Church Sign - 10/1/2008

Church: Bethesda Christian Fellowship (1015 Cedar Ln; Knoxville, TN 37912)

Sign: “Satan is a loser”

Commentary: In addition to making me chuckle, this sign is literally true.

And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10, NASB)

It is fitting that the sign appears on a cross, the site of Satan's ultimate defeat.

Bible Trivia - 10/1/2008

Question: What is the term used to refer to the collection of statements which Jesus began with the words, “Blessed are...”

Answer: The Beatitudes.

Comments: The beatitudes appear at the outset of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12). The name comes from Latin beatus, meaning "blessed" or "happy". In each beattitude, Jesus sets out a condition that is typically undesired and then states a favorable result of that condition. These statements were to demonstrate the radical nature of the kingdom of heaven and likely shocked the original audience. As an example:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3, NASB)

Most scholars count eight Beatitudes in Matthew. Four of the eight appear in Luke 6:20-26.

Word of the Day - 10/1/2008

Artificer

An artificer is a person who is skillful or clever in devising ways of making things; inventor.

In Romans 1, Paul relays a laundry list of sinful acts, including mentioning artificers of evil.

slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, (Romans 1:30, NASB)

In Eckleburg's Eyes - 10/1/2008, Part 2

I spent Tuesday night with my parents at the Compassion Coalition Fund Raising Banquet. The event was held at Calhoun’s on the River. I have had the pleasure of working with the Compassion Coalition on many occasions and my parents and I were invited to the event by MLM.

The Compassion Coalition is a nondenominational group that attempts to unite churches and nonprofit organizations to respond to the needs of the community. It was founded in 2000 by Andy Rittenhouse (JAR). JAR now serves as Minister of Domestic Missions & Evangelism at the First Baptist Church of Concord while Grant Standefur (GLS) is filling JAR’s previous role of executive director.

From what I understand the fundraiser was typical of such events. There was assigned seating. We were crammed into the restaurants’s upper level banquet hall into a space that would have made sardines uncomfortable. My parents and I sat at Table 11 with Bob (BIP) and Sarah Poston (SAP), the Ulmer family (CMU and his parents JMU and MMU), the musical trio of “Two or More” (and one of the members’ baby Abel) who were performing on this night, and of course, MLM. (Note: This picture is of CMU and his beautiful mother, MMU.)

The group used the Chris Tomlin’s song “God of This City” as its theme, sung by both the musical act and accompanying a video. The night’s theme verse was John 17:18:

“As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18, NASB)

Bob Bell from the Christian radio station WRJZ served as Master of Ceremonies. The speakers were GLS and Randy Nichols, who has served as Knox County Attorney General since August 18, 1992.

As noted the music was provided by the local group, 2 Or More. (The group also has a MySpace that can be accessed here.) The trio is comprised of Sarah Mentzer (SEBM), Brandee Vandergirff (BCFG), and Rebekah Wade (RW). SEBM and RW are sisters whose father served as music minister at Broadway Baptist Church in Maryville for 29 years. They were really good. The trio sang at the White House on December 16, 2006. They had given their second performance at Carnegie Hall earlier in the same day. The group’s name comes from the King James Verison of Matthew 18:20:

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20, KJV)

The organization has a $350,000 annual budget and hoped to raise $100,000 on this night. No word on the results at this time. Though I loathe events such as these, I strongly support this organization.

It is also worth noting that the third edition of the group’s Salt and Light Guidebook has been released. If you would like to serve in the Knoxville area, this is an invaluable resource. It takes its name from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:

“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-14, NASB)

After the event, I visited KLTW, KJW and RAW. KJW was in a snuggly mood with me after having been apparently a typical two-year old earlier in the night. (I don't believe it.) We flipped between watching the White Sox’s 1-0 victory in a one game playoff over Twins and an episode of House, MD. Has anyone else noticed the USA Network has played that show almost continuously of late?

Finally, Tuesday marked ALK’s birthday. I will take you out soon to celebrate “47"!

In Eckleburg's Eyes - 10/1/2008, Part 1

Part 1 of this edition of “In Eckleburg’s Eyes” is titled “Chan Goes to the Allergist.” I am describing the process in detail for two reasons: 1. If any of you are contemplating being tested for allergies, you will know what to expect. 2. I will document what the allergist told me to do as I inevitably would forget otherwise.

I spent Tuesday morning at the Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center. I had been there many times to drop SMA off in their “shotroom” but on this day I was going to have a battery of tests run. Having the appointment scheduled in advance, I already had completed my paperwork and had the Claritin out of my system when I arrived. Going without medicine for a week affected me, but not as much as I would have thought.

