Making Decisions about End-of-Year Giving

Throughout December, our mailbox seemed to be stuffed each day with Christmas cards and requests for money. Amanda and I enjoy personal Christmas cards and letters. After reading them, Amanda displays them around the living room with other decorations to remind us of the friendships we share with church family, across the country, and around the globe.

The request letters are a different story.  With each one we have a choice to make. We can discard those letters as junk mail, or we can consider the request, and decide whether that particular organization is going to make the cut in this year’s holiday giving.

Most non-profit organizations, including churches, have struggled to balance their budgets in the past few years.  In this season when we are gradually emerging from a recession, all kinds of non-profits are in a heated competition for charitable dollars.  Therefore, this year you might expect more appeals vying for your holiday or end-of-year giving.

Many businesses and foundations have pre-determined guidelines for selecting the charitable causes to which they will make contributions.  At our house, we are also developing a list of criteria which helps us to filter through the requests and determine which charities, missions, and ministries we will support this year.

Our most important end-of-year gift goes to the mission offering of our church.  Throughout the year, our tithe, a tenth of all we earn, goes to the ministries of our church.  Primarily, this is an act of obedience to what we believe the Bible teaches, but we also believe that the cumulative projects of a local church make the most significant impact advancing the cause of Christ.  In December we give an additional gift to our Christmas Missions Offering that supports missionaries around the globe.

Amanda and I are blessed to be able to contribute to other causes, most of them affiliated with First Baptist Church.  (For more of our criteria, read the article “Generous Discernment” at www.bayhillrev.blogspot.com).

We have also learned not to give directly to persons on the street, at intersections, or interstate ramps.  Our experience is that people are most effectively helped through missional organizations such as Samaritan Hands.  (However, we do offer to help persons on the street to get to the right place for assistance, or we offer to buy them a meal, but we do not give money, simply because of the high rate of manipulation and addiction among full-time panhandlers.)

As we grow and learn more effective stewardship practices, we realize that we are not liable for supporting every worthy cause we encounter.  However, we are accountable to God for the resources placed within our care.  Years ago Elbert Hubbard wrote, “To know when to be generous, and when to be firm --this is wisdom.”  As you designate your end-of-year giving, be generous and be discerning. 

On behalf of our church family, thank you for your strong financial support of the missions and ministries of First Baptist Church during 2010.  Remember that the IRS requires that all contributions for this fiscal year must be received or postmarked by December 31.

Join us this Sunday as we begin a New Year and launch our new series, “Living by the Book.” 

Schedule for this Sunday

9:00    Bible Study

10:30 Worship in the Sanctuary

I’m Dreaming of an Allie Yniestra Christmas

I remember as a child sitting in the living room at my grandparent’s house watching The Bing Crosby Christmas Special on their black and white Philco television.  One of the highlights of the show was when Bing Crosby began crooning “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.”  For those of us who grew up in the south, most years, we could only dream of a white Christmas.

This year at First Baptist we are dreaming of an Allie Yniestra Christmas.  During the past couple of years as we have focused on ministry and outreach opportunities in our local community, our partnership with Allie Yniestra has been a meaningful and engaging missional project for all ages within our church family.

Allie Yniestra Elementary School serves children and families in an area heavily effected by poverty.  In fact, the Allie Yniestra bus route stops at Loaves and Fishes to pick up children who are temporarily living at the shelter. 

The administration and faculty at Allie Yniestra are well-acquainted with the social and economic challenges of their locale.  Principal Sheree Cagle considers herself a missionary to Allie Yniestra and Hallmark, the two schools that are merging to become one effective downtown elementary school.

Our First Baptist Partnership with Allie Yniestra is making a difference in the school, and as a result, we are making a positive impact on families in the downtown community.

To kick off our partnership, FBC members refurbished the teacher’s lounge, creating a positive and pleasant atmosphere for teachers to re-energize. Throughout the year, FBC members pray for the faculty and students, and FBC volunteers operate The Success Store, a venture to promote academic achievement, life skills, and fiscal responsibility.

Now, we have a goal of providing a Christmas gift for each of the 252 students in the school. We are inviting FBC members to adopt one or more children from Allie Yniestra by taking paws from one of The Allie Yniestra Trees, located in the Atrium and Children’s Ministry Department.  You are asked to purchase a hoodie (hooded sweatshirt) and gloves for each child you adopt, to wrap the gift and bring it to the Children’s Ministries Department by Sunday December 12.  Then on Wednesday evening, December 15, join us in Chipley Hall as we host the Allie Yniestra Choir and their families, and present their gifts to them.

