Posted: 7/11/03

Pacesetters Camp offers
basic training in Christian service

DALLAS–Youth from as far away as Idaho camped out at Dallas Baptist University this summer for basic training in servanthood.

About 200 teenagers participated in DBU's Pacesetters Camp, where they learned about both faith and work.

Jamie Lash, DBU director of Student Development, teamed up with Loftin to create Pacesetters because he was interested in combining his teaching ministry with Glowing Heart's music ministry. He plays an integral role in the camp, teaching and preparing the students for their service projects around the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“The camp is unique because it's a hybrid between a Christian camp and a mission trip,” explained Jamie Lash, DBU's director of student development. “This year the teaching centered around the concept of taking the focus off of yourself so that God can fully use your talents. … Students learn the importance of humbling yourself before the Lord and casting your cares on him.”

The camp is called Pacesetters “because that's what these kids are trained to be when they leave the DBU campus,” said Henry Loftin, director of Glowing Heart Ministries at DBU. “Our greatest desire is to prepare these teens to get out in the frontlines of their communities, churches and schools, and we want them to lead their peers to action by saying, 'Hey, let's go!'”

Glowing Heart is a student ministry team that works with youth in a variety of settings. Each summer for the past eight years, Glowing Heart members have staffed the Pacesetters Camp.

“Pacesetters started because the Glowing Heart students enjoyed spending time with teenagers in the DiscipleNow weekends, but a weekend didn't provide the time needed to mentor and cultivate relationships,” Loftin explained. “We decided a weeklong camp would have the deeper impact we desired and would provide the opportunity to mentor and teach the students about servant leadership.”

Youth came from Texas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Ohio and Idaho.

Service projects concentrated on three areas–behind the scenes work; work with families, children and senior citizens; and one-on-one witnessing situations.

“Students involved in the behind-the-scenes work usually get dirty, hot and sweaty, and they rarely receive a thank you,” Loftin said. “These projects teach them about true servanthood. We've had service projects that involve students sifting through eighteen-wheelers loaded with potatoes that were donated to charity. The students' job was to go through those hundreds of pounds of potatoes and pick out the ones that were still edible and could be given to the homeless.”

At Pacesetters Camp, participants learn early on that being a leader is not always glamorous.

“Understanding that true leadership starts with serving others is a difficult concept to grasp because it goes against everything the world teaches,” said Lee Davis, a DBU sophomore who volunteered to assist Glowing Heart with the camps.

The most common service project involves working with low-income families and senior citizens. Students help out by painting homes, mowing yards and cleaning homes. They also work with underprivileged children, playing games with them, providing encouragement, and teaching them songs and Bible verses.

“I've heard about Pacesetters for three years,” said Lauren Pope, a high school sophomore from Amarillo. “I am finally old enough to come, and it's been an amazing experience for me. I have definitely been out of my comfort zone, but it's been fun to share Christ with the kids we've been ministering to this week.”

Posted: 7/11/03

Online poll about Patterson's
election draws high interest

By Jenny Hartgraves

Staff Writer

Baptist Standard readers have weighed in with a record number of responses to an online poll about whether they favor or disfavor Paige Patterson's election as president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The Baptist Standard posted the online opinion poll June 27.

The poll asks the question, “Do you favor the election of Paige Patterson as president of Southwestern Seminary?”

Voting took off immediately, and after just one weekend of voting, more than 335 readers had taken a stance.

Readers also were given an opportunity to express their honest and anonymous opinions regarding Patterson's election. Despite the obvious division, there were only a few short-lived reversals in the polls, and after one week the results remained consistent–split about 50-50.

In the beginning, the poll's percentages were divided 60-40, with the majority of voters opposed to Patterson's election. The largest change in voting happened when pro-Patterson voters submitted 120 votes in two hours on Tuesday, July 1. From that point on, the number in favor and against his election remained about equal.

The poll closed July 10 with 1,606 voters–863 against Patterson's election and 743 in favor.

Strong opinions surfaced in the anonymous commentary. Some of the comments expressed humor, while others revealed bitter and painful sentiments. Some of the online comments from each side were so hateful or crude that the Baptist Standard removed them from the site, said Managing Editor Mark Wingfield.

Those in favor consistently praised Patterson's commitment to conservative education, saying, “He brings experience and a clear vision to Southwestern,” and “He increased enrollment and missions emphasis at Southeastern” making him a “good fit.” Another person said, “This is about strengthening what is already in place and seeing (Southwestern) flourish–this is not a new day in Texas, just another great one in the Lord's kingdom.”