My appointment began in the office of Robert M. Overholt (RMO). RMO, also known as “Dr. Bob” has his own radio and television program in the area known as the Dr. Bob Show. His office was decorated with family photos everywhere. In fact, I am not sure that my family owns as many photos as adorn his office.

Before examining me, RMO wanted to get to know me. When he learned that I attended McAfee, he asked if f I was familiar with John Claypool. I liked this guy already.

RMO is a member of a member of West Hills Baptist Church and as such knows my seminary pal AJP (the former pastor’s son). In fact, all of AJP’s family works with him. AJP’s brother Ty (TLP) is a doctor and his sisters all also work there. RMO was also familiar with Carson-Newman College and my church’s pastor, LWF. I could have talked with RMO for hours.

After talking with RMO, I went into Exam Room 1. Upon examination, RMO discovered that my nose showed signs of a serious allergy problem. This was great as it meant I could be helped and also that I am not just a pansy.

Shortly after this inspection, a nurse named Lisa wrote on my back and scratched me 72 times to test for various allergies. After fifteen minutes, these pricks would have swelled were I allergic. I tested positive for only one. I had a strong reaction to dust mites.

I then went with a nurse named Sherry into another room where I was given a lead apron and a CT scan. Two images were taken, one shot took an instant and in another I had to remain still with my eyes closed for forty seconds. The results came back negative for a chronic sinus infection. The news was almost as cool as the fact that I wore a lead apron.

I then returned to the exam room where Lisa gave me ten more markings on each arm. Though the process was not painful, I felt as though a really bad tattoo artist had taken me captive. The first tests were externally focused on the outside of my skin, these tests were done beneath the skin.

While awaiting the results, I watched a brief video on allergies and dust mites. The video was hosted by RMO but the audio track was slightly off, giving it the feel of an Asian martial arts film. I learned that my allergies were caused by genetics. I have yet another thing to thank my parents for.

My favorite line from the video was: “When you lay on your pillow you leave a hot fudge Sunday for the dust mites.” I learned the following tips for ameliorating dust bites:

• Cover the pillow and bed with a “vinyl” protective covering.
  
• Wash the bedding in a hot cycle at least 130 degrees or more as the dust mites can survive the cold cycle.
  
• Do not run a ceiling fan in the bedroom.
  
• If given the choice, do not have carpeting in the bedroom.
  
• Position the vent so that it faces away from the bed.

The positive news was that doing these simple tasks has been known to cause improvement in as quickly as 5-6 days.

After watching the video, another nurse washed my arm and then I debriefed in RMO’s office.

I learned that 30% of people have an allergy to dust mites. In addition to the “Allergy Avoidance Program” detailed above, I was two given prescriptions for nasal sprays. I am to spray (to the outside of the nose) Flonase twice each morning. I am also to use Astelin twice daily. This topical antihistamine helps in four different ways and is RMO’s favorite antihistamine. I felt guilty for not having a favorite antihistamine.

I also made a three-year commitment to allergy shots. As the program persists, the shots will becoming less frequent. During the first three months, I will be injected twice a week and weekly for the remainder of the first year. If all goes according to schedule, I would be injected once every two weeks for the remaining two years. There is a 50% chance I will show improvement by the end of the year and an 85% chance that the allergies will eventually be eliminated entirely. My regime begins on October 14th.

RMO was very sympathetic to the ministry noting that it is the second hardest job in the country, behind major college football coach. Thankfully my name is not in the paper every time I give a poor sermon.

I bought a cover for my pillow at the Patient Care Center and was on my way. It was a great experience. It took about 1 ½ hours, less than the two hours that had been projected. Everyone was incredibly nice as well. If you have allergy problems, this is the place to go.

Afterwards, I met JTH at Big Fatty’s Catering Kitchen. The place was packed and we had to sit at the restaurant’s purple high top chairs. I ate the blue plate special - chicken ‘n dumplings with a side of scalloped potatoes. I am really glad my blood pressure was checked prior to this meal as I am fairly certain I clogged some arteries in the process. Sadly, I think it was worth it.

Church Sign - 9/30/2008, Part 2

Church: Northwest Baptist Church (2614 Merchants Dr; Knoxville, TN 37912)

Sign: “A big fall begins with a little stumble”

Commentary: This sign echoes the advice of Ephesians 4:27 which the NIV translates "and do not give the devil a foothold."

and do not give the devil an opportunity. (Ephesians 4:27, NASB)

Church Sign - 9/30/2008, Part 1

Church: Northwest Baptist Church (2614 Merchants Dr; Knoxville, TN 37912)

Sign: “Fear hinders faith but trust kindles confidence”

Commentary: This quote was featured in February 25, 2006 edition of Our Daily Bread. The dangers of fear are legion. It is worth noting that the most often repeated command throughout the Scriptures is some variation of “be not afraid”. The reason for this command is that the the beliver has no need to fear.