With your help, the dream of an Allie Yniestra Christmas will come true.

Join us this Sunday as we sing the songs of the season, light the Shepherd’s Candle, and hear a word of encouragement to “Bloom Where You Are Planted” from Isaiah 35:1-2.

Setting the Stage for Christmas

In the close-knit rural church of my upbringing, we didn’t observe Advent. Not by that name, anyway.  Our biggest holiday event was the annual Christmas play.  Each year, right after Thanksgiving, we started setting the stage for the Christmas program.  Tryouts were held for the annual play, the stage was set, and decorations, featuring a fresh cut cedar tree wrapped in strands of garland and big colored bulbs, were all put in place as our little sanctuary went through a bit of a seasonal transformation.

We installed two wire cables across the front and rear of the platform, hung huge purple velvet curtains on each, and gathered a variety of costumes, props, and furnishings appropriate for the theme of the play.

On most years, the Christmas play was a mini-drama based on the episodes in the biblical nativity narrative.  Beginning with the appearance of a prophet foretelling the birth of the messiah or perhaps an angel visiting Mary, the play would progress scene by scene until finally, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and a menagerie of animals surrounded the manger. For a couple of years, the script involved a more contemporary setting with a plot built around a 20^th  century family’s saga in re-discovering the meaning of Christmas, but even then, the play always ended with a living nativity.

Gradually and methodically the stage was set, and finally, after weeks of planning, practice, and preparation, the play would be presented on a Sunday evening to a packed house.

Although, I didn’t know the meaning of Advent then, looking back, I think we were sort of observing Advent all along and just didn’t know it.  Advent is really at time of setting the stage for Christmas, a season of preparation, culminating in that grand night when we celebrate the birth of Christ.

This year in our church, we will set the stage for Christmas by re-visiting the prophets, singing the carols, re-reading the gospels, and lighting the candles that call us to focus on peace, hope, love, and joy. Then we will be better equipped to empathize with the anxiety of Mary and Joseph, to feel the labor pains of God, to celebrate the birth of the world’s most pivotal newborn, and to hear both the singing of angels and the sobs of Rachel weeping.

If we take the time to set the stage, recounting the biblical stories from Advent to Christmas, we may find that we are more than ready to celebrate the birth of the messiah, and to follow Christ from the cradle to the cross and beyond.

Join us this Sunday as we sing the songs of the season, light the Angels’ Candle, hear a word from Malachi 3:1-4, and keep setting the stage for Christmas.

Discovering the Hidden Power of Gratitude

I Thessalonians 5:18-16:  “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Have you read the story about the teacher who asked her pupils what they thought the Seven Wonders of the World were for today? The highest vote count was for the great pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, the Panama Canal, the Empire State Building, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Great Wall of China. As the teacher gathered the votes, she noticed one girl had not finished. The teacher asked if she was having trouble making up a list. She said, “Yes, a little. I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there were so many.” The teacher said, “Tell us what you have and maybe we can help.” The little girl said, “I think the seven wonders of the world are to see, to hear, to touch, to taste, to feel, to laugh and to love.” Her response sounds like it came straight from a heart of gratitude.

Thursday is Thanksgiving.  Most of us will be privileged to gather with family and friends to enjoy a hearty feast around a table that is bowlegged with food, and the sort that will keep the manufacturer of diet products in business for another year.  And we will enjoy memorable visits around the table with friends and family, some of whom we enjoy seeing only once a year. And on Thursday either in our morning quiet time, or the prayer before the meal, we will give thanks for our many blessings.

As one of our treasured holidays, Thanksgiving is a day set aside, not only to give thanks, but to remind us of the ongoing importance of gratitude.  In I Thessalonians 5: 18, Paul encourages believers to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

As we grow in our walk with the Lord, we discover more about the hidden power of gratitude.  Experiencing and expressing gratitude throughout the ever-changing seasons of life has a way of re-shaping our perspective and re-formatting our attitude. 

You have to choose whether you count your blessings or burdens.  But counting your blessings is definitely more healthy.

In my journey of faith, I am discovering that gratitude has encouraging power.  When I am frustrated and tend to see the glass half empty rather than half full, I find that the practice of “counting my blessings” infuses me with encouragement. On those days when you forget the beauty of a palm tree, and you choose to sit under the juniper tree instead, you may find that an inventory of your blessings serves as the catalyst that lifts your spirit from the catacombs of gloom and despair.

