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IMB photo

A group of citizens digs through rubble to recover one of the countless corpses in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, near the Penayung River that overflowed after the Dec. 26 tsunami and violently swept away anything in its way – people, dwellings and cars.

Florida Baptists pitch in after tsunamis hit BARBARA DENMAN Florida Baptist Convention Published January 13, 2005: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Just months after mounting a comprehensive relief strategy in the aftermath of four deadly hurricanes, the Florida Baptist Convention will send $150,000 to the Southern Baptist International Mission Board (IMB) to help tsunami-devastated southern Asia where millions are homeless and desperate for help.
Hurricanes top Witness stories for 2004 JONI B. HANNIGAN Managing Editor Published January 13, 2005: JACKSONVILLE (FBW)-From surviving ferocious weather to performing heroically in the face of America’s war on terror, Florida Baptists have ministered both in the marketplace of ideas and through practical means while the world watched in 2004.
Baptist state papers choose top national stories Published January 13, 2005: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—It is not possible in one article to recap all the major news from the last 12 months. But, as a review of the top issues for the year, Baptist Press polled the news staffs representing the 41 state Baptist conventions, asking each to identify 10 national stories, five SBC stories and three state convention stories that stood out in 2004.
Sanctity of Human Life focus covers variety of issues JONI B. HANNIGAN Managing Editor Published January 13, 2005: JACKSONVILLE (FBW) — Southern Baptists across America will mark Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, January 16, mindful of recent victories in the political arena—the re-election of a pro-life president, the gain of pro-life votes in the U.S. Senate, and the introduction of key legislation touching on issues from partial-birth abortion to stem cell research and cloning.

Opinion

Guest Editorial

Tsunami: ‘A merciful call from God’ for repentence Guest Editorial: From pulpits to news programs, from The New York Times to the Wall Street Journal, the message of the tsunami was missed. It is a double grief when lives are lost and lessons are not learned. Every deadly calamity is a merciful call from God for the living to repent. “Weep with those who weep,” the Bible says. Yes, but let us also weep for our own rebellion against the living God. Lesson one: weep for the dead. Lesson two: weep for yourselves.

Point of View

Florida Baptists remain faithful in year of crises Point of View: As Florida Baptists enter the year 2005, we cannot help but reflect on God’s blessings—and immense opportunities—of the past year.
Cheesy religion Point of View: The second commandment, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,” is not just designed to prohibit idolatry, but also to prohibit the profaning of the sacred. Any attempt by man to depict the divine always ends up trivializing and desecrating it. Thus, man is commanded by God to keep his hands off the sacred, lest he commit sacrilege.
God and the tsunami: Theology in the headlines Point of View: The tragedy unfolding in the Indian Ocean demands the world’s attention—and calls for a clear Christian response. In the aftermath of the disaster, some religious leaders suggested that God was simply unable to prevent the tsunamis that destroyed so many lives. Some secularists jumped on the opportunity to argue that the tragedy was further proof that God does not exist. Others simply blamed the earthquake and tidal waves on fate or claimed that God had sent the destruction as punishment for the victims’ sins.
BREAKPOINT: A ‘bracing dose of humility’ for the new year Point of View: The occasion of a new year is a time to reflect back on the year ended—which I’m sure most Christians do with great gratitude. Many of us believe that God was with us in providing political leadership that will continue to support causes we believe so deeply in. And God has seen us through a year of war and international turmoil, a year in which we were spared further terrorist attacks.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor: Letters to the Editor may not reflect the views or opinions of the Witness. Letters may be mailed, faxed or submitted using our online form. Only letters marked clearly for publication, signed with address will be considered for use. Letters are subject to editing. Please limit letters to 250 words.