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1, NASB)

Or as Yoda says in The Phantom Menace, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Bible Trivia - 9/30/2008

Question: Who lived to be 969 years old?

Answer: Methuselah. (Genesis 5:27)

Comments: The genealogy of Genesis 5 asserts that Methuselah lived to be 969 years. That is the oldest documented age in the Bible, but only by seven years. As such Methuselah has become synonymous with senectitude. The expression “old as Methuselah” dates back to at least the fourteenth century. An allusion to it is cited as circa 1390 in Frederick James Furnivall (1825-1910)’s Minor Poems, 1901: “...if a Mon may libben heer As longe as dude Matussale.”

So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died. (Genesis 5:27)

The name “Methuselah” means alternatively “Man of the dart” or “when he dies/died, it will be sent/has been sent”). The year of Methuselah’s death coincided with the Great Flood. As such, many have interpreted Methuselah’s name as being a prophetic warning and his long life evidence of the magnitude of God’s patience.

Word of the Day - 9/30/2008

Perspicacity

Perspicacity is keenness of mental perception and understanding; discernment; penetration.

After Simon Peter became the first disciple to profess Jesus to be the Christ, Jesus noted that Peter's perspicacity was not his own.

And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 16:17, NASB)

Note: O.A. Stemler drew this illustration of Peter's confession.

In Eckleburg's Eyes - 9/30/2008

On Tuesday night, my team finally won a game in church league basketball. We were the last team in the league to gain a victory. I know this because every team has already beaten us. I had been worried about being the worst coach in town until JCT assured me that there was a coach on The Hill who could give me a run for my money. We both now have 1-3 records.

There was a catch. Only four players on the other team showed up. No, they did not play 5-on-4. DED (aka The Highlander, pictured shooting free throws) and WDS, fresh off a 51-44 victory in th early game, played for KLD’s team. So instead of winning via forfeit, we beat four guys and two 50+ year olds who had already played a game. In situations like this, the bragging rights are huge.

We got off to a quick 14-3 lead before DED checked into the game. Even with the Highlander in the game, we maintained a 24-16 lead at halftime. Then we did what we have rarely been able to do - hold a halftime lead. We won 58-35. I would also like to note that we were technically the visiting team, so this was a quality win on the road. (Yes, I know, all games are played in the same gym.)

PCR (#14 in the first photo) played fabulously, including hitting four three-pointers. By the way, we are referring to his hair as the mo-lett. (It is half mullett, half mohawk.) It looks good. JAH recorded the play of the game with a block of WDS. No word on who he will choose to be the focus of next week’s devotion.

SH selected seven-time NBA All-Star Scottie Pippen for this week’s devotion. I based the devotion on Pippen’s humble origins, being from Hamburg, Arkansas, and playing collegiately in Conway, Arkansas (at the University of Central Arkansas). I noted that Jesus also came from especially humble origins (see John 1:46) and that God can use people from all backgrounds. I charged the group to focus on how big God is rather than how limited we are.

In other basketball news, the referee who had been away doing mission’s work returned. He is well. This was his fist game back. It was also the first game ALK attended. In fact all three Amandas were at the game. That was not awkward at all...

After the game, JTH, SH, ALH, ALK, and I celebrated our big victory at Applebees. Not surprisingly, JB and JBT were eating there. We joined them in AFH’s section. This is JBT showing JB a picture of AFH from her day’s playing basketball at Karns High School. She has changed a great deal, but at 6'3" still stands out in the team photo.

Associated Baptist Press - 9/29/2008

In this issue
Gay-rights 'Equality Ride' targets Baptist colleges
Landrum Leavell, longtime seminary president, dies
Veteran journalist Bob Allen tapped as ABP senior writer

Gay-rights 'Equality Ride' targets Baptist colleges
By Vicki Brown

AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) -- A group that promotes equal rights for gays in religious orgnaizations appears to be targeting Baptist colleges and universities in its third annual tour of faith-based educational institutions.

Nine of the 15 stops scheduled on Soulforce Q's Equality Ride will be made at Southern Baptist-affiliated schools, including Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

Soulforce Q is the young-adult division of Soulforce, an interfaith organization that "works to end political and religious oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through relentless nonviolent resistance," according to a press release.

