The Star Spangled Banner

Written by Francis Scott Key as a result of the Battle at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, the Star Spangled Banner gives glory to God and the courage of Americans in maintaining our national independence.
In this week's edition of Musings from Maytown, you will find five versions of our National Anthem. Please cast your vote for your favorite version among these five. Please feel free to list your favorite, if not among the five, in the comments section of this article.

Cactus Cuties from Texas

The Cactus Cuties sing the Star Spangled Banner at a Texas Tech basketball game.

Faith Hill at the Super Bowl

Accompanied by Bagpipes and Drums, Mississippi girl Faith Hill presents a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Whitney Houston at Super Bowl

Along with a full marching band, Whitney Houston's version of the Star Spangled Banner has electrified millions.

James Taylor at Boston Red Sox Game

In typical style of Sweet Baby James, here is James Taylor singing, only with accoustic guitar, a heart-felt version of the Star Spangled Banner.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie sings the National Anthem a capella, but her powerful voice comes through. Note how the crowd gradually joins in singing the Star Spangled Banner.

Why do we celebrate July 4th?

The date of July 4, 1776 is fixed in the minds of American citizens as the date for the founding of our Constitutional Republic. Americans date their birth as a nation to July 4, 1776 when representatives of the thirteen colonies met to unify in declaring independence from Great Britain. The representatives of those thirteen colonies affixed their names to the document we know as the Declaration of Independence. Well, lest my title confuse you, I heartily celebrate the Fourth of July as the day when brave Americans began the fight for freedom in our land.
But sometimes, I think we would do better to celebrate September 3 because on that date in 1783, the Colonies agreed to peace with the United Kingdom as Great Britain recognized American Independence in the Treaty of Paris.
Between the dates of July 4, 1776 and September 3, 1783 a great hostility took place between the Colonies and Crown-- a hostility called the American Revolution. During those years, 22,500 American soldiers were killed in action, 63,000 American soldiers died of disease, and 6,000 civilians were killed. Families turned against family, many lost their property and wealth due to support for the American Revolution as those who declared independence pledged lives, fortunes and sacred honor. Yet, against all odds, the rag-tag band of Americans won their independence against the greatest empire in the world, Great Britain. As a side note, Britain is now our nation's best friend and has been for generations. The British citizens I know all love America, and generally respect the cause of American independence.
This week, I was asked who I considered the greatest American President and I answered George Washington. Note with me some quotes of President
Washington concerning the fight for American Independence: The Hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations. George Washington's letter of August 20, 1778 to Brig. General Thomas Nelson
Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who presides in the council of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States.. ...Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency" From President George Washington's Inaugural Address, April 30th, 1789, addressed to both Houses of Congress.My own great-great-great-great-great Grandfather John Page of South Carolina fought in the South Carolina militia in the cause for American independence. On Grandpa Page's record I was able to obtain membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. My heart is filled with appreciation to know that the blood of a genuine American patriot flows in my veins. I am thankful for those, like my father and brother, who have defended our country in the military.
So, have a grand celebration on July 4, but I hope you will also remember September 3.

