Posted: 6/08/07

TOGETHER:
Who’s going to fill their huge shoes?

Three great Texas Baptist leaders died in the past few weeks: John Baugh, founder of Sysco and strong Baptist layman; Herbert Reynolds, Baylor University’s 11th president; and Ronald Edwards, pastor of Minnehulla Baptist Church in Goliad and president of the African American Fellowship.

At John Baugh’s funeral, Daniel Vestal, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship coordinator and his former pastor, described how he believed in the priesthood of each and all believers. He believed America had grown great because of the Baptist witness to religious liberty and our conviction of soul competency in matters of faith.

Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

His generosity to Baptist causes was legendary. One gift I would mention: He helped bring hundreds of pastors and spouses together for fellowship and retreat. He asked us to tell them: “A Baptist layman believes in you and is grateful for the sacrificial service you and your families give to the cause of Christ. This is a way for a layman to say, ‘Thank you for all you do.’” That word healed marriages and sent pastors back to their tasks with vigor and dedication.

Herbert Reynolds loved Baylor and Texas Baptists. He believed the future of Texas, as well as the eternal future of Texans, depended on reaching people for Christ; and he believed new churches were a key strategy in helping that happen. He believed strong Baptist churches were a key ingredient also to a strong Baylor future.

He engineered the change in Baylor’s governance formula from the BGCT electing 100 percent of the Baylor board to the convention electing 25 percent and the others being board-elected. He felt Baylor’s future must not rest upon who could win the elections each year at the BGCT annual meeting. Still, he cared deeply for the Baptist witness at Baylor, and he sought to enrich the partnership between Baylor and all the BGCT.

At his funeral, his favorite hymn was featured—“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

Ronald Edwards was born, saved and educated in Goliad and Minnehulla Baptist Church. He was raised in a family with deep roots in the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, many of whom settled in the historic Goliad area. They were gifted cowboys, and many developed ranching and farm operations that still are strong.

In his first year of college, he answered the call to preach and was a leader of Bible studies and campus ministry. For 17 years, he was pastor of the church he grew up in. He led the church to become part of the BGCT. He led in buying land and building two buildings. He was a passionate advocate for missions and involved his congregation in starting three new churches, including the first African-American cowboy church. The most apt description expressed of this strong leader’s life was that he was a “bridge builder.”

He gave his life for his people, and it was easy to see how much they loved him at his “Home Going Celebration.”

When great women and men die, the question must always be: “Who will take their place?” It will take more than three.

We are loved.

Charles Wade is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.

Posted: 6/08/07

Ministers not immune from sexual addiction

By Rick Owen

BGCT Counseling and Psychological Services Center

With few exceptions, the men and women who fill the pulpits and ministry positions of our Texas Baptist churches at one time occupied the pews. The churches from which our ministers came have not been immune to the aftermath of the sexual revolution and the presence of cable TV and the internet.

As a result, those among our memberships and in ministry who suffer with sexual concerns, sexual compulsivity or addiction are many. There are both ministers and church members who struggle with impure sexual thoughts; inappropriate, compulsive, offensive, or illegal sexual behavior; internet pornography addiction; or compulsive sexual-acting-out behaviors of various kinds.

Almost all of us have heard of or know a minister who has had an affair, an emotional affair, became sexually involved with a minor, or whose computer was found to have a history of visits to pornographic websites.

A 2000 survey by Christianity Today and Leadership magazines found that some 40 percent of ministers reported having visited sexually explicit websites. As is often cited, the problem of internet pornography viewing is greatly increased because of its three ‘A’s: Availability, Affordability, and Anonymity.

Statistics regarding pornography viewing online vary so widely and change so rapidly that they may be hardly worth reporting, but the following numbers were presented in a recent training by one of America’s leading addiction treatment centers: over 4.2 million pornographic websites on the internet, comprising 12 percent of all websites; this 12 percent of all sites accounts for 60 percent of all web traffic; 70 percent of visits to pornographic websites occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Many of us will react with harsh judgment toward ministers or church members who are found to have a problem with sexual addiction. Indeed, we have legitimate concerns for the safety of innocents and are only right to be protective of them. And there are addicts who live in misery and would love nothing more than to be free of their addiction(s)—if they only knew a way.

Recent developments in theory and practice regarding the nature and treatment of sexual addiction have focused on control of the problem behavior and resolution of issues stemming from childhood experiences. Before an addict will have adequate access to his or her own emotional issues, he or she must come out of the mental fog of addiction. Just as meaningful therapy cannot be done with a drug addict under the effects of his or her chosen drug, meaningful therapy cannot be done with a sex addict who is continuing to bathe his or her brain in the neuro-chemical bath created by sexual fantasy, arousal, or acting out. Thus, many treatment programs begin with a period of sexual abstinence and continue with a monitoring process (polygraph) to verify that the patient is not returning to inappropriate sexual behavior.