"As young people and students ourselves, we understand that it's very difficult to learn in an environment where you don't feel safe," ride co-director Jarrett Lucas said. "And students who face harassment or expulsion can't always speak up for themselves.

Soulforce Q sends requests for meetings with administrators and students to the schools several months in advance of the ride. A negative response doesn't mean the institution will be dropped from the tour list. "The colleges' responses shape the itinerary," the release noted. "The Equality Ride strives to visit a mix of schools that are open to collaboration and schools that are not yet willing to make a place at the table for affirming viewpoints."

"A lot of schools will let students know we are coming," ride co-director Katie Higgins said in a telephone interview. "And we tend to get a flood of e-mail from students, mostly positive.

"We get contacts from students who say they are not safe," even at institutions with safety policies in place, Higgins said. "The fact of the matter is that every college in this country could benefit from the Equality Ride."

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., likely will be among the institutions that refuse to allow Soulforce Q volunteers on campus. About two dozen participants were arrested for trespassing during the 2006 Equality Ride when they tried to walk onto the Liberty campus March 10 that year.

Liberty -- founded by the late Jerry Falwell -- is the first stop on this year's ride. After learning that Liberty's fall break is set for Oct. 2-3, the tour's original planned stop, organizers changed the date to Oct. 1. Administrators refused to comment on any planned response.

Palm Beach Atlantic University, a Florida Baptist school, will not meet with ride participants. A "visit by Equality Ride would fail to meaningfully further the mission of either organization," Palm Beach Atlantic president David Clark said in a prepared statement released to faculty, staff and students.

"As we have explained to them, our campus is already a safe place for all students. The university does not tolerate harassment of any individual. We believe we have a welcoming campus for all students," he added.

Palm Beach Atlantic does not ban students with same-sex orientation from enrolling, but does require students to follow its behavior policies, which prohibit homosexual behavior.

At least one Baptist school will welcome Equality Ride participants. Student affairs leaders and administrators at Dallas Baptist University will meet them for lunch when the tour stops Oct. 24. Dialogue sessions are scheduled for the afternoon.

"We had been aware of what the Equality Ride was," DBU Dean of Student Life Jay Harley said in a telephone interview. "We anticipated receiving an invitation from them.

"After a lot of prayer and discussion among the administration," he continued, administrators at Dallas Baptist decided to allow the ride organizers to lead a discussion, "but with the understanding that we disagree with where they stand," he said.

He continued, "It is a part of higher education to have discussions, even about topics about which we disagree."

Students had input into the decision as well. University administrators "explained why they wanted to pursue a discussion [with Soulforce Q] and asked how we would respond to that," Student Government Association president Leigha Caron said.

"Our students have a strong commitment to good character and morals. We as Christians ... can show the selfless love that Christ would have us show."
Harley emphasized that Dallas Baptist already has safety policies in place. "We regard the safety of all students -- for all students to be safe, to not be discriminated against or to experience hatred from other students ... that includes those who may be dealing with homosexual issues or students dealing with other issues or students who are not Christians," he said.

Administrators at some of the targeted Baptist schools have not yet responded to Soulforce Q. "We have not yet responded to their request. But we intend to decline to extend an invitation to them based on their pattern over the last few years," Ouachita Baptist University spokesman Trennis Henderson noted.

Equality Riders are expected at the Arkansas school on Nov. 5.

"We expect that they will unilaterally choose to come. But at this point they have released that information without any acknowledgement or response from us. So we anticipate discussion with them and hope they would honor our request in the spirit of dialogue and fellowship."

At least one Union University graduate is looking forward to the ride's scheduled stop at her alma mater Nov. 10-11.

"I originally became interested in Soulforce the first time they visited Union in 2006, because as a closeted lesbian on a Christian campus, they made a stand ... for people like me ... hiding from the reality of campus policies," noted Rachel Watson, who graduated from the Tennessee Baptist school in May.

The 2006 ride appearance fell during Union's spring break.

"I have a lot of faith in seeing change and seeing acceptance by schools that have had these policies for so long. I hope to see us learning from each other ... and to start loving each other as God intends."

Other schools on this year's Equality Ride itinerary include Columbia International University, Columbia, S.C.; Morehouse College and Spelman College in Atlanta; Heritage Christian University, Florence, Ala.; Mississippi College, Clinton, Miss.; Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Waxahachie, Texas; Central Baptist College, Conway, Ark.; and Simmons College of Kentucky, Louisville, Ky.

Louisiana College, a Baptist school in Pineville, La., also was originally included.

But Soulforce Q has canceled the visit because the area is still recovering from Hurricane Gustav, according to college spokesperson Amy Robertson.

