taking early retirement since their positions are being eliminated.

Two longtime Baptist Building employees in the Bible Study/Discipleship Center announced their retirement from positions that will be eliminated–Eric Williams, discipleship coordinator, and Chuck Padilla, ethnic consultant.

Each member of the Leadership Council was expected to cut the budget in his or her area by about 18 percent, although not all unit leaders chose to make those cuts in personnel. In the case of the associate executive director's office, this meant reducing full-time staff with the Historical Collection and Archives from three staff members to two.

The Communications Center lost about one-fourth of its workforce, with all three graphic design positions being eliminated. Those services will continue to be coordinated through the Communications Center, but they will be provided on a contract basis only.

“Our designers are known as the highest quality in Baptist life and all have won national awards. Their combined 80-plus years experience does not go without notice. This is an incredibly painful transition for our staff. However, the BGCT will not lose access to their gifts, and we will seek to assign as much contract work to them as possible,” said Becky Bridges, director of the Communications Center.

Vacant positions being eliminated are a consultant in the Church Starting Center, a ministry assistant in church facilities, an accounts payable clerk and a cashier in the controller's office, the associate director of Texas Baptist Men, the associate director for family life with the Christian Life Commission, and the associate director for preaching and proclamation in the Church Health and Growth Section, a position that had been approved by the Administrative Committee but never filled.

Mike Lundy, the CLC family life associate director, already had made his retirement plans prior to the reduction in force.

The church health and growth section is consolidating counseling and psychological services, the Texas Baptist Leadership Center and the minister/church relations office into a new Center for Christian Leadership. It also is combining Church Personnel Information Services and ChurchLife Resources into a new church/membership resourcing area.

The church missions and evangelism section is merging the Center for Community Ministries and the Mission Service Corps Center into a new Missions Equipping Center, and it is moving the prayer and spiritual development office into the Missional Church Strategy Center.

Reported by Ken Camp with additional reporting by John Hall, Becky Bridges and Mark Wingfield

Posted: 7/25/03

Bible readings reach out

By George Henson

Staff Writer

VICTORIA–Northside Baptist Church has found a high-tech means of encouraging the timeless discipline of Bible reading.

At the beginning of the year, church members signed commitment cards saying they would read the New Testament through this year.

Some are following a traditional approach and pick up bookmarks at church each month that show daily Bible readings for the month. Others go to the church's website and click the daily Bible reading icon to find the suggested passages.

Still others have signed up for daily e-mail reminders of their Bible readings. Mickey Ewing, associate pastor for music and media, said more than 300 people have signed up for the e-mail reminders.

And now word of the service has spread beyond the church. “People I've never heard of have asked to be put on the list because they've heard about it from someone they are friends with or work with,” he said.

This ministry is not labor intensive, Ewing explained. “My Bible software has an option for generating a daily Bible reading. I just told it what part of the Bible we wanted to read and how many days, and it divided the New Testament for us in that many pieces at logical places.”

The Bible readings take about three minutes a day, he said.

“We're thrilled at how it seems to be working out,” he said.

Posted: 7/25/03

Bikers feel the Spirit
at unique Church in the Wind

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

WHITE OAK–An East Texas congregation loves motorcycles and Jesus. Both loves drive members to spread their faith.

On Friday nights and Sunday mornings, a line of motorcycles stands outside Church in the Wind, where about 40 bikers worship. But that showing is only the beginning.

Empty seats in the makeshift sanctuary signal another positive sign to Pastor Larry “CC” Gower and his congregation.

“I have to praise God our people aren't here,” Gower announced early in a summer service. “They're out spreading the word of Jesus.”

The church continues penetrating a biker culture that often is based on intimidation, fear and harsh punishment. His congregation has served as many as 300 people at a time through its evangelistic outreach, including at motorcycle rallies and runs.

Members do not curse the biker lifestyle but have retained elements of the culture. Many sport worn bandanas, leather vests and elaborate tattoos. They talk about motorcycle mechanics as freely as Bible verses.

The “church of ministers” also maintains the closeness found in many biker clubs, Gower said. People join the clubs to find the love and acceptance lacking in their homes, he explained, so the church aims to turn people's attention to Christ by giving them the support they seek.

The believers connect with their former comrades by continuing existing relationships and boldly sharing their testimonies, the pastor said.

Bikers listen to the testimonies because the Christians speak from experience, Gower said. And the stories have credibility because those hearing them knew the believers before their conversions.

The frankness of their messages is refreshing, said Rick Watson, who leads music at the church.