The daily discipline of expressing gratitude also builds staying power within me.  Years ago, in a discipleship course called Masterlife, I was challenged to pray using the acronym, ACTS, a way of framing my prayers to include adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.  While each of those facets of prayer are important, thanksgiving is the one dimension that seems to fortify my sense of determination and perseverance.

And I am convinced that gratitude unleashes healing power.  Now, let me be clear.  That does not mean that gratitude brings instantaneous healing, nor does it make me immune from viruses or exempt from accidents.  But I do believe that a heart of gratitude promotes spiritual, emotional, and physical healing in at least a couple of ways.  First, gratitude trumps toxic negativity and complaint, cleansing our perspective and renewing our focus.  And second, gratitude seems to put us in a positive frame of mind which allows our body to better produce and release antibodies and restorative enzymes that work to promote health and wholeness.

Robert Emmons’ book Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier provides a detailed report on a study of the psychology of gratitude sponsored by Emmons and his colleagues at the University of California-Berkeley.  Emmons says that those who practice grateful thinking "reap emotional, physical and interpersonal benefits." People who regularly keep a gratitude journal report fewer illness symptoms, feel better about their lives as a whole, and are more optimistic about the future. Emmons conclusion is that gratitude is a choice, one possible response to our life experiences.

Other doctors agree.  Researchers have found that when we think about someone or something we really appreciate and experience the feeling that goes with the thought, the parasympathetic—calming-branch of the autonomic nervous system— is triggered. This pattern when repeated bestows a protective effect on the heart. The electromagnetic heart patterns of volunteers tested become more coherent and ordered when they activate feelings of appreciation.

There is evidence that when we practice bringing attention to what we appreciate in our lives, more positive emotions emerge, leading to beneficial alterations in heart rate variability. This may not only relieve hypertension but reduce the risk of sudden death from coronary artery disease.

The more we pause to appreciate and show caring and compassion, the more order and coherence we experience internally. When our hearts are in an "internal coherence state," studies suggest that we enjoy the capacity to be peaceful and calm yet retain the ability to respond appropriately to stressful circumstances. (A Different Kind of Health: Finding Well-Being Despite Illness, by Blair Justice, pp. 100-101.)

Neurobiologically, gratitude is nested within the social emotions, along with awe, wonder, "elevation" and pride. This is yet another reminder that we are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Researchers have also found that gratitude is like a booster shot for romantic relationships. One study included over sixty-five couples who were already in ongoing, satisfying, and committed relationships. They tracked the day-to-day fluctuations in relationship satisfaction and connection for each member of the relationship. These little, everyday, ups and downs in relationship quality were reliably marked by one person's feelings of gratitude. The effects on the relationship were noticed even the day after feeling the gratitude was expressed. This research thus suggests that even everyday gratitude serves an important relationship maintenance mechanism in close relationships, acting as a booster shot to the relationship.

Ultimately, gratitude strengthens our serving power. Gratitude is not about counting my blessings just to make me a happier consumer.  Genuine gratitude motivates me to share my blessings.  For me, the quality of life is best measured, not by how much I have, but how effectively I use resources I have been given to serve.

With good reason, the scripture encourages us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” For the believer, thanksgiving is not just a day of feasting and festivity.  Thanksgiving, the genuine expression of gratitude, is a daily spiritual discipline, a personal practice that steadily transforms us from the inside out.

"In 1636, amid the darkness of the Thirty Years' War, a German pastor, Martin Rinkart, is said to have buried five thousand of his parishioners in one year, an average of fifteen a day. His parish was ravaged by war, death, and economic disaster. In the heart of that darkness, with the cries of fear outside his window, he sat down and wrote this table grace for his children: 'Now thank we all our God / With heart and hands and voices;/ Who wondrous things had done,/ In whom His world rejoices. /Who, from our mother's arms,/Hath led us on our way/ With countless gifts of love/ And still is ours today.’” Here was a man who knew thanksgiving comes from love of God, not from outward circumstances.  (Don Maddox)
Rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

A Memorable Geography Lesson

I was in Mrs. Gibson’s class in the fourth grade the first time I remember hearing the word geography.  I’ll never forget our two major assignments.  One assignment was to memorize the names of all 67 counties in Alabama.  (To this day, I can look at the number on an Alabama automobile license plate and tell you with 90% accuracy which county the car is from.)  The other assignment was to learn the names of all 50 states and be able to identify and label each state on a U.S. map.

