In the Witness this week

Photo by Bill Thompson, courtesy of First Baptist Jacksonville

Jerry Vines waves goodbye to First Baptist Church of Jacksonville as he concluded his Feb. 7 sermon, "Glimpses of Glory," while slowly exiting the sanctuary of the church he has pastored more than 23 years.

Vines ends 23-year pastorate in Jacksonville Published February 16, 2006: JACKSONVILLE (FBW) – “Thank you saints of God at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville for letting me be with you these 23 plus years and you and I sharing together some glimpses of glory,” an emotional Jerry Vines told his congregation and visitors Feb. 7 while slowly leaving the sanctuary, ending his final sermon as pastor.
New goal is 155,000 signatures in 155 days Published February 16, 2006: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-Leaders of a citizen initiative to amend Florida’s Constitution to define marriage as the institution between one man and one woman remained hopeful Feb. 8 after presenting oral arguments defending the ballot language to the Florida Supreme Court.
FBC JAX to vote Feb. 19 on Brunson as new pastor Published February 16, 2006: JACKSONVILLE (FBW) – Members of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville will vote on a new pastor for the first time in more than 65 years Feb. 19 when "Mac" Brunson, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, will preach in view of a call, the Jacksonville congregation’s pulpit committee chairman announced Feb. 12.
Rainer begins tenure as LifeWay’s ninth president Published February 16, 2006: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Thom S. Rainer began his tenure as LifeWay Christian Resources’ ninth president by stating that the 115-year-old organization stands at a crossroads.

Opinion

Editorial

Florida Baptists: ‘Macedonian model’ JAMES A SMITH SR. Executive Editor: In a very personal way, Florida Baptists have seen the Cooperative Program work – and that experience galvanized churches in 2005 to the greatest level of support for CP ever.

Point of View

How Baptist associations work JOHN SULLIVAN executive director-treasurer Florida Baptist Convention: The Baptist association, founded in 1707, is the oldest organized unit of Baptist life beyond the church. In 2007, the Baptist association will celebrate 300 years of existence. The association remains as an essential link in the ministry of Florida Baptists and continues to be vital and relevant in Baptist life. The association is worthy of prayer and support.
Being mocked: The essence of Christ’s work, not Muhammad’s JOHN PIPER Desiring God Ministries: What we saw recently in the Islamic demonstrations over the Danish cartoons of Muhammad was another vivid depiction of the difference between Muhammad and Christ, and what it means to follow each. Not all Muslims approve the violence. But a deep lesson remains: The work of Muhammad is based on being honored and the work of Christ is based on being insulted. This produces two very different reactions to mockery.
BREAKPOINT: Musical mush: Are we harming our ability to think? CHARLES COLSON Breakpoint: When church music directors lead the congregation in singing some praise music, I often listen stoically with teeth clenched. But one Sunday morning, I cracked. We had been led through endless repetitions of a meaningless ditty called, “Draw Me Close to You.” The song has zero theological content and could be sung in a nightclub, for that matter. When I thought it was finally and mercifully over, the music leader beamed at us and said in a cheerful voice, “Let’s sing that again, shall we?” “No!” I shouted loudly. Heads all around me spun while my wife cringed

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor Published February 16, 2006: 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

Cartoon JOE McKEEVER

Florida

Florida News

Vines ends 23-year pastorate in Jacksonville: JACKSONVILLE (FBW) – “Thank you saints of God at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville for letting me be with you these 23 plus years and you and I sharing together some glimpses of glory,” an emotional Jerry Vines told his congregation and visitors Feb. 7 while slowly leaving the sanctuary, ending his final sermon as pastor.
New goal is 155,000 signatures in 155 days: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-Leaders of a citizen initiative to amend Florida’s Constitution to define marriage as the institution between one man and one woman remained hopeful Feb. 8 after presenting oral arguments defending the ballot language to the Florida Supreme Court.
FBC JAX to vote Feb. 19 on Brunson as new pastor: JACKSONVILLE (FBW) – Members of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville will vote on a new pastor for the first time in more than 65 years Feb. 19 when "Mac" Brunson, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, will preach in view of a call, the Jacksonville congregation’s pulpit committee chairman announced Feb. 12.
BCF grad to be guest speaker at Graceville evangelism conference: GRACEVILLE (BCF)–The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) will host the annual Evangelism Conference March 6 - 8 at its Graceville campus. The conference, designed to bring attention to the importance of spreading the Good News, will be held at 10 a.m. each day in the R. G. Lee Chapel.
Pastor, wife crowned Valentine royalty Photo
Church members, SBC leaders reflect on Vines’ ministry: JACKSONVILLE (FBW) – Florida Baptist Witness asked church members and leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention to offer their thoughts on Jerry Vines as he concluded his 23-year ministry at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville.

Florida News Briefs

Regional disaster relief training
Youth ministers to network
Bunkley to host radio program
Bible study summits in South Fla.
‘Present Future’ author to speak
Parental notification upheld in Fla.

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

Rainer begins tenure as LifeWay’s ninth president: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Thom S. Rainer began his tenure as LifeWay Christian Resources’ ninth president by stating that the 115-year-old organization stands at a crossroads.
Arson suspected in Alabama church fires: BEAVERTON, Ala. (BP)–Another rural Baptist church in Alabama was damaged by fire Feb. 11, increasing to 10 the number of churches in recent days that have been torched by arson.

Features

Cooperative Program

Report of 2005 CP giving by Florida churches: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)–Florida Baptist churches gave a record $39,267,377 through the Cooperative Program in 2005, an increase of seven percent over the 2004 receipts of $36,691,754. That amount was $2.2 million over the Convention’s 2005 budget goal of $37 million.

Media Montage

Olympic gold medalist writes story of faith: BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (WMU)–Running on Ice: The Overcoming Faith of Vonetta Flowers tells the inspiring story of Vonetta Flowers, the first person of African descent to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics.
Captivating holds first place on best-seller list: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LWCR)–John and Stasi Eldredge hold the top spot on LifeWay Christian Stores’ best-seller list once again with Captivating, a book that describes how the feminine heart can be restored to power, freedom, and beauty by God’s design.

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

February 19: Dealing With Doubt Jeremiah 20:1-13: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
February 26: Doing My Part Jeremiah 32:6-9, 27-30, 37-41: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

February 19: Send the Light Romans 15:14-33: Troy Bush is the minister of evangelism and missions at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.
February 26: Relate Appropriately Romans 16:1-27: Troy Bush is the minister of evangelism and missions at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.