The combined ability of all human minds, the sum of their creativity and the united power of their imaginations could never have conceived of something as marvelous as Noel. What happened in that simple Bethlehem stable some two-thousand years ago was part of the ultimate revelation of a God filled with grace and mercy who reaches down in love and redemption to sinful human beings. Lynn P. Clayton, Editor The combined ability of all human minds, the sum of their creativity and the united power of their imaginations could never have conceived of something as marvelous as Noel. What happened in that simple Bethlehem stable some two-thousand years ago was part of the ultimate revelation of a God filled with grace and mercy who reaches down in love and redemption to sinful human beings. On that day, one God became one newborn not just any newborn, but a particular newborn. The power and presence of the Godhead were in Joseph and Marys babe, Jesus. If we had seen the babe that day, we likely would have seen nothing more than a tiny baby with wonderful, protective, caring, proud parents. The couple was far from home, apprehensive as any parents having their first baby … [Read more...]
Incarnation signals importance of body, scholars say
When Jonathan Linman helps theology students seek the true meaning of Christmas this year, he does not caution them against the perils of materialism. On the contrary, he urges them to heighten their awareness of their primary material possession - their bodies. "Were trying to recover respect for the body," said Linman, a Lutheran pastor and director of the Center for Christian Spirituality at General Theological Seminary in New York City. When Jonathan Linman helps theology students seek the true meaning of Christmas this year, he does not caution them against the perils of materialism. On the contrary, he urges them to heighten their awareness of their primary material possession - their bodies. "Were trying to recover respect for the body," said Linman, a Lutheran pastor and director of the Center for Christian Spirituality at General Theological Seminary in New York City. "After centuries of mortifying the flesh, its very important to do that. And the Word-made-flesh is all about that." Linman seeks to accomplish his goal in a variety of ways. For instance, he leads students in breathing exercises prior to prayer, emphasizing to … [Read more...]
It was simple really – they found the need and they met it
When residents in one McMinnville, Tenn., subdivision go to their area park, the first thing they think of is CrossRoads Fellowship Church. Shortly after the Baptist mission was launched, it surveyed the subdivision - which represents one of its target communities. One of the survey questions asked residents, "How can our church be valuable to you and your community?" When residents in one McMinnville, Tenn., subdivision go to their area park, the first thing they think of is CrossRoads Fellowship Church. Shortly after the Baptist mission was launched, it surveyed the subdivision - which represents one of its target communities. One of the survey questions asked residents, "How can our church be valuable to you and your community?" Response after response indicated work needed to be done on the local playground, badly in need of repairs and renovation. The park had been started by the area developer but never completed. Church members decided to do so. "Surveys are pointless if you dont respond," pastor Mike Gay points out. "I advocate doing more servant evangelism. It means more to the people because they see you … [Read more...]
A scattered Nativity scene – and a fitting commentary on the hope of life
It was one of those muggy mid-May days in South Louisiana, with its pale blue sky and motionless clouds of humidity hanging high. The temperature was warming up for its summer stretch, and the only air moving was what blew in the open window of the truck as it rolled on its way. In other words, it was one of those late spring training days Louisiana residents use to prepare themselves for the unforgiving rigors of July and August. The driver accelerated down the two-lane back road, feeling his sweat-wet tee-shirt pressed against his back as he glanced left at the open country scenery. Note: The following is the third of three devotions on the Nativity published in the Louisiana Baptist Message in celebration of Christmas. This devotion was written by LBM Associate Editor C. Lacy Thompson. It was one of those muggy mid-May days in South Louisiana, with its pale blue sky and motionless clouds of humidity hanging high. The temperature was warming up for its summer stretch, and the only air moving was what blew in the open window of the truck as it rolled on its way. In other words, it was one of those late spring training days Louisiana … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of December 19, 2002 Potpourri • BAKER - First church: Kathy Overfield and Rita Williams in concert; Dec. 22, 6 p.m.; Jim Bain, interim pastor. Youth • BATON ROUGE - Goodwood church: "Carols and Candles" childrens drama/special music; Dec. 22, 5 p.m.; Dana Lux, minister of music; David Campbell, pastor. • PITKIN - First church: Preschool and childrens choir presents Christmas cantata; Dec. 22, 6 p.m.; Kelley Stewart, Sharon Jordan and Laurie Jordan, directors; Stephen Laughlin, pastor. • WEST MONROE - McClendon church: Youth dinner theatre; Dec. 20-21, 6:30 p.m.; Vickie Arthur, youth director; Rick Crandall, pastor. • JONESVILLE - First church: "Away In a Manger" childrens play; Dec. 22, 6 p.m. Gary Norris, interim pastor. • HAUGHTON - Koran church: Childrens musical; Dec. 22, 11 a.m.; Ester Hall, childrens choir director; George Rogers, pastor. Christmas Programs • HOUMA - Mulberry church: Special Christmas caroling service; Dec. 22, 6:15 p.m.; Montez Coyle, minister of music; Tommy Harrell, pastor. • WEST MONROE - Ridge Avenue church: "Christmas Shoes" musical; Dec. 19-20, 7 p.m.; Dec. 22, 6 p.m.; Grant Blakeney, minister of … [Read more...]