Later that year we were introduced to the seven continents, and several of the major countries.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but in that fourth grade class, I was beginning to learn how big the world is…. that it is much bigger than my hometown and larger than my home state.

All of these years later, as I continue studying the Bible, I am still learning how big the world is.  In Acts 1:4-8, as Jesus promised his disciples the ongoing inner strength of the Holy Spirit, he gave to them a memorable geography lesson as he explained how the faithful witness of his followers could and would make a positive impact locally and globally.

This Sunday as we focus on that occasion, When Jesus Taught Geography, we will share in a colorful parade of flags from around the world as we celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to International Missions.   Once again as a church family we will covet to pray for and support those missionaries who extend our witness to the “uttermost parts of the world.”

During this holiday season, Amanda and I invite you to join us in giving a generous gift to International Missions in honor of Lottie Moon.  On your envelope you may designate your gift to your preferred mission partner.

This Sunday afternoon at five o’clock I will be sharing a General Introduction to Jehovah’s Witnesses as we conclude our discipleship series on Religions of the World.

Don’t forget that this is the week we have Wednesday on Tuesday, as we meet for family dinner, AWANA, and children’s choirs at First Baptist.  After dinner, we invite you to travel with us to First Presbyterian Church for our annual Community Thanksgiving Service which begins at 6:30.  I will be sharing a message on The Hidden Power of Gratitude from I Thessalonians 5:16-18.

The holiday season is here.  Make it a priority each week to participate in Bible study and worship as we discover more about God’s love and grace.

‘Tis the Season for Serving

We are entering the holiday season.  The countdown is on.  As I write these words there are 14 days until Thanksgiving, 17 days until Advent, 44 days until Christmas, and 51 days until New Years.

In November our theme is Serving with Gladness.   At First Baptist, we are at our best when we are serving. During the holidays, there are numerous opportunities for you to serve through missions and ministries of our First Baptist Family. Here are just a few of the places you can serve during the holiday season:

• Fill a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse.
• Provide non-perishable food items or a monetary contribution to Samaritan Hands.
• Give a generous gift to the World Missions Christmas Offering in honor of Lottie Moon.
• Work at The Challenger Award Banquet.
• Work at The Success Store at Ali Yniestra.
• Sponsor a child from the Allie Yniestra Tree.
• Get connected with Backpack Buddies.
• Serve the Annual Homeless Luncheon.

While the holidays present seasonal opportunities for serving, First Baptist offers opportunities for you to serve all year long.  Here are just a few examples of where you might consider serving:

• Serve as a listener for AWANA .
• Assist with a Children’s Choir.
• Volunteer in the Clyde Bizzell Library and Media Center.
• Serve as a cart driver on Sunday mornings.
• Serve as a bus driver one or more Sundays per month.
• Join our Greeter’s Ministry.
• Work at Samaritan’s Hands.
• Serve in the Media Ministry assisting with audio, video, or our television ministry.

This Sunday we are focusing on Matthew 9:9-13 as we talk about Building a Hospital for Sinners.

I look forward to seeing you as we gather for worship and Bible study, and as we explore ways we can serve with gladness.

Answering the Call

In November we begin a new series entitled Serve with Gladness.  This Sunday we begin by asking, “When God Calls, Will You Answer?” as we look at the call of Samuel in I Samuel 3:1-10.  The message will encourage us to take a closer look at how we can respond to the call of God upon our life.

Answering the Call is also the emphasis of the report and recommendation presented by our Deacon Ministry Task Force last Wednesday evening.  This recommendation was unanimously approved by our Administrative Council and our Deacons in their October meetings.  The recommendation will be presented for approval of our church family during the Quarterly Congregational Meeting on Wednesday November 10.

Let me share with you a little bit of history and a few highlights.  In November of 2008, I presented a challenge to our congregation that, among other things, urged us to “upgrade our model of organization.”

In 2009, at the request of the Administrative Council, then deacon chair Comer Knight appointed a Deacon Ministry Task Force consisting of John Hodges (ch), Allen Turner, Bart Neal, Dr. Bob Wilson, Comer Knight, Larry Hicks, and Ron Jackson. This team was charged to look at ways we might upgrade the way we as a congregation and deacons organize ourselves for ministry.

Here are a few brief highlights:

What contributed to the Task Force’s proposal?

