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U.S. observes National Day of Prayer May 5
Published April 28, 2005

JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—The 54th National Day of Prayer (NDP) May 5 will once again bring Christians outside church walls to beseech God to bless their communities.

Florida House passes parental notice bill
In final stretch, chambers deeply divided on slots bill
Published April 25, 2005

TALLAHASSEE (FBW) – As legislators begin the final two weeks of their annual session in Tallahassee, pro-family forces can point to some victories and to some continuing concerns regarding measures working through the Legislature.

Great grandmother says ‘missions is my life’
Published April 28, 2005

POMPANO (FBW)—Beverly Cooley and her daughter, Nancy Sparkman, traveled in April to Germany to see their grandchildren and great grandchildren. As long as they were making the trip, they decided also to serve as Christian ambassadors to U.S. soldiers and airmen stationed there.

Evangelicals stand firm in rejection of papal authority
Published April 28, 2005

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–While the world’s attention focused on the Vatican as a new pope was elected April 19, the evangelical outlook toward the Roman Catholic Church’s top leader stood firm.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Moralistic Therapeutic Deism’ and our teens
Editorial

Can the youth in your church – or your home – tell you more about the rules of Ultimate Frisbee than they can the core truths of the Christian faith? If the youth in your life are like most, the troubling answer is likely to be a resounding “yes.”

Point of View

BREAKPOINT: Shaking ground: Iran’s Christians face big problems
Point of View

Among the dignitaries at Pope John Paul II’s funeral was Iranian President Muhammad Khatami. His presence, along with reports that he might have shaken hands with Israeli President Moshe Katsav, raised hopes for a “new beginning” in Iran’s relationship with its neighbors. While that would be welcome news, I can think of another group of people who need a “new beginning”: Iran’s Christians.

‘Split-second saints,’ canonization and Pope John Paul II
Point of View

As soon as the death of Pope John Paul II was announced on April 2, 2005, the Catholic faithful began calling for the sainthood of their beloved pontiff. These calls reached a crescendo at the pope’s funeral, when thousands of mourners began chanting, “Santo Subito,” which is translated “Saint at Once!” Canonization—the process by which the Catholic Church formally declares an individual a saint—normally takes years, and sometimes centuries. The canonization of Pope John Paul II, however, appears to be on the fast track, racing forward at breakneck speed and soon to be accomplished in record-breaking time.

It’s not all in your head: Headaches may be triggered by fatigue, lights & food
Point of View

Did you know that...

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.

Cartoon

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Florida

Florida News

Great grandmother says ‘missions is my life’

POMPANO (FBW)—Beverly Cooley and her daughter, Nancy Sparkman, traveled in April to Germany to see their grandchildren and great grandchildren. As long as they were making the trip, they decided also to serve as Christian ambassadors to U.S. soldiers and airmen stationed there.

U.S. observes National Day of Prayer May 5

JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—The 54th National Day of Prayer (NDP) May 5 will once again bring Christians outside church walls to beseech God to bless their communities.

Wicker: ‘Verbal communication of Gospel necessary’

JACKSONVILLE—(FBC) Sharing the Gospel of Christ in word is a “non-negotiable” in the Christian life, Florida Baptist State Convention president Hayes Wicker told Convention employees April 13.“One thing that is not negotiable is evangelism and missions. Christianity is essentially a missionary religion.”

Four Lafayette Baptist Association pastors celebrated anniversaries
Photo

Vietnamese, Cambodian congregations join Florida Baptist Convention churches

JACKSONVILLE (FBW)–According to a report released by the Florida Baptist Convention’s Church Planting Department, Florida Baptists started 14 new churches in March, 2005.

Milton pastor joins efforts to continue ban on sale of hard liquor in Santa Rosa County

MILTON (FBW)–The dispute over legalizing the sale of hard liquor is heating up in Santa Rosa County, according to David Spencer, pastor of First Baptist Church in Milton. Many public officials who have argued against the proposed legalization “have taken some heat,” including one of Spencer’s church members who is a county officer.

Florida News Briefs

Sunday School directors meet in Kissimmee for national conference

Prevent the abuse of minors; learn to develop safety and security policies

Disaster relief training scheduled at various sites in 2005

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

Evangelicals stand firm in rejection of papal authority

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–While the world’s attention focused on the Vatican as a new pope was elected April 19, the evangelical outlook toward the Roman Catholic Church’s top leader stood firm.

Pro-family leaders call for end to judicial filibusters

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)–Saying that the battle over judicial filibusters has major implications on the future of abortion, “gay marriage” and other cultural issues, religious leaders April 24 urged Christians to call their senators and demand an up-or-down vote on President Bush’s judicial nominees.

How do Baptists and Catholics differ?

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)–As the world observes the election of the first new pope of the Roman Catholic Church in more than 25 years, many Baptists may be thinking through how Catholic beliefs differ from their own.

Features

Godly Women

Pianist made start in ‘old-timey’ church

ALFORD (FBW)—A young woman in a white country church played hymns as the tiny congregation sang, never once thinking that because of her hands the music vibrating through the one-room building would still echo 59 years later.

Great grandmother says ‘missions is my life’

POMPANO (FBW)—Beverly Cooley and her daughter, Nancy Sparkman, traveled in April to Germany to see their grandchildren and great grandchildren. As long as they were making the trip, they decided also to serve as Christian ambassadors to U.S. soldiers and airmen stationed there.

Sponge balls, Bible verses take young missionary to Jacksonville’s Jerusalem

JACKSONVILLE (FBW)–Stacie Davenport struggled to make herself heard over the loud roar of 30 elementary-school boys as they tumbled and played during a monthly “Boy’s Night” April 19 at the Pinewood Pointe Apartments’ clubhouse in Jacksonville.

Ridge Association secretary offers listening ear
Jenell Miller elected president of national organization

WINTER HAVEN (FBW)-While most ministries are characterized by words and actions, Jenell Miller says her ministry is in what she doesn’t say. As both a pastor’s wife and secretary for Ridge Baptist Association, she provides a listening ear without judgment or opinion, and she teaches that skill – among others – to other church secretaries.

Resources

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

May 1: Seek God's Purpose
Genesis 12:1-7, 10-18

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

May 8: Believe God
Genesis 17:15-19; 18:10-15; 21:1-5

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

May 1: Heed God's Word
Jeremiah 36:1-4, 14-16, 22-25, 29-30a

Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.

MAY 8: Persevere in Serving the Lord
Jeremiah 37:13b-17; 38:3-6, 17-18

Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.