Archives For November 30, 1999

TV miniseries invites Bible-focused water cooler conversation

Meredith Flynn —  March 12, 2013

Tuesday_BriefingTHE BRIEFING | Meredith Flynn

Even if you haven’t watched an episode of History Channel’s miniseries on the Bible, chances are you’ve heard about it. More than 13 million people watched the March 3 debut of “The Bible,” making it the evening’s most-watched program (broadcast or cable), and the most successful entertainment telecast on cable so far this year.

“The best-case scenario for us is that there’s an opportunity here for people to be discussing the Bible at the water cooler the day after this has aired,” said actress Roma Downey, who produced the five-part miniseries with her husband, reality TV hitmaker Mark Burnett. The couple was interviewed on LifeWay.com (the website of LifeWay Christian Resources) before the show’s debut.

At a time when biblical literacy is at an all-time low, Burnett told LifeWay, he and Downey felt compelled to create a series that would get people engaged with Scripture for the first time ever, or the first time in a while.

“People who really know the Bible will say, ‘Oh, I forgot about that or I don’t remember that part.’ That’s what’s so great. It will make people say, ‘I’m going to look that up.’”

It may also send viewers to their Bibles to fill in the missing pieces in an understandably abridged narrative. Ten hours is a lot, especially in broadcast time, but the Bible is far too expansive a story to include even every familiar story. For example, God’s covenant with Abraham is the focus of much of the first episode, but Jacob, Esau, Joseph and his scheming brothers only get a sentence or two before we find Moses cowering before the burning bush on Mt. Sinai.

On the other hand, “The Bible” is an opportunity to highlight stories that could be considered minor, like Samson and Delilah. The tragic tale from Judges is included in the miniseries’ second episode. Samson’s journey – from God’s promise, to tempted man, to eventual spiritual and physical blindness – has implications for today, and could very well make for great water cooler conversation.

Read LifeWay.com’s interview with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey here.

Other news:

Dolan: Next pope will face threats to religious liberty
(From Baptist Press) Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York said the next pope will have to address rising threats to religious liberty, and the Catholic church’s perceived irrelevance. “We hear that more and more people have absolutely no problem with faith, but they do with religion,” Dolan told Reuters. “… More and more people don’t see the need for the church.”

Recently, Catholic bishops proposed the creation of a Vatican office to monitor religious liberty violations. Dolan told Reuters such an office would need to monitor violations that “take place not in Third World countries but in First World countries.”

“There seems to be a pretty well-oiled choreography to reduce religion and faith to the excessively private and where religion may have absolutely no public witness and voice in the public square.” Read more at BPNews.net.

Mississippi schools may see more religious freedom
The Mississippi State Legislature has sent a bill to Gov. Phil Bryant that would allow public school students to express their religious beliefs through assignments, in classrooms, and at school events, reports Christianity Today. Read more at ChristianityToday.com.

How much news do you know?
Most Americans can identify the symbols associated with Judaism and social media site Twitter, but fewer recognize U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren or know where Syria is on a map. Those results are from the Pew Forum’s latest News IQ quiz, given at least twice a year to measure Americans’ current events acumen. Read more results or take the quiz at PewResearch.org.

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From ‘normal job’ to church planting in Chicago

Meredith Flynn —  March 10, 2013

HEARTLAND | “I just was like any other normal person with a nice secular job,” said Marvin Del Rios. “God kept on pushing me and impressing on me that this is what you need to do.”

Del Rios’ “this” was pastoring and church planting in Chicago. Watch the video below for more of his story, and how others are sharing the Gospel in the Windy City.

SEND North America: Chicago from IL Baptist State Association on Vimeo.

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Week of Prayer for North American Missions: Day 8

Meredith Flynn —  March 10, 2013

Today marks the end of the Week of Prayer for North American Missions. In this post, we go back to Day 1 for a look at Chicago church planters Scott and Ashley Venable.

