December 21, 2017 Toll free 1-800-803-5201 Vol. 182, No. 50 Informing. Inspiring. Connecting. www.thealabamabaptist.org

INSIDE

Alabama Bap- tists share Christ- mas ministries statewide Page 3

TAB AR

123rf.com photo, graphic by Lauren C. Grim Christmas backpacks show love of Christ to children in need What Lottie Moon taught me about injustice, gospel Page 5 By Lori McDaniel Moon, the 19th century Southern practice of foot-binding. The custom gospel. Her resolve to persist on the International Mission Board Baptist missionary who helped in- entailed bending a young girl’s toes front lines nearly 150 years ago in- ’ve met injustice face to face. spire the international missions offer- downward until her foot doubled spires me to tenaciously wrestle with She was a traf cked wom- ing that carries her name today. And and binding them tightly until they injustice and the gospel in my own an who stood beside me at a I feel a similar urgency myself. Writ- broke. The tighter the better. world today. train station in Asia, her pimp ing as if she were a The agonizing Here’s what Lottie’s example glaring from a few feet away. wartime correspon- pain resulted in a teaches me about injustice and the IEverything within me wanted to grab dent, Lottie sent deformed, three- gospel. her hand and rescue her. But our con- dispatches from inch foot believed versation ended abruptly and I don’t the front lines. Her to attract better Inner tension know where she is today. provocative letters marriage prospects We must live in the tension of in- I heard injustice cry out on asked the Church and a higher social justice. Lottie proclaimed the gospel Heroes of Faith: the edge of an African village as to courageously status. To a groom, while ministering to broken people ‘My Utmost for 10-year-old girls were “circumcised” send reinforce- “It is much more wrapped in the brutality of injustice. His Highest’ as part of a village tradition. The ments to advance important for her The inner tension she felt was thick. author Oswald village women sang in celebration, the gospel and to to have small feet She knew that unbinding the feet of Chambers and my heart split between anger compassionately than a pretty face,” a young girl came with risks. A girl and compassion. The need for justice give aid to those Lottie wrote. “As with unbound feet may have become Page 7 and the gospel weighed heavy on my dealing with op- to education, that an outcast, rejected by her family. soul. pression. Her words a mere whisper is neither desired nor expected.” But with feet bound, girls suffered “I cannot be silent,” wrote Lottie of the thunderous life she lived: “The Lottie spoke out, encouraging par- excruciating pain, were susceptible needs of these people press upon my ents to unbind their daughter’s feet to infection and death and would soul and I cannot be silent.” and to allow them to go to school. likely become uneducated child- And for 40 years, Lottie lived among brides. As many of us would, Lottie Voice for the voiceless people whose needs altered between wrestled through her options. “Has Lottie entered China to teach poverty, disease, war, persecution, the time come and are we strong women and school-aged girls. It famine and the results of human enough to make a decided stand on wasn’t long before she collided atrocities. the question of foot-binding?” she head-on with injustice in the Chi- She met injustice face to face with asked. “Shall we make it a rule that nese culture, speci cally the ancient a relentless love and the truth of the (See ‘Fight,’ page 7) PAGE 2 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / DECEMBER 21, 2017 COMMENT Awed and Overwhelmed ho has not stood awed by a mountain to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all vista or dazzled by a sparkling sunset? things, through whom also He made the world. W Who has not seen the majesty of God And He (the Son) is the radiance of His glory and as they cuddled a newborn child or been over- the exact representation of His nature, and up- whelmed by the reality of God as they gazed into holds all things by the word of His power” (Heb. a starlit sky? 1:2–3a). The psalmist knew such feelings. The opening THOUGHTS The Apostle John’s Gospel says, “The Word verses of Psalm 19 declare: became esh and dwelt among us and we beheld The heavens are telling of the glory of God; By Bob Terry His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the And their expanse is declaring the work of His Father, full of grace and truth” (1:14). hands. Both writers reference what theologians call Day to day pours forth speech, “incarnation,” the event we celebrate at Christmas. And night to night reveals knowledge. In Philippians 2:6–7, Paul denes incarnation There is no speech, nor are there words; explain the worldwide phenomenon of religion when he writes of Jesus, “who, although He ex- Their voice is not heard. and religions. isted in the form of God, did not regard equality Their line has gone out through all the earth, General Revelation may provide insights into with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Him- And their utterances to the end of the world. God as Creator and Sustainer but it cannot pro- self, taking the form of a bondservant and being Voiceless though it may be, His handiwork we vide a transforming knowledge of God’s love and made in the likeness of men.” call nature declares the glory of God. grace in behalf of humanity that “exchanged the Incarnation is the ultimate Special Revelation Centuries later the Apostle Paul picked up this truth of God for a lie” (Rom. 1:25). because the God who has always acted to make theme in his letter to the Christians at Rome. In That kind of knowledge can only come from Himself known ultimately reveals Himself in hu- Romans 1:20, he argued, “For since the creation what theologians call “Special Revelation.” man form — in the life of one individual, Jesus of of the world His (God’s) invisible attributes, His Special Revelation began with God’s choice Nazareth who was born in a Bethlehem stable. eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly of Israel through which all humankind was to be Incarnation is not something concocted by the seen, being understood through what has been blessed. God’s choice of Israel was a particular church at some theological council. It is recogni- made.” choice sealed with a covenant although it always tion of what Jesus said about Himself. In John looked forward to the eschatological kingdom of 6:46, Jesus declared, “No one has seen the Father Available to all except the One who is from God; only He has The Apostle Paul says God took the initiative to God. The writer of the Book of Hebrews uses a seen the Father.” Later, in John 10:30, Jesus said make Himself known in these ways (Rom. 1:19) plainly, “I and the Father are one.” In John 14:9, and this knowledge of God is available to all peo- summary statement to gather together the vari- ous ways God acted through Special Revelation Jesus is quoted as saying, “If you have seen Me, ple everywhere. you have seen the Father.” In Acts 14:17 the apostle expounds that theme to make Himself known to Israel. He writes, “In in his sermon to the pagans in Lystra. There Paul the past God spoke to our forefathers through ‘God was in Christ’ declares, “He (God) did not leave Himself without the prophets at many times and in various ways” Is it any wonder that Paul would later write to witness, in that He did good and gave you rains (Heb. 1:1). The Old Testament records the words the Corinthian Christians that “God was in Christ from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your and deeds of the prophets; the moral mandates of reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19)? hearts with food and gladness.” the law; God’s actions in historical events; natural Earlier in that same letter he wrote the “knowl- When God acts to make Himself known, that phenomena; divine guidance of individuals and edge of the glory of God” could be seen “in the is called “revelation,” a word that means “unveil- groups, angels, dreams and visions; and more. face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). ing.” Both the psalmist and Apostle Paul contend God readily disclosed His nature and His will to Again, this is the ultimate “Special Revelation.” God took the initiative to make Himself known (to Israel because Israel was to make God known to During Christmas most of us will talk about reveal Himself) through the created order. all others. shepherds and wise men, about a tired donkey and Theologians call this “General Revelation.” One After the summary statement with which the a town crowded with tourists. We will focus on can see God’s power and majesty through General Book of Hebrews begins, the writer declares that Mary, Joseph and the infant swaddled and laid in Revelation, even God’s artistry and creativity. God has made an ultimate Special Revelation. The an animal’s feeding trough. Some even argue that General Revelation helps author writes, “In these last days He has spoken In the midst of the celebration of incarnation — of God coming in human form — let us not forget that it all happened because from the beginning God would not leave Himself without a witness in His desire to make Himself known to all people everywhere including you and me. Perhaps it is God’s love and grace revealed in CHURCH SECURITY Unless theological seminary cur- for the safety the incarnation that should leave us awed and I’m writing in reference to the arti- riculum included such training for and security overwhelmed. cle “How can we protect the church?” many years, there are likely few pas- of the con- that appeared in the Nov. 16 issue of tors qualied to assume such a role. gregation and support The Alabama Baptist. That role is better left to a congregant those who step forward to lead First and foremost it is not the “pas- (volunteer) who is Christ-led to pursue such an effort. The Alabama Baptist tor’s role to safeguard the congrega- church security. The pastor has a full Second “establishing a no-con- will not publish a Dec. 28 issue. tion against active shooters,” as the plate without adding security. cealed weapons policy in the church” The next issue will be Jan. 4. article stated. Pastors, however, should advocate (See ‘Letters,’ page 10) DECEMBER 21, 2017 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 3 Christmas “If ye continue in My word, then ... ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31–32 ministries (ISSN 0738-7741; USPS 011-080) © The Alabama Baptist, Inc. is published weekly except for — Alabama Baptists share love of Christ statewide — one week in July and December by The Alabama Baptist, Inc., at 3310 Independence Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209. Phone: 205-870-4720. Statewide phone: 1-800-803-5201. Fax: 205-879-6026. Website: www. thealabamabaptist.org. Email: [email protected] or circulation@thealabamabaptist. org. Periodicals postage paid at Birmingham, Ala., and at additional mailing of ces.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES PRINT Church Budget — $13.75 Individual — $22.25 DIGITAL Church Budget — $8.50 Individual — $14.95 Photo courtesy of Coffee Baptist Association Photos courtesy of Mona Crawford Coffee Baptist Association’s 90-plus year ‘Coffee Cakes’ tradition of donating cakes, DR. BOBBY S. TERRY EDITOR cookies and candies to Alabama Baptist Chil- dren’s Homes & Family Ministries continues BOARD OF DIRECTORS with 821 items given by churches this year. Chairman Arthur Williams, vice chairman Rob Jackson, secretary East Cullman FBC Union Springs Lawrence Phipps, Ben Bowden, John Brock, Sallie Bryant, Travis Baptist Associa- holds living nativ- Coleman, Gary Fenton, Rick tion volunteers ity to kick off the Ellison, Rosalie Hunt, Jim Oakley set up Christ- Christmas season. Jr., Amelia Pearson, Rick Patrick, mas ‘stores’ in Countless volunteers Mike Shaw, Scott Swedenburg, Jana Wyatt, Rick Lance (ex of cio) area nursing assisted with the ef- John Thweatt (ex of cio). homes so resi- fort from building the dents can select sets to lling roles to NEWS SERVICES gifts for loved greeting guests and Baptist Press (BP), Baptist News Global (BNG), Religion News ones or them- handing out animal Service (RNS), Forum 18 (F18), selves. Gifts and crackers. An inter- Morning Star News (MS). gift wrapping national missions are provided to speaker also shared POSTMASTER Send address changes to: the residents at about work in a The Alabama Baptist no cost. Photo courtesy of Debbie Keaton closed country. 3310 Independence Drive Birmingham, AL 35209

