A Word from the Dean: Dr. Steve Pettey

In the days of John Wesley, lay-preachers with limited education conducted church services.  One man used Luke 19:21 for a text, “Lord, I feared Thee, because Thou art an austere man.”  The man did not now what the word austere meant and assumed that the text referred to an oyster man. He explained how a diver must grope in the dark, cold water to harvest oysters.  In doing so he often cuts his hands on the sharp edges of the oyster shells.  After he finds the oysters, he takes them to the surface in his torn and bleeding hands.  The preacher explained how Christ came all the way down from the glory of heaven into sinful human society to gather humans and bring them back to the glory of heaven.  His torn and bleeding hands are a sign of the value He placed on us.
At the conclusion of his message twelve men received Christ.  Later that night someone came to John Wesley to complain about the ignorance of his lay preachers.  The complainer said this man did not even understand the meaning of the text from which he was preaching.  The Oxford-educated Wesley’s response was, “Never mind, the Lord got a dozen oysters tonight.”  

I Corinthians 1:21 says, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”  I never cease to marvel at the wisdom of God in using simple things and simple people (like me) to get glory to Himself.  Another amazing thing is the frequent criticism – complainers, like those in Wesley’s day who find fault with humble, sincere servants of the Lord. 

Our task here at LBTS is not to fit everybody into a single mold.  We believe God has called some people to do some things in ministry that are new and different – cutting edge.  Our role is not to define for them the exact task God is calling them to do, but to give them the tools for ministry and let God define the task.  We believe the most exciting days in our history are in front of us; not behind us.  Pray with us that we will keep the attitude we need to equip God’s servants for effective ministry.

Thank you and God bless you,

Matthew 5:16

Important Dates to Remember:    

August 25 – 28, 2008          Final Exams for On-Campus Summer Semester
Labor Day                             September 1, 2008
September 8, 2008              On Campus Fall Semester Begins
October 15 - 17, 2008          LBU Prophecy Conference in Branson, Missouri

Fall Prophecy Conference:
in
Branson, Missouri
Featuring Dr. Jimmy DeYoung

Just a Reminder:
The cost of registration for the Fall Prophecy Conference before September 15th is $50.00.  The cost will be $65.00 After September 15th.   The cost for an attending spouse is $20.00.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 4:19

Welcome!

  The Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary welcomed the following new students during the month of July 2008:

                Terrell Carter         Jeremy W. Holt      Shane Sowers

The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

James Mitchell--- Pray for his ministry as a missionary and for the Lord to heal his body of the health problems he is facing.

Pastor Llyas Aftab, Pakistan --- Pray for funding for his church and furthering his                      
                                                        education.

Dr. Richard Perez--- Pray for him and his wife Jackie during this time of transition.

Robert C. Mach--- Pray for him and his family as they serve the Lord in the Zanapledougou village. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless their ministries.

Pray for our troops
Pray for our missionaries
Pray for the leaders of our Nation

Do you have a Prayer Request? 
(Submit your prayer requests through stillman@lbu.edu.)

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