Posted: 7/25/03

Lesson for Aug. 3

Hosea 14

Return to the Lord in repentance

By Sam Dennis

One of my favorite movies growing up was “The Wizard of Oz, ” but, alas, this TV fare always aired on Sunday night– which was an impossible time for me. Why? Well, our family always left for church just as the scarecrow was being torn apart by the witch's flying monkeys (or whatever they were).

But one night (maybe it was a night when Bruce McIver was out of town, or a night my Training Union lesson leader was gone, or a night Dad just let things be) we got to stay home and watch the whole thing. When I saw the movie's ending for the very first time, I was mesmerized as Dorothy clicked her “ruby red slippers” and chanted, “There's no place like home.” I nestled into my own bed later and agreed. For there really was no place like home, I thought (no pun intended for those positing faithful Sunday night church attendance yet today).

Since those days, I have come to realize that home is more than a place–it is a state of the heart. As we come to chapters 12-14 of Hosea, Israel was set for finding this out too. As a people, Israel had known a home made up by their own land but had lost in this knowing their real home in the heart of God. Ephraim (Israel) had become unfamiliar with Yahweh's ways. Chapter 11 ends with God declaring of them, “Israel (Ephraim) has surrounded me with lies” and “deceit” (11:12).

First steps back

Even though Israel was now a stranger, God was setting the stage for their return home. To see this, we should be aware of the greater context from Hosea 11:11-13:16. As was pointed out in lesson 2 (see July 13, under, “A Turn for the Worse,” paragraph 1), it is not wrong to see in Hosea a “back and forth” rhythm which is part of the book's entire length, moving from judgment to salvation and back again–and something true in these verses as well. To come home, Israel must first realize they are not home.

As it is helpful to see the rhythm of the book's “back and forth” methodology, it is equally helpful to see its chronology too. Though definitive dates are more difficult to nail down in Hosea's later chapters, there are things yet apparent so that we may sense in it the progression of time in Israel's fall and fate.

For instance, Doug Stuart points out that chapter 1 is the earliest datable part of the book as it “predicts Israel's very demise by means of the names Hosea gives his children, 'as God has commanded him', during the 750s.” He continues, “By chapter 5, the Syro-Ephramite war of 733-32 B.C, is under way (5:8-10).” And, further, “by chapter 11, the retrospective portion of the book has begun.” His point being that when chapters 13 and 14 come around, it is near the end of Hosea's long and faithful ministry, or at the months just prior to Samaria's fall at the hands of the Assyrians in 722 B.C.

So chapters 12-13:1 relate once more the sins of Israel, which have grown over the course of Hosea's ministry. Now Israel has sinned greatly, and these verses spell this out in images of futility. They (Ephraim) “feed on the wind,” pursuing “the east wind all day,” which is a reference to herding, but a kind of herding that is useless in its pursuit of “winds” not catchable.

Also, they are guilty of unholy alliances–making a “treaty with Assyria” and sending “olive oil to Egypt” (v. 1). For this they are warned they will no longer be Israel but Jacob (12:2-6). Jacob became Israel when he humbled himself and prayed (v. 4), but now, Jacob (the deceiver) has returned, losing his namesake and, in this sense, becoming disowned. Return must involve penitence–“you must return,” perseverance–“maintain love and justice” and patience–“wait for your God always” (v. 6).

Next, worse than being Jacob, they are Canaanites (the Hebrew word “Canaan,” meaning “trader,” is translated in the NIV text as “merchant”). As traders, they have become rich by oppressing the poor (12:7-8). But these riches will not be enough to buy deliverance from God's wrath (12:8). Israel will again live in poverty, and their history will be reversed (12:9). Next, they have refused to honor their father's name (12:10-14). By spurning the prophets, they rejected God (12:10) and finally, the prophetic word (12:14).

God's warnings of punishment (Hosea 13:2-16)

God now describes what their punishment will be for their actions. These verses may be confusing because the prophecies combine elements of past, present and future.

For instance, the oracle contrasts Israel's past and present sinful attitude (13:2, 6 and 15); God's past and present faithfulness (vv. 4-6); leading to the implication that the rebel nation deserved to die in the near future (vv. 3, 7-14). But suffice it to say, verses 2-16 in their entirety are a punishment/indictment tracing Israel's history from its glorious past to its future as nothing.

The pathos felt in the opening of this oracle is astounding, “when Ephraim spoke men trembled; he was exalted in Israel” (v. 1). But now, now he is guilty of Baal worship, “and died” (v. 1). So the punishment of Israel is measured, whether in the past, present or future, as so: (1) They will lose their place of eminence (vv. 1-3); (2) they will lose their Savior, and will meet him again as avenger (vv. 4-8); (3) they will lose their king (vv.9-11); and (4) they will lose their hope (vv. 12-16).

And, though there typically is only a sampling of sins in prophetic oracles (more often one or two), likewise there is more often only a sampling of punishments listed as well. Hosea 13:2-16 breaks this mold. I have listed at least four in general above, but one can argue for more, even six, as Stuart does.

God's call to return

(Hosea 14)

The death of Israel is contrasted against the last chapter of the book, chapter 14, which describes the alternative to judgment–repentance, reconciliation and renewal. I can't help but wonder at the prophet, perhaps fully engaged as doom was approaching, yet still with a message of hope. In this, Hosea is a model for our present times and circumstances.

