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Christopher Wade Tyler's death gives life to others By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 17, 2008: There are no finer Christian people in the known world than Cliff and Betty Tyler. I had the privilege of being their pastor at Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta for over nine years. Cliff is on The Christian Index Board of Directors and has served as chairman of the board. He has been a faithful prayer partner for years.
Some pastors become Universalists at funerals By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 3, 2008: As a pastor for many years I discovered there were certain things that were extremely difficult to do. It was difficult when I had to tell young women (or men) in the churches I served that I could not perform their wedding if they insisted on marrying an unbeliever (I Cor. 6:14).
God, deliver us from being like 'Napoleon and Snowball' By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 19, 2008: Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Seminary, recently stated, �The Southern Baptist Convention may be top-heavy, bloated, and unfocused, but it is premature to write its obituary.�
Rain in Indianapolis By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 5, 2008: Messengers from across the nation and around the world will gather in Indianapolis June 10-11 for the 151st session of the Southern Baptist Convention. For the third time Indianapolis will be the host city for the SBC Annual Meeting. Previous such gatherings in the Indiana capital city were 1992 and 2004.
Why I am not running for president of the SBC By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 22, 2008: In the May 25, 2006 edition of The Christian Index I wrote an editorial entitled �Bring it on � your nomination, that is.� In that editorial I wrote, �I understand that constant vigilance must be maintained to preserve the victory of the Conservative Resurgence, but I think we have come to the time when we need to see multiple nominations for each convention office both on the national and state level.�
Is it helpful to condemn the world for being worldy? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 8, 2008: I had given considerable thought to using this editorial page to write a scathing denunciation of Planned Parenthood. Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, acknowledged that her entire life�s purpose was to promote birth control.
Dare to be the 'bad guys' of the future By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 24, 2008: I believe that America is still the hope of the world. We have the capability, the resources, and enough gospel light to change the world.
A call to good stewardship of Planet Earth By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 10, 2008: Last year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) gave its fourth report on global warming and announced that warming is �unequivocal� and that the cause of rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels is �very likely� induced by human activity.
Be wary of Oprah's gospel By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 27, 2008: Oprah Winfrey is one of the most visible and successful women in the world.
Will denominations survive, thrive, or take a dive? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 13, 2008: The value of denominations in America is being scrutinized, analyzed, and evaluated today. Many denominational churches are in trouble due to a loss of influence, declining offerings, an aging church membership, and a failure to attract younger people.
An expressed concern for the wimps to the right By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 28, 2008: I have not read Bernard Goldberg�s book, Crazies to the Left of Me, Wimps to the Right, but the title intrigues me. In this volume Goldberg supposedly gives �hard-hitting observations and no-nonsense advice for saving America from the lunatics on the Left and the sellouts on the Right.�
Mudslinging! By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 14, 2008: Mudslinging has become as much a part of the American political landscape as shaking hands and kissing babies. In fact, some candidates seem to spend more time telling voters how bad the other candidates are instead of expounding on their own principles and platforms. They only try to convince voters that they aren�t quite as bad as their opponents.
Trying to fit church into Super Bowl Sunday By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 31, 2008: When I was a pastor I worked hard to adjust the time of our Sunday evening worship service to suit everyone�s plans to watch the Super Bowl.
Stranded whales and aborted babies By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 17, 2008: I like whales. Ever since I read Herman Melville�s 1851 novel, Moby Dick, in the sixth grade I have been fascinated by whales. I find the biblical story of Jonah and his encounter with a whale even more intriguing.
Make it happen! By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 3, 2008: During the Thanksgiving holidays I saw a rather interesting television commercial highlighting the good customer service provided by The Royal Bank of Scotland.
'Tis the season to be politically correct By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 20, 2007: For 25 years Christmas trees had graced the Seattle Airport, but two years ago a decision was made to remove the trees from the airport. The politically expedient decision was made because a local rabbi threatened to sue the Port of Seattle if an eight-foot menorah wasn�t erected to �balance� out the Christmas trees.
A placebo cannot cure an ailing patient By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 6, 2007: The sincere Christian who is sensitive to the climate and character of our present American culture would have to be gravely concerned about the present condition of our society. Subjective, situational ethics have replaced biblical morality. Tolerance and indulgence have replaced absolute, objective truth. Independence and self-reliance have replaced faith and a dependence upon the sufficiency of God.
Don't waste the drought By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 22, 2007: The dry grass around our house crackles under my feet when I walk across the lawn. The Chrysanthemums in our flowerbed have wilted and are dying for lack of water. The creek near our neighborhood that was once too wide to hurdle was reduced to a narrow trickle of water in late summer and has recently dried up altogether.