Comments from those opposed to Patterson's election included, “I feel like we in Texas are seeing an institution that produced some of our best leaders becoming a completely foreign institution whose sole purpose will be to turn out graduates committed to the fundamentalist agenda of controlling the BGCT.”

One former Southwestern student who now is a minister wrote that “Southwestern is not a place that I could in good conscious recommend my students to attend.”

Current students at Southwestern also appear divided on the issue, based on the online discussion. One student said, “Brother Patterson will bring a new excitement and vision to this seminary.” Another said, “I am not sure I can continue to be a student at any Baptist seminary when I can't trust their authority and leadership, and that breaks my heart.”

A third opinion also was expressed from some who said the controversy within the Southern Baptist Convention has been futile.

“Baptists are spending far too much time fighting” said one respondent. “There are too many lost people and too many ministry opportunities that I don't see how you have the time to squabble.”

The online poll is not a scientific poll and includes no mechanism to prevent individuals from voting more than once.

A new poll question was to be posted on the Standard's website July 11. To register an opinion on that discussion, visit, baptiststandard.com.

Posted: 7/11/03

Texas Tidbits

HSU names minority recruiter. Aaron Ashford has been named assistant to the vice president for academic affairs at Hardin-Simmons University. The 1995 HSU graduate primarily will recruit minorities to the school. He previously worked at Abilene Christian University as an admissions counselor and as associate director of admissions for multicultural enrollment. He has spent the last two years in sales management.

Aaron Ashford

UMHB taps Harrison. George Harrison has been named director of student relations and community services at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The new office will focus on planning and coordinating special events such as chapel programs, Crusader Leadership Conference, spring revival, Welcome Week, and special ethnic events including Black Heritage Week and Cinco de Mayo. Harrison is pastor of First Baptist Church of Waco, National Baptist Convention, where he has served 16 years. Previously, he was pastor of Magnolia Baptist Church in Belton. He worked 12 years at Baylor University and was the first African-American community and student relations associate.

HSU scholarship will aid students from small schools. A 1997 graduate of Hardin-Simmons University has established a scholarship in honor of an Abilene couple who served as mentors to him during his

undergraduate work. Josh Bowerman, now regional manager of capital giving for Bucknell University, created the Charles and Carlene Spicer Endowed Scholarship. The fund will provide scholarship to students who come from high schools with graduating classes of 150 or less.

Scholarship is anniversary present. Jack Rumbley of Dallas gave his wife, Rose-Mary, a 50th wedding anniversary present she won't ever get to use personally. However, the gift will benefit some people she cares deeply about–students at Dallas Baptist University. Rumbley created a scholarship in honor of his wife, who served as the head of the DBU drama department from 1965 to 1977 and currently is a distinguished adjunct professor.

Brittany May, a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, receives an award signifying her first-place finish in the national Southern Baptist Youth Speakers' Tournament. The award is presented by Gordon Davidson of the Georgia Baptist Convention.

Dunham receives honorary degree. Houston Baptist University has presented an honorary doctor of humane letters degree to Archie Dunham, chairman of ConocoPhillips Inc. He and his wife, Linda, are members of Second Baptist Church in Houston, where he is chairman of deacons.

UMHB names education dean. Marlene Zipperlen has been named dean of the School of Education at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. A 1967 graduate of the university, she has been a superintendent of schools for nearly 20 years. She most recently served as superintendent of the Clifton Independent School District for 10 years. After receiving her undergraduate degree from UMHB, she received a master's degree in education a doctor of education degree from Baylor University.

Music conference planned. The Gulf Coast Music Leadership Conference is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 at South Main Baptist Church in Houston. Four class periods will furnish training in preschool music, younger children's music, older children's music and youth music. Classes also will be offered for drama in Worship, praise team basics, praise band basics and the top 10 ways to make a choir sound better. Lunch and a reading session are included in the $25 fee. Childcare is available for a small fee. For more information, contact Thomas Coker at (713) 529-4167 or Bill Ingram at (281) 731-4193.

Nursing Fellowship plans mission trip. The Texas Baptist Nursing Fellowship plans its first mission trip to the San Carlos area of the Rio Grande Valley Sept. 10-14. Volunteers will provide health assessments and screenings, as well as education classes for people living in the area and at an orphanage across the river in Mexico. For more information, contact Texas Woman's Missionary Union at 333 N. Washington, Dallas 75246-1716 or by calling (888) 968-6389.