Scott Venable“It’s the most eclectic place you can imagine,” church planter Scott Venable says of his Chicago neighborhood. “It has drug dealers and businesspeople. When we prayerwalked as we were looking for a place to start the church and we got to Wicker Park, we just knew it was it.”

One of the most famous neighborhoods in the Windy City, Wicker Park is the kind of place where million dollar homes are just a few blocks down from government housing. It’s also a place that needs churches. Scott and his wife Ashley are planting Mosaic Church with a focus on serving the community, and sharing the Gospel in Chicagoland, where only 10 percent of people know Christ.

Pray for Mosaic Church Chicago as they live out  the Great Commandment and carry out the Great Commission – may they see many transformed lives.

Go to www.anniearmstrong.com/scottvenable to watch “Where to Start,” a video about the Venables’ work in Wicker Park.

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Week of Prayer for North American Missions: Day 7

Meredith Flynn —  March 9, 2013

Many Southern Baptist churches will mark the Week of Prayer for North American Missions this week. For more information about the week of prayer or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, contact IBSA’s Missions team at (217) 391-3138.

PowerPlantDay 7 – Short-Term Missions
Every day of the year, young men and women are working alongside missionaries throughout North America. Through summer and semester opportunities, they are discovering future areas of service as they learn from experienced church planters and missionaries. And they’re also developing their own relationship with God as He uses them to meet the spiritual and physical needs of others, and to experience new cultures and missional living firsthand.

Pray for more young people to answer God’s call to serve in short-term missions experiences. Pray also for summer and semester missionaries to be stretched and challenged during their times of service so they may more easily discern God’s call to missions for the long term.

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Week of Prayer for North American Missions: Day 6

Meredith Flynn —  March 8, 2013

Many Southern Baptist churches will mark the Week of Prayer for North American Missions this week. For more information about the week of prayer or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, contact IBSA’s Missions team at (217) 391-3138.

Victor Thomas, Simon Fraser University, collegiate ministry, campus ministryDay 6 – Victor and Candice Thomas
Victor and Candice Thomas landed in Vancouver from South Africa promising they’d never stay. They meant to be there for four months, but Victor, a researcher at Simon Fraser University, found a new calling in Burnaby, a quick train ride from the city’s downtown.

Three weeks before they were to go home, Thomas walked the Burnaby campus of Simon Fraser, his eyes seeming to open for the first time. “I saw these students with blank looks on their faces…” he said. “It was as if God was saying, ‘Isn’t this the poverty I’ve called you to?’”

The Thomases now lead The Point, a church they’ve helped grow from a small Bible study to four sites where 90 people gather for weekend worship services.

Pray for more ministry partners to answer God’s call to reach the lost in Vancouver.

Go to www.anniearmstrong.com/victorthomas to watch “We Had to Do Something,” a video about a young couple who heard the Gospel at The Point.

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Christians keep praying, lobbying at the Illinois Capitol

Meredith Flynn —  March 7, 2013

 

Christians gathered to pray on the Illinois Capitol steps Thursday. David Howard, director of missions for the Capital City Baptist Association, and Kevin Carrothers, pastor of Rochester First Baptist, were among the group of about 25 people.

Christians gather to pray on the Illinois Capitol steps Thursday. David Howard, director of missions for Capital City Baptist Association, and Kevin Carrothers, pastor of Rochester First Baptist, were among the group of 25.

SPRINGFIELD | Meredith Flynn

Christians from several Christian denominations – including Southern Baptists – gathered on the Illinois Capitol steps Thursday to pray together and voice their support for a traditional definition of marriage.

Esther Wang and her husband, Pine, were among the group of about 25 people. “Some of the Christians I know – Chinese Christians – say, ‘Oh, there’s no way, because state after state” has approved legislation in favor of same-sex marriage, Esther said. The Wangs, who work with a network of Chinese Christian churches in Chicagoland, came to Springfield for the prayer vigil with fellow Moody Bible Institute graduates John and Grace Chao.