Bibliocipher

Bibliocipher

Florida

Florida News

Hurricanes top Witness stories for 2004: JACKSONVILLE (FBW)-From surviving ferocious weather to performing heroically in the face of America’s war on terror, Florida Baptists have ministered both in the marketplace of ideas and through practical means while the world watched in 2004.
Revivals vital for growth, convention strategist says: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Church and associational leaders can approach 2005 with evangelistic momentum, reaching spiritually lost residents in their communities by hosting “Consumed with Hope Harvest Revivals.”
Florida Baptists’ top African-American leader to take early retirement: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Sid Smith, director of the African-American Ministries Division of the Florida Baptist Convention since 1994, has requested and been granted an extended leave of absence to care for his wife who has continuing health problems.
New churches started: According to a report released by the Florida Baptist Convention’s Church Planting Department, Florida Baptists started five new churches in November and December 2004.
Sunday School class ignites controversy over Nativity scene: BARTOW (FBW)-Inspired by their December Sunday School study unit, an Adult Two class in Bartow decided to exhibit their faith in the public square. The discussion ignited by a simple, homemade Nativity scene has spread from First Baptist Church across the nation and across the world.
Appeals court rejects Schindler's religious liberty request: LAKELAND (FBW)—Ruling on their last pending appeal for the year, Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal Dec. 29 affirmed a lower court’s decision to not re-open a case involving the religious liberty of a disabled woman, Terri Schiavo, by issuing a one-word decree: “Affirmed.”
Broward moves closer to March vote on slots Special election will seek voter's stamp of approval: FORT LAUDERDALE (FBW)—In a lopsided 8-1 vote Dec. 14, Broward County officials moved closer to holding a March 2005 special election seeking approval from voters to allow four pari-mutuel facilities to install slot machines. The vote follows narrow statewide approval Nov. 2 of a constitutional amendment to permit votes in Broward and Miami-Dade counties for slots.
BCF graduation brings celebration, anticipation: GRACEVILLE (BCF)—Future teachers, preachers, counselors, musicians and more walked the stage Dec. 10 to receive hard-earned diplomas during the fall graduation ceremony at The Baptist College of Florida (BCF).
Choose Life tags now in 14 states: JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—With the Ohio legislature’s recent approval of Choose Life license plates, 14 states now offer drivers the bright yellow specialty tags. The national movement, which began in Florida, now boasts contributions nationally of more than $3.7 million for agencies that encourage adoption.

Florida News Briefs

Former Florida convention staffer John Claude Walters dies at 78: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—John Claude Walters, 78, former assistant executive director of the Florida Baptist Convention, died Dec. 28 at Union General Hospital in Blairsville, Ga.
Fred Wolfe to lead BCF's annual preaching conference Feb. 7-9: GRACEVILLE (BCF)-Baptist College of Florida will host its annual preaching conference Feb. 7 - 9 at the school’s Graceville campus. The event is schedule to take place 10–11 a.m. each day in the Assembly Center.
Ronald Reagan is focus of PBAU's ethics forum March 29-30: WEST PALM BEACH (FBW)—Palm Beach Atlantic University will host a forum on “A Legacy of Ethics and Character” March 29-30 focusing on the character and principles of former President Ronald W. Reagan.

Florida Focus

Florida Focus: A one-time announcement of special events is a free service provided by the Witness to Florida Baptist churches. Please send materials at least three weeks before the date of the event, to Florida Baptist Witness, 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207, fax 904-346-0696 or submitted using our online form. Items received after deadline may appear in our exclusive on-line version.

National

National News

Baptist state papers choose top national stories: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—It is not possible in one article to recap all the major news from the last 12 months. But, as a review of the top issues for the year, Baptist Press polled the news staffs representing the 41 state Baptist conventions, asking each to identify 10 national stories, five SBC stories and three state convention stories that stood out in 2004.
Barna notes ‘encouraging’, ‘disappointing’ 2004 trends: VENTURA, Calf. (Barna Group)—After a year of interviewing thousands of adults, ministers, and young people, many insights into the spiritual contours of Americans emerged from the studies conducted by The Barna Group. In his annual year-end summary of some of the highlights and lowlights from his company’s research, cultural analyst George Barna noted that there is reason to be encouraged—and concerned.