“We're ordinary people,” he said. “We obviously fail, and we admit our faults. People are attracted to that.”

Gower emphasizes the strength of Jesus and Christianity when he speaks with bikers.

“It's difficult being a Christian,” he said. “Ain't no wimps called to be Christians. When I was an outlaw, I wouldn't go anywhere without my club for backup. Now I have the best backup in Jesus.”

Services at Church in the Wind begin with a few classic rock numbers with spiritual aspects, including Rolling Stones tunes. Then the congregation launches into an extended prayer time, where participants give three or four sermons while asking for prayer or giving praise to God. The congregation joins hands and prays for the requests.

Services usually take a short break after the prayer, and worshippers visit and discuss issues in their lives. Several of the members described the congregation as a “close-knit family.”

The congregation sings several standard praise choruses before Gower gives a message. After the service, worshippers linger for up to a half-hour.

Church support revitalized George Pliler. He first entered the congregation almost a year ago after his wife left him and he lost his job. The church welcomed and loved him from the moment he entered the door, he said.

Since then, he has become a devoted member who proudly wears a large Church in the Wind patch on his leather jacket.

God works “when you get to your lowest point a lot of the time,” Pliler said. “God makes all the difference.”

The caring environment attracted more than bikers. People with no connection to motorcycles frequently visit the church, and several have become members.

“It's very friendly. Everybody loves each other,” said Pat Gower, CC's mother. She did not intend to join the church, she explained, but quickly fell in love with it. “Sometimes the Spirit is very heavy here. You can feel it. I've never felt that in any other church.”

Despite interest from non-bikers as well, outreach to bikers remains the cornerstone of the church. The members remember their destructive former lifestyle and are passionate about helping others find joy in Jesus.

“How could we turn our back on them? They're hurting,” Gower said. “They're holding on to the club instead of Jesus. This place belongs to Jesus. Who am I to tell them they don't belong?”

Posted: 7/25/03

Black caucus dunks 'faith-based' plan

By Hannah Lodwick & Robert Marus

Associated Baptist Press

WASHINGTON (ABP)–As President Bush touted his “faith-based initiatives” to a group of mostly African-American urban leaders, a group of Congressional Democrats and leaders in the Congressional Black Caucus denounced part of his plan as discriminatory.

Bush spoke to a group of about 100 inner-city pastors and leaders of urban faith-based charities who had gathered in Washington to meet with White House officials. He also used the opportunity to link his faith-based plan with needs in Africa, where he recently visited.

“We ought not to fear faith,” Bush said. “We ought not to discriminate against faith-based programs.”

But that same afternoon, in a press conference at the Capitol, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, and other Democratic legislators took issue with a Republican bill reauthorizing the Head Start early-childhood education program.

In particular, they opposed a provision in the bill that would allow pervasively religious preschool programs to receive federal Head Start funding while maintaining their right to discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of religious beliefs.

“We can't afford to let our children down,” Cummings said, pointing to six young children from a local Head Start program who came to the press conference.

The issue of employment discrimination with federal dollars has bubbled up in several legislative settings in recent months.

The Bush administration recently announced its official position is that thoroughly religious organizations receiving government grants for social services should retain the same exemptions to employment-discrimination laws as religious groups that do not accept federal dollars. Republican leaders in the House have attached such provisions to several federal spending bills.

Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said one of the problems faced by opponents of such employment discrimination is that people simply can't believe it is an issue. “The public, they just don't think this is possible in 2003, that this is actually being proposed,” Scott said.

Leaders of the Republican-controlled House repeatedly have disallowed floor votes on amendments offered by Democrats to remove the employment-discrimination provisions from the spending bills.

The bills often are those that re-authorize funding for popular entitlement programs–meaning even if legislators object to the employment-discrimination portion of the bills, they are still reluctant to vote against the whole package. Doing so could become a major political liability in an election year.

The faith-based program–an attempt to expand the government's ability to fund social services through religious providers, including churches and mosques–has been the centerpiece of Bush's domestic policy.

Posted: 7/25/03

Pastor shows school spirit as 'Bleacher Preacher'

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

VAN VLECK–A “bleacher preacher” is leading high school teams to victory and youth to Christ through his unusual outreach.

Aaron Young was called to be pastor of Van Vleck's First Baptist Church about a year ago. He began looking for a way to get to know the community and allow residents to recognize him as the new preacher in town.

Before the local high school football season, an idea came to him when he heard students with “bleacher creature” shirts ran around the field before the game to fire up the crowd. If that worked, why couldn't there be a “bleacher preacher” to excite people for Christ, he pondered.