ADDRESS CHANGE Send old and new addresses, and name of church to: How you can help secure your church For more Circulation Department 3310 Independence Drive he Alabama Baptist until noon at First Baptist Church, who has served in emergency- information about Birmingham, AL 35209 State Board of Missions Prattville. related roles for 30-plus years. the conference, Allow two weeks. Of ce of LeaderCare T Topics will include: There is no “perfect solution” if contact Ana To the best of our knowledge, and Church Health will hold 4Why church security someone is intent on doing harm, all of the ads in The Alabama “Basics of Church Security: 4Basics for any congregation he said. However, churches can Raymundo at 334- Baptist represent legitimate companies and offerings. Protecting Against Imminent 4Dealing with armed attackers take steps to improve safety and 613-2356 or go to However, one should always Threats of Violence” train- 4Armed security teams. security. exercise normal business www.alsbom.org/ caution in responding to ads. ing for churches seeking to Even small churches like most The conference is made avail- improve security. The training in Alabama can be targets, said able through CP support and pre- events. Full member of will be held Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. state missionary Mark Wake eld, registration is suggested. (TAB) Alabama Press Association

Accredited member of Contact David McCullough at 205-743-8609 or go to www.caftllc. Evangelical Council for Alabama church security resources: com. Financial Accountability 4Your local police or sheriff’s of ce: Many local of cials are trained in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate), 4North Alabama Security Training Academy (Huntsville area and statewide): Training for unarmed and armed church se- ‘Nation’s Top Regional instructor-led classes that provide preparation and a plan for orga- curity teams. Classroom portion includes communication, use of Christian Newspaper’ nizations on how to proactively handle the threat of an aggressive force and legal liability issues. Basic class requires a minimum of 1999, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, intruder or active shooter event. 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 as 4Central Alabama Firearms Training (Birmingham area and 5 participants and has a fee per participant. Includes onsite assess- judged by Associated Church Press, ment of church campus and facilities to look for vulnerabilities. Baptist Communicators Association, statewide): CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event) Evangelical Press Association or training for church security teams at your church. Initial training Contact Barry Pendergraft at 256-682-3760 or nd information at Religion Communicators Council for unarmed team is free; rearms training is available for a fee. www.alabamasecuritytraining.com/church-security-training.html. PAGE 4 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / DECEMBER 21, 2017

Bullock prison ministry distributes Christmas gifts to inmates yle Curington says he’s Curington and others have got a lot of motivations taught Sunday School in the K to keep going into Bull- prison for about 25 years, even ock Correctional Facility every starting a new Sunday School Christmas, but one of the big- program at Easterling Cor- gest ones is this. rectional Facility when some “It’s quite an experience of the inmates transferred over when you go into the dorm to from Bullock and found they hand out presents to the inmates didn’t have Bible study there. and tell them that we love them, “Starting a ministry to pris- God loves them and the outside oners in our area was the vision world is thinking about them,” of Tom Randall, who was our he said. “Some of them have pastor back then,” Curington been disowned by their families said. “He had a feeling in his or don’t have any families, and heart that the prisoners needed when we tell them that, tears access to Bible study.” well up in their eyes.” With the permission of the Longstanding ministry prison, Randall, Curington and others were designated a por- Photo courtesy of Sherrie Bittle For more than a decade, Children from the pre-K class at New Bethel Baptist Church, Warrior, in Sulphur Springs Curington, a member of First tion of the property inside the Association bring donations to the Cane Creek Baptist Church, Warrior, food bank. Baptist Church, Union Springs, chain-link fence and built a in Bullock Baptist Association, chapel for prisoners, “maybe and others have gone into the the prettiest chapel you’ve ever prison every Christmas to hand seen,” Curington said. out Christmas presents to the He and others tore down an inmates. old school nearby, and with the “We make an assembly line help of prisoners who cleaned Labor of love at the prison and pack gallon up the brick, they built the cha- (plastic) bags with all kinds of pel with exposed wood beams goodies — food, deodorant, from the school gym. Cane Creek Baptist food bank sees God at work pencils and other things,” Cur- “A lot of people made that here’s a building at cial bonus — children get stock- of God’s command to care for the ington said. happen and God has done a lot Cane Creek Baptist ings stuffed by local churches. poor. It’s a longstanding ministry, of things through this ministry,” Church, Warrior, that’s Sherrie Bittle, director of the Before each third Saturday but the relationship between Curington said. “It’s been quite loaded down with food. food bank, said the contents of the distribution, Donald gives a short area Baptists and inmates isn’t a ride but it’s been a good ride.” T just a once-a-year thing. (Grace Thornton) And Harold Donald says it’s a stockings range from onesies for message and offers everyone there labor of love. babies to toys, clothes and food a chance to respond to the gospel. “We’ve been doing this for 12 for older kids. Dan Nichols, director of mis- years at least,” said Donald, Cane sions for Sulphur Springs Baptist Creek’s pastor. “It started out re- Help from others Association, says it is “an unbe- REFLECTIONS ally small and it’s really grown.” “Other churches are such a big lievable work of the Lord going The food bank, which opens help with the ministry,” she said. on at Cane Creek.” (Grace Thorn- its doors to the community on the For one, New Bethel Baptist ton) third Saturday of every month, Church, Warrior, starts its gener- feeds about 150 families. osity early — its pre-K class has a “It’s de nitely been something canned food drive, and the teacher supported by the community — brings the children to the food it’s not just Cane Creek Baptist bank to deliver it. Church,” Donald said. “There is a “Their teacher really works to Y E A R S lot of work that goes into it.” teach them missions and that’s the 1843 2018 Churches from across Sulphur rst mission they do together as a Springs Baptist Association pitch class,” Bittle said. in to buy food, stock shelves and Donald said Cane Creek Baptist ll volunteer needs. has invested in the food bank be- On March 2, 1876, The And in December, there’s a spe- cause they feel deeply the weight Alabama Baptist printed a report from the manag- ing board of the Muskogee (Creek Native Americans) Baptist Association. In part the letter said, “We feel very grateful to you for sending missionaries to our people. ... Now we have an associa- tion of Baptists comprising some 32 churches in the Creek Nation alone, besides associations among the Choctaw and Chickasaw, one among the Cherokee and several churches among the Seminole.” DECEMBER 21, 2017 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 5

SHARING Christmas joy Christmas backpack ministry to continue after Barker retires labama Baptists will and snacks are included too. churches and our folks.” send a record num- “A lot of these children are in Barker will be missed though, ber of Christmas such poverty that they are not get- said Candace McIntosh, executive backpacks to kids ting meals when school is out,” director of Alabama WMU. this year through its Ingram said. “The food in the “I’ve never known anyone who Apartnership with the Mississippi backpack is what they survive on has such compassion and passion Photo by John Swain/NAMB River Ministry (MRM). until school goes back.” for ministering to the poor,” she Bill Barker, director of Appalachian Regional Ministry, picks up Alabama’s 2017 goal was 6,500 The regional Christmas back- said of Barker. “He has a heart for donated clothes sent in an assortment of cardboard boxes. backpacks, and Pat Ingram, mis- packs effort began six years ago as the people and an understanding sions and ministry consultant for a shoebox ministry. The program of the challenges they face. He is God do small miracles. I’ve seen for $10,000, which substantially Women on Mission and women’s has expanded from 300 shoeboxes really an advocate and champion Him do big miracles.” helped fund the McPeeks’ pro-life ministry for Alabama Woman’s in 2012 to an expected 65,000 for the underserved.” Barker started seeing miracles ministry. Missionary Union (WMU), con- backpacks this year. She also noted his passion for in his rst year with ARM. In “It has been 16-and-a-half years rmed the goal had been met at Though Alabama primarily missions and missions education. February 2002, Barker visited of miracles,” Barker said. press time. sends backpacks through MRM, In his 16 years as ARM director, Larry and Bessie McPeek to learn “God has enabled me to be out “We may even make 7,000,” thousands also are distributed Barker has been a popular speaker more about their ministry helping there and be among Southern Bap- Ingram said, noting that some through Appalachian Regional at local churches, associational young mothers keep their babies. tists and talk about His work,” he associations are still delivering Ministry (ARM). ARM and meetings and state conventions In the three months before Barker said of the ministry that has led to backpacks. MRM are North American Mis- and conferences, including many arrived they’d helped 180 women. 77,000 professions of faith. “It has This is the third year Alabama sion Board (NAMB) ministries events in Alabama. But they were broke. been a marvel to see God use this WMU and the global missions that mobilize Southern Baptists “It has been an honor to work old boy from the head of a hollow team of the Alabama Baptist State to meet the spiritual and physical with him,” McIntosh said. Years of miracles in West Virginia in a manner such Board of Missions (SBOM) have needs of the two regions through As he looks back over his mis- “I have no money to give you,” as this.” partnered with MRM to share evangelism, church planting and sionary service, Barker noted sev- Barker told the couple before Barker expressed his appre- Christmas joy with children who church strengthening. eral developments that stand out. praying with them and leaving. ciation for Southern Baptists otherwise might not have a very A gospel tract written by ARM That night a call came to and their support of Cooperative merry holiday. Upcoming retirement volunteers has been distributed to Barker’s cell phone in a location Program missions, noting their of- “Many areas served by MRM Bill Barker has served more more than 1.6 million people. The where he typically did not have ferings have supported the work of are poverty-stricken areas,” In- than 16 years as director of ARM tract led to a correspondence Bible cell coverage and hasn’t since. It ARM and MRM. NAMB’s work gram said. “The communities are and has overseen MRM since class initiated by ARM, now led was from a lady who had heard in the region will continue through very rural and their lives are just 2012. Though Barker is retir- by local churches and completed Barker speak at her church two a new Send Relief ministry hub dif cult.” ing at the end of December, the by more than 5,000 people. Hun- weeks earlier in South Carolina. located in Kentucky. Each backpack includes a backpack ministry will continue, dreds have come to faith in Christ She wanted to send money from Barker will stay active in the Christmas story and a Bible study Ingram said. through it, including several dozen an inheritance to help the people backpacks ministry when he be- postcard along with a variety of “We will still partner with men in prison. of Kentucky. gins his new role as director of the gifts and necessities, including MRM just as we have been do- “I wake up every morning won- Barker thought the lady would Appalachian Mountain Ministries toys, clothing, school supplies and ing,” she said. “There shouldn’t dering what miracle God is going send him $20 or so. Two days of the Georgia Baptist Mission hygiene products. Canned foods really be any changes for our to do today,” he said. “I’ve seen later he received a check from her Board in January 2018. (TAB, BP) Baptist associations ‘grab hold of’ backpack ministries By Grace Thornton The Backpacks of Hope project, really grabbed hold of,” Starling then it grew into an opportunity The Alabama Baptist run each year by NAMB, provides said. to get our folks involved in go- rom June to almost Christmas presents for thousands Judson Association’s backpacks ing.” November, all Aimee of impoverished children in Appa- have gone west to the Missis- This year, a team of 47 peo- F Starling thinks about is lachia and the Mississippi Delta. sippi Delta region each year, but ple from across Selma Asso- backpacks. “Our churches have overwhelm- Jonathan Jenkins, pastor of Sister ciation went in mid-December It’s been that way now for ingly supported it,” Starling said. Springs Baptist Church, Tyler, in with Sister Springs Baptist to several years. Throughout the year, churches Selma Baptist Association, said his deliver 340 backpacks. “Three years ago, a letter give both money and supplies to church’s go north. On previous was sent out to each associa- cover what’s needed. Starling buys For the past few trips, they have For more tion challenging them to set a the backpacks at a discount then years, a team from met and minis- goal of maybe 50 backpacks Photo by Dina Burdeshaw shops with donated funds to get his church has not information about tered to people each,” said Starling, a member Judson and Selma associations the remaining supplies to ll them. only packed the Backpacks of Hope, in extreme of Adoniram Baptist Church, are two of many Alabama Volunteers pack the bags. bags but helped visit www.namb. poverty, “folks Abbeville, in Judson Baptist Baptist associations assisting It’s a well-loved project, Starling with distribution net/send-relief/ who don’t have Association. “We set our goal with Backpacks of Hope. said. And this year, when church in Williamsburg, backpacks-of-hope. beds to sleep in, at 21. We thought, ‘That’s one messengers to the associational Kentucky, part of living in homes per church — certainly we can 100 and we had 170,” said Star- meeting heard about the program, the area served by that don’t keep manage that.’” ling, who also serves as a missions they went back and challenged Appalachian Regional Ministry. out the weather or the wind,” They managed 42 that year. mobilizer for the North American their church to get involved. “Each year, the number of back- Jenkins said. “It’s been really Last year they set their goal at Mission Board (NAMB). “It’s They gave $1,000 — enough to packs has grown,” Jenkins said. interesting to see what God has 50 and packed 81. all because of the support of our ll 66 backpacks. “It started out as a simple project done through the ministry there. “This year we set our goal at churches.” “It’s a project the churches have where we could give and send, but It’s been really, really good.” PAGE 6 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / DECEMBER 21, 2017