LifeWay acquires Amarillo store. LifeWay Christian Stores has acquired the High Plains Religious Bookstore in Amarillo. The 16,000-square-foot store is located near I-40 and Soncy Road in Westgate Plaza. The store will celebrate its grand re-opening as a LifeWay Christian Store this week. Special events will include appearances by Veggie-tales' Bob and Larry, new Christian artist Jim Witter and Jay Jay the Jet Plane.

Correction: A recent article introduced Tom Robuck as a new Church Starting Center consultant for Central Texas. One statement was not fully accurate. He earned his doctor of philosophy degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing the doctor of ministry in missions degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.

Posted: 7/11/03

Family increases tithing
as act of worship, reaps joy

By Heather Price

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS–Tithing is an act of worship for one Texas family.

Marc and Tamara Holden struggled for years with how much money to give to their place of worship, Northway Baptist Church in Dallas.

“We wanted God to show himself in the most tangible way–our money,” said Holden, owner of Holden Art Studio in Carrollton.

Like many Christians, they donated 10 percent of the profits from their decorative paint company to the church. Then Proverbs 3:9–“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops,”–struck them.

The Holdens and their three children committed to give more than they could afford, to tithe 25 percent of their annual income.

“It didn't seem like firstfruits to me. It seemed like last fruits,” he recalled. “We wanted to set a goal higher than 10 percent and make it a challenge to trust God. It wasn't a give-and-get kind of thing. We wanted to test ourselves. We were going to give in advance and trust God for the rest.”

The Holdens adopted Malachi 3:10 as their family verse to encourage faithful giving. It urges believers to give “the whole tithe” and the Lord will “open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

But they had drained their bank account by March. Despite that, Holden nervously wrote the usual tithe check, knowing it would not clear the bank.

A week later, he had more painting projects than he could handle. The check he wrote in faith never bounced.

One month they could not pay the rent. They fasted and prayed all weekend. That Sunday, the pastor handed them a cash-filled envelope from an anonymous donor that covered the rent.

After taking a financial-management class based on biblical principles, the Holdens decided “to honor God by paying off accumulated debts owed to family and friends,” he said. And the family plans to increase their tithing amount again soon.

“The times we have truly trusted, God has provided,” Holden explained. “And I can really say that he will provide in the future.”

Posted: 7/11/03

THEY HAD A HAMMER:
World Changers in Dallas

By Jenny Hartgraves

Staff Writer

DALLAS–If stirring lemonade with a crowbar sounds like summer fun, then World Changers are having the time of their lives–and changing a few too.

More than 760 junior high and high school students from around the nation were hard at work in the Dallas area in late June, repairing houses with the labor of love.

World Changers, sponsored by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, has been sending students around the world since 1990 to renovate and repair homes in low-income neighborhoods. More than 100,000 student volunteers have participated worldwide, and 23,000 will participate this summer alone.

Cliff Temple Baptist Church in Oak Cliff sponsored 226 youth and adults from six states for the fifth year. Although the main focus is to encourage changed lives and spiritual growth, World Changers is not a typical church camp.

Each morning, crews of 11 to 15 volunteers departed the comfort of Cliff Temple's air-conditioning and ventured to 17 hot roofs in the Dallas area.

Sixteen-year-old Emily Pecoraro, from First Baptist Church of The Colony, has participated in World Changers four years, but this year it was a family effort as she was joined by her sister Loressa, 13, and her father. Attributing each year to new experiences, Pecoraro said her favorite part is “getting to see the smile on the owners' faces.”

Sweating through dirt and sawdust, Pecoraro said she knows plenty about roofing. After completing a project like this last year, she knows that destroying the shingles is much better than hammering her thumb. “At least you can't mess that up,” she said.

Unlike their veteran partner, Jessica Peters and Whitney Johnson, both 16-year-olds from Fairview Baptist Church in Sherman, didn't know a thing about roofing before they arrived at World Changers. Their youth minister told them about World Changers and helped coordinate the youth mission trip for some first-ever manual labor.

“We've done Vacation Bible Schools and gone door-to-door, but we've never done anything like this before,” Peters said.

These girls may be young, but they are serious about sharing their faith and searching for opportunities to meet people.

Youth participants in a World Changers project in Dallas carry roofing materials to the site of a mission project.

“I've gotten to hang out with the family and really see who it is that we're helping,” Johnson said. “I think the greatest thing that can happen is for people in the neighborhood to come up and ask why we're here, and then we can tell them about our mission.”

Since the World Changers have one week to complete a project, the main requirement for choosing a location is time. The time spent in the heat doesn't compare to the time spent in planning, said Walter Mickels, national missionary for NAMB and World Changers coordinator since 1998. Organizing locations and groups can take almost two years, he said.