• Prayer and study of scripture.
• Interviews with leaders of ten churches of similar size.
• Reflection on our uniqueness and diversity at FBCP.

What is the major emphasis of the upgrade? To organize ourselves around three biblical roles:

• Service: Deacon Ministry, Ministry Teams and Mission Projects.
• Discipleship: Sunday morning Bible Study groups, weekday small groups, and a variety of workshops/training events.
• Administration: Administrative Council, Committees

What are the notable changes in the upgrade proposal?

• To elect 12 deacons per year, a maximum of 36.
• To expand the Administrative Council to 16 voting members.
• To expand the “Committee on Committees” to the “Committee for Placement,” a committee that will help members match their gifts and passions with places of service throughout the year.

During the next few days, be welcome to talk to any member of the Deacon Ministry Task Force to ask questions and to get clarification on any part of the recommendation. Also, thank the members of the Task Force who have spent countless hours meeting, praying, and dialoguing about how we can be a more effective congregation.

I am excited about the upgrade recommendation, primarily because our Task Force, our Administrative Council, and our Deacons are excited about the upgrades.  I think it will give us more efficient ways to answer the call, do effective ministry, and provide dependable administrative leadership.

Don’t forget to change your clocks this Saturday night or early Sunday morning.  We will “fall back” one hour, marking an end to Daylight Savings Time.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather for worship and Bible study, and as we explore ways we can answer God’s call.

Would Jesus Vote Democrat or Republican?

November 2 is Election Day in the state of Florida.  Citizens of the Sunshine State will be electing a new governor and a new senator, among other offices.  Residents of Pensacola will be choosing our city’s first strong mayor, and other local officials.

If Jesus were a Florida resident would he vote Democrat, Republican, or Independent?  While we cannot know exactly who Jesus would vote for, based on Jesus’ emphasis on civic responsibility, I think we can say for certain that Jesus would vote.  And based on what we know about Jesus’ values, I have a hunch that Jesus would vote based on the character of the candidate and not party identity.

This upcoming election is a crucial one, especially for Florida and for Pensacola.  As this election approaches, l encourage you to join me in exercising the responsibilities of our citizenship in the following ways:

• PRAY for the candidates and for the election.
• VOTE your personal conviction.
• SUPPORT those who are elected.
• WORK to make our city and surrounding community a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

This Sunday we will be asking, “Would Jesus Use an I-Phone?”  How would Jesus utilize and manage media technology?  Is it possible for us to get addicted to texting, email, and cell phones?  How can we best utilize these as resources that enrich our lives?

On Sunday afternoon we look forward to a fun time at Trunk or Treat.  Bring your family and friends to the upper parking lot at 4 o’clock as we share in this enjoyable and safe Fall Festival.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather for worship and Bible study.  Don’t forget ….BYOB!

Basic Information about Islam

Fall Discipleship Series
Religions of the World, Part I
October 3, 2010

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.  I Peter 3:15  NIV
IntroductIon:
1. Islam is the most talked about religion in the world right now.  Around the world people are both curious and suspicious.
2. Our discussion of Islam should accomplish three things:

§         Give us basic knowledge of one of the most influential and misunderstood religions in the world.

§         Prepare us for informed dialogue and witness with Muslim neighbors.

§         To strengthen our own faith in Christ.

3. In its origin, Islam is a religion espousing allegiance to God as revealed through the prophet Mohammed, who lived around 570-632 and came from a family of traders at Mecca. The religion's book of revelation, compiled by the prophet, is the Koran. The word Islam derives from the same semitic root as the Hebrew word Shalom, which means peace. Islam means "entering into a condition of peace and security with God, through allegiance or surrender to him.”

4. Islam was not a completely new faith but is the third great monotheistic religion. In Muslim eyes, Mohammed completes a succession of prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus, each of whom refined and restated the message of God.
Outline:
1. Holy Book: Koran

·        For a Muslim, the Koran corroborates, updates and expands the Old and New Testaments.

·        The Koran contains 114 chapters, written in vivid, rhyming prose, and was settled in its current form within 30 years of Mohammed's death.

·        The Koran contains many moral exhortations, forming the basis of Islamic (sharia) law. It lays down generosity and fairness and the requirements for daily prayer, alms giving, abstinence during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca.