FBC Livingston’s ministry TAB to Chinese students thriving AR t was several years ago when the people our Friday night fellowship,” Larkin said. I of First Baptist Church, Livingston, were On Friday nights, a local restaurant run by rst told the world was headed to their Chinese Christians prepares dinner for the town of 3,000. The University of West students, then they gather for Bible study. Alabama (UWA) was getting an in ux of “God just laid it all out and we are students from China, and the staff asked amazed,” Larkin said. “It’s been great.” the community to help make them feel Her mother, Lenora Hamrick, and fellow welcome. church member Eleanor Ward have been The church took that as a wide-open leading English conversation classes on door. Tuesday nights for years, and Larkin leads a “The rst year, we provided basic neces- Sunday School class for the new believers. sities for them,” said church member Cindy “We started at Genesis and are going Theology 101 Larkin. through the Bible,” Larkin said. “It’s really But they all agree the ministry had a slow fun. We read it in English and then one of BIBLICAL THEOLOGY FOR PEOPLE IN THE PEW start. That rst year they put Bibles in the the students reads it in Chinese.” welcome packets too and a lot of them were The members of First, Livingston, build thrown away. relationships with the students, invite them God’s Self-Revelation But when things took off, they really did, into their homes, take trips with them and and now the church’s ministry is thriving. introduce them to Jesus. In the past several years, they’ve baptized Ward said the holidays provide a great Revealed in the Incarnate Christ eight new Chinese believers, including one opportunity to share culture and the gospel. By Jerry Batson, Th.D. insuf ciency of General Revelation at woman who is a professor at UWA. “It’s not us, it’s God,” she said. “We are Special to The Alabama Baptist “Now our Chinese Christians are leading just in awe.” (Grace Thornton) this point of need made necessary special od has chosen to reveal something revelation. So if we would enjoy fellow- about Himself both in nature ship with God and know Him experien- and in humans whom He created tially, we are compelled to receive the in His own image and likeness. saving self-revelation of God that He has GStudents of theology have traditionally revealed in the Savior’s coming into the referred to these disclosures as General DeKalb and St. Clair world. The incarnation of God in Christ SOUTHEAST Revelation. We might describe General associations and as- became the apex of God’s self-revelation. 4Bethel Church, Dothan, will hold Revelation as God’s self-disclosure to sisted with statewide a Christmas Eve candlelight service Dec. all people throughout all time and in all evangelical events Authority of the Bible 24, 5 p.m. This will be a time to celebrate places. Revelation by means of creation for the State Board of People who accept the authority and Jesus Christ through a service of traditional and human image-bearers is general in Missions. White holds accuracy of the Bible believe that when Christmas carols and Scripture reading. the sense that it is and has been avail- a bachelor’s degree the prophets spoke or wrote, they were Ricky Plummer is pastor. able to all people at all times. It also is from Trinity College declaring a message from God and about general in the sense that the perceptions of the Bible and a God, but when Christ spoke, it was God WINSTON about God through these means is of a Roger White is the new pastor master’s degree and Himself who was speaking. Not only 4 general nature, namely that He exists; is of First Church, Arley. He previously doctorate from Trinity in His message was God being heard powerful and wise; is a lover of beauty, served as pastor of Friendship Church, Seminary. He is mar- WHITE but also in the character of Christ, God symmetry and orderliness; and that He Springville. He also served churches in ried to Katherine. was being revealed. God had actually is personal, communicative and know- come among humans and displayed His able. However, for people to know God in a personal way and enjoy fellowship attributes to them. Christ’s utterances, at- Calvary BC celebrates 50 years of deaf ministry with Him it required further revelation of titudes, affections, actions and reactions God; humankind’s limitations of nite- did more than mirror the Father. They ness and sinfulness made this necessary. were the actual presence of God who Beyond all that could be known about had come to make Himself knowable to God through General Revelation, His and experienced by human beings. most complete and saving self-revelation The Roman centurion at the cross awaited the coming of Jesus into the expressed it succinctly: “Truly this was world. The approach of another Christ- the Son of God” (Matt. 27:54). Else- mas affords an opportune time to re ect where, the Bible puts it like this: “No on God’s self-disclosure in the person, one has seen God at any time. The only mission and message of Christ. In this begotten Son, who is in the bosom of season we do well to confess the truth the Father, He has declared Him” (John of Colossians 2:9 concerning Christ: “In 1:18). Jesus is on record as having Him dwells all the fullness of the God- said, “Whoever has seen me has seen head bodily.” the Father” (John 14:9). In celebrating Christmas also is the time to acknowl- Christmas, be sure to include gratitude edge and reaf rm that Christ Jesus came for God’s self-revelation in His Son. as fully human in order that all humans might have a saving knowledge of God. This goes beyond General Revelation. Jerry Batson is It is often referred to as Special Revela- a retired Alabama tion or Particular Revelation. All people Baptist pastor who Photo courtesy of Vickie Brown also has served as need to know more about God than a associate dean of Calvary Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, celebrates 50 years of deaf ministry Oct. general grasp of some of His attributes. Beeson Divinity 29 with a recognition service. The ministry was started in October 1967 by We all stand in need of knowing God School at Samford then church secretary Naomi Scott. Vickie Brown, who has served in deaf min- in a relational way, not merely gaining University and istry for 40 years, currently serves as Calvary’s interpreter. Robert Scott, who a mental grasp of what God is like but professor of several was 14 years old when the ministry began, is still an active member 50 years entering into a personal, redemptive and schools of religion later and leads and teaches the Sunday School class. Tim Lovett is pastor. heart-to-heart relationship with Him. The during his career. DECEMBER 21, 2017 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 7 ‘Fight injustice with gospel-informed response’ (continued from page 1) ly prayed. Twenty years later her world to Himself and entrusted all who come in (to school) shall husband chose to follow Christ. us as “messengers of reconcilia- unbind their feet?” Not long after his conversion, she tion” (2 Cor. 5:19). Injustice binds, the gospel sets “prayed about the unbinding of We can’t love the gospel and free — and we must relentlessly her daughters’ feet, and when she not have compassion for the bro- minister in the tension between spoke of it to her husband, she ken in need of the gospel. Ironi- the two. could scarcely believe her ears cally, a year and a half before Let us not shrink in the face of that he promptly consented.” Lottie died she was still writing injustice but courageously  ght It was Christ in him that of injustice and oppression as injustice with a gospel-informed changed his perspective of right famine claimed the lives of many response. and wrong. Injustice and broken- around her. She wrote of men Righting a wrong of injustice is ness dwell where God’s name collapsing on the side of the road, not redemptive. Christ’s presence and glory does not. But, when their sacks of grain still beside and power is. The gospel breeds His name is present, God has them as they died of starvation injustice- ghters, but  ght- the power to redeem and restore on their way back to their fami- ing injustice is not necessarily justice. lies. She told of mothers sending proclaiming the gospel. We are Injustice dwells where truth IMB photo their children away from home, called to defend against the as- does not. Injustice will continue International missionary Lottie Moon had such an evident love just hoping someone would feed sault of injustice while introduc- as long as the truth is suppressed for the Chinese people she served that on her tombstone her them. ing God as the one who “heals (Rom. 1:18). Chinese friends carved on a plaque ‘how she loved us.’ Lottie fell in love with the the brokenhearted and binds up As believers, we don’t just Chinese people and the Chinese their wounds” (Ps. 147:5). inform people of truth, we intro- as a tangible gospel witness to God through Jesus Christ. people fell in love with her. duce them to truth by being a liv- among them — yes, live among Injustice is often tethered to a be- When she died, her Chinese Standing rm ing example of Christ. friends carved in Chinese letters the impoverished, the diseased, lief — a story — that’s a deeply After years of attempting to When we introduce people on a plaque, “Lottie Moon.” the broken, the displaced and the rooted worldview, passed down right the wrong of foot-binding, to the Word, “many hearts are And underneath could be found dejected. We can declare truth through generations. Lottie wrote of one student who stirred,” wrote Lottie, “but these when we dwell among injustice. the phrase, “how she loved us.” chose to follow Christ but “was newly awakened souls are bound Cultures may place their iden- forced to marry into a heathen in the chains of old habits. ... Reconciliation tity in such beliefs, anchored in EDITOR’S NOTE — Lori family. They used every effort to Now what these people need Injustice is uprooted when we religion, tradition or societal ex- McDaniel is a church initiatives induce her to recant.” — next to grace of God in their share the story of reconciliation. pectations. leader at the International Mis- But she would not. Her hus- hearts — is to see the life of Je- As believers, we understand We cannot change the narrative sion Board. She served with her band destroyed her Bible and sus Christ set before them.” justice differently because we’ve of a culture without giving them family for several years in Africa demanded she leave her faith. We can’t just do good. We been justi ed. Our story has been a better story to believe. Through before returning to plant a church Unrelenting, this woman fervent- must love people enough to live redeemed by our reconciliation Jesus Christ, God reconciled the in the United States.

