Issue Date: 2007-03-29
Volume: 186
Number: 7

News

Austin nominated for top position among South Carolina Baptists
Former Georgia Baptist pastor also served as GBC first vice president
By Don Kirkland
Published March 29, 2007

Former Georgia Baptist pastor Jim Austin, who led churches in Morganton and Flowery Branch, has been nominated by a search committee to hold the top position for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

The devil had my heart, but Christ wanted my soul
By Gwan Garrison, Pastor, Franklin Baptist Church
Published March 29, 2007

In 1994, power and money were my gods. Good, bad, or indifferent, that’s the way it was. I had given the devil my heart and would do whatever I felt he wanted me to do to get what I wanted out of life.

Satanism: a real force in the world
Published March 29, 2007

Perhaps the world’s most prominent Satanist was Anton Szandor Lavey, who founded the Church of Satan in 1966 during the height of the hippie and other youth-oriented movements as Baby Boomers entered their late teens and mid-20s. He founded the church as a mixture of a hedonistic philosophy with rituals of black magic.

Camp Pinnacle breaks ground for new infirmary
Building to be finished by fall
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published March 29, 2007

Campers seeking relief from scrapped knees and poison ivy rashes will have a new destination for treatment next summer as Camp Pinnacle unveils its new infirmary later this year. The North Georgia retreat center broke ground on the 1,850-square-foot facility on March 15 which will be completed in early fall.

Resurrection Sunday at First Quitman takes on new meaning
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published March 29, 2007

Located in South Georgia just west of Valdosta, this is an unhurried town with a rich history, a heritage of community spirit, and an abundant supply of appeal for the outdoorsman. Strategically positioned on Main Street in the heart of the county seat town is First Baptist Church. The church has become a vibrant fellowship of faith under the leadership of their young, affable pastor, Marty Carnes.

Geoff Hammond elected NAMB president, calls for strong missions culture for national agency
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published March 29, 2007

Missions, missionaries, and church planting will be a priority of the North American Mission Board under the administration of Geoff Hammond, who was unanimously elected as president-elect on March 21. The election took place at the agency’s Alpharetta headquarters in a called meeting of the board of trustees.

Our misson: serving, caring for children and their families
By JoAnn Gilbert, Chairman, Georgia Baptist Children’s Home
Published March 29, 2007

I am honored to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees this year for Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries. This ministry, which has existed more than 136 years, has offered hope and healing to thousands of young people throughout the years. What an awesome way to serve our Lord -– by caring for His children! Every day at the Children’s Home we are given the opportunity to help a child believe in a better life and we are encouraged that lives are being transformed in our programs every day.

IMB trustees celebrate record Lottie Moon giving
Published March 29, 2007

International Mission Board trustees rejoiced during their March 19-21 meeting in Memphis, Tenn., that the 2006 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is projected to exceed the goal of $150 million, which would be a record.

What churches should do in an emergency
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published March 29, 2007

Does your church have an action plan in case of an emergency?

GBC Executive Committee hears of plans to launch Internet radio station
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published March 29, 2007

The Georgia Baptist Convention will launch a 24-hour Internet radio station on May 18. The Executive Committee of the GBC heard this announcement from Executive Director J. Robert White at their March 13 meeting.

People and Places

Ministerial Moves
Published March 29, 2007

Obituaries
Published March 29, 2007

Revival Reports
Published March 29, 2007

Cooperative Program Stories

New Life for a dying church
By Sherri Brown, Communications, GBC
Published March 29, 2007

At one time there were as many as 500 people in Sunday school. At one time the worship center was packed every Sunday morning. At one time the church was healthy and thriving.

Bible Study

Jesus Lives for Us
By J. Shepherd Johnson, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Douglas
Published March 29, 2007

John 20:1-18
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, April 8

Humble Service
By J. Shepherd Johnson, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Douglas
Published March 29, 2007

John 13:1. 3-10a, 12-17
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, April 15

Columns

The Cross and the Empty Tomb
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published March 29, 2007

Paul spoke of “the offense of the cross” in Gal. 5:11. And, of course, Jesus himself has been referred to as “a stumbling stone and a rock of offense” (Rom. 9:33).

Parents who set reasonable limits create happy homes
By James Dobson
Published March 29, 2007

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC
Published March 29, 2007

One of the most inspiring moments Janice and I have experienced was the day in Jerusalem that we visited two historically acclaimed sites of the tomb of Jesus. One was a garden tomb, the other a tomb inside a church that had been erected over it.