by Keith Bassham
Pardon us as the Tribune departs a little from its mission this month. We generally talk about the Fellowship with little self-awareness, but this month we’re talking up the Tribune. The feature articles show where the Tribune fits in the world of Baptist publishing, gives a brief rundown of the Tribune history itself, and we wrap up the section with a biography of founding editor Noel Smith.
We don’t do this often, but we are in the middle of a fundraising effort, namely the February Tribune Offering, and I thought it a good idea to let the Tribune brag on itself a little. Be assured, we will not make it a habit.
And there is plenty of good stuff — the familiar news, information, and comment — you are used to.
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One thing on a lot of minds this month is the Winter BBFI Fellowship Meeting hosted by Hallmark Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX. The church has quite a history itself, and Pastor Mike Haley graciously offered to host the meeting when an unexpected turn cancelled other meeting plans. The church and the community are an ideal place for BBFI meetings given the historical connection between the Fellowship and the city. Those interested in some proto-history should visit the campus of Arlington Baptist College and get a look at the historical museum there. And there are many great churches to visit in the DFW area for the early arrivers. Weather can be variable, though, so be prepared for anything.
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I have been pleased with the responses to the January Tribune encouraging Bible reading and study in the New Year. Many people have taken on reading the Bible in a year in the past, and I am hoping that the Tribune materials will cause those numbers to swell. I would like to add another encouragement, especially as we enter this very important election season, to pray.
Let’s adopt the attitude to do what we can (and that includes being involved in the electoral process) and to pray that God will do what only He can do. Harold Lindsell said:
God cannot do some things unless we work. He stores the hills with marble, but He has never built a cathedral. He fills the mountains with iron ore, but He never makes a needle or a jet airplane. He leaves that to us. If then, God has left many things dependent on man’s thinking and working, why should He not leave some things dependent upon man’s praying? He has done so. ‘Ask and you shall receive.’ And there are some things God will not give us unless we ask. We cannot suppose that God will do for us without prayer what He has promised to do for us only through prayer.