Famous Christians from previous centuries By Joanne Sloan Joanne Sloan, a member of First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, has been a published writer of articles and books for 30 years. She has a bachelor’s Heroes degree double majoring in history and English from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M– of the Commerce) and a master’s degree specializing in English from the University of Arkansas (1978).

2017 marks 100th anniversary of Oswald Chambers’ death swald Chambers (1874–1917) London where Chambers’ father worked for In 1908 he sailed back to America and with Christ and completely abandoning was a Scottish Baptist preach- the Baptist Total Abstinence Association. dated Gertrude Hobbs (whom Chambers oneself to Christ. er, evangelist, teacher and As a teenager, Chambers was known for affectionately called “Biddy”). They mar- On Oct. 17, 1917, Chambers was O writer. He is best known for his deep spirituality and love of art. ried in May 1910 and had their only child, stricken with appendicitis but resisted go- the devotional book, “My Utmost for His He studied at the National Art Kathleen, in 1913. Biddy became ing to a hospital because wounded men Highest.” Training School in London from his partner in ministry. She could would need the beds. On Oct. 29 he had Born July 24, 1874, in Aberdeen, Scot- 1893 to 1895 and then at the take shorthand at 250 words per an emergency appendectomy and died land, to Clarence and Hannah Chambers, University of Edinburgh. While minute and transcribed and typed Nov. 15 from a pulmonary hemorrhage. Oswald Chambers was converted under at Edinburgh, he felt a call to the his sermons and lessons. Biddy telegrammed family and friends in the preaching of Charles Spurgeon and ministry. Chambers founded the Bible Britain saying, “Oswald in His presence.” was baptized by Spurgeon, as were his He later studied at Dunoon Col- Training College in London in He was buried with full military honors parents years earlier. He joined Rye Lane lege near Glasgow. 1911. By July 1915, 49 of the 106 at the British Military Cemetery in Cairo. Baptist Chapel. Richard Harris, founder of the students were serving as mission- Today his words live on because of When Chambers was two years old, Pentecostal League of Prayer, aries. In 1916 during World War his industrious widow. Biddy transcribed the family moved to Stoke-on-Trent, in uenced Chambers. Through I, Chambers enlisted as a YMCA and published 30 books edited from her where his father became a home missions the League, he met Juji Nakada, a CHAMBERS chaplain. Assigned to Cairo, notes. “My Utmost for His Highest,” evangelist for North Staffordshire Baptist Japanese evangelist. In 1906, Na- Egypt, he and Biddy evangelized composed of 365 selections of his talks, Association. From there they moved to kada and Chambers went to America where Australian and New Zealand troops. He met has never been out of print, has sold mil- Perth, Scotland, and his father returned to Chambers spent a semester teaching in Cin- the soldiers’ spiritual and physical needs. lions of copies and has been translated preaching. In 1889 the family settled in cinnati and then went to Japan. He stressed having a personal relationship into 39 languages. PAGE 8 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / DECEMBER 21, 2017 Valley Grove members ‘dig deep in their pockets’ to help Children’s Homes By Grace Thornton June, they dedicated the cross on Soon after Logan rst met Je- The Alabama Baptist top of the new sanctuary. sus, he went with a group to tour n Jeff Logan’s eyes, they fell “I used to be in the insurance the ABCH facility in Troy. a little short of what they nor- business and I know that probably That visit stuck with him. I mally like to do. most churches are underinsured,” “I’ve tried to encourage every But when their gift came in, Sellers said. church I’ve been a part of to con- Steve Sellers wept. So for the people of Valley tribute,” he said. Valley Grove Baptist Church, Grove Baptist to dig deep in their So at Valley Grove, every week Remlap, where Logan serves as pockets at a time like this was they do a penny march — children pastor, has given sacri cial and hold buckets, and others march faithfully to the touching, he said. with their offering to the front of Alabama Bap- “They are a very the church to deposit them there. tist Children’s loving church.” Then every year, someone takes Homes & Fam- The church, the offering total to the ABCH ily Ministries part of Blount Christmas open house in Decatur. (ABCH) for Baptist Associa- “They’ve been faithful to give years, but this tion, is hoping to substantially to the Children’s year was a little be back in its own Home,” Sellers said. different. building in early Logan said it just makes sense. In summer 2018. They’ve “It’s a great ministry,” he said. 2016, the church been meeting at He’s watched over the years as lost its building another church children have grown up through to arson. in the area ever ABCH and even gone back to be “They’ve been 123rf.com since the re. house parents for the next genera- in the process of Every week the children at Val- But they tion. rebuilding,” said ley Grove Baptist hold buckets haven’t forgot- “I think the Lord holds a special Sellers, church at the front of the church while ten who they are place in his heart for children and relations manager others take their offering to them or what they’re we want to do the same,” he said. for ABCH. during an organized ‘march.’ about, Logan “I feel like the money is used for a In recent said. great cause to help those children months, Carpenters for Christ “You can’t out-give the Lord,” have a chance in life they wouldn’t and others have worked to get the he said. “He always blesses be- normally get, and our church church back in a new facility. In yond what we can even imagine.” wants to be a part of that.” DECEMBER 21, 2017 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 9 Conecuh County youth rally shows evidence of Lord’s faithfulness By Grace Thornton horseshoe tournament, a chal- sage from Michael Holcombe of The Alabama Baptist lenge to all the churches in the Brushey Creek Baptist Church, our or ve years ago, Tim area. A trophy even travels back Greenville, in Butler Baptist As- Covin saw that his daugh- and forth every year from win- sociation. F ter, Lisa, and a few other ner to winner, said Pastor Larry They played games, sang wor- teens at Lyef on Baptist Church, Johnson. ship songs and Evergreen, in Conecuh Baptist “It’s nothing had a great time, Association really needed a youth fancy — we just “[Covin] brings Covin said. group. love on each It went so well “We started out just having a other and be there them in, takes that they have fu- time for them to get together and for each other,” ture plans brew- watch Christian movies on Sun- he said. “For the care of them and ing already — for day afternoons,” Covin said. “Six adults, it’s a day starters, Lyef on months later, we decided to do a of fellowship. preaches the Baptist wants to service just for them.” Our goal is to make the rally an They started holding that bring more and annual event. service at 5:30 on Wednesday more people to- gospel to them.” But Covin is nights — and it grew from there, gether.” also helping to he said. They have Pastor Larry Johnson plan another rally soup, sandwiches Lyeffion Baptist Church, for February 2018 Growing ministry and s’mores, and Evergreen at Old Town Bap- “We started out with ve kids they play games tist Church, Ev- and now we usually have 25 ev- and just hang out. ergreen, that he’s ery Sunday,” Covin said, adding “But for the youth this year it hoping will draw 400 students. that it was all the youth’s doing. was a chance to get together and Covin says he’s just a deacon “They just kept inviting their worship too,” Johnson said. “That who “took over the youth minis- friends,” he said. gave the event a whole different try,” but Johnson said Covin is a In November, Covin decided aim.” “tireless youth worker.” they should do something a little Before the outdoor festivities “He brings them in, takes care bigger — something to draw all started, 46 youth from different of them and preaches the gospel the youth in the area together. denominations across Conecuh to them,” Johnson said. “God has For the last few years, the and Butler counties gathered laid it on his heart to do these church has held a peanut boil and for worship and to hear a mes- things and he just runs with it.” PAGE 10 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / DECEMBER 21, 2017

TAB

(continued from page 2) er is statistically ill advised. situation is immediately escalated AR is fundamentally awed. The In mass murder situations to the ght mode — the rst two only adherents would be those where the police stopped the options are not available to the (augmented reality) who abide by law and honor carnage, an average of 14 people vast majority of people within an property policy. People like Ste- died. In mass murder situations auditorium. phen Paddock, Omar Mateen, where civilians stopped the car- Since a congregation is con- Follow these Seung-Hui Cho, Adam Lanza, nage, an average of 2.3 people sidered the body of Christ, each instructions George Hennard and Devin Pat- died. with his or her contributing tal- security eld and providing a list rick Kelley are driven by evil and Planning for the police to in- ent, then acting as one body in an of such resources. have no compunction about vio- tervene only affords a mass mur- active shooter situation is most John H. Yetter Download the lating law or policy. derer more time to wreak more appropriate. Hartford, Ala. 1 Aurasma app One common thread among carnage. A security plan has to If the First, Sutherland Springs, from your app store. mass murderers is they choose include immediacy. Waiting is congregation had done so and ev- EDITOR’S NOTE — While locations where armed resistance not an option. eryone close by had immediately The Alabama Baptist’s (TAB) is not anticipated. The outcome at Parochially, active shooter tackled him, then Kelley would policy for letters to the editor is Choose the First Baptist Church, Sutherland response is: escape, evade, con- have been stopped before he 200 words or less, an exception 2 “ALBaptist” Springs, might have been differ- front. Run-hide-ght is a solution killed 24 people. was made for this letter because profile under channel ent if several congregants were set intended to afford an individ- There are many courses of of the broad scope of the topic and tap “Follow.” You armed. ual a better chance to survive. action churches can plan and for our readers and the research Third, planning for police in- When a mass murderer enters rehearse to improve security; provided by the letter writer, who will only have to do this tervention to stop an active shoot- a sanctuary full of people, the however, the Nov. 16 article ad- has safety and security experi- one time. (Any ALBaptist vised churches to consider some ence. Mr. Yetter served 31 years options will allow you ineffectual elements which many in active duty in the U.S. Army to follow The Alabama readers will presume to be mea- and currently serves as the safety sures for improving security. and security director for his Baptist.) The Alabama Baptist could church. TAB also followed up on better serve churches and readers his suggestion of compiling a list Tap the [ ] icon by advising them to seek out re- of resources for improving church 3 at the bottom of sources experienced in the church security (see page 3). the screen.