Southern Baptist Conservative Resurgence Vindicated

This week, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship met in Memphis, TN. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship organized in 1995 as a reaction to the conservative resurgence in Southern Baptist life. Starting in 1979, conservative began electing presidents at SBC meetings who appointed conservatives to the Committee on Committees. These appointments filtered on down as these Committee on Committee members nominated a Committee on Nominations who then nominated trustees to the various SBC entities.By 1995, the six Southern Baptist seminaries were all led by conservatives, as were the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and Lifeway publishing. So-called moderates had previously led these institutions but now were on the outside looking in at SBC institutions. These moderates pooh-poohed the conservative charges of theological liberalism and declared that the entire conservative effort was based on personalities and secular politics.
Let there be no question, Musings from Maytown wholeheartedly supports the fact that every Southern Baptist seminary professor, missionary, and writers of Southern Baptist literature all hold to the Bible as the absolute Word of God and that the Bible is without error.
This week at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship meeting, one of the workshop leaders was John Killinger (please don't confuse the name). Dr. Killinger once taught at Samford University, and Musings from Maytown believes that his departure from Samford University is a positive sign. As a side note, Musings from Maytown is enthusiastic about the leadership of the current President of Samford University, Dr. Andrew Westmoreland.
According to the June 19 Baptist Press coverage of the seminar with Killinger, we find direct quotes from Killinger:
* "Doctrine isn't the driving force to many people today" except "to the fundamentalists who insist on it," Killinger said. "But doctrine is a thing of the past now Jesus Himself has had a lot of things said in His behalf that He never intended. This is one of the things that's going on today in biblical studies -- and I think is much more promising than some of the fundamentalists will allow -- is that we are questioning whether Jesus Himself said this or whether an institutional church that grew up in Jesus' wake said this. This was the purpose of the so-called Jesus Seminar," Killinger said.
"I'm just suggesting that I think we need to be a little less certain about what Jesus meant, what He was about, what His life and work were about. I think we're reevaluating all that."
For example, Jesus did not conceive of Himself as the Savior of the world and may not have viewed Himself a sacrifice at all until the crucifixion, Killinger said.
religiously."
* Many CBF pastors agree with his views of salvation, Killinger said, citing an experience at a gathering of pastors in South Carolina. When he asked them what salvation meant to them, they all talked about self-fulfillment and love rather than doctrine, Killinger said.
The pastors also said they did not disbelieve in an afterlife but were not overly concerned about it, Killinger said. When asked whether they thought people of other world religions are going to hell, the pastors replied that they did not think in terms of heaven and hell, he said.
* During the same workshop June 19, Killinger said the Old Testament book of Daniel "fibbed a lot." Even though Daniel claims to be written earlier, it was actually written in the second century B.C., he said, and pretends to prophesy about events that occurred previously.
"The scholars almost all admit Daniel fibbed a lot because, as a book, it was actually written in one time and set back in time to make it look as if the prophecies it made came true," Killinger said. "That would validate other prophecies it was going to include, you see. So that's cheating a bit."
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In conclusion, I hope that readers can see what theology is on the other side of Baptist life. I am thrilled to be part of a denomination where faith in the Bible is absolute, where salvation in Christ means forgiveness of sins as attained by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, where Heaven is preached as the blessed home of the redeemed and Hell is shunned as the eternal destiny of the lost. Yes, the conservative resurgence has meant that a generation of seminary students have been taught by faithful teachers of the Word of God, rather than men who believe like John Killinger. When Baptists went to conventions to vote for men like Adrian Rogers, Jerry Vines, Charles Stanley, Jimmy Draper, and other conservative men, those votes did make a difference. That difference is seen when one compares the statements of doctrine by Southern Baptist leaders to the principles, or lack thereof, of liberal groups like the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. I am thankful for our Southern Baptist Convention and our Alabama Baptist State Convention, as Conventions of local churches who keep missions and evangelism at the forefront of ministry.

Rejection of the EU Treaty: Three Cheers for the Republic of Ireland!

Since 2001, the states of the European Union have pushed hard to establish a new level of cooperation through the European Union. In 2005, a new European Union Constitution was submitted to the various states, but when referenda were held in the Netherlands and in France, both rejected the EU Constitution.
This past year, the Lisbon Treaty was submitted to the twenty-seven states of the European Union. Most nations agreed to ratify the Lisbon Treaty without a referendum. In the United Kingdom, the Conservative Party, led by David Cameron, fought hard in demanding a vote of the people. However, the ruling Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, broke a campaign promise to offer a referendum and passed the treaty over the objection of Cameron's Tories.
But one small nation, the Republic of Ireland, was required by the Irish Constitution to submit the Treaty to a vote of the people. The Treaty was supported by Prime Minister Mary McAleese and every major political party in the Republic of Ireland. Every major business group supported passage of the Lisbon Treaty. But when the June 12 vote was held, the Irish voters said NO to the Lisbon Treaty.
This editor commends the voters of the Republic of Ireland for their vote. Interestingly enough, the Unionist leaders of Northern Ireland (still part of the United Kingdom) have commended the Republic of Ireland for their courage in opposing the Lisbon Treaty. Conservatives in Britain are hoping that the Irish rejection of Lisbon will empower British opposition to the Treaty. Libertas is an Irish group who led opposition to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. At first glance, the folks at Libertas sound like good conservatives and true Irish patriots. Libertas has listed eight reasons to vote NO on the Lisbon Treaty. Check out these reasons at Eight Reasons to Vote No on the Lisbon Treaty
Why is Musings from Maytown spotlighting this issue?
1) We are hoping that the Irish rejection of Lisbon will encourage Americans in their opposition to internationalist treaties which take American sovereignty and transfer that power to international bodies--treaties like GATT, NAFTA, the North American Union.
2) As one who considers Bible prophecy, one must consider the possibility of a powerful European Union as a restored Roman Empire that some believe is the fulfillment of Daniel's vision in Daniel 2. Regardless, a European Union with power to tax and override national decisions is certainly a move toward a one-world government.
Again, God bless the brave Irish who said NO to handing over their national sovereignty. My first hope is that this decision gives credence to the Conservative Party of Britain as they demand a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. But more importantly, may fredom-loving people fight world government.

