= Che Baptist Rerord JOURNAL OF THE MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST CONVENTION Thursday,January 19, 1995 Published Since 1877 Now there’s “room at the inn” — Macao’s Cradle of Hope b orn of abandoned babies’ crisis ByMark Kelly MACAO (BP) — The baby’s andtherevelry dieddowndidany- new in Macao, according to Southern Baptist missionaries pitiful cry all but disappeared in one notice. the crying. As the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission in Macao playedkey roles in orga- the hubbub of a summer evening plaintive wailing persisted, people Board missionary Ruth Billett. nizing the project, and local Bap- inMacao-. became curious: As the tiny voice Women from China come to the tist churches help support the Cars sped up and down the nar- rose in screams of pain, they colony to work. When they want orphanage with volunteers and row Sstreets_of the tiny Portuguese became.concerned. to return home, however, they donations, reported missionary colony south of Hong Kong on They found the child — a new- have toleave theirbabies behind. “Mary Dickey, training coordinator China’s coast. The rattle of mah- born boy — lying in a-trash can. Finding adoptive parents usual- forHope Medical Clinic. The clin- jongg tiles filtered out ofthe casi- The bone ofhis elbow lay exposed ly isn’t difficult, but Nicholas’ ic, run by missionaries, provides nos into the humid night air, where rats had gnawed away the - deformed arm made him almost medical supplies and vitamins to which was heavy with the odor of flesh. impossible to place, said Billett, the orphanage. Dickey trains vol- fish and garlic. A slight breeze At the hospital, social workers who is from-San Antonio, Texas. unteersto care forthéchildren. carried the sounds of singing and named the infant “Nicholas” and He had no place else to go; the Cradle of Hope is funded pri- laughter from the open doors of began the all-too-familiar search local orphanage didn’t take chil- marily by the Macao government, karaoke bars. forafamilytoadopthim. drenunder3 years ofage. which also coordinates its adop- Only when the hour grew late Abandoned infants. are nothing Then one of the social workers tions, said Dickey, of Medford; remembered Marjory Venderami- Okla. She hopes the orphanage ni, a Brazilian Baptist missionary eventually will be able to handle serving in Macao. Venderamini its own.adoptions. had applied for a government “We need people to pray that license to open a home for aban- these babies end up with Christian doned babies, but the approval families,” she said. “Right now we process was endlessly complicat- have to pray them into Christian ed. She agreed to keep Nicholas in homes.” her own home until the orphanage That’s what happened to CRADLE OF HOPE — This bun- could be opened. Nicholas. A Chinese Christian dle of joy called Mirian, once an What followed was a miracle. couple living in Sweden adopted abandoned child, has safe shelter Local newspapers and television him. Three other children also in the arms of loving Christians and carried reports ofNicholas’ plight, have been adopted, and four more missionaries until she finds adop- and Macao took the baby to heart. now wait inthe orphanage. tive parents. She lives at the Cradle Civic groups held toy drives. Gar- Because ofits wide public sup- of he The orphanage was begun ment factories donated clothes. port, Cradle ofHopeplans to relo- by a Brazilian missionary after she Grocery stores sent food and dia- cate to a larger facility soon, Bil- took in a baby found in atrash can. pers. Chinese Christians and for- lett said. Another project, a homie eign missionaries from many for unwed mothers, also is Cradle of Hope, the missionary denominations formed a board of planned. added, stands as testimony to a directors forthe e. “With abortionso readily avail- Godwhocan breakdown all barri- Most remarkably, layers ofred able’ across the border in China, ers — denominations, prejudice, tape fell away and a government there must be some spark ofhope evengovernment redtape. MOM AND DADWANTED—John (left) and Lucas are waiting for new licensewasissued. and love in a mother who chooses “And yet, for all his awesome moms and dads at the Cradle of Ho orphanage in Macao, which was Cradle of Hope orphanage not to destroy her child but give power, he cares foreach ofus in a begun_by Brazilian and Southern p st missionsaries. Like other kids at opened in May 1994 with him up for adoption,” she said. very real andpersonal way, even “the center, John and Lucas werea andoned at‘birth in the Portuguese Nicholas, four other infants and a “We want to offer a safe haven to forone tiny baby screaming alone colony on China’s coast. The missionaries are praying for Christian adop- broadbase ofsupport inthe Chris- these mothers and share with.them inthe darkness.” tive parents forthem. (BP photos by Roy Burroughs) tiancommunity. the message ofthe Godoflove.” Kelly writes for the FMB. & ? eeeeee ae Late-night televangelist Jack Van Impe’s claim that United Members and leaders of the youth and children’s class at Nations troopsandequipment arepoisedin Saucier, Miss., for Morgan City Church, Morgan City, attendingThe Great Pas- The Mississippi Baptist Foundation reports an increase in a massive invasion and takeover of the U.S. is a fabrication, sion Play in Eureka Springs, Ark., included (back, from left) the foundation's total corpus for the 10th consecutive year, according to an investigationbythe Mobile(Ala.)Press-Reg- Joseph Fowler, Steven Nichols, Connie Makamson, Steven with Christian education drawing top support from donors isternewspaper.VanImpe’s show,whichfeaturesalook-alike Makamson, Jim Nestler, (front, from left) Sunshine Gardner, across Mississippiandthecountry. TVnews studiofromwhichhisblondewifeRexellatosseshim Kristi Neely, Carrie Hodges, Stephanie McClenic, Carolyn current event topics for extended commentary, is broadcast on Nichols, Karen Makamson,Terri Fowler, andEmilieHodges. 20 years ago at least one Mississippi station. Church and State magazine reported that when theMobile newspaper pressed VanImpe Mississippi Baptists garner more January Bible Study for proof of the Saucierbuildup, his office supplied photos of awards than any other state in the Southern Baptist Conven- standardU.S. military equipment — one of which even had a tion and alsoboast thebest percentage participation in the pro- gram, accordingtothe Baptist Sunday School Board. U.S. government license plate. The magazine also said that Van Impe has claimed John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 50 years ago 1963 topave the way forone-world-govemmment andtheretum Radio stations in Jackson’ and Columbus have agreed to of the Antichrist. The New American magazine, which also broadcast the Baptist Hour’s 1945 Centennial Crusade kick- conducted an investigation into the Saucier myth aid several off, in which Southern Baptists will be challenged to win similar stories from around the country, concluded late last yearthattherewasnorealitytothereports. 1,000,000 souls to Christ in the coming year Thursday,January19,1995 Eprror’s NOTEBOOK. “iS M’SIEUR READY TO ORDER OR WOULD HE LIKE SOME PRAYER SUPPORT FOR THIS Guy Henderson DECISION 7? ” 3 Home Mission Board getsa hit. Striareknoétuonknuownt;bsut altrust isoneofthemajorfactors “We acknowledge and support the theHomeMisBosaridmaonagned that has made Southern Baptists autonomy of the state conventions/ asolidhit intheHMB/StCaotn-e. whatwe are today. Ourrelationship fellowships and the HMB,and we ——-—-— x010505 OROPOOP ODOOG ventions Study is based onourtrust inGodand acknowledgethei A special committee had been eachother. Southern Baptists of either to attempt to usurp the authorized tostudy how the HMB strongly believe inthe autonomy of autonomyoftheother.” oe “should inthe futurewith the local church, association, state There was the affirming ofthe Stateconventionsthatchannelfunds convention, and the SBC and its _ Cooperative Programand “we ~totheCooperativBe Fellow- entities,” encourage giving primary support =othernon-SBC entities.” In the purpose statement the 2aentities—withthe e the studyofthae gg committee reported, “The joint this was forced on the HMB and roles ofstate conventions and the hadallthe makingsof afiasco. HMB in developing strategy are Some unwisewords suchas“inves- clearly established. The HMB and or states handling CBF funds. tigate” and the possibility of state conventions jointly develop Those who use alternate channels ing the authorityofstatecon- local,‘regional, and national strate- forHMB support are ee ventions” caused.confusion. Some- gies to reach our nation for Jesus to renewtheir one had to “discomfort all Israel” Program etahee onic while striking a paranoiac blow at None ofthese statements isnew. Armstrong Easter Offering for theCBF. The statements should have been HomeMissions. . Immediately itwas anmepepalar studied by the HMB executive . The HMB will continue to subject. Autonomy of committeepriortomaking the orig- cooperate with churches, associa- ies is well cohasataied ncaa inalmotion. tions, and state conventions in flaredupin astrongmessage that Fourteen recommendations were evangelism and affirmed their they were not to investigate the made,mostlyinageneralsense,but desire to cooperate fully in these HMBnorwastheHMBtoinvesti- the wording was conciliatory. ministries. The report actually gateFlorida.VirgNiornthiCaraol,i- Thanks were expressed, partner- majored on trying to get us back na, and Texas let their money do ships invited,trust tobe togetherratherthan notching avic- the talking and suddenly allofus needed,alongwith a tobuild tory in the controversy. This is a weretaakseiconndlogok. relationships. wisedecision andwe commendthe Thecommitteereported:“Mutu- Finallywegettotheheartofit: HMB forthisinsight. Guest Opinion... THE FRAGMENTS Old and new hymns can minister It doesn’t get any better By Tanner Riley There seems to be constant .Leah.called me, and after we believe, through the work of the than this? diversity of opinion between peo- exchanged a few warm greetings, Holy Spirit so that the words ple ofvarying tastes about whatis_with a catch in her yoice, said, would-be there at the time ofneed “good” church music these days. “Tanner, do you remember an old in herlife. “Tell the truth,” she says, retarded adults. Twice a year she It seems, also, that everyone has hymn we used to sing during my I su there will always be “could you trade this for any- takes the aore to the Grand “to an opinion about the matter, college days, something about, what I would call “temporary” or thing?” play the ” The hotel picks up because everyone knows what ‘Jesus,I am resting...’?”’ “disposable”Christian music in These are the words of Elaine the lenchacheck and annually they “like.” “Oh, yes,” I said. “I remember every generation. I have adeepen- Cohen, 73, in Atlantic City, as makes a donation to the center. Some churches “today are the song. We.glued copies of it ing conviction that the solid by the Wall Street Jour- Afterall, whatare friendsfor? entirely abandoning the hymnal, inside the cover of all our hym- hymns of the faith (and-there are nal(Dec. 28, 1994). “Could you trade this for any- singing only contemporary gospel nalsso the church would have somewrittenineverygeneration!) “Elaine,” as they callherin the thing?” Elaine's life savings are and Scripture choruses because accesstoit.” which contain so much of God’s Bally Grand Casino, gambles expected to last her five more this is something new and excit- She replied, “Well, I remember truth and of Christian.theology about three days per week. Last years. Her daughter will have to ing. Some churches are mixing our singing it, and it has come to and deep Christian experience, year, she lost $30,000ofher ~ takecare ofherafterthat. Elaine is the two with varying degrees of my mind because of a very diffi- mustbe apart ofourdietinevery ings. Sheis not awealthypers a caring, loving person. I think success. .. cult rience Iam having right generation, also. We must teach butseesthecasinoasher hpme.” most of us would like her. It’s a” My continuing concern for any. now.” She explained to m¢-some- thegreathymnsofthefaith toour Two days each week she is a pity she hasnot found the liberat- vocal music used in the church is thing of the spiritual struggle that children, and we must continue to volunteer worker at a center for ingpowerofthe gospel. — GH | for the text. What does the song was goingoninherlife, andhow sing them even at a time when say?The musical “dress”in which she was searching for God’s some are discarding them in a it appears is a issue. answer. It seemed that the Holy very casual way. (I also believe Skilled toUnderstand” —orsome the test of use and of time, and A young adult friend of mine irit had prompted her memory wemust work atnotbeingdull or of the wonderful expressions of ministerto you in a way that noth- who graduated from a university ofthissongat atime whenit was boring in the use of hymns, but love like “Fairest, Lord Jesus”; or ingelse can. andwent to Nashvhaismladleea greatlyneeded. that is a matter for a whole addi- the song of ever-fresh commit- I personally find great encour- place for herselfin the recording I sent her a copy of the text tionalepistle!) ment, “When I Survey the Won- agement in realizing that a hymn industry. She and her husband, because she did not have a copy I have received a blessing from drousCross.” that ministers to me has already who is a well-known arranger, ofahymnal that contains this par- some ofthe contemporary Christ- These, and many others, minis- ‘ministered to literally thousands 4 composer, and producer of con- ticular song. I found it most inter- ian songs. The little chorus, “As ter in a way that is unique. I of Christians who have gone temporary Christian music, have esting that in her vast knowledge the Deer,” is a marvelous expres- assure you that if you live very before me. continued to keep in touch, and of contemporary Christian songs sion from Scripture ofone’s spiri- long as a Christian, you are going Let’s use what is best in con- from time to time we have there was not anything that met tual need inprayerto God. to come to a crisis time in your temporary music, but let us cling exchanged correspondence over a this particularneed in herlife. She “I Love You, Lord,” is another life, and you are going to need all tenaciously to those hymn texts period ofa few years. found God speaking to her great contemporary Christian the spiritual resources you can lay which can minister so deeply to Let meremind you these are through the text of an old gospel song, but I find none that match yourhands on. I am convinced our lives and will make us more H ““yuppies” who are heavily hymn that she had heard and sung the assurance of “It Is Well With that God will take the truths of_ like our lovely Lord Jesus! involved in the contemporary several years before, and the My Soul,” or “I Know Whom I - Scripture and the truths of the Riley is minister of music, Christian music scene. Last week words had stuck in her mind, I Have Believed,” or “I Am Not hymns we sing, which have stood First Church, Starkville. e Baptist e D NOEGLcesiissinesthasvoseicsnagrndsssiviokotnasedeestebdpercgpecataalanGuyHenderson Record Committee: Grady Collins, Philadelphia; eror AssociateEGROF..........ccccccsecscsscsseescessnnneeerseeeWilliamH. PerkinsJr. Robert Self, Brookhaven; David Raddin, Yazoo City; Charles NUMBER48 EditorialAsSOCIAte ..............cccceccsserseesseecscnsseeeneeFlorenceLarrimore § Dunagin, Summit; CarlWhite, Clarksdale; Billie Buckley, Petal; Dh andChristmasby the CifoullationManager...................esssseessersnessenneesssneRseneeWalley BettySmith,secretary. Publishedweek ex andes ota cat Street,Ja BOCweiisccisssiesicecoscsessscsiscnvonossstusccsvesetesivesBettyAnneBailey §Postmaster: Sendchangesofaddressto TheBAPTISTREC- contweek 515 ec 1postageincrease Layout/Advertising....................-cssssesesssseseesShanT.nSimopsnon ORD,P.O.Box530,Jackson,MS39205.Sendnews,commun! Classpostpaaigdaet —Proofreader...........sscssessenssssnsecsnsussseseesnensseeeennnseeseedBettySmith catanidaoddnre,ss toTheEditor, BAPTISTRECORD, SeckeoMni, omer,SouthomBaptist ProseAsectiation, COROTEETIOORUD,6.0aingreessingcnncesesesasseccapisnptnsaveseroocnseDd onMcGregor_ P.O.Box530,Jackson,MS39205 (601)968-3800. e eeee a = / Texas conservatives Che BaTpHE StECOiNDsFROtNT PAGERecord discuss funding of state, SBC causes JOURNAL OF THE MISSISSIPP! BAPTIST CONVENTION Thursday, eet 19, 1995 Published Since 1877 FORT WORTH (BP) — The was given permission by SBC Conservativé Baptist Fellowship Executive Committee President Clarke purchase falters as ofTexas took on a new name and Morris Chapman to use the SBC talked about new directions-in logo. Chapman told the Texas missions giving but gave only Baptist newsjournal Baptist bare mention to the question of Standard theguidelines for use“ January 3 deadline expires forming a new state-convention at of the logo give “widelatitude” a rally in Fort Worth Jan. 10. for its use by. organizations in About 300 people attendedthe friendly cooperation with the meeting. at the Radisson Plaza BC. . Hotel following the Tuesday Focus of the 90-minute meet- ByWilliam H. PerkinsJr. evening session ofthe Texas Bap- ing was on how churches could Plans to sell theMississippi programs, and documentaries that instructors, teaching assistants, tist Evangelism Conference. direct their missions giving in Baptist Convention’s Clarke Col- promote family values,” accord- administrative/management, stu- — Previously known as the Con- light of the convention action in lege campus in Newton to a film- ing to the proposal submitted last ° dio personnel, darkroom assis- — servative Baptist Fellowship of Amarillo last fall broadening the making group failed to materialize year to the special committee by tants, technical assistants, and — Texas, it will now be known as definition of what constitutes a Jan. 3.when Deep South Film attorney David Valentine of publicity managers. .“Southern Baptists of Texas,” Cooperative Program gift. Institute, Inc., missed a 60-day Ridgeland. Shepherd and Valentinedid not according to Miles Seaborn, Although the action in Amaril- deadline extension topurchase the The institute’s proposal also return telephone calls before the chairman... lo requires no church to change property for$1,000,000. predicted that more than 100 newspaper's publication deadline ~ Seaborn, pastor of Birchman its method of supporting the The special committee appoint- employees would be needed as onthemorning:ofJan. 17. . Church; Fort Worth, said they TexasBaptist and Southern Bap- ed by the convention to liquidate were “in the process ofreorganiz- tist conventions, the conserva- the defunct junior college will ing and restating.our name and tives resent the new provision convene soon to discuss a course redefining ourboard ofdirectors.” that support of the BGCT alone of action, according to committee Four to six regional meetings or support oftheBGCT and other chairman Larry Otis ofTupelo. will be held during the year, a “worldwide Baptist missions and “Deep SouthFilm Institute did newsletter will be distributed and ministries” such as the Coopera- not provide the $1,000,000 “we are talking to people. about tive Baptist Fellowship also-qual- required to buythe Clarke Col- ~ being candidates” for office at the ify as Cooperative Program gifts. lege property asauthorized by the state convention in San Antonio Some reportedly- are consider- Mississippi Baptist Convention next fall, Seaborn said. ing redirecting.their missions during their annual meeting last~, He is constantly asked if they gifts around the state convention November. The ‘convention are planning to start a new state to the SBC Executive Committee allowed the institute’s representa- convention, Seaborn said, but he orgiving only minimal support to tives 60 additional days toprovide gave no definitive answer, saying the state conventionand the rest the necessary funds for the pur- only he had spoken to a “national tothe SBC. chase, and the 60-day limit leader” who had urged the group Seaborn and Ronnie Yarber, expired onJan. 3,” Otis said. “to make sure your heart is for vice chairman andpastorofGross Investors led by Jim Shepherd missions and evangelism” and Road Church ofMesquite,Texas, ofRidgeland hoped to provide“a had said the “SouthernBaptist said 750 to 800 churches or indi- wholesome atmosphere to teach ‘Methersooff theMississipp! Baptist Convention Board inspect Clarke organization is opento you.’ viduals had madeinquiries about HDTV (high definition) technolo- College property on a rainy day in 1992, or to a $1,000,000 purchase Seaborn said the organization whatdirection to take. gy whilefilming feature films, offerfrom Deep South i Institute, Inc. ( hoto byTim Nicholas) Southwestern awaits ATS decision:most expect probation FORT WORTH (ABP)—It réceive probation because of vio- won’t defend them (74.7%). victions, only 47.7% felt that “We have been placedin anaca- won't be official until the end of lations stemming from the March ile most faculty members errsinNovember. demic straitjacket,” wrote anoth- January, but most faculty and 9 firing of President Russell Dil- said their own academic freedom And 59.6% said statements in er. But one said, “There are no administrators at Southwestern day, seminary sources say. is unscathed so far (73.1%), two- the faculty manual which are evidences that academic freedom Seminary expect the seminary to Southwestern’s faculty is thirds said the freedom of some intended to protect academic andintegrity are threatened.” be placed on ation byatleast deeply troubled over perceived faculty members has already freedom won’t be enough to On another topic, 91% of fac- one of the l’s two accredit- threats to academic freedom, beenviolated (67.2%). guarantee freedom at Southwest- ulty ‘members said they are, ing agencies. - according to a survey conducted leaders say the elec- em. apprehensive about the semi-. Officials‘of theAssociation of forATS. tion of Ken Hem ,the semi- Most faculty members blame nary’s financial stability. A drop Theological Schoolsinthe United Three-fourths said they fear nary’s newpresident, last July trustees for the instability at the in enrollment and the loss of States and Canada, who visited the academic freedom of faculty signals the school is on the road seminary. In the mostrecent sur- some donors since.Dilday’s fir- the Fort Worth campus late last members will be violated in the- to recovery. Indeed, most faculty vey, 88.1%said:trustareeenost