So, as an alternative to judgment, Hosea calls the people to repentance (14:1-3). It is the only way. As they stumble, they must look up rather than down (14:1), and put their intentions into their words (14:2-3). How? With a request to God: “Forgive all our sins” and “receive us” “that we may offer” to you (v. 2). So, repentance includes the request of the sinner, but also a pledge, which is “the fruit of our lips” (v.2), and Hosea reminds that repentance includes a confession (14:3). It is a confession as to who they are; they are “fatherless” (14:3). And as to what they will not do, such as “say… our gods to what our hands have made” (14:3).

Beyond repentance, there is reconciliation and renewal (14:4-8). In reconciling Israel to himself, God will make their relationship secure (14:4) and pour out his blessings upon them (14:5-7). The prose is sublime: “I will be like the dew to Israel” and “he will blossom like a lily” (v. 5), and we see invigoration.

The uses of fruit images are of excellent application. As to “lily,” it is used elsewhere only in the Song of Solomon, where it is found a total of seven times, showing a special connection between this passage and the Song of Solomon. And what are the fruits of true repentance? Life becomes beautiful (the lily); life becomes sturdy–“he will send down his roots; his young roots will grow” (v. 5), life becomes fruitful and useful–“his splendor will be like an olive tree” (v. 6), and life becomes fragrant–“his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon” (v. 6).

Finally, renewal is represented by verse 8. God is Ephraim's only source. It is he who is “like a green pine tree”; and they are to remember that their “fruitfulness comes from him” (v. 8). The way of return to God is now complete. From repentance to reconciliation and now renewal, Israel is to know her strength is from the Lord. Verse 9 is generally regarded as a conclusion later added to Hosea. It is an exhortation to all who would be “wise” to listen and to give heed.

As Hosea uttered these final words, perhaps the chariots were at Samaria's walls. Regardless, in 722 B.C., his predictions were fulfilled. The Assyrians destroyed Samaria, and its inhabitants were taken into captivity from where their descendants never returned.

Going home

On Sept. 11, 2001, I was on New York's Manhattan Island. Others from Parkway Hills Baptist Church and I had gone there to work with a Southern Baptist missionary, Taylor Field, at the Graffiti Mission on the Lower East Side.

On the morning of the attack, the sky was clear. Earlier, I had been out jogging and, with the city, was readying for a busy, independent and confident New York City-kind of day. But when the sky turned gray, I was caught in the midst of a humanity I did not know but with whom I now had everything in common. For a few frightful days, all of America wondered about their safety and future, but, for us on the isle, we lived it. My “physical home” in faraway Plano could not be reached by plane–I'd have to drive, if I could get a car. And so, in that faraway place, apart from family and church, I looked up at the sky and felt terribly alone. I wanted to be home.

In my prayers that night, I prayed God would protect my family and help them not to worry, and, that he would soothe my own soul. He did, but not in the way I thought he would. The neighborhood, the area I could not leave for fear of not getting back in, became strangely my home as I discovered anew what home really is. For home is the place where God is. Not a place of brick, mortar, nor even family and familiar friends, but where God dwells with us and we with him, and where he is honored and our souls needs are met. For that is a place worth coming home to.

Questions for discussion

In light of our world, how are we to come home today?

Can we expect God requires from us the same steps of repentance he did from Israel?

In this love song from God, try to imagine yourself as his child. How does he know you? How can you know him? What steps can you take to return?

Sam Dennis is pastor of Parkway Hills Baptist Church in Plano.

Posted: 7/25/03

Lesson for Aug. 31

Micah 6:1-8

God's case against his people

By Stephen Hatfield

These concluding chapters of Micah (6-7) focus once again on the courtroom. In chapters 1-3, Micah, the lead prosecutor, outlined his accusations against the nations of Israel and Judah, with special emphasis given to the lack of leadership among political officials and religious leaders.

The focal passage for this present lesson (6:1-8) resembles a written deposition or lawsuit.

God has a “case” against his people (6:1). The mountains are commanded to listen to the “indictment of the Lord” against the nations (6:2). Furthermore, God will outline his “dispute” with Israel (6:2). Throughout this scene, God speaks for himself (first person) at times, while at other times, Micah speaks as God's prophet (third person).

A rhetorical question

God asks a question the people would never be able to answer: “My people, what have I done to you?” The fact is clear–he has done nothing wrong. What God had done was to show patience and loving guidance to the nations. A survey of the evidence would clearly show God had consistently given the people chance after chance to make good choices. He is innocent of any harsh treatment or abuse of the people.

Evidences of love

When the people respond with silence to God's question, he answers them with the truth. He not only has done no wrong, but he reminds them of how he loved and guided them in the past.

God led the people out of bondage from Egypt. This journey to freedom and the possession of the promised land was God's plan and God's blessing to his people. The capable leadership of Moses, Aaron and Miriam came from God, not the popular vote of the people. The people of Micah's day had forgotten these items of evidence.

God reminded the people of what he accomplished through the lives of Balak and Balaam. This story (Numbers 22-24) was additional evidence of God's provision for his people. Balak, King of Moab, tried to persuade Balaam the sorcerer, to pronounce a curse upon God's people. Balaam, instead, pronounced a blessing upon the people and predicted their triumph over all their enemies. Who worked within this situation on behalf of the people? God was at work, yet they rejected his love and guidance.

Shittim served as the last campsite east of the Jordan before the people took the city of Jericho and entered the promised land (Joshua 2:1). There the people received last minute instructions from God on how to live. Gilgal was their first campsite after crossing the Jordan River. At this place they renewed their covenant relationship with God (Joshua 5:3-9). In God's way of reasoning, both of these places proved his willingness to protect and to warn the people of potential hazards along the way. But the people of Micah's day had long forgotten Shittim and Gilgal.