The Global Warming Fraud

In recent weeks, American television viewers have been deluged with public service announcements urging us to save the planet. One ad shows the Rev. Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson sitting together on a bench displaying how even conservatives (like Robertson) and liberals (like Sharpton) agree on saving the planet. Another commercial displays that people of all faiths, political ideologies, and backgrounds agree on saving the planet.
My fear is that this promotion lends itself to the discussion that the great threat to the planet is that of so-called global warming. Frankly, the discussion on global warming reminds me of the advocacy of biological evolution. In light of the scarcity of hard evidence, advocates of global warming, like evolutionists, revile anyone who would not take up the alarm that the earth's temperature is seriously warming to the point that the planet is harmed. Inevitably, the discussion leads to say that the cause of global warming is the misuse of the Earth by humanity.
First of all, I pray that no one thinks that Musings from Maytown is insensitive to the need for sound stewardship of the Earth. But this editor has concluded that the facts do not support a theory that the Earth's temperature is warming to any serious degree. In fact, the facts present an Earth that has slight cooling and warming cycles that will have, at the most, minor effect. Furthermore, evidence is lacking that humanity has any serious effect on the temperature of the Earth.
This week, Art Robinson of the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine charged that the entire scheme of global warming is being advanced by the United Nations to further advocacy of giving the UN authority to levy taxes. The motive would be that a world body would have to tackle a world problem. Scientist: Global Warming Scheme to Promote UN Tax
Robinson had earlier put together the Petition Project, an effort to recruit scientists across the United States to oppose the Kyoto Treaty which, in the name of opposing Global Warming, would force the US to spend up to $400 billion to meet the UN standards for the environment. Petition Project.
In an earlier article, Musings from Maytown questioned the biblical basis for global warming in light of the promise to Noah that four seasons would remain on the Earth until the end of time. With both major party Presidential candidates expressing concern about global warming, our nation is susceptible to the hair-brained schemes that come forth from the United Nations. Conservative US Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) has charged that the global warming theory is a fraud
Senator Inhofe on Global Warming Perhaps some of the best material on the subject may be found at Michael Coffman. Check out this four-minute video from Michael Coffman on Global Warming

Musings from Maytown: Rules of the Board

Several times this week, regular readers of Musings from Maytown have asked that I intervene on some of the discussions in the comments section on Musings from Maytown.At present, we seem to have some personal bantering in some of the comments section. Proverbs warns against answering one who makes foolish charges. Frankly, if one side would cease, the others would cease. For this reason, I am not going to be deleting comments at the requests of some of those who post comments.
This week, I was asked to delete comments by one who posts, only to see that individual back in the fray before the day is out. Frankly, I do not respect requests,in the name of peacemaking,which are not accompanied by sincere efforts at reconciliation.
The focus of this editor will remain that of writing articles and not serving as referee in personal disputes.

Baby Goes to California

Last Friday morning, my wife and I bid farewell to our daughter, Sarah Bethany Grace Killian who will spend the next five and a half months in California. Sarah is a Communications Major at the University of Alabama and won the opportunity to work as an intern with a major broadcasting company based on the West Coast. During this time, Sarah will be working with twenty other college students from across the country, learning the broadcasting industry.
Sarah has always been, is now, and will always be her daddy's baby. A year ago, we grieved to see her go off to college at the University of Alabama. The University is an hour away from our house, and now Sarah is over 2,000 miles away. Likely, we will not see her until November. Sarah has never given us any trouble, and we believe that she has strong convictions that will guide her decisions as she is away. Please pray for her as you think of her move to California.
If Christians are to impact our culture, we must pray that God raises up young Christians with a biblical worldview to impact the world in all fields-- education, communications, medicine, law, scientific research, finance, business,and every field imaginable. God's truth is applicable to every area of life.
Conservative Christians are bad to curse the darkness of the liberal media. Maybe we can see a generation of young people entering media life who possess a biblical perspective on the issues of the day. Perhaps Sarah Bethany is our contribution to the culture war as she enters broadcast communications. I trust that her light will shine with the truth in a dark field in a darkened world.

