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New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Volume 43.4 September 9, 2013

Luter preaches on ‘getting God’s attention’ Chapel Schedule or another. It does not matter whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned believer or a mature believer, I promise you you’ve thought about it,” Luter said. “As much as we depend on God, as much as we rely on God, as much as we confide in God, as much as we trust in God, as much as we call on the name of God, have you ever thought about it—whether or not you’ve ever gotten God’s undivided attention?” SBC President and Franklin Ave Baptist Church Pastor Fred Luter speaks in Luter said “undivided Leavell Chapel Aug. 22. attention” today is often hard By Frank Michael McCormack to come by. “I’m not denying you’re a busy person. I’m not Tuesday, Sept. 10 Dr. Mike Miller Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Fred Luter’s denying your plate is full. I’m not denying you can NOBTS Campus Minister start-of-the-semester sermon at Baptist multitask — especially the ladies in this chapel. I’m Pastor, FBC Kenner Theological Seminary’s Leavell Chapel is always one of amazed at how you can drive and still put on your the most highly anticipated and attended messages of makeup,” Luter said. “However, my brothers and my the year. A native New Orleanian with an energizing sisters, I must ask you, are you busier than God?” Thursday, Sept. 12 Dr. Dennis Phelps preaching style, Luter offers a nice welcome to new Luter pointed to Job 38-39 where God reminds Job NOBTS Preaching Professor students and an inspiring welcome back to returning of who He is and what He has done. Director, Alumni Relations & CMR students. “‘Job, where were you when I formed the earth? The Aug. 22 message was Luter’s second – and Job, where were you when I said let there be light?’” possibly last – preaching appearance at NOBTS as Luter paraphrased. “‘Job, where were you when I put NOBTS Chapel Online president of the Southern Baptist Convention. With sweetness in the peaches, bitter in the lemon, tang in Listen to past chapel services and that in mind, Luter offered NOBTS President Chuck the orange? Job, where were you when I put sugar in hear your favorite sermons from the Kelley a special thanks for his support over the years. Krispy Kreme donuts?’” Chapel Archive anytime at http:// “When we were leaving the Phoenix convention Still today, as in Job’s case, people still ask the nobts.edu/chapel. in 2011, Dr. Kelley pulled me to the side and said question of undivided attention, Luter said. … ‘I would like to seriously ask you to start praying “In spite of all God has done, in spite of who he is, Stay Connected about running for president of the Southern Baptist in spite of the fact he holds the world in the palm of Convention,’” Luter recalled. “He was the first one his hand, the question all of us [are asking] is how can we get God’s undivided attention,” he said. “Or for Facebook to put it into my heart and my spirit for doing this. I Twitter just want to thank God publicly again for his support that matter, is it even possible to get God’s undivided YouTube for me through the years.” attention?” GK Archives He also offered NOBTS Provost Steve Lemke a Luter said Malachi 3:16-17 describes the type of people who get God’s undivided attention. The first special thanks for chairing the resolutions committee Fall Workshop Registration for the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting kind of people who get God’s undivided attention, in Houston this past summer. Luter said, are those who are fearful. As verse 16 Register for Fall workshops at “I didn’t realize how difficult that committee begins, “Then those who feared the Lord…” NOBTS. For more information, see would be brother, so I owe you a dozen charbroiled “Now by fearful, I’m not talking about those page 4 or click HERE. oysters at Drago’s. That’s a difficult committee, but who are afraid of God like some ghost or like he’s a you handled it well,” Luter said. madman or a dictator,” Luter said. “I’m talking about those who have a healthy fear of God.” God’s undivided attention Luter used words like reverence, respect, honor and Luter then turned to Malachi 3:16-17, which adore to describe this type of healthy fear. begins with “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another and the Lord listened and heard them.” -See CHAPEL, page 2 “I’m sure all of us have thought about it at one time [Page 2]

