tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41683385803250836482024-03-15T18:13:08.255-07:00GULF COAST PASTORDavid R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.comBlogger361125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-66814390423437973032023-10-13T09:21:00.001-07:002023-10-13T09:30:27.677-07:0010-7-2023; Pray for Israel <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Oh,
that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that
I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Jeremiah 9:1</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thus
says the Lord: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her
children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because
they are no more.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Jeremiah
31:15; Matthew 2:18</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deliver us from the evil one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Matthew 6:13</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Pray
for Israel” is on our church sign this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>October 7, AD 2023 more Jews were murdered (over 1300) than since the
Holocaust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hamas terrorists, supported
by the militant leaders in Iran, crossed from Gaza and sadistically assaulted
Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In their hatred of Jews, Hamas
terrorists are the modern-day equivalent of Nazis and Fascists of a century
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hamas
assaulted Jewish Kibbutz (villages) lying just outside Gaza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine heavily armed terrorists going
through your neighborhood: murdering, brutally raping, torturing, kidnapping,
mutilating, beheading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They attacked a
music concert and murdered over 260 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over 120 were kidnapped and taken back to Gaza and brutalized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The murdered include men, women,
grandparents, teenagers, children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The atrocities
are unspeakable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no
justification for this violence, period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
those who say, “What about the children in Gaza?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Israel is now responding to this brutal,
unprovoked attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But unlike
terrorists, Israel warns civilians and their children to flee a certain area
before bombs are dropped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Hamas
builds its military sites under and in the midst of children and
civilians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They place them under
hospitals and in mosques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They urge
their civilians and children not to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They want dead civilians and children so as to help them in the
propaganda war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So even when there are
Gazan civilian casualties, they are caused and encouraged by the
terrorists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, the Gazan people are
the ones who voted the Hamas terrorists into power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hamas started this war and the blood of Gazan
civilian casualities are on their hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Strangely,
those left-wing militants so quick to call those in the middle and right,
Nazis, are some of the very ones now celebrating and supporting literal Nazis:
the Iranian militant leaders, Hamas, Hezbollah and other antisemitics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There
is a fascinating story of a 25 year old Israeli woman, Inbar Lieberman, in charge
of defending her village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She noticed
gunfire and explosions that did not sound like the normal rockets Gaza would
fire into the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened the
armory and called the dozen defenders of the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through strategy, ambush, bravery, they
killed the 25 Hamas terrorists that attacked their village, saving many
innocent lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This heroic lady
personally killed five of the terrorists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A good reason for upright citizens to be armed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://nypost.com/2023/10/10/israeli-woman-25-hailed-as-hero-for-killing-terrorists-leading-security-team-at-kibbutz/">https://nypost.com/2023/10/10/israeli-woman-25-hailed-as-hero-for-killing-terrorists-leading-security-team-at-kibbutz/</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Jews, God’s chosen people, have been the most hated people in world history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the devil himself is a part of this
hatred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at a globe or a map of the
Middle East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The state of Israel is a
tiny sliver of land compared the large multitude of Arab and Islamic
countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet the above militants want
to destroy even that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ben
Shapiro is a conservative, Jewish, radio commentator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week (October 9-13, 2023) he has done an
above average job explaining this assault on Israel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has an understanding many do not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this issue he is well worth listening
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian Kilmeade is another good
resource.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some
people do not think like normal, civilized people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some perceive kindness as weakness, and the
time to attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some see atrocities,
murder, rape, as pleasing to God / Allah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These type people only respond to overwhelming military might.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Christians
are to love all people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there comes
a time to defend the oppressed and oppose evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">What
can we do? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">1.