Carrie Underwood in Concert

Last night my wife and I joined thousands of others at the Carrie Underwood concert at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Years ago, my wife and I saw Reba McEntire in concert and declared that Reba set the standard for a dynamic concert. Last evening, we agreed that Carrie Underwood had matched Reba McEntire in presenting a powerful and exciting concert. Like Reba, she wore four different outfits and utilized videos and other effects. While we might still give Reba slight (ever so slight) edge in concert dynamics, Carrie Underwood certainly has the superior voice.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know Carrie Underwood as the bright and cheerful young girl from Checotah, Oklahoma who sprang on the scene as the winner of American Idol in 2005. Since that time, Carrie Underwood has dominated the country music scene by topping the charts repeatedly and winning every award available. In fact, Carrie's success has brought about a fair amount of jealousy among other country stars as evidenced by this video.
But Carrie Underwood performed with humility, expressing admiration for Randy Travis, voicing appreciation to the fans for her success, and never condescending to the audience. In fact, Carrie's performance was highly audience-centered as she took time to be personal with those who came toward the stage to touch her hand. Carrie was certainly gracious to the audience. Please consider several reasons why I appreciate Carrie Underwood:
1) Carrie Underwood does not display a haughtiness, but a stage humility. Carrie gives credit to her family and her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma. So far, Carrie has not seemed to climb aboard the left-wing mind set of many popular musicians.
2) Carrie Underwood is truly talented, tying together the best of country and pop sounds. As one country music observer stated, Carrie has the cry in her voice, so essential to stardom in country music.
3) A number of Carrie's songs actually reflect a Christian worldview. This morning, someone laughed at this statement, so hear me out! Carrie Underwood began her career with Jesus, Take the Wheel, a song containing admonitions of prayer, repentance, and surrender. My own heart is stirred by the more recent song So Small, which gives a much more biblical outlook than normally presented by the Me Generation. Even Carrie's latest hit I Don't Even Know My Last Name, was presented as a warning to those who live under the influence of alcohol, called poison in Carrie's song.
Every image of Carrie Underwood is pleasant and positive. As Carrie sang Don't Forget to Remember Me, she spoke of her family and referenced her responsibility as a role model for young girls. Listen to So Small, as performed at the 2007 Country Music Awards and catch the powerful message contained therein.
Generations from now, Carrie Underwood will be listed alongside Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and other women who climbed the top of the mountain in country music. I believe that my wife and I will be able to tell our grandchildren that we heard Carrie Underwood in person.

Finally, My Brethren: Lessons from the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention

While millions of words will be used in reports concerning the Southern Baptist Convention, readers of Musings from Maytown are awaiting the definitive word from the writings of an overweight Baptist preacher with fixed opinions on all matters Baptist. Consider with me lessons learned from the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.
1) Indianapolis is a good city for the annual meeting of the SBC. The hotels were nice, the food was good, the convention locale was convenient, and the business people seemed welcoming to Southern Baptists. While the city is North of the Mason-Dixon line, South and Central Indiana are similar in culture to the Southland. Also, Southern Baptists in Indiana are a vibrant convention, and hopefully this meeting was encouraging to Indiana Baptists. Especially positive was the election of Indianapolis Pastor John Newland to the office of Second Vice President.
2) Nomination Speeches make a huge difference in an election. Most bloggers stated, in pre-convention prognostications, that the leading candidates were Johnny Hunt and Frank Cox. Ted Traylor of Pensacola made a powerful nomination speech for Johnny Hunt. Out of six nominations, Traylor was the final speaker. His thunderous speech obviously carried the day. Evangelist Junior Hill's nomination speech for Frank Cox was factual, but contained no elements of persuasion.
Two years ago, Forrest Pollock gave a compelling speech for Frank Page. Dr. Pollock is now with the Lord, but will always be remembered for his powerful speech that resulted in the election of a gentleman considered a dark horse for President.
3) Dr. Frank Page served Southern Baptists well as Convention President. Mind you, I did not vote for Frank Page, I voted for Jerry Sutton in 2006. But Frank Page was a gracious, yet effective presider over convention meetings. Dr. Page worked to keep the focus on spiritual revival and missions. I like the man, having briefly met him. Dr. Page's demeanor is humble and kind. May Frank Page remain an influence on Southern Baptist life.
4) I should never again predict the outcome of a Convention election. Two years ago, I predicted the election of Jerry Sutton. Dr. Sutton ran third out of three candidates. This year, I predicted that Frank Cox would win on the first ballot with 52%. Dr. Cox ran second with 22%, as Johnny Hunt won without a runoff with 53%. Dr. Joe Bob Mizzell said John, I won't ever listen to your predictions again. As usual, Dr. Mizzell is right.
5) Moderate influence in the Southern Baptist Convention is nil. All six candidates for President expressed support for the Conservative Resurgence. No motions were made that reflected opposition to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. While some Baptists would express differing opinions, none were outside the purview of conservative theology.
6) Never underestimate Vox Populi! During consideration of resolutions on Wednesday morning, some gentlemen offered amendments to the resolution on Regenerate Church Membership. Dr. Tom Ascol of Florida offered an amendment that brought opposition from the Resolutions Committee. One might think that the official Committee would carry the day. However, the Ascol amendment, which did strengthen the statement, carried the day. The voice of the messengers was powerful.
7) Baptists need to learn the lesson of the weightier matters of the law. Baptists have fought hard over issues such as use of a private prayer language or alien baptism, and believe me, I am not averse to discussion and policy on these issues. But this year, an amendment was offered dealing with the situation of California public schools. California state policy requires that public school students be instructed concerning various forms of sexuality. A student in a California public schoolwill be instructed with an idealogy that homosexuality is good but the traditional family unit is questionable. Messenger Ron Wilson of Thousand Oaks, CA stated that the terms mother and father were not permissable in a California public school classroom. This policy prompted Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family to urge that parents remove their children from California public schools. Yet, messengers overwhelmingly voted down a call to urge California Baptists to remove their children from that instruction.
I am amazed at the lack of concern about evolution in the science departments of Baptist colleges. This lack of concern is often found from those who are ready to go to war about a woman teaching Hebrew in a Seminary.
Again, as Jesus taught in Matthew 23, these you ought to have done, but not to leave the other undone. I am not denigrating the discussion on issues of a private prayer language, authority for baptism, and the role of women. But the concept of biological evolution denies the very heart of the Gospel in denying a one-man, one-woman creation. This writer never ceases to be amazed that some who would permit a professor in a Baptist institution to advocate a low view of Scripture are often the same individuals who would go to the wall over an issue of divorced Deacons. Again, which issue is the weightier issue?
In conclusion, thank you for your regular readership of Musings from Maytown. This past week, I was constantly stopped by individuals, from across the country, who read Musings from Maytown. This website was complimented by State Convention Presidents, Newspaper Editors, Seminary Professors, and a host of church Pastors. Please know that the editorial board of Musings from Maytown gladly appreciates your support and encouragement.

Wednesday at the Southern Baptist Convention--closing business

Wednesday morning brought more reports with all motions from the floor referred to committees, entities, or declared out of order. For more complete information, go to SBC Today or Baptist Press
John Newland of Indiana was elected Second Vice President in a runoff election. Brother Newland is the first Hoosier ever elected to a Convention Office. Newland had the support of the conservative network in Southern Baptist life.
Two flashes of interest transpired during the day. In the morning session, the Resolutions Committee brought consideration on a resolution on Regenerate Church Membership. An amendment from Tom Ascol of Florida pressed home the vast difference in Sunday attendance across SBC life and the number of members on church rolls. Ascol's amendment did not have the support of the Resolutions Committee, but passed nonetheless.
In the evening session, a Resolutions Committee-supported resolution dealt with the issue of the California Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage. An amendment came to the floor asking the convention to urge that parents withdraw their children from California public schools. This motion was based on concerns about California state policy that public schools teach acceptance of homosexuality, bi-sexuality, and transgendered relationships. The motion failed, but garnered about twenty-five percent of the vote.
The Convention closed with a grand celebration of International Missions. All in all, the Convention focused on repentance, missions, and scriptural unity. God sends water to the thirsty and the leadership of the Convention repeatedly spoke of a desperation for God to move mightily.