The church of the comfortable By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 8, 2007: Vance Havner, a preacher�s preacher of the last generation, used to say, �It is the responsibility of the preacher to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.�
Is our national sovereignty in jeopardy? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published October 25, 2007: Australian Prime Minister John Howard got the world�s attention when he recently told Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law to leave the country.
Needed: a wholesome respect for authority By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published October 11, 2007: I was taught to respect authority when I was growing up. I memorized the Ten Commandments in public school and learned to honor my father and mother as the fifth commandment specifies. My parents taught me that my teachers in school and church were to be respected and admired. I was also instructed to highly esteem the pastor of our church, who was God�s man and worthy of honor.?
Is the day of righteous indignation a thing of the past? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published September 27, 2007: I am angry, very angry! Don�t be alarmed. The Bible allows Christians to be angry. In Ephesians 4:26 the Apostle Paul wrote, �Be angry, and sin not.�
Christianity: compartmentalized or integrated? Published September 13, 2007: Several of our ten grandchildren enjoy playing the game of Monopoly. Once we have completed the game and all participants have sufficiently demonstrated their greed and avarice I insist on being the one to put all of the components of the game back in the box.
The one hope for the spiritual restoration of our society By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 30, 2007: I have been accused of using this editorial page to �preach� to the readers of The Christian Index. As Adrian Rogers used to say, �If that offends you, then you can come and apologize and I will forgive you.� There are some things I am very passionate about and like Jeremiah I can say, �But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay� (Jer. 20:9b).
Our hope is in Washington � not! By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 16, 2007: I took a two-day trip to Washington about a week ago to visit with Barrett Duke, the vice president for public policy with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention (See story page 1). I love our nation�s capital. I have visited D.C. on numerous occasions and am always enthralled with the sights and sounds of the city.
Is Jesus the only way to Heaven? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 2, 2007: I believe the greatest doctrinal issue confronting the church today is the exclusivity of the gospel, or the belief that salvation is possible only through a personal relationship to Jesus Christ. It is incredible to think that the most fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith could be called into question or debated among people who call themselves Christians, but that is precisely what is taking place in our world today.
The why and wherefore of embryonic stem cell research By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 19, 2007: A recent Newsweek survey indicates that George W. Bush has a 26 percent overall job approval rating with 65 percent disapproving of his leadership as president. It is doubtless that some Georgia Baptists disapprove of the leadership of the nation�s 43rd president, but all Georgia Baptists should applaud his veto on June 20th.
I have a secret By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 5, 2007: I didn�t get all excited when the new millennium dawned at 12:00:01 on Jan. 1, 2000. Many people expected some cataclysmic event to occur at the stroke of midnight on the last day of 1999. There were predictions of everything from a cyberspace meltdown to the rapture of the church.
The trilogy of the Alamo By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 21, 2007: One of the joys of attending the Southern Baptist Convention is the opportunity it affords of renewing old acquaintances and establishing new friendships. While in San Antonio for last week�s annual meeting of the Convention, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Daniel Sanchez. Sanchez, a professor of missions at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, is a native of San Antonio.
Filling the pulpit or filling the pew? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 7, 2007: There is much symbolism in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The two ordinances of the Baptist church, baptism and the Lord�s Supper, are beautifully symbolic. The cross that is displayed in so many churches is emblematic of the atoning death of our blessed Redeemer. The church spire originated in the 12th century as a symbol of heavenly aspiration.
Old Fashioned? Guilty as charged! By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 24, 2007: I love to read the sermons of preachers of days gone by. Maybe it is because some of those stalwart characters were my contemporaries � almost.
Our religious freedom IS slipping away By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 10, 2007: On May 3 the United States House of Representatives voted by a substantial margin to approve H. R. 1592 or the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007. This bill, which will soon appear before the U.S. Senate, also expected to give the bill its stamp of approval, will make homosexuals or gender confused individuals federally protected classes under federal law. If this happens, homosexuals, transvestites, transsexuals and other �sexual orientations� can claim protected minority status.
Politically correct chameleons or passionately committed Christians? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 26, 2007: I am absolutely exasperated, infuriated, and indignant over the whole concept of political correctness. Political correctness is just another term for social, national, and religious demolition.
"Hooray for Hollywood?" By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 12, 2007: Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics for �Hooray for Hollywood� in 1938 when Hollywood was much different than today. He declares, �Come on and try your luck. You could be Donald Duck. Hooray for Hollywood.�
The Cross and the Empty Tomb By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 29, 2007: Paul spoke of �the offense of the cross� in Gal. 5:11. And, of course, Jesus himself has been referred to as �a stumbling stone and a rock of offense� (Rom. 9:33).