inghave hurt the school. year, recommended seminary nearfuture, and that the seminary members approve of Hemphill’s acting responsibly im guiding the Enrollment fell by 204 stu- election, even though he lacks seminary. And 89.6% said trus- dents last fall. Students are cur_ the ties to Southwestern they said tees are‘notaccurately represent- rently enrolling for the.spring were important. ing the seminary’ssituation. term and another dropis The survey, which was repeat- The November survey also ed, but final figures won’t be ed twice after Hemphill’sJuly asked for confidential comments available forseveral weeks. election, showed 64.2% of facul- from faculty members regarding Enrollment losses can cost the ty members approve of the six peomee cited by ATS. seminary dearly. Southwestern Hemphill’s selection. Several said the only way to receives about $2,660 a-year But that hasnot alleviated fac- festore the school’s ity is from the Southern Baptist Con- ulty concerns about the future of for the trustees to resign en vention foreach student, and stu- the school. In fact, their confi- masse. Others called for the trus- dents pay an average of $1,800 a dence in academic freedom has tees to apologize to Dilday and yearfortuition. weakened between May, when the seminariés’ constituents. The Southwestern team that the survey was initially taken, But a few faculty members presented their case to ATS Jan. and November, when it was said Dilday’s firing, though dis- 6 included Hemphill, Scotty taken a final time. ruptive, was not an abuse of Gray, the seminary’s executive While most said in May they power. “Dr. Dilday’s termination vice president; William Tolar, felt free to teach and investigate was certainly handled poorly but vice president for academic truth (58.5%), in November a was not outside the trustees’ stat- affairs; trustee chairman Ralph slight majority said that freedom ed authority,” one noted. Pulley, a Dallas attorney; and no longer existed (50.7%). While “Our only protection for acad- James Draper, president of the 72% saidin May they felt free to emic freedom is gone as of Baptist Sunday School Boardand express their conscientious con- March 9,” wrote one teacher. formertrustee chairman. Editor warns of postage hike / from “Contract with America” = WASHINGTON (BP) — Post- federal budget deficit reduction. cents on Jan. | ofthis year.) “al rates have just jumped almost The release quotes from a letter Terry urges concerned Baptists 23% for nonprofit mailers, such by Robert Reischauer, director of and others to contact their con- as churches, state Baptist newspa- the Congressional Budget Office: gressmen and senators in Wash- pers, and other religious publica- “Over the long run, however, pre- ington and urge them not to vote tions. funding would merely shift the for the part of the ‘Contract with But if oneitem in the “Con- timing of certain receipts and America that calls for “reform of tract with America”—now being would not reduce the deficit.” __ financing for future federal retiree debated inCongress — is adopt- It’s not only nonprofit mailers, benefits.” ed, rates will rise another 22- but all postal consumers who will The steep increase on Jan. | in 23%, according to Bob Terry, likely be impacted bythe rate nonprofit postal rates was a sur- editor of Word & Way, the state increase, Terry said. He said the prise; since the USPS board of Baptistnewsjournal ofMissouri. cost of a first-class stamp could governors had requested a much The item of concern in the jump to 35 cents by the end of smaller increase from the Postal F Contract with America calls for 1995 if the reform is enacted. Rate Commission (PRC), Terry Focus on children “reform of financing of future (Stamps rose from 29 cents to 32 said. - federal retiree benefits,” said ‘Churches can save money Terry, who serves on the Mailers’ Diana Garland (front row, center), dean of the Carver School of Social Technical Advisory Committee Work at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky., was guest speaker. at the (MTAC), a greup of mailers that in link with state papers Wednesday:evening service at First Church, Clinton, Jan. 4.AuthorofPre- meets quarterly with the senior cious in His Sight, Garland was alsofeatured speakeratthe second annu- management of the United States al Children’s Prayer Breakfast on Jan. 5 at First Church, Jackson. Garland PostalService (USPS). JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (BP) said. “When-@ local church sends a was joined atthe breakfast by (from left) front row, Bill Baker, pastor of The proposed reform would — How can local churches cope mailout,.it pays a per-piece cost First, Clinton; Elizabeth’K.Holmes, consultant forwomen’s and children’s require the USPS to make with shrinking budgets and rising and aweight cost. Ifthe church and issues, Christian Action Commission, Mississippi Baptist Convention; advance payments totaling $11 postal rates? state paper were working together back row, Jane kin, president of the Mississippi Forum on Children billion to the federal government Bob Terry has a suggestion: in partnership, there would only be and Families (MFC ; and Alfrenett Johnson-Orr, family-child care coordi- to fund the next five years of back pages of state Baptist: news- oneper-piece charge. nator, MFCF. The Children’s Prayer Breakfastwas organized by MFCFwith USPS retiree benefits, Terry said. papers. Many newsjournals of “You could eliminate -the sniutpyport from Kids Count Mississippi and Mississippi's religious commu- Advocates ofthe reform say it State Baptistconventions provide a postage being paid by the local would reduce the federal budget church newsletter service on their church, have more efficient deliv- Bill proposed to establish deficit by requiring the USPS to back-pages, noted Terry, who is ery, and better Christian steward- “pre-fund” itsretirementbenefits, editor ofWord & Way, the Bap- ship. I do not think we honor the Terry said. tist newsjournal in Missouri. Lord when we. adopt structures, commission on gambling That’s quite a contrast to the Under a_typical plan, a partici- when we send more money tothe present arrangement, in which the pating church sends the state paper post office, when we could partner USPS pays retiree benefits to the to its church members, and the with other Baptist entities,” Terry WASHINGTON (BP) — Con- the coming months.” federal government on a “pay as church newsletter is printed on the said. gress will establish a panel to The commission, he said, you go” basis — “or as the oblig- back page of the paper. Sib- The cost for a*church to,.com- study the impact of gambling in should review the cost and effec- ations come due,” said Terry, scriberswhose churches don’tpar- municate with its members is the United States, if a representa- tiveness offederal andstate regu- who represents a broad-based ticipate receive a back page pre- “going out of sight,” he said. tive from-Virginiahas his way. lations, gambling’s impact on coalition of religious publishers, pared by the state newspaper staff “Every time we have to take adol- Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., other businesses, the influence of including Southern Baptists, on — often.feature stories that don’t lar andput it towardpostal rates, it announced Jan. 10 he will intro- gamblingpromoters on the devel- MTAC. relate to high-profile or critical comes out ofthe Cooperative Pro- duce a bilkto form the National opment of policies regulating “The Postmaster General has newsstories. gram, ministries, Bibles, Christian Gambling Impact and Policy gambling, the relationship said if (the reform is enacted), For a church that already sub- literature, or social ministry. It’s a Commission for the purpose of between.gambling and crime, they will immediately file for scribes to the state newspaper for dollar that’s going to postage | compiling information on gamb- teenage gambling, and the effect another postal rate increase,” its members, the back-page plan (instead). ling’s effect on economics, ofpathological gambling on indi- Terry said, because all benefits saves the church the cost of mail- “T think that’s a real problem in crime, families,and individuals. viduals, families, and social insti- for USPS retirees are provided by ing its newsletters bypiggyback- a society where we're talking . The United States is on a tutions. postal revenues — not from tax ing the newsletter on the back about growing personal account- “gambling binge,” Wolf said. The commission also should revenues. page ofthe paper. ability and responsibility,” Terry “This is an issue of national propose whether gambling opera- Apress release from the Wash- “I think (rising postal rates) ‘Said. economic importance, and I tions on Indian lands should be ington-based Alliance of Non- ought to increase the partnership (Note: TheBaptistRecord uses believe the new Congress regulated by the states, not just profit Mailers disputes that the between churches, associations, thefrontpage ratherthan the back should examine it closely over the federal government, he said. reform can actually accomplish and state Baptist papers,” Terry page.) ~ Author pulls Joshua commentary over disputes with BSSB editors BELTON, Texas (ABP) — set, authorized by BSSBtrustees board is moving away from a-tra- BSSB editors, however, rely- you do with I Kings 6:1,” he said. The author of a commentary on in 1987,isdesitgoenspeoudse an_ ditional commitment to main- ing onaliteral reading of a verse Wyrick said he also places the the book ofJoshuahas withdrawn inerrantistview of Scripture. The stream conservative scholarship to in I Kings, insist on a 15th centu- writing ofthe book ofJoshua later his upcoming volume in the New Nashville-based BSSB’s last cater to a more fundamentalist ry dating, he said. than the BSSB editors. “I placed American Commentary series major commentary, the Broad- approach. I Kings 6:1 reports the exodus the dating in the period of the because ofdisputes with editors at man Bible Commentary, was Board officials, however, dis- came 480 years before the con- monarchy. Some want to place it the Baptist Sunday School Board published in the 1970s and is pute that, pointing out that while struction of Solomon’s temple in in the périod of the judges,” he (BSSB). sometimes criticized as too liberal such rejections are rare, they are Jerusalem, which most scholars said. The author, Stephen Wyrick, for the tastes of fundamental-con- not unprecedented. lace in the early 10th century. A Wyrick did much of the el said he made the decision after servative trustees who now hold Wyrick said he ran into prob- iteral interpretation,. therefore, research for the commentary dur- recent discussions with editors in sway attheboardandotheragen- lems with Clendenden and other pushes. the date for Joshua's ing a recent sabbatical at the which “it became clear they cies of the Southern Baptist Con- commentary editors over the dat- escapades into the 15th century. Albright Institute of Archeology weren't going to be happy” with vention. ing of Israel’s conquest of Pales- But many scholars do not in Jerusalem. Clendenen, he said, the book. “The methodologies I The original general editor, tine and issues raised by recent interpret the number literally. has stated he does not want much desired to employ during the Michael Smith, resigned in 1990 textual studies and archeological “There are othertexts in the Bible attention given to archeology. research and writing and the to become a pastor. He was finds. that seem to indicate other possi- BSSB trustees voted to publish methodologies they desire to be replaced by David Dockery, who Wyrick said he believes the ble dates,” Wyrick said. ni- the commentary in 1987, overrid- employed are irreconcilable,” said stepped aside two years later conquest took place in the 13th cles dates the exodus 12 genera- ing a committee recommendation Wyrick, areligionprofessor at the when he accepted a deanship at century before Christ, a dating tions before the temple. “Many that discouraged the venture by University ofMary Hardin-Baylor Southern Seminary. In 1992, trus- accepted by most scholars and conservative scholars would citing low market demand and in Belton, Texas. tees elected Criswell College’s “pretty much what I have encoun- argue that the 480 years in I fear of controversy. The trustees Among concerns raised by edi- Ray Clendenen the new general tered during the years” while an Kings 6:1 is a reference to 12 specified that the commentary tors are his dating of the events editor, causingone consultingedi- undergraduate student at Dallas generations, and generations were must defend traditional authorship described in Joshua and his treat- tortoresign inprotest. oe University and a master’s oftentimes reckoned as 40 years ofbiblical books and that all writ- ment ofdisputed texts, he said. Some observers say the recent and a doctoral student at South- in the Old Testament.... It’s a ers “hold to the position of The 40-volume commentary disputes with writers indicate the western Seminary. matter of interpretation what do inerrancy,” Thursday,January19,1995 More proposals dropped into ’95 legislative hopper ~ ByPaulG.JonesIIand ElizabethK. Holmes =~ ee in Tthhee fMoilslsoiwsisnigppbiillLsegwiesrleatfiulreed tureH,Btr8a5n4sfperro,hiabnidtsptohsesemsasniuofnaco-f ppeonsasletsisefsirfeoarrmmsi.nors who illegally tainHaBct6s5w5hiacnhda8r6e4unalssaewrftulthfatorctehre- forHteBrmi6na5t4ionporfopvairdeentsaltrihgahtts.law between Jan. 6-12, and are a con- assaultweapons. SB 2358 prohibits the giving of holder of a permit authorizing the enforcement officers may detain an tinuation of the list of bills from HB 875 creates the civil rights- weapons as prizes at carnivals, ¢ir- sale of beer or light wine are also offending party for a spousal abuse the previous week’s listing in The division in the office ofthe Attorney cuses, fairs, and like concerns and unlawful if committed by an c : S Baptist Record: General. : organizationstoany personless than employeeofthepermitholder. HB 699 creates the “Uniform HB 878 eliminates the death 21 yearsofage. a SB 2242 prohibits the holder ofa PremaritalAgreementAct.” Church/state penalty for acapitaloffense by any permit authorizing the retail sale of HB 707 relates to exploitation of R SB (Senate Bill) 2243 provides youthorchildundertheage 18. Drugs beer or light wine from allowing the children andprohibits the possession that students who are at licensed HB 890 eliminates the death HB 625 allows the manufacturer consumptionofbeerorlight wine on of materials which sexually exploit child care facilities for four or fewer penalty forthementallyretarded. ofbeertodetermine ifalcoholic con- the retail premises. after the hours it children. ~ hours a.day shall not be counted as HB 889 allows sexual abuseas a tent is listed on labels in terms of islegallyopenforbusiness. HB 718 provides for-equitable children at those facilities. for any childas amitigating circumstance in eitherweightorvolume. SB 2437 provides that an appli- division ofmaritalproperty. purpose-underthe licensure law, and capital sentencingcases. cant for a permit to sell liglit SB2216requires licensure ofcer- provides that such exemption shall SB 2205 provides that if a = wine or beefmust be a resident tain- individuals who. use the title of be i1‘owed only if the facility pro- student athlete is found guilty ofMississippi and that the des- Marriage and Family Therapy in the vides care to fewer than 15 ofthose ofweapons possession while ignated manager ofthe licensed state of Mississippi, and creates the children. participating in school athletic premises must be aresident of Mississippi Marriage and Family activities, the school and the Mississippi. “TherapyLicensure Board. Criminaljustice student shall be disqualified- HB639and843 providethat SB 2227 prevides that persons HB (House-Bill) 687 and,701 from further participation in it shall-be unlawful to operate a age 18 or older may marry without authorizes warrantless searchés for thatsport. : water craft under the influence parental permissign. drugs and weapons on school prop- SB 2326 requires registra- ofalcohol, andthat anyoperator SB 2274 provides that determina- erty. tion of firearms and imposes of a water craft shall be tion ofthe best interests ofa child in HB 746 conforms fondling laws specific provisions for the reg- assumed to have given‘implied custody matters is to be made with- with sexualbattery laws. istration.ofweapons. consent for blood alcohol con- _out regardtothegenderoftheparent HB 780 provides for-enforced SB 2330 imposes enhanced tent testing. : orparents seekingcustody. ' penalties for gang-related criminal penalties for the use of armor SB2293 adds publichousing- SB2368authorizes the Mississip- activities. piercing ammunition. during developments to list of drug- pi Department.ofHuman Services to HB 795 authorizes ajudge to sen- the commission of the crimes freezoneswhere sale orposses- expand its private entity child sup- tence violators of certain controlled ofviolence or drug trafficking, and HB 638 provides that a person sionofdrugswithin 1500feetresults port collection pilot program into substances to rehabilitation instead prohibits parole forapersonconvict- selling alcoholic beverages, light inenhancedpenaltie’. additionalMississippi counties: ofprison. edunderthisact. wine, and beer to a minor.shall be HB 691 creates the offense of HB 810 creatés a state-assisted SB 2332 provides that the sale of fined not less than $1,500 and not traffickingincontrolledsubstances. Gambling county jail construction program weapons to minors shall be a felony, “more than $50,000, and that the per- HB 703 establishes a drug test- HB 779 removes prohibitions on using revenue from state gambling andprovides forafineandimprison- mit to sell shall be revoked for one ing/rehabilitation program for public conducting sports pools for the fees. ment for such sale. It also provides year. schoolstudents. wagering on sporting events aboard Youths need challenge, not entertainment HB 743 grants limited police cruisevessels. as powers to agents and inspectors of SB 2248 expands the list of high- theAlcoholic BeverageControl divi- way improvement projects eligible RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP) — Experiencing God, and consul- “Somehow (church leaders) sion. for funding from the gaming coun- Church leaders today are “urider- tant forrevival andspiritual awak- feel they can’t put anything heavy HB 745 creates the offense of ties state assisted infrastructure fund. challenging” youths, according to ening for the Home and Foreign on teens, and that’s just not true. reckless endangerment of an unborn SB 2335 prohibits gaming in author Henry Blackaby,who said Mission boardsand’Baptist Sun- Teens are waiting for that. They child for mothers who use illegal waters adjacent to the three most they are offering entertainment daySchoolBoard. are waiting for someone to know drugs. southern counties ofMississippi that and road trips instéad of godly “The greatest tragedy in they are capable ofmore-thanjust SB 2277 amends state law to lie adjacent to areas which were challenges. : churches today is that we are beingbaby-sat,”Blackaby said. impose penaltiefso.r the use of zoned for commercial use on June Church leaders “are saying, under-challenging our youth. I’ve Blackaby was speaker at the cocaine during the last trimester of 29, 1990, and which are not zoned “Let’s go swimming’ or ‘Let’s go never seen any age group that first-everExperiencing God Youth gnancy. forresidential use. to Six Flags,’ ‘Let’s watch videos responds more deeply with greater Celebration, Dec. 27-29 at Ridge- SB 2217 amends state law to or listen to music,” said Blacka- crest (N.C.) Conference Center. impose penalties for the use of cer- Safety by,authorofthepopularresource, ' About 2,000 youths and youth tain cogtrolled substances during - HB641 provides that it is unlaw- pregnancy. ful for any person under age 18 to leaders packed Spillman Auditori- HB823 authorizes theuse oftrap ride inorupon anyportionofa vehi- um at Ridgecrest oe eee and trace devices and caller IDs by cle not designed fortransportationof , according to Clyde , Man- theBureauofNarcotics. ae ofthe Baptist Sunday School HB 642 modifies the mandatory Board’s discipleship and family Education motor vehicle seat belt law to allow devel division youth sec- HB 741 creates,\the “Blind Per- prosecution for violation even if no ‘tion, ich sporisoredtheevent. sons’ Literacy RightS’and Education otheroffense isapplicable. “This may well be the last gen- Act.” eration God calls extensively to HB 793 and 799 authorizes Other take the good news to all nations,” schooldistricts toemploy attendance SB 2240 revises the protection said Blackaby, who said he officers and study the feasibility of accorded under the Good Samaritan believes Jesus will return before _incorporating attendance require- Statute. this generation of young people breathes itslast breath. ments in the performance-based SB 2261 specifies and defines accreditationsystem. sexual harassment in employment, “This generation that’s living could well be alive when the Lord HB 894 and HCR (House Con- training, or education as a civil current Resolution) 46 create a per- rights violation, and provides a civil returns, and I’m afraid unless we manent higher education trust fund penalty. take action now-they will be just derivedfromgamblingtaxes. as disoriented to the second com- SB 2299 provides tuition to all Senators and representatives - ing as the people in biblical times needy, qualified, college-bound state can be reached in Jackson during weretothe firstcoming.” Blackaby said the entire church residents. the session: Box 1018, Jackson, SB 2354 establishes a Motivating MS 39215. Telephone: (601) 359- body—notjusttheyouthdirector Parents and Children (MPAC) pilot 3770. : — is responsible for equipping programwithinthe State Department For more information, contact youngpeople forthe task oftaking RIDGECREST, N.C. — eS ad (left), author of Experiencing the gospeltothe world. ofEducation forthe purpose ofmak- the Christian Action Commission ing grants to school districts that (CAC) of the Mississippi Baptist God: Knowing and Doing the ll of God and consultant for revival and Youths are hungry for passion provide parental involvement ser- Convention at P.O. Box 530, Jack- spiritual awakening for the Home Mission, eee Mission, and Baptist in life, he said. “Because church leaders have lost their passion, vices to families of compulsory- son, MS 39205-0530. Telephone: SpaurntdiaciypaSncthsowolhobopaurdrsc,hassiegdnshiasutboogorka.phAsbofuotr a2,a loiunengof cpoenofpleereanncde. youthturn to rock stars andmusic, school-agechildren. (601) 968-3800, or (800) 748- 1651. amediumthat is full ofpassion.” aRdiudlgteclreeasdternseat)tenCdoendfetrheencfeirsCtenEtxepre,riDeencc.in2g7-G2o9.d FYroo;umthriCgehltebarraet:io=nat With direction, Blackaby said, Family Jones is CAC executive direc- RCiocuknhcaer,tFainrstCChhruirscthi,neBoFoonred,vilPlaer.kv(iPehwotCohubrycThe,rrAilLexaacnkderyi)a, La.; and Joe{ pyaosusnigonpienotpolGeocdo’uslwdocrhka.nnel their abusHe,Bof65a0nypcrhoivldidsehsallthbaetgsreoxuunadls tfoorr.faHmoillmyeasndiswComAeCn’csoinsssuulest.ant sage nASANeterna SRemNherr Preserving “truth and conviction...” Abstract of Principles provides theological accountability By R. AlbertMohlerJr. The question of theological account- founder of the seminary, who made the judgment, rather than to hold themselves and they published the Abstract of Princi-. ability is the most pressing issue before insistence upon theological integrity to the Abstract as required by their con- ples under the title, “The Seminary Southern Baptists as they relate to their absolutely clear. tract. Creed.” seminaries. All otherissuespale insignifi- In framing the seminary’s identity, Thus, the Abstract is reduced toa bit of Stagg seeks to confuse the issue by cance to this: Willthe‘seminaries of the Boyce stipulated that the seminary must. theological wishful thinking. The profes- injecting Calvinism and the role ofwomen Southern Baptist Convention truly and ‘be established upon clear doctrinal princi- sor is free to “interpret” the Abstract in the church: The Abstract is a Reformed eagerly reflect the evangelical faith, doc- ples. Only then would the seminary according to his orherpreferences. This is statement of Baptist conviction. It testifies. trin e, a nd p iety of Southern Baptist receive and deserve the support of the. theological . clearly to the = churches? churches. Thus, fidelity to the Abstract of doublespeak. It sovereignty of The-question is hard- Principles serves as the contractual obliga- is a dishonest God and his sav- ly new to this denomina- tion for all who teach at Southern Semi- perversion of a ing purpose. lt tion, though recent con- nary. It is a condition ofemployment that contractual truthfully reflects troversies have sounded~ all who teach here do so “in accordance pledge. This is here are few threats the doctrinal arm bells and aroused with and notcontrary to” the Abstract. an act of con-. convictions of he attention of the summate arro- more perilous for those who found- churches. From _the The roots oftheAbstractofPrinciples gance. It is, as ~ . ed theSouthern ‘onset; Southern Baptists even a childcan : the evangelical Baptist Conven- wete properly and The Abstract is rooted in-historic Bap- understand, a tion. This was Mohle r © 4 responsibly concerned to tist confessions, traced. from London to lie. To sign a church than theological the doctrinal sub- ee protect-the theological Philadelphia to Charleston. It is a summa- confession Stance which ~* seminaries set adrift from integrity oftheirseminaries. ~ ry ofbiblical truth and Baptist conviction. « While reinter- launched. this SouthernBaptists did not hastily enter It remains unchanged since the founding _preting its great missionary . theological accountability.” the field of seminary education. Indeed, of the-school in 1859. Itwas, as Boyce meaning is no people. For.that the establishment-of the Southern Semi- Stated, “based upon principles and_prac- different than a — Albert Mohler we offer no apol- nary in 1859 came 14 years after the for- tices sanctioned by the authority ofScrip- child making a ogy. These con- mation of the Convention. The seminary ture and the usage ofourpeople.” promise while victions formed " came into.existence only when the leading Boyce asserted that this confessional crossing fin- . the evangelical Baptist statesmen ofthe éraput theirlives, requirement was ne burden to one who gers, and biblical fortunes,.and reputations on the line for would teach ministers through the semi- We should. - grounding for the training ofministers. Fromthe onset, it nary. “It is no hardship to those who teach commend * this great denom- was determined that Southern Seminary here to be called upon to sign the declara- Stagg’s honesty in making his case. In his ination ofevangelistic churches. would be a confessional institution — it tion of their principles,” he insisted, and written works and in his classroom lec- The Abstract does not speak to the would hold all who teach accountable.to a those who saw such a requirement as a tures, he rejected:the Abstract’s clear issue of women in the church. To raise statement offaith which stipulated the the- burden could teach elsewhere. _ statement in favor of his own doctrinal that issue in this context was‘an attempt to ological boundaries. Furthermore, and to Stagg’s consterna- positions. On issues ranging from the distract attention from the Abstract’s clear tion, Boyce also demanded that those who. Trinity to the nature of the atonement, demandsfor theological accountability. Theplace ofconfessions in history sign the Abstract do so without condition Stagg reinterpreted to the point of rever- Southern Seminary standsbehind its or reservation: “No difference, however sal. He discarded the classical orthodox commitment to the highest standards of Fornearly 2,000 years, Christians have slight, no peculiar sentiments, however doctrineofthe Trinity as outdated. He dis- Christian scholarship. Stagg evidently expressed faith and doctrine through con- speculative is here allowable. His agree- missed Christ’s substitutionary atonement thinks that genuine scholarship and theo- fessions of faith. In many cases, the con- ment with the standard should be exact. as cruel and bloody. The very notion of logical accountability are incompatible. fession or creed emerged out of the His declaration ofit should be based upon ~ unconditional election was dismissed out This notion is an insult to the church, and defense of the faith against heresy and no mental reservation, upon no private of hand. The faith held by generations of it indicates the idolatry of the secular aca- error. The be- understanding Southern Baptists — the faith represented demic establishment which has seduced lieving church with those who by the Abstract ofPrinciples — was repu- Seeennet ofSouthern Baptist intellectu- said “no” to doc- . immediately diated in favor of Stagg’s own system of s. trinal error and invest him in doctrine. “yes” to the truth office; but the Stagg raises the cases of Crawford The seminary mustbe accountable ofthe gospel. articles. to be Howell Toy and William H. Whitsitt — O Sign a confession As one mod- taught being but he does net come close to telling the True Christian scholarship is scholar- ern theologian while reinterpret- distinctively whole story. Whitsitt was not “forced out” ship in defense of the truth of the gospel States, confes- laid down, he of the seminary on the~basis of the —not at its expense. We should pay heed.. sions are “exer- : ing its meaninisg should be able Abstract; indeed, he was a defender ofthe to the admonition of the-apostle Paul that ~ €ises in drawing to say from his confession. The issues related to his resig- we preach and teach “no other gospel” boundaries” as . ho differentthan a child knowledge of nation had nothing to do with the than that preached by the apostles and the the. church. af- the Word of Abstract. : .. Lord Jesus Christ. firms its best . ‘ God that he. __ Toy, on the other hand, is perhaps the Stagg asserts that “Creeds like the understanding of making a promise knows these clearest example of why the Abstract is Abstract of Principles survive only by biblical truth and while crossing fingers.” articles to be an necessary. His resignation was sought in arbitrary power.” Perhaps so, but not in defends the or- exact summary 1879 when it was determined that hislib- the sense Stagg intends. It is the power of me of the — Albert Mohler {orntberein.” “eral positions on the nature andauthority the churches to hold their institutions of the Bible were in conflict with the accountable. On the other hand, theologi- church. Baptist Put simply, Abstract’s clear assertion ofbiblical inspi- fal integrity survives only by personal and confessions have this means that _Tation. As PresidentJohn R. Sampey noted institutional loyalty to ourpublic pledge to emerged from everyone who many years later, the entire faculty. stood teach within the confession we voluntarily the same im- signs the Ab- together. in painful agreement that Toy sign. pulse, and des- : stract is volun- must-go. Southern Baptists seekihg to under- pite wishful thinking and revisionism from tarily to affirm that-those statements are Stagg also fails to mention that within stand the last 15 years of controversy in some quarters, Baptists are a confessional recisely what Scripture teaches, and what just a few weeks of Toy’s departure, Toy the Southern Baptist Convention should ° people. “The Baptist Faith and Message” ne or she will teach. There may be no had repudiated the Christian faith and pay close heed to Stagg’s article. There is perhaps our best-known confession, mental reservation. Should the teacher joined the Unitarian Church. Stagg are few threats more perilous for the evan- adopted in 1925 and 1963. hesitate or be in any way reluctant, he or mourns his departure. I am thankful to gelical church than theological seminaries she should not sign the document nor God that the seminary’s trustees and facul- set adrift from theological accountability. The renunciation ofconfessions teach at this seminary. ty were unified in demanding his resigna- By God’s grace Southern Baptists must Amazingly, Stagg argued that this has tion. hold their institutions and those who teach Frank Stagg, who taught at both New not been the case for many years. In his therein to our public pledge — to our con- Orleans and Southern seminaries, now words, “Through most of Southern Semi- “The Seminary Creed” fessions of faith. decries the “bondage” of Baptist confes- nary’s years, professors were permitted to Boyce-warned almost 140 years ago sionalism (“Theological institutions and sign the Abstract of Principles as they Our founders. did not hesitate to stand that “a crisis in Baptist doctrine is evident- the J.P. Boyce legacy,” The Baptist Rec- interpreted it, contrary to Boyce’s upon the confessionsthey adopted, nor to ly approaching.” Little did he know how ord, Jan, 5). He correctly traced the roots demand.” Stagg clearly argues that this put their reputations at stake in their sadly prophetic was his vision. of Southern Seminary’s confession to should be the case — that professors pledge. They were not intimidated by Mohler is president ofSouthern Sem- James Petigru Boyce, the towering should hold the Abstract under their own those who accused them of “creedalism,” inary, Louisville,Ky. ~ seeee ee ee ee =_ SEEA NENceANaytee SSAOA natn. afin, Letters to the editor SSSor = —7y Tt + r ae T Grateful for renewal tGhreacreesuinrgSeonuctehoefrntheBaDpotcitsrtinliefse oifs etxhteroelmoegyv.iewOsftaerenputtimfeorsthtihnesaen cahnurdchemsi.sinformation in our _Mcooudledrnbemfiusrstihoenrsfrwoams tbhoerntruatnhd. Editor: no threatto ourmandate topreach attempt to cause hysteria. Any If the doctrines of Calvin were bred in Calvinistic doctrine. Fur- As a Southern Baptist pastor Christ at home and around the misrepresentation ofourhistorical sucha threattomissions andevan- thermore, if Calvinists don’t and a five-point Calvinist, please world. [Kevin] Waller’s letter of connections as Southern Baptists gelism, thenwhy isit that somany believe in missions, someone for- allow me to assure my fellow Dec. 22, 1994, describes the with the Doctrines of Grace only of our Southern Baptist fore- got to tell that wonderful group of brothers and sisters in-Christ that extreme views of hyper-Calvin ist serves to spread more confusion fathers adopted these same doc- Calvinists who met in Augusta, trines as their own. Basil Manly Ga., in 1845 to form our Conven- Sr., W.B. Johnson (first president tion. Their express purpose was ofthe SBC), R.B.C. Howell (sec- for the propagation of the gospel ond president of the SBC), P.H.. aroundthe world. Mell, J.P. Boyce (founder and first Terrell Suggs president of Southern Seminary), Union B.H. Carroll (founder and presi- Cartoons available dent of Southwestern Seminary), Baptist Church, Hattiesburg apt and countless other Southem Bap- Temple | o. tist visionaries were all five-point Editor: Calvinists and yet were all deeply I have prepared a series of 10 Begins: 1:30 p.m.,Monday * Concludes: 9:00 p.m., Tuesday committed to~personal evangelism cartoons which illustrate points andmissions. Paul makes in Galatians. Iplan to I for one, am grateful to our put them on transparencies: and sovereign Lord for the return of use on an overhead projector when many Baptists to our theological I teach the epistle to ourpeople. and historical Southérn Baptist I will be happy to send a set of roots. I believe that a betterunder- these cartoons to anyone free of standing of these doctrines would charge. Send $2 for postage and go a long way in strengthening our handling to me at First Baptist commitment as a denomination to Church, P.O. Box 1357, Kenner, reaching the lost for Christ. Two LA 70063-1357. books in particularwere helpful in Joe McKeever broadening my understanding: By His Grace and For His Glory, by Advocate ofneglected Thomas’J. Nettles, and Robert B. Selph’s Southern Baptists and Editor: theDoctrineofElection. On behalf of the often-neglect- J. ShawnKinsey,pastor ed segment of our society who Doty Chapel Church reside in nursing homes or swing Shannon bed sections in local hoSpitals or in retirement homes, I plead with Also thankful Mississippi Baptists to reach out “tothe least ofthese.” Editor: These facilitiescontain an often HowthaInamktofbeuaplart unnoticed and forgotten mission of the growing number of South- field at our doorstep. Perhaps we ern Baptist,Calvinists. I applaud cannot go overseas, but we can all Al Mohler, president of Southern do missions. In fact, a person of Seminary;Timothy George, presi- any age can visit a nursinghome dentofBeeson-School ofDivinity; and small children are by far the and many others like them who favorites ofthe residents. are contending for the faith by If you want to begin this type seeking to recover the doctrine of of ministry or are already doing it free andsovereigngrace. and would like literature. designed Such outstanding men as W.B. specificallyfor nursing home resi- «Johnson, R.B.C. Howell, Richard dents, you can contact: The Son- Fuller — first, second and third shine Society, P.O. Box 327, Lyn- residents oftheSBC, respective- wood, WA 98036. This organiza- y — were strong Calvinists. J.P. tion produces giant print hymnals, Boyce, founder ofSouthern Semi- sing-along tapés with old favorite nary; D.L.Dagg, John Broadus, hymns, and giant print tracts. Our Basil Manly Jr. and Sr., E.C. Dar- church placed these materials in gan, J.B. Tidwell, F.K. Kerfoot, our local facilities and they have J.B. Gambrell, P.H. Mell, W.T. beén warmly received. Conner,.and many other giants of ~ Bill Kent Jr., pastor our past were outspoken Calvin- Providence Church ists. EvenLottie Moon is included Meadville in this “great cloud ofwitnesses.” Other Calvinistic Baptists who On protecting killers influenced the shaping of our Conventioh. were Benjamin Editor: Keach, John Bunyan, Matthew ¥can’t imagine our government Henry, Isaac Backus, John New- protecting the nurses and doctors ton, Andrew Fullet, William that go into the abortion clinies Carey, Luther: Rice, Adoniram J.GatlandMcKee and kill little babies. These are Judson, and C.H. Spurgeon. The poor little innocent and helpless list could go on and on. Only a babies who have no one to protect superficial study will prove my TheEvangelismConferenceis forpastors, them. How can these professionals point. sleep nights, knowing that they are staff, evangelists,and LAYPEOPLE.Comeone, Whether Calvinism is believed murdering God's little children? comeall toreceive the highestdegree or not, Souther Baptists owe it an Murder is murder, no matter how enormous debt of gratitude. We ofspiritual inspiration through preaching you look at it. On judgment day deeply love our denomination and God will take care of all this. You and music. find it extremely ironic and hurtful will have to stand before God and when we are treated with suspi- Call Garland McKee at 1-800-748-1651 for give account of what you have cion and even declared non-South- furtherinformation. ern Baptist by some. done. Montell Crowson Many say [Calvinism] kills SelectyourlodginginHattiesburgamongmanygoodchoices. Headquarters: HolidayInnonHwy.49, missions and evangelism. Nothing Cedar Bluff ee pica Thursday,January19,1995 First Church, Hazlehurst, Just for the Record marks 125th anniversary office. Cost of the workshop is $18.75 and advance First Church, Hazlehurst, will Sunday, Feb. 26, will be the reservations are necessary. These may be made by one 125 years of ministry closing day of the celebration. contacting Eddie Hamilton, director of missions, duringthemonth ofFebruary. Worship services that day will 6530. Dogwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39213. Tele- Two projects of importance begin at. 10:30 a.m. Bill Causey, phone: (601) 362-8676. Dates and times are Feb. 17, have been planned: a pictorial executive secretary-treasurer of 6-9 p.m.; Feb. 18, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Feb. 24, 6-9 church directory, and a 125th the Mississippi Baptist Convention p-m.; and Feb. 25, 8:30 a.m.-230 p.m. For additional anniversary print by Sandra Board, will be the guest speaker. information call Martha Stockstill, (601) 366-6481 or Deaton. The service will include a presen- Rene Sugg, 982-0262. February worship services will tation by the Historical Commis- focus on the various age groups sion. A music concert featuring ~ Union ChurchChurch, Union Association, will within the church and include present and former organists and hold a dedication service for its church building at 2 something about the ministry of ministers of music will be held at p.m. onJan29. Tim Hudsonispastor. the church to thatparticular group. 2:30 p.m. The church will host a Personal testimonies, music, and reception at 3:30 p.m. in the fel- ~ The President Search Committee of Midwest- messages will highlight the wor- lowship hall. Robert M. Hanvey is. Ashland Church, Ashland, recent held its Acteen ern Seminary is now receiving recommendations shipexperiences. pastor. Recognition Service. Pictured from | are Katie Elliott, and resumes for the office ofpresident. Recommen- Queen, and Angela Sprayberry, Queen with Scepter. dations will be received until March 15. All corre- Henry picks 6 parliamentarians: spondence should be sent to: Search Committee; Mississippi College will host a one-day work- Attention: Chairman; Midwestern Baptist Theologi- ORLANDO, Fla. (BP) — A W. Peterson, Ph.D., Enterprises, shop, “CognitiveTherapy ofDepression: Conceptual- cal Seminary; P.O. Box 9868;Colorado Springs, CO team of six parliamentarians has Inc.; Jimmy E. Jackson, pastor of ization and Treatment,” Jan. 27, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 80932. been selected by SBC President Whitesburg Church, Huntsville. on the MC campus in Clinton. The workshop will be Jim Henry to assist in business Ala.; David N»“Matlock, parish led by David A. Clark and John B. Jolly, and is Colonial Heights Church, Jackson,. will host a sessions of the SBC in Atlanta juvenile judge, Shreveport, La.; designed for counselors, social workers, and thera- single adult conference, “Becoming a Friend and June 20-22. Joe H. Reynolds, lawyer and pists. Cost is $50, or$25 forstudénts. Formore infor- Lover,”Jan, 27 from 7-9:30p.m. and Jan. 28, 9 a.m.- “Henry did not designate any of member of Second Church, Hous- mation ortopre-register, call (601) 925-3263. 3 p.m. DickPurnell, national director of Single Life his six selections as chief parlia- ton. : Resources in Cary, N.C., will be conference leader. mentarian. Antioch Church, Pelahatchie, will observe Bap- The $20 fee will cover materials and refreshments. The six parliamentarians select- OLD BIBLES REBOUND tist Men’s Day and High Attendance Day on Jan. 22. Formore information, call (601) 956-5000. ed by Henry are: John Sullivan, The day will begin with a men/boys breakfast at 8 executive director-treasurer of the Aprice, bindingandstyletomeetevery need. Qualityworkmanshipguaranteed. a.m. Layman.Carl Harrison will speak at 11 a.m. The Guy Stricherza, photographic historian, is pro- Florida Convention; Lester L. Writefor illustrated pricefolder. men will share their testimonies at 7 p.m. Marion ducing a book and traveling exhibition, Americans Cooper Jr., pastor of Valley Hill “Internationallyknownspecialists” Spence is pastor. in Kodachrome: Photographic Folk Art, 1945- Church, Riverdale, Ga.; Sanford NORRIS BOOKBINDING CO. 1965. To contribute Mississaipp Kodachrome slides, W. Peterson, president of Sanford Box305-C—Greenwood,Miss.38930 Basic Conversational English Workshop will be contact him at 23 Prince Street, New York, NY held at the Metro (Hinds-Madison) AsSociation 10012. Telephone:(212)226-3399. W OW TRAINING Staff Changes WORKSHOP ———————————EE Tom Sumrall, pastor of First Grady J. Ross has accepted James Blakely of Ridgeland Church, New Albany, since 1981, the call to West Gulfport hasbeencalaslineterdimatFirst WOW Trainingis13weeks ofpersonalevangelismtrainingforyouthofall hasresigned to return tothe for- Church, Gulf CoastAssociation, Church, Braxton, Simpson .eign mission as pastor effective Nov. 6. He County: agesandtheirleaders. It wasdevelopedbythePersonal Evangelism field. His last attended DepartmentoftheHomeMissionBoardtoprepareyouthforthechallenge day with the William Carey ' .Freeny Church, LeakeAssoci- ofContinuingWitnessTraining(CWT).TheWOWtrainingworkshopis church was Jan. College. Ross ation, has called John Adams. as forministersofyouthandyouthSundaySchoolleaders.Thetrainingisbeing 15. Before going © was licensed by itspastoreffectivethe firstSunday to New Albany, ~ Graceland inJanuary. -OfferedinafewselectplacesintheUnitedStates.Thisworkshopwillcertify he and his wife © Church, Van- participantsasequipperstouseboththeWOWEventandWOWAdvance _Jane were mis- cleave, and Gary Rich- Trainingmaterials.Participantsmustattendalltrainingsessionstobe sionaries if ordained by ardson