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Landrum Leavell, longtime seminary president, dies
By Vicki Brown

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (ABP) -- Landrum Leavell, who led New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for nearly three decades, died after an extended illness Sept. 26. He was 81.

Leavell was elected the seminary's president in January 1975, and helmed the institution through some of the most turbulent years in the life of its parent denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention.

Although he retired from the post Dec. 31, 1994, Leavell remained on campus as interim president until Dec. 31, 1995, when Chuck Kelley, the current president, succeeded him.

"By any standard of measurement, Dr. Leavell is one of the greatest presidents that this seminary ever had," Kelley said, in a statement posted on the school's website Sept. 29.

Leavell led New Orleans Seminary through the entirety of the fundamentalist-moderate conflict that fractured the SBC during the 1980s. However, unlike his colleagues at the other five official Southern Baptist theological schools, Leavell managed to avoid significant scrutiny and controversy on his campus. That may have been, Kelly told the New Orleans Times-Picayune, because many in the conservative camp recognized Leavell as a theological ally -- if not necessarily a political one.

He "kept the institution focused on its mission, which was turning out the next generation of pastors and ministers," Kelley said. "There was no talk of the conflict in chapel [services], no public reference to it anywhere. He never asked what side anybody was on."

Landrum P. Leavell II was born in Ripley, Tenn., Nov. 26, 1926, and raised in Newnan, Ga., where his father was pastor of the First Baptist Church. Ordained to the ministry in 1948, he earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Mercer University in Georgia. He earned bachelor of divinity and doctor of theology degrees in New Testament and Greek from New Orleans Seminary.

He was the scion a family steeped in Southern Baptist tradition, including a number of relatives who were pastors, missionaries and denominational leaders. An uncle, Roland Leavell, also served as president of New Orleans Seminary.
Prior to accepting the presidency, he spent 27 years as a pastor of churches in Mississippi and Texas.

Leavell is credited with several innovations and improvements during his tenure at New Orleans. He led the school to establish a network of extension centers and introduced compressed interactive video to connect classes at centers and the main campus in real time.

Under his presidency, the seminary established the first center for evangelism and church growth and re-established an undergraduate program his uncle had started. The seminary renamed the program Leavell College in 2003.

Leavell and his wife, Jo Ann, also focused on assistance for seminary wives, including free educational programs, an endowment to purchase clothing and a lecture series.

He also was active in denominational life, including a stint as the SBC's first vice president in 1968 and as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas from 1971 to 1973. He served as a trustee at Mississippi College from retirement until his death. He had been a longtime trustee of the former Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, and became a trustee of Baptist Community Ministries, a foundation established with the proceeds from the sale of the hospital.

He authored or contributed to 14 books, including Angels, Angels, Angels and Twelve Who Followed Jesus.

According to the seminary and to news reports, Leavell died in Wichita Falls, Texas, after a lengthy illness. Funeral services are scheduled for Sept. 30 at First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls, where he served as pastor before taking the seminary's reins. Interment will take place Oct. 2 in Newnan, Ga.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Paris Leavell; four children, Landrum Leavell III, Roland Leavell II, David Leavell and Ann Paris Leavell; and 10 grandchildren.

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Veteran journalist Bob Allen tapped as ABP senior writer
By Robert Marus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) -- Veteran Baptist journalist Bob Allen will return to Associated Baptist Press Oct. 1 to fill a newly created senior writer position.

It will be Allen's second stint with the independent news agency, which he had once served, for a decade, as news editor. Since 2003, Allen has been managing editor of EthicsDaily.com, the news-and-opinion outlet of the Nashville-based Baptist Center for Ethics.

"I am delighted that Bob will be rejoining the ABP team," said David Wilkinson, ABP's newly hired executive director, who in turn hired Allen. "He is an experienced and talented journalist who has that dogged determination to get to the heart of the story and to report it accurately and fairly. He brings an impressive breadth of skills and knowledge that will help us broaden the services provided through ABP and our partnership with New Voice Media Group."

New Voice Media is a multimedia partnership among ABP and three historic state Baptist newspapers -- the Baptist Standard of Texas, the Word & Way of Missouri, and the Religious Herald of Virginia. Through collaborative website and content management, it provides the hosting capability for a far broader array of news-related content than any of the organizations had previously.

Allen said he is excited to reunite with an agency and staff familiar to him, but at a new phase of its organizational life. "I am excited about this new chapter in my career," he said, in an e-mailed statement. "The staff members at ABP are not only top-notch professionals, they're good friends. I'm looking forward to rejoining the team."