And then there are the emotional/psychological issues to resolve. Prevailing theory is that most adolescent and adult addicts were either deliberately or accidentally abused as children, resulting in the development of a core-personality of shame instead of value. Deliberate abuse, of course, is abuse that is knowingly carried out by perpetrators with callous disregard or deliberate intent to harm the victim. Accidental abuse—in this language—includes things that parents or caregivers say without thinking, or do without knowing their effects upon children. In this case a child may accidentally learn, for example, to inappropriately withdraw or fantasize as a means of coping with an unpleasant moment; or when being corrected or disciplined come to believe (learn) that he or she is bad, or worthless, or shameful at their very core. No loving parent intentionally gives these messages to their child, but—as in any communication—the message sent and the message received are often not the same. It just happens that, in the case of children, the tablets of their souls may be written over with messages of shame and inappropriate guilt rather than messages of love, acceptance, grace and infinite value.

In clinical terms, abuse constitutes what is referred to as an insult to the psyche—a soul injury. An insult to the psyche will cause a change in the way a person thinks and feels. It will often result in a child growing up with a distorted or skewed view of themselves, others and God. Most addicts, for example, have inappropriate self-esteem (usually low, sometimes inappropriately high), poor boundaries (violating the boundaries of others and allowing others to violate theirs), inaccurate perceptions of themselves, inappropriate dependence or independence, and an inability to do much of anything in moderation.

This child—when grown into an adult—will not view the world in a blurry way that informs them of their need for vision correction. No, their view may be as sharp and crisp as anyone’s, but it will be distorted rather than accurate. He or she will not understand the meanings of relational concepts such as affection, friendship, acceptance, confrontation, grace, value, love, self-love, or sex in the same way that others do. Their images and definitions of these concepts may clash with what others understand or expect.

Adults who grew up believing that they were inherently bad are believed to be more vulnerable to addictive disorders. Often, children who come to believe that they are bad, without value, or shameful-to-the-core will—as adults—continue to believe that they are worthless, and that since they are worthless anyway they may as well do this thing—that they know they should not do—that momentarily relieves the pain of worthlessness and makes them feel comforted or alive. So now—because of their current real behavior—there is legitimate guilt to add to their shame, confirming again their negative opinion of themselves which now must either be accepted in remorse or compartmentalized in denial.

Since these bad feelings are connected to or may arise directly from deeply held beliefs about one’s self, they will inevitably rise again in some moment of failure, rejection, confrontation, or simple error: “I am bad. I am worth less than others. I am not acceptable. I am worthless.” Followed by: “This feels (is) devastating.” And in order to escape the feeling of devastation the addict will soon turn again to their numbing, soothing, or comforting behavior. The cycle repeats.

The addict believes that because he is imperfect, he is unacceptable, and being unacceptable is a devastating experience. The church and much of society find sexual addiction and inappropriate sexual behavior unacceptable. God’s view of sexual sin is made clear in Scripture: unacceptable. People, however, are not unacceptable. The differentiation between sin and sinner remains valuable.

In order for the individual facing sexual addiction to find true peace of mind and joy in relationship, he or she will invariably need to find a safe person [read licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or licensed professional counselor (LPC)] with whom to share their story, will need to become genuinely involved in treatment, and become a part of an appropriate 12-Step group. Many people with lower levels of sexual concern may find great comfort and freedom through a few sessions with a qualified therapist.

Is there hope? Yes, treatments for sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity, and annoying, depressing, guilt-inducing sexual concerns are available. Effective treatment may be found through a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional counselor (preferably with training and experience in sexual addictions). Addiction treatment sometimes begins with an intensive component varying from a three-day workshop to brief (up to 30 days) inpatient care (including assessment, treatment planning, education, and various modalities of both individual and group therapy). Following an initial intensive phase of treatment, the individual will need to continue with specialized individual psycho-therapy (LMFT, or LPC) and regular participation in an appropriate 12-Step group.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Patrick Carnes cites the following predictors of successful treatment for sexual addiction:

A primary therapist

Group therapy

Regular participation in a 12-Step program

Management of the addict’s other addictions

Therapeutic resolution of childhood issues

Involvement of family

Involvement of spouse

Development of spiritual life

Good physical health

Symptoms of sexual compulsive disorders:

Loss of control (doing more of a behavior than one intended or wanted)

Compulsive behavior (repeating pattern of loss-of-control)

Repeated failed efforts to stop

Significant loss of time to the activity

Preoccupation with worry over the behavior or obsession with thoughts connected to the behavior

Interference of the behavior with work, school, family or other obligations

Losses of hobbies, family, friendships, or work

Continuation despite negative consequences

Escalation of the frequency, duration, or intensity of the behavior

Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, irritability) when the behavior is stopped

Addictions are particularly marked by a cycle including the following:

A ritualized set of behaviors consciously or unconsciously used to reduce bad feelings

Escalation of the activity

Failed attempts to stop

Guilt and shame over the behavior leading to physical or emotional isolation

A return to the behavior in order to drown the feelings of guilt and shame in comfort or stimulation

Helpful publications:

Beattie, Melody (1987). Codependent No More: How to stop controlling others and start caring for yourself. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Carnes, Patrick (1989). Contrary to Love. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Carnes, Patrick (1992). Out of the Shadows. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Mellody, Pia (2003). The Intimacy Factor: The ground rules for overcoming obstacles to truth, respect, and lasting love. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.