Join the Baptist Association of Save the Date: January YMI CHAPEL, continued from page 1 Christian Educators Save the date: January YMI is Jan. 6-10, 2014. “A healthy fear of God means you obey Studying to be a youth, children, college, or Don't miss out on this great week of training for the Word of God and obey the will of God,” other age group minister? Working on a MACE those who minister to teens, work with teens, or Luter said, adding, “Oh brothers and sisters, or MDivCE or serving as a Christian educator in just desire to see teens become more like Christ. the problem we have in the world today and your church? Joining a professional organization Got more questions? Contact the YMI office: the problem we have in the church today is we will help you enter the field, network with other [email protected] or 504.816.8103. don’t have enough people who have a healthy professionals, and engage in lifelong learning. fear of God.” Emergency Text Messaging Service Secondly, Luter said followers will get God’s The Christian Education division is hosting undivided attention. As verse 16 continues, Sign up for the NOBTS Emergency Text Messaging a luncheon to meet Jerri Herring, Executive Service today. Choose one or all of the groups to “Those who feared the Lord spoke to one Director of BACE (Baptist Association of another and the Lord listened and heard them.” receive texts related to emergency situations that Christian Educators), September 26, 2013, 12 affect our NOBTS campuses and families. Main “God makes clear those who get God’s noon in the Creole Room of the cafeteria. Bring a undivided attention are those who first speak to New Orleans Campus, New Orleans Campus lunch or buy a lunch. Ms. Herring was part of the Residents, & Mississippi Extension one another — uh oh,” he said. “That may be a leadership team in the church growth department problem for some of us. … In other words, God Centers; Florida Extension Centers; and Georgia of Lifeway Christian Resources. Jerri has also & Alabama Extension Centers. Go to http://www. says, ‘How do you expect me to listen to you served as executive staff and Minister of Education when you don’t even speak to one another?’” nobts.edu/nobtsemergencytext message.html and at a number of churches in the southeast. She complete the quick and easy forms to register. Luter connected that commitment to has a heart for next generation educators and speaking to one another to Romans 12:18, leaders. You will hear the history, purpose, and which commands believers to ‘try to live vision of BACE and how you can be a part of this Special Events Preaching Workshop peacefully’ with everyone. Sometimes, that’s outstanding organization. easier said than done, he admitted. A Special Events Preaching Workshop will be held Sept. 13-14 in conjunction with the E-4 Preaching “It kind of reminds me of a saying, Dr. Kelley, Additionally, participants will determine the Conference at FBC Pineville, La. E-4 stands for that I heard years ago: ‘To live above with those interest in forming a student led organization on Encourage, Equip, Exemplify and Empower. Dr. Jerry we love would truly be glory; to live below with the NOBTS campus. those we know, that’s a whole other story,’” Barlow, the Graduate Dean, will teach PREA5305 Special Event Preaching Conference, an upper level Luter said. All interested students are encouraged to attend. preaching elective, as part of the conference. At Lastly, Luter said people who are faithful get Questions can be directed to the Christian this conference and course, students will hear and God’s undivided attention. Verse 16 describes a Education Office (located in the Sanders Center of evaluate the sermons of contemporary preachers who book of remembrance “written in his presence Ministry Excellence), ext. 8105. concerning those who feared the Lord and are known for expository preaching. You also will honored his name.” complete selected assignments designed to enhance “Ladies and gentlemen, I dare you, I dare you West Bank Church Seeking Praise your own preparation and delivery of expository to be faithful to God,” Luter said. “Look at his messages. The main speaker for the Plenary Sessions promise in verse 17: ‘They shall by mine, says Band Team of the Conference is Dr. David Uth, Senior Pastor, the Lord of Hosts.’ Not maybe. God says ‘they Oak Park Baptist Church, located in Algiers, is FBC, Orlando, Fla. Some breakout sessions will be shall be mine.’ beginning a praise band and praise team for its led by NOBTS professors. This workshop can serve “You know what that sounds like to me? Sunday morning worship experience. The church as an elective for M.Div. study or as an upper level It sounds like that song we sometimes sing, is seeking those who want to serve through sharing Ph.D. course. Along with enrolling in the course ‘Blessed Assurance,’” Luter said. “This is my their talents in worship! If you are interested through NOBTS, students will need to register for the story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the contact Pastor Bobby Stults at bobbystults@ Conference through the Louisiana Baptist Convention day long.” ymail.com. The church currently has a pianist, a website. Students are responsible for the registration drummer, and a bass player. fee, lodging and meals at the conference. For more information, contact Dr. Jerry Barlow at jbarlow@ Local Church Seeks Sunday Night Prison Ministry Coming to NOLA in nobts.edu or Dr. Preston Nix at [email protected]. Preachers October First Baptist Church of Chalmette, La., is The Bill Glass Champions for Life prison ministry Immediate Openings at Louisiana opening up its Sunday night worship service is coming to the area in October and is seeking Baptist Children’s Home for aspiring NOBTS pastoral students to have a volunteers. For more information, click HERE. Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, La., live congregation to preach to. The church will is seeking committed Christians for full-time paid coordinate the worship service and the guest FBC Gretna Seeking Pianist positions with housing, life and medical insurance, preacher will deliver a message from God. Church First Baptist Church of Gretna is seeking a Pianist. annuity, paid vacation, and training. One single female leaders are excited for the chance to work with The church is located at 100 Gretna Blvd. and is is needed to serve as Cottage Manager for ministry to seminary students at NOBTS. If you would like just under 12 miles from the NOBTS campus. If homeless children and their mothers. Two husband to test your preaching skills at one of the church’s you are interested, please contact Jody Heneghan and wife teams are needed to serve as Cottage Parents Sunday evening services, please contact deacon at [email protected] to arrange for an for children. For more information, contact Dr. Perry chairman Lewis Albarado at 504.201.5886 or interview. Please include your name, contact Hancock at [email protected] or 318.343.2244. [email protected]. information, and resume in your correspondence. www.LBCH.org. [Page 3]