What the Lord requires

Micah speaks on behalf of the heavenly court in these verses. The bottom line is this: What does the Lord require? What must one do to please him?

Micah does not condemn sacrifices offered to God. The sacrificial system was God's idea. But sacrifices offered with lip service with no obedience are worthless. The people have misunderstood the purpose of sacrifice. They propose to buy God's favor by offering excessive and lavish offerings.

Their calloused minds lead them to suggest and to offer even the unthinkable–human sacrifice. Though denounced as an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:10), they have long since outgrown their need for God's word in their search for new and better ways.

The heart of the matter

Here stands the watershed verse of the book of Micah. God has made his wishes very clear as to what he desires from his people. The people had asked the wrong questions. Micah ignored their concerns about the best sacrifice and answered the crucial question at hand: What does God want? Three things are desired: (1) To be just, (2) to love kindness and (3) to walk humbly with God.

Be fair

Does one deal fairly in relationships with other people? A person transformed by God will seek to carry out justice in all walks of life. For Micah's day, this meant leaders must cease their swindling ways. They would stop abusing the innocent, and they would uphold the rights of individuals.

In today's world, the church should set the example by caring for those who need help. The church should not leave this task to the government. God's people are to bring the “cup of cold water” in the name of Jesus. When any nation, past or present, allows a system of justice to exploit the poor at the hands of the rich, that nation is treading on dangerous ground.

Be loving

Showing love is one thing. Showing love to those who wrong you is another. The command to love one another crosses all lines of relationships. Love between husband and wife, parent and child, and believer and God all are included here.

The Hebrew word used here is almost untranslatable. This word can mean “love,” “steadfast love” or “to love kindness.” Related to the covenant relationship, these terms describe loyalty even when loyalty is not legally required. If justice does what is right, then steadfast love goes a step further and does what is not explicitly demanded. This love is related to the New Testament concept of “agape” love, the person who loves even when not loved in return. Also see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Be humble

As we walk the path of life, we are to surrender our will to God. The root meaning of this term denotes “strength under control.” A related word, “meek,” has caused many to misunderstand this teaching. The Bible says Moses was a meek man. Meekness does not equate with weakness, though the rhyming of these terms has led many to consider them synonyms.

Jesus pronounced a blessing on the humble/meek in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5). When Jesus said these would inherit the earth, their reward was not promised because of weakness. The wild stallion broken by its trainer is not weaker as a result. The horse is just as strong as before, but now the rider has control of the reins. The power is harnessed. In the same way, we are to walk with God in such a way that he has control of every aspect of our lives. God does not seek after what we have, but he seeks after us–our very lives.

The command to “humble yourself” is found time after time in Scripture. In most cases, we are never to ask God to humble us, but we are to take the initial steps in bringing our lives under God's control. Likewise, we are never commanded to “humble someone else.” Each person is to pay attention to his own spiritual walk, not seek to direct the walk of someone else.

A call to remember

These requirements are not new. Micah asserts God “has told you, O man, what is good” (6:8). God had made his requirements clear in times past and his requirements have not changed. They remain the same. The people did not need a new revelation from God. They needed a powerful reminder of what they knew but had forgotten or ignored.

Lessons for today

We all need the strength to face our sin and seek forgiveness from God. What God requires today is no different from what Micah stated long ago in that heavenly courtroom. To sum up in one word what the essence of Christianity has always been and always will be perhaps is best stated in the word “relationship.” Christianity is knowing Jesus. The Christian life is not church attendance, believer's baptism, being good or knowing facts from the Bible. These things are important, no doubt, but they are meaningless when separated from one's love for God.

God has given us his full revelation in the Bible. There is no need to seek anything new. Looking at God's word in fresh ways is one thing. Ignoring God's clear requirements for our lives while looking for some new excuse for our sinfulness is another.

Citizens of Israel/Judah chose to ignore God's will and way. As a result, they experienced God's punishment. Citizens of America choose to ignore God's will and way as well. The consequences of our choices result in heartache, fractured families and dysfunctional congregations. For Judah, the road home was long and hard. What do we expect today?

Thanks be to God for his indescribable love. Micah concludes his case with a reminder that God is faithful to his people: “Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of his possession? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us” (7:18-19).

Exiled families who sat around the dinner table in Babylon often read Scripture before sharing a meal. Imagine one of these families, gathered for the evening meal reading Micah's closing comments. The father, who had been taken as a baby from his home in Jerusalem, had no memory of the land of promise. But he never doubted its existence. Though the present situation was not the best, God's best was right around the corner. Someday they would go home. God is good.

How much better to obey willingly than by compulsion!

Questions for discussion

If God were to ask you what he did to cause you to stray from him, what would you say?

If God gives second chances, can you describe a time when he extended to you his grace and forgiveness? Explain the circumstance.

In light of God showing his people evidences of his love, what evidences can you look back and see in your life that remind you of God's care and concern for you?

In light of Micah 6:8, give examples of how Christians can seek justice in our world today.

How can Christians practice steadfast love?

Explain what the Bible means when it says, “humble yourself.”

Posted: 7/25/03

Buckner honors Mrs. Criswell's class

By Heather Price

Buckner News Service

DALLAS–Representatives from Buckner Baptist Benevolences presented the first Circle of Care Award to Mrs. W.A. Criswell and members of her Bible class at First Baptist Church of Dallas June 26.

The presentation was made at Buckner Retirement Village in Dallas.

Mrs. Criswell was honored for 32 years of Christian service and volunteerism at Buckner. Each December, her class hosts a Christmas party for the Village residents. The class provides food and music as well as a hand-wrapped gift for each resident.