So he had a “bleacher preacher” shirt made, and an identity was born.

He wore the shirt to every home football game and met many people. Soon, people around town began recognizing the “bleacher preacher” everywhere he went.

“I think everyone in Van Vleck liked it,” said Sue Wilkes, a member at First Baptist.

Soon the football team began asking Young to pray before the games. The players quickly seemed to identify him as “good luck” because each time he prayed, the team won. He became their unofficial prayer leader for the season, and they did not lose until he ran late for a bi-district playoff game.

Because of his new ties to the team, Young was allowed to roam the sidelines freely during the game, where he met more students and school officials.

The church, which served few youth when the pastor came, capitalized on Young's efforts and remodeled some of its facilities to better suit the needs of youth, calling it the “Leopard's Loft” after the high school's mascot.

About 50 students attended “fifth quarter” post-game events at the church for fun and fellowship during football season. Excitement in the church grew as some of the pupils entered into a youth program Young was building.

Students were not coming alone but helped the church grow by bringing their parents to church activities as well.

Momentum from the Leopard's Loft activities led the church recently to hire a couple to lead a youth program that will impact the community for years to come. About 20 youth come to the church's activities.

“You can't grow a church without youth,” said Young, a former youth minister. “I've seen that same age group missed out in every church. If you don't get them as teenagers, you probably aren't going to get them as adults.”

Young's ministry stretches outside the church and the field. He also is a community representative on the Van Vleck school board and a junior high school substitute teacher.

Tabitha Wilkes, a former cheerleader at the high school and member of Young's church, described the bleacher preacher as a “sweet, kind” person whose warm heart projects a Christian witness.

Although he has taken on other responsibilities, Young has not left behind his bleacher preacher alter ego. This spring, he has prayed before a Little League game and prior to a crucial high school baseball game.

“It's like my Superman outfit,” he joked. “You only put it on when there's an emergency.”

The shirt and title are a way of meeting people, sharing the gospel and publicizing the church, Young believes. He looks forward to the day people recognize why the church is there.

“Hopefully we won't have to use gimmicks. They will know who we are, what we stand for.”

But for the short term, look for the bleacher preacher to return next year.

Posted: 7/25/03

Baptist Briefs

BWAid appeals for Liberia aid. Baptist World Aid has renewed its appeal for urgent humanitarian aid to be sent to Liberia. The deteriorating political situation unfolding in Liberia over the last three months has made life even more precarious for many Liberians. Liberian Baptists in exile want to work to ensure that much-needed food is provided to help alleviate the acute food shortage in the country. Liberian Baptists have asked that funds be collected to purchase rice at $25 per 100-pound bag. A goal has been set to raise $30,000 and provide 120,000 pounds of rice. Designated contributions for "Liberia Relief" may be sent through the Baptist General Convention of Texas or sent directly to Baptist World Aid at 6733 Curran Street, McLean, Va., 22101.

NAC this week. Girls from six continents will join thousands of teenage girls from across the nation for the National Acteens Convention in Nashville, Tenn., July 29-Aug 1. The theme is "SyncroNations." The meeting will feature general sessions, an interactive global village and community service projects at 70 schools.

ABC creates place for gays. The American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. has voted to create a regional association designed for gay-friendly churches. The denomination's General Board established Evergreen Baptist Association, which was formed by churches that felt ostracized by the more conservative–and much larger–American Baptist Churches of the Northwest. Many of the congregations opposed the larger group's stance on sexuality issues.

Don't "myth" this offer. Three Baptist history groups have cooperatively produced a series of informational pamphlets challenging what the editors call "popular misconceptions and erroneous stereotypes" about Baptists. Doug Weaver of Baylor University is editor of the series. Associate editors are Charles Deweese and Walter Shurden. The series addresses Baptist views on Catholicism, ecumenism, intellectualism, inerrancy, peacemaking, race, creationism, doctrinal uniformity, social justice, women and state-sponsored prayer. For information, call (800) 966-2278 or visit www.baptisthistory.org.

Posted: 7/25/03

Lesson for Aug. 10

Micah 1:1-7; 2:1-9

Where coveting leads

By Stephen Hatfield

She is 81 years old. She lives alone, having lost her husband some years ago. She has adjusted well to life in the golden years. She has many friends and a wonderful church, and her family, though several hundred miles away, keeps in close touch.

The day she fell in the den, she did not tell anyone. But her secret was not hidden for long. Her network of friends insisted she go to the doctor and call her children. And she did. It seems her house is part of the problem. The two-story rambling home is roomy and family-friendly, but not very safe with its many step-ups and step-downs. Her son-in-law even remarked to her if he was to build a house to “do her in” he would build the house she lives in! So the rails were installed and message is now clear–you must hold on to the rails and be careful, or else.

