BaptistVoice online magazine  

Publisher: Cal Hunter, DC, DRS.     

February-March, 2010

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Editor's note:  Our NEW BaptistVoice magazine will be updated from time to time but not on a definite schedule.  Notification of each publication will not  be sent out on a regular basis.  Instead, we invite you to check in occasionally to see what's new, and do us a favor: tell all your friends to check us out.  If you have an article you would like us to publish, we would be happy to take a look at it.  If it meets our criteria, we will be happy to publish it.  Contact us at calhunter@att.net

 

 Note: My new book, Glimpses of Heaven: A Biblical Study on Heaven, is now available from all major bookstores and online book sellers such as Amazon.  The book may not yet be on their shelves, but they can get it for you.  You can also order from: www.calhunter.com 

 

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How Many Babies Have Been Aborted In USA?

National Right to Life estimates that, as the nation marks the 37th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, there have been 52,008,665 abortions using either surgical or the abortion drug (RU 486) method since Roe v. Wade.

 

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UPDATE ON OUR WEDDING

 

 

Susie and I were astounded at the great number of responses we received from folk all over the U.S. and even one from Singapore.  We were simply overwhelmed.

We also received a number of requests for a larger photo.  So, here is a different and larger photo.  We hope you like it.

Susie and I feel we are two of the happiest people walking planet earth, and we are so grateful to you: our friends and readers from far and near.  God bless each of you.

 

 

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A Pastor Looks at Calvinism

Glenn Peck, Pastor             

The following article was submitted to the Editor of the Oklahoma Baptist Messenger on January 14, 2010.  Pastor Glenn Peck takes a close look at the continuing interest in Calvinism. Ed

According to LifeWay Research only about 10 percent of Southern Baptist pastors consider themselves 5-Point Calvinists. I would guess a similar ratio prevails in Oklahoma.

However, for many issues, the Messenger has highlighted reputable Southern Baptist pastors and leaders who strongly espouse and endorse the basic tenants of Calvinism. Several recent articles have reflected a definite Calvinist slant. I surely have no problem with the right of expression of these views or the right of individuals to hold these views.

What does concern me is the implied assumption that these pastors and leaders are either the rightful heirs of Southern Baptist “Founders” or represent a majority view.  Any counter views are assumed to be absent from the theological radar screen.  Most pastors I know would probably identify themselves as “Whosoever Will Baptists.” I have settled in my heart a long time ago the wonderful tension between the sovereignty of God and the personal accountability of man.

I certainly do not want the Messenger to become a debating journal. Missions, Evangelism, Church Growth, and the Cooperative Program must always merit top billing. However, I urge the printing of substantive articles from Oklahoma pastors and leaders on a variety of current issues and positions, especially the current spotlight on Calvinism.

I recognize the daunting task you face each week to publish a paper that breaks through the non-reading threshold that surrounds most Americans, even Baptists.  My suggestion might pique more interest and increase the exposure of other important viewpoints to Oklahoma Baptists.

Co-laborer in shaping tomorrow,

 

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Shawnee Gideons Host Annual Banqet

to Honor Local Pastors

 

On Friday, February 26, a large number of  Gideons and local pastors attended the annual Gideon banquet held this year at Oklahoma Baptist University.  Each year Shawnee Gideons provide a great meal and program to honor local pastors.

Editors of BaptistVoice online magazine are always eager to support the Gideons in their highly successful ministry of providing free bibles to schools, hospitals, hotel etc., in most countries of the world. 

We believe Gideons are probably the most Christ-like organization in the world.  They are 100% self supporting.  Each Gideon must pay his own expenses occurred in mission activities.  For instance, a Gideon who travels to Russia, Africa, India, or any other country in the world to distribute bibles,, must pay ALL his travel, lodging, and food expenditures.

Rome Ingle, a retired law enforcement officer, was the featured speaker this year.  Rome told of a trip to Africa where he and other Gideons visited many towns and schools; handing out little New Testaments.  Rome reported that in most places all the children and teachers gladly, and excitedly, accepted the bibles.  In most cases, all who received a new testament also made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.  He also spoke of the many instances where those converted gave profound evidence of genuine salvation.

