Only God Can Give Life, and Only He Can Take It

Doctors told Sonya McDougall she was being selfish. After all, her 20-month-old son would be nothing more than a vegetable, kept alive on machines at an unnecessary expense.

INDY - Fulfilling the Mission; Page Calls For 'Soul Winning' Focus

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)-Fulfilling the mission Christ gave His followers-bringing lost souls into God's Kingdom-will be the focus of the 151st session of the Southern Baptist Convention when it convenes June 10-11 at the Indiana Convention Center.

Oklahoma

FORT CASWELL, N.C.-Southern Baptists took a major step toward responding more quickly to overseas disasters when their state disaster relief directors approved a new protocol for mobilizing "initial responders" to crisis situations overseas. Gathering April 21-23 at Fort Caswell, N.C., for their annual "roundtable" meeting, disaster relief coordinators for three dozen Baptist state conventions approved a six-point recommendation from a sub-committee charged with hammering out the protocol in consultation with the North American Mission Board and Baptist Global Response, a new Southern Baptist international relief and development organization. "This new agreement between the North American Mission Board and Baptist Global Response has pushed us way ahead," said Jim Didlake, disaster relief director for the Mississippi Baptist Convention, as he presented the proposal. "What we see here is something we have hoped for for a long time, and that is a real plan to respond to...

There has been much discussion among Baptists and considerable coverage in the media regarding the revival in Jena, La. Many are beginning to ask what genuine revival might look like, and if revival such as the one in Jena might spark a spiritual awakening across our land. Unfortunately, many modern movements claiming the name "revival," do not meet the criteria for being either biblical or balanced. So what is the nature of healthy, biblical revival, and how do we seek God for such a nation-changing blessing? Though not an exhaustive list, The Baptist Messenger believes Gregory Frizzell, prayer and spiritual awakening specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, is correct when he points to at least five characteristics that are central to genuine revival such as the one in Jena. According to Frizzell's extensive study of spiritual awakening, biblical revival first springs from prayer that is fervent, corporate and kingdom-focused. (Matt. 6:33; 18:19; Acts...

Each day, I thank God for the privilege of serving in Oklahoma. While we are certainly not in sweeping revival, God has mercifully blessed with factors that could help facilitate a move of His Spirit. As I travel our state, I see key things that give real hope for a powerful move of God. First, I am struck by Oklahomans' growing realization of need and renewed desire to seek God's face. The association-wide nights of prayer and repentance are going very well. A spirit of brokenness, desperation and prayer is increasingly evident in ever-growing numbers. Second, there is a growing willingness to focus on evangelism, missions, Sunday School and fervent prayer. I am deeply encouraged by the increasing remnant of Oklahomans who are serious about the "main things" of revival and spiritual awakening. Of course, Falls Creek continues to be an incredible blessing from God. Third, I am impressed by the sincerity and commitment of many Oklahoma pastors and churches. Their...

In just a few weeks, another summer season of youth camp will begin at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center. This summer, like many before, will be filled with opportunity for life-altering experiences for those who journey to the Arbuckle Mountains. Radical and eternity-changing decisions will be made in the lives of thousands. The secret dynamic of Falls Creek is simple. No place on Earth will be covered with prayer more than Falls Creek. Our churches will concentrate focused times of intercession for the campers, the staff and the worship leaders. The glory of God falls not because we have better music and better speakers-it falls because we pray. This will be our second year in the new tabernacle. This facility has proven to be one of the greatest tools for ministry anywhere. I stand in awe each time I enter it. The sights and sounds bring the truth of Scripture up close and personal. The focus of the hearers is greater than at any time in my 45-year history with Falls...

The other day, I was driving by a church that had a big sign out front: "Every Saturday Night at 7 p.m., Professional Wrestling, $5.00." I am not making this up-I really did see this sign! I don't want to pass judgment until I know what the church is trying to do and why . . . but it did strike me as kind of funny. When I was growing up, our church let people watch a wrestling match every month, absolutely free. We usually called it "business meeting." As for professional fighters, Baptists are some of the best in the world. There seems to be turmoil everywhere you turn. That explains why I want to share some good news with my Baptist Messenger readers. I won an award! Not since sixth grade have I won an award. In fact, I didn't even know I was up for one. So when I learned that I had won, I was as shocked as . . . my wife. When I try to win something, I can't. When I don't try . . . I do. As most of you know, I recently wote a book, Rite of Passage Parenting: Four Essential...

DAVIS-More than 2,200 men and boys attended the 2008 "Rewired" Oklahoma State Men's Retreat at the Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center April 25-26, and at least 30 left with their lives changed for eternity as a result. "We had more than 30 recorded professions of faith," said organizer Keith Burkhart, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma family and men's ministry specialist. Burkhart said men "are electrified" after having attended the retreat. "I'm absolutely humbled," he commented. "The testimonies are incredible. The revival spark is spreading in a lot of men's lives." Burkhart said the retreat attracted men in different "sub-cultures." "We were able to reach people groups of men where they are in life," he explained. "There are different kinds of men, of course, and we were able to capture those different types of interests that motivate men." The retreat featured four specific venues: horse training with "Sermon on the Mount's" Lew Sterrett, fishing with...