Mellody, Pia (2003). Facing Codependence. Harper Collins: New York.

Nakken, Craig (1988). The Addictive Personality: Understanding the addictive process and compulsive behavior. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Helpful websites:

Website of Sex Addicts Anonymous provides information regarding sex addiction and 12-Step Group contacts.

www.covenanteyes.com offers internet accountability software that scores all websites visited for likelihood of adult or pornographic content and sends a list of all websites visited to an accountability partner(s).

www.pureonline.com offers online workshops and phone counseling.

Texas Baptist ministers needing assistance in assessing their needs and locating a qualified counselor may contact Rick Owen at the BGCT Counseling and Psychological Services Center: (214) 826-6591 or e-mail rick.owen@bgct.org.

Posted: 6/08/07

On the Move

• Heath Barkley to South Garland Church in Garland as children’s minister.

• Clarence Barten has resigned as pastor of Pilgrim’s Way Church in Sanger.

• Trevor Dickson to Crescent Heights Church in Abilene as interim minister of music.

• Scot Edmoundson to First Church in Lometa as pastor.

• Tim Fox to Centerpoint Church in Burleson as pastor, where he was interim.

• Travis Gibson has resigned as minister of youth at North Cleburne Church in Cleburne to become pastor of a church in Washington.

• Robin Gibson has resigned as minister of music at North Cleburne Church in Cleburne.

• Stephen Gunner to Carlton Church in Carlton as youth minister.

• David Hartwig to Mount Pleasant Church in Mountain Springs as pastor from First Church in Chillicothe.

• Matt Hunter to Gateway United Church in Denton as youth minister.

• Ryan Irick to Gateway United Church in Denton as minister to singles and college.

• Bill Klinglesmith has resigned as pastor of Marystown Church in Burleson.

• Cliff Marion to First Church in Goldthwaite as student minister.

• Jonathan Maxey to Baptist Temple in San Benito as worship and youth pastor.

• Dan McGlasson to First Church in El Paso as interim minister to students.

• Larry Millican has resigned as pastor of Caps Church in Abilene.

• Sam Patty to Forest Avenue Church in Sherman as minister of music.

• Dennis Phariss to First Church in Lolita as pastor.

• Hardy Sprague to Morales Church in Edna as pastor.

• David Wilkinson has resigned as minister of education and discipleship at Broadway Church in Fort Worth to become director of development for the School of Social Work at Baylor University.

Posted: 6/08/07

Posted: 6/08/07

RIGHT or WRONG? Censorship

A church member recently donated a book to our church library. But a question has been raised about the book’s appropriateness for the library. If we don’t shelve the book, we will be accused of censorship. How should we determine the appropriateness of the book?

Some oppose any form of censorship, based on the idea that each individual is free to define truth for himself or herself. All views are permitted in the marketplace of ideas, because we are all free to select what ideas best suit our individual understanding of truth. Christians, however, do not believe we are free to define truth in terms of what suits us. Instead, we believe the truth of the gospel is what sets us free to live lives as God intended.

Certainly, some books have no place in a church library, and we are not obligated to accept everything in print. There is room, however, for caution on this matter of censorship, for Christians of goodwill might disagree on the appropriateness of some books. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:9-11 that we know in part and prophesy in part. Children immaturely believe their partial grasp on reality can be taken for the whole. Paul argues that we can afford to listen to perspectives other than our own because none of us “knows fully” as we are fully known by God. Obviously, we might believe differently than some perspectives, but we still may learn and benefit from them. I like what Paul says to the Thessalonians: “Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Such an admonition requires the capacity for critical engagement with ideas and perspectives that we should neither dismiss out of hand, nor swallow whole-hog.

How might a church exhibit this critical engagement that allows for contrasting views to be represented in a church library? First, a committee representing a cross-section of the congregation should be tasked with (1) determining what criteria will be consulted in evaluating a title’s inclusion, (2) gaining approval of these criteria by the church, (3) making it clear that inclusion in the church’s library does not imply 100 percent endorsement of everything in the book, (4) emphasizing that there is a process of approval and not every book offered for inclusion might be accepted and (5) perhaps establishing certain age restrictions on what books might be available to whom.

With this process, a book still could really cause a stir if included in the church’s library. Such a situation provides a wonderful opportunity for leaders in the church to address what might be controversial issues from the standpoint of Christian faith. Doing such could be an important means by which leaders equip the saints in the practice of critical discernment, helping believers move from child-like thinking to greater Christian maturity.