You will see TAB CLASSIFIEDS 4 pulsating dots, which indicate the app For information about placing a classified ad, contact the advertising department of The Alabama Baptist at 205-870-4720, ext. 102, or [email protected]. Copy deadline is two weeks before publication. is searching for a target. Once it finds a target the dots will turn to a Russell, 298 Tabernacle Rd., Alabama, is seeking a full- tian operated, full service, lighted CHURCH POSITIONS Brent, AL 35034, or email to: time minister to children. Our sign company located in Pelham, bull’s-eye. The bull’s- PASTOR [email protected]. children’s ministry is a vibrant Alabama, for 23 years — is eye will remain until Greenbrier Road Baptist Church ministry with incredible potential. ready to help you expand your the augmented reality is seeking full-time senior pas- PART-TIME MUSIC This ministry position covers church sign ministry. From digital tor. Submit resumés to: Pastor DIRECTOR birth through 6th grade. Please message boards to traditional image loads. Search Team, 1235 Greenbrier Lakeview Baptist Church, Ox- send resumés to the Personnel signs, Reliable Signs will design, Dear Rd., Anniston, AL 36207, ford, Alabama, is seeking a music Committee at: 95 E. Oak St., fabricate and install statewide. Hold your device or email: [email protected]. director. This is a paid, part-time Oxford, AL 36203, or you www.reliablesigns.com. 1-800- 5 position. They will supervise may email resumés to: stan@ 729-6844 or 205-664-0955. over a page or PASTOR the planning and leading of our firstbaptistoxford.org. image in The Alabama ELROD MOBILITY — GREAT Immanuel Baptist Church in worship services in an energetic, Baptist (TAB) marked as Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, is ac- blended style. Their primary ad- OTHER POSITIONS PRICES cepting resumés for a full-time ditional responsibility will be to Stair-lifts, walk-in tubs, lift-chairs augmented reality and pastor. The candidate selected lead the choir ministry and choir BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR and lightweight take-apart watch the paper come will have 5 years senior pastor rehearsals. Interested persons North Shelby Baptist Church scooters. Saving people a lot of experience, seminary training, should send a resumé to: lburell@ is accepting resumés for the money on walk-in tubs, stair-lifts to life. expository preaching style and cableone.net and/or contact full-time position of business and showers. Our lift-chairs and be able to attract and appeal to Lem Burell at 256-846-2807. administrator. Responsibilities scooters are near internet pric- all age groups. We currently have include overseeing the operations ing. A+ rating with BBB. We ser- If the image is an elderly congregation and no MINISTER TO STUDENTS and maintenance of the facility vice Alabama. 1-800-682-0658. 6 slow to load at other ministerial staff. We have First Baptist Church of Oxford, and the financial activities of the any point, then it may underused, debt-free, excellent Alabama, is seeking a full-time church. Candidates should have TRAVEL/VACATION facilities and a good location. minister to students. Our student knowledge of church operations, be your data speed or Candidates with the above quali- ministry is a thriving ministry supervisory experience, physical LOG CABIN RENTAL Wi-Fi strength. Change fications can email resumés to: focused on reaching, equipping facilities management, as well Lake Guntersville area, beauti- locations and try again. [email protected]. and sending students for the as experience and education ful view and fully furnished. Our website is myimmanuel.net. glory of Christ. This ministry in business management. Discounts to ministers. Log on Please include current sermons position covers grades 7 through Qualified candidates can send to www.paradisevista.net to see Each week when on websites. college. Please send resumés to: their resumé to: administrator@ pictures. Call for reservations at 7 the Personnel Committee at: 95 northshelbybaptist.org. 205-540-3600. TAB arrives, BIVOCATIONAL PASTOR E. Oak St., Oxford, AL 36203, open the app and hold Bethel Baptist Church, Highway or you may email resumés to: BUSINESS To advertise through TAB’s your device over the 5, Brent, Alabama, is searching stan@firstbaptistoxford.org. online classifieds, visit www. for a bivocational pastor. NEED A NEW thealabamabaptist.org, scroll augmented reality Please send resumé to: Bethel MINISTER TO CHILDREN CHURCH SIGN? down to the bottom of the page articles. Baptist Church, c/o John D. First Baptist Church of Oxford, Reliable Sign Services — a Chris- and click on “Classified Ads.” DECEMBER 21, 2017 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 11

LifeWay dedicates new corporate headquarters Northport Baptist Church ity with the evangelism of ce of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM) since June 2012. NASHVILLE — LifeWay Christian Resources dedicated its member receives volunteer award “He has been a blessing to Kingdom service,” said new corporate headquarters Nov. 27 with a ribbon-cutting, a Bill McDonald says that when you knock on the Sammy Gilbreath, SBOM evangelism director. “He’s prayer of thanksgiving and a pledge to remain faithful to God’s door of a hospital room, you a good communicator, he loves pastors and directors Word. never know what needs are going of missions and he’s a good teacher.” Speaking to a crowd of employees, executive leadership team to be waiting behind it. Harris said the evangelism team is “like a family” members and special guests, LifeWay President and CEO Thom “Many times it’s much more and he enjoyed “working in unity and harmony with S. Rainer recounted the changes taking place within the organi- than just a physical need,” he a great vision, purpose and singleness of mind.” He zation, from new physical spaces to new digital technologies, but said of the patients he visits reg- noted that he enjoyed pouring his life into encourag- declared a commitment to ularly as a hospital lay chaplain ing churches to emphasize evangelism. “remain faithful to Him who in Tuscaloosa. “We want to help Harris said he is stepping down from the role to has called us” and “continue them with any spiritual needs spend more time at Linden Baptist, a church he has to provide resources that they have too. We’re just there to served three times in the course of his ministry. will point people to God’s encourage.” “It has been a great journey. They are some of the Word and to Christ.” And encourage he has — for MCDONALD most precious people in all the world, and I am an- Joined by other LifeWay more than 1,500 hours’ worth of ticipating that God is going to do some really great leaders, Rainer wielded gi- volunteer time in the past six years. He’s also trained things.” (Grace Thornton) ant scissors to cut an over- 31 other lay chaplains. sized red ribbon in front of And for that work he was recently awarded the Moundville Baptist children help the new 277,000-square-foot BP photo Alabama Hospital Association’s (AHA) Outstanding facility, which includes a re- New corporate headquarters of deliver Christmas shoeboxes Auxilian Award. tail store to serve downtown LifeWay Christian Resources. ’Tis the season for Operation Christmas Child “Volunteers like Mr. McDonald provide invaluable Nashville. (OCC) shoe- support to hospital staff and to patients and their fam- “We dedicate this building to God,” Rainer said, “for His glory boxes and the ilies,” said Dr. Donald E. Williamson, AHA president. and for His gospel.” churches of Six years ago, when McDonald, a member of The event capped a month of activities celebrating LifeWay’s Hale Baptist Northport Baptist Church, “sort of” retired as head move to Capitol View from its former location about a half-mile Association, athletic trainer for the University of Alabama, he ap- away. LifeWay, known as the Sunday School Board at its found- like many other ing in 1891, sold the previous property to developers in late proached a friend who was an administrator at the Alabama Bap- 2015 and broke ground on the new facility in April 2016. (BP) hospital and asked if she would be willing to let him tist congrega- try to revive the hospital’s lay chaplaincy program. tions, dove in. Union settles over HHS abortion mandate In addition to the recent award, he was named Moundville JACKSON, Tenn. — Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, Northport’s Religious Leader of the Year in 2016. Baptist Church has settled its lawsuit against the U.S. government concerning (Grace Thornton) got their chil- Photo courtesy of Lindsey Davis Mullins the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate Harris to retire from part-time role dren involved that Union provide abortion-causing drugs as part of its employee in delivering Maddy Turner (left) and Wes- health plans. at SBOM, focuses on pastorate their 349 shoe- ley Mullins unload Christmas shoeboxes at Community Under the terms of the settlement, the U.S. government agreed After ve and a half years serving on the state boxes collected Baptist Church, Moundville. that the mandate was a violation of the Religious Freedom Res- evangelism team, Billy Harris is retiring from the to Community toration Act and that under the Supreme Court’s decision in the role to focus on his pastorate. Baptist Church, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case, it imposed a “substantial burden” Harris, pastor of Linden Baptist Church in Bethel Moundville, in November. Jason Duckett is pastor on Union’s free exercise of religion. Baptist Association, has served in a part-time capac- of Moundville Baptist. (Maggie Walsh) Union University President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said the university is pleased with the outcome. “We believe, based on the Bible, that life begins at conception,” Oliver said. “We went to court to defend religious liberty, the right to believe and to live according to those beliefs, and we are glad that religious liberty prevailed.” The agreement between Union and the U.S. government speci- es that Union’s employee health plans are permanently exempt from the HHS contraception mandate. The settlement follows new rules issued by the Trump adminis- She is survived by her husband of 70 years, three tration Oct. 6 to exempt entities from the mandate based on their Virginia Maxine Stewart children and several grandchildren, great-grand- religious beliefs. As part of the settlement, the government agreed Former missionary to Thailand dies children and great-great-grandchildren. (TAB) to pay the bulk of the legal fees that Union accrued. (BP) irginia Maxine Stewart, an Alabama native CP giving 5.67 percent under projection V who served as a missionary to Thailand for Franklin Eugene Lewis 36 years, died Nov. 24. She was 93. Former Alabama pastor dies NASHVILLE — Contributions to Southern Baptist Conven- Stewart taught school for several years before tion (SBC) national and international missions and ministries in ranklin Eugene “Gene” Lewis, former pastor moving to Thailand with her husband, Bob, and November were 0.05 percent below the rst two months of SBC’s of Stamp Baptist Church, Valley Head, died three young children. While there, she ministered F 2016–2017 scal year and 5.67 percent below the projected bud- Dec. 5. He served Stamp Baptist in the 1970s. get for the rst two months of the current scal year, according in hospitals, taught English, directed an orienta- An Air Force veteran, Lewis served 58 years in to a news release from SBC Executive Committee President and tion program for Thai women married to Ameri- the ministry, leading churches in Tennessee and CEO Frank Page. can soldiers, worked with refugees and served as Georgia. At the time of his death, he was serving As of Nov. 30, gifts received for distribution through the Coop- a foreign correspondent for Baptist Press for 18 as pastor of Caperton’s Chapel Baptist Church, an erative Program (CP) Allocation Budget totaled $30,185,535.65, years, sending in 717 articles during that time. independent church in Flat Rock. or $14,018.60 below the $30,199,554.25 received through No- Since retiring in 1994, Maxine Stewart has spo- Lewis was preceded in death by his wife, Phyl- vember 2016. The two-month total is $1,814,464.35 below the ken or played Thai hymns on the ranat-ek, similar lis. He is survived by three children, ve grand- $32,000,000 year-to-date allocation budget projection. (BP) to a xylophone, more than 800 times in 16 states. children and two great-grandchildren. (TAB) PAGE 12 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / DECEMBER 21, 2017

sharewith the family love and of friends. Christ, May you find His peace, love and joy in the coming New Year!