The Old Testament prophet, Micah, lived during a time when all was not right with God's people. If one were to imagine a people ripe for destruction, then the nations of Israel and Judah fit the bill perfectly. Their “house” was unsafe. How they lived invited disaster. God's message through Micah is clear–you must return to me, live responsibly or else.

Micah delivered a message to God's people, who had years before divided into two nations. He spoke to both nations during his life and ministry. Though names/titles can be difficult to remember, keep in mind the South Kingdom, commonly called Judah, had Jerusalem for its capital city. Samaria was the leading city of the North Kingdom, also known as Israel.

Micah's home was Moresheth-gath, located in the foothills between the Mediterranean Sea southwest of Jerusalem. He lived during the reigns of three South Kingdom rulers: Jotham (742-735 B.C.); Ahaz (735-716 B.C.); and Hezekiah (715-687 B.C.). His prophecies probably came a few years before the destruction of the North Kingdom (722 B.C.) and extended until the time of the Assyrian King Sennacherib's invasion of the South Kingdom in 701 B.C.

One should not take his brief introduction lightly (1:1). The prophet's words are for all God's people, not just the residents of the cities of Samaria and Jerusalem.

Micah reveals God's message in three major themes: First, he indicts Israel and Judah for various sins (chapters 1-3). Second, he describes a future time of hope and restoration (chapters 4-5). And third, Micah predicts the coming judgment as a consequence of those sins (chapters 6-7). His message is clear and simple–your unfaithfulness to God will not go unpunished.

Order in the court

Just as evidence is presented in a court case, the nations stand accused before God. From the high bench of heaven, God himself bears witness against his own people (1:2). Micah serves as the chief prosecutor, speaking on behalf of the Lord.

The opening argument

In his opening argument, Micah powerfully describes God's right to judge both nations. Who can ignore the one whose presence causes all of creation to take notice (1:3-4)? Some scholars think Micah portrays the mountains melting and the valleys splitting as a reference to the coming destruction of many pagan shrines, which dotted the Judean and Samarian landscape.

The accused

Why this judgment? The heavenly court convenes becauseof the sins and rebellion of God's people (1:5). The name “Jacob” is another reference to the North Kingdom of Israel. The cities of Samaria and Jerusalem should have stood as examples of faithfulness. Yet, in both instances, these cities stand accused for leading the people astray.

The complete destruction of Samaria is foretold (1:6). The great city, built on a hill (1 Kings 16:24), will be crushed and thrown into its surrounding valley.

The key evidence

Micah, the prosecuting attorney, introduces Exhibit I, the key piece of evidence against God's people–idolatry. The breaking of the first and second commandments–no other Gods and no idols (Exodus 20:3-4)–is the common thread of destruction running from Genesis to Revelation. The acceptance of pagan practices was “business as usual” for both nations. To ignore God's primary command was incredulous to Micah.

The people felt they were not guilty of idolatry, always claiming to be faithful to God. Leaders would explain the presence of pagan shrines, which dotted the land, as simply accommodating and adapting to the surrounding culture. After all, the Lord was still in his temple.

This callous ignorance was the result of not knowing God's word. When the Lord said "no other gods," he did not intend to be No. 1. If there is a No. 1, then logically there will be a No. 2 and so on. The people were not to put God first in their lives–he was to be their only priority.

In today's world, one is often challenged to get right with God and put him first. Perhaps one of the reasons idolatry is alive and well on planet Earth today is due to this same misunderstanding of the first and second commandments.

Micah's misery

The prosecutor does not find joy in his accusations. The remaining verses of this chapter depict the prophet as he mourns the coming consequences of choices made. He appears as a wandering mourner, wailing the lament of the nations. As he travels through the land, he makes several plays on words when mentioning some of the surrounding towns.

For example, when speaking to the residents of Beth-le-aphrah, a village in the foothills between the Judean mountains and the Mediterranean coast, Micah says “roll yourself in the dust” (1:10). The root meaning Beth-le-aphrah literally means “house of dust.”

Rich man, poor man

This sorry state of affairs was not the result of a poor economy. Both Israel and Judah had experienced days of prosperity during Micah's lifetime. With the attention of Assyria turned toward other conquests, both nations had the opportunity to pursue growth in economic, political, social as well as spiritual areas.

But such times are a two-edged sword. Over time, the rich became richer and the poor became poorer. The much-needed stabilizing factor that a middle class provided disappeared.