Wire reports the number of people baptized in Southern Baptist churches fell for the third straight year in 2007 to the convention's lowest level since 1987. The figure was disappointing for Oklahoma Baptists as well, with baptisms falling to 14,422 in 2007, down 5.6 percent from 15,279 in 2006. Unfortunately, the decline fell in line with a downward trend that has occurred over the past 25 years or so, according to Randy Adams, Church Outreach Team leader with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. "We have been on a general decline for decades in baptisms," Adams said. "We've also been noting a decline in Sunday School and church attendance for at least the past 25 years." So, what's the answer? Two things, Adams said. "One is personal evangelism. We see less personal evangelism in churches than we once did," he commented. "A church ought to see itself as responsible not simply to itself, but to the community. If a church feels responsble for the entire...

Maxine McKnight taught piano lessons for 50 cents each. Melva Sechrist took piano lessons for 50 cents each, with no time limit. And now, more than 50 years later, the ladies were honored for their faithful service at the organ and piano by Apache, First. McKnight, who is 88, has been playing the piano or organ in churches for 76 years. She said she began on a "beat-up" piano at Seminole, First when she was 12. Someone came into the Junior Sunday School Department and asked if anyone could substitute for the pianist who was not there that day. "The person next to me raised my hand, and I've been playing in church ever since," said McKnight. She said the first hymn she learned was "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and it is still her favorite today. While working on a music education degree at Oklahoma Baptist University, McKnight served as pianist for a lot of "preacher boys." "They would call and say they were going to a revival and would be by in 30 minutes," she...

Is it time for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) to drop Baptist from its name? With baptisms falling for the third year in a row among Southern Baptist churches, maybe it is time for the SBC to change its name to something like Southern Programmers Convention, Southern Churchgoers Convention or Southern Squabblers Convention. Apparently, baptisms aren't as important to Southern Baptists as they once were. Southern Baptists are having a hard time living up to their name. Does the thought of a name change get you fired up? Are we tromping on sacred ground by even suggesting it? We can hear it now. "I'm a Southern Baptist and proud of it!" Great! Are you proud of the fact that according to LifeWay's Annual Church Profile (ACP), the number of people baptized in Southern Baptist churches has fallen to the lowest level since 1987? Where are the Boomers when you need them? Last time we checked, there were more than 16 million Southern Baptists. But then again, we better look...

Over the last several weeks, I have been making my way through an 895-page biography of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Spurgeon was the pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle of London in the mid- to late-1800s. He is noted by most scholars to be the greatest preacher and pastor since the Apostle Paul. He was probably the first megachurch pastor. He preached to nearly 6,000 people each time the doors were opened. He held special services in which he requested that church members stay home so lost people could fill the room. He was a passionate evangelist who preached in numerous venues to multiplied thousands. It is worthwhile for me to share with you a glimpse into the heart of this great man of God. Hear his words as he preached on the first Sunday night his church met in its new large tabernacle: "I beseech you never to cease to pray that here God's Word may be a quickening, a convincing, a converting word. The fact is, brethren, we must have conversion work here. We cannot go on...

It seems to me that our society has lost the art of graciousness. There was a time when we had an unwritten law about this-when graciousness was an integral part of our culture. Remember the cartoon, "Chip and Dale?" In almost every episode, the two chipmunks found themselves being chased by a dog. As they neared the entrance of their hole, they stopped and had the same discussion every time about who would enter first: "After you!" "No, I insist, after you!" Back and forth, back and forth the argument went. About that time, the dog leaped into the air, ready to pounce on them. Finally, one of the two gracious chipmunks gave in and entered the safety of home. Very early in life, my parents taught me to respect and honor elderly people . . . or at least anyone over 30. These habits were so ingrained in my life that they became second nature. Any time I am traveling on a bus and an older person boards, I automatically stand to give up my seat. Yes, I am also one of those people...

"You've got termites." Such was the assessment of the friendly exterminator. Not the news I was hoping to hear. I saw the little dirt piles and thought a few ants might have decided to stop by for a slumber party. Boy was I wrong. Ants I can handle, but termites are out of my league. I have seen termite hills in Africa that are taller than a grown man. The bug man assured me the army at work in my house was in the minor leagues compared to the termites that thrive in Africa. Nonetheless, they both have a craving for wood. Termites are creepy and determined. They live underground and bore their way throughout the earth in search of succulent wooden fibers. They tunnel their way like prisoners on a jail break looking for a weak spot, crack or crevice in the foundation of your home. Once they locate a cranny, they literally worm their way inside in search of dinner. They rarely fail. Termites are tiny in stature but operate with a big appetite. They are well mannered enough....