Has the Conservative Resurgence helped the SBC? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 15, 2007: The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention met in Nashville last month. Morris Chapman, the president of the Executive Committee, asked a pertinent, poignant, and penetrating question: �Is our convention any better spiritually because biblical conservatives are leading?�
Nine reasons why I love the church By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 1, 2007: In the course of human history few institutions have been more misunderstood and maligned than the Christian church. Indeed, it would be foolish to insist that the church is perfect, because it is made up of frail and fallible people like you and me. Unfortunately, the criticism being leveled against the church today is not only coming from those outside the church, but from those within.
Beware of false advertising By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 15, 2007: I don�t think I want to be standing near Brian in a thunderstorm. He was raised a Catholic, and says he became a born-again Christian when he was 13. Now he professes to be an atheist and has entered a contest with God that makes the prophets of Baal in Elijah�s day look like featherweights.
Whatever happened to the Holy Spirit? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 1, 2007: Joe Graham, GBC specialist in Collegiate Ministries, invited me to speak to our Georgia Baptist campus ministers at their December retreat. During their meeting I was privileged to hear Jim Slack, a representative from the International Mission Board, who was speaking about the growth of Islam in Europe and America. He asked rhetorically, �How are they managing to grow so rapidly when we have the Holy Spirit and they have nothing?�
Roe v. Wade: deformation of a great nation By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 18, 2007: In 1972 the American Civil Liberties Union established its National Litigation Program to foster the �rights� of prisoners. Indeed, we should all be concerned about the trend of overcrowded prisons and jails with deteriorating structures and prisoner violence, as well as inadequate medical care and insufficient rehabilitation programs for inmates.
Peddlin' papers By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 4, 2007: It is 2007 and with the help of the Lord we will publish 26 copies of The Christian Index this year. I have been told that The Christian Index has never missed a deadline � not in 184 years, not during the Civil War, not during the Great Depression, not ever.
Have a very "holy" Christmas! By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 21, 2006: Christmas has become so secularized that it is little more than a cosmic birthday party in most circles. To avoid being swallowed up by the superficial tinsel and trappings of the holiday, most of us tack on our own religious version of Christmas and appease our consciences by at least giving lip service to the real significance of the season.
Why Christian Higher Education? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 7, 2006: If you are a high school student, are the parent(s) of a high school student, are related to a high school student, teach a high school student, or know a high school student, I hope you will read this editorial.
No homogenization of bad eggs . . . By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 23, 2006: I feel that it is the responsibility of The Christian Index to chronicle the work of Georgia Baptists, encourage the work of evangelism, missions, and ministry among Georgia Baptists, and provide some accountability as we endeavor to stay on mission. We must not stray from our bedrock convictions and from our mission of reaching people for Christ, planting new congregations, and building healthy kingdom churches.
Unless your pastor is perfect, pray for him By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 9, 2006: According to Baptist Press one of the crown jewels among Southern Baptist churches, Bellevue Baptist Church in the Memphis, Tenn. area, is embroiled in a controversy. For me, it was surprising, even disappointing to see Baptist Press take virtually the same course as the secular press in exposing the internal struggles of a local church. However, without getting into the details of the dispute, there are some who think Pastor Steve Gaines should resign.
Narcotizing Dysfunction By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published October 26, 2006: The idiom, �sitting on a powder keg� originated at some point in the first half of the 20th century. This metaphoric term alludes to sitting on a keg of gunpowder that could go off at any moment.
Autumn = Andy Griffith = Football = The Harvest By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published October 12, 2006: Even as a lad I loved the poetic artistry of James Whitcomb Riley. You can almost feel the brisk autumn air as you read his poignant words: �When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder�s in the shock.�
Try Honey By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published September 28, 2006: October is Clergy Appreciation Month. It is a time to honor pastors and their families for their faithful service and sacrificial dedication.
The Muslim (Islamic) march across America By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published September 14, 2006: Islam is the second largest religion in the world with more than 1.3 billion adherents. In the United States, Islam is the fastest growing religion, a trend fueled mostly by immigration. There are almost 7 million Muslims in the United States.
God's gift to Southern Baptists By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 31, 2006: He has referred to himself as �The King of all Clods from Hartselle, Ala.� However, those who know him regard him as a gracious Christian gentleman and the �Dean of all Southern Baptist Evangelists.�
ESPN, since when did poker become a sport? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 17, 2006: James Butler �Wild Bill� Hickok was playing poker at Nuttal & Mann�s Saloon No. 10 in Deadwood, Dakota Territory on August 2, 1876. It was then and there that Jack McCall shot �Wild Bill� in the back of the head with a double-action .45 caliber revolver.