Credit cards in the church? More and more are saying yes
These days, it just seems that almost everybody takes credit cards - even God or, at least, Gods people. Indeed, while one will not find credit card terminals in many churches and synagogues, a growing number are accepting donations by automatic billing to credit cards. This approach allows people to donate to religious groups in the same way they pay their utilities or other monthly bills. These days, it just seems that almost everybody takes credit cards - even God or, at least, Gods people. Indeed, while one will not find credit card terminals in many churches and synagogues, a growing number are accepting donations by automatic billing to credit cards. This approach allows people to donate to religious groups in the same way they pay their utilities or other monthly bills. This fall, the Roman Catholic archdioceses in Chicago and San Jose, Calif., started offering electronic donation by credit card or deduction from a checking account. Besides offering convenience, Tim Dockery said giving electronically allows people to be more intentional in their giving and to know exactly what their giving level is. "They can ask, Does the amount I am giving … [Read more...]
Is burial box reference to Jesus real – or a forgery?
For weeks now, speculation has run high about a first-century burial box that some say represent the earliest-known reference to Jesus. Now, others are saying that differences in the handwriting on the limestone box represents something else - a forgery. The appearance of the box certainly has stirred interest. Some say it is the most significant biblical archeological discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls, dating to 63 A.D. and representing the only New Testament-era mention of Jesus. For weeks now, speculation has run high about a first-century burial box that some say represent the earliest-known reference to Jesus. Now, others are saying that differences in the handwriting on the limestone box represents something else - a forgery. The appearance of the box certainly has stirred interest. Some say it is the most significant biblical archeological discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls, dating to 63 A.D. and representing the only New Testament-era mention of Jesus. The find is a common burial box used by first-century Jews. However, it features the inscription - "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." However, … [Read more...]
It was simple really – they found the need and they met it
When residents in one McMinnville, Tenn., subdivision go to their area park, the first thing they think of is CrossRoads Fellowship Church. Shortly after the Baptist mission was launched, it surveyed the subdivision - which represents one of its target communities. One of the survey questions asked residents, "How can our church be valuable to you and your community?" When residents in one McMinnville, Tenn., subdivision go to their area park, the first thing they think of is CrossRoads Fellowship Church. Shortly after the Baptist mission was launched, it surveyed the subdivision - which represents one of its target communities. One of the survey questions asked residents, "How can our church be valuable to you and your community?" Response after response indicated work needed to be done on the local playground, badly in need of repairs and renovation. The park had been started by the area developer but never completed. Church members decided to do so. "Surveys are pointless if you don’t respond," pastor Mike Gay points out. "I advocate doing more servant evangelism. It means more to the people because they see you … [Read more...]
If you are going to be sick, you might as well be chic
Why are hospitals so sensitive about suggestions on improving their decors and other matters of style? During my recent holiday in a hospital, I felt compelled to offer suggestions on how the medical facility could look a little better, a little snappier, a little more stylish. Why are hospitals so sensitive about suggestions on improving their decors and other matters of style? During my recent holiday in a hospital, I felt compelled to offer suggestions on how the medical facility could look a little better, a little snappier, a little more stylish. To begin, I suggested hospital personnel put tropical fish in those IV bottles and plastic bags that hang from those iron poles. Left unadorned, those quart bottles just hang there, looking like one of those bottles tied to hats of sports fanatics with sipping tubes running down into the bearers mouth or, in the case of an IV, an arm. Quite frankly, they are boring, boring, boring. Just think how much more designer they would be if tropical fish were swimming around in them, sort of like those tropical fish in those bowls with plants growing out of their tops. There could be an array of colors and shapes of … [Read more...]
Weekly Briefs
For the week of November 7, 2002 Arizona foundation Officials have announced the filing of new charges of white-collar crime against five former officials of the Baptist Foundation of Arizona. A grand jury returned a 32-count indictment against William Pierre Crotts, the foundations former president, and four other leaders charged with fraud, racketeering and theft in the $570 million collapse of the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention agency in 1999. The men are accused of masterminding a scheme in which 11,000 people lost money after being led to believe their investments would be safe and would help promote Baptist work in the state. "We will not rest until the people responsible for these financial losses meet justice," Arizona Attorney General Janet Napalitano said in a statement announcing the charges. A judge threw out the original charges on a technicality. LC Wildcat Day Louisiana College has scheduled its Wildcat Day for Nov. 16 on the Pineville campus. Wildcat Day is designed to give students an overview of college life at Louisiana College. Students have the opportunity to meet current students and faculty, while parents are able to gather financial aid information. The event is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the … [Read more...]
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