“Churches and organizations approach us about bringing World Changers to their community, and we work with Dallas city officials and People Helping People to determine the houses which need the most help,” Mickels said. People Helping People is a city program that provides minor home repairs through volunteer services for lower-income, elderly and disabled homeowners.

Along with the NAMB staff, each World Changers location is administered by four college-aged students to keep things running smoothly. Fifteen teams served nationwide this summer. Each team has a leader, office manager, audio/visual coordinator and music leader. The teams work for 10 weeks, traveling to different sites to administer the World Changers program.

The Cliff Temple location was made possible by the efforts of Eddie Rose, project coordinator, Jerry Wascom, construction coordinator, and Mike Wade, Dallas Baptist Association coordinator.

“At World Changers, we concentrate on the students,” Rose said. “To many of the people in these neighborhoods, they're the only Bible that they'll ever see. And when they find out that these kids pay their own money to sleep on the floor and rebuild houses, it makes a big impact.”

At left, the students pose for a group photo with the owner of the home where they worked.Jenny Hartgraves/Standard

Posted: 7/11/03

Posted: 7/11/03

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for July 20

A concise instruction manual for the church

Galatians 6:1-18

By Jim Perkins

Madison Hills Baptist Church, San Antonio

It seems every organization has a manual of instructions to ensure proper functioning of the group. Far more vital for believers, chapter 6 of Galatians outlines a way of life capable of shaping the life of the Christian community.

Be alert

The Apostle Paul constructed a fascinating mosaic of church life in Galatians 6:1-6. Covering the gamut from churchwide relationships to personal motivations and responsibilities, he offered practical advice to enhance the wide range of church life. Paul included four areas of Christian discipleship for appropriate counsel.

In verse 1, Paul enjoined the Galatian Christians to strive to aid and rehabilitate any fellow church member tripped up by sin. The sinner Paul had in mind seems to be one caught up in an isolated action of sin and not one settled in a determined course of flagrant rebellion that brings public disrepute to the cause of Christ. In order to assist and “restore” (the word meant to set a broken bone or mediate between factions) that person, the spiritually mature should assist in the process with a keen alertness to the dangers of the temptation.

Second, Paul instructed them to “carry each other's burdens” (6:2). While this injunction might look back to the restorative process of verse 1, it nevertheless has a much broader application in the life of the community of believers. The word for “burden” means something like “the weight of the world,” a picture of a fellow Christian struggling under the oppressive weight of overwhelming hardships. The apostle dispelled any erroneous sense of self-sufficiency when he reminded his readers that to help in this manner would “fulfill the law of Christ.” In other words, we fulfill the totality of Christ's teaching and the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (5:14) as we bear one another's burdens.

Third, in what seems to be a contradiction of verse 2, Paul reminded the believers of the personal responsibility for each to “carry his own load” (5:5). That apparent contradiction is resolved, however, when we realize the word for “load” in verse 5 is the word for a soldier's pack. The sense of Paul's instruction, then, is that we must assist another when we find him struggling with overwhelming burdens, but we each are responsible to carry our own load.

Fourth, the apostle addressed one last opportunity for believers when he noted the need for mutual life investment between the one who is taught Christian truths and the teacher (6:6). This is not materially different from Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 9:14 that “the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” A notable exception to this rule was practiced by Paul on the mission field, where he worked with his hands or received support from other churches (Philippians 4:10-20) in order to preach the gospel in a new location.

Be aware

Paul encouraged his readers in 6:7-10 to live in an atmosphere of awareness. The Galatians were to be aware that life is lived and invested–one “sows”–in the presence of God. That life will either be sown in step with the Spirit (5:16-18, 22-26) and reap an eternal reward in life with the Father, or it will be sown in fruitless rebellion (5:19-21) and result in a life separated from God for eternity. The harvest is assured!

The apostle included in verses 9 and 10 an appropriate example of the type of sowing God expects from his people–and the harvest that can be expected. Paul issued a universal appeal to all Christians at all times: We are to “do good to all people,” for all are created in the image of God and are precious to him. At the same time, Paul's appeal was particularistic: We are “especially” to strive to meet the needs of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Do remember that this was not a noble concept of charity, but a command to be respected and followed diligently!

Be on guard

Paul ended the letter to the Galatians with a very personal appeal to his dear friends (6:11-18). Taking the pen into his own hands (verse 11), the apostle recapitulated the thesis he so diligently stressed in this letter. Although the Judaizing interlopers were attempting to foist circumcision on the Galatian believers as a legal matter necessary to complete their salvation, Paul knew the Judaizers primary concern was to avoid the harsh reprisals of their zealous Jewish opponents (6:12).