“We believe there have been 7,500 gifts distributed by this class. That is absolutely phenomenal,” said David Kihneman, executive vice president for Buckner Baptist Benevolences.

The class “contributed to making this a home for the residents,” Kihneman said. “Many seniors do not have family, and (the class) has filled a gap for those folks and made this a special place. They have been a family to them for more than three decades.”

Many residents who have participated in the annual Christmas party attended the celebration. Their gratitude was evident as they waited in line to give Mrs. Criswell hugs.

“It is really a special thing for the residents, and it is a highlight for them,” said Mary Stephens, vice president for Buckner Retirement Services.

Class member Sandy Coates has been volunteering at the retirement village 15 years. She organizes the party, prepares the food and wraps all the gifts.

“This is my biggest gift at Christmas,” she said. “Nothing else matters but doing the party out here at Buckner. This is God's gift to me by ministering to all the people out here.”

Mrs. Criswell received the award presented by Bill Sehnert, chairman of the Village Resident Council.

“We are always blessed when we come,” she said. “It was the high day of our lives, and I'm sure the Lord is looking down from heaven and blessing this. We love you, and we want to do more.”

Posted: 7/25/03

BWA budget goes beyond
bare bones to 'bleeding,' Lotz says

By Trennis Henderson

Kentucky Western Recorder

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (ABP)–Responding to mounting financial pressure, members of the Baptist World Alliance General Council adopted a zero-growth budget for 2004.

The action during the council's July 9-12 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, followed an earlier $425,000 reduction in the current year's budget.

The BWA is comprised of 211 member bodies representing more than 46 million baptized believers worldwide.

While the organization has operated with a “bare-bones budget” for several years, General Secretary Denton Lotz told council members: “This is not only bare-bones. This is leukemia. We are bleeding.”

The Virginia-based BWA, already suffering from the weak economy, lost another $125,000 in revenue for next year when the Southern Baptist Convention, its largest contributor, voted in June to reduce its allocation by about a third. Southern Baptist leaders objected to the BWA's decision to admit the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship as a member.

The past year “has been a very challenging year financially,” noted Wallace Charles Smith, chairman of the BWA's budget and finance committee. He said preparing next year's budget required “a great deal of stress, strain, agony and prayer.”

Despite the financial hardships, Lotz said, “We believe God is going to provide for us.”

The projected $1.69 million in revenue includes more than $520,000 from member bodies; $780,000 from individuals, churches and other groups; and more than $300,000 from administrative fees, investments, rental income and other sources.

Major expenses include $1 million for personnel-related costs, $126,400 for publications and media, $118,260 for general office expenses and $89,600 for staff travel. BWA is involved in global evangelism and education as well as work in the areas of religious freedom, human rights and Christian ethics.

Efforts to increase revenue for the alliance include recruiting Global Impact Churches, congregations that contribute at least $1,000 annually.

Leaders also proposed bylaw changes that would expand BWA membership to include individual and associate members. Associate members would include local churches and other Baptist entities such as colleges and seminaries, as well as associational, regional or state Baptist organizations. The proposals will be considered during next year's BWA General Council meeting in Seoul, Korea.

In addition to BWA's operating budget, council members approved a 2003-2004 funding goal of $2.66 million for Baptist World Aid, BWA's relief and development arm.

Paul Montacute, director of Baptist World Aid, noted the funding goal is a significant drop from the current year's $3 million goal. Only $1.2 million was received last year, resulting in several unmet ministry needs.

Among proposed ministry projects for the coming year are $100,000 for hunger relief and $100,000 for HIV/AIDS ministry efforts. Development projects–in Bangladesh, Liberia, Nicaragua and elsewhere–would fund housing for street children, AIDS prevention programs, and water and sanitation projects.

Posted: 7/29/03

Harold Bennett, conciliatory
force in SBC, dead at 78

By Greg Warner

Associated Baptist Press

NASHVILLE (ABP)—Harold Bennett, who led Southern Baptists during their most difficult era, died July 27 after a brief bout with pancreatic cancer.

Bennett, 78, was president and treasurer of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, the powerful agency that drafts the budget for the SBC and conducts the business of the convention between annual meetings.

Bennett, who retired in 1992, became Southern Baptists’ chief executive in 1979, the year SBC conservatives elected their first in a string of presidents and ushered in the most dramatic change in the denomination’s history.

During the next 13 years, he was considered by many to be a conciliatory force among factions in the SBC. He drew praise for his even-handed leadership of the Nashville-based Executive Committee, where many of the struggles for control of the denominational played out.

"We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Dr. Bennett," said Morris Chapman, Bennett’s successor at the Executive Committee.

Bennett was "an invaluable mentor" during Chapman’s transition into the post, Chapman said. "He knew Southern Baptist Convention and Executive Committee work as well as anyone in the land and was willing to share his knowledge with me."

A native of Asheville, N.C., Bennett was a denominational leader for most of his professional life. Prior to becoming the SBC’s chief executive, he was executive secretary-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention from 1967 to 1979. He also worked for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Home Mission Board and the Sunday School Board.

Bennett was a Navy pilot during World War II and later an FBI clerk. Before beginning his denominational service, he was a pastor, assistant pastor and chaplain.

He served as vice president of the Baptist World Alliance and was "responsible for bringing on most of the leadership" currently working for the international group, said BWA spokeswoman Wendy Ryan.

Reggie McDonough, who served under Bennett as executive vice president of the Executive Committee from 1981 to 1987, remembered Bennett’s "all-out dedication" to the SBC.

"He was willing to put his own personal needs and ideas aside because he felt very strongly that he was elected to serve all Southern Baptists," said McDonough, executive director of the Baptist General Association of Virginia until his retirement in 2001.

John Sullivan, executive director of the Florida Baptist Convention, was a member of the Executive Committee during Bennett’s tenure. "He was a man of faith and conviction," Sullivan said. "His ability to treat a person fairly during a difficult situation was a centerpiece of his ministry during those days."

Bennett was "one of the most capable administrators in the Southern Baptist Convention," Sullivan added. "He exhibited administrative awareness and strong convictions about doing things ‘decently and in order.’ His work in Florida is still foundational to all we do."

Lloyd Elder, retired president of the Baptist Sunday School Board, said: "I counted Harold Bennett as a very close personal friend for years now—earlier as a working associate and more recently as a Christian and social friend. In Baptist life, he tried desperately and effectively to be fair to the whole family and to keep us moving together in missions, and for that I deeply appreciate Harold and the ministry he had. We will miss him as one of our very able leaders over a difficult period of time in Baptist life."

Mark Edwards, minister of music at First Baptist Church, called Bennett "one of the Baptist statesmen," who also served "in significant ways" in his home church. "He was particularly interested (in) and supportive of our church’s mission endeavors and her ministry of music. We shall miss him. Persons of such stature are not easily replaced."

Under Bennett’s leadership, the Southern Baptist Convention grew from 13 million members to 15 million. The convention’s Cooperative Program budget almost doubled, from $75 million to $140 million.

Bennett was a graduate of Wake Forest University, now in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

He served as pastor of Glen Royal Baptist Church in Wake Forest, N.C. (1948-51) and West Point (Ky.) Baptist Church (1952). He was chaplain to Kentucky State Reformatory and Kentucky Women’s Prison (1951-53). He was assistant pastor of First Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (1953-55), and then pastor of Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana, Ark. (1955-60).

His denominational service began in 1960, when he became superintendent of new work for the Sunday School Board in Nashville. In 1962, he became secretary of the department of metropolitan missions for the Home Mission Board in Atlanta.

Bennett was director of the missions division of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in Dallas from 1965 to 1967, when he was hired to lead the Florida Baptist Convention.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; three grown children, Jeffrey of Palm Harbor, Fla., Scott of Charleston, S.C., and Cynthia Howard of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and five grandchildren.

The funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. July 30—which would have been Bennett’s 79th birthday—at First Baptist Church in Nashville. The family has requested that memorial gifts be made to the American Bible Society or the Baptist World Alliance.

Posted: 8/8/03

Missionary calls teens to 'fall in love with Jesus'

By Erin Curry

Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Greg Benno, an International Mission Board worker in southern Africa, encouraged 6,500 Acteens to go to the nations, give money for missions or pray for unreached people out of a love for God.

“We hope you're having a great time here, but our message more than anything is fall in love with Jesus,” Benno said.

The teenage girls in grades seven through 12 gathered in Nashville, Tenn., for the National Acteens Convention, with the theme of SyncroNations.

Before Benno spoke, a group of male vocalists from Zambia gave the teens a slice of African culture. “You've noticed that there's a lot of life in Africa–the way that we pray, the way that we sing. But on this global tour, I want to show you that there's also a lot of death in Africa, especially in southern Africa,” Benno said.

In Zimbabwe, one out of three people are infected with the HIV virus, and at a typical high school, half the students have lost a mother or a father to HIV, Benno explained. The average life expectancy for a 15-year-old in Zimbabwe is 32 years.

Benno went to Zimbabwe as a missionary Journeyman wondering what a boy like him knew about Africa.

God told him, “You don't have to do anything other than just be in love with me and walk with me and watch me do amazing things before your eyes,” he said. “That's what he always said to people in the Scriptures, 'I will do it through you.'”

The greatest need people in southern Africa have is to know Jesus and understand God's commandments, Benno said.

Lisa Sproull, an IMB worker in Mali, described how God is working even through language barriers in other countries. She told about a pastor in Mali who was prepared to preach but needed an interpreter. The one who was scheduled could not come, and people were eager to hear a word from the man if only they could understand in their language. Someone ended up bringing a man in off the street to translate the pastor's message, but there was one problem: He was Muslim.

The Muslim man knew the language, but his vocabulary did not include Christian words, Sproull explained. He was concerned he wouldn't be able to translate properly, but they asked him to try. During the course of the pastor's sermon, the Muslim man laid out Scriptures for the people as he translated. Now, the man is searching the Bible to see for himself if he believes it.

A teenage girl from Africa then shared prayer requests. She asked that the Acteens pray for peace in war-torn countries; for a Christian witness among unbelievers, idol worshippers and Muslims; and that God would give the countries God-fearing leaders who love the people and have their interests at heart.

Vicky Smith, an IMB worker in Jordan for more than 15 years, told the teens God has put a love in her heart for the people of Jordan, for their language and for their culture. She said Islam is darkness, and she has a love to see the light of Jesus spread in that country.

Islam is “a religion of good works, good deeds–human attempts to draw themselves close to God,” she said.

Ninety-nine percent of the people in Jordan are Muslim, Smith said, explaining that parts of the country are very dark and oppressive while other parts are just “normal.” She emphasized Arab Muslims in general are not like the stereotypes that have emerged from recent world events.

“These people live in darkness, and they need to know the light,” Smith told the girls. “They need to know the freedom that Jesus brings, and they need to know that they are special and God loves them.”

