June 10, 2002
God bless what?
___When Americans say, "God bless America," what are they saying? Are they saying, "God, preserve our sex movies, booze parties, loose immoral living habits, sparse dress code, parental irresponsibilities, financial growth opportunities and spiritual ignorance, and promote our same-sex marriages"?
___Are they saying, "God, preserve, protect, spiritually prosper, hallow, glorify, praise, consecrate and divinely care for America according to your will"?
E-mail the editor at marvknox@baptiststandard.com
___Which is your answer? Be real!
___ Dick Tillman
___ El Paso
Financial advice
___Scott McKay did a good job of sharing information related to church financing (May 27).
___Let me remind Baptist General Convention of Texas churches of the availability of church financial counseling through the Baptist Church Loan Corp. and Texas Baptist Financial Services, right here in Texas.
___These two organizations have personnel with many years of church financing experience who will assist your church in evaluating various financial options, recommend the best plan and assist in finalizing the financial package best suited for your church.
___This service is not funded by your Cooperative Program contributions but is free to your church as a ministry of the BGCT.
___These finance persons know Texas financing and Texas Baptist churches and are deeply committed to the best financial program for your church.
___Give them a call at (888) 288-2663.
___I recommend them.
___ Bruce W. Bowles
___ Dallas
Support VBS
___Summer is here, and that means Vacation Bible School soon will be starting in many churches.
___I remember attending VBS as a kid. Those distant days were full of fun, learning, hot weather and cold lemonade. We sang "Fairest Lord Jesus," memorized Bible verses and made papier-maché oddities from flour and water.
___Most of all, I remember the teachers' commitment to helping us learn the Bible. Even now, I can still recite the pledge to the Christian flag, thanks to VBS.
___As parents, we must ensure that VBS remains a high priority. My wife has helped teach VBS for many years. Recently she attended a planning meeting, and two individuals who had committed to help did not bother to show up. The stewardship of VBS must not descend to that level of unresponsibility so prevalent in today's church.
___VBS is a fragile treasure passed down from much wiser ancestors. It is one of our most valuable legacies and must be handled with care and concern.
___Please offer your support to a nearby VBS if possible. The teachers and kids will greatly appreciate it.
___ David Sparks
___ Lewisville
Press on
___Regarding Jim Bolton's letter, "Rest of us" (May 27): In the early 1990s, one of the leaders in the takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention stated, "We knew that only 20 percent of the members of SBC-affiliated churches thought about what was going on in the convention."
___These men, to gain control, had to find a "button" to push. They chose to assert SBC leaders did not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible.
___Just as 80 percent believed the lie then, many will believe any lie now. For example, two men representing a new group spoke in a nearby church, asserting that BGCT leaders believe in homosexuality and abortion.
___Knowing I was on the BGCT Executive Board at that time, a friend, who is a member of that congregation, called. He said, "I know you do not believe these." I assured him that I do not, nor do the BGCT leaders.
___That church did not question BGCT leaders personally, but they believed the lie. Forgetting previous BGCT support, they affiliated with the new group and now are not supporting Buckner, the Hispanic School and Texas Baptist colleges.
___I trust the BGCT leadership, Charles Wade and Paul Powell. They realize we must press on, despite innuendo and outright lies.
___I pray more members of Texas Baptist churches will realize who really made the changes in Baptist life. Remember when the SBC Executive Committee suggested: "Churches, send us your money. Trust us."
___ D.R. Phillips
___ Mount Pleasant
___What do you think? Submit letters for Texas Baptist Forum via e-mail to marvknox@baptiststandard.com or regular mail at Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267. Letters must be no longer than 250 words. They may be edited to accommodate space.
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