·        General facts about the Koran or Quran…

o       Quram is spelled as Qur’aan, Koran and commonly as Quran.

o       Quran is the noble and Holy Book of the Islamic religion.

o       Muslims believe in Quran as the word of God (Allah).

o       Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad as the final word from God (Allah).

o        Muslims believe that Quran has not changed since its revelation. Allah has taken guarantee in the Quran itself that Allah will protect such from happening.

o       Muslims recite Quran in their prayers daily.

o       Quran is recited the most in the month of Ramadan (the month of fasting).

o       Quran is divided into many chapters with each chapter having verses.

2. Key Leader: Mohammed

·        Mohammed is said to have received his revelations over a period of 23 years from the Angel Jibreel, or Gabriel, who was relaying the word of God.

·        General facts about Mohammed…

o       Born in 570 in the Arabian city of Mecca, he was orphaned at an early age and brought up under the care of his uncle Abu Talib.

o       He later worked mostly as a merchant, as well as a shepherd, and was first married by age 25.

o       Discontented with life in Mecca, he retreated to a cave in the surrounding mountains for meditation and reflection.

o       According to Islamic beliefs it was here, at age 40, in the month of Ramadan, where he received his first revelation from God.  

·        Mohammed gained few followers early on, and was met with hostility from some Meccan tribes; he and his followers were treated harshly. To escape persecution, Muhammad sent some of his followers to Abyssinia before he and his remaining followers in Mecca migrated to Medina (then known as Yathrib) in the year 622.  By the time of his death, most of the Arabian Peninsula had converted to Islam; and he united the tribes of Arabia into a single Muslim religious polity.

3. Primary teachings

·        The main tenets central to Islam are the absolute sense that there can only be one God - Allah - and that he is the source of all creation and disposer of all lives and events. Hence, there is no God but God and Mohammed is his messenger.

·        All people should become a single Umma - community - witnessing to that fact. On the day of judgment, all will rise from the dead and be sent to heaven or hell.

·        The five pillars of the Islamic faith - the fundamental constituents of Muslim life - are:

o       Shahada, the profession of faith in the uniqueness of Allah and the centrality of Mohammed as his prophet.

o       Salat, formal worship or prayer.

o       Zakat, the giving of alms for the poor, assessed on all adult Muslims as 2.5% of capital assets once a year.

o       Hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim should undertake at least once in their lifetime; the annual hajj takes place during the last 10 days of the 12th lunar month every year.

o       Sawm, fasting during Ramadan, the holy ninth month of the lunar year.

4. People groups

• The difference between Sunni and Shia sects of Islam do not exist to the dramatic degree many Western's assume. While there are slight variations in the way they view their religious leaders and attach meaning to the history of Muhammad's family, cultural and political differences hold the most divisive power. Both sects emphasize the Five Pillars of Islam, read the same Quran, and consider each other Muslims.
• The split between these two significant sects of Islam can be traced back to the 600s, soon after Muhammed's death in 632. Muhammed's son-in-law, Ali, gained support as the inheritor of the duty to spread Islam. Thus, "Shia" is an abbreviation of "Shiat Ali," or the people of Ali. Not all Muslims believed in Ali's place as a leader.  The Shi'ites regarded him as the first in a series of Imam, or the direct descendents of Muhammad who act as messengers of God. There were 12 Imams before the bloodline died out in the 800s.  
• The majority of Muslims are Sunni, the largest and more orthodox sect of Islam. Sunnis do not attach any special power to the Imam, but have a rather less structured hierarchy of religious leaders. Some have compared their system as similar in spirit to Protestantism, where ministers are important advisers and community leaders, but they are neither infallible nor chosen by God. These leaders, called Caliphs, teach Islam. They  encourage following the laws and guidelines laid out in the Quran. Also, they do not rule the place of worship in the sense of excluding other kinds of Muslims. All mosques are nondenominational, and can receive prayers from any sect.

5. Radical groups:

• Only a very small percentage of Muslims support terrorism.
• Terrorists are frequently recruited from the political fringe, from impressionable youth, and from others discontented with the world, especially with those who are inclined to materialism, vanity, pornography, and promiscuity.
• One US military general recently said during a news interview that the greatest hope for combating terrorism is to strengthen our partnership with Muslims who will take an anti-terrorism stand.
• Radical Muslim terrorist currently present one of the greatest threats to world peace and stability.

Conclusion:

1. While we as Christians do not endorse the tenets of Islam and we hold fast to the teachings of Christ, it is incumbent that we demonstrate the spirit of Christ in our relationships with all human beings.