Working farmers had their lands seized by unscrupulous businessmen. Judges were bribed in the courts. An exile of sorts was already taking its toll on society as families were forced from their homes. This wreaked havoc in many of the towns surrounding the great leading cities of Samaria and Jerusalem. Disease and poverty spread like wildfire (2:1-5).

Micah presents another accusation against Israel and Judah–the breaking of the 10th commandment–no coveting (Exodus 20:17). If idolatry is the father of all sin, then coveting is the eldest child. The hunger for more and more can become so consuming that one's moral compass fails. At first, the coveted object is the idol. Then later, the desire itself to own and possess becomes the idol/god. Society in Israel/Judah had advanced to this later stage, and Micah's voice was not to be silenced.

In addition to breaking the commandments, Micah does not fail to point out God's law concerning the rightful ownership of land. Except for the Jubilee Year (Leviticus 25:10-17), land was to be the permanent inheritance passed down through the family.

Throughout his speech, Micah is interrupted by objections. Those accused demand his silence, attempting to stop the proceedings. In response, Micah adds more fuel to the fire. Adding insult to injury, these oppressors, desiring to have more things for themselves, took unsuspecting people to court and through a corrupt system of justice swindled even veterans who returned from war (2:8). The wealthy took advantage of even the most vulnerable in society–women and children (2:8-9).

The idea of “what goes around comes around” is seen in the ironic punishment that awaits these greedy landowners. One day the tables will turn and those who have stolen will be powerless to protect their holdings. They will be cut off from the promises/blessings of God's people (2:4-5).

Micah's knowledge of the law is evident. The nations have not offended the prophet's sense of right and wrong. He is not defending his own opinions in these matters. He clearly outlines what God requires and allows the evidence itself to demand a guilty verdict. Micah's message stands against even false prophets who used their authority to oppress the disadvantaged.

Micah, as prophet/prosecutor, presents a chilling picture of a society crumbling from within. The Assyrian empire did its part to complete the destruction from without–Samaria would fall in 722 B.C.

Putting the house in order

Hope remains. Although the nations will be taken into captivity, a “remnant” will remain safe and will eventually return (2:12-13). God appears as the Shepherd who gathers his people and as the King who leads them home.

Like concerned children who want their mother's house to be safe, so Micah longs for God's people to put their own house in order. A house ill equipped for safety can only bring disaster for those who live within. Likewise, a life based on wanting and getting more and more things, especially at the expense of others, will bring heartache and turmoil to all around.

Micah describes a society sick from within. He has spoken in generalities so far, but he is about to name names, single out specific groups, for evil always has a face. The opening argument continues in chapter 3.

How much better to obey willingly than by compulsion!

Questions for discussion

In what ways do people covet today?

In light of Exodus 20:3-4, give several examples of idolatry as it is evidenced in today's world.

Should Christians today be concerned with issues of social justice and welfare? Why or why not?

How does God punish the sins of a nation today?

In light of Leviticus 25:10ff., what is the purpose and significance of the year of Jubilee?

How can we apply the meaning of the year of Jubilee in our world today?

Stephen Hatfield is pastor of First Baptist Church in Lewisville.

Posted: 7/25/03

Lesson for Aug. 17

Micah 3

When leaders sell out

By Stephen Hatfield

Parents, teachers, coaches, managers and ministers all seek to motivate people to action. Bookstore shelves are filled with titles that define and describe techniques to get the most out of people. A leader desires to do the right things and say the right things in order to reach a goal.

If the ultimate goal is “right living” before God, then how does one reach it? Some say working the right angles and pushing the right buttons are important in motivating people to do what is right. At times, encouraging words are proper. Many will say, “Don't preach at me.” Indeed, there is much to be said for positive reinforcement. People need to be built up, not torn down.

Yet, at other times, the positive can be learned from the negative perspective. The darkness of one's life must be seen for what it is–darkness. The wound must be treated, and this process can be painful.

Micah 3 stands as a classic example of negative teaching which demands a positive response. The scene is a courtroom. Micah, the chief prosecutor, levels serious accusations against the North (Israel) and South (Judah) Kingdoms. God himself is the judge. Micah's case against the nations is “open and shut.” The condemning evidence is a lack of leadership, both political and religious. The prophet continues his opening argument, identifying the ones who are responsible for this desperate situation.

Evidence against

political leaders

The governmental leaders of the nation have failed. The context suggests that “heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel” refers to the South Kingdom of Judah. Though confusing, the name designations of both kingdoms are used interchangeably.