National & International

SAN FRANCISCO (BP)--The California Supreme Court today issued a landmark decision, ordering the state to legalize "gay marriage" and making it the second state in the nation to recognize "marriages" between homosexual couples. The decision sets up a dramatic political and cultural battle in November, when a constitutional marriage amendment that would protect the natural definition of marriage - and reverse the court's ruling - is expected to be on the ballot. The 4-3 ruling comes more than three years after Massachusetts' highest court also struck down that state's marriage laws. But the California ruling - coming in the nation's most populous states - easily is the biggest win yet for homosexual activists. The court struck down Proposition 22, a law passed in 2000 to prohibit "gay marriage" and protect the natural definition of marriage. Voters approved it by a margin of 61-39 percent. "e determine that the language of limiting the designation of marriage to a union...

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (BP)--Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama handily among the party's weekly churchgoers in West Virginia May 13 according to exit polls, but also won in most other categories -- including among non-churchgoers -- as she enjoyed a blowout victory in the state. Clinton carried the state, 67-26 percent, and earned an estimated 20 delegates to Obama's eight, but she still faces long odds to get the nomination. Kentucky and Oregon hold primaries next Tuesday, with Clinton the favorite in the former, Obama the latter. Obama already is focusing on the general election and didn't campaign in West Virginia as much as Clinton did, although it likely wouldn't have mattered. Clinton won among those who attend church more than weekly (67-23 percent), weekly (63-28 percent) and even among those who never attend church (67-30 percent). Those who attend church weekly and more than weekly made up 43 percent of Democratic voters. She also won...

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary celebrated its centennial-year spring graduation as hundreds of students, faculty members and guests gathered on the lawn in front of the B.H. Carroll Memorial Building. The commencement, as described by SWBTS President Paige Patterson, was "a salute to all of those who have gone before and made an immeasurable contribution" to the seminary since its founding in 1908. In honor of the seminary's western heritage, faculty members substituted black beaver felt cowboy hats for their academic caps. Southwestern conferred degrees on 239 students from 26 states and 12 countries, including Korea, Indonesia, Zimbabwe and Germany, during the May 9 ceremony. In a last word to the students, Patterson pointed to the heart of service displayed by the seminary's founder, B.H. Carroll, and ultimately by Jesus Christ. Patterson urged the graduates to leave the Fort Worth, Texas, campus not with the desire for a career and...

DENVER (BP)--Colorado, the first state that decriminalized abortion, could strike at the heart of Roe v. Wade this fall if voters adopt a proposed constitutional amendment that gives protections to people from the moment of conception. Colorado for Equal Rights, the group behind the amendment, turned in approximately 131,000 signatures May 13, significantly more than the 76,000 needed. The signatures have yet to be validated, although it appears supporters have more than enough. The amendment was the idea of 20-year-old Kristi Burton, who says she's had a passion for the pro-life movement since age 13. Roughly 18 months ago she said she felt a burden to start a movement, and upon consultation with an attorney, her family and friends, decided to launch the amendment campaign. "In a way it's a new approach in the pro-life movement," she said during a teleconference the day the signatures were submitted. "We're saying, before we can have other effective pro-life laws, we need...

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)--At Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduation is a time to commission students to go to the ends of the earth in obedience to Christ to preach the Gospel. For many of the graduates who received degrees this spring, it also was a time for reflecting on the lessons they learned at the Fort Worth, Texas, campus. "I can look at every class I have taken and say, 'That's what I was supposed to learn here,'" said Brent Roberts, a master of arts in Christian education graduate. In professor Malcolm Yarnell's systematic theology class, for example, he learned that "the Bible has to be the center of your theology." In professor Richard Ross' student ministry classes, he was reminded of the importance of a daily relationship with Christ, and he saw that lifestyle modeled in Ross' life. Now that he has completed his degree, Roberts, his wife Corrie and his daughter Brendle are moving to Hot Springs, Ark., where he will serve at First Baptist Church as a...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Every Sunday School leader and worker can do a better job. Even though most of them would acknowledge that in reality, it is still difficult to get Sunday School teachers to attend training. I'd like to make some suggestions that will help leaders of church education avoid pitfalls that cause workers to grimace when they hear "training session." -- Practical vs. theoretical. Most Sunday School workers want to do a better job. So try to cut through the theory and demonstrate practical "how to" examples. For instance, rather than harping on how important it is to make newcomers feel welcomed, show a preschool worker how to get down on one knee and greet a child at her level and say, "We're so glad you're here today. We have a lot of fun activities to help us learn about today's Bible story. Please come in and choose what you would like to do first." -- Substance vs. announcements. Ever been to a meeting that was billed as a training session, only to...

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