Posted: 8/8/03

Acteens raise their hands in service
in classrooms around Nashville

By Michael Foust

Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Public schools in Nashville will be a bit cleaner this fall thanks to thousands of Acteens who went around the city July 31, lending a helping hand.

About 6,500 Acteens–teenage girls who participate in a Southern Baptist missions/education program designed for them–took part in a community service project by picking up trash, unpacking boxes and participating in other chores at 65 city public schools.

The Acteens also filled 3,000 backpacks with school supplies that will be given to elementary students who come from needy families. Additionally, the teens donated boxes filled with school supplies to Mississippi River Ministries and the Nashville Baptist Association to assist in future outreach to the schools.

The community project was part of the National Acteens Convention, which brought teenage girls from several countries and more than 30 states to Nashville.

“Those girls are wonderful,” one teacher at Lockeland Elementary School said to another as the teens worked around them. “They have unpacked my room. They are so good.”

The Acteens began outside, picking up trash and debris that had collected over the months. Then they gathered in the school gym, waiting for an assignment.

“I need 22 window-wipers!” shouted one of the group leaders, Linda Sutton of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, N.C. Soon, 22 Acteens were on the task, cleaning windows.

The teens also cleaned bookshelves and bathrooms and moved equipment. Each of them signed a banner that read: “Teachers make a world of difference. Thank you!”

The project was an extension from the previous day, when Acteens gathered at the Tennessee state Capitol to pray for the city, the nation and the world.

“We put feet to our prayers by going into the public schools and doing community service projects in whatever capacity they (needed) us,” said Kristy Carr, volunteer specialist for Woman's Missionary Union and chair of National Acteens Convention ministries. WMU sponsors Acteens.

“We hope and pray that through our example a door will open for the local associations and churches to carry on (the) work.”

Posted: 8/8/03

National Acteens Convention knocks at Nashville

By Erin Curry

Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–More than 6,500 teenage girls, gathered for the National Acteens Convention in Nashville, assembled for a prayer rally at the Tennessee State Capitol to pray for Nashville, Tennessee, America and the world.

Acteens is a missions organization for girls in grades seven through 12 sponsored by the Southern Baptist Woman's Missionary Union. The national Acteens meeting has been held about every five years since 1972.

Acteens from Florida and Louisiana carry a cross, leading 6,500 Acteens to the Tennessee state capitol during the National Acteens Convention held in Nashville. After walking past the historic Ryman Auditorium (at left), the teens gathered at the Capitol to pray for the nation. (Kent Harville/BP Photo)

The girls, meeting at the Nashville Convention Center, marched to the state Capitol, where they sang praises to God and prayed for God's blessings.

Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell welcomed the girls to the city.

“I also want to tell you how proud I am of the goals you have while here in Nashville,” he said. “I believe it could be the beginning of a lifelong journey of making a difference.”

The girls fanned out across the community, helping to prepare 65 schools for the return of students by unpacking books, painting, cleaning school property, beautifying school grounds and distributing backpacks full of school supplies.

“You need to know that the director of our public schools, Pedro Garcia, myself, all the faculty and, most importantly, all the parents and 70,000 Nashville school students will be touched and changed because of what you are going to be doing in those schools,” the mayor said.

Purcell read the Acteens' theme verse for the week from Habakkuk 1:5: “Look at the nations and watch–and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your day that you would not believe even if you were told.”

Linda Leathers, minister to singles at First Baptist Church in Nashville, led the girls in a prayer for Nashville and Tennessee.

Leathers noted 6 million people live in the state and thousands visit daily. “Please, Lord, use us to take your gospel of good news to these people,” she said.

Leathers also prayed for Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, the state representatives, senators, office workers and judges. Then she prayed for the 550,000 people of Nashville and for the mayor.

WMU's national president, Janet Hoffman, reminded the girls of one of her favorite hymns, which says: “Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

Prayer truly is the greatest work the girls can do, Hoffman said, and then she led them in praying for the United States.

Acteens from New Life Baptist Church of Garland pray outside the Capitol. (Theresa Barnett/WMU Photo)

Hoffman also prayed for national missionaries and the North American Mission Board. She closed in praying for God to bless America with revival as he has so many times in the past.

Hoffman then instructed the girls to gather in clusters of 10 or 12 and pray for their home states and communities.

Twylia Bell, an International Mission Board worker in Tanzania, shared a story about God's provision of food for Tanzanians when rain did not come and they could not grow their crops. Then she led the Acteens in praying for the world.

“We pray for the countries that are in turmoil right now, that you would not just give peace because we know peace is not going to reign in the world–you've told us that–but that in the turmoil you would show your might and your power and what you can do,” Bell prayed.

In closing, girls representing various countries of the world prayed the Lord's Prayer in their languages.

Posted: 8/8/03

Acteens tour the world through
Global Village created for them

By Michael Foust

Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Thanks to a bit of ingenuity, thousands of Acteens were able to tour the world in just two hours.

The National Acteens Convention opened a Global Village, a series of virtual encounters with missionaries and cultures from throughout the world, July 30-31. Spread across a number of rooms in the Nashville Convention Center, it allowed the teenage girls to learn how God is working in both America and other nations.

With the help of missionaries, Woman's Missionary Union staff, local volunteers and props, the Acteens, among other things, experienced a house church service in China, wrote prayer requests and placed them in the Jerusalem Wailing Wall and even scribbled graffiti on brick walls in New York City.

More than 10 cultures were represented. Outside each room, a television played the “Jesus” film in the respective culture's language.