Micah's question in 3:1 needs no answer–the political leaders know better. They hold places of leadership because they know what is required. Not one of them can plead ignorance.

The figures of speech in 3:2-3 are powerful and tragic. History documents the savage treatment of people by evil regimes that rob, maim, rape, murder and oppress. But such things happening in Israel/Judah were unthinkable and unbelievable. These duly elected and trusted leaders took innocent lives and destroyed them. Micah's words are chilling: “You break their bones and chop them up as for the pot and as meat in a kettle” (3:3).

Governmental leaders fully expected to receive God's blessing in spite of these atrocities. Their skewed perspective could no longer accept the truth that disobedience leads to separation from God.

Evidence against

religious leaders

The corruption within the nation did not exist just within political life. The lack of spiritual leadership completed the tragic state of affairs among the people. The prophets used their authority to feed their own mouths and fill their own pockets. To those who submitted to their evil demands, these “false prophets” would show favor. To those who did not, “they declare holy war (3:5).”

These false prophets may have fooled the people, but now they stand before the judgment seat of God. One day their charade will be exposed for what it is. Those who have misused their God-given authority will find themselves in darkness. They will be ashamed. They will be embarrassed, for God will not answer them.

Micah's authority

In contrast to the lack of spiritual leadership among Israel/ Judah, Micah stands as one “filled with power–with the Spirit of the Lord” (3:8). He speaks not for himself, not with his own authority. Micah is conscious of the hand of God upon his life and message. Unlike the deceitful, double-talk of others, Micah's words are hard to hear–for the truth is difficult to accept. But his refusal to back down is the very evidence of God's presence in his life.

Micah's words are God's words. He is not “the pot calling the kettle black.” His mission is to reveal the complete lack of integrity and leadership within both nations.

Truth and consequences

The coming judgment is no illusion. Samaria fell in 722 B.C. at the hands of the Assyrian Empire. Jerusalem did not fall until 586 B.C. when the Babylonian ruler, Nebuchadnezzar, desecrated the temple upon his arrival in the city.

The prophet Jeremiah, speaking to the rulers of Judah almost a century after Micah's lifetime, quoted 3:12 in his warning to the leaders: “Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah; and he spoke to all the people of Judah, saying, 'Thus the Lord of hosts has said, “Zion will be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem will become ruins, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest”'”(Jeremiah 26:18).

Micah's life and words influenced the following generations. Though his message may have been forgotten by most, Jeremiah knew the wisdom of his counsel. He paid close attention to the past and reminded the king in his own day, Hezekiah, of the necessity of obedience. As a result, during Hezekiah's reign, the nation of Judah experienced a revival of sorts.

Two interesting observations emerge from Micah 3. First, the leadership vacuum within Israel/Judah had its roots in coveting, the greedy desire for more and more material things. When people in power misuse their authority, usually it is for the purpose of personal gain. The situation in Israel/Judah was compounded because governmental leaders and religious leaders conspired together to oppress the people. One of the benefits to society where church and state are separate is an atmosphere where God's spokesmen are free from obligation to the state.

Second, these greedy, unscrupulous leaders oppressed people and bribed the judicial system. Spiritual guidance was sold as a commodity (3:11). Before prayers were offered, cash was demanded. All the while, they presumed upon the Lord by expecting his divine protection: “Is not the Lord in our midst? Calamity will not come upon us” (3:11).

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness at the beginning of his ministry (Matthew 4:1-11), Satan tried to talk Jesus into jumping from the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem. The evil one quoted Scripture as he taunted Jesus. The Lord refused, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” To put oneself in danger and then to expect God to come to the rescue is foolish at best. The leaders within Israel/Judah arrogantly called upon God to protect their own interests.

Lessons for today

Leaders lead in one direction or the other. Those who have authority will influence others. The question is where leaders take those who follow them. Desperate days demand strong, capable leaders who will govern and influence with integrity and honesty. A sick society, usually, is a symptom of ineffective leadership.

Understand and protect the separation of church and state. One of the reasons people of Israel/Judah found themselves in such trouble was a lack of accountability among their leaders. Political and religious lines should never become so blurredthat collusion between the two allows innocent people to suffer.

Beware of the temptation to presume upon God. Many Christians think nothing of placing themselves in an awkward, if not dangerous, position and then piously praying for God's protection. Consider the one who brags about driving excessively over the speed limit, then praying for God's help when the tire blows out and control of the car is lost. Jesus made it very clear that there is enough danger in everyday life. To deliberately put oneself in more danger is sin.