2. The greatest opportunities for Christian witness in the world will come from a dialogue that begins with Christian hospitality, explores our common values, and extends into a conversation about “the reason for the hope that is within us.”  And to do this with gentleness and respect.

Core Values of Christian Stewardship

Beginning in the book of Genesis, God gave to humankind a significant stewardship or management responsibility: “Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." Genesis 1:26 NIV

Throughout the Bible, God re-enforces and expands that management responsibility:

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. I Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. Psalm 50:10-11 NIV

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10 NIV
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
The way we manage our blessings and resources may be the greatest indicator of where we are in our relationship to God. Here are three core values of stewardship that are shaping the way Amanda and I manage our resources:
• All resources are given by God and are to be channeled through our lives to advance God’s purposes in the world.
• Giving our tithes and offerings to our local church is an act of cheerful obedience to God, and a tangible testimony that we are growing toward aligning all of our resources with God’s unique will for us.
• The way we manage our resources…time, talent, and tangible resources… is one of the primary ways we honor God.

This Sunday we will be tackling a difficult and delicate subject. As we continue our series, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?, I am asking the ridiculous question, “Would Jesus Throw a Keg Party?” The message is intended to help all ages among us to think scripturally, conscientiously, and responsibly about our ideas and attitudes toward alcohol. Pray for me as I address the crucial topic in a way that equips us to be better Christians.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather for worship and Bible study.

Managing Our Resources is Quite a Challenge

Earlier this week as we were going for a walk, Amanda and I passed two preschoolers playing in a driveway. While I was not eavesdropping, I was amused and astonished to hear one child say to the other, “But I don’t need 50% off on car insurance.” In response the other child quacked like a duck and at the top of his duck-like voice said, “Aflac!”

While I am aware that the kids had merged phrases from two different insurance commercials, as I thought about what I had heard, I realized that these kids had picked up these slogans from viewing repetitive advertisements on TV. If we are not careful and intentional, we will underestimate the power of media advertising to formulate our values, to shape our dreams, and to influence our purchasing.

It is perhaps more challenging than ever to be a good steward. If the cultural norm becomes our default value system, we will inevitably find ourselves in big trouble….steeped in debt, overridden by anxiety, and feeling hopeless about the future.

If Jesus were walking the earth in the 21st century, how would he make purchasing decisions? Would he have a budget? Would he use a credit card? How much would he give to the church and charities? And, would he try to save 50% on car insurance?

The Bible has more to say about how we manage our possessions than almost any other subject. In fact, one of the ways for us to honor God is to learn to manage our resources well.

This Sunday, as we continue our series, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?, we are asking, “Would Jesus Use a Credit Card?” as we examine Jesus’ teachings about how we manage our possessions.

On Sunday afternoon, we will meet at five o’clock in Pleitz Chapel to continue our study of World Religions as we focus on the major tenets of Hinduism.

During the past week, I spent a few days secluded in a cottage working on preparation for the next few months. I am excited about the many good things happening at First Baptist and I am grateful that you have allotted generous time for me to invest in prayer and preparation. Thank you!

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather for worship and Bible study.

Who Do You Appreciate?

When I played high school sports, I remember the cheerleaders leading a cheer that went something like, “Two, four, six, eight…Who do you appreciate?” And then they would insert the nickname of our team or the name of a specific player.

Who do you appreciate? I appreciate our church family.

I’m not sure who designated October as Pastor Appreciation Month, but for several years I have wanted to refocus the emphasis toward a Church Appreciation Month. During the past few days as I have read the encouraging cards and notes many of you have sent, I have actually been thinking about how much I appreciate our church family.

While our church is not perfect, and we have a lot of room to grow in our commitments, the vast majority of our folks have a servant heart and encouraging spirit. This week I’ve spent a little more time than usual at the hospital, I’ve watched our teams prepare for Tour of Tables, and I’ve stood alongside some of our folks in the trenches of tough life experiences. What I have seen has caused me to pause and say with fresh conviction, “Thank you, Lord, for our First Baptist Family.”

Here are just a few of the many things I appreciate about our church family….
• The way we respond with love and generosity in times of crisis.
• The way we serve cooperatively on ministry teams.
• A growing enthusiasm in the way we welcome guests and new members.
• A growing number of people are bringing their Bibles to worship and Bible study.
• More and more people are stepping up to the plate to fill positions of service and leadership.
• The way we partner in big events like Challenger, Tour of Tables, Christmas Dinner for the Homeless, Trunk or Treat, and others.
• The way you pray for and encourage me and our other ministers.
• The way we support and participate in missions, locally and around the world.
• The overarching sense of harmony we share, in the midst of our tremendous diversity.
• The way members of all ages are inviting friends and neighbors who do not have a church home to come and join us.