I urge every reader of this article to invite a Gideon speaker to your church.  I know of no greater mission program which all churches ought to support.  Ed.     <<< MORE PHOTOS >>>

 

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 Why Are We Losing Our Youth?

Cal Hunter, DC, DRS

It has become an ever increasing phenomenon to note that we are losing a large number of our young people who leave our churches to attend college.  Some have estimated that we are losing from 65% to 80% each year.  Why? 

Doubtless, there are many contributing reasons, but I would like to draw attention to the influence of Darwinism on our youth.

Evolution is being presented as scientific fact when, in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.  There has never ever been a single tenet of evolution proven scientific fact.  On the other hand,  there has never ever been a single tenet of biblical teaching that has been proven untrue.

When our young people arrive on college campuses throughout our nation, they are bombarded by a vast majority of professors who vigorously defend the teaching of evolution. 

In my book, Evidence of Intelligent Design in Human Physiology, I present many of the complex structures in the human body that so poignantly present incredible evidence for intelligent Design.

There is probably no greater source of evidence for creationism found within our human physiology than our human brain.  There are so many inexplicable functions in the human brain that defy an evolutionary explanation.  One major phenomenon that obviates creationism is that which is exhibited by Idiot Savants.

I hasten to emphasize that the term Idiot Savant used here is not a derogatory term.  It is an accurate, scientific term to describe those who are born with insufficient intelligence to care for themselves; yet on the other hand, they present abilities that are the marks of sheer genius.  An Idiot Savant is both an idiot and a genius.

The following is an excerpt from my book, Evidence of Intelligent Design.  I hope and pray you enjoy it.

  

Incredible Idiot Savants 

 

            Our brains are so complex that they are incapable of comprehending themselves.  In spite of the many recent discoveries by neuroscientists, little is really understood about the scope and nature of cognition and the processes involved in thinking.  Equally enigmatic qualities of the human brain include a sense of moral values, aesthetic qualities, and the need for justice. 

  Perhaps no greater example of the unfathomable nature of the brain exists than that which is evidenced in the mysterious phenomenon of idiot savants.   Idiot savants have subnormal mental abilities, yet they are blessed with exceptional talents that are impossible to explain.  

            Dr. J. Langdon Down, in 1887, was the first to describe savant syndrome.  He described a patient by the name of Edward Gibbons, who could recite The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire word for word.

            Another savant with phenomenal memory is a man named Kim Peek.  For example, Peek can pull a bit of information from memory about as fast as a computer can compute.  He read The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy in one hour and twenty-five minutes.  Four months later, he was able to give the name of the Russian radio operator, refer to page numbers involving the character, and to quote, verbatim, many passages in the book.  He reads a page in only eight to ten seconds and has memorized 9,000 books thus far.

            A much better known savant is Leslie Lemke.  In 1983, Lemke was featured on

"60 Minutes."  He has also been seen on Walter Cronkite’s "Evening News" and Phil Donahue’s "That’s Incredible."  In addition, Lemke has performed in concerts throughout the United States, Japan, and by invitation for the Crown Prince and Princess in Norway. <MORE>

        

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“Conservatives Have a Fire in the Belly”

By Donna Garner

1.20.10 

It is my firm belief that the majority of Americans have developed a sure and quiet resolve.  We have a "fire in the belly," the kind of sure and quiet resolve that will cause us to get out and walk our neighborhoods to make sure supporters of ObamaCare never get re-elected again.

We will not lose our passion nor our momentum before Nov. 2, 2010 even though Obama and the Democrats in Congress think we will!  

This sure and quiet resolve was demonstrated in last night’s tremendous victory in Massachusetts where an excellent, skilled, and conservative candidate, Scott Brown, won Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat.   

Once Senator-elect Brown is seated, then the Senate Democrats will have lost their filibuster-proof majority.   

In the House, the Democrats have only a three-vote margin; and Republicans have listed 37 Democrats (along with the 39 Democrats who already voted against the healthcare bill) who could defeat the federal takeover of our healthcare.  