In what perhaps is the crowning statement of Paul's position concerning salvation, the apostle reminded his readers one more time of the primacy of faith in Christ and the permanent results flowing from that relationship. Anything a person might do is irrelevant (including circumcision), for the only thing that matters is the transformation that occurs through a personal relationship with Christ–a “new creation” (6:15; see also Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 5:17). May our programs and plans never blur the clarity of this great truth!

Question for discussion

While remaining faithful to allow actions to flow from a relationship with Christ, what would allow your study group or church to apply the injunction of this passage to “do good” to others?

Posted: 7/11/03

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for July 27

James says to consider end result of trials

James 1:1-18

By Jim Perkins

Madison Hills Baptist Church, San Antonio

Few people in their right mind will say, “I enjoy going to the dentist!”–or at least, you'd suspect they weren't in their right mind! After a pause for reflection, however, most would admit they enjoy the end result of prophylactic dental care–healthy teeth.

Be joyful in trials

The letter from “James” to the “12 tribes scattered” (1:1) is a short epistle filled with practical teaching for everyday life. This James was probably the brother of Jesus and one of the leaders in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15; Galatians 2:9). The 12 tribes referenced in verse 1 probably indicates the original recipients were Jewish Christians scattered in various geographical locations outside Palestine–although geographical identity is not critical here.

James' injunction to these brothers in Christ was that they should react to the “trials” they faced with “joy.” These trials might be defined as those times of the testing of their faith brought about by the hardships and adversities facing them because of their faith in Christ. For these Christians, this testing or trial probably included oppression or persecution they were forced to endure because of their commitment to Christ.

The reason these brothers in Christ could face the trials with an attitude of joy is because of the anticipated result. Even as a long-distance runner builds endurance for the race by facing the rigors of increased running distances and more demanding routes, these followers of Christ could build a stronger and enduring Christian character as they stood up to these trials through the presence and strength of God.

It is not that these trials were sought in some masochistic manner, but that they served to shape the character of these Jewish believers in a positive way as they learned to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Ask God for wisdom

The type of wisdom needed during these trials–practical and internal insight as to how to endure these difficulties with victory–is not a native possession of mankind. Because of that, James's prescription is simple and straightforward: “Ask God, who gives generously to all” (1:5).

James mentions two aspects of God's type of giving in verse 5. First, God gives “generously,” or in a spontaneous, unreserved manner. That is our Lord's natural and wonderful response in dealing with his children. Second, God gives “to all without finding fault.” The sense here might be that God gives gifts to his children not with a begrudging attitude, but with a graciousness well attested in Scripture (Jeremiah 29:11-13; Matthew 7:7-12).

Concerning the Christian's response to God's offer and assistance, two issues were critical to James. First, the believer always is to ask for wisdom with an attitude of calm assurance and steadfast belief–he or she is to “believe and not doubt” (1:6). James employed a maritime metaphor to indicate that one who doubts is as unstable and insecure as a ship tossed about by unpredictable, stormy seas. His or her decisions and moral character are apt to be distracted or derailed from the wise path pointed out by the Lord.

Second, James sought to encourage the believer who suffered persecution and poverty due to his stand for Christ. In a reversal of the world's concept, in God's economy this Christian's position is actually very high and honorable. On the other hand, the individual relying on his wealth had best realize the transitory nature of that wealth and the status it brings–it is as fleeting as the life of the wildflower is short (1:9-11).

Resist temptation

James addressed in 1:13-18 another possible or perhaps actual situation that faced these people. The author's readers might have been inclined to blame God for the trials or “temptations” they now faced in their walk with Christ.

Some interpreters maintain verse 13 contains the actual statement of one of these persecuted brothers in Christ–a statement of which James had become aware. On the other hand, the statement “God is tempting me” might have been a construction by James in anticipation of the possible response by one of these Christians. In either case, James provided a theodicy as he noted this aspect of God's character: “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone” (1:13). As a matter of fact, God actually is the giver of “every good and perfect gift” (1:17) available to and enjoyed by every Christian.

In a most instructive portion of the passage, James identified the real source of temptation–within the individual. We all share the inevitable propensity to become prey to “his own evil desire” (1:14).

This does not discount the reality of the Enemy. James noted in 4:7 the seriousness of our spiritual battle with Satan and the promise of relief from his attacks: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (see also John 8:44; Ephesians 6:13-18). It was the opportunity, however, for the author to assign appropriate responsibility. Each person is responsible for the sequence of devolution into the disaster endangering all mankind–desire, sin and then death.