Jeph Holloway, professor of religion

East Texas Baptist University, Marshall

Right or Wrong? is sponsored by the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics at Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon School of Theology. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to btillman@hsutx.edu.

Updated: 6/08/07

Former Baylor president’s
death marks end of an era

By Ken Camp

Managing Editor

WACO—Texas Baptist leaders agreed Baylor University President Emeritus Herbert Reynolds’ death marked the end of an era in Baptist life.

Reynolds died May 25 at his family’s second home in Angel Fire, N.M., at age 77 from what was presumed to be a heart attack.

Reynolds served as Baylor’s 11th president from 1981 to 1995, succeeding Abner McCall. He led the school to found Truett Theological Seminary, enter the Big 12 Conference and change its charter to protect the university from what he saw as a possible fundamentalist takeover.

Baylor University President John Lilley termed Reynolds one of the “great leaders” in Baylor’s history and “a renowned Texas Baptist.” He particularly singled out Reynolds’ role in founding Truett Seminary in 1994.

“I have known Herb for 50 years, first as Capt. Reynolds, one of my Air Force ROTC professors,” Lilley recalled. “During his 14-year presidency and the service he provided under President Abner McCall, Herb made an extraordinary impact on Baylor University, creating a new governance structure and supporting a variety of new academic initiatives, student life opportunities and facilities.”

Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Director Charles Wade praised Reynolds’ life of ministry and leadership.

“Dr. Reynolds was a courageous leader not only of the Baylor family but of Texas Baptists,” Wade said. “His deep appreciation for the essence of our Baptist heritage based on his confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ and his faithfulness to the Baptist vision of soul competency and religious liberty made him a true Baptist statesman.

“In addition to his strong leadership of Baylor and influence in Texas Baptist life, he was a quintessential Christian gentleman. His love for students and friends was evident in all his relationships. I will greatly miss him as a friend and adviser.”

Bill Pinson, whose tenure as BGCT executive director mostly coincided with Reynolds’ time as Baylor’s president, remembered Reynolds as a friend and co-worker in Baptist life.

“A flood of words come to mind about him—Christian gentleman, devoted family man, committed churchman, dedicated Baptist, brilliant administrator, tireless worker. … Indeed, an array of adjectives fit him such as devout, insightful, thoughtful, courteous, gracious, appreciative, zealous, courageous, forthright, responsible and generous. He possessed a sharp mind, a quick wit and a sense of humor,” Pinson said.

But for all his academic achievements and intellectual abilities, Reynolds never forgot the simple lessons he learned as a child in Sunday school and Training Union, Pinson added.

“In the midst of all that he did and was part of, the stability of his life came from a single-minded focus on serving Christ—this was his guiding light, his source of navigation through life,” he said. “Simple faith and profound commitment bound together as one characterized Herbert Reynolds.”

During Reynolds’ tenure, the university changed its charter so the BGCT no longer would appoint all its governing board. Reynolds said the change was needed to protect the school from being taken over by fundamentalists who had taken over the institutions of the Southern Bap-tist Convention and were making inroads into state conventions.

David Currie, executive director of Texas Bap-tists Committed, worked closely with Reynolds in resisting fundamentalism. He praised Reynolds as possessing “pure courage and pure class” and as being “a Baptist hero for the ages.”

Reynolds “clearly saw the threat to all it means to be a Baptist before most and responded with unwavering conviction, courage and leadership,” Currie said.

Phil Lineberger, pastor of Williams Trace Baptist Church in Sugar Land, served as BGCT president when the BGCT and Baylor reached an agreement that allowed the state convention to name one-fourth of the university’s regents and continue to receive some financial support. He praised Reynolds as “a giant of a man,” a “Christian gentleman who was sincere in all that he did” and “a good friend” who will be missed greatly.

“Dr. Herb Reynolds offered a tremendous witness to the authentic Baptist faith,” Lineberger said. “He was a Christian example, a tremendous leader in higher education and a champion of the Baptist principle of separation of church and state.”

Jeff Kilgore, executive vice president of the Baylor Alumni Association, praised Reynolds as “the rare combination of a visionary and an achiever” whose impact on Baylor University would be hard to overstate.

“A steadfast champion of religious and academic freedom and a bold leader, he had a deep faith and unshakable integrity. Yet, despite his greatness, he was humble and approachable, witty and kind,” Kilgore said.

Updated: 6/08/07

African American Fellowship President
Edwards characterized as ‘quiet giant’

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Ronald Edwards, president of the African American Fellowship of Texas and pastor of Minnehulla Baptist Church in Goliad, died May 31 due to complications from an infection caused by a spider bite. He was 45.

Leaders of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the African American Fellowship, Guadalupe Baptist Association and the Goliad Ministerial Alliance were among the crowd who who filled Minnehulla Baptist Church to overflowing at a June 6 memorial service for Edwards.