The position was created by the agency's board of directors in a staff reorganization necessitated, in part, when longtime ABP Executive Editor Greg Warner announced he was stepping down. Warner took sick leave following back surgery Aug. 28, with the expectation that the leave would transition into permanent disability. Warner has experienced chronic, severe back pain since 1998.

"When the directors began to restructure the staff a few months ago, we immediately started talking to Bob about returning to ABP," Warner said. "He's one of the best writers that Baptists have ever produced."

Warner noted that Allen's previous position with ABP was painful loss caused by a significant reduction in donations that afflicted many non-profit agencies in late 2001 and 2002. "We lost him once because of a severe drop in funding after 9/11. I'm delighted David had the wisdom to bring him back where he belongs."

The senior-writer position will tap Allen's expertise in reporting on a broad number of subjects -- from Baptist denominational struggles to national politics and foreign affairs. It will also draw on his experience at the Baptist Center for Ethics in production and distribution of online news and opinion content.

He will re-join two long-time ABP employees -- Lindsay Bergstrom, director of administration and production; and Robert Marus, who last year became news editor after six years as Washington bureau chief. An assistant-editor position has been vacant since March, when Hannah Elliott left the agency to work for the Forbes media empire.

Warner praised the re-grouped news team. "ABP's new structure, dividing the executive and editorial functions, allows us to pair Bob's incredible talent with David's executive skills. Adding them to the editorial leadership Rob Marus already provides gives ABP its strongest team ever. Ultimately, all Baptists will benefit as our reporting of Christian news and information expands exponentially."

Allen, a native of Marion, Ill., holds a journalism degree from the University of Southern Illinois and a master of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He will work out of a home office in suburban Nashville, Tenn., where he lives with his wife, Vicki.

Allen has two adult children -- Patrick, 22; and Amy, 19. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

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Prayer Blog - 9/29/2008

Tomorrow, KL will learn the resultsfrom ladt week's MRI and determine what course of action to take to correct her knee problems. Please keep her and her doctors in your prayers as they make decisions regarding the future.

Church Sign - 9/29/2008, Part 2

Church: West Haven Baptist Church (5651 Matlock Dr; Knoxville, TN 37921)

Sign: “You were created to be an answer”

Commentary: This is the actually title of a chapter of John L. Martin's 1993 book You're an Original, Don't Die a Copy!. Martin explains that God created humans to be part of the solutions to the world's problems. Martin quotes Helen Keller (1880-1968) who famously said, "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in your power to do it. (Proverbs 3:27, NASB)

Black Panther Eldridge Clever (1935-1998) said, "You're either part of the solution or you're part of the problem." How am I being part of the solution?

Church Sign - 9/29/2008, Part 1

Church: West Haven Baptist Church (5651 Matlock Dr; Knoxville, TN 37921)

Sign: “He knows you and He loves you!”

Commentary: This message is simple but needs to be reiterated as much as possible. Dana Candler explains, "To say that God loves me is a familiar notion indeed, but to pursue, know and experience His love is a rare preoccupation." See Luke 12.

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7, NASB)

How would the world look if every human truly experienced the love of God?

Bible Trivia - 9/29/2008

Question: Jesus said that the money changers had turned the temple from a house of prayer into what?

Answer: A den of thieves (Matthew 21:13), or a house of merchandise (John 2:16)

Comments: Jesus accused those who bought and sold in the temple of transforming what should have been a "house of prayer" into a "robber's den", effectively defeating the purpose of the temple. Jesus' terminology drew from the Old Testament prophetic tradition. "House of prayer" orignates with Isaiah 56:7 and "robbers' den" comes from Jeremiah 7:11.

And He said to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER'; but you are making it a ROBBERS' DEN." (Matthew 21:13, NASB)

While making this proclamation, Jesus was evacuating the area.

Note: This painting is El Greco (1541-1614)'s "Christ Driving the Moneychangers from the Temple".

Word of the Day - 9/29/2008

Barbate

Barbate means tufted or furnished with hairs; bearded.

The Psalms note that Aaron possessed a barbate face. (Psalm 133:2)

It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Coming down upon the beard,
Even Aaron's beard,
Coming down upon the edge of his robes. (Psalm 133:2, NASB)

In botany, Cymbalaria muralis, Hypericum calycinum, Saxifraga stolonifera, and Opuntia leucotricha all can be known as "Aaron's beard", taken from Psalm 133:2. The commnality is that all of these plants have numerous stamens or threadlike runners.

