In the Witness this week

Page expresses hope for convention in 2007
Published January 11, 2007

TAYLORS, S.C. (BP)-Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, is asking Southern Baptists to repent of their "self sufficiency" and plead with God for a spiritual revival during 2007. He also is calling upon the convention to seek reconciliation over divisive issues that distract from the objectives of missions and evangelism.

Massachusetts marriage amendment overcomes opposition, passes
Published January 11, 2007

BOSTON (BP)-In an action that surprised even some conservatives, Massachusetts legislators Jan. 2 passed a proposed constitutional marriage amendment just hours before it would have died as the session ended.

Conferences emphasize personal stewardship
Orlando event set for March
Published January 11, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)-For too long the issue of personal stewardship has been neglected in many churches and the results have been detrimental in a consumer-driven society where Americans are pressured to spend, often more than they earn, Ashley Clayton, associate vice president for stewardship at the Executive Committee, said.

'Facing the Giants' tops $10 million at box office
Published January 11, 2007

ALBANY, Ga. (BP)-In Hollywood, $10 million is mere change. In Albany, Ga., it's a sign of God's blessing.

Opinion

Editorial

'Gay rights' in Okeechobee's schools
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor

The unrelenting campaign to gain governmental endorsement of the homosexual lifestyle has found its way to Florida's Okeechobee School District. If the homosexual agenda can succeed in rural Okeechobee it cannot be stopped anywhere in America.

Point of View

Alcohol abstinence in the FBSC, part 1 of 3
JOHN SULLIVAN
Executive Director-Treasurer, FBC

I have been surprised by the attention given to my recent statements about the use of alcoholic beverages. Being a "tee-totaler" has been my conviction-not convenience-since August 1955 when I was saved. After salvation, it never entered my mind that "social" or "moderate" drinking was acceptable to the Heavenly Father. I never considered discussing it as a possibility. Now some would say that is closed-mindedness. They would be right-there is no debate for me.

When in doubt do what is right: A tribute to Gerald Ford
JOHN GRANT
Special to Florida Baptist Witness

Gerald Ford died last week and was remembered as the 38th President of the United States. Forty one other men have held that office, but what singled Ford from the rest of the pack was his willingness to put doing what was right to heal the country ahead of his personal political career.

Brooking no debate: Scientism, crowbars, bats
CHARLES COLSON
Breakpoint

The late Stephen Jay Gould at Harvard used to describe religion and science as occupying "non-overlapping magisterial authority," or what he called NOMA. That is, science and religion occupied different "domains," or areas of life, in which each held "the appropriate tools for meaningful discourse and resolution."

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor
Published January 11, 2007

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
Baptist Press

Florida

Florida News

Christmas Day tornadoes catalyze DR response

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)-Florida Baptists were both victims and responders when a series of tornadoes hit the state on Christmas Day causing then Governor Jeb Bush to declare a state of emergency in four counties.

Fruit Cove GAs impact international, local missions

FRUIT COVE (FBC)-Honoring their pledge to "live a missions lifestyle that honors God," the fourth-grade Girls in Action of Fruit Cove Baptist Church assumed responsibility for raising money to aid an International Mission Board missionary couple.

Disaster rebuild renews lives and faith

NEW SMYRNA BEACH (FBC)-A tattooed image of cartoon characters Snoopy and Woodstock adorns Walter Gunther's left bicep with the words, "I love my Grams." It's a sentimental expression of gratitude for the sacrifices Irene Gunther has made to raise her three grandchildren.

FBC adds 6 churches

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)-According to a report released by the Florida Baptist Convention's Church Planting Department, Florida Baptists started six new churches in November, 2006. The following is a listing of new churches by association:

BCF graduates largest December class in its history

GRACEVILLE (BCF)-December 8, The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville graduated the largest December class in the history of the school. The first December graduating class was Dec. 16, 1983, with a total of 24 students participating. Fifty-nine graduates stood in line Dec. 8 to hear their names called, having earned all of the rights and privileges of a college graduate.

Florida News Briefs

2007 Ministry Assistant Regional Conference set

National

National News

Page expresses hope for convention in 2007

TAYLORS, S.C. (BP)-Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, is asking Southern Baptists to repent of their "self sufficiency" and plead with God for a spiritual revival during 2007. He also is calling upon the convention to seek reconciliation over divisive issues that distract from the objectives of missions and evangelism.