Trapped in a war zone By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 3, 2006: To say the Middle East is a powder keg is an understatement. Since the dawn of creation the part of the world known as the cradle of civilization has been the center of strife and conflict. The jealous rage that provoked Cain to slay his brother, Abel, simply previewed the fury and frenzy that characterizes that region today.
Abuse of "Freedom in Christ" is dangerous By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 20, 2006: Liberty is a costly commodity. It never comes without a price. I was reminded of that in a very succinct way on Monday evening, July 3. Martha Jean and I went with some friends, Dr. and Mrs. Walter McBride, to hear the Atlanta Symphony present their annual patriotic concert at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mableton.
It is time to set things right By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 6, 2006: On a recent mission trip to Moldova I rejoiced to see the Christians of the city of Balti openly share their faith and gather in large numbers to worship in freedom. It has not always been that way. Religious liberty is a fairly new concept for many of the countries in eastern Europe once held captive by the Iron Curtain of communism. How exceedingly glorious it was to see the Moldovans exercise their freedom to worship God and how wonderfully encouraging it was to see their receptivity to the Gospel.
Southern Baptist Convention has powerful, intended and underlying themes By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 22, 2006: The Southern Baptist Convention�s most recent past president, Bobby Welch, has been relentless in his passion to get all of us to become personal soul winners. He preaches and promotes his �Everyone Can!� �I�m It!� campaign with the fervor of a general attempting to rally his troops for a critical battle or with the zeal of a football coach seeking to inspire his team to win a national championship.
Ten things messengers should expect from the SBC meeting in Greensboro By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 8, 2006: My first Southern Baptist Convention was the Houston Convention of 1968. I have attended most of them since then. To the best of my recollection I have missed three Conventions in 38 years. Those years when I was not present were due to pastoral or family-related deaths.
Bring it on � your nomination, that is By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 25, 2006: The 2006 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting will be held in Greensboro, N.C., at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex on June 13-14. It will be the fifth time the Convention has met in North Carolina, but the first time since 1916 when it met in Asheville.
Postmodern World tolerant of everything, but evangelical Christianity By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 11, 2006: I recently attended a meeting of a small group of Christian leaders hosted by Alan Sears, president, CEO, and general counsel of the Alliance Defense Fund.
The unsung hero of the church By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 27, 2006: I was preaching in a revival at Old Union Baptist Church in Harlem at the invitation of pastor Keith Boggs. Fifteen miles away The Masters, the nation�s most prestigious golf tournament, was getting underway with practice rounds and the annual par-three tournament. Because of The Masters, hotel prices were exorbitant and �no vacancy� signs were commonplace.
Spiritual Malpractice By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 13, 2006: Those of us who serve on the Southern Baptist Convention Funding Study Committee finished our recent meeting in Arlington, Texas ahead of schedule. I decided to try to get an earlier flight home via a stand-by status. When they called my name to inform me that I had been awarded a seat I was elated even though it was a middle seat between two other passengers.
What are we thinking? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 30, 2006: In the city of Columbus Mayor Bob Poydasheff is helping to facilitate a group of community leaders who have worked to establish One Columbus. This group�s stated purpose is �to create unity and respect within a diverse community.� Their stated objective is �to promote and encourage multi-cultural dialogue among all sectors and at every level of the community.�
Five things that can cripple a church By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 16, 2006: The dear Lord Jesus loves the church and has given Himself for it, and He obviously wants the church to be healthy and vibrant. The devil hates the church and since its inception has been hurling all the weapons in his diabolical arsenal in an effort to cripple its witness and its effectiveness.
Annie Armstrong Offering needed now By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 2, 2006: I often listen to The Albert Mohler Radio Program when I drive home from work in the afternoon. About two months ago Dr. Mohler, President of Southern Seminary and former editor of The Christian Index, cited an article in USA Today written by journalist James P. Gannon. The article was entitled, �Is God Dead in Europe?�
Needed: Fearless Prophets By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 16, 2006: Several years before his death I heard Robert Greene Lee, perhaps the last great pulpit orator in America, preach. He said, �One of these days I am going to cast off this earthy tabernacle and do something common to all men. I am going to die; and they are going to bury me in this terrestrial soil. And there is some chance that some little pusillanimous preacher will stand over my grave and say, �There lies the body of R. G. Lee, a man who did not have an enemy in this world.��
Judas Iscariot scheduled for complete re-imaging, renovation, and rehabilitation By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 2, 2006: Judas Iscariot, whose greed prompted him to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, may be given an extreme makeover by Roman Catholic scholars. At least that is what The London Times reported on Jan. 12.
