On the outskirts of Rome, the greatest story ever told is being recreated on the backlot of a legendary studio.   Directly across from the decaying wooden sidewalks and fake storefront sets from "Gangs of New York" sits the city of Jerusalem - or at least Mel Gibson’s 2.5-acre scaled-down replica of it. On the outskirts of Rome, the greatest story ever told is being recreated on the backlot of a legendary studio.   Directly across from the decaying wooden sidewalks and fake storefront sets from "Gangs of New York" sits the city of Jerusalem - or at least Mel Gibson’s 2.5-acre scaled-down replica of it.   For his third directing project, Gibson has chosen a story about the last 12 hours of Christ’s life, primarily focusing on the betrayal, trial and death of Jesus and culminating with his crucifixion and resurrection.   Gibson describes "The Passion" as his "labor of love." He co-wrote his ode to Christ, using Scripture from the Gospels. He spent 10 years writing, rewriting and waiting for the right timing - only to find no studio interested in the project.   The major problem cited was the most unusual feature of the film - it is shot entirely using the Aramaic … [Read more...]

When Dean Doster decided to check breakdowns related to Louisiana Baptist Cooperative Program giving, he figured he knew what he would find.   He was wrong.   Understandably, state Cooperative Program giving is an area of key interest for Doster, who serves as executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. When Dean Doster decided to check breakdowns related to Louisiana Baptist Cooperative Program giving, he figured he knew what he would find.   He was wrong.   Understandably, state Cooperative Program giving is an area of key interest for Doster, who serves as executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.   And understandably, with giving somewhat stagnant, Doster was anxious to check trends.   He acknowledged that he expected to find something, some discernible shift in giving patterns from churches.   Instead, Doster said he found nothing.   "My observation is there are essentially no changes in Cooperative Program giving and special missions giving except for the normal incremental increases," he said.   That is both good news and bad news for the state convention, which has seen relatively flat … [Read more...]

There is certainly some merit to Wade Williamson’s letter in the March 20, 2003, Baptist Message. Who can question that the church belongs to Christ and that he is the head of it. However, it seems to me that it depends on the attitude of the one who refers to the church as "my church." There is certainly some merit to Wade Williamson’s letter in the March 20, 2003, Baptist Message. Who can question that the church belongs to Christ and that he is the head of it. However, it seems to me that it depends on the attitude of the one who refers to the church as "my church."   If we refer to the church as "my church" in an arrogant or controlling manner, this is obviously wrong. If, however, a person refers to the church as "his church" in an affectionate and loving attitude, I do not think that Christ is displeased. It simply indicates that the person’s feelings are very personal and caring toward his church.   In these days when controversy is so prevalent in many churches, it is refreshing when I hear someone who is so pleased with "his church" that he says to others, "Come to ‘our church;’ we want it to be yours also." Then, together, let us give Christ first place in … [Read more...]

Hours before a U.S.-led war to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein appears poised to begin, Iraq’s small Christian minority were expressing fear of more than American bombs. They also expect to be targeted by a growing tide of Islamic militancy now being encouraged in the secularized Arab state. Hours before a U.S.-led war to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein appears poised to begin, Iraq’s small Christian minority were expressing fear of more than American bombs. They also expect to be targeted by a growing tide of Islamic militancy now being encouraged in the secularized Arab state. Numbering less than 400,000, Iraq’s Christian community has become the object of overt discrimination by Islamist elements in recent months. The attacks have ranged from verbal abuse and graffiti campaigns to stone-throwing and even brutal assassinations, reports indicate. Although Saddam Hussein initially kept religion out of Iraq’s political life, he began to encourage devotion to Islam after the 1991 Gulf War, emblazoning the Muslim slogan "God is great" on the Iraqi flag and claiming descent from the family of the prophet Mohammed. Four years ago, he launched a campaign to promote a revival of Islam, building scores of … [Read more...]

Southern Baptist leaders responded to news of the onset of the American war with Iraq with appeals for persons to come together in prayer.   Fighting in Iraq began March 19.   Soon after the war against Iraq began, Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham described the military effort as a "last resort" and called for concerted prayer. Southern Baptist leaders responded to news of the onset of the American war with Iraq with appeals for persons to come together in prayer.   Fighting in Iraq began March 19.   Soon after the war against Iraq began, Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham described the military effort as a "last resort" and called for concerted prayer.   "America will continue to respond to threats of evil with courageous resolve," said Graham, pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas. "Southern Baptists will embrace and engage this global challenge with faith and renewed commitment to evangelism and missions.   "We will unite in prayer and faith."   Graham called for pastors and churches to designate days of prayer and fasting. He also encouraged families to join together in personal and private … [Read more...]

For the week of March 27, 2003 Potpourri • PINEVILLE - Trinity church: Dallas Holmes in concert; March 29, 7 p.m.; $5 per ticket; nursery provided for ages four and under; for information, call (318) 445-3000; Darryl Hoychick, pastor.   • BREAUX BRIDGE - First church: Appointed in concert; April 6, 6 p.m.; Rod Jackson, pastor.   • SHREVEPORT - Ingleside church: Special singing concert featuring Glory Bound Quartet, Set Free, Golman Trio and Faye Wallace; March 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Johnnie Dunn, minister of music/education.   • LAKE CHARLES - Trinity church: "Next Level-Children’s Ministry Leadership Conference;" April 3, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and April 4, 9 a.m. -12:15 p.m.; $215 per person; for information or to register, call (407) 297-6436; "Hit the Mark-On Target Parenting Conference;" April 4, 6:30-9 p.m. and April 5, 9-11:30 a.m.; $10 per person/$15 per couple; for information or to register, call Kay Smith at (337) 480-1555; Art Murphy, leader for both conferences; Steve James, pastor.   • DENHAM SPRINGS - Live Oak church: Testify in concert; April 6, 10:30 a.m.; Howard Turner, pastor.   • JENA - Jena High School gym: LaSalle association presents "Team Impact;" … [Read more...]