Remember consequences follow choices. One of the hardest lessons for believers is the truth of Micah's words regarding choices made. The leaders within Israel/Judah chose to deceive and oppress. Though they were free to choose their actions, they were not free from the consequences of their choices.

People today face the same situation. Too many times, blame is laid everywhere but where it truly belongs. One of the watershed verses in the Bible is Joshua 24:15: “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.” Make no mistake–we are free to choose, but what we choose we will serve. People suffer from addictions and illnesses caused by choices made in the past. Joshua's words remind us we are born to serve something or someone. The question is who/what will we serve?

Know the power of the negative. Not all of God's word is spoken from the “thou shalt not” perspective. Too many times, people have ridiculed the Christian life by saying it is a life with a checklist of “dos and don'ts.” Nothing could be further from the truth. When God says, “Thou shalt not,” he is not trying to oppress his children. He is protecting us from actions and things that can harm us.

For example, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” is not God hurting us but his way of protecting husbands, wives and families. The negative leads to the positive.

The court in recess

Micah completes his opening argument before the heavenly court. His speech is filled with accusations. He tells the truth; he minces no words. His harsh words are meant to heal a situation, which, if ignored, will destroy the nations of Israel and Judah. Will the leaders/people take his words to heart and change their ways? History tells us no, but God has a plan to bring his people back.

Questions for discussion

Do you respond best to negative or positive messages when someone is trying to motivate you to action?

What standards of conduct should political leaders be expected to maintain?

What standards of conduct should religious leaders be expected to maintain? If different from political leaders, explain your reasoning.

How do people presume upon God today?

Posted: 7/25/03

Lesson for Aug. 24

Micah 4:1-8; 5:2-5

Peace can come from the pieces

By Stephen Hatfield

In the midst of turmoil and destruction, peace is always a possibility. Micah chapters 4-5 describe the potential for peace and restoration of the nations of Israel and Judah.

These chapters stand between two courtroom scenes where God judges his people. Chapters 1-3 describe a courtroom scene, where the prophet presents his case against the nations of Israel and Judah before the judge of the entire universe–God himself. Chapters 4-5 describe the restoration of a remnant after the destruction of the nations. Finally, chapters 6-7 return to the courtroom scene where Micah presents the “closing arguments.”

Interpreters of the Bible have differing opinions concerning the origin and location of these two middle chapters. Were they an original part of the book or added later? No evidence suggests the book of Micah has undergone any rearrangement of its contents or additions of any kind. To study the book as it stands is the best approach.

Pieces of the puzzle

Like pieces of a puzzle, one must examine the words of these chapters and seek to fit them into history and faith. Consider two pieces of Micah's puzzle.

First, Micah 4:1-3 is found almost word for word in Isaiah 2:2-4. Isaiah and Micah were contemporaries, and no doubt their messages were similar in content. While Isaiah related solely to the nation of Judah (South Kingdom), Micah related to both Israel and Judah. The issue of who wrote first does not weaken the message of hope found in their words.

Second, scholars have long debated the dating of 4:10: “Writhe and labor to give birth, Daughter of Zion, Like a woman in childbirth; For now you will go out of the city, Dwell in the field, And go to Babylon. There you will be rescued; there the Lord will redeem you from the hand of your enemies.”

Did Micah prophesy concerning the nation of Judah and identify its conqueror as Babylon or was this verse added years after the prophet's lifetime? Micah well could have foreseen the collapse of the city of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jews to Babylon, which occurred in 586 B.C., as well as the beginning of the remnant's return in 538 B.C. Prophecy is both forth-telling and fore-telling. In speaking the truth, the prophet Micah was also telling the future.

Peace within the puzzle

Though sincere, Bible-believing people may differ over the “pieces” and how these chapters should be interpreted, all Christians can find hope in these powerful passages. The two focal texts for this present lesson are especially meaningful for those who find themselves far from God and wonder if he really does forgive and restore. Consider the “peace” one can find within the “pieces” of Micah's puzzle.

Our God reigns

When God calls all things to their proper end, his kingdom will reign over the entire universe (4:1). Jews living in exile, who read these words, knew all was not lost. People who are lacking faith today also should remember God is in control, and someday all people will see his mighty power. The phrase “in the last days” (4:1) describes the time of God's perfect kingdom. Though one cannot pinpoint its date, God has promised the arrival of this time. See also Isaiah 2:2; Jeremiah 16:15; Zechariah 14:9-11; Malachi 3:17; and Revelation 19-22.