Down Syndrome babies targeted for abortion By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 19, 2006: Over 30 years ago Jane Roe (whose real name was Norma McCovey), a pregnant single woman who was residing in Dallas County, Texas, brought a class action challenging the constitutionality of the Texas criminal abortion laws, which proscribed procuring or attempting an abortion except on medical advise for the purpose of saving the mother�s life.
The abomination of high doctrine, low conduct By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 5, 2006: The inexorable slide toward a loss of faith typically begins with a willingness to devalue the Word of God. When some pedigreed religion professor uses his classroom or some animated question mark uses his pulpit to cast suspicion upon the Bible he or she typically does it with the most surreptitious approach.
The unsanitized version of Christmas By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 22, 2005: Our children were born more than 30 years ago, but they had the advantage of being born in sanitized hospitals with competent physicians clothed in Martinized smocks doing their work with disinfected hands washed with soap containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate.
Let it be �Merry Christmas� now and forever By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 8, 2005: Last year Target stores became the Scrooge of 2004 and told the Salvation Army that they could no longer have their red kettles available to collect money for benevolent purposes. Consequently, the Salvation Army indicated that Target�s decision was a devastating blow to their �Sharing is Caring� campaign because Target locations produced an estimated $9 million in donations the previous year.
Adrian P. Rogers: A Man of God By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 24, 2005: "FAREWELL" was the lone word unfurled across the top of front page of The Commercial Appeal on Friday, November 18th. That was the word used by the Memphis, Tenn. newspaper to say goodbye to Adrian Pierce Rogers, the beloved pastor emeritus of Bellevue Baptist Church and one of America's most notable and powerful preachers.
One Baptist�s viewpoint on Christian education By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 10, 2005: Shorter College is back in the Georgia Baptist family. The battle to retrieve the school involved litigation that ultimately reached the Georgia Supreme Court, but on Oct. 21 the new governing board elected by the Georgia Baptist Convention met and began the process of writing a new chapter in the school�s history. Nelson Price, pastor emeritus of Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta, was elected chairman of the trustees and testified that the meeting was marked by �cordiality and cooperation.�
A Convention meeting that could shape the lives of our youths By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published October 27, 2005: I grew up in a small town in the foothills of North Carolina. Our church owned a house at Ridgecrest, the home of one our Southern Baptist retreat centers. I loved going to Ridgecrest and went as often as possible during my teenage years. I heard some of the giants of our Southern Baptist Convention preach the Gospel and their messages made an indelible impact upon my life.
Baptist - A Pretty Good Name By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published October 13, 2005: Identity theft is a serious problem in America today. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission has been assigned the responsibility of helping individuals repair the damage caused by identity theft. American Express has established its own Fraud Protection Center stating that identity theft was the largest consumer complaint lodged in 2004.
France: a preview of the future America? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published September 29, 2005: Martha Jean (my wife) and I just returned from a mission trip to Paris, France. Mike Gravette, Georgia Baptist Convention specialist for Mission Volunteers, coordinated the trip stateside with considerable help from International Mission Board missionaries Keith and Deborah Grimaud, who live on the outskirts of Paris near Versailles.
Katrina provokes questions, but provides opportunities for service By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published September 15, 2005: Katrina was merciless! The winds blew with terrific force. The floods came with a mighty surge of water that relentlessly pounded the Gulf Coast. The levee broke in New Orleans, submerging the Crescent City in deep water. The devastating hurricane spawned tornadoes that touched down in several states. Georgia did not escape the fury of the tornadic wrath that came in the wake of Katrina's unwelcomed intrusion onto American soil.
Joshua Dingler: A soldier of the cross and country By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published September 1, 2005: I have a great love for my country, but I have never served in the military, never seen the rockets� red glare or bombs bursting in air, never smelled the ominous stench of war hovering over a country marked by death and destruction, never fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion in a foxhole, never been startled into consciousness from the sound of a rocket propelled grenade exploding just over the horizon.
Let the pulpits be aflame with the bold proclamation of the gospel By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 18, 2005: Early one Sunday morning before going to church I was surfing through the channels on the television set to find some good gospel music and happened to pause at The Hour of Power from the Crystal Cathedral. They were having a patriotic service with beautiful music appropriate for the occasion. I was captivated by the pageantry and music presented in that televised service.