Southern Baptist Convention Election of Officers

Dr. Johnny Hunt, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA was nominated for President of the Southern Baptist Convention in a polished speech by Ted Traylor of the Olive Baptist Church of Pensacola, FL
The results in the Presidential election were as follows:
Johnny Hunt 3,100 52.94%
Frank Cox 1,286 21.96%
Avery Willis 962 16.43%
William Wagner 255 4.53%
Les Puryear 188 3.21%
Wiley Drake 45 .77%
Johnny Hunt is a powerful preacher, a man with a heart for missions and evangelism, and a great encourager for young preachers. Dr. Hunt will serve well as President of the Southern Baptist Convention and may rest assured that he has the full support of Musings from Maytown. In 2006,this editor served as President of the Alabama Baptist Pastors Conference and Johnny Hunt was the closing speaker. Dr. Hunt is a solid conservative and an aggressive soul winner.
Dr. Bill Henard of the Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, KY was nominated for First Vice President by Kevin Ezell of Louisville, KY. Dr. Henard received 73% of the vote in a three-way race. Dr. Henard had the endorsement of Musings from Maytown.

Tuesday Business at the Southern Baptist Convention

Tuesday morning began with the usual introductions and a special recognition of the Korean preacher Billy Kim. The Executive Committee Report included passage of the budget and other routine business with no controversy. The Committee on Nominations Report passed without discussion or opposition.
Messengers enjoyed music by the Gaither Vocal Band. Bill Gaither has not lost his touch at getting an audience into a song.
A number of motions were made throughout the day, all of which were referred to a committee,an entity board, or declared out of order. For detailed information on motions, see Wes Kenney's report at SBC Today

SBC Pastors Conference Monday

Monday's Pastors Conference was a particularly challenging and positive day.
First, the preaching was particularly pointed as the theme centered on revival. Jimmy Draper and Bill Stafford especially rang the bell concerning the need of revival. James McDonald brought an in-your-face message on repentance. Services concluded with tears at an old-fashion altar call where the atmosphere seemed to indicate a real hunger for revival. The messages were centered on the Word and not centered on the glory of man.
Secondly, the Pastors enjoyed a surprise visit from Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy, who gave a sincere testimony of faith. Ken Whitten, Dungy's Pastor, described Dungy's family as faithful in ministry, reporting that Coach Dungy helps in Vacation Bible School and his wife works in the church nursery.
Thirdly, this editor was excited to see Alabama Pastor Ed Litton elected as President of the 2009 Pastors Conference. Ed Litton is a humble man of God who is bold in his stand for truth. Next year's Conference will be much prayed over and carefully planned.
The actual convention starts tomorrow morning. The key officers will be elected tomorrow afternoon.

Sunday at the SBC Pastors Conference

The lead reporter for Musings from Maytown is covering the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention this week in Indianapolis, Indiana. While unable to give an exhaustive report, I hope to hit the highlights of the meeting.
On Sunday and Monday, I plan to attend the annual Pastors Conference. Three highlights are worthy of mention.
First, this afternoon, we saw a preview showing of the movie Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron. Kirk is best known for his role as Mike on Growing Pains, a television sitcom. Kirk is a born-again Christian with a powerful testimony. Fireproof is the third in a series of movies produced by Sherwood Films, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. Michael Catt is Pastor of Sherwood Baptist and is the President of the 2008 Southern Baptist Pastors Conference. This movie is a powerful drama giving testimony to the Gospel of Christ and the sanctity of marriage. Sherwood Films previously produced Flywheel and the enormously successful Facing the Giants. Facing the Giants was seen in local theaters as will Fireproof. The folks at Sherwood are to be commended for engaging the culture with films displaying a biblical worldview. Check out information on this movie at

Secondly, the musical concert from Voices of Mobile from the University of Mobile was amazing. No University in America produces the quality of music as does the University of Mobile. My son is a student there and I serve on the Board of Regents of this great University. You can get more information on the Center for Performing Arts at the University of Mobile at University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts
Thirdly, the closing message by Tom Eliff on Breaking Up Fallow Ground from Hosea was one of the most piercing messages I have ever heard. My prayer is that I will not be comfortable with unconfessed and unforsaken sin in my heart.
More news tomorrow evening. The Pastors Conference continues on through Monday with the Convention Business sessions held Tuesday and Wednesday.