NOBTS WOMEN

Get the word out about your event Give it a few months... Send us your announcement The Gatekeeper is published weekly during the and the fog will lift. school year and twice in the summer. Items for The In early August Gate Bridge. This bridge, by its sheer size, color Gatekeeper are due Wednesday at noon to appear of 2011, I moved and architecture is unmistakable, except in the time the following issue. Submissions to The Gatekeeper to the San around the August and September months, when appear as space allows and are subject to editing. Email Francisco Bay area the entire structure is completely hidden beneath your Gatekeeper submissions to [email protected]. of California to the thick, white fog draped over its beams. begin my Master The church I attended most regularly was in the Gatekeeper Subscriptions of Theologycity and so I had to cross that bridge from where I Students and those with campus email addresses degree at Golden lived to get there. And I remember being on my way automatically receive The Gatekeeper. However, many Gate Baptist to church one of those early weeks after arriving, in our seminary family do not receive this notice, so Courtney Veasey Theological and getting on the bridge to drive across while not tell others about The Gatekeeper. Those who are not [doctoral student in biblical Seminary. Thebeing able to see it at all! How can you not see this receiving the weekly publication notice via email can interpretation, director of food, the culture, giant, red object that is right underneath and all subscribe by sending an email to [email protected] with women’s academic programs] the temperatures, around you?! I remember getting to church that day “Gatekeeper Subscription” in the subject line. the time zone, and even the type of sand on the and the pastor saying from the front, “By the way, if beaches was vastly different from the southeastern any of you are new to the city and had to cross the states I had lived in up to that point. As any good bridge this morning … give it a few months and the native Floridian who was moving to the “other fog will lift.” U.S. beach state” would, I had taken with me The Lord would use those very words profoundly about seven bathing suits and only one light in my life during those first few months of this new NorthFace jacket. This, I quickly learned, was a adventure, this new life. Not only did they apply naive and uneducated mistake. Mark Twain once to the actual fog in the atmosphere, but also in my commented, “The coldest winter I ever saw, was personal journey as I was far away from home, did the summer I spent in San Francisco.” If you’ve not know a soul, and was taking on a new degree ever spent any part of the late summer months in school which I felt very unqualified to do. God’s in the Bay Area, then you understand the truth will had been so clear for me to go there, and even behind this quote…it’s FREEZING! About two God Himself is so big, and yet there were days when IMB Missionaries to be on campus weeks into my stay, I called home to have the box I couldn’t “see” either His will or Him. Sept. 17-18 of winter clothing I had prepared to be sent in But, in time, the “fog” did lift, and it turned out IMB missionaries and associate candidate November sent immediately. to be one of the greatest adventures of my life. In consultants Don and Pam Lynch will be available Aside from the shock of the cold weather in times of transition (big or small), or simply at the in the Hardin Student Center on Tuesday and early August, I experienced another “first” during start of a new semester, sometimes we experience Wednesday, Sept. 17-18, to talk about the myriad those initial months … the fog. As thick as the a personal “fog.” This can take shape in a number of opportunities to serve short-term or long-term thickest humidity can get in places like Florida of ways, but I want to encourage you with those overseas and to meet with anyone who may have and New Orleans, it does not compare to the same words which my pastor said, “Give it a few any questions. Call them at 615.854.9188 if you thickness of the Bay Area fog. Like a scene from months and the fog will lift.” The “bridge”—and would like to meet with them individually. a movie, this fog rolls in over the mountains and God—are still there; they just may seem hidden at hills, seeps in from the bay waters, and sits heavily the moment. Keep praying and keep being patient Scholarship Applications for Spring over the entire city. Nothing is safe from its until the new season comes, the fog lifts, and the ’14 Open Sept. 1-30 covering, not even the 8,980 foot long, 746 foot road ahead becomes clear once more. high, bright red structure of the famous Golden Spring 2014 Current Student Scholarship application will be open from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. Go to www.nobts.edu for the scholarship banner and link. Check out these upcoming events & classes for NOBTS Women’s organizations // Find more online HERE Dr. Eric Hankins to speak at ‘brown bag’ lunch Sept. 26 Recharge is tonight! Heartbeat (NOBTS Staff Women & The Baptist Center for Theology & Ministry will Monday, Sept. 9, is the next meeting of Recharge Wives) host a brown bag lunch