No more war

The “hammering of swords into plowshares” (4:3) will someday be a reality. Who would not look forward to the time when never “again will they train for war” (4:3)? Israel/Judah lived under the threat of invasion. In current times, wars fought on the other side of the globe are viewed “live.” God's plan for the future erases the threat of all war.

Faithful living

The most ardent readers of Micah's prophecy were probably Jews who lived in exile, far from home. They knew well the price of disobedience, for they were living out God's judgment far from their homeland. They also knew well the faithfulness of God and the strength found in “walking in the name of God” (4:5).

A Savior for the world

Micah 4:1-4 has its ultimate fulfillment in the coming of Christ. He is the one who will bring all the promises of these verses to pass.

A Savior will be born

Micah appears to describe the total destruction of the family line of David. The historical narrative of 2 Kings 24-26 details the demise of kings Jehoiachin and Zedekiah. When Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, he slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah. One might assume from this devastating episode that the Davidic line had come to its end and God's promise that one would be born in his line who would reign forever was never to be fulfilled.

Matthew knew Micah 5:2-5 well. In his account of the birth of Jesus the Christ, the tax collector turned disciple quoted the first lines of 5:2, identifying this verse as a 700-year-old prophecy concerning the Lord's miraculous birth.

Micah's words offer another glimpse of this future king: “His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity (5:2).” This would be no ordinary king.

The Apostle John, in his Gospel, beautifully describes one of the significant doctrines of the Bible–the pre-existence of Christ: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (1:1-2).

Pagan philosophers had written of the impossibility of identifying anything significant surrounding the beginning of time. A barrier could not be penetrated; a door could not be opened at the beginning of creation. Looking through the eyes of faith, John could go back to the genesis of time and space and open the door of creation to find Jesus, who existed from the beginning. One would trace this eternal king's origins not to David, but to God. Though pre-existent and eternal, Jesus entered human history as the infant son of Joseph and Mary.

God can work

in every situation

Israel/Judah will suffer for the time being. Their sins will not go unpunished. They will face exile and tremendous hardship at the hands of Babylon. Yet God will allow these things to happen to prepare them for a brighter future (5:3).

A Savior who shepherds

Here Jesus is pictured as the shepherd, who protects and guides his people. The good shepherd cares, leads, protects and saves his sheep. The Old Testament often depicts God as one who shepherds his people, as in Psalm 23.

A Savior who brings peace

Micah 5:2 begins: “This One will be our peace.” Micah described this important task of the coming Messiah, centuries before his birth. In one of Christ's final discussions with his followers, he said: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).

Because of Jesus' first coming, people can know his peace and salvation. Because of his future return, people can know his kingdom of peace will last forever. The first readers of Micah's prophecies were Jews who lived in the Exile. Reading with eyes of faith, they had the opportunity to know their punishment and exile would prepare them for brighter days ahead.

God works

in unexpected ways

Perhaps the most remarkable lesson from these chapters is that God works in ways people do not expect. Micah leads one to reasonably expect God to reveal himself in the line of David. The details of this revelation confound and confuse. Who would think the coming, eternal king who brings peace would be born in a seemingly insignificant village? Yet Bethlehem, identified by its county seat of Ephrathah, was the place of his birth. Who would choose a hard-working young carpenter and his equally young wife to provide a home for the King of kings? Yet Joseph and Mary are God's choice to be the parents of Jesus. People should not be surprised when God time and again chooses to appear and to work in unexpected ways.

J. Vernon McGee, in his “Thru the Bible” commentary, has an interesting take on this Old Testament book. He maintains that if Micah 1-3 focuses on announcing future judgment for past sins, then chapters 4-5 describe future glory based on past promises. Micah reminds the people God has a plan, and his plan is best, and his plan will ultimately come to pass.

Believers in today's world should pay careful attention to Micah's words. Though the historical situation is far removed from our present day, the lessons remain the same. God, though patient and loving, demands and deserves the obedience of his people. We are free to choose, but we are not free to choose the consequences of our choices.

People who go through times of exile in personal living can take heart that such times can bring us closer to God. And those who live on our side of the cross know the victory has been accomplished in the birth, life, ministry, death, burial, resurrection and future coming of the one of whom Micah spoke.

What about all those confusing pieces of Micah's puzzle? Christ is the key piece that allows one to put all the pieces together.

Questions for discussion

Which nation was commonly known as Judah?

Which nation was commonly known as Israel?

Which nation fell to the Babylonian empire and in what year did it fall?

When will all wars cease?

How has God worked in ways you least expected? Explain the circumstance.

Have you ever experienced a period of exile in your own life? What did you learn from this experience?