(334) 394-2000 | tbfa.org Barry Jennifer John Rodney Larry Paula

Donna Erin Joey Nathan Sarah Robbie Stephanie Connie DECEMBER 21, 2017 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 13

Compiled by the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission and TAB Hanceville’s Hopewell Baptist To mark the anniversary, former pastors and members During the anniversary weekend, the church gathered for gathered together for Memories Day on Nov. 18 and the a formal banquet on Saturday at the Birmingham-Jefferson Church marks 175 years celebration service the following day. Cleveland Brown, Convention Complex with guest speaker Cedric Sparks, It was a perfect day at Hopewell Baptist Church, who grew up in the church and served as its pastor from chief of staff for Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodn. Hanceville. At least that’s what Tyler Hooper, chairman of 1965 to 1969, sang On Sunday, Gregory Clarke, New Hope’s pastor, spoke at the anniversary committee, said of the church’s 175th an- “The Old Rugged the 10 a.m. service, and Bishop Dreyfus Smith of Wings of niversary celebration Oct. 29. Cross.” Faith Church in Atlanta preached at the 4 p.m. service. “It was a great day to be in the Lord’s house,” he said. Rick Lance, ex- Mary Gaines presented the church’s history and those “We could feel His presence.” ecutive director of the present watched a slideshow of old photos. Yvonne DuBose Focusing on the theme “Embracing our heritage, prepar- Alabama Baptist State presented a memorial to deceased members. ing for the future,” members gathered that day to hear re- Board of Missions, In a separate service in December, Johnie Sentell of the ections from former pastors Trueman Davis, Steve Miller was the guest speaker Alabama Baptist Historical Commission presented the and Wayne Wisener. for the day. Lonette church with a plaque. The congregation is “thankful for 125 Lonette Berg, director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Berg, executive direc- years” of ministry, Clarke said. Commission, presented Hopewell Baptist with a framed tor of the Alabama Photo by Lonette Berg certicate, and Randy Makemson, director of missions for Baptist Historical Mount Carmel Baptist, Guntersville, East Cullman Baptist Association, presented the church Commission, presented a framed certicate, and John with a plaque. Kenneth Nail, Hanceville’s mayor, also Marks, director of missions for Bethlehem Baptist Asso- commemorates 150th anniversary delivered a proclama- ciation, presented the church with a plaque. Anthony Patterson was pastor of Mount Carmel Bap- tion, and the church tist Church, Guntersville, when the church celebrated its received commenda- Plantersville’s Pilgrim Rest celebrates 125th anniversary in 1992. So it was a special day when he tions from Gov. Kay stepped into the pulpit again Oct. 22 to speak at the church’s Ivey and others. history, 150 years of ministry 150th anniversary service. Ten were recog- In 1867, Christians of all faiths met in a log house near Patterson, now pastor of Gum Springs Baptist Church, nized as the longest Pletcher and called themselves Pilgrims. That’s the way Hartselle, spoke that morning to a full house at Mount Car- active members and the story goes, anyway. mel Baptist. were presented with In 1875 a vote changed the name to Pilgrim Rest Bap- During the anniversary celebration, deacon Tim Henley silver trays, and the tist Church. And this year on Nov. 12, church member also read excerpts from old church minutes, and the choir Photo by Lonette Berg oldest member, Nellie Jerry Harrison told the story of the log house to the crowd presented two special medleys. Wendell Dutton of the Ala- Brown, was also rec- gathered at the brick church in Plantersville to celebrate bama Baptist Historical Commission presented the Marshall ognized. A celebration meal followed the service. Layne Pilgrim Rest’s 150th anniversary. Baptist Association church with a plaque. Howard is interim pastor of Hopewell Baptist. During the special service, church member Sallie After lunch, the crowd watched a slide show of old photos Wright read the church’s history, and Pastor Michael and participated in a time of sharing memories. Ben Jones is Logan Baptist Church commemorates Brasher preached on keeping a right perspective. pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist. Mavis Gates of the Alabama Baptist Historical Com- ‘memorable’ 125th anniversary mission presented a certicate to Peggy Harrison, who has Liberty Baptist congregation enjoys ‘great It was “a memorable day” at the 125th anniversary cel- been a church member for 65 years. ebration of Logan Baptist Church in West Cullman Baptist Memorabilia was displayed around the Chilton Baptist time of fellowship’ at 175th anniversary Association, according to church member Lynne White. Association church for members and guests to enjoy, and The congregation at Liberty Baptist Church, Ashland, Held on Oct. 29, the service featured former pastor a lunch followed the service. gathered together for a “great time of fellowship” Oct. 22, Alfred Phillips as guest speaker, as well as special music according to member Anne Gaither. by former members Darlene Abbott, Riley Grace Abbott, Jones Chapel celebrates new pastor, The occasion? The church’s 175th anniversary. Wendy Davenport, Earlene Simmons, Deborah Oldacre, As part of the special celebration service, former pastor the White Sisters and the Martins. anniversary with special service Ben Rosser brought the message, and Pastor Jon Adams A slideshow of old photos brought back memories and There was a plot of ground in Cullman designated years read the history of the church. Susan Landers provided spe- introduced church members and guests to some of the his- ago for a church, but the rst attempts at starting one didn’t cial music. tory of the church. succeed. Lonette Berg, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Johnie Sentell of the Alabama Baptist Historical Com- But E.L. Knopp believed the land was meant for a Historical Commission, and Bruce Willis, director of mis- mission presented a plaque to the church in honor of the church. So he helped organize a second one, and it wasn’t sions for Carey Baptist Association, each presented the milestone anniversary. long before Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was church with a plaque. After the service, a fellowship lunch Logan Baptist also celebrated Old Fashioned Day on thriving on the spot. was held and old photos of the church were on display. Oct. 8, holding the service under the brush arbor outside Now called Jones Chapel First Baptist Church, the con- and serving lunch in the fellowship hall. gregation celebrated its 75th anniversary Nov. 5 with a spe- ‘Good fellowship’ characterizes cial service. It was Pastor Chris Chambless’ rst Sunday Duncan Creek’s 150th anniversary Frisco City’s Old Salem Baptist there and he delivered the message. Afterward they had a lunch to celebrate both his arrival and the anniversary. It was a day of “good fellowship” and a “good time” anniversary both ‘tearful, joyful’ During the service, Pat Tucker presented the history of at Duncan Creek Baptist Church, Russellville, when the In the beginning years of Old Salem Baptist Church, the church and gave everyone copies of the history book congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary, said church Frisco City, members were scattered across a wide, rural she had compiled for the occasion. member Darryl Green. stretch of the Alabama Territory. They had to ford Lime- Gerald Glenn of the Alabama Baptist Historical Com- Harley Hollingsworth, a former pastor of the church, stone Creek and other smaller creeks and streams to attend mission presented a certicate to the two oldest deacons, preached the message at the special anniversary service worship services. J.P. Brown and Robert Carpenter. Nov. 12, and Doug Reed and Barry Rickard provided spe- When the rains were heavy, they were cut off from the cial music. church — but they persevered. And 200 years later, the Birmingham’s New Hope marks 125 Jerry Armor of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commis- congregation is still going strong. sion and Larry Dover, director of missions for Franklin Bap- “Combing through the history that we have was both years with celebratory banquet tist Association, each presented the church with a certicate. joyous and tearful,” the church bulletin read on Old Salem In 1892, New Hope Baptist Church, Birmingham, started An old photo of the church was on display, as well as Baptist’s bicentennial celebration service Nov. 19. “What from a “prayer band of dedicated Christians” that grew old church minutes and a photo of the current building. A a joy it was to see the handwriting and read the words of rapidly. And Nov. 18–19 the congregation celebrated 125 church history written by Frances Nichols also was dis- those who stepped out in faith 200 years ago.” years. played. Joe Thorn serves as pastor. PAGE 14 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / DECEMBER 21, 2017