Eighthteen House Democrats have significant numbers of constituents enrolled in Medicare Advantage 

who will lose funding. 

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Local Motorcycle Fan to Start "Biker" Church

  

Thomas Brooks of Holdenville,Oklahoma, has announced he will start a "biker" church in the near future.  In the meantime, he has scheduled a special service for "bikers" at the First Baptist Church in Seminole, Oklahoma, on April 11, at 10 AM.  Tom reports he will be speaking to the assembly in the morning worship service.  Following the service there will be a free meal for everyone. Tom also says he expects 500 "bikers" to attend.

Tom reported "biker" churches are becoming a new, highly successful outreach to motorcycle fans.  He says about a year ago, a "biker" church, called the Freedom Biker Church, was started in Duncan, Oklahoma, meeting in an old furniture store building.  In a year's time, attendance has grown to as many as 500 in worship services and there have been over 200 professions of faith.

Brooks also reported that there will be a big "biker" event called, "Biker Week-end," at the Hughes County Fairgrounds in Holdenville, Oklahoma, on the 22nd and 23rd of May. Registration (no cost) will begin at 2 PM Saturday.  

 

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 Note:  This will make you mad, but it's time for our Christian community to get mad.  Ed

White House Czar OK’d Perversion Seminar for Kids

(Information compiled by Christian Crusade staff) 

White House czar, Kevin Jennings, whose responsibility is to ensure that America’s  public schools are safe, took part in a notorious Massachusetts’ seminar, challenging junior high school students that trying out homosexuality was like eating vegetables. 

The message given to 11-, 12-, and 13-year-olds was “You never know whether you’ll like it unless you try it.” That message was then detailed in various techniques. <MORE> 

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This writer presents two kinds of churches we have today.  Ed

Church on the Rocks

Review written by author Richard Oostra 

          

 Dear Christian Friends, 

We live in an age in which many people are restless and going from church to church and not finding what they are looking for. What kind of church do they seek? The Bible speaks of two different kinds of churches: 

            On the Rock:                                                On the Rocks:

 Where Jesus is in control                               Where man dominates

 Where the Spirit’s power is present               Where there is only a form of godliness

 Where transformations take place                  Where conversions are not seen

 Where prayers are being answered                Where prayer is only a formality

 Where spiritual ministries are multiple          Where ministry is a one-man show

 Where elders hear God’s voice                     Where biblical eldership is ignored

 Where there is life, unity and harmony           Where there is division and strife

 Where the message brings conviction Where the message makes no impact

 Where godliness is seen                                 Where worldly conformity is tolerated 

Which church do you prefer to attend? These and many other questions are covered in a just released book titled, CHURCH ON THE ROCK(S). This book is not published by a religious organization but is published by someone who is concerned about the condition of the church. 

Many churches we see today are very accurately described in Mark 12. Here we read the story of unfaithful tenants who took control of a vineyard during the owner’s temporary absent. This control is what we see today—the time when man has become more interested in building churches (kingdoms) of his own, rather than seeking first the Kingdom of God. In many cases, Jesus is no longer the Head, for He warned us centuries ago: “He that gathers not with me scatters” Matt. 12:30.  

A church that loses its spiritual character will continue scattering into many splinter groups (denominations), each claiming to be most biblical. Because of having lost their spiritual dynamics, most of these “splinters” have what the Bible calls a “form” of godliness. Of these groups the Bible says, “Have nothing to do with them” (II Timothy 3:5).  

CHURCH ON THE ROCK(S) will challenge you to encourage the church to be formed again by God’s design and to see her become once again an instrument that God will use.

If you need more information about the book or its author you may contact the website: RichardOostra.com or send your order, including a check or money order for $17.95 plus $3.99 S & H, to the above address. 

Yours for church restoration,

Richard Oostra                     

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Read the 1st chapter of my book: Evidence of Intelligent Design in Human Physiology.  <Click Here> 

Read the 1st THREE chapters of my book: Glimpses of Heaven.  <Click Here>

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