At the service, Charlie Singleton, director of BGCT African-American ministries, characterized Edwards as a “quiet giant” and a man of vision. He lauded Edwards’ commitment to Texas Baptists and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Edwards became pastor of Minnehulla Baptist Church in 1990. The congregation started the first African-American cowboy church last year.

In addition to serving as president of the African American Fel-lowship of Texas since 2005, Edwards also had served the group as vice president two years and secretary four years.

He was moderator-elect of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Texas and a regional consultant for BGCT African-American ministries

Michael Evans, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield and former director of BGCT African-American ministries, recalled how Edwards was known to give of his own resources to care for people in need—particularly children.

BGCT Executive Di-rector Charles Wade praised Edwards as “an effective and generous-hearted leader.”

“He had a sense of humor that eased tension and a spirit that always pointed us to the future. Texas Baptists have lost an important leader,” Wade said.

Edwards is survived by his mother, four brothers, three sisters and four aunts.

Posted: 6/01/07

Warren slated to speak
at Texas Baptist annual meeting

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS—Rick Warren, best-selling author of The Purpose-Driven Life, will address the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting in Amarillo.

Warren will speak Oct. 29 about his PEACE Plan, an effort where churches lead the way in eliminating issues such as illiteracy and poverty. PEACE stands for planting churches, equipping leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick and educating the next generation. “Missions—Together We Can Do More” will be the theme of the BGCT annual meeting.

“We are delighted Rick Warren will be with us in Amarillo,” BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade said.

“Rick has caught the attention of people around the world with his vision of what local churches can do to make a genuine difference in solving the giant problems facing humanity. His articulation of the PEACE program is very similar to the concerns of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and its cooperating churches as we minister in a lost and needy world.”

Warren has been called “one of the most influential pastors in America” by The Economist. Time magazine called him “America’s new people’s pastor” as they named him among the top 25 most influential evangelicals in America.

Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life has sold more than 20 million copies. The book and its predecessor, The Purpose-Driven Church, spurred congregations across the country to undertake efforts dubbed “40 Days of Purpose.” where members of congregations seek to find God’s calling upon their lives.

Warren started Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. with one family in 1980. It now serves 22,000 people each week and has a 120-acre campus.

“Rick Warren has done more than anyone in the last 10 years to bring the gospel to this nation,” said Steve Vernon, BGCT president and pastor of First Baptist Church in Levelland. “His mission vision is as great as the Great Commission. His commitment to telling the story of the gospel is an example of what every Christian should be about. We are fortunate to have him at our annual meeting this year.”

David Coffey, president of the Baptist World Alliance, also will speak to the BGCT annual meeting Oct. 29. The Baptist General Convention of Texas is one of more than 200 conventions and unions that are part of the Baptist World Alliance, which serves more than 110 million Baptists around the globe.

Coffey’s appearance in Amarillo will be his second visit to Texas since becoming BWA president. He is the former general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. Wade called Coffey a friend to Texas Baptists and praised him for his advocacy of persecuted Christians.

“David Coffey has become a favorite among Texas Baptists. Wherever he goes, he has made good friends for the Baptist World Alliance. We appreciate him for his candor and his understanding of the power of the gospel to touch and change lives and communities. The more Texas Baptists get to know him, the more get to understand how he became such a dynamic leader in England and across the world,” he said.

In addition to Warren and Coffey, the BGCT annual meeting will feature more than 40 workshops designed to encourage and strengthen church ministry, including a session led by Skip Lanfried of Saddleback Church on how congregations can get involved in Warren’s PEACE plan.

Discounted hotel rooms will be available for the BGCT starting June 4. For more information on accommodations as well as updates about the BGCT annual meeting, visit www.bgct.org/annualmeeting.

Posted: 6/07/07

BaptistWay Bible Series for June 17

Helpers who are no help

• Job 4:1-9; 8:1-6; 11:1-6, 13-15

By Andy Rogers

Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene

While watching a memorial service on television for the victims of this past April’s shootings at Virginia Tech, I asked myself, “If I were asked to speak, what comfort would I be able to bring to the community and survivors?” Suffering and misery exist in our everyday life, whether through the death of someone we know, an illness that brings pain and sickness, or sudden tragedy somewhere around us.

Our emotions are stirred as we deal with what has happened and as we think of those directly affected. As we come in contact with them, we often are at a loss for what to say. Perhaps we say nothing at all when we see them suffer, or maybe we explain how we have been able to deal with it by communicating to them what we think and believe about God and evil.

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The friends of Job were forced to speak with Job and attempt to bring comfort to him in the midst of his tragedy.