In the Japanese room, the Acteens witnessed an official Japanese tea ceremony. “It's been packed every single time,” said Ron Capps, a missionary to Japan. “They're coming for missions. That's what it's all about.”

But the girls did more than just meet missionaries face to face. Thanks to the Internet Cafe room, they also sent messages of encouragement–as well as some questions–to missionaries thousands of miles away.

In the Chinese room, the girls attended a simulated illegal “house church.” They sat on wooden benches, looked at Chinese Bible verses and learned to say “Jesus, I love you” in Chinese. Then they sang a song–although they were told not to sing too loudly, so the government authorities would not hear. They also heard from a former worker in China.

“Christianity is alive and well in China,” said the woman, whose name is withheld because of her intentions to return.

Trudy Johnson, who along with Becky Yates served as Global Village co-chairs, said the goal was to create “the next best thing to being there.”

In addition to WMU, the village included participation from the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board and North American Mission Board, the Baptist Nursing Fellowship, the “Jesus” Film Project and Prison Fellowship.

Posted: 8/8/03

Moore ordered to remove monument

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (ABP)–The federal judge who last year ruled that a monument to the Ten Commandments in Alabama's judicial building is unconstitutional has set an Aug. 20 deadline for the statue's removal.

But Roy Moore, the state judge who placed the statue there and has become famous for defending the commandments, has hinted he may defy orders to remove the monument.

On Aug. 5, Federal District Judge Myron Thompson ordered Alabama Chief Justice Moore to remove the 5,280-pound granite monument from the rotunda of the courts building in Montgomery by Aug. 20. If Moore defies the order, Thompson said, he will “levy substantial fines against Chief Justice Moore in his official capacity, and thus against the State of Alabama itself, until the monument is removed.”

Thompson originally ruled in 2002 that the monument was a violation of the First Amendment's ban on state endorsement of religion. However, he delayed implementation of his own ruling while Moore and his attorneys appealed to a higher court. On July 1, a panel of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously to uphold Thompson's judgment.

Moore has said he will appeal that ruling to the Supreme Court.

Moore and his attorneys have argued that his duty to defend the Alabama and federal constitutions–which he claims “acknowledge God”–requires him to keep the monument in place.

However, Moore has refused to say whether he will obey the court orders. Groups such as the Alabama Christian Coalition that support Moore in his fight have threatened civil disobedience if authorities attempt to remove the monument.

Moore had the monument installed in the rotunda in the middle of the night, without the knowledge of his colleagues.

The 11th Circuit court's opinion likened Moore's defense to similar arguments by segregationist Southern governors in the 1950s and 1960s in their attempts to defy federal court orders integrating schools and other public facilities.

After noting that former Alabama Gov. George Wallace and former Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett ultimately were forced to obey federal decrees, Judge Ed Carnes wrote in the court's opinion, “Any notion of high government officials being above the law did not save those governors from having to obey federal court orders, and it will not save this chief justice from having to comply with the court order in this case.”

Posted: 8/8/03

All-State musicians hoist
a tune and a tool on mission

HOUSTON–Ministry harmonized with music this year as the Texas Baptist All-State Choir and Orchestra took on a new emphasis.

In addition to rehearsals and performances, the 169 high school students selected for the All-State group devoted a day to hands-on ministry in a variety of settings.

“We began seeing the need to change the emphasis from performance to missions for the students,” explained Debbie Smith, one of the event's organizers. “Our role is not only to equip them for music ministry. We want to instill in them that what we do with our God-given talent is more than just singing; it's getting in the midst of people with your hands and your heart.”

Blake Owens of First Baptist Church in New Braunfels serves at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Houston.

More than 400 students auditioned for the All-State Choir and Orchestra. The 169 selected received notification in January, along with music to practice.

The musicians arrived on the campus of Houston Baptist University July 6 for a series of rehearsals before hitting the road to perform.

On Wednesday morning, however, they boarded four buses bound for ministry sites.

One bus stopped at the Green Acres Nursing Home of Baytown, where students ministered to the elderly and sick.

They strolled up and down the halls, knocking on each resident's door, extending invitations to “story time.” Students pushed newfound friends in wheelchairs or walked hand-in-hand with them toward the great room to hear the weekly Wednesday morning story. After the story, students helped blow up balloons, in preparation for the morning's “exercise” of balloon volleyball. Before loading the buses for campus again, the students also led the residents in a variety of singing exercises.

On Friday morning, the musicians loaded the buses again for a morning of mission work in Houston. This time, however, the entire group departed for the same destination, the Salvation Army Church and Boys & Girls Club of Houston.

Children of all ages filed into the pews as the All-State group gathered on stage to perform. Laughter and enthusiasm were contagious throughout the room, as the children begged the choir to keep leading them in songs like “Father Abraham.”

“I like the addition of the missions,” said Julie Moore, a senior from Highland Baptist Church of Greenville. “We are a lot busier this year, but it is so rewarding to see the kids' faces when we play with them.”

“The students have been excited about the mission aspect of the week,” Smith concurred. “In a seemingly 'me' society, we are pushing our youth to be more service oriented, experiencing life and situations in all economic and social backgrounds.”

Meanwhle, the All-State group prepared for several concerts, including stops at Westbury Baptist Church of Houston, Williams Trace Baptist Church of Sugar Land and Park Place Baptist Church of Houston.

The choir also visited Minute Maid Park, where they led Astros fans in the National Anthem and then stayed to watch the game.

The group also performed at the grand opening of First Baptist Church of Baytown's sanctuary, where a live recording was made.

Next year's All-State event, scheduled for July 1-9, will offer another new dimension, with additional days touring in Mexico City.