In Eckleburg's Eyes - 9/29/2008, Part 3

I spent my Sunday afternoon and evening with JTH. Amongst our travels, we found several church signs that will be featured on the blog throughout the week. It was very nice to have a photographer. Not only did JTH take better artsy photos than I would have, but he also made the process far easier as camera work and driving are a difficult combination for me. If anyone in law enforcement reads this, that was not an admission to attempting to do both simultaneously.

We drove by the home of AMTT and JCT . Not only was PAT in from Kennesaw, Georgia, but I also finally got to meet his beautiful girlfriend, CM. As you can tell, they were immersed in Rock Band when we arrived. It was a great visit. We were also later joined by CEH as well, who assumed the role of drummer.

I must also note that Sammus, the dog was there. She was very sweet and remarkably subdued. (AMTT, did I spell her name correctly?)

JTH and I spent Sunday night with ALK. ALK is a new friend. Here is the convoluted story of how she and JTH met, which I like to call “A Tale The Three Amandas”: JDM’s long-time girlfriend is Amanda #1 (ANS). At some point, they split up and JDM began hanging out with Amanda #2 (ALK). Amanda #2's best friend is also named Amanda, Amanda #3 (ALH). Amanda #3 began dating JDM’s best friend, SH. Recently, JDM reconciled with Amanda #1 and with his consent, JTH began a relationship with Amanda #2. Amanda #3 remains dating SH. It’s really quite simple.

We had a great time. After much driving around, we settled on dining at Calhoun’s in Turkey Creek. The irony of this choice was that our journey started at my house and there is a Calhoun’s very close to it. I don’t think we’re indecisive, we’re just overly considerate.

Unfortunately, ALK could not give us much insight into her church’s “blessing of the pets”. Their church sign is inviting everyone to bring their pets to be blessed on Saturday, October 4th. This intrigues me. If the pastor invokes the bringing of the animals in Noah’s ark, he is a genius.

Afterwards, we visited KLTW, KJW, and RAW. Actually, I visited the parents while the couple babysat the child, who did everything in her power to impress the new girl. ALK works with preschoolers so the two hit off.

In closing, I would like to note that I did indeed finish The Shack on Friday as planned. I strongly endorse this book. Yes, I realize it is Christian fiction. I will note that the book is somewhat controversial as LifeWay pulled the book from its shelves in June. I do not agree with everything in The Shack or any other contemporary book for that matter, but I found it stimulating. Regarding LifeWay, be weary of any institution that is afraid of allowing people to think for themselves. Censorship is never the answer. Sorry for the soap box. This is why I seldom discuss anything I am reading on the blog.

To all of those who insisted I read The Shack: 1. Thank you. 2 .Get off my back now. Just kidding.

Finally, on Friday, LEJ passed the quarter century mark. Happy Birthday, Real Deal!

In Eckleburg's Eyes - 9/29/2008, Part 2

I and my class attended Ebenezer United Methodist Church on Sunday morning. We participated in the Heritage worship service. This allowed me to see my old friends LJP and Ann Robins (APR, the church’s pastor). Some of you may remember that this church was the site of the worst sermon I ever preached. Yes, it was worse than the one I delivered while passing a kidney stone!

I attended to see the Word Players perform the play “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Jericho” in the worship service. I told the director, Jeni Lamm Weber, that I am becoming sort of a groupie of her troupe. The service followed a traditional order with the play taking the place of a sermon. I do not believe I have ever seen that done previously.

The play was fabulous. It was written by Tom Long. This would be Tom S. Long, not Candler School of Theology’s Bandy Professor of Preaching Thomas G. Long, who is one of the nation’s finest preachers. The play was the winner of the 1983 Episcopal Drama Foundation National Drama Contest.

The play featured a director and four person drama troupe rehearsing the parable commonly referred to as the “Good Samaritan.” (Luke 10:25-37) [The play takes its name from the fact that the victim in Jesus’ story is on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. (Luke 10:30)] The story is retold serval times as one actress repeatedly stops the show, demanding character roles that require progressively less of her. This leads to a succession of different versions in which the troubled actor plays different parts: the victim, the priest who passes by, and finally a robber. In each case she is confronted and challenged by the Biblical message and the character of Jesus who staggers the woman’s attempts to make the story comfortable. These re-enactments build to the ultimate reality that the woman can either accept Jesus' payment for her sins on the cross, or she has may face the penalty herself. The play runs approximately forty minutes.

The cast included Alysha Cantrell (as the troubled actress) and Christiane Frith, whom I had seen in the WordPlayers’ last production, The Secret Garden on July 24th. (For my review of that performace, click here.) Making his WordPlayers’ debut was my old church friend Rollin Prince (RTP). He was terrific as were all involved.

