June 18, 2001
TEXAS BAPTIST FORUM: Battle lines
___The war between the Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist General Convention of Texas will play itself out, but it will not be pretty. You outlined the battle lines well in "BGCT says churches misled by lies and distortions" (April 30).
___I recall another lie from nearly 20 years ago, that Duke McCall, then president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, was a social drinker. It was a lie, a distortion of an incident he experienced during a visit to China.
___He went to the SBC Pastors' Conference to "set the record straight." He then was given an apology from the platform at the SBC annual meeting.
E-mail the editor at marvknox@baptiststandard.com
___As much as I believe the Bible is God's infallible, inerrant word, I am appalled and angered at my fellow Southern Baptists who spread lies based on guilt by association, and I feel equally so at those who repeat these lies. This is un-biblical (1 John 4:1).
___Equally untasteful is the reason these lies are being published. If those who are spreading these lies are afraid resources will be diverted from the work of the gospel, these liars must serve a very weak God (Psalm 50:10, Matthew 6:25-33, Luke 12:22-34).
___Remember this the next time someone hurls charges against the BGCT and individuals within it but fails to produce any proof. Remember, too, that battles and wars cause casualties!
___ Benny Bivins
___ Williamstown, Ky.
Somewhat amused
___I was somewhat amused at the letter titled "Cooperative giving" (June 11).
___The writer indicated for a local assembly to "withhold" and to "redirect" funding on the church-to-state level is unbiblical.
___Now I know that I have recently seen the word "redirect" in print. I remember, we have been busy "redirecting" funding on the state-to-national level.
___I am assuming that his principle no longer applies once it reaches the Red River!
___I am amused.
___ Danny Shearman
___ Dennis
Common causes
___A familiar hymn says, "Faith is the victory ... that overcomes the world."
___There is also a Sunday School evangelism strategy called FAITH that will overcome division and dissension.
___A few weeks ago, I attended the national FAITH clinic at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Houston. There were a great many churches represented, both large and small.
___Most of the churches that attended were from the so-called fundamentalist side of the SBC. A good number of them were either uniquely aligned with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention or dually aligned with the BGCT and SBTC. Then there were several like the church that I pastor, supporters of the BGCT and the SBC.
___During the four days I attended the clinic, I never heard anything derogatory about the BGCT or SBTC. All I heard was the difference that the FAITH strategy for Sunday School evangelism was making in churches in Texas and the United States.
___I know from personal experience that the FAITH Sunday School strategy may give our church the best year in baptisms since 1981.
___Isn't it interesting that when we focus our hearts and interest on evangelism and missions we do not have time to talk about the differences that divide us.
___Evangelism and missions can still unite Baptists. Evangelism and missions are something we still can do together.
___ Charles Higgs
___ Portland
Sad loss
___A recent issue carried a disturbing article datelined Richmond, Va. A long-time servant of the Lord who has served well in an administrative position in West Africa was forced to step down from the International Mission Board (May 28).
___Bill Phillips, appreciated by all of us who knew and worked with him, had to resign as West Africa regional leader of the IMB. He was unable to sign the 2000 version of the Baptist Faith & Message, as required.
___He said, "I stated verbally and in writing to IMB leadership and trustees, I affirm the Baptist Faith and Message." IMB President Jerry Rankin, in expressing his regrets, said, "Their doctrinal soundness and support of the IMB and our strategies is unquestioned," and "we regret Bill's decision not to affirm that commitment" to the BF&M.
___Is this just another facet of ridiculous policies now followed by SBC agencies? It seems that since Bill didn't sign exactly as demanded, he is fired--for the sake of winning the world to Christ.
___What a loss!
___ Dale G. Hooper
___ Lindale
Church autonomy
___In reference to J.B. Edwards' letter (May 28), I must be missing something!
___His letter indicates he is perturbed that each church should be autonomous. I thought that was an important distinctive of Baptist churches.
___Maybe he has been listening too closely to his "substantial reliable leaders." Those leaders have attempted to impose their personal beliefs on the Baptist rank and file for 20 years and have largely succeeded.
___Trust the Scripture and the Spirit, not the leaders.
___ John Metcalf
___ Cedar Hill
Jesus & liars
___Some have said Charles Wade's response to lies about the BGCT should be a meek smile. Like Jesus? Not true: Luke 13:29-53 is but one example of Jesus' direct confrontation with those who misused religion for their own gain.
___"We believe the Bible" is a lie when it is used to imply that certain other Christians don't believe the Bible.
___Some have become so used to telling this kind of lie that they are jaded to the slander now being used against the BGCT and its leaders.
___ William M. Menger
___ Huntsville
Good ol' days
___There are some stories of accounts from those "good 'ol days" told by parents out of the 1890-1910 era of rural life worthy of time to ponder.
___My mother told me of her early church experiences. The members met every Sunday to sing and study the Gospels, the words of Jesus.
___The preacher came once a month to bring his sermons out of the Gospels. He never preached tithing; "free will offerings" were invited. His salary was the plate taken when he came. He rode a horse to his four churches. "Fifth Sunday meetings" were passed around among the churches. The preacher would eat and spend the night with them at times, but no Sunday night preaching.
___She told this on a neighbor who gave "fo' bits" each time the preacher came: "If everybody gives him fo' bits, he will do well." She said the men sat in the "a-men" corner.
___She and others loved to sing in the "four-note" song book. "I Will Arise" and "Precious Memories" were favorites.
___"All day singing and dinner on the ground" was a joyful recollection as she described the wagons and buggies and horses tethered among the trees by the church.
___The most outstanding part of her telling of those rural church days was that the preacher did not have to "preach the people to church." They were hungry for his sermon when he came.
___ Otis Patrick
___ Loveland, Colo.
Meat for today
___I am stunned by people who always try to read between lines. I personally praise the book about the prayer of Jabez.
___All of this talk of health and wealth should be mute. For you see, in all that we do as we study God's word and his creation is for health and wealth. We continue to grow and heal as we observe all things of God and consume his spiritual food, and if we are not growing and healing, then we better check our relationship with him.
___Who is the wealthiest of all but he who is rich in God's word, his blessings and his divine anointment? The prayer states, "Enlarge my territory." Why does that have to automatically be material things?
___Why can't these be spiritual blessings as we are used by God to reach and teach others as we grow in God's knowledge and through his blessings? I use it to extend my horizons because I believe that expresses what I desire most from my relationship with my Lord.
___Read through the Psalms and see what the psalmist asks of God. Jabez was just able to put it in a few simple words. Don't read between the lines, but allow God to minister to you through his marvelous word.
___If you are not ready for this meat today, don't begrudge it of your brother. Maybe you can eat it tomorrow.
___May God bless you indeed.
___ Eddie Jones
___ Santa Anna
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