Questions for discussion

In what obvious ways are Christians “persecuted” today? Do we attempt to blame God for this oppression? How would you answer one attempting to blame God?

Posted: 7/11/03

LifeWay Family Bible Series for July 20

Salvation by grace frees Christians to serve

Galatians 4:8-9; 5:1-8, 13-15

By Tim Owens

First Baptist Church, Bryan

Throughout the history of humankind, people have tried to nail a sign to the cross of Jesus Christ that reads: “Necessary but not enough.”

Something about the fallen nature causes people to rebel against the idea that they are incapable of doing anything to earn right-standing with God. This is an expression of human pride: The belief that human beings can contribute something to their salvation. The message of Galatians is that one either receives salvation by God's grace through faith or not at all.

In Paul's day, some false teachers (Judaizers) were teaching that Christ's death on the cross was “necessary but not enough.” This group infiltrated the Galatian churches with the teaching that in addition to faith in Christ, one must obey the Mosaic law in order to be right with God. In Galatians 3 and 4, Paul argues that when it comes to salvation, law and grace do not mix. In Galatians 5 and 6, Paul answers the charge that salvation by grace through faith encourages a lifestyle of disobedience.

In Galatians 5:1, Paul directs his readers to dig their heels in firmly and resist the appeals of the Judaizers. If they did not, they were in danger of exchanging their freedom in Christ and returning to the bondage of rules and regulations. Like stubborn oxen buck against the yoke (a harness the farmer uses to control his animal), Paul wanted the Galatians to refuse to wear the yoke of slavery to the Mosaic law.

Through the influence of the Judaizers, the Galatians were considering submitting themselves to circumcision as a sign of obedience to the law. If they succumbed to this temptation, Christ would have been of no benefit to them. Practicing circumcision would lead the Galatians to trust in their own personal efforts. Paul warns them that to be circumcised would add works to faith and demonstrate they had not trusted Christ as Savior. One must either trust Christ fully or not trust him at all.

Galatians 5:3 repeats a theme introduced in Galatians 3:10–if one refuses God's gift of grace and chooses to live under the law, that person is obligated to keep all of God's laws perfectly. God's laws represent a “package deal.”

If it was humanly possible to earn right-standing with God by keeping the law, God's law would demand total, perfect obedience. Breaking just one of God's laws makes one in need of God's grace. Both the Bible and human experience verify the fact that no human being, with the exception of Jesus, is perfectly obedient to God's law.

Galatians 5:4 represents an even stronger warning of the danger of turning away from faith in Christ. Two results fall on those who try to earn a relationship with God through human works. First, they are “alienated from Christ.” Reverting back to keeping the law cuts off relationship with Christ. Second, those seeking a relationship with God by keeping the law “have fallen away from grace.”

Some teach a doctrine that says a sinning Christian can fall from grace and lose salvation. Such a doctrine is not the point of this verse. These verses are contrasting two methods of attempting to gain salvation–law and grace. One who attempts to keep the law in order to gain salvation falls away from grace as the way to God. The issue is not possibly losing salvation, but the right way into relationship with God.

Galatians 5:5-8 confirms that a person is “right with God” the moment he or she trusts in Christ as Savior and Lord. In an instant, the believer is completely forgiven of all sins and clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

Christians will not be able to live perfectly righteous lives until the coming of Jesus Christ, at which time God will bring about their complete transformation to the image of Christ. Circumcision, or any other adherence to Old Testament law, has nothing to do with a person's relationship with God. All that matters is whether a person has trusted in Christ for salvation. Such faith will manifest itself in one's behavior. Though believers are saved apart from their works, works of love are the natural expression of saving faith.

Behind Galatians 5:13-15 is a question prompted by the Judaizers. The question was, “If we live under grace and not law, what is to keep us from living in disobedience to God?” The answer is that spiritual freedom is not the freedom to live in sin, but the freedom to live in obedience to God.

Those who live under the law believe they can earn God's favor by their obedience. Their motivation is a sense of obligation. On the other hand, those who live under grace obey God's commands because of the inner desire produced by the Holy Spirit. They realize obedience does not earn salvation; rather, obedience is the loving response to the saving grace of God.

Speaking of the law, Paul affirms that when Christians practice love and service to one another, they bring the law to its highest fulfillment. Christians do not fulfill the law by keeping multitudes of rules and regulations. They fulfill the spirit of the law when they put love into action by serving others and meeting needs.

Questions for discussion

Do some people misinterpret grace and because of that willfully sin against God?

