“Computers only do what you tell them to do.” That is a commonly-quoted but totally inaccurate statement. I have never told any computer that controls so much of my truck to do anything, at least that I know. I certainly did not tell it to do what it did in Anacoco. If I had told it to do something, it certainly would not have been to do what it did. “Computers only do what you tell them to do.” That is a commonly-quoted but totally inaccurate statement. I have never told any computer that controls so much of my truck to do anything, at least that I know. I certainly did not tell it to do what it did in Anacoco. If I had told it to do something, it certainly would not have been to do what it did. Someone told me there are at least six computers controlling various aspects of my truck’s operation. The manufacturers of my truck, in their infinite wisdom, believe that the computers enable my truck to be at peak performance. But those same manufacturers do not have the wisdom to ensure the electrical cables attach firmly and lastingly to the battery. I am not a technology expert, but even I know the electrical cables must attach firmly and lastingly to the battery or the automobile and its six computers and … [Read more...]
This church’s AIDS message is clear – ‘We’re All In This Together’
The past 10 years in the fight against HIV and AIDS has been marked by advances in medical research, a deeper public understanding of the disease and people living longer with the virus. The past 10 years in the fight against HIV and AIDS has been marked by advances in medical research, a deeper public understanding of the disease and people living longer with the virus. Even so, when it comes to the dreaded disease, much still remains the same. A cure has not been found, and tens of thousands of people are infected annually with the deadly virus. However, at the same time, Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston continues reminding its community, “We’re All In This Together.” This fall marks the 10th anniversary of Project W.A.I.T.T., a federally-funded AIDS care program by the church’s non-profit outreach organization, the Brentwood Community Foundation. The project was one of the first church-related efforts to help AIDS clients in the country. The effort began with church members visiting AIDS patients in the hospital, says Willie Sylvester, director of the project. It quickly multiplied to become one of the premiere outreaches in the country as the congregation discovered more ways to help. “We can … [Read more...]
This church was dying – now, thanks to a fellow congregation, it is growing
Years ago, Fred Luter Jr. was issued a challenge – grow Franklin Avenue Baptist Church or close it. He chose the former. Now 17 years later, the New Orleans predominantly African-American church has been called upon to help yet another Baptist church survive. Years ago, Fred Luter Jr. was issued a challenge – grow Franklin Avenue Baptist Church or close it. He chose the former. Now 17 years later, the New Orleans predominantly African-American church has been called upon to help yet another Baptist church survive. Organized in 1984 as a satellite church of Edgewater Baptist Church in New Orleans, East Edgewater Baptist Church attracted Anglos in a predominantly white New Orleans neighborhood. As the years passed, racial transition occurred in the area, and the church decreased to a handful of members. Choosing to survive rather than close, the congregation contacted Luter to see if Franklin Avenue would have an interest in purchasing the 7.5-acre property. The members wanted to sell only to a church. After Luter and others from Franklin Avenue met with Joel Turner, pastor of the East Edgewater church at the time. The congregation voted to sell the property to Franklin Avenue, and the sale was … [Read more...]
Louisiana Baptists invited to submit nominees, resolutions
Louisiana Baptists have been invited to submit names of nominees for service on state convention boards and committees and to submit resolutions for possible consideration at the 2003 Louisiana Baptist Convention. Louisiana Baptists have been invited to submit names of nominees for service on state convention boards and committees and to submit resolutions for possible consideration at the 2003 Louisiana Baptist Convention. The LBC Committee on Committees is beginning work to nominate persons to serve on various state convention committees. Currently, 22 nominees are needed for service on committees on convention arrangements, credentials, Louisiana Baptist history, moral and social concerns, nominations, order of business and resolutions. Committee on Committees chair is Ken Fryer, minister of music at Milldale Baptist Church in Zachary. Also, the LBC Committee on Nominations is beginning work to fill vacancies on state boards. At this point, 18 nominees are needed to serve on the state executive board and as trustees of Louisiana College, the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, the Louisiana Baptist Message, the Louisiana Baptist Foundation and the Baptist Retirement Center. The Committee on Nominations … [Read more...]
Conference to focus on helping churches do ‘whatever it takes’
Want to teach one’s community for Christ? Baptist leaders in three states want to help by passing on the key – doing whatever it takes. “Whatever It Takes ...” is set as a two-day conference at First Baptist Church of West Monroe on Aug. 25-26. Co-sponsored by leaders of the Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas Baptist conventions, the purpose of the gathering is clear – to encourage church leaders to proclaim the gospel. Want to teach one’s community for Christ? Baptist leaders in three states want to help by passing on the key – doing whatever it takes. “Whatever It Takes ...” is set as a two-day conference at First Baptist Church of West Monroe on Aug. 25-26. Co-sponsored by leaders of the Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas Baptist conventions, the purpose of the gathering is clear – to encourage church leaders to proclaim the gospel. “We just want to encourage pastors and others to do whatever it takes to reach their communities for Jesus Christ,” said Scotty Sanders, minister of education at First Baptist Church of West Monroe. “We just want to challenge them and pass on some principles we have found helpful.” To that end, the two-day gathering features a variety of workshops, Sanders noted. Subject … [Read more...]