As I was standing in the Critical Care waiting room the other night, one of our students, noting the love and support being shown toward one of our families, turned to me and said, “We’ve got the coolest church.” I think she’s right!

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. I Corinthians 1:4 NIV

What Would Jesus REALLY Do?

If Jesus were living on earth as a full-fledged human being in the 21st century, what would his lifestyle be like? How would Jesus make purchasing decisions? What would his wardrobe be like? What kind of car would Jesus drive? Would he have a cell phone? What would he do for fun? How would Jesus respond to the moral and ethical challenges of our day? How would Jesus respond to those in poverty?

In October, we begin a new series for Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings that asks, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?

By definition, a Christian is a follower of Jesus. Through the amazing gift of salvation, Jesus forgives our sin and sets us on a new course in life…a course of learning, growing, and serving as we follow his guidance. As Christians, we are to be followers of Jesus everyday of our lives. As we study Jesus’ teachings, as we gather with other believers to worship, and as we spend time in daily conversation with Jesus, we grow to incorporate more and more of his values and perspectives in our own lifestyle.

This week we also begin our Fall Discipleship Series. On Sunday evenings during October and November we will meet in Pleitz Chapel at five o’clock to study Religions of the World.

I hope to see you each Sunday in October in Bible study and worship as we discover more of the Christ-centered life.


October series: What Would Jesus Really Do?
Oct 3 a.m. Would Jesus Eat White or Wheat?
Oct 6 p.m. What Would Jesus Wear?
Oct 10 a.m. TBA, Ross Lankford
Oct 13 p.m. Would Jesus Go to War?
Oct 17 a.m. Would Jesus Use a Credit Card?
Oct 20 p.m. Would Jesus Use Paper or Plastic?
Oct 24 a.m. Would Jesus Throw a Keg Party?
Oct 27p.m. Would Jesus Vote Democrat or Republican?
Oct 31 a.m. Would Jesus Use an I-Phone?

Fall Discipleship Series: Religions of the World
Oct 3 Islam
Oct 10 Voodooism (Don Minton)
Oct 17 Hinduism
Oct 24 Buddhism
Oct 31 Event: Trunk or Treat
Nov 7 Judaism
Nov 14 Mormonism
Nov 21 Jehovah’s Witnesses
Nov 28 Event::Deck the Halls and Bless These Walls

The Most Important Table on the Tour

Earlier this week, I sat at my desk and reading and praying over the large stack of Step Up to the Plate commitment cards that were presented at the end of the worship service on Sunday morning. And more commitment cards have appeared on my desk throughout the week. I am grateful for every member of our First Baptist Family who has committed to Step Up to the Plate during the coming church year.

In the Step Up to the Plate challenge last Sunday, I encouraged us to…
• Know the basics.
• Be a team player.
• Implement the game plan.
• Give it your best stuff.

I am also thankful for our members who shared rich and unique faith stories during our services in September. In addition to being inspiring, these testimonies have helped us become better acquainted with other members of our spiritual family.

Scott Grissett reminded us that God guides us through the transitional seasons of life. Scott and Elizabeth Rigsby shared about the emerging strength they have discovered as Christian parents. Fed and Heather Barona have been living examples of how to rely on God when life throws you a curveball. Ron Malone challenged us to take that long walk to step up to the plate. And Lamar Pate encouraged us to appreciate each day and make it count, never taking life for granted.

In October, we begin a new series for Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings that asks, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?

If Jesus were living on earth as a full-fledged human being in the 21st century, what would his lifestyle be like? How would Jesus make purchasing decisions? What would his wardrobe be like? What kind of car would Jesus drive? Would he have a cell phone? What would he do for fun? How would Jesus respond to the moral and ethical challenges of our day? How would Jesus respond to those in poverty?

As we prepare for the annual Tour of Tables event next week, this Sunday morning we will focus on a tour of the Lord’s table as we talk about the significance of the bread and the wine. Then we will celebrate our joy of being in the body of Christ as we receive the elements of the Lord’s Supper.

This Sunday afternoon we also begin our Fall Discipleship Series. During October and November we will meet in Pleitz Chapel at five o’clock to study Religions of the World.

I hope to see you this Sunday morning as we gather for worship and Bible study.