In the Witness this week

Courtesy photo

Scott Russell, care ministries pastor at Church by the Glade in Coral Springs (left), baptizes a young man Feb. 17 during an annual event at the church. The church baptized 176 people that day, but hadn’t scheduled anyone in advance.

On-the-spot baptisms let people obey God 'now' in Coral Springs church EVA WOLEVER Assistant Editor Published March 6, 2008: CORAL SPRINGS (FBW)—Soggy, but smiling, a young man went home from Church by the Glades in Coral Springs after an impromptu baptism. The high schooler's spontaneous decision to get baptized minutes after he became a believer catalyzed what has become an annual event at the church, said Pastor David Hughes.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Working on the 'dark' side of Hawaiian paradise Published March 6, 2008: HONOLULU, Hawaii (NAMB)—For most Americans and even for world travelers, Hawaii is the ultimate, exotic tourist destination. After all, it's paradise.
Bunkley outlines Florida Baptists' legislative concerns Priorities: stopping expanded gambling, protecting evolution academic freedom JAMES A. SMITH SR. Executive Editor Published March 6, 2008: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—With the "moderately-positioned tone" of Gov. Charlie Crist, pro-family organizations in Tallahassee will take a mostly defensive posture during this year's legislative session attempting to stop harmful legislation, while seeking "limited" opportunities to advance good bills, according to Bill Bunkley, legislative consultant for the Florida Baptist Convention.

Opinion

Editorial

Oprah's 'Jesus' JAMES A. SMITH SR. Executive Editor: In America's celebrity-driven culture, perhaps the most harmful "Pied Piper" of heresies leading millions astray is Oprah Winfrey. Her adoption of anti-biblical doctrine is on display every day this year through her satellite radio network channel "Oprah & Friends." It's time for Christians to "just say no" to the big "O."

Point of View

When Kindle comes to church THOM S. RAINER LifeWay Christian Resources: In this new phase of my ministry and life, I am able to spend a bit more time listening to someone else preach sermons on Sunday. On those special occasions when I am in town, my wife and I sit in the pew and listen to the message of our pastor, Mike Glenn, at Brentwood Baptist Church.
White roses for Valentine's Day JONI B. HANNIGAN Managing Editor: It was apparent by the packed church in the heartland of America that Betty Jo Lewis was a sweetheart of a woman. Memorialized on Feb. 14, the former first lady of the Home Mission Board held court at First Baptist Church in Centralia, Missouri where her beloved knight in shining armor, Larry Lewis, was plucked from a nearby farm and brought to church as a young boy.
The Pilgrim's Progress: The human experience of grace CHARLES COLSON Breakpoint: It has often been described as the most popular and most influential book ever published—after the Bible, that is. Yet many literary critics of its time treated it with scorn. Its author was simply a humble Puritan minister who wrote it while imprisoned for his faith. He was not even sure if he should publish it.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor Published March 6, 2008: 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.

Florida

Florida News

On-the-spot baptisms let people obey God 'now' in Coral Springs church: CORAL SPRINGS (FBW)—Soggy, but smiling, a young man went home from Church by the Glades in Coral Springs after an impromptu baptism. The high schooler's spontaneous decision to get baptized minutes after he became a believer catalyzed what has become an annual event at the church, said Pastor David Hughes.
Florida F.A.I.T.H. Riders bike for Christ in Lakeland: LAKELAND (FBC)—The thunderous roar of engines rumbled, the ground began to quake, the smell of exhaust fumes filled the air as 207 Christian motorcycle bikers rode two-by-two through the streets of Lakeland.
'God's lead' takes Estero church from surviving to thriving: ESTERO (FBW)—Four years ago the dozen members attending First Baptist Church in Estero considered closing the church but a faithful few prayed the church would survive. Today, the congregation not only survives, but thrives in its southwest Florida community.
Northeast Florida church actors, musicians mount Passion Play for Easter New music minister to stage Passion Play March 14-16: JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—After only six months as minister of music at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Jim Whitmire is heading up an Easter pageant involving hundreds of musicians, actors and crewmembers. The Passion Play will be staged in the church's 10,000-seat worship center March 14-16.
BCF graduate honored by fellow Marianna teachers

Legislature Watch

Bunkley outlines Florida Baptists' legislative concerns Priorities: stopping expanded gambling, protecting evolution academic freedom: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—With the "moderately-positioned tone" of Gov. Charlie Crist, pro-family organizations in Tallahassee will take a mostly defensive posture during this year's legislative session attempting to stop harmful legislation, while seeking "limited" opportunities to advance good bills, according to Bill Bunkley, legislative consultant for the Florida Baptist Convention.

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

Mother speaks for life after daughter's death during abortion: SANDWICH, Mass. (BP)—When Laura Hope Smith requested extra spending money, her mother Eileen—of Orlando—had no idea she planned to use it for an abortion—nor that it would be their last conversation.

International News

Winter Olympics stirs Baptists to action: VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Canada (BP)—Baptist leaders in Vancouver are planning outreach efforts surrounding the 2010 Winter Olympics that they hope will lead to additional churches in the Canadian city.
Beijing: A city of opportunity: BEIJING, China (BP)-The sign at the park's entrance said much. It was the social contract for Beijing.
Fu receives ERLC religious freedom award: WASHINGTON (BP)—Bob Fu, a leading advocate for the persecuted church in his native China, received a Southern Baptist religious freedom award during a ceremony at the Library of Congress Feb. 7.

Missions News

IMB worker dies from bus mishap injuries at age 63 Police report notes, 'Victim forgave bus driver': BANGKOK, Thailand (BP)—Linda Lipscomb, an International Mission Board worker known for her ability to bridge cultural divides, died Feb. 14 in Bangkok, Thailand, from complications following a bus accident. She was 63.

National News Briefs

Sunday School Institute meets March 15
BCF students work to re-create Passover
March 8 walk/run to benefit Children's Home
GuideStone releases Ministers Tax Guide
Delaware woman may die by starvation

Features

Annie Armstrong Offering

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Working on the 'dark' side of Hawaiian paradise: HONOLULU, Hawaii (NAMB)—For most Americans and even for world travelers, Hawaii is the ultimate, exotic tourist destination. After all, it's paradise.
New England couple 'haunted' by lostness of Vermont: WASHINGTON, VT. (NAMB)—When Dewey and Kathie Aiken survey the landscape of Vermont, they see much more than the beautiful red and yellow leaves of autumn, the traditional maple syrup-making in March, and 150-year-old churches with white steeples piercing the blue skies of summer.

Sports Ministry

NFL to allow church Super Bowl parties: WASHINGTON (BP)—Churches can resume hosting Super Bowl parties without opposition from the National Football League, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has informed Sen. Orin Hatch, R.-Utah.
Soccer mania at Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana gives way to salvation story: KUMASI, Ghana (BP)—For three straight weeks, droves of West Africans who don't know Christ crowded into churches across Ghana. They cheered and danced with vigor, but they weren't at a worship service.

Obituary

Doris Passmore, Florida Minister's Wife of the Year in 2000, dies

Bible Study

Bible Studies for Life

March 9: Living 3:16 - Where God Is at Home 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; 6:12-20: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
March 16: Living 3:16 - It's all About Love John 3:16; 1 John 3:16-20; 4:15-18; 5:2-3: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

March 9: From Marker to Marker: The God of My Father Genesis 29-31: Mark Rathel is professor of theology at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
March 16: Growing Spiritually Through Crisis Genesis 32: Mark Rathel is professor of theology at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.