Is it real? Israeli experts now say burial box tied to Jesus really is a fake
The burial box that was touted as holding the remains of the brother of Jesus may not be as historical a find as once thought. The inscription on an ancient stone burial box that refers to Jesus is a fake, Israeli archaeological experts say. The burial box that was touted as holding the remains of the brother of Jesus may not be as historical a find as once thought. The inscription on an ancient stone burial box that refers to Jesus is a fake, Israeli archaeological experts say. The Aramaic inscription on the limestone box – called an ossuary – was deemed genuine last fall, when specialists announced the artifact could provide a link between the Jesus of the Bible and a historical figure named Jesus. If authenticated, the ossuary would have been one of the oldest archaeological references to biblical figures. The inscription reads, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” Originally, it was thought to date to about 63 A.D. However, Israeli Antiquities Authority experts now say it actually was carved over the stone’s natural fossilized sheen, or patina. Last October, other scholars argued the Aramaic script used on the box matches the style that was popular in the first decades of the first century … [Read more...]
Hey, teens, Hollywood is wrong – sex is not the answer
Perhaps it only confirms what many long have suspected, but the fact is that Hollywood still has it wrong – indeed, a new report linking teenage sexual activity with depression and suicide goes directly against the carefree attitude about sex often portrayed in the entertainment industry. Perhaps it only confirms what many long have suspected, but the fact is that Hollywood still has it wrong – indeed, a new report linking teenage sexual activity with depression and suicide goes directly against the carefree attitude about sex often portrayed in the entertainment industry. The report by The Heritage Foundation finds teenagers who have had sex are two to three times more likely to feel depressed than virgins. Likewise, teenagers who have had sex are about three to eight times more likely to attempt suicide than those who have not had sex. The report is based on data in the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health – a 1996 survey of about 6,500 teens. In The Heritage Foundation’s report, “teenagers” were those ages 14 to 17. “We have to send the message to teens that having sex is not going to make you happier,” said Lauren Noyes, director of research projects for The Heritage Foundation. The … [Read more...]
Weekly Briefs
For the week of July 10, 2003 Cooperative Program Gifts through the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program totaled a little more than $15 million last month, an increase of almost $315,000 (2.1 percent from the previous June. Nine months into the Southern Baptist Convention’s fiscal year, gifts total $139 million, an increase of $574,558 (0.4 percent) from the same time last year. The total also stands about $6.3 million (4.8 percent) ahead of budget at this time. Meanwhile, designated gifts totaled $19.9 million last month, an increase of more than $5.4 million (37.3 percent) from the previous June. For the year, designated gifts total $149.4 million, a decrease of more than $8.1 million (5.2 percent) from the same time last year. Right to discriminate? President George Bush has released a position paper stating that faith-based groups that receive federal funds to provide social services should be able to discriminate in their hiring. The document outlines the administration’s intention to seek clarification of current law and grant faith-based groups the right to hire only those of their own faith – even if the groups receive federal money. Religious groups and churches enjoy that right under current law. But … [Read more...]
Plea for evenhandedness
I am writing not only to express my personal views but also on behalf of a number of others, including several retired Southern Baptist missionaries. I am writing not only to express my personal views but also on behalf of a number of others, including several retired Southern Baptist missionaries. On May 19, 2003, Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission, along with others, sent a letter to President George Bush regarding efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. This letter was pro-Israel to the extreme, giving unqualified support to Israel and saying nothing whatsoever about responsibilities Israel might have in promoting peace. Dr. Land even went so far as to opine it would be "morally reprehensible" to be evenhanded in dealing with Israel and Palestine. Based on dictionary definitions of "evenhanded," Dr. Land is saying that being fair, just, impartial and unbiased in dealing with Israel and the Palestinians is "morally reprehensible." This attitude is both unchristian and irresponsible and can only hinder efforts by President Bush and other leaders to secure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Unfortunately, what Dr. Land espouses in his letter … [Read more...]
After 15,000-plus sermons, he has no plans to retire
Jesse Norris has preached more than 15,000 times in his 60 years of evangelistic ministry - but retirement is not an option. "I'll never retire - I'll just refire," the 84-year-old Pineville resident says. Jesse Norris has preached more than 15,000 times in his 60 years of evangelistic ministry - but retirement is not an option. "I'll never retire - I'll just refire," the 84-year-old Pineville resident says. A planter of 30 churches and missions, Norris has preached in 25 states and ministered in countries such as the West Indies. "My ministry has been in highways and hedges, places where no one but God has the power to bring people to their knees and get right with their neighbor," insists Norris, who has preached at rodeos and on street corners as well. However, there was a time when Norris was forced to the sidelines. While praying on his knees in Magnolia, Ark., in 1996, Norris realized he could not stand up; he had suffered a stroke. Medical doctors told him they doubted he would be able to return to the pulpit. However, seven years later Norris is preparing to preach his 15,205th sermon as he continues to "press on." Norris was born in Rogers, which had a population of "eight … [Read more...]
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