Pray for Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oppose evil, including antisemitism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak out on these issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak against those who support <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">terrorists
and hatred of Jews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Affirm America’s support of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vote your convictions on this matter in every
election.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue to listen to left leaning news like
NBC, CBS, ABC, but also listen to FOX, <a href="http://foxnews.com">foxnews.com</a>, <a href="http://townhall.com">townhall.com</a>, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get both sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptist Press (<a href="http://baptistpress.com">baptistpress.com</a>) is also a
good source.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">One
of the reasons God has blessed America is because of our friendship and support
of Israel and the Jewish people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
will bless those who bless you, and I
will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of
the earth shall be blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Genesis
12:3 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NKJV</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, October 13, AD 2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">PS
– Please pray for Revival / Spiritual Awakening in America, and around the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-wrong-with-communism.html">What's
Wrong With Communism?</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2021/10/columbus-day-quotes.html">Columbus Day; Quotes</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-keep-your-pastor.html">How
To Keep Your Pastor</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2011/08/deuteronomy-1426-does-it-commend.html">Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Other
Articles in lower right margin (Web Version). </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-83883642041196961722023-07-19T10:45:00.000-07:002023-07-19T10:45:16.702-07:00Matzah for the Lord's Supper<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
years my church used matzah (aka matza; matzo…) as the bread for the Lord’s
Supper.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I originally got the idea from
my pastor dad, Joe Brumbelow.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I think he
began using matzah after he invited Chosen People Ministries to share “Christ
in the Passover” in his church.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve
never really liked the little square pieces of unleavened bread used by many
churches and sold in Christian bookstores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some churches have a church member bake a loaf of bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is fine, except usually it is leavened
and has sugar and other ingredients added to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, not very biblical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus given
for us on Calvary; it is not meant to be a wonderful culinary item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matzah
is the bread used by Jews for Passover and throughout the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the Christian, the stripes and piercing
in the matzah remind them of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matzah
comes in a large, unsalted flat square.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often
the pastor will keep one large piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the time comes in the Lord’s Supper, he will hold up the large
piece of matzah and break it, signifying Jesus’ body that was broken for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other matzah is previously
broken into smaller pieces (about the size of a quarter coin) by the deacons and
placed in the Communion plates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matzah
can be purchased at larger grocery stores in the Kosher (or International)
section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, it can be ordered over the
internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother, Bonnie Galyean
Brumbelow, a preacher’s wife, mentioned that extra matzah can be put in a
Ziploc bag and kept in the freezer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Manischewitz
(the w is pronounced like our v) is one of the Jewish brands making matzo
(matzah).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other brands include Streit’s,
Yehuda, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
matzah box may say in small print, “Not for Passover.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The specific rules for Kosher and Passover are
a little complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is perfect
for the Lord’s Supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
may also be interested in the following article by Chosen People Ministries,
Matzah and the Messiah:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.chosenpeople.com/matzah-points-to-jesus/">https://www.chosenpeople.com/matzah-points-to-jesus/</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Try
unsalted matzah for your next Lord’s Supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfoastpastor.blogspot.com, July 19, AD 2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Articles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-we-dont-use-alcohol-for-lords.html">Why
We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: right 6.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/08/lords-supper-questions-answers.html">Lord's Supper, Questions & Answers</a><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/08/lords-supper-questions-answers.html"> </a> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: right 6.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/03/ancient-wine-and-bible-book-update.html">Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; update</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2023/07/baptism-and-gait-belt.html">Baptism and a Gait Belt</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Other
<b>Articles </b>in lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-51419147823243971102023-07-12T13:50:00.002-07:002023-07-19T10:32:53.031-07:00Baptism and a Gait Belt<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Recently
a man in his 80s desired to be baptized.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Baptists believe the Bible teaches “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The man was not in the best of health and used
a walker.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The baptism was to be in a six-foot
water trough.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The trough was filled with
cold water, then topped off with some boiling water to at least take the chill
off the cold water.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Water from a hot
water heater will often make the water look cloudy and dirty.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A fine screen pool-net can also help in
cleaning the baptistry water.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Baptism
is not a part of salvation, it is a picture of the salvation that has already
happened in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ (See other <b>Articles</b>
at this site on <b>Baptism</b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
believers cannot be immersed because of serious health issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will go to Heaven just as sure as the thief
on the cross (Luke 23:39-43).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But baptism
is the first command to a new Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you can, you should be obedient and follow the Lord in baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
man knew he had been saved and made right with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though he knew it would be a struggle,
he still wanted to be baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pastor