How far is the courthouse from the church house? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 4, 2005: Senior United States District Judge William C. O'Kelly rendered his decision in the Civil Action Case of John Doe v. Barrow County on July 18. He ruled that the defendant (the Barrow County Commissioners) must "immediately remove the Ten Commandments picture currently hanging on the wall of the breezeway connecting the Barrow County Courthouse and the Courthouse annex."
Do something that produces big dividends - memorize God's Word By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 21, 2005: Angel Martinez memorized the entire New Testament and could quote it without any reservation, qualification or hesitation. I was privileged to know the noted evangelist and had him preach in several of the churches I served as pastor.
SBC President Bobby Welch: Champion of Evangelism By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 7, 2005: When England was reeling on the precipice of discouragement and defeat from the constant onslaught of the German blitzkrieg in World War II, Winston Churchill inspired a weary and fainthearted nation with his persuasive and powerful words.
The Exodus and the Emergence By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 23, 2005: On June 23 of last year, Jimmy Draper got Southern Baptists' attention with his "LifeWay@Heart" column. He used the oft-told frog-in-the-kettle analogy to shake and awake us out of our lethargy in regards to evangelism.
American Psychiatric Association Supports Same Sex Marriage By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 9, 2005: God only had one Son without sin, but He never had a son without trials and tribulations. Human beings are creatures of emotion. God gave us the capacity to laugh, cry, fear, mourn, rejoice, worry, get angry, etc. These are the normal and natural experiences of life. However, these emotions or feelings may become overwhelming at times and so help is needed.
Have You Hugged Your Pastor Today? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 26, 2005: Having served as a pastor for more than forty years I know a little about the trials and tribulations, the struggles and stresses, the pains and problems pastors experience in the course of their ministries. I have a great affinity for pastors, and I love pastors.
Oprah: Talk Show Host! Entrepreneur! Philanthropist! Preacher? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 12, 2005: Oprah Winfrey is a remarkable woman! She was born in Kosciusko, Miss., on Jan. 29, 1954, and was supposed to be named after the biblical character Orpah, the sister-in-law of Ruth, but has been known as Oprah almost from birth. Although her maternal grandmother taught her many of the stories from the Bible, her early years were tumultuous. She was sexually abused by male relatives and severely damaged by the experience.
Take heart pastor, there is a vision for your church By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 28, 2005: There is a veritable smorgasbord of churches in our land today. When I was growing up, I don't think we had great variety in the choice of churches. Oh, there were plenty of churches, but there was a lot of similarity in most of them.
Let's discuss death By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 14, 2005: Most social functions and teas are probably not characterized by dialogues on death. Indeed, death is a subject to be avoided in the most refined and genial circles. Who goes to a party to eat crumpets, drink Earl Grey tea from a demitasse cup and discuss William Cullen Bryant's Thanatopsis?
How to stem a flood tide of anger By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 31, 2005: Fresh from a killing spree and out of the darkness came Brian G. Nichols into the life of Ashley Smith. As the young widow attempted to find the key that opened her Gwinnett County apartment, the gun-wielding fugitive appeared and threatened to do her bodily harm if she screamed. Within seconds the man, who had terrorized a city and left in his wake a path of destruction, was inside the home of the woman he would later call "an angel sent from God."
Spring, Easter, Baptism Day and The Christian Index By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 17, 2005: Since the days are getting longer I am greeted by the sunrise most mornings when I drive off the Riverside Drive ramp in an easterly direction onto I-285. Quite often the morning sky is a spectacular array of purple, red, gold, orange and yellow - a veritable prism of colors designed by the hand of a loving God who thus chooses to use His creative genius to welcome me to a new day.
The one-eyed monster By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 3, 2005: Television! It's almost impossible to find anything on television worth watching. It hasn't always been that way. I remember the first television set I ever saw. The year was 1948. The TV set was in the show window of a department store in Washington, D.C.
Do we have more in the show window than the storeroom? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 17, 2005: Catherine Zeta Jones, one of Hollywood's most celebrated stars, is often seen wearing a cross of gold and diamonds. Jennifer Anniston, the darling of the television series Friends and estranged wife of Brad Pitt, wears a cross of platinum and diamonds. Fashion model Naomi Campbell is reported to have a collection of enormous, jewel-studded crosses. Italian fashion stylist Giuliana Cella has more than four hundred of them.
Despite cold weather, tight security, obnoxious protestors, multitudes celebrate 55th Inauguration By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 3, 2005: On Jan. 20 George Walker Bush placed his hand on the Bible and was sworn in the second time as President of the United States. He recited the 35- word oath that every president has spoken since 1789 avowing to "faithfully execute the office of President, and � preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Southern Baptists: Almost Ubiquitous By J Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 20, 2005: I am happy to be a Georgia Baptist and Southern Baptist. Our denomination is a balm - a fragrant ointment or aromatic oil for healing. Our denomination is a light - a beacon, a ray of hope, shining in a dark world. Our denomination is a condiment (salt) - adding flavor to an insipid culture or in some cases preserving a society tending toward corruption.