“My husband and John Chao, they said whether the bill will be passed or not is not in our hands,” Esther said. “But our duty there, our responsibility there, [is] that we should speak out the truth, in this moment.”

The State House vote, yet to be scheduled, is the final step before Governor Pat Quinn would receive the same-sex marriage bill. He has promised to sign it.

After they prayed, the group went inside the nearby Stratton Building to lobby their representatives to vote no on the bill. They met up with two busloads of Christians from Chicagoland who were mobilized by New Life Covenant Church, affiliated with Assemblies of God.

On the Stratton Building’s second floor, where many representatives have offices, Pastor Danny Holliday of Victory Baptist in Alton stood in the hallway with the inter-denominational group of volunteer lobbyists. Holliday spoke against same-sex marriage during the House Executive Committee hearing, and has spent time in Springfield this week meeting with legislators. Opponents of the bill have been getting good response at the Capitol, he said.

“We want to shore up the people that are coming our way, because a lot of pressure has been applied by President Obama, and by people from Illinois who want this to go through.”

The President expressed his support for same-sex marriage last spring, and has since said he would support the bill in Illinois, were he still a State Senator. On Feb. 28, the U.S. Justice Department filed a friend-of-the-court brief that asked the Supreme Court to overturn California’s Proposition 8, which protects a traditional definition of marriage. The move is seen by some as an abandonment of a states’ right position on marriage, and the next step in legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

-With reporting by Baptist Press

Esther Wang and John and Grace Chao pose with a sign reading "Vote No" in Chinese characters.

Esther Wang and John and Grace Chao pose with a sign reading “Vote No” in Chinese characters.

Rev. Bob Vanden Bosch (third from left) of Concerned Christian Ministries helps people locate their representatives' offices at the Stratton Building in downtown Springfield.

Rev. Bob Vanden Bosch (third from left) of Concerned Christian Ministries helps people locate their representatives’ offices at the Stratton Building in downtown Springfield. Photos by Meredith Flynn

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Week of Prayer for North American Missions: Day 5

Meredith Flynn —  March 7, 2013

Many Southern Baptist churches will mark the Week of Prayer for North American Missions this week. For more information about the week of prayer or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, contact IBSA’s Missions team at (217) 391-3138.

Ben Pilgreen, Epic Church, church planterDay 5 – Ben and Shauna Pilgreen
There are more affluent places in the United States than San Francisco, but not many. Living in that environment can numb people to need, but church planter Ben Pilgreen knows God is in the perspective-changing business.

Pilgreen launched Epic Church in the fine arts district of San Francisco two years ago. The church is actively engaging its Acts 1:8 mission fields, from a local women’s shelter to Uganda, where Pilgreen led Epic’s first international missions experience last summer. They’re also living out the Great Commission through 13 small groups in the city.

Pray many leaders will make long-term commitments to stay in San Francisco and help Epic Church carry out the mission starting more churches to reach lost people in the city.

Go to www.anniearmstrong.com/benpilgreen to watch “Seeing the Stories,” a video about a spiritual seeker who came to know Christ at Epic.

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Prayer vigil Thursday for traditional marriage at the Capitol

Meredith Flynn —  March 6, 2013
BATTLING BUTTONS - People for and against same-sex marriage in Illinois are wearing their opinions this winter.

BATTLING BUTTONS – On both sides of the same-sex marriage issue, people are wearing their opinions this winter.

Springfield | Lisa Sergent

Sponsors of the bill to legalize same-sex marriage continue to push for its passage in the Illinois State House, while at the same time defenders of traditional marriage rally against the bill.

Led by a Chicago pastor who plans to bring several busloads of protesters to Springfield, organizers will stage a prayer vigil on the steps of the State Capitol at 10:30 Thursday morning. They also hope to meet with several key legislative leaders, including those who have yet to decide how they will vote on SB10. Pastors and leaders from across the state are invited to attend.

SB 10 the “Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act,” would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois. Illinois legalized civil unions in the state two years ago.

Christian leaders throughout the state are concerned that this bill will not only legalize same-sex marriage, but also infringe upon the religious liberty of all Christians in Illinois.

The Illinois Senate voted Feb. 14 to pass SB 10, while the House Executive Committee voted to pass the bill to the floor Feb. 26. The bill must have a have a full majority to pass. If the House does pass the bill, Governor Quinn has stated he will sign it into law.

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Week of Prayer for North American Missions: Day 4

Meredith Flynn —  March 6, 2013

Many Southern Baptist churches will mark the Week of Prayer for North American Missions this week. For more information about the week of prayer or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, contact IBSA’s Missions team at (217) 391-3138.

Baptist Friendship HouseKay Bennett, black shirtDay 4 – Kay Bennett
Several years ago, Melanie was homeless, pregnant, and struggling with substance abuse. A newspaper article about rebuilding efforts in New Orleans caught her eye and, desperate to rebuild her life as well, Melanie set out for the city. She was on the path to a divine appointment with missionary Kay Bennett.

“Melanie contacted me and came into our transitional housing program,” said Bennett, director of New Orleans’ Baptist Friendship House. “She got a job, got into college and is working towards her social work degree now.” At the center, Bennett helps vulnerable women and children as they transition into to new lives. She and her team also host events throughout the year designed to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of their community.

Pray for encouragement for Bennett and her staff as they encounter hurting people every day.

Go to www.anniearmstrong.com/kaybennett to watch “Simply Jesus,” the story of how the Baptist Friendship House helped give a family a new future.

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IBSA Board affirms sending additional 2012 funds for national CP ministries

Meredith Flynn —  March 5, 2013
The IBSA Board of Directors votes to affirm sending an additional $31,392 for national Cooperative Program ministries.

The IBSA Board of Directors votes to affirm sending an additional $31,392 for national Cooperative Program ministries.

SPRINGFIELD | By Lisa Sergent

On Tuesday, the IBSA Board of Directors affirmed Executive Director Nate Adams’ decision to send an additional $31,392 to the SBC Executive Committee for national Cooperative Program ministries. The funds come from IBSA’s 2012 income over expenses, and bring the amount sent from 2012 CP receipts to the equivalent of 43.75%, the highest percentage in IBSA’s history.

IBSA currently sends 43.25% of its receipts through the SBC Executive Committee for Cooperative Program, the fifth highest among state conventions. Just prior to the affirmation vote, the Board voted to keep the Association’s 56.75%/43.25% split at the same level in 2014.

In his report to the Board, Adams said that, prior to the recent Great Commission Resurgence actions of the national SBC, Illinois had already begun gradually increasing its percentage of Cooperative Program funds sent on to national CP ministries. The down economy, combined with reductions in funding from the North American Mission Board, have led IBSA to hold its CP percentage steady.

“This gift from our year-end income over expenses gives us a way to continue that heart of giving more through CP to national and international SBC ministries,” said Adams. “It brings our total CP gifts for the year to the equivalent of 43.75%, a higher percentage than Illinois Baptists have ever sent beyond our state to national CP ministries.  We feel this is a creative way to help us manage reduced resources and still be generous as God provides.

“It will be my pleasure to send [SBC Executive Committee President] Frank Page a letter and a check, saying we are grateful to be able to do more this year.”

Board Chairman Duncan Locke said Adams was acting in the scope of his responsibilities in his decision to forward the extra 2012 funds, but had asked for “the full board’s affirmation.” Locke shared, “This is a testimony to the way our executive director is being used by the Holy Spirit to make decisions to do something that’s often unheard of, to give a little more.”

IBSA churches gave nearly $6.3 million to the Cooperative Program in 2012.

Look for additional coverage of the March 5 IBSA Board Meeting at the IBSA Building in Springfield in the March 25 issue of the Illinois Baptist.

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