How does salvation coming by way of grace give Christians more opportunity to serve others?

Posted: 7/11/03

LifeWay Family Bible Series for July 27

Christians should be controlled by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26; 6:7-10

By Tim Owens

First Baptist Church, Bryan

What causes Christian leaders to give up their ministry and family for an illicit relationship? Why do Christian business people, who have conducted business honestly for years, become involved in scandal that destroys their integrity? How does one explain Christian men and women who leave their spouse and children for another person? The answer to these questions is found in Galatians 5:16-26.

The first three lessons of this series have underscored that people are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human works. In this sense, the believer is free from the requirements of the law.

However, Christian freedom does not mean believers are free to live a lifestyle of sin. How can a believer live a life that is pleasing to God? Galatians 5:16 shows the way: Believers have the power to yield their lives to the control of God's Spirit, and in doing so, they do not carry out the desires of the sinful nature.

This introduces one of the most important truths in the Christian life–two natures exist within every Christian. All believers receive the Holy Spirit when they are saved. Instantaneously, at salvation, the Holy Spirit begins transforming the believer into the image of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit brings into believers' lives a new desire to live obediently to God. The desires that the Spirit brings into the believers' lives are more specifically described in Galatians 5:22-23.

Unfortunately, believers also have the residue of their old sinful nature within them. Colossians 3:9 refers to this old nature as the “old self.” In Galatians 5:16, it is referred to as “the sinful nature.” Whatever the term, it represents that part of one's humanness that is opposed to God and his will. Paul elaborates on the characteristics of “the sinful nature” in Galatians 5:19-21.

The desires of the Spirit are at war with the desires of the sinful nature. This explains why Christians struggle between obeying God and choosing to sin. Inside the heart of every Christian are two opposite sets of desires that are waging war with one another.

Some will challenge the position that Christians possess two natures. Yet who could deny the fact that Christians still possess desires that battle against the Holy Spirit's work in their lives? Mature Christians know the sinful nature has no more power over them than they allow it to have, but they also acknowledge the sinful nature is a reality in their lives.

What is the solution to this internal struggle? Christians can be “led” or “controlled” by the Spirit. What does it mean to be led by the Holy Spirit? First, it means to admit that there is a war between the sinful nature and the Holy Spirit. Second, it means to acknowledge that the believer is powerless to win the war in one's own strength. Third, it means to believe that the Christian has the inner resource of the Holy Spirit, who empowers the believer to live in obedience to God. Fourth, it means to submit one's self to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 2:13 says, “It is God who works in you both to will and to act according to his good purpose.” The believer can choose to submit to the control of God's Spirit.

A single young woman sought membership in a local church. The pastor asked her, “Are you a Christian?” She replied, “Yes, Christ has made a real difference in my life?” The pastor probed further, “Do you still sin?” She answered him, “Yes, I admit that I still do.” The pastor replied: “I don't understand. You said that Christ made a difference in your life, but you still sin. How can that be?” The young woman thought for a moment and then answered: “I guess I could explain it this way: Before I was a Christian I ran after sin, but now I run away from it, although it sometimes still overtakes me.” This is the experience of every Christian.

Galatians 6:7-10 amplifies the importance of choices in the life of the believer. What one sows determines what one reaps. The farmer's harvest is determined by what kind of seed is sown and how much is sown.

In the same way, spiritual blessings are determined by whether the believer chooses to submit to the control of the Holy Spirit. When believers give in to the desires of the sinful nature, they are planting seeds that will eventually destroy their joy and effectiveness in Christian service. When believers consistently submit their choices to the leadership of God's Spirit, they can expect a great reward at the final harvest when Christ returns.

Believers need to take notice of Galatians 6:9–choosing to yield to the control of God's Spirit does not always provide instant gratification. That is why the Christian life is a walk of faith. However, the believer can be confident there will come a time when the investment of obedience to God will reap a huge, eternal harvest.

Questions for discussion

How do you go about yielding your life to the control of the Holy Spirit?

Spiritual warfare is often thought of as something happening in the world. Does it help to know that the battle also is going on inside each of us? How can that help to better fight temptation?

Does sin in someone's life mean that they are not fit for service because they are not under God's leadership?

Posted: 7/11/03

On the Move

Brent Ballew has resigned as pastor of First Church in New Baden.

David Becker to First Church in Granbury as pastor from First Church in Muskogee, Okla.

Ivan Birch to Second Church in Ranger as pastor.

Doug Clark to Hollywood Community Church in Amarillo as associate pastor.

Bob Elliott to Dogwood Hills Church in Woodville as interim pastor.