Job 4:1-9

After Job spoke of his personal struggle, his friend, Eliphaz, spoke in response. It is important to note that all three friends and Job shared the common viewpoint that suffering was a result of sin. Though Eliphaz listened to Job, he could not help but point out that Job had been the comforter in the past. He of all others should have been able to understand what was happening to him and why. Eliphaz meant well, but his comments were of no help to Job.

Eliphaz’s discourse was based on the fact that Job must have done something wrong because those “who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.”

Think about the people you might encounter who might be struggling like Job. What would you say? Would you try to help them understand that their suffering was because of something they did? Even if it were true, (in Job’s case it was not since Job was blameless) would that really bring comfort? Let us not fall prey to the temptation to reason in our minds why things are going wrong—as did Eliphaz.

Job 8:1-6

The next friend to “comfort” Job was his friend Bildad. Like Eliphaz, Bildad tried to bring understanding to the situation. Perhaps if Job could have thought logically about the causes and effects of the situation, he might not have grieved so deeply.

As someone comforting a person who is suffering, we might think that would help. It might be the very thing that has helped us deal with the situation. However, we are clearly able to separate ourselves from the situation emotionally while those who are suffering are most likely incapable of doing that.

When Bildad tried this approach, he made two mistakes. First, he attempted to defend God (more likely his personal views of God) and God’s righteousness. However, Bildad used little discretion, and he even proposed that Job’s children’s deaths were the result of their sin. Would that bring “comfort” to you if someone said those words to you?

Second, Bildad asked Job to plead with God and turn to him if he was pure and upright. However, Bildad was basing this on the idea that suffering was the result of punishment from sin. The words of Job’s friends were filled with enough truths about God that we can confuse their advice as authoritative Scripture. Remember to read Job as an ongoing dialogue about Job’s suffering, and be cautious of reading verses out of context.

Job 11:1-6, 13-15

When we see people struggle and suffer, it is hard for us to understand their behavior. We find it difficult to relate to what they are experiencing.

I believe that is where Zophar found himself while listening to Job speak. He was listening to Job say he was flawless, yet in Zophar’s mind this just could not have been. Zophar believed suffering was the result of sin and nothing “just happens.” So, Zophar quickly reminded Job that not only had he sinned, but God probably had forgotten some of Job’s sin. Zophar then reminded Job to get rid of the sin in his life and things would go well for him. Why did this not bring comfort to Job?

Zophar, like the other friends, was wrong. Job’s suffering was not the result of sin. Zophar had not been listening to Job.

Let this be a warning to us that when we attempt to comfort someone, we must listen to what they are saying and not be determined to have them think like we do. Instead let us listen first and speak only after we have truly heard about their pain and why they are suffering.

Discussion question

• Do we have a responsibility as friends to comfort those around us who might be suffering?

• Have you said something that was inappropriate or done something with little discretion while trying to comfort someone before? How can you avoid making those mistakes in the future?

• When we suffer, how does our view of God comfort us or bring us pain?

• What are some positive things we can do or say to those who suffer?

Andy Rodgers is a master of arts in family ministry student at Hardin- Simmons University’s Logsdon Seminary. He also is youth minister at First Baptist Church in Eastland.

Posted: 6/07/07

Bible Studies for Life Series for June 17

Remember the Lord is God

• Deuteronomy 8:1-14; 17-18

By David Harp

First Baptist Church, Stanton

Today is Father’s Day. Many of us will remember with fondness our earthly fathers. We can be thankful for their example and seek to give a Christ-like love to our children. Others will have difficulty with the memory of a father who only gave harsh criticism and maybe worse.

Through times of tears and joy we can reflect on how our earthly fathers helped us meet our challenges with love and discipline. I—for one—can say that I am who I am today because of the Christ-like influence of my dad. Dad was more than a provider to me; Dad was someone I could talk to and tell him when I had messed up royally and know he’d always be in my corner to help me straighten out whatever mess I’d made on my own.

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Moses tells us that we have a great God who longs to be a loving spiritual Father to us. When we make a royal mess of our own lives, we can take whatever problem, and God will help put the pieces back together. The Lord is God, and he deserves our love and our loyalty.

Moses describes a Father who is all-knowing and all-loving. The truth uncovered in this lesson is that when we are God’s people, we can remember the Lord is God, and we can come to him in our difficult times and our good times.

Do you learn from the Lord’s discipline? (Deuteronomy 8:1-5)

Moses urges the Israelites to recall how the Lord led them during the wilderness years, allowing them to experience severe difficulties while always providing what they needed to survive.

Moses used three examples to illustrate God’s discipline and provision in the wilderness. First, God taught his people to trust in his word to provide for their every need. The manna was a visible reminder of God’s sure word. The second example was the durability of their clothes, which never wore out. God provided for their needs just as he promised. The third example was that their feet did not swell—God was taking care of their physical needs.

Let’s face it, discipline never is fun. When my dad knew I had a spanking coming, he would sometimes let me wait a few days before the big event. I remember it well. Looking back on it now, maybe the waiting was as bad as the punishment itself. I often wanted to run up to Dad and say, “Can’t we please just get this behind us!”