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS For December 24

Explore the Bible By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D. Bible Studies for Life By Jim Barnette, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church, Mountain Brook THE PROMISED ONE He declared: “for my eyes have seen Your JESUS SAVES of Christ’s birth was rst announced. Luke 2:25–38 salvation.” Jesus was and is God’s salva- Luke 2:4–20 The traditional date for the nativity was tion. True peace comes only when we, like set long after the actual event to coincide A week after the angels lled the skies Simeon, understand and trust that salvation Jesus was born in the plan with a pagan festival honoring the “Uncon- over the elds of Bethlehem to announce is Jesus Christ plus nothing. God’s salvation and timing of God. (4–7) querable Sun.” Setting Dec. 25 to observe the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took is universal. Luke does not indicate how long in ad- the nativity served as a foil to this pagan their newborn to the temple to present Him Simeon sang: “a light for revelation to vance of Jesus’ birth Joseph left for Bethle- event, announcing that the “Unconquerable to God. The beautiful events recorded in the Gentiles and for glory to Your people hem or why he took Mary with him. Some Sun” had been conquered by the true Son Luke 2 were given to Mary and Joseph to Israel.” In other words, there is only one believe Joseph used the emperor’s census of God. This is why Dec. 25 was widely deepen and con rm the signi cance of the Savior for all the peoples of the earth, and as a means of removing Mary from possible celebrated as the date of Jesus’ birth by the Incarnation in their minds and ultimately His name is Jesus. gossip and scorn in her own village but the end of the fourth century. Flocks were kept in the thoughts of the faithful through the A Future Piercing (33–35) passage neither af rms nor denies it. Luke “out in the eld by night” from April to centuries. Simeon turned to Mary and Joseph and simply states the birth took place “while November, which is further suggestion that Simeon’s Praise (25–32) addressed them directly. This prophecy they were there.” Since she had stayed three Jesus’ birth might have been at a different While Mary and Joseph were in the tem- would become important to Mary. She months with Elizabeth, Mary was at least time. No doubt the time of the birth is less ple, they met Simeon and Anna. was told her future included blessing and three months pregnant. important than the reality of the birth. Simeon was advanced in years but devot- great sorrow. That future would include the There is “no place” for the newborn Mes- Jesus’ birth must be proclaimed. ed to God. He was “righteous and devout” family’s ight to Egypt; her Son’s being siah. From the beginning, He is a displaced (15–20) — he behaved well and was careful about misunderstood and rejected; and watching person for whom the world will not make a Luke is often referred to as “the Gospel his religious duties and his service for God. her Son die on a criminal’s cross. A sword place. The world has made a choice not to of Joy.” Just as the 72 disciples “returned Simeon was lled with anticipation. He would pierce Mary’s soul. accommodate the Savior and Lord. The Je- with joy” after their preaching mission is described as a man “waiting for the con- The rest of Simeon’s prophetic words ap- sus born in a stable will nd “no vacancy” (Luke 10:17), so the shepherds “returned solation of Israel.” The word used here for ply to all of us — “this child is appointed signs throughout His ministry and nally glorifying and praising God.” Likewise, “consolation” appears many times in the for the fall and rising of many in Israel.” He will be buried in a borrowed tomb. The Luke tells us that after the risen Christ as- Greek translation of Isaiah in verses that The imagery is from Isaiah 8:14–15 and “inn” may have been a cave, as tradition cended to heaven, His followers “returned refer to the Messiah. “Comfort, comfort 28:13–16, texts often used in the New Tes- suggests, or some part of a house. Even to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52). my people” (Isa. 40:1) and “as one whom tament to describe reactions to Jesus. Jesus today in many places around the world farm Truly the Christmas story is the doxology his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; will split the nation in two. animals and their food are often kept in the of the birth of the new King. This child you shall be comforted in Jerusalem” (Isa. Jesus will be opposed and His ministry same building as the family quarters. would be given the throne of His earthly 66:13). Simeon expected God to send His will reveal what the thoughts of one’s heart Jesus was born ultimately for our ancestor, David. The world was moving ac- Messiah. He believed when few others truly are. As the salvation of God and the expres- salvation. (8–14) cording to the orders of Caesar Augustus, believed in the coming of the Messiah. He sion of God’s will, the reaction to Jesus The story of the shepherds and the an- whom so many hailed as the bringer of never gave up hope but kept trusting and reveals one’s reaction to God. The way you gels magni es God’s love for the poor peace. However, the real surpassing peace looking for God to ful ll His promise. respond to Jesus determines your destiny. and despised. In contrast to their positive would be realized only through the sover- As he began to hold the baby Jesus in his Anna’s Affirmation (36–38) image in the Old Testament, shepherds in eign Lord born in the city of David. The arms, he began to praise God in song and In all likelihood Anna was 100-plus years rst century Palestine were regarded as birth of this new King signals hope for all his song set out for Mary and Joseph (and old. She had served God faithfully for years low-class, irresponsible thieves who grazed people — rich and poor, rabbi and shep- for us) the purpose of the Messiah. With the in worship, prayer and fasting. She thanked their sheep on other people’s land. Many herd. There is hope for all of us who face baby in his arms, secure in God’s presence, God for sending the Messiah and shared of them were ex-convicts, and they were oppression by the dark forces of this world. Simeon experienced a profound peace of the good news of great joy with others. We considered ceremonially (and spiritually) God has not forgotten us or abandoned us soul. God’s favor rested upon Simeon as he too should be thankful this Christmas and unclean. “Never trust a shepherd” was a to the brokenness we have created. With the held the “Prince of Peace.” He was ready to seek to share the good news with others this common maxim of the day. And yet it was advent of the incarnation, we have reason die and go to be with his God forever. holiday season. to these social outcasts that the good news to return to the world with great joy.

The Alabama Baptist will not publish a Dec. 28 issue. Sunday School lessons for Dec. 31 will be available at www.thealabamabaptist.org.

Across 41. Cain lived here. (Gen. 4:16) 5. Slide on snow. brought back to life. Christian Crossword 1. A son of Jacob. 43. Peter and John used one in 6. Funeral vehicle, he____. (Acts 9) By Lee Esch Copyright 1994 ©Barbour Publishing Inc. (Gen. 30:11) their work. 7. She hid the spies sent 45. Slip gradually, drift into. 4. King or emperor. 44. Combat between two out by Joshua. (Josh. 2:1) 47. National Hockey League. 8. Opened slightly. persons. 8. A sweetened beverage. (abbr.) 12. 52 in Roman numerals. 46. A brother offended is harder 9. A son of king Saul. 48. The poison of ____ is 13. Southern vegetable. to be ____ than a strong (1 Sam. 13:16) under their lips. 14. Thy will be _____. city. (Prov. 18:19) 10. He that heareth the word, (Rom. 3:13) (Matt. 6:10) 48. Kind of tree. and ____ with joy receiveth 49. Make a mercy ____ of pure 15. ____ him as a brother. 50. Paper sack. it. (Matt. 13:20) gold. (Ex. 25:17) (2 Thess. 3:15) 52. She answered the door 11. I will give you ____. 51. Snatch. 17. A son of Seth. (Gen. 4:26) when Peter knocked. (Matt. 11:28) 53. Grain. (plural) 18. Wonders and mighty ____. (Acts 12:13) 16. Unusual. 54. Eating plan. (2 Cor. 12:12) 56. Red and Dead. 20. The ____ Commandments. 55. Will ______rob God? 19. Take, ____: this is 58. To bind up the 23. The Supreme Being. (Mal. 3:8; 2 words) my body. (1 Cor. 11:24) brokenhearted, to ____ 25. Experiment room. (abbr.) 57. Stitch. 21. Go to the ____, thou liberty. (Isa. 61:1) 26. Nickname for Beatrice. 59. Sphere. sluggard. (Prov. 6:6) 60. Cover (a road). 27. Come unto me, ____ ye that 22. If a man ____ a pit. 61. Abraham’s wife, ____. labour. (Matt. 11:28) (Ex. 21:33) (2 Pet. 3:6) 28. Silver and ______I none. 24. Pants’ support. 62. Hot or cold drink. (Acts 3:6; 2 words) 26. Because Judas had 63. Simmer or boil slowly. 30. ____ little Indians. the ____. (John 13:29) 64. Falls away or declines. 32. ____ not liberty for an 29. Abraham’s nephew. 65. Standard. (abbr.) occasion to the esh. (Gen. 11:27) (Gal. 5:13) 31. A prophet of Judah. Down 33. His servants ____ him and 34. My God. (Mark 15:34) 1. We will rejoice and be told him. (John 4:51) 36. Daniel was in one. ____ in it. (Ps. 118:24) 35. Debt note. (abbr.) (Dan. 6:16) 2. Assistant. 37. ____ I know in part. 38. Foundation. 3. Ten cent coin. (1 Cor. 13:12) 39. That which I do I ____ not. 4. A common childhood 40. Spider’s home. (Rom. 7:15) illness, ____itis. 42. A seamstress who was DECEMBER 21, 2017 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 15

MOVIES/TV Mediareviews ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ tops streaming Christmas selections By Michael Foust Little Cindy Lou Who — a It’s all part of “Dr. Seuss’ How angle gives it a timely feel, too. It Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist bright-eyed young girl from Who- the Grinch Stole Christmas” (PG), does contain a few scary parts that e’s the meanest crea- ville — believes the Grinch is ca- the highest-grossing lm of 2000 might trouble young children, and ture on the planet but pable of good. She even claims he and one of the top choices for one or two slightly inappropriate perhaps that’s to be saved her life. Christmas-themed streaming se- scenes. H expected. After all, his So when the townspeople push lections in December. It is playing heart is “two sizes too small.” back against Cindy Lou’s claims on Netix. He enjoys sending nasty letters about the Grinch, she launches This delightful and mostly Meet the to the people in the next town. He an investigation. What she nds family-friendly lm was directed gets jollies out of stealing presents. reviewer is shocking: Long ago, a younger by Ron Howard and stars Jim Car- Michael Foust covers the He even eats glass. Grinch was bullied by the kids of rey as the Grinch. Is also won an intersection of faith and The Grinch — who lives on an Whoville. He subsequently left Oscar (Best Makeup). entertainment as a writer and intimidating mountain overlook- town and climbed up the mountain, Although purists of Dr. Seuss’ podcast host for Heirloom ing the kind people of Whoville and the people haven’t heard from books might be troubled by some Audio. He also is the husband — just may be the most unlovable him since. Perhaps that’s why he is of the additions, it nevertheless of an amazing wife and the “thing” ever made. But not every- so mean. And maybe if someone is maintains messages on kindness father of four small children. one agrees. kind to him he will return the favor. and redemption. The bullying Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Other Christmas-themed selections this month

Net ix message in this one. Animated. aired on television in several 4“White Christmas” 4“I Want a Dog for Christmas, decades. Search for “Christmas (1954, unrated). Known as a Charlie Brown” (2003, unrated). cartoons.” Additionally, “The musical comedy about a pair Ever heard of Snoopy’s brother Mayower Voyagers” — a of singing-and-dancing men, Spike? He’s featured in this one classic Peanuts cartoon about it won an Oscar (Best Song) — and he’s hilarious. Animated. the Pilgrims and their faith — and stars Bing Crosby, Danny 4“If You Give A Mouse A also is on Amazon Prime. It’s Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. Christmas Cookie” (2016, un- never too late to teach history. Also playing are lots of rated). Based on the popular series Hallmark-type romantic of children’s books, this cartoon Hulu Christmas specials. Just type likely will have your kids cackling 4“Christmas with the “Christmas” into Netix. in the oor. Animated. Kranks” (2004, PG). See 4“Christmas with the Kranks” above. Otherwise, it’s a slow Amazon Prime (2004, PG). In this comedy, a fam- month for Christmas classics/ 4“Charlie Brown’s Christ- ily decides to skip Christmas and family-friendly entertainment mas Tales” (2002, unrated). go on a cruise. It doesn’t go well. on Hulu. This isn’t the “Charlie Brown Starring Tim Allen and Dan Ayk- Note: The 1965 classic “A Christmas” that we all love royd. Rated PG for brief language Charlie Brown Christmas” is but for 20 minutes of enter- and suggestive content. not available on any of the ma- tainment with Snoopy it’s not Also playing: Lots of old jor streaming services. But it bad. Just don’t expect a gospel Christmas cartoons that haven’t often is available on YouTube. PAGE 16 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / DECEMBER 21, 2017