did some planning and went over details with some men in the church, and with
the candidate for baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
<b>Gait Belt</b> proved to be very helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a wide belt (about 2”-4” wide) that is placed around the waist and
over the clothes of someone who might be in danger of falling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives an assistant something to grab onto
to help support the person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hospital and
nursing home caregivers often use gait belts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A gait belt should not be used, however, if the person has recently had back
or abdominal surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Remember,
the person being baptized will be wet and slippery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three men assisted the pastor in the baptism,
and it went very well, and safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
gait belt was a big help in giving them a secure way to hold onto and support him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The belt helped them
during the baptism and also in assisting him to the dressing room. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It also seemed to reassure his daughter that
the church was taking good care of him.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">So,
you might consider purchasing a gait belt or two for your baptism
equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may go months without
needing one, but when you do, it can be a crucial help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the old saying goes, “It’s better to have
one and not need it, than to need it and not have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gait belt can be purchased at a Medical
Supply Store or on the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
end up needing one quickly, you might check with a hospital or nursing home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better yet, get one ahead of time before you
need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gait belt costs from $8 to $50.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure between baptisms the belt is clean
and dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">One
final thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do Baptists (and some
other Christian groups) go to all that trouble when others just sprinkle a
little water for baptism?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason is
the Bible clearly teaches “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is worth the time, trouble, and effort to
do things according to biblical teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, July 12, AD 2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
Articles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2019/08/quotes-on-acts-238-baptism-salvation.html">Quotes on Acts 2:38, Baptism, Salvation</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-bible-teaches-about-baptism.html">What the Bible Teaches About Baptism</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2010/04/roman-road-of-salvation.html">The Roman Road of Salvation</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-we-dont-use-alcohol-for-lords.html">Why
We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
<b>Articles</b> in lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-12208898509688884292023-05-10T08:57:00.000-07:002023-05-10T08:57:35.429-07:00Children's Programs and LGBTQ <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Woe
to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put
darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet
for bitter!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Isaiah 5:20</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Children’s
Programing and Family Entertainment used to mean something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It meant you could count on the programing to
be free of sex, including heterosexual and homosexual sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sexual immorality or inuendo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It meant Christian folks could sit down with
their kids and enjoy some safe entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sadly,
that is no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today
Children’s Programing is filled with direct and indirect attacks on Christian
morality and traditional marriage and values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today Children’s Programing pushes same-sex marriage, lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) indoctrination. Two girls kissing, two
boys or men kissing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gone are the
innocent days of youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schools and
libraries are filled with LGBTQ propaganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are now drag shows for kids, and the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gender Transition is praised and
supported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to be a hero,
just become LGBTQ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Public
Broadcasting Service (PBS), paid for with your tax dollars, strongly endorses
these lifestyles to adults, and children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>For
example, foxnews.com carried an article about Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt,
R., axing a bill to fund PBS in Oklahoma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Following are some quotes:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"OETA
[Oklahoma Educational Television Authority], to us, is an outdated system. You
know, the big, big question is why are we spending taxpayer dollars to prop up
or compete with the private sector and run television stations? And then when
you go through all of the programing that's happening and the indoctrination
and over-sexualization of our children, it's just really problematic, and it
doesn't line up with Oklahoma values," Stitt told Fox News Digital. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
governor’s office provided examples of OETA content that <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/nonprofit-group-calls-federal-government-strip-pbs-funding-response-networks-lgbtq-propaganda" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">it considers objectionable</span></a>, including a segment of "Let's
Learn" in which a children’s book titled "The Hips on the Drag Queen
Go Swish, Swish, Swish" is read by someone called Lil Miss Hot Mess. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
governor’s office also pointed to a "PBS Newshour" feature on
parents’ support for various gender care treatments including puberty blockers,
a gay character in "Work It Out Wombats" which airs on OETA, PBS
Kids’ "Clifford the Big Red Dog" introducing LGBTQ characters, a
plethora of Pride Month programming on OETA, a special about a town of
Christians and drag queens who "step into the spotlight to dismantle
stereotypes," and a same-sex wedding featured on PBS Kids’ "Odd
Squad." </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Oklahoma
taxpayers are going, ‘Hey, hang on, time out for just a second. That's not my
values,’" he said. "I'm just tired of using taxpayer dollars for some
person's agenda. I represent the taxpayers."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"PBS
is clearly engaged in promoting inappropriate LGBTQ+ and critical race theory
[CRT] propaganda to our children," Citizens Defending Freedom Chief
Communications Officer Kristen Huber said in a<a href="https://www.citizensdefendingfreedom.com/post/citizens-defending-freedom-calls-on-federal-government-to-defund-pbs-over-lgbt-critical-race-theory" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> press </span></a><a href="https://www.citizensdefendingfreedom.com/post/citizens-defending-freedom-calls-on-federal-government-to-defund-pbs-over-lgbt-critical-race-theory" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">release </span></a>Thursday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last
week, Stitt also banned all sex reassignment procedures for minors in the state,