Many years later, I asked Dad about this. He said he never wanted to punish me when he was angry. He also agreed that as I waited out my punishment, I had plenty of time to think about the consequences of my wrongdoing. We can learn from the discipline of the Lord that he loves us and wants us to be in a right relationship with him. He will do whatever it takes to lovingly lead us back to him, even if it means discipline.

Do you trust the Lord’s purposes? (Deuteronomy 8:6-10)

This passage begins and ends with a call to worship. The people were called to do five things: obey God’s commands, live in his ways, reverence him, praise him and give thanks. This is genuine worship put into practice. God provided the gift of a land that was abundant and full—a gracious gift able to provide their every need.

Would God’s people recognize the Lord their God? Would they call upon his name and honor him? Would they realize the land he was providing was a good and plentiful land? Would they know that God had a purpose in bringing this people into this land?

“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you” (v. 10). This verse summarizes our whole lesson. Will we praise the Lord our God for the good things he gives us? A good New Testament verse to reference along with this is James 1:17.

Our family has lived in West Texas more than 20 years. For the last 12 years, we have lived in Stanton. We know what it is like when there are years of drought. One farmer recalled recently that he remembered a time not long ago when we received only 5 inches of rain for the entire year. He said, “I couldn’t even grow a good crop of weeds!”

God has sent to us some wonderful moisture this year. As I write these words, our men are in the fields planting the cotton seed. I’m sure it won’t be long when I’ll hear someone say, “Preacher, we sure need to be praying for rain!” And we do. And once in a while, we ought to gather together to remember to thank the Lord for all he already has given us.

Do you remember your source of success? (Deuteronomy 8:11-14, 17-18)

Reading Moses is like driving through a yellow light—“Caution!”

Moses cautioned the Israelites not to forget the Lord when they began to prosper. Moses would remind them again and again:

• Don’t be filled with pride.

• Don’t take the credit—give the glory to God—he is the Lord.

• Don’t allow your new land of plenty to draw you away from God’s purpose.

• Don’t drift from obeying God and serving him passionately.

Discussion questions

• Can you recall a time when you experienced a crisis and God took care of you?

• What are some specific ways you can praise God for the provisions in your own life?

Posted: 6/07/07

Explore the Bible Series for June 17

A call to remember who we are

• Nahum 1:1-3, 7-8; 3:1-7, 19

By Kathryn Aragon

First Baptist Church, Duncanville

“I never cease to be amazed at the degeneracy and depravity of modern man,” a coworker of mine said after a brief discussion of current events. In one sentence, he summed up the message of Nahum.

A quick survey of the headlines dispels the notion America could be characterized as a Christian nation. In fact, they give a description of America surprisingly similar to Paul’s description of the last days. “But mark this: ‘There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power’” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

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The disturbing thing about this verse is that it refers, not to the condition of our world, but to the condition of our churches. Notice the last bit. In the last days, we will have a form of godliness without its power.

Throughout this study of the Minor Prophets, we have returned repeatedly to this theme. We as Christians must step up. We must stop playing church and take God seriously. We must return to him and reclaim the power that comes with faithfulness to him.

What has happened to modern Christianity? Like the Israelites, we have forgotten who we are. We have allowed worldly teachings and methods to draw us away from God. And we have polluted God’s teachings with worldly wisdom. The results have been devastating.

Consequences of forgetting who we are

When we fail to recognize the high calling of wearing Christ’s name, we dishonor God. And this is exactly what we have done. Most of us never open our Bibles except in church. Few of us talk to God, and even fewer of us allow him to talk back. We say we love him, but our actions prove otherwise. It is a love that revolves around ourselves, and that’s no love at all.

The first result of our egocentricity is that we have lost touch with God and no longer know him. We tend to visualize him as an old man dozing in a rocking chair on the porch of heaven. We think he doesn’t see us or care what we do. We mistake his patience for forgetfulness. But Nahum tells us: “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet” (v. 3).

Believing we can get away with ungodly behavior, we take advantage of his mercy. When tempted to sin, rather than resisting, we give in. “God understands. He knows I’m weak. I’ll ask him to forgive me later,” we tell ourselves. We have grown so comfortable with the merciful God of the New Testament that we have forgotten the righteous God of the Old Testament.

But God hasn’t changed: “I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed” (Malachi 3:6). God did not stop being himself when he gave us grace through Jesus. By treating him as if he did, we display our ignorance of him.

The second result of our egocentricity is that we have failed to reach our potential. From the beginning of time, God knew us and created a plan for our lives. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). But this potential cannot be reached without God’s direction. When we live by the world’s wisdom rather than God’s, when we trust in ourselves rather than God, we separate ourselves from the resources that will lead us into God’s plan for our lives.