Four things every church needs in 2005 By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 6, 2005: There are four things the church of 2005 desperately needs if it is to make an impact upon our age: fervent prayer, anointed preaching, genuine persecution and divine power.
What's your view of Christmas? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 16, 2004: Christmas! I know people, none of whom are children, who think Christmas is boring. To these uninspired folks Christmas comes with relentless regularity and seemingly increasing frequency. These poor benign souls view the Christmas carols as worn and hackneyed. They are wearied of the accouterments of the season and generally tired of trying to pretend that they are in favor of what they view as the sham of what Christmas has become.
Thinking locally and globally By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 2, 2004: The Christian Index encouraged messengers to the Georgia Baptist Convention to evangelize by offering gospel tracts to those who would faithfully share the glorious story of redemption. Within three days we distributed 85,000 tracts to those who came by our booth. I believe that is a sign that Georgia Baptists are serious about sharing the Good News.
Values still matter By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 18, 2004: Millions of conservative, evangelical Christians flocked to the polls on November 2nd and re-elected George W. Bush to another term as president of the United States. The exit polls indicated that "moral values" was the number one issue that motivated voters to re-elect him. The second most important issue that mattered to voters was the war on terror, followed respectively by the economy/jobs and the war in Iraq.
Revival: The Time Is Now! By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 4, 2004: Billy Graham has just concluded his "Heart of America Crusade" in Kansas City, Mo. The "Greater Los Angeles Billy Graham Crusade" is scheduled for Nov. 18-21; and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has announced plans for what is being called the "final" New York Crusade in June of 2005.
Baptists battle the booze brokers By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published October 21, 2004: Some preachers, like a lot of politicians, lick their index finger and hold it up to see which way the wind is blowing. They accommodate their message to suit the moral climate of their congregation. Preachers, and Christians generally, are not to be like thermometers registering the temperature of the times, but like thermostats regulating the temperature of the times.
What's the Minimal Requirement? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published October 7, 2004: While the saint of God is constantly challenged to present himself/herself to God as a "living sacrifice" or lay one's entire being upon the altar for the Lord, few ever live a life of complete surrender.
Religious Freedom: Is it slipping away? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published September 23, 2004: News reports have indicated that in recent years Christians have been murdered in the Middle East, imprisoned in China, and enslaved in northern Africa. While such atrocities are almost inconceivable to us and these horrific reports come from far away, we must not be oblivious to the encroachments upon our religious freedom at home.
Serious About our Calling? You�d Better Believe It! By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published September 9, 2004: One notable Southern Baptist preacher was asked, �Who is your favorite preacher?�
The unheeded terror alert By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 26, 2004: The security measures employed to safeguard the city of Boston for the Democratic National Convention cost taxpayers almost $40 million. Keeping the delegates to the DNC safe was of utmost importance.
The cold, hard facts By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published August 12, 2004: I am not a pessimist. In fact, I have a very positive view of life. After all, with the firm conviction that God is sovereign, that I am redeemed, have a new song in my heart, have been adopted into the family of God and have a new name written down in glory, why should I be discouraged?
Let�s right an upside down world before it�s too late By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 29, 2004: Years ago Karl Meninger�s book, Whatever Became of Sin? gave written expression to a widespread suspicion that the concept of �sin� was steadily evaporating from everyday life. If the question posed by Meninger�s book was apropos when he wrote it in 1973, it is even more appropriate today.
CBF does not spell SBC By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published July 15, 2004: The recent gathering of the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis marked the 25th anniversary of what has been called the �conservative resurgence.� One of the architects of the resurgence wrote: �Conservatives worked together because we believed that the restoration of the Southern Baptist Convention to a position of standing upon the complete trustworthiness of God�s Word was a hill on which to die.�
The Confession of a Flag Waving American By J. Gerald Harris Published July 1, 2004: It was a Saturday evening in September of 1983 in Jackson, Miss. The sun was casting long shadows over War Memorial Stadium and a gentle breeze, a refreshing zephyr, provided the ideal climate for an autumn clash on the gridiron.
Riding into the sunset to the shining city on a hill By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 17, 2004: Ronald Reagan was a man of indomitable courage, profound convictions, unflappable optimism and personal charisma. He stood like a giant sequoia on the American landscape, but Alzheimer�s disease, a foe he could not defeat, ultimately took his life on June 5.