Sept. 26 that will feature a for the fall semester. Join Courtney Veasey at If you’re a woman and work at NOBTS, you’re Q&A session with Dr. Eric Hankins, chapel speaker Martin Chapel at 8 p.m. for a time of worship considered to be a part of Heartbeat and you (and for that day. Hankins, an NOBTS grad, is pastor with other campus women. Also, let Courtney your spouse, if applicable) are invited to a cookout at of First Baptist Church in Oxford, Miss. He served know if you want to share a word the Lord is the home of Jim and Cindy Ennis (4331 Iroquois St.) on the Southern Baptist Convention’s Calvinism teaching you ([email protected]; TONIGHT (Monday, Sept. 9) at 6 p.m. Everyone Advisory Committee and was primary author of the x3334). Future dates include Sept. 23, Oct. 7 and brings a side item to share and their own meat to grill (or 2012 document titled “A Statement of the Traditional 21, Nov. 4 and 18, and Dec. 2. to be grilled by Jim, the master griller). For more info, Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of contact Vanee Daure at [email protected] or x8572. Salvation.” [Page 4] Enroll now for Fall Break Workshops at NOBTS Our fall academic workshops on the main New BSHM5310 Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics Meals Ticket Only Orleans campus are now open for registration. The (Gerald Stevens and Archie England) If you’re staying at Providence Guest House dates, classes, and teachers are listed below. or somewhere else and are just interested in the Housing and Meal Discount four-breakfast and three-lunch meal ticket, it can You may register online through SelfServe. Please be purchased for $31 through Providence Guest make sure to select the appropriate workshop term Package A special Workshops Housing and Meal Package House at [email protected]. for step 3 of the online registration process. Please is being offered to help save money for students note that some courses do not go the entire week, who stay at a dormitory. You can get lodging plus Other Fall Workshops and thus you may be able to take two courses four breakfasts and three lunches in the cafeteria If you have other plans for Fall Break, maybe during the week. (breakfast on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and one of these workshops will be of interest: Friday plus lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Currently available syllabi for the graduate Thursday) on a first-come, first-served basis. October 2-4 in Atlanta courses are linked on their titles below. Others Register by September 2 will be posted on the Graduate Workshops Web The special Workshop Housing and Meal DISC5399 — Special Event: Catalyst Conference page as they are received. Note the money-saving Package is available for $95 per person in the (Angie Bauman) early bird housing and meal plan offered below for dormitories. This package is over a 20 percent students coming to the New Orleans campus. discount to help hold down your costs. Please note: In addition to NOBTS tuition, Below is the list of courses and teachers at each the student is required to pay the $209 Catalyst location. Please note that some courses do not go All dormitory occupancy is based on double or Conference fee for the labs and conference sessions. the entire week. triple occupancy, and you need to bring your own The NOBTS student account will be assessed this bath towel, pillow, blanket, and sheets. fee ($209) with no exceptions allowed. Tickets Fall Academic Workshops are purchased as a group by NOBTS and will be Undergraduate Courses Availability for this offer is limited due to space distributed to each student at the conference on October 14-18 restrictions. You cannot purchase this package the October 2. WMCM1215 Women’s Work in the Local Church first day of class. Pre-register for the Workshops (Rhonda Kelley and Chris Adams) Housing and Meal Package by emailing Providence November 14-16 Guest House at [email protected]. The charge Register by October 21 Graduate Courses for the Workshop Housing and Meal Package will CEYH6357 Leadership Development in Youth October 10-12 be put on your student account. Those whose Ministry (main campus) (Clyde Hall) Register by September 17 names are on the list of pre-registered guests CEYH6355 Exploring a Biblical Worldview should check in at the Providence Guest House, United Worship Conference (Clyde Hall) and the meal ticket and room key will be given to The 2013 NOLA United Worship Conference, —————————— you at that time. sponsored by NOBTS, is set for Sept. 14. Register October 14-18 in New Orleans now for a day of worship focused on worship Register By September 14 Housing Only band leadership, instrument training, theological CEWM5260 Women’s Work in the Local Church If you want to stay in a dorm room, but do not training in worship, and discipleship and worship (Rhonda Kelley with Chris Adams) want a meal package the price is $64. Schedule equipping. The featured guest will be Paul Clark your room reservation with Providence Guest from the TN Baptist Convention. Cost is $25 CEEF6301 Philosophical Foundations House at [email protected]. and includes lunch. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 (Rick Yount) p.m. Register and pay online HERE.

