The influx of pornography and strip bars into American society can be stopped, a community values activist told a conference for state convention workers at the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission in Nashville, Tenn. By Samuel Smith Baptist Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – The influx of pornography and strip bars into American society can be stopped, a community values activist told a conference for state convention workers at the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission in Nashville, Tenn. Hardcore pornography is not protected by the First Amendment, said Phil Burress of Citizens for Community Values. “In Miller v. California in 1973, the United States Supreme Court said that every community is allowed to apply their own community standards.” In 45 of the 50 states, Burress said, strong laws are on the books that outlaw hardcore pornography, which involves actual or simulated sexual activity. The problem is, the laws are not being enforced, he noted. “Hardcore pornography is what is being sold in the backroom of video stores and in hotel rooms today,” he said. “The question is, ‘Will the prosecutor prosecute?’” Burress said the sale of … [Read more...]

It’s cold. Dorothy can see her breath crystallize in the morning air as soon as she exhales. She wraps her scarf tighter around her neck and stamps her feet in a bid for warmth.     LUBBOCK, Texas – It’s cold. Dorothy can see her breath crystallize in the morning air as soon as she exhales. She wraps her scarf tighter around her neck and stamps her feet in a bid for warmth.   All she has to do is wait.   She’s done this for the past 15 years – waiting on the sidewalk outside Lubbock’s Aaron’s Women Clinic to dissuade young women from seeking abortions. From 7:00-7:30 a.m. every Thursday and every other Tuesday morning, women begin to line up on the sidewalk outside the abortion clinic for appointments to terminate their pregnancies.   Some have family members or friends with them, and a few boyfriends linger nervously outside.   Acting as a sidewalk counselor, Dorothy quickly hands out gospel tracts and pamphlets and shares her testimony with them.   Although not everyone will talk to her or accept her tracts, no one can avoid viewing the large magnetic signs on the side of her parked car. One sign shows the head of an aborted fetus. Next to it is a picture of a healthy, smiling baby.   The pictures are gruesome, … [Read more...]

During the recent mid-term elections, Rush Limbaugh really put his foot in his mouth. He accused Michael J. Fox of exaggerating his Parkinson’s symptoms. Jim Richards   Executive Director, Southern Baptist of Texas state convention   During the recent mid-term elections, Rush Limbaugh really put his foot in his mouth. He accused Michael J. Fox of exaggerating his Parkinson’s symptoms to gain sympathy for a vote on stem cell research. Fox appeared in a pro-embryonic stem cell research ad that played in Missouri and other states that were to vote on the issue. Missourians were probably not fully informed about the difference between adult stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research. Embryonic stem cell research requires the taking of life. If life begins at conception, and I believe the Bible to teach it does, then embryonic stem cell research is not an option. Unfortunately, the law passed in Missouri.   Once a culture begins to manipulate life at one end of the spectrum, it will not be long before the lines have blurred at the other end. Oregon is the only state with a "death with dignity" law on the books. Active or involuntary euthanasia will be next on the list. Those who are too old, too sick or who might have … [Read more...]

Scientists have announced the discovery of cells that have much the same potential as embryonic stem cells but without their ethical drawback, even as the House of Representatives prepares to vote again to fund experiments that destroy human embryos. WASHINGTON D.C. (BP) – Scientists have announced the discovery of cells that have much the same potential as embryonic stem cells but without their ethical drawback, even as the House of Representatives prepares to vote again to fund experiments that destroy human embryos. A team of researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital in Boston found the stem cells in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women, according to The Washington Post. Unlike embryonic stem cell research, the extraction of the cells from the fluid that surrounds an unborn child does not require the destruction of a tiny human being. These cells have the ability to develop into a variety of tissues, a trait of embryonic stem cells, but do not have the tendency to form tumors, a propensity that has plagued research on cells from embryos. The promising research, reported Jan. 7 in the online version of the journal Nature Biotechnology, was announced only days before the House is … [Read more...]

A 1.7.1 spiritual emphasis was outlined Jan. 7 for the congregation of Calvary Baptist. ALEXANDRIA – A 1.7.1 spiritual emphasis was outlined Jan. 7 for the congregation of Calvary Baptist.   It’s an effort to lead members of the church to devote themselves as one person living seven days a week for one person.   Pastor David Brooks talked about three eternal realities that, he preached, all Christians should recognize: --There really is a heaven and a hell and everyone will spend eternity somewhere. --All Christians can be used by God to help someone live "abundantly today on earth and land in heaven for eternity," Brooks said. n Each person should have some overarching purpose during 2007. Dr. Brooks spoke about cooperation, cultivation and conversation in outlining "ways we can live for another person every day of the week, every week of the year," according to the Calvary Courier newsletter. "While we may not every day see the person who is our personal concern, we ought to live prepared for the moments God gives us to invite him/her to some spiritually-uplifting event, or to share our personal faith stories." By the end of the morning, more than 900 half-cards of commitment to be a person of concern for … [Read more...]