Trump declares Jerusalem capital of Israel JERUSALEM — President Donald Trump’s declaration that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and his vow to move the U.S. Embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv is receiving a mixed response worldwide. The declaration, made Dec. 6, changes decades of policy by the U.S. and other world powers who have located their embassies in Tel Aviv to avoid taking sides in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian con ict over the sovereignty of Jerusalem. However, the decision has been an option for the U.S. since 1995 when Congress passed a law calling for recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and for the U.S. Embassy to be moved there. Trump waived the law in June, which many saw as backtracking on a campaign promise. Trump called his decision “a long overdue step to advance the peace process,” but the global response was mixed. The move divides American Jews, who mostly threw their support to Hillary Photo by Oded Balilty, AP for National Geographic Clinton in the 2016 election, but it thrills many white American Workers begin removing the worn marble that encased the original burial shelf inside the Church of the evangelical Christians who have long lobbied for the change. Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. First reported by National Geographic, the renovation of the tomb is the Patriarchs and bishops in the Holy Land predicted that the pres- focus of the magazine’s December 2017 cover story and a documentary, ‘The Secrets of Christ’s Tomb: ident’s actions will lead to “increased hatred, con ict, violence Explorer Special,’ that premiered Dec. 3. The exhibit ‘Tomb of Christ: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and suffering in Jerusalem and the Holy Land, moving us farther Experience’ is open at the National Geographic Museum in Washington through the fall of 2018. from the goal of unity and deeper toward destructive division.” Some protests in the wake of the decision have turned violent. In his announcement, Trump committed U.S. support for “a peace agreement that is acceptable to both sides.” (RNS) British aid worker shot dead in Nigeria ‘Visible ENEKOROGHA, Nigeria — British charity worker Ian Squire was killed moments after singing “Amazing Grace” to his fellow captives, sources say. Squire was an optician training local people to carry out sight proof’ tests and dispense eyeglasses using a solar-powered portable lens- grinding machine he had developed. He was one of four mission- ary medics serving in Nigeria with New Foundations, a medical Revered tomb in Jerusalem dated to AD 345 charity started in 2003 by David and Shirley Donovan. The Don- cientic testing of a cave thought by many 1555 probably to protect the site. An archaeological ovans along with Squire and Alanna Carson were held for ransom to be the tomb of Christ has provided evi- team removed the marble cladding Oct. 26, 2016, after being abducted in Nigeria’s southern Delta State on Oct 13. dence to authenticate tradition as history. and team members were granted 60 hours to con- The Donovans told The Daily Telegraph that the kidnappers The cave is located within the Church of duct research. Their investigation revealed an intact returned a guitar to them and Squire played “Amazing Grace,” the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Though limestone shelf, or burial bed, that had been covered which lifted their spirits, but he was then killed instantly. Sarchaeologists working on the project cannot say by another marble slab with a cross carved into its The captives were were freed after a month. The kidnappers with certainty the tomb is where surface. According to tradition, told them a ransom had been paid. Nigeria has one of the world’s Christ’s body was laid after His after His crucicixion, the body highest kidnap rates. (TAB) crucixion, the new research does “We can’t say 100 of Jesus was laid out on a burial seem to date the site much earlier bed, a common feature in tombs of Orthodox Church consecrates deaconesses than previously determined. percent, but it appears wealthy 1st century Jerusalem. ALEXANDRIA, Greece — Patriarch Theodoros II, pope and Historical accounts say the The recently announced nd- patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, and the Greek Orthodox tomb was discovered by repre- to be visible proof that ings add weight to this tradition. Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria have decided to re- sentatives of the Roman Emperor National Geographic fellow and ar- instate the order of deaconesses. Constantine sent to nd the tomb the location of the chaeologist Fredrik Hiebert said he Modern Orthodox scholarship acknowledges the existence of around A.D. 325. The emperor’s was “absolutely amazed” by what a female diaconate in the early church, with many tracing it back delegation was directed to a Ro- the team found. to a woman named Phoebe mentioned by the Apostle Paul in his man temple built some 200 years tomb has not shifted “We can’t say 100 percent but it letter to the Romans. However, female deaconesses, for the most earlier. Ancient tradition contends appears to be visible proof that the part, fell out of existence in the late Byzantine period. that around A.D. 134 the Roman through time.” location of the tomb has not shifted The move to bring the order back began in February when Emperor Hadrian built a temple through time, something that scien- Theodoros consecrated ve women to the diaconate in the Demo- dedicated to the Roman goddess Fredrik Hiebert tists and historians have wondered cratic Republic of the Congo, primarily to assist in missionary Aphrodite over a cave in Jerusalem archaeologist for decades,” Hiebert told National churches in Africa where there aren’t enough priests to lead the venerated as the place of Jesus res- Geographic’s Kristin Romey. growing church population. (TAB) urrection. Ostensibly this was done An immersive 3-D exhibition to emphasize Rome’s power and to push back against “Tomb of Christ: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Saudi Arabia to monitor use of religious texts the new Christian religion. Experience” is open at the National Geographic RIYADH — King Salman of Saudi Arabia recently announced Constantine’s representatives razed the temple Museum in Washington through the fall of 2018. the establishment of an authority to monitor use and interpretation and excavated the site, revealing a tomb hewn from The exhibit virtually transports visitors to Jerusalem. of the words of Muhammad in an effort to combat terrorism. a limestone cave, according to National Geographic Visitors can virtually walk inside the rotunda in the The Saudi Culture and Information Ministry said the body’s magazine. After the excavation, a shrine called the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Tomb of Christ aim would be to “eliminate” messages that “contradict the teach- Edicule was constructed around the tomb. and see the site just as the National Geographic team ings of Islam and justify the committing of crimes, murders and Last year archaeologists had the opportunity to ob- saw it during the removal of the marble cladding. terrorist acts.” It will be overseen by a council of senior Islamic tain samples from the cave’s limestone walls, which The historic renovation project is featured in Na- scholars from around the world, according to the decree. (TAB) had been covered in marble cladding since at least tional Geographic’s December 2017 issue. (TAB) Thursday, December 21, 2017

BBA Calendar Visit us online for more events at http://www.facebook.com/ Birmingham.Baptist.Association

Baptist Ministers Fellowship Hour

BBA CHAPEL 11:00 AM

February 5 – Sammy Gil- breath, ALSBOM Evangelism February 12 – Jeremy Grimes, Shades Mountain Minister of Missions

A Big Behold the Lamb! Thank You! By Dr. Mike McLemore anks to all of our ext week we will observe • Behold the lamb who was • Behold the lamb who has churches and agencies who the Christmas season as born in a stable that we the name above every participated in Season of weN reflect on the Our Savior 2017. A word might be born again name! coming of Jesus • Behold the lamb who be- • Behold the lamb who is We collected and distrib- Christ as a “man from uted a total of 1,300 stock- Bro. Mike came poor that we might heir of all things! in the flesh.” John become rich! • Behold the Lamb of God ings and 350 hygiene kits to the Baptist ex- • Behold the lamb by whose who is, and was, and is to needy families. plained what Jesus coming in stripes we are healed! come! ank you to Teen Chal- the flesh meant when he said • Behold the lamb who be- Oh, yes church, we shall be- lenge for organizing all of at the baptism of Jesus, “Behold came our sacrifice for sin! hold Him in all of His glory the stockings and assisting the lamb of God who taketh • Behold the lamb who is one day! in the unloading and loading away the sins of the world!” the light of the world! Merry Christmas to all of of boxes of donations. So, when you worship Him • Behold the lamb who you! Remember, don’t let the Also, special thanks to Katie during this holy season, remem- raised himself from the lamb get lost in the celebration Hobbs, Receptionist; and Meg ber to “Behold the lamb!” dead! of His incarnation! Hawley, Executive Adminis- • Behold the lamb that died • Behold the lamb who is trative Assistant, for their hard that we may live! now seated at the right work in handling all of the ad- • Behold the lamb who hand of the Father! ministrative tasks and catering came to earth to bring us • Behold the lamb who is for Season of Our Savior. heaven! coming again! And last, but not least, many thanks to Rev. John E. BBA Holiday VBS JumpStart Missionary King, Jr. and Butch Hender- Office Hours For Pastors & VBS Leaders Appreciation Luncheon son for their leadership of Our office will be closed January 11th, at 9:00 a.m., at the January 18, 2018, at 11:30 a.m., this ministry project. December 25th-January 1st. BBA office at The Club

December 21, 2017 Volume 2017 Issue 47 South Roebuck Baptist Church A publication of the South Roebuck Baptist Church Family of Ministries

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR, DR. GARY FISHER South Roebuck

Punctuation marks are included in sentences so that the reader can get the full Baptist Church meaning of the writer. When it comes to scripture most of the time we pay no Week of attention to those small but important strokes like commas and periods. Why? December 24, 2017 Because we are more interested in the numbers that precede what is written. Our Deacon of the Week minds want to make a hard stop at each new verse number regardless of the Ed Gill punctuation. Let me give you a great example of what I mean. We have all read Ephesians 5:18, “Be filled with the Spirit.” If you look at the words on the page you will notice that the phrase ends in a comma not a period. But our minds do a ATTENDANCE disconnect between that statement and what comes next. You might be surprised DECEMBER 17, 2017 to realize that the next verse is closely related and connected to the previous one. SRBC BIBLE STUDY…………………………………...…43 Ephesians 5:19 continues the command with the words, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to CHAPEL BIBLE STUDY………………………………….…7 the Lord.” TOTAL BIBLE STUDY………………….……………….50 SRBC WORSHIP …………………………………………..75 So let’s consider the full message the writer is sharing with us, the readers. He CHAPEL WORSHIP ……………………………………...26 illustrates the results of being filled with the Spirit of God is music. Plain and simple are his words, but how often they do not register. Music flows from the heart of the TOTAL WORSHIP..……………………………….…...101 Spirit-filled Christian. Have you ever considered that animals can’t sing? Neither can pews, pulpits, stained glass, and beautiful floral arrangements. Only people have the ability to sing and the Spirit-filled person is a song-filled person. The songs OFFERINGS of the saints are broadcast live right into God’s presence in heaven. DECEMBER 17, 2017

At this time of the year when Christmas music fills the airways, we find ourselves SRBC BUDGET……………………………….…..$6,079.00 singing along with the familiar tunes we have heard so many times before. The love CHAPEL BUDGET……………...……………….…$569.00 for the music of the season is evident everywhere you go. In no other place or at SRBC LOTTIE MOON…………….…………..$1,150.00 any other time was the Spirit-filled music of the season more pleasing to God’s ear than the music of our choir members as they lifted their voices and their hearts into CHAPEL LOTTIE MOON ………….……….…...$805.00 the heavenly realm. Those who sang and those who heard were blessed. The SRBC MEMORIAL GIFTS………………………..$100.00 message of God was heard clearly and simply in the melody of hearts filled with His Spirit. In fact, I believe I could almost hear the choirs of angels sing the TOTAL OFFERINGS……………….…………. $8,703.00 final “Amen” as they sealed the choir’s performance with their approval. I approved too, and want to be among those who thank Michael and the choir for being Spirit-filled saints and song-filled saints this past Sunday. GREAT JOB MEMORIAL GIFT ONE AND ALL! In Memory of: Anne Anderson THE CHAPEL S R B C G O A L FOR THE By: Sunday Service LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS Hilda Sheffield 9:00 AM OFFERING: $5,000.00 Bible Study $3,455.00 has been given EACM 10:00 AM as of December 17, 2017 Is in need of Men’s Clothing—all sizes The Chapel has a goal of $2,500.00 Food Pantry Item For December: Peanut Butter $1,880.00 has been given