The show began on September 14th and runs through Nov. 23rd. If you get an opportunity to view it, I highly recommend it. It provides great insight into the text and the process the actress goes trhough mirrors the task the preacher engages in while reading the text. If also reminds the reader to find herself in the parable.

After the performance, WAM and I went to the Copper Cellar for their Sunday brunch. It costs $15.99 but is the best meal in town. Actually, counting tax, gratuity and an inexplicable service charge it was far more expensive than that. This may explain why so few people actually go there on Sunday afternoons. Despite the high cost,we had a great time. For WAM’s typical brilliant and entertaining insights, read the WAM Quote of the Day.

In Eckleburg's Eyes - 9/29/2008, Part 1

Like any good Knoxvillian, my Saturday revolved around the three F’s: family, friends, and football. Note: They are not necessarily prioritized in that order.

As usual, Dad and I watched the Vols lose yet another game together. This week, we lost at Auburn, 14-12. My thoughts echo that of NP who posted on his Facebook page: “NP is laughing at how much Crompton is singlehandedly going to set back Tennessee's football program by at least 5 years.”

For those keeping track, Tennessee is now 1-3. Remember when Peyton Manning played at UT? That was great...

Afterwards, my parents and I went to RAW’s house. RAW and KLTW had asked my father to consult on sprucing up the front of their house. They rejected my advice of decorating the house with an array religious symbols and animated characters in exceedingly bright colors.

After the house inspection, we went to Estelita’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine. RAW eats there often during work and knew way too much about the restaurant and its history. At his recommendation, I ordered the “cheese chicken burrito”. It was good but, sadly, I was thrown by the fact that cheese was listed before chicken in the entree's title.

After eating, my parents then returned home while I went back to RAW’s where we watched #8 Alabama continue its pummeling of #3 Georgia. We had watched the Crimson Tide accumulate a 31-0 halftime lead at the restaurant. The final score was a respectable 41-30. If the Vols cannot do anything good this season, watching their rivals lose is the next best thing. After all, misery loves company.

Of course, I also enjoyed hanging out with KJW. KLTW is investigating preschools for the child. She has looked at programs both at our church and the First Baptist Church of Concord. Concord is expensive but is closer and opens earlier than the daycare at our church. RAW suggested we inform our church of this fact and their natural competitive tendencies would change the hours of our program. I am not sure that the theory is inaccurate. Our church did offer to teach KJW her alphabet, colors...and other things she already knows.

Speaking of KJW’s vast vocabulary,she has learned some Chinese by watching the show Ni Hao, Kai-Lan. This is a Nickelodeon show that incorporates the Chinese language into its programming in much the same way that Dora the Explorer utilizes Spanish. KLTW, bragging on her daughter, asked KJW, “How do you say ‘Hi’ in Chinese?” KJW responded immediately, “Hi, I’m Chinese.”

The child is brilliant! I am fairly certain KJW was making a philosophical statement about the fact that the Chinese people know English whereas Americans are so arrogant as to make others learn that language. For the record, “ni hao” means “hello” in Mandarin Chinese.

With the influx of languages into the child’s life, there is still no word on when I will begin her training in Greek.

In other KJW she has a substantial cut below her nose after tumbling face first on concrete. This is significant for two reasons: 1. She is scheduled to be the flower girl at her cousin APC’s wedding next week and we are hoping she will heal by then. 2. We used the opportunity to add “face plant” to her vocabulary. RAW and I are known for our sensitivity.

KJW also has two new “toys” in her back yard. Her parents have installed a tree swing (which KJW is showing me) and a hopscotch court has been etched in chalk on the sidewalk. She loves both, though we are not entirely sure why exactly the latter game is supposed to be fun.

Finally, on Saturday morning my mother attended a fashion show in Lenoir City. Add this to your list of oxymorons.

Prayer Blog - 9/28/2008

It was announced in Sunday School morning that if BEBM does not have her baby my Friday, labor will be induced. Please keep her and her family in your prayers this week.

WAM Quote of the Day - 9/28/2008

After attending church this morning, I took WAM to eat brunch at the Copper Cellar . He gave me two quotes which tie for the Quote of the Day.

Somehow, the topic of my not drinking coffee emerged. (With the exception of Sundays, I drink only water.) WAM, a coffee addict, assured me that this choice was acceptable. He remined me:

“Coffee is somewhat of an acquired taste, like chicken.”

Later in the conversation, WAM asked me to differentiate between Facebook and MySpace. I noted that both were social networks. I distinguished them using a comparison given me by JTH: Facebook is more daytime while MySpace is night time. He applied this data as follows:

“That would explain why RAW and KLTW are on MySpace.”