Lisa Whelchel – Blair Warner on NBC’s "The Facts of Life" – is to be guest speaker for the women’s conference "The Real Facts of Life," presented by Aroma of Christ Women’s Ministry and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). COVINGTON – Lisa Whelchel – Blair Warner on NBC’s "The Facts of Life" – is to be guest speaker for the women’s conference "The Real Facts of Life," presented by Aroma of Christ Women’s Ministry and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), scheduled for 7-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2; and 9-Noon, Saturday, Feb. 3, at First Baptist Covington.   Each session will feature Whelchel and also include praise and worship led by the ladies of First Covington, said Martha Bailey, pastor’s wife at First Baptist Covington and a leader in Aroma of Christ Ministries.   "Women of all ages will benefit from Lisa’s diverse life as she shares her passion as a wife, mother, teacher, writer, and even an avid scrapbooker," said Lynn Perkins in First Covington’s press release concerning the event.   Tickets are $20, if purchased in advance, or $25 at the door. Tickets went on sale Jan. 8 and may be purchased online until Jan. 26 at www.fbccov.org, or at Simple Goodness in Covington.   Lisa Whelchel is well known as an actress, but her current … [Read more...]

J. Alan Miller, director of the LBC Pastoral Leadership Team, has accepted the call as senior pastor of Monroe, First, effective Feb. 1. ALEXANDRIA—J. Alan Miller, director of the LBC Pastoral Leadership Team, has accepted the call as senior pastor of Monroe, First, effective Feb. 1.   "I look forward to returning to the local pastorate. I believe God is giving me the opportunity to put into practice all that I have learned during my life as a pastor’s son, pastor and convention leader. I trust I will be a much more effective pastor," said Miller. "I am honored that First Baptist Church, Monroe, with its rich heritage and bright future, has called me and my family to serve them .…"   Miller served the Louisiana Baptist Convention for five years. Prior to his state convention service, he served three years as director of missions for the Winnsboro area. He is a 1986 graduate of Louisiana College. Other degrees: MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, and DMin from the Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Ala.   Sandy, Miller’s wife of 20 years, is from Monroe, a graduate of Ouachita High, Louisiana College and University of Louisiana at Monroe. The Millers have three … [Read more...]

LONGVILLE – A new LIFE class on Daniel started at 5 p.m. Jan. 14 at First Baptist. A youth conference with Mark McConkey is set for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 20-21. Childrens church for youngsters from 5 years old through the fifth grade called ROCK – Reading Our Community’s Kids – is to start at 10:45 a.m. Jan. 21 in the Family Life Center.Stuart Graves is pastor. WEST MONROE – Ridge Avenue Baptist is gathering a transitional team of about 50 people who are to meet for two hours each of six Sunday afternoons to help guide the church through the transition between pastors.John Yeats is transitional pastor. The Disciple Now student ministry weekend is set for Jan. 19-21. Financial Peace University is to start in mid-January.   JONESBORO – First Baptist’s mission trip to Church Point, La., has been postponed. Biblical teaching fromDouglas Fields on Wednesdays from Jan. 10 through April 4 is designed to "change the way you think, live and worship," according to the church newsletter. Youth Shockwave was to be Sunday evening, Jan. 14. Winter Bible study is set for Sunday evenings in February. Charles Wesley is pastor.   ALEXANDRIA – Calvary Baptist is studying John’s Letters Sunday evenings in January. Foundations … [Read more...]

Staff changes Sherry Wilson, new minister to preschool and children at First Baptist Baton Rouge. Burn Page is pastor. Alan Miller, new pastor at First Baptist, Monroe. Miller was director of pastoral ministries at Louisiana Baptist Convention for five years. Kim Bearden, new singles minister at North Monroe Baptist. Bill Dye is pastor. Al Duncan, church administrator at First Baptist Bastrop, after five months as interim. Jim Ingram is pastor. Seeking staff First Baptist Hornbeck seeks a music/youth pastor. Send resume to FBC Hornbeck, Ministry Position, PO Box 130 Hornbeck 71439 or email ttbjus@yahoo.com. Ordinations Larry Taylor to the gospel ministry, 5 p.m. Jan. 21 at Calvary Baptist, Gardner. Michael McIntosh, pastor. Phil Morrow to the deacon ministry, Jan. 7 at First Baptist Bastrop. Jim Ingram, pastor. Charles Moore to the deacon ministry, Jan. 7 at First Baptist Bastrop. Jim Ingram, pastor. Available to serve Terry Horowitz is available as supply/interim/as needed. Horowitz, a converted Jew, is employed as assistant principal at Phoenix Magnet Elementary School in Alexandria. He is licensed by Glenmora Baptist Church. 318-445-5486; 318-308-0468. Deaths Lloyd S. Reynaud, music … [Read more...]

You should’ve seen the look on her face. You should’ve seen the look on her face. A beautiful 3-year-old girl sat on the floor staring at the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree. I asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she said "THAT!" I noticed she was pointing at the tree and it dawned on me, this is probably the first time she has ever had a Christmas tree, this is the first time she has ever had a Christmas present, and this may be the first time she has ever heard the story of the baby Jesus. See this little girl isn’t mine, at least not biologically, she is a child who has worked her way through the foster care system and now we are in the process of adopting her. So no, she isn’t mine, but at the same time she is. She is my daughter in every sense of the word, with the exception of being mine biologically. She will be the fourth child my wife and I have adopted. Combined with the three biological children we have a total of seven kids. Now, take the sheer number of kids and combine it with the fact that two of my children are not the same color as my wife and I, and that makes going to the mall an interesting experience. So why did we do it? Why adopt four children? It wasn’t our initial plan, but as … [Read more...]