including irreversible <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/nbcs-chuck-todd-clashes-vivek-ramaswamy-over-gender-binary-know-scientist" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">gender transition surgeries</span></a> and hormone therapies,
joining at least 15 other states with similar laws.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"We
believe in traditional family values. We're not going to let biological males
participate in girls’ sports," he [Stitt] said. (End quotes)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/oklahoma-governor-stitt-defends-decision-axe-pbs-funding-over-really-problematic-lgbtq-content">https://www.foxnews.com/media/oklahoma-governor-stitt-defends-decision-axe-pbs-funding-over-really-problematic-lgbtq-content</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
God for Governor Stitt, Governor DeSantis, Governor Abbott and others willing
to stand for the traditional values most Americans have believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The values that have made our country
strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
can be done about this problem?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get informed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Support those who take the right stands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vote your convictions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Encourage others to vote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously pray for Revival, Spiritual
Awakening in our land. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Support your church and missions as never
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">6. When appropriate, speak out with tact and love. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, May 10, AD 2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>For
more information:</b> Trans Life Survivors by Walt Heyer. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Children’s
books: Elephants are not Birds by Ashley St. Clair, Brave
Books; Johnny the Walrus by Matt Walsh, DW Books. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Articles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/05/jesus-christ-on-same-sex-marriage.html">Jesus
Christ on Same-Sex Marriage</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2019/01/lgbt-and-suicide.html">LGBT and Suicide</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2023/01/genesis-127.html">Genesis 1:27</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2013/04/what-bible-says-about-homosexuality.html">What the Bible Says About Homosexuality</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2013/07/news-medias-unbalanced-reporting-of.html">News
Media's Unbalanced Reporting of Same-Sex Marriage</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-wrong-with-communism.html">What's
Wrong With Communism?</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Other
Articles in lower right margin, Web Version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-90177520694409721062023-02-18T15:05:00.001-08:002023-02-18T15:09:01.109-08:00Asbury Revival and Cynicism <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">ASHLAND,
Ky. (BP) – Wednesday, Feb. 8, Asbury College had a chapel service. Chapel is a
pretty ordinary experience at a Christian university. What is extraordinary is
that the worship time that began on Feb. 8 is still going on as I write this on
Feb. 13.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Participants
soon described testimonies of what was going on at Asbury as revival. However,
these descriptions of experiencing revival were not academic or scholarly
descriptions of revival as historically understood. Instead, they were
on-the-ground, in-the-moment expressions of experiencing being spiritually
revived.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sadly,
it wasn’t long before many Christians took to social media to question the
validity of what was happening at Asbury being described as revival.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“On
what basis are we calling this a revival?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Emotionalism,
singing and flag waving are not revival!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“No
one will know whether this is a revival or not until the fruit of it is
examined years from now in the lives of people who are not there on campus.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">These
are just a few of the types of comments I have seen from Christians in response
to the Asbury revival. It seems that any claim of revival should be considered
guilty until proven innocent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Jonathan
Edwards</b>, in <b>The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God</b>, lays
out the marks of a genuine revival (based on 1 John 4):</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Jesus
is exalted.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>The
Holy Spirit acts against the influence of Satan’s kingdom by preaching sin and
repentance.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>The
Bible is exalted and held in high regard.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>The
Spirit of understanding and truth opposes spirits of falsehood.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Love
to God and man is promoted.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
list Edwards provides lines up well with the reports I have heard from the
college students at our church who attend Asbury and what I have seen from
others about what has been and is going on at Asbury.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Time
will indeed tell, but I am confident our appropriate disposition from the
outside looking in at the present should be hopefulness and not cynicism.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
live in a cynical age. Cynicism is in the air we breathe, a cultural norm, our
default setting. Being a cynic is easy. Cynics do not do; they critique (from
a safe distance) those who do. I remember hearing cynicism once described
as over-confident self-referential suspicion. I think that sounds about right.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cynicism
has roots in hopelessness. What is more antithetical to a Christian worldview
than hopelessness? Paul tells us, “So now faith, hope, and love abide” (1
Corinthians 13:13). Cynicism is contagious, but so are faith, hope, and love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
am hopeful about what is taking place at Asbury, and I am also confident that
any genuine revival destroys a worldly cynicism from among God’s people. Lord,
revive us again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<b>David
Prince</b>, February 14, AD 2023, Baptist Press <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-asbury-revival-and-christian-cynicism/">https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-asbury-revival-and-christian-cynicism/</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">*******
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">If
My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray
and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes
will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-2 Chronicles 7:14-15</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Will
You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Psalm 85:6</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please
join me in praying for revival at Asbury University, in America, and around the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God forgive our sin, and heal
our land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, February 18, AD 2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/03/ancient-wine-and-bible-book-update.html">Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; update</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-wrong-with-communism.html">What's
Wrong With Communism?</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/03/proper-use-of-public-invitation.html">Proper
Use of the Public Invitation</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
<b>Articles</b> in lower right margin, Web Version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-34026797952839778712023-01-21T12:12:00.003-08:002