began Brasilia, Brazil. Baxterville his ministry as certified.WOWadvancematerialscanbeorderedonlyby acertified _ They will now Sumrall Church, Lum- pastor at First equipper. be serve. with berton. He pre- Church, West the International Service Corps: viously served Ross Point, the last FKagiecationfeepostaserked 14daysbesise thewoikshon aie:$28per When not on assignment, they will churches in Hattiesburg, Lumber- Sunday in Octo- reside in Hattiesburg. ton, Columbus, andPoplarville. ber. His previ- participant, $10forspousesharingmaterials,$15forfull-timecollegeor ousplace ofser- seminarystudents,and$65forthreetosixpeoplefromthesamechurch,$10 Billy Guest has retired as pas- , Wiggins Church, Leake Asso- vice was Edge- foreachadditional person.Fullrefundofregistruapttiotohne 14-day top-of Corinth Church (Simp- ciation, has called Lonnie Myrick water Church, n), effective December 1994. He asits new pastor. New Orleans. » Richardson | deadline.Thereisanadditional$10foranyoneregisteringatthedoor. is available for pulpit supply, _Registrationfeeincludesallmaterials. Itdoesnotincludetravel, foodor interim, and revivals. Guest can be contacted at Rt. 2, Box 139AA, lodging. Toregister,sendthisadwithyourname,addressandtelephone Magee, MS 39111 or call (601) number. MakecheckspayabletoHomeMissionBoardandmailto 849-9536. Youth:Evangelism Office > WOW Registration + 906 S. National Mike Powell is the new pastor SpringfMiOe65l8d04,. of Pachuta Church, Clarke Asso- ciation. February 17-18 Boonville,MS March3-4 Tyler,TX II HEIDELBERG STAINED GLASS, CHURCH PEW CUSHIONS: March 10-11 BellePlane,KS March10-11 Pueblo,CO Custom Church Meridian. Design, Fabrication, Manufacturedin ourplant. Forfree March 17-18 Dayton,OH April7-8 OldSpanishFort,AL 1 Repair. MURPHY ROBE SALES. estimate contact — Emmons May 19-20 Mobile,AL November3-4 Middletown,OH am Interiors. Inc Call (601) 483-3171 or 1-800-368- Brothers, P.O. Box 186, Meridian, Name PEws 2705. Miss. 39301. Since 1899. Phone PewRefinishing &Reupholstering (601) 693-4451. Address BAPTISTRY/BA THTUB REPAIR. StainGlass +Carpet +Lights Porcelain or fiberglass. Nojob too CHOIR ROBES & accessories, City, State, Zip Pain+Btaptiisntriges»Steeples large or small. Statewide service. pulpit/judicial robes, paraments-. TelephoneNumber ‘an __CompleteRenovations No mileage charge. K&K Bathtub MURPHY ROBES/Mac’s Robes, Repair, 118 S. McCrary Rd., Charles McGlocklin, Authorized HomeMissBoiardo,SnBC!+1350SpringStreet, NW +Atlanta,GA 30367-5601 1-800-654-1294 Columbus, MS 39702; 1-800-349- Dealer. Jackson area (601) 825- ASouthernBaptist agencysupportedbytheCooperativeProgramandtheAnnieArmstrongEasterOffering ¥ 2882. 1317, statewide 1-800-898-MACS. Formoreinformation,callDeanFinleyorCraigWilliamsat417-862-1111 a SESSEEESNNNNNSIESENSENUEEED Names in the News NOBTS names search committee members | Jacqueline Suzanne Ard grad- ical Seminary anid also taught-at uated from Southwestern Semi- NorthernBaptistTheologicalSemi- NEW ORLEANS (BP) — Anderson, chairman, pastor of Burk, a hospital pharmacist nary, Fort Worth, during com- nary and Eastern Baptist Theologi- Edward D. Johnson, chairman First Church, Pigeon Forge, _from Russellville, Ark.; mencement ceremonies Dec. 16. cal Seminary. of the trustees of New Orleans Tenn,; Fred L. Lowery, vice William M. Hamm Jr., a retired Herhometownis Jayess. The semi- Seminary, has announced the chairman, pastor of First mechanical contractor from nary inadvertently left Ard’s name Ron Wyatt, an adventurer who appointment of the presidential Church, Bossier City, La.; €. Shreveport, La.; James E. Davi- offapriorlistofgraduates. hassearchedfor Noah’s Ark and search committee for the rec- Glynn Rhinehart, secretary, a son, owner of Davison Petrole- the remains ofSodom and Gomor- ommendation of a new presi- staff survey engineer for um Products and Davison William T. Sisk and Robert rah, will speak in Jackson Feb. 4 dent to replace the-retiring Lan- Chevron USA Inc. from River Transport, Ruston, La.; Jess W. Andrews,bothstudents atMis- and in Columbus and Tupelo on drum P. Leavell II, 68. Ridge, La.; W. Keith Huffman, Eddie Gandy, pastor of West- sissipprCollege, have been award- Feb. 5. For more information, call In compliance with the semi- previous trustee chairnran, moreland Church, Huntington. ed scholarships in the amount of (601)857-5688. nary’s constitution and bylaws, director of missionsfor,Shoal W.Va.; Stephen G. Forfer, stu- $500. Since 1977, when the pro- Johnson, pastor of First Church; Creek Baptist Association, dent representative, from New gram began, Hardy Church, Grena- FORT WORTH (BP) — Jan Ocala, Fla., appointed the fol- Neosho, Mo.; Johnson, current Orléans; and Billy E. Simmons, da, has awarded scholarships to 22 Johnsonius, former Souther Bap- lowing 11 membérs: Morris L. trustee chairman; Arnold A. faculty representative, professor students pursuing an education tist missionary to Argentina, has of New Testament and Greek at New Orleans. Seminary since toward Christian service. The been named director ofpublic'rela- _; William R. Moss Memorial Minis- tions, news and information for 1976. Johnson said all recommen- terial Scholarship Fund was begun Southwestern Seminary, Fort under his direction. Scott Moss is Worth. She will come to her new dations should be sent in writ- the presentchairman. position in early February after a ing to Morris L. Anderson, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 98, year as a specialassignment writer Pigeon Forge, TN 37868-0098. MEMPHIS (BP)— The Broth- in the Foreign Mission Board’s erhood Commission has named news and information office in * .fonMumbower, Ed.D. MinisterofCounseling Benjamin “Ben” F. Kelley Jr. to Richmond, Va. Earnest A. PirstChurch, Jackson rish its newly-created position of chief development officer. Kelley, who FORT WORTH (BP) — Ifeel left out by myfriends. to compromise and the other is and began his assignment Jan. 3, will Richard T. “Dick” McCartney Sometimes Ifeel I have an ego not. How can we'work thisout? Sand ers, be-responsible for directing: the retired as executive vice president problem or that I-embarass peo- agency’s $10 million “Opportunity and chief operating officer of the ple around me. What is my real If one partner has already Now”capital campaign. Radio and Television Commission problem? _made up his/her mind, a solution 63, dies effective Jan. 1. Jack Johnson, agreeable to both is difficult. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) — RTVC president, said McCartney Maintaining friendships is a Talkto othercouples withsimilar Carl F.H.- Henry, often acknowl- will continue serving the Baptist delicate matter and can also be a interests to find out where they Services were held Jan. 15, at edged as the dean of American agency as an adviser and consul- source of strength. Have you attend church. The partner will- Military Church, Sumrall, for evangelical theologians, has been tant. asked your friends about.the ing to compromise can attend the Earnest A. Sanders, 63;who died named senior research professor at “problem” — that you feel left denomination oftheother part- 8 pepe Jan. 13 at his Southem Seminary, Louisville, Ky. Thomas Allen ofPearl is avail- out and think that you embarass ner, making notes of likes and w residence. A Aleading figure inAmericanevan- able for bivocational youth min- them? Don’t ask all your friends; dislikes. Then, the willingpartner native of Rose gelicalism, Henry was among the istry positions. A member of First ask one or two friends with can do the same with denomina- Hill, he had founding faculty ofFullerTheolog- Church, Jackson, he is enrolled at whom you feel most comfortable tions he/she chooses, making been a resident Wesley College, Florence. Allen and who will be up front with notes of likes and dislikes. After of Sumrall since may be reached at 3124 Eastland you. Most people have some the list is completed, present the - 1971. Sanders Pews; pulpits, baptistries, Dr.,Pearl, MS 39208; telephone insecurity when relating to other findings to the uncompromising served as pastor ‘VanWinkle stainedglass, Carpet, steeples, lighting, (601)932-8747. ‘ people. We all have an- image of partner and ask what he/she is at Mt. Pleasant Church folding doors. how we think of ourselves’and looking for in a church: You can Church, Smith Furnishings & theater seats. James Sclater and Carol Joy how others think of us. The key attend separate churches a few County; Antioch | Sparkman, members of the Mis- word is “image.” Often, what is times and pray that the Lord will Sanders Church, Nesho- Pew Upholstery sissippi College music faculty, will perceived is not real, but percep- show both of you_exactly where ba County; and Antioch Church in Box 501, Fulton, MS. 38843 present a free recital in Aven Fine tion can be r_ality if not exam- he wants you serving as a couple. Jasper County. He went to Mili- In MS. Toll Free 1-800-624-9627 Arts Auditorium on the MC cam- ined by all parties involved. Don’t attack or belittle the other tary Church in 1971 and served Weremo&dpaeinlt pus, Jan. 24 at 8:15 p.m. For more Friendships can grow if we are person’s church choices; look for that church until his retirement in information, call(601)925-3440. honest about how we perceive similar features that attract both 1989. SORTS ourselves and others. Check out of you. Relationships require Survivors include his wife SPECIAL TOURS FOR YOUR "95 TRAVEL EXPO ‘your feelings to see if you are work and time to determine how Katie of Sumrall; two sons, CHURCH GROUP correct, and get input from others each partner can be served indi- Thomas of Raleigh and Terry ef BroughttoyoubyTheTravelClub~ that will help you understand vidually; how. the marriage can Sumrall; four grandchildren; two 362-00456/1-800-841-8991 whatisreally goingon. be strengthened corporately; and sisters, Grace Weaver of Fort 4daye-3meals-Greatsightseeing-Many January28— 10am-6pm ——mostimportantly—what God Worth, Texas, and Ruby Brown of~ dates-$264 i MississippiTrademart As a married couple, we can- is saying to us. By all means, Meridian; and one brother, Lind-- g +-55&High,Jackson, MS “he not agree ona religious denomi- bathe this decision in constant sey Sanders ofBay Springs. hf Maybe you'll win nation — one partner is willing prayer. Dennis Byrd o 3days -GreatPassionPlay,Cruise, Gardens, PineMtn.Jam-bManoydartese-$1e65 Y 3-night Grand Canyon package Sendyourcounselingquestions to LifeAnswers c/o The BaptistRec- Y Ro undtrip tickets to Rome e Y Roundtrip tickets USA ord, P.O. Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205-0530. Please be brief. Name video now x 4 days - 8 shows iBest sightseeing - 3 v FREE tour is not.required. Remember: in timeof crisis, yourpastorcan make s meals-Manydates-$189 Mle recommendationsonyourcounselingneeds. g CAJUNCOUNTRY &RIVERROAD- available a 2days - Bayou Country Cruise - Nottoway e Plantation-2meals-$139 B SAVA&CNHANRLEASTHON — ColorBrochures GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — '95TravelCavalcade “Rise & Walk: The Dennis Byrd CorporateTravelGuide May 20-26 & otherdates - Myrtle Beach - | Story,” an original award-winning Show- Islands-7meals-$360 CHURCH GROUP TRAVEL PLANNER film starring Peter Berg, which aired on Fox Night at the Movies July 21-30- 10 days - Mackinaatec Island,| || 1-DAYDISCOUNTS last season, is now available for +Cruises* rental. It is being released by Zon- WisconsinDe-lHoulsesOnRock-$530 +SeniorAdultTours+ dervanPublishing House. *HoneymoonPackages« “We are excited to bring this 4days-Manydates-$195 * EscortedTours+ ALL NEW CHAMPIONCRUSADER edited and expanded version ofthe +VacationPackages« film to the Christian marketplace,” CUSTOMIZED tours for your group at LOWESTpricesGUARANTEED! ReVpIrSeIsTenEtxahtibiivteosr—booVtAhCsA—TICORNUISpSeEciLailnisets 14 Passenger Full Size Bus sFaiylsmsB.il“lTyheZeonleiw, perpeisliodgeunte,fGeoatsupreels NEED TO CHARTER.A BUS? FEW DAYS- NO CDL REQUIRED the real Dennis Byrd with an FEWWEEKS-17/25/42/47L&u5x5uprasy- Clip&BringWithYou-January28 Bus Supply Company [op UPate on his recovery and a clear senge rs.Forlow estquotes ,callBill Love. '95TRAVELEXPO testimony of what Christ means in Complete Information MississippiTrademart, Jackson Hwy. 98 East THE TRA VEL CLUB Name ADMITFREE — (601) 684-2900 |McComb, MS 1-800-748-8681 hisFloifre.r”ental information, contact 362-0045 - 1-800-841-8991 and4guests Gospel Films at (800) 253-0413. 320 N. Mart Plaza-Box 9445 Jackson, MS 39286-9445 Sen eRRR Bible Book Life and Work Uniform | Challenged to hear Jeremiah’s call, prophecies Investigate the message r F © By GregPotts BySylvia Fleming By Michael Johnson Matthew17 Jeremiah 1-6 Mark 2 Thetransfigurationis one ofthemostbeautifulyetmys- Jeremiah, the youngpriest ofAnathoth, received a Imagine foramomentthat youare visiting the United teriouseventsinthelife ofJesus. Itmorethanlikelytook call from God and apparently responded in a typically States forthe first time‘andyou want tolearnsomething place on Mt. Hermonwhichisnotfarfrom CaesareaPhilip- human manner. In essence, God said, “Don’t come to me aboutAmericanlifestyles. Take a few moments and flip pi. Whatwasthepurpose ofit? - whining, you will go whereI tell you and you will say throughamagazine andanewspaper. Pay particular atten- It is possible thatitwas an answertotheprayerofour whatI tell you to say.” God’s omniscience and omnipo- tiontothe advertisements whichclaim tosolve aparticular Lord. Luke tells us inhisparallel accountofthestory, “And tence were demonstrated in his call ofJeremiah. The problem oradd zesttolife. What conclusionsmight be some eightdays afterthese sayings, itcameaboutthathe © young man was then made aware ofGod’s knowledge. drawnfrom this briefsurvey regardingAmerican values took along Peterand John andJames, andwentuptothe God said, “I knew you.” When did God know that young andlifestyles? jee os ; mountain to pray” (Luke 9:28). Why wasJesuspraying?It man? God knew him before he-was ever formed in his Just as Jesus shook the foundations ofJewish culture could be that he was prayingthatGod wouldrevealto his mother’s womb. God also sanctified him and ordained withhis message, that same message stands in stark con- disciplesthat he was indeed the Son ofGodandrevealthe him as a prophet before he was everborn. trasttotoday’sMadison Avenue messages ofmaterialism nature and purpose ofhis mission. Jeremiah was going to face great hardships; thus, God andself-satisfaction. Whatdo we leam from thistext? promised that he would deliver Jeremiah out ofthe midst The gospel ofMark encouragesus to discover and apply ~ ThedeityofChrist(vv. 1-2).The verbthatistranslated oftrouble and turmoil. This very decisive act set Jeremi- _God’s important message to ourlives.. : “transfigured”’is theverb from-whichourword “metamor- ah apart and appointed him as the spokesman ofthe eter- FollowJesus. The Jewsdespisedthe publicans—Jews phosis”isderived. Thewordmeans “the actofgivingout- nal Father. This young man was given authority to speak whohad agreedtocollectRoman taxes from the Jewish wardexpression toone’sinwardcharacter.”Duetohisinner with the voice ofGod. He was told to set the destruction people on acommissionbasis.As farasthe piousJews- character,thedisciplessawthedeityofChrist. Thelightdid and gloom before hispeople, but also to reveal that the were concemed, apublican was no betterthan Esau who” notshineuponJesus from without,butitwashisdeity prophecy wouldend withhope andjoy (1:4-10): had sold his birthright foramessofporridge. Yetit was expressingitselffromwithin. In Chapter 3, God called his faithless sons, and they Levi, son ofAlphaeus (commonly known as Matthew), InBible times, Godoftenusedmiraculousmeanstocon- answered the callby confessing their sins. Then in whowas called by Jesus to be one ofhisdisciples (v. 14). vincepeople. Jesususedmiraclestoconvincepeoplethat he ‘Chapter4, God set forth conditions ofrepentance. They Tt isimportant to note that Matthew’sdecision was a was the SonofGod. InthebookofActs,Godoftenused were: ‘ monumental one. By leavinghistaxcollector’sjob he had miraclestoprove tothechurchthatotherscouldreceivethe 1) To come back to God; puthimselfout ofhisjob forever; he wouldneverget it gospel. Through the transfiguration, Godrevealedto thedis- * 2) To remove the abominations; and back again. ciples that Jesus was the SonofGod. pe 3) To demonstrate steadfastness. ; The message ofJesus, when embraced,changes one’s However, we mustbe carefultoday thatwedonotask Godtold his people to swearby him and meet his life. How has yourlife changed since you decided to follow wah God toperform miracles. God canstilldoitbuthedoesn’t conditions, then other nations would benefit from-their Christ? ‘ have to. Everythingmanneeds tobesaved is foundinthe beliefs and behaviors. ae Invitesinners. Why wouldJesus call this man to be a WordofGod. As God continued with the Hebrews, he spoke to disciple? WhywouldJesuseven associate with suchpeo- Theguests oftheLord(v. 3).Moses andElijahtalked Judah, including Jerusalem. Even though he was speak- ple?These are the questions runningthrough the Pharisees’ withtheLord. Moseswasthesupremelaw-giver,whileEli- ing to city dwellers, he told them to break up thé untilled -minds as the scene in verses 15-17 unfolds. Matthew hosts jahwasthefirstandgreoafttheeprosphetts.Mosesrepre- ground and root out the thorns. Repentance must never 4 adinnerwhere other“taxcollectorsand sinners” were sentedthelaw andElijah representedtheprophets. be superficial. It must involve the depths ofone’s being. invitedtomarkhisdecision ofleaving the tax collecting ~ThepurposeoftheirvisitwiththeLordwastoverify that Every crack, crevice, and cranny of the heart must be andbeginningthe soul winningbusiness.The truthofthe Jesuswas intdheeMesesiadh.Theirpresenceremjndedthe plowed, turned, and finally circumcised. Nothing must matteristhatJesus is always found withthe outcasts of disciplesthatthelawandtheprophetshadforetoldthecom- be left ofthe old. A totally new heart must be dedicated society. Jesus sees beyondthe currentstatusofanindivid- ingofJesus. : to the holy God forhis use. Only this radical change can ual and sees thepotétitial forspiritual growthandgreatness. ThisremindsusthatGod’s Wordistrue. WhateverGod’s make one acceptable unto God (4:1-4). ; Jesus alsorespondsdirectly tothe Phariseesby indicat- Wordsayswill eterike te te Godcalled upon his people to seek ancient paths on ingthatadoctorgoeswherehe isneeded. Inotherwords had foretold thecomingoftheMessiah. Moses’and Elijah’s which to walk(6:16). He used aprinciple set forthin Jesuscouldnotdoanything foronewhothinkshimselsfo presenceverifiedthat. Deuteronomy 32:7 — follow the way ofourfathers. goodthathe doesnotneedanythingdoneforhim.The Isthere aparticularBiblepromiseyouareexperiencing They,however, refused the way ofthe ancientpaths. Phariseesweresocaughtupina self-righteous attitude that difficultbyelcvingdihipilying? Youdonotneedtodoubtit That universalprinciple is as applicabletoday as itwas theywere ee eeIsthere —God’sWordistrue. . inthe lands ofthe ancientHebrews. Thatprinciple was sometihniyonugr life causingspiritualblindness? ~ ThevoiceoftheLord (vv.5-8).IcanidentifywithPeter reinforced over and overin the NewTestament:. CelebrateJesus’ presence.Fastingisalegitimatespiri-_ —I normallywanttosaysomethingwhenIneedtobe Matthew 11:29, John 14:6, andActs 9:2. tualdiscipline.Itisanaturaloutcomeofprayerand spiritu- quiet! Maybeyouarelikethat— youtendtospeakoract The Hebrews continuedtorebel against God. The algrowth.ThePhariseés,howhadeturvnedethebribli;cal impulsivelyandoftenwish youhadbeenquiet.There are | roads they chosefilledtheirhouseswithdeceit; andasa admontioftasitoonnceayear(Day ofAtonement)into.a manytimeswhenwe-donotneedtosayanything.Wejust result oftheirdishonesty, they livedin sinful prosperity ritualtobeobsertvweicdeaweek.Whilefastingwastobe needtolistentoGod. (5:27).WhatIsrael had come to considernormal was an seenasanoutgroofjwoytouhs fellowwisthhGiodp,ithad ThiswasoneofthosetimesandPeter blewit!Buta abominationto God. Thatprinciple ofchoosing ancient voicé-came fromheaveninfPoeterrtomlistientnoGogd! Is roads was filled with goodness and abundant merciesof Allowawenrecmaedes,however,forspecialevents theresomedeciwitshwhiicohyonuarestrugglAirenygo?u God. That same principle broughtforward to the New suchasweddings.Fastingruleswereabandonedand atime talkintgo theLordabout it?Are-youseekinghis will?Ifnot, Testament statesinJohn 14:6, “... I am the way, the of joyousfeastingfollowed.LifewithChristis ajoyous you shouldbe. ‘tiinGmode’sWordandinprayaenrd truth, andthe life; no mancometh unto the Father, but adventure tobeenjoyedeveryday. Godwillleadyou.Hemaynotspeak toyouaudiblybuthe by me.” Again in John 10:9, “I am the door, by Me, if _ Experaniewefrneecdome. joy ofthekingdoomf will guideyouinhisownway. any manenterhe shall be saved....” ib onl? teachingswas IthasbeenmyexperiencethatGodoftenspeakstome Though God offered overand over alife that would th Phariseeshadlost.The Pharisees throughwhatIcall“gentlenudges.” i ,theLord ultimately resulitncomfort andease, the Hebrews treat- becomespirituallyneurotic, neverable toliveupto will plaatchoueght onmyheartormind. Ibelievethatisthe ed the prophets as ifthey were the problems and not the gentle nudgingoftheLord.AreyoulistenfoirnthgeLord? onesdeliveringthe solutions. _Ourreligious le shouldbecharacteribzyed joy. The instrucotfitohneLord (vv. 10-12).The disci ‘Godstill speaks! He issues warnings constantly Weoftent:keourselves too seriously.Thegospeloffessus were confused.Theyhad beentaughtthat w throughhis Word and through examples-ofothernations newperspectives,newopportunities,andnewways of comeandthentheMessiahwouldcome 4:5-6). Jesus thathave fallen. Characteristics ofother fallennations tellingthegoodnews. Jesus’messageoffersus abetter _steonltditnhgeEmltihjaaht)haanddhwaapspfeonleldowwietdhbJyoChhnrtihset'Bsaptist (repre- show how theydevalued humanlife andhad no recog- kindoflifeifwearewilling toabandonthe oldwayoflife nizable moral standard. What is abominable to God had “Many attetopimcktpheBitbleapartlookingforerrors, become theirnorm. Has it become America’s also? Johnsontiefo ofChristianeducation buttheBibl i re welve our vesacordingtothe Flemingis an English teacher and member ofHar- atMississippiCollege, on. teaocfShcripiturne,wgewillngoowrtong.Wecantrust mony Church, Louisville. theWordofGod. ThereisanoldsayingthatGodgaveustwoearsand one mouth,whichindicatesGodexpectsustolistentwiceas muchaswetalk. Weneedto listen totheLord. Make a pointtolisten totheLordinyourdailydevotionaltimethis week. Pottsispastor,FirstChurch,Vancleave.