CEEF6205 Curriculum Design (David Bond)

CEAD6358 Ministry with Older Adults (Hal Stewart) #pictureNOBTS CEAM6320 Church Leadership and Administration Thanks for Dr. Rex Butler (Jonathan Russell and Ricky Cummings) for sending The Gatekeeper staff this photo of a rainbow CECH6230 Children’s Ministry Theory and extending over the NOBTS Practice (Donna Peavey and Paula Stringer) campus in late August. If you capture life at NOBTS in a MISS5331 New Orleans Disaster Relief Training photo, send it to pr@nobts. and Experience (Ken Taylor and Loretta Rivers) edu. We’d love to share it on the seminary’s social media. PREA6213/6313 Contemporary Bible Exposition (Mike Miller) [Page 5]

Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Decides: Panel Discussion on Medical Ethics in the Real World Tuesday, September 17 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) (3939 Gentilly Blvd NOLA 70126) Free and Open to Public, Including Pastors, Physicians, and Students Panelists:

Burke Balch, JD (National Right to Life) Very Rev. José Lavastida, S.T.D. (Archdiocese of New Orleans) Steve Lemke, Ph.D (Provost, NOBTS) Mari Wirfs, RN, PhD, BCFNP (Southern Univ. BR) Jeff White, MD, FACC, FCCP (Cardiologist and Hospital System Ethics Director)

Join us to engage in a pivotal discussion about making ethical decisions in the medical setting near the end of life through the lens of real world scenarios. • Learn about national and state issues, such as assisted suicide and euthanasia. • Delve into issues facing families, including decisions on nutrition and hydration. • Understand how these issues can impact you and your family. • Pastors and Leaders: Receive simple resources to educate your community.

For More Information: www.ProLifeLouisiana.org/MedicalEthics Contact Ryan Verret of Louisiana Right to Life at 504.835.6520 or [email protected]