Features

Tsunami

Florida Baptists pitch in after tsunamis hit: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Just months after mounting a comprehensive relief strategy in the aftermath of four deadly hurricanes, the Florida Baptist Convention will send $150,000 to the Southern Baptist International Mission Board (IMB) to help tsunami-devastated southern Asia where millions are homeless and desperate for help.
Baptists bury dead, give aid, hope to tsunami survivors: KRABI, Thailand (BP)—Just a small cement building, Krabi Baptist Church was still adorned with colorful lights and tinseled decorations from Christmas. A large banner proclaiming “Joy to the World” hung in the baptistry.
Videos about tsunami relief available on line: RICHMOND, Va. (BP)—"100% Relief: Reflections on the Tsunami" – a new, one-minute video about the Asian tsunami disaster and Southern Baptist response – will be available from the International Mission Board for downloading and use in Sunday worship services.
First Person Don't look away from South Asia's suffering: For days, maybe even weeks, many Christians will focus on the staggering human suffering in southern Asia.
IMB tsunami gifts at $1.4 million and counting: RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – Checks. Thousands of them. Overflowing mail tubs and filling work bins. All for tsunami survivors.
Survivors, aid workers mourn dead, focus on needs of living: BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (BP)—Minutes after feeling the earthquake Dec. 26, Ibu Tetty was in her house in the small village of Desa Nusa, about 10 kilometers from the coast in Indonesia’s Aceh province.

Sanctity of Human Life

Sanctity of Human Life focus covers variety of issues: JACKSONVILLE (FBW) — Southern Baptists across America will mark Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, January 16, mindful of recent victories in the political arena—the re-election of a pro-life president, the gain of pro-life votes in the U.S. Senate, and the introduction of key legislation touching on issues from partial-birth abortion to stem cell research and cloning.
Choose Life tags now in 14 states: JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—With the Ohio legislature’s recent approval of Choose Life license plates, 14 states now offer drivers the bright yellow specialty tags. The national movement, which began in Florida, now boasts contributions nationally of more than $3.7 million for agencies that encourage adoption.
‘Persistent vegetative state’: What does that mean?: NASHVILLE (ERLC)—The Florida case of Terri Schiavo, the brain-injured woman at the center of a controversy surrounding attempts to remove her feeding tube, has focused national attention on one of the bioethical problems of our day—the “Persistent Vegetative State.”
Steven Curtis Chapman: Adoption enhances appreciation for Gospel: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Award-winning Christian songwriter and recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman remembers the “aha moment,” the moment in his life when the Gospel of Jesus Christ became amazingly clear to him.
Stunning photography captures God's image: NASHVILLE , Tenn. (ERLC)-When you pick up Ric Ergenbright’s book, The Image of God, the first thing you may notice is its size--the oversized volume has over 150 pages. But when you open the book, you won’t notice the book’s size or weight any longer—you will be drawn into the stunning photography that captures images of the crowning achievement of God’s creation—mankind.
Stem cells help paraplegic progress after accident: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ERLC)-Stem cells are producing miraculous results without sacrificing young human beings in the process. Take Susan Fajt and Laura Dominguez, for instance.
Youngsters in need of a ‘forever’ family First Person: I enjoy watching the antics of Anne and Rebekah on Sunday mornings. Toddling around and peeking from behind their mothers’ skirts, the two-year-olds are just like their other friends at church—except their birthplace is over nine thousand miles away.

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

January 23: Reach beyond ethnic barriers Luke 10:25-37: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
January 30: Avoid alcohol and drug abuse Proverbs 20:1; 23:20-21, 29-33; Romans 14:19-21; Ephesians 5:15-18: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
January 16: Protect Human life Exodus 1:15-20; Jeremiah 19:3b-6; 33:6-9; Romans 8:1: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

January 23: What about heavenly rewards? Luke 19:12-27: Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.
January 30: What about unbelievers? Luke 20:8-19: Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.
January 16: What about helpless people? Luke 4:17-21; 6:18-21; 9:46-48; 18:15-17: Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.