Massachusetts marriage amendment overcomes opposition, passes

BOSTON (BP)-In an action that surprised even some conservatives, Massachusetts legislators Jan. 2 passed a proposed constitutional marriage amendment just hours before it would have died as the session ended.

Conferences emphasize personal stewardship
Orlando event set for March

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)-For too long the issue of personal stewardship has been neglected in many churches and the results have been detrimental in a consumer-driven society where Americans are pressured to spend, often more than they earn, Ashley Clayton, associate vice president for stewardship at the Executive Committee, said.

Court sides with pro-lifers in campaign finance ruling

WASHINGTON (BP)-Free speech advocates recently gained an important victory in their support of advertising on legislative issues during election campaigns.

CP giving: 4.24 percent ahead of 2005's pace

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)-As of Dec. 31, year-to-date contributions through the Southern Baptist Convention's Cooperative Program are 4.24 percent ahead of the same time frame at the end of 2005, according to a news release from SBC Executive Committee President and Chief Executive Officer Morris H. Chapman.

Mohler's condition improves; he is out of intensive care

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (SBTS)-R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, was moved out of intensive care and into a private room at Baptist Hospital East Jan. 8 and continues to improve following complications from abdominal surgery that was performed Dec. 28.

Seminary News

NOBTS commencement ceremony includes 52 Haitian pastors

NEW ORLEANS (BP)-From the start, the 89th commencement service at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Dec. 16 in New Orleans, was seasoned with reflection.

Mohler sends SBTS grads as 'ambassadors of the invisible' trusting God to keep promises

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)-Ministers must proclaim the Gospel while trusting, with faith like that of Abraham, that God will keep His promise to build a Kingdom, R. Albert Mohler Jr. told Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's 198th graduating class Dec. 8.

Akin tells Southeastern grads they can't outrun the 'shepherd King'

WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP)-Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary celebrated the accomplishments of 161 students at its fall commencement Dec. 15.

GGBTS awards 60 students degrees Dec. 15

MILL VALLEY, Calif. (BP)-Sixty students received degrees at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary's winter commencement at First Baptist Church in San Francisco Dec. 15.

Southwestern graduation a 'commissioning service'
SWBTS ranked fifth among providers of faculty members with doctorates in theological education

Fort Worth, Texas (BP)-Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary held its fall commencement Dec. 15. Referred to as a "commissioning service," the graduation ceremony awarded degrees to 263 students from 25 states and U.S. territories and seven foreign countries: Brazil, China, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Syria and Taiwan.

Features

Sanctity of Human Life

Modern altars, different idols

A stone table stands alone in a cave overgrown by weeds and overlooked by many who visit the site at the first century ruins of Caesarea Philippi in the region of Galilee. While in Israel last summer I visited many places of war and persecution. It seemed like everywhere I went there was another account of people dying, but this place was different. My Israeli tour guide, pointed towards the ancient altar of an unnamed idol and said, "They sacrificed children there."

Sanctity of Life, Disaster Relief join forces to aid those facing their own 'natural disaster'

LAKELAND (FBW)-A woman facing an unplanned pregnancy is facing her own "natural disaster," according to Kathleen Hiers, Sanctity of Life director, Florida Baptist Children's Homes. Couple an unplanned pregnancy with a hurricane or other community disaster, and the result is often deadly for the unborn child.

Media Montage

'Facing the Giants' tops $10 million at box office

ALBANY, Ga. (BP)-In Hollywood, $10 million is mere change. In Albany, Ga., it's a sign of God's blessing.

Super Bowl XLI offers ministry opportunities

MIAMI (FBW)-The advent of Super Bowl XLI in Miami Feb. 4 offers a host of ministry opportunities, according to Michael Daily, Miami Baptist Association's director of church and community ministries.

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

January 21: what is human life worth?
Genesis 9:5-6; Psalm 139:13-16; proverbs 1:10-11, 15-16, 18; 24:10-12

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

Explore the Bible

January 21: The God of Life: from conception to resurrection
Psalm 139:1-18

Mark Rathel is professor of theology at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.