Bellamy Brothers

On Saturday night before the Southern Baptist Convention began, my wife and I stopped in Nashville, Indiana (that's right, Nashville, Indiana)and heard the Bellamy Brothers in concert. This country group has been around for a long time and, in spite of their age, they still have great harmony and can really grind out their old hits. The Brothers started out the show with their classic Old Hippie, a song which describes them in two words.
One song particularly impressed me, entitled You Ain't Just Whistling Dixie. This song gives praise to the Southland, speaks respectfully of the Confederacy and gave honor to Robert E. Lee. Frankly, to hear this in the Hoosier state gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling.
The Bellamy Brothers have been on the circuit for over thirty years, but still draw a crowd and still play with energy. This group's latest venture is a Gospel album. You can check them out at Bellamy Brothers. Also, here is a video of their biggest hit, which was #1 on both country and pop charts thirty-three years ago.

The 2008 Southern Baptist Convention

The 2008 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention will transpire on Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Messengers from local Southern Baptist churches will hear reports, pass resolutions, hear preaching, enjoy music, and deal with items of recommendation from various boards of SBC entities. You may find more information at SBC Annual Meeting
The annual meeting will be preceded by the Southern Baptist Pastors Conference on Sunday, June 8 and Monday, June 9. Led by Pastor Michael Catt of Albany, GA, the theme for the conference is Prepare for Rain. The schedule for the Pastors Conference may be found at SBC Pastors Conference. I am particularly thrilled that the Voices of Mobile from the University of Mobile will be presenting much of the music for the conference.
Of course, the Convention must elect officers.As previously noted on Musings from Maytown, six fine men are to be nominated for President of the Southern Baptist Convnention. This week, Musings from Maytown is announcing our endorsement for President and Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention to be determined at the 2008 annual meeting in Indianapolis.
May God bless the efforts of missions and evangelism of all Bible-believing Christians. I pray wisdom and guidance for the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in these United States.

For SBC President: Frank Cox of Georgia

Appointments-- that is the bottom line on the issue of electing a Southern Baptist Convention President. Each year, the President of the Convention appoints a Committee on Committees. This Committee on Committees nominates a Committee on Nominations and the Committee on Nominations nominates individual Southern Baptists to the various boards of the six seminaries, the International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission,Lifeway, and Guidestone.
During the days of the Conservative Resurgence, the issue was that of electing a President who would appoint individuals to the Committee on Committees who would nominate discerning individuals who would search out to find grassroots Baptists who would implement a conservative agenda on the various boards. This strategy obviously worked, for today every Southern Baptist Seminary professor holds to the inerrancy of Scripture, every Southern Baptist missionary must be doctrinally sound, and our various entities are taking biblical positions on the issues of the day. This happened because SBC Presidents made appointments of discerning people. The key is that appointees not only personally believe and publicly preach sound doctrine, but these appointees must seek to implement policies springing forth from that sound teaching.
At the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, Southern Baptists may choose from six fine men for SBC President. All six of these men believe sound doctrine and publicly advocate sound doctrine. One of the six men has a record of discerning and selecting conservative appointees on boards and committees. As President of the Georgia Baptist Convention, Frank Cox worked hard to select Baptists for key appointments. Frank Cox led the efforts to bring conservative reform to the Georgia Baptist Convention and the various colleges and entities. While others were sending messages of encouragement, Frank Cox was in the trenches, going jaw--to-jaw with liberals over the issues of Mercer University, the Christian Index newspaper, hiring and firing of staff.
As a member of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee, Frank Cox saw the effect of strong appointments and also saw the consequences of weak appointments. Frank Cox understands the workings of the Convention, as one who has been involved in crucial decisions involving every SBC entity. Frank Cox understands the need to appoint individuals who believe the truth, desire a conservative Convention, and will work to support our Convention.
We hear much about evangelism and mission emphasis. God knows that evangelism and missions must be the end goals of every aspect of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Bobby Welch traveled across our Convention for two years urging that we baptize one million converts in one year. Bobby Welch did not fail, as he was faithful to God and obeyed the Lord. At the same time, we see that his efforts did not bring an increase in baptisms. The power of influence on local matters is hard to determine. Good men have come into the office with various hopes and dreams, only to leave with those dreams unfulfilled. Measuring the influence of a Convention President in terms of casting the vision, is difficult to ascertain.
But the office of the Presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention is that of primarily appointing individuals who will nominate folks who will place individuals on the Boards and Commissions to carry on the work of the convention. In the crucial matter of appointments, the power of the SBC President is clear and easy to determine. Again, the one man among the potential nominees who has experience, understanding, and a record of making conservative appointments is Frank Cox.