“We hope to cultivate the talent the Lord has blessed these kids with; they will become our future music ministers and children's music leaders,” said Glenn Jones, Baptist General Convention of Texas consultant.

Reported by Kambry Bickings of Texas Baptist Communications

Posted: 8/8/03

Around the State

Hardin-Simmons University has added 14 people to the university's media relations advisory board including Fran Adkins, Randy Armstrong, Glenn Dromgoole, Jack Holden, Ewart Jones Jr., Bob Lapham, Werth Mayes, Terry Minami, Bryan Mundy, Richard Seaman, Janie Sellers, Don Tabor, Dick Tarpley and Darrell Wood.

Amy Austin has been named assistant director of alumni relations at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Dennis O'Connell, professor of physical therapy, has been named to occupy the Shelton-Lacewell Endowed Chair of Physical Therapy at Hardin-Simmons University.

On hand for the dedication of the new sanctuary of First Church in Troup were former pastors, staff and their families. Included were (first row) Vicki Rogers, Phyllis Elliott, D.J. Buckley, Toy Buckley, Whitney Buckley, Dotty Cheatham and Pastor James Cheatham; (second row) Kevin Rogers, Danny Elliott, David Buckley, Charles Goodson and Phyllis Goodson; (third row) David Waldrop, Jeannie Ashcraft, Doris Bilderback, Michelle King and Michaela King; (fourth row) Lynn Ashcraft, Carl Bilderback, Minister of Music and Youth Lance King and McKenzie King.

Rich Taylor will join the Hardin-Simmons University faculty in the fall as assistant professor of history.

Anniversaries

Correction: Al Travis recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as organist at Broadway Church in Fort Worth, not Travis Avenue Church, where Larry Willcoxon has been organist for more than 30 years.

Bert Ball, 20th, as minister of music at First Church in Mineola July 31.

Samuel Ibarra, fifth, as pastor of Primera Iglesia in O'Donnell Aug. 1.

Don Childress, 50th in the ministry, Aug. 3. Members of five churches Childress had pastored gathered at Hainesville Church in Mineola for an anniversary celebration. He currently serves as interim pastor there. Childress began his ministry by starting Oakwood Church in Waco while a student at Baylor University. He later moved on to Buckner Terrace Church in Dallas, First Church in Cedar Hill and Cedar Heights Church in Cedar Hill. In 1991, he moved to Indiana as a home missionary to become an associational director of missions. He returned to Texas in 1997 and became pastor of Red Oak Church in Kaufman and later was interim pastor of Martins Mill Church in Ben Wheeler.

Steve Stege, 15th, as minister of education at First Church in Lubbock Aug. 21.

Randall Scott, 20th, as pastor of Immanuel Church in Paris. He will be honored with a banquet Aug. 23. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 15. For more information, call (903) 785-6484.

Chris Sutton, 10th, as pastor of Calvary Church in Lubbock Aug. 29.

Chester Sassman, 35th, as pastor of Calvary Church in Bay City.

Don Hurley, 10th, as pastor of College Heights Church in Wharton.

Roy Lee Jones, 10th, as music minister at Great Oaks Church in Richmond.

Retiring

Bo Mangum as pastor of First Church in Linden Aug. 17. He has served the Linden church 20 years. He and his wife, Joan, will make their home in Baytown.

Deaths

Walter Brown, 83, July 23. He was pastor of Prairie Grove Church in Mexia 39 years prior to his retirement in 1995. A bivocational pastor, he operated a grocery store in Teague. He never refused groceries to anyone, even if they could not pay. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Temple; brother, Robert; and sister, Cleo Leverett. He is survived by his sons, Ronnie, Mike and Mark; daughters, Kay Walker and Linda Stacks; sister, Lois Adams; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Louie Barron, 80, July 24 in Canton. He had been in ministry more than 50 years, serving New Hope Church in Scroggins, Damascus Church in Lindale, Call Junction Church in Kirbyville, Kentshire Church in Houston, Little Hope Church in Canton, First Church in Frankston, First Church in Cedar Creek, First Church in Chandler and First Church in Ben Wheeler. He is survived by his wife, Aletha; sons, Don, Joe and Mark; brother, Milton; sisters, Aline Ivy, LaNell Dade and Martha Baxter; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Virgie Riddell, 86, July 25 in Houston. She was an emeritus Southern Baptist missionary to Colombia and Chile. She and her husband, Gerald, were appointed by the Foreign Mission Board in 1944. They worked in Columbia until 1954, when they transferred to Chile. They retired in 1980. She is survived by her husband; sons, John, Joe and James; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Culbert Rutenber, 94, Aug. 6 in Austin. As a pastor, professor, author and theologian, he was active in the American Baptist Convention, serving as president from 1968 to 1969. After retiring from Eastern Baptist Seminary in 1980, he retired to Austin, where he was an active member of First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Duron, and sister, Margaret Rutenber.

Events

Joy Church in Gladewater held homecoming services to commemorate 99 years of ministry Aug. 3. Scott Johnson is pastor.

First Church in Coppell broke ground on an auditorium to seat more than 900 people and preschool education space July 27. David Stubblefield is pastor.

Marty Haggard, son of Merle Haggard, will be in concert at First Church in Devers Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.

Revivals

Harvest Acres Church, Mineola; Aug. 10-13; evangelist, Mike Privitt; music, Jerry and Linda Watters; pastor, Butch Gott.

Faith Temple Church, Terrell; Aug. 17-24; *evangelist, Wes Massey; *music, Don Thornton; pastor, Ray Bailey.

*vocational evangelist