We should lean on God to tell us how to live, yet we look to the world for their wisdom. We should trust in God, yet we trust only ourselves. We follow the foolish teachings of the world: “Look out for No. 1. If it feels right, do it. The end justifies the means.” They are in direct contradiction to God’s word, yet we continue to obey them rather than God.

Likewise, prevailing wisdom says God takes care of those who take care of themselves. But Nahum says differently. According to him, God “cares for those who trust in him” (v. 7). Those who take care of themselves are basically turning their backs on him and will be destroyed. By failing to live up to the potential God gave us at the dawn of time, we have traded in our glory, our uniqueness, for the dull sameness of the world.

And finally, far worse than losing God’s blessing, our egocentricity has brought God’s wrath on us: “‘I am against you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame’” (v. 5). We will reap what we sow. We have shamed God with our disrespect for his holiness, and according to Nahum, he will shame us in return.

God’s mercy to the repentant

Nahum’s message is harsh, but it’s a message we need. We will never understand what it means to be children of God if we fail to comprehend the magnitude of who our God is. The world has devalued God, and we, in our failure to obey him, devalue him even more. We in the church tend to think of ourselves as part of a great Christian heritage. As a result, we feel no compulsion to live out that heritage. It’s much easier merely to talk about it.

Essentially, we have turned away from God. “‘Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their glory for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great sorrow,’ declares the Lord. ‘My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water’” (Jeremiah 2:11-13).

We must repent of our ways and purify our hearts. We must return to God’s words, unadulterated by the world’s teachings. We must humble ourselves: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Let’s take God at his word. Let’s honor him with our obedience and reclaim the glory that belongs to everyone who wears the name of Christ.

Discussion questions

• Describe God.

• Does your description come close to capturing the fullness of God’s nature?

• Does your life really give honor to God, or do you merely give him lip service?

• What could you do to honor him more?

Posted: 6/06/07

CYBER COLUMN: The prize

By Jinny Henson

Bang! The Independence Day cap gun exploded, and I dove quickly to the deep end of Maplewood Pool, just in the shadows of my church, Westbury Baptist. Scraping, clawing for the greasy watermelon, the 9-to-11-year-old girls as one collective force catapulted up the incline that separated the deep end from the shallow end. You know the spot in every community pool, across from the diving boards where snorkeled boys lie in wait.

I gulped frantically for air and dove back down to seize my slick prize.

In a burst of exuberant greed, I squeezed the melon, only to watch it tumble to the bottom of the deep end once more. Up for air, then the sharks dove again. A few girls gave up altogether and climbed out of the pool. Not me.

Through the turbulent waves, I caught a glimpse of a man cheering in a white polo shirt and seersucker shorts. Nearly IN the pool at this point, his enthusiasm and identity were undeniable. It could only be my Dad.

I had the Holy Grail of all summer fruits in my grasp, and there was no letting go. Like a dog on a bone, I tenaciously clung to the melon with my entire torso. Next, I flapped with the parts of my chubby appendages that did not have the watermelon in a death grip while fending off my competition. Overcoming girls much older and stronger than I was an act of sheer will.

The incline of the grainy bottom told my feet that I was slowly approaching the shallow end. Intermittently bobbing for air then scrambling for control, the pack of girls ambled toward the steps.

Still chanting, my father was really getting excited now. Though the Doobie Brothers were blaring over the loudspeaker, all I heard was my name. Awash with adrenaline, I would not have surrendered the melon had Jaws himself confronted me in the pool that day.

Finally, the gaggle of young girls and one greasy watermelon approached the steps. I made one final lunge, collapsed and hauled my prize out of the water. There was absolutely no denying my victory.

My father triumphantly pumped his fist into the air as if I had brought home the Olympic Gold Medal in the 500. He was proud of me and let everyone know it.

He took the melon, gave me a towel and we both reveled in my unlikely victory.

On every July 4th since 1979 and many times in-between, my dad would recall the tale of his tenacious 9-year-old daughter and the battle of the watermelon. Then he would add with a twinkle in his eye, “You know, I’ve never been prouder of you than when you hauled that watermelon out of Maplewood Pool.” He would grin as he re-enacted my final lunge as the look of sheer delight filled his eyes.

Through my father’s encouragement, I became stronger that day. His enthusiasm for me made me rise to the occasion, beyond what my natural ability would dictate. Many times in the ensuing 27 years, I have felt in over my head. Then appears in my mind’s eye that sweaty, raving, red-faced figure cheering my name, and I know that against all odds I can do it. At least my dad thinks I’ve got a shot.

I no longer struggle for greasy watermelons. I’m on the other side of the pool now. I am the one on the cement shamelessly encouraging my kids to go for broke.

Hopefully when I am gone, what will remain is the encouragement I have given them today. That, from my father, is the prize.

Jinny Henson travels the country as a Christian comedienne. John, Maggie Lee and Jack are an endless source of material for her. You can find out more about her at www.jinnyhenson.com