For SBC Vice President: Bill Henard of Kentucky

Dr. Bill Henard, Pastor of the Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, KY will be nominated for First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Henard has demonstrated leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Lifeway. Dr. Henard has been a leader in the conservative effort in the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and currently serves as President of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
Under the leadership of Dr. Henard, Porter Memorial Baptist Church demonstrates strong support for the mission of the Southern Baptist Convention, giving 10.6% of undesignated funds through the Cooperative Program, plus giving generously through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions. Over four hundred members of Porter Memorial Baptist Church make international missions trips on an annual basis.
Henard is a leader in evangelism, serving as Instructor in Evangelism at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and leading Porter Memorial Baptist to baptize an average of one hundred plus converts annually.
I can testify that when Bill Henard served Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Birmingham, Bill was always supportive of the conservative effort in Alabama. Musings from Maytown is glad to endorse Bill Henard for Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Wrap-up on June 3 Primary Election

With a few loose ends to be tied together in the July 15 runoff election, the respective party tickets are lined up for the November election.
FEDERAL RACES
Incumbent Republican US Senator is heavily favored to win re-election over Democratic State Senator Vivian Davis Figures, even though Figures won her primary with 63% of the vote. Jeff Sessions should win handily. Senator Sessions gained enormous support when he led the opposition to the McCain-Kennedy Immigration Bill that would have granted amnesty for illegal aliens. Senator Sessions has fought for conservative federal judges, for cuts in federal spending, and for the rights of citizens to keep and bear arms.
Two open Congressional seats should bring interesting face-offs. In District 2, where Congressman Terry Everett is retiring, and the Republican runoff on July 15 will pit State Representaive Jay Love against State Senator Harri Anne Smith. The winner will face Democratic Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright in what could be a close race
In District 5, Wayne Parker almost won the GOP nomination without a runoff with 48%, but will face Lisa Baswell Guthrie who received only 18% in a six-person race. Conservatives should coalesce around Wayne Parker as the best bet to defeat liberal Democratic State Senator Parker Griffith in the November election.
STATE
Criminal Appeals Place One: Republicans Beth Kellum and Judge Lucie McLemore will face each other in a July 15 runoff for the right to face Democratic Judge Clyde Jones of Jefferson County.
Place Two Mary Windom won the GOP primary without a runoff and Amie Cobb Smith won the Democratic primary without a runoff.
Twinkle Cavanaugh led the ticket but was forced into a runoff with Matt Chancey for the GOP nomination for the Presidency of the Public Service Commission.
Perhaps the most publicity came from the races for State Board of Education in Districts 1 and 3 where conservative incumbents Randy McKinney and Stephanie Bell were challenged by candidates receiving primary funding from the Alabama Education Association. In these races, we saw the unprecedented move of the Alabama Republican Party to take sides in the election. You may remember that Musings from Maytown enthusiastically endorsed both McKinney and Bell. On the other hand, the move by the Alabama GOP has set a precedent that may move toward the party slating candidates as the preferred candidates in a primary.
At the same time, Alabama GOP Chair Mike Hubbard's Public Relations Firm openly worked for candidates in the primary. These moves should make for interesting discussion among members of the Alabama Republican Executive Committee.
Jefferson County:
The upset of the evening was the powerful defeat of incumbent Tax Assessor Dan Weinrib by Gaynell Hendricks. Hendricks will face Republican Jeff Caddell. Caddell is a leading conservative activist.
Democrat Shanta Owens won the Democratic primary for District Court and will challenge incumbent Republican Judge Davis Lawley. Lawley has worked hard to build this court, which tries cases involving drug offenses. Judge Lawley has been friendly to Christian-based rehabilitation centers. Musings from Maytown will be actively supporting the re-election of Judge Davis Lawley.
Jennifer Parsons Champion won the Democratic Primary for Treasurer and will challenge incumbent Republican Treasurer Ken Gomany. Gomany is an outstanding official and is strongly endorsed by Musings from Maytown.
Don't forget to go back to the polls on Tuesday, July 15 and support Matt Chancey for the President of the Public Service Commission and Judge Lucie McLemore for Court of Criminal Appeals.

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A Tribute to Fox of Bama