Harris Evans to First Church in Petersburg as youth minister.

Todd Hall to First Church in The Woodlands as student ministry associate.

Richard Higley to River Road Church in Amarillo as interim pastor.

Richard Laverty to First Church in Perryton as pastor from First Church in Farwell.

Rick Lineberger to First Church in Bradenton, Fla., as pastor from First Church in Grapevine.

Michael Luce to First Church in Lexington as pastor.

Curtis Moyer to Grace Community Church in Hallettsville as pastor.

Mark Neal has resigned as recreation/singles minister at Coulter Road Church in Amarillo.

Kevin Parker to Vigo Park Church in Tulia as pastor.

Lance Peeples to First Church in Lolita as summer youth minister.

Houston Prewitt to Northside Church in Highlands as youth minister.

Joe Schwenk to Baybrook Church in Friendswood as pastor from First Church in Spring Branch.

Delbert Serratt to Lamount Drive Church in Amarillo as interim pastor.

Kenneth Strange to Hollywood Community Church in Amarillo as music director.

Scott Talbert to McDade Church in McDade as pastor.

Van Vowell to Grace Temple Church in Waco as pastor.

Kenneth Walker has resigned as pastor of Nomanna Church in Normanna and is available to preach at (361) 343-4445.

Richard Waters to Cisco Association as director of missions.

Anthony Watt to Freedom Church in Amarillo as youth director.

Posted: 6/27/03

On Thursdays, church heats up fire station

By Heather Price

Texas Baptist Communications

Roaring sirens and trampling rubber boots have been replaced by the unfamiliar sound of harmonious praise at the Fire Station in Chelsea, Vt.

Thursday is church night.

Veteran church starters H.B. and Jo Graves began First Branch Baptist Fellowship in Chelsea five months after serving as interim pastor at another Vermont church.

The Texans left Knox City to follow God's call to minister in New England through the Northeast Impact emphasis of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

The Graveses are fighting a tough battle in a town with little Christian witness. During the past decade, many churches around the city have been closing their doors. First Branch Baptist Fellowship is the only Baptist church in the area.

Vermont is 95 percent unchurched, and many families have not been in church for three or four generations, Graves estimated. Many residents have no background in Christianity, he added.

The Graveses recently met two young boys in front of an abandoned church that once housed 400 people. The children never had heard of Sunday School or Vacation Bible School.

“It was a different culture than we were used to in Texas,” he said. “It took a little adjusting.

“A drive through this beautiful state shows calendar-perfect small villages with white church steeples showing in the center. But the lovely white churches may have a sign which says they meet only during August.”

Non-Christian forces, from New Age movements to Eastern religions, are barraging residents, Graves said. “The devil is trying to block us, but we don't let him because God wants a church.”

Citizens' reactions to the Texas Baptists have been mixed. Sometimes “as soon as we identify ourselves, they just turn their back and walk away,” Graves said. “They just leave us standing there.”

Many organizations in the town have banned the “preaching of Christ” by calling it solicitation, he said.

“We have obstacles you wouldn't believe,” he explained. “Of all my 55 years in ministry, (this) is the hardest place I have ever tried to work.”

While describing their daily routine of prayerwalking and mingling downtown, Graves said the hardest part was gaining the trust of Chelsea residents.

“We just have to keep on keeping on,” he emphasized.

One afternoon, Graves asked a man to eat ice cream with him. The man quickly replied, “Oh, you're the Baptist.” Since then, the two have continued their relationship.

“He said he was an atheist, but I have already convinced him he is not,” Graves reported.

Since January, six adults have made faith professions in Christ. The recent believers help the Graveses in ministry and attend services faithfully.

The church averages 10 people during the Thursday night worship in the fire station, but the Graveses hope to have 30 by the end of summer.

“That is good for up here. If you're running 110, you'd be considered First Baptist Dallas,” Graves quipped.

First Branch Baptist Fellowship started in a home and moved to a fire station meeting room five weeks ago. The congregation is renovating a downtown appliance store for future Sunday services.

A Mississippi couple has pledged $1,000 a month for two years to help pay rent for the new building. Georgia and North Carolina mission groups are coming this summer to help with the renovation.

Vermont Baptist associations and churches also are contributing to the ministry.

The Graveses want more couples to come to Vermont and serve as encouragers in the church. They are looking for an interim pastor for two months, while they participate in a crusade in Denmark.

Whether meeting in a home, fire station or appliance shop, the Graveses believe their ministry will impact Chelsea for generations to come.

For now, they're just trying to light a fire for the gospel.