The Church Must Assert Itself By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published June 3, 2004: There was a time when the church in England flourished. In fact, the Baptists in the United Kingdom grew significantly in the 19th Century. That was the age of pulpit giants � Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Joseph Parker, Alexander McClaren and John Clifford � who drew congregations of many thousands.
Christian schools no substitute for parental guidance By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 20, 2004: The public schools of America and, yes, Georgia, too, have come under meticulous scrutiny and unmitigated criticism in recent years. Some of it is justified, because nothing of the monumental proportions of public education can be all honey and no bees.
A Convention by any other name By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published May 6, 2004: When Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham addressed the Executive Committee in February he called for a new name for the denomination and indicated that he would appoint a committee to study the idea. Graham said the committee would represent the SBC both �geographically and generationally� and would report back to the Convention at the annual meeting in Nashville in 2005.
Georgia Baptist Children's Homes offer hope for a lifetime By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 22, 2004: The story is told of an orphanage years ago where life was cheap, compassion was non-existent and brutality and abuse were commonplace. A little boy who resided there was seen by one of the guardians throwing a piece of paper over the wall. The boy was immediately taken to the office of the superintendent of the orphanage to await certain punishment for such an act was considered an offense requiring disciplinary action.
The World's Greatest Comeback By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published April 8, 2004: History has recorded some spectacular comebacks. Just five years ago news came from the Atlanta Braves training camp that Andres Galarraga had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin�s lymphoma in his lower back.
The painful process of doing what is right By Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 25, 2004: In my flesh I prefer the course of least resistance. It is easier to go with the flow than swim against the current. Likewise, it is difficult to be true to the truth when tolerance is the social norm, and it is not easy to take a stand in the face of public criticism.
Lessons in a Winter Wonderland By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 11, 2004: With a desire to make some meaningful contribution to our partnership with the Baptist Convention of New York, I recently flew to the Empire State to spend three days with J. B. Graham, executive director of our sister state Convention to the north.
The Secular Worldview is Bold, Brazen, Unashamed By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 26, 2004: I never thought I would see the day when �Christian� America would have to specify that marriage should be between a man and a woman. In fact, it has been said, �If God doesn�t judge America, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.�
Who is the Fugitive? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published February 12, 2004: On 9/11, 1963, The Fugitive began its four-year run on television. The mystery thriller starred David Janssen as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man who had been falsely accused and arrested for killing his wife. Lt. Sam Gerard doggedly pursued the innocent doctor for four years as Kimble valiantly sought to find the one-armed man who was responsible for his wife�s death. The final two-part episode was the highest rated television program at that time.
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.
Pickpocket Prognosticators or Principled Pastors By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 15, 2004: I never cease to be amazed at the psychics, the soothsayers, and the prognosticators who shamelessly publish their predictions each New Year
Surrendered to Revival By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published January 1, 2004: Welcome to 2004! Yes, I have made some resolutions. It is a ritual. Every year at the beginning of January most of us look at our lives and see things that need improvement or change and we make resolutions for the New Year. Statistics show that most resolutions are sincerely made, enthusiastically initiated, half-heartedly maintained and eventually abandoned.
Christmas Victor: Bethlehem Over Babel By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 18, 2003: Katharine Hepburn, an academy award winning actress, died at age 96 on June 29th. She professed to be an atheist and once said on a TV talk show, "I don't believe in a god and as far as when I die, I'm looking forward to a nice, long rest in the ground."
Jerry Pereira - Quiet Champion Needed in Heaven By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published December 4, 2003: Jerry Pereira, president of the North Carolina Baptist Convention, died three days before the Convention was scheduled to meet in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He was a good friend and a devout man of God.
What's New? Nothing! By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 20, 2003: When Paul went to Athens he encountered the intelligentsia of his day. There the great apostle encountered philosophers, stoics, epicureans and strangers with curious ideologies who gathered unto the Areopagus to discuss their worldviews and opinions.
Mother Teresa on the path to recognition as a saint By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published November 6, 2003: I was privileged to attend the National Prayer Breakfast on February 3, 1994 in Washington, D.C. The occasion attracted a "Who's Who" list of America's most notable government and civic leaders. The primary speaker for the occasion was Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India.
What's the value of adding zeros? By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published October 23, 2003: A totally redeemed church could dramatically and dynamically impact our society, but how many churches are thoroughly Christian? What is a Christian? Is a Christian merely someone who believes the tenets of our faith? Is a Christian someone who willingly confesses that he or she is a believer? Is a Christian someone who has identified with a local church?

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