Archive Issue

News

Major SBC effort to focus on New York City in 2004
By James Dotson
Published January 29, 2004

When missionary Jeremiah Lamphier started a prayer meeting in lower Manhattan in 1857, it sparked a spiritual awakening that eventually spread across the world. Leaders of Southern Baptists’ New Hope New York effort – along with thousands of prayer warriors across the country – are hoping to see God move in similar ways over the next two years.

NAMB church-planter, Fayettville church partnering to impact Manhattan with the gospel
By James Dotson
Published January 29, 2004

The neighborhood surrounding Scott and Kristen Rourk’s apartment defines New York City for many tourists. This is Midtown Manhattan, about two blocks from Times Square and across the street from a subsidized apartment building housing thousands of actors and others employed in the Broadway theater district.

Chattahoochee Association lends helping hand
By Gerald Harris, Editor
Published January 29, 2004

People are hurting. The needs are great. Sometimes the lines of the homeless and disadvantaged are long at the food bank at the Chattahoochee Associ-ation complex in Gaines-ville, but those who come are not disappointed. They receive food and a presentation of the gospel and have the opportunity to be a part of a church that has been organized just for them.

Number of 'nones,' those who claim no religion, swells in U.S.
By Mark O,Keefe
Published January 29, 2004

Their numbers have more than doubled in a decade, to nearly 30 million. Organized as a religious denomination, they would trail only Catholics and Baptists in members.

A little church with a big heart
By Margaret Dempsey, Special Assignment Reporter
Published January 29, 2004

Sometimes God surprises us. Just ask Vickie Sweetman. At more than 80 years old, she can look back and, with a smile, remember the surprises that God had in store for her and her pastor husband more than 25 years ago when they unexpectedly moved to Georgia.

Georgia NewsBriefs

Emeritus missionary Audrey Dyer, former Georgian, dies at 92
Published January 29, 2004

Ray Rigdon, dead at 84, led Seminary Extension for 18 years
Published January 29, 2004

Religious NewsBriefs

Roy Moore appeals ouster; lawyers say Court violated his rights
Published January 29, 2004

Half of Americans think volunteering more important than giving money
Published January 29, 2004

Pledge case at Supreme Court: arguments slated March 24
Published January 29, 2004

Mistake has New Orleans hosting National Baptists, gays same weekend
Published January 29, 2004

People and Places

Honors
Published January 29, 2004

Obituaries
Published January 29, 2004

Ministerial Moves
Published January 29, 2004

Ordinations
Published January 29, 2004

Cooperative Program Stories

Jubalheirs on a mission
Jubalheirs ministry committed to mission projects and performances
By Sherri Brown, Communications, GBC
Published January 29, 2004

It was the sound that first attracted Martha Parker.

Bible Study

Disciplined Prayer
By John S. Connell, Senior Pastor, Calvary Baptist Temple, Savannah
Published January 29, 2004

There are some things that only God can do. There are some things that God only does as the result of prayer. There are some things that God only does as the result of persistent, confident prayer. There are some things that God only does as the result of confident prayer that is rooted in fasting. No matter how you say it or how you do it, the Bible is clear that a connection exists between what God does and what God’s people ask Him to do. That connection may be hard to pin down at times, but the connection is there and God expects His people to make it.

Disciplined Bible Study
By John S. Connell, Senior Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Savannah
Published January 29, 2004

“Most people lack a spiritual hunger for God’s Word. These people view the Bible as neither an enjoyable nor a desirable activity.”

Columns

Bride for a Day - or Two
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published January 29, 2004

I prayed for Britney Spears today. I don’t know her personally. I have never met her and probably never will, but I was prompted to pray for her today. She has become an extremely visible (no pun intended) personality in the world of entertainment and consequently has considerable influence on life in America. Teen idols such as she have helped shape fashion and pop culture for decades not only in our country, but also around the world.

Children and the 'normalizing' of divorce
By David P. Gushee
Published January 29, 2004

The recent restructuring of marriage license fees in Tennessee has prompted a debate in our state about what our attitude should be about divorce.

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC
Published January 29, 2004

First of all, I have to say that I really enjoy going to Southeast Georgia. What a beautiful part of the state it is! I have always been partial to coastal areas. When I catch a whiff of salt air, every tightened muscle in my body suddenly relaxes.

Seeds From The Sower
By Michael Guido
Published January 29, 2004

During the Revolutionary War, Molly Pitcher carried water for the soldiers.

Family, friends sacrificed when focus is solely on career
By James Dobson
Published January 29, 2004

Forum

Enjoys 'Plan of Salvation' in The Index
By Mike Murphy, Pastor, Clairmont Church, Atlanta
Published January 29, 2004

SIR: More than once while reading The Christian Index, I have noticed the section on the plan of salvation and have wondered if it has been useful to people. Well, recently it was to me.

Georgia Baptists have family option to media content crisis
By R. Chip Turner, VP for Marketing and Distribution, FamilyNet, Fort Worth, Texas
Published January 29, 2004

SIR: Recent articles in Baptist Press and other news services have cited a Parents Television Council study regarding the preponderance of profanity on television and the widespread betrayal of television’s Family Hour. While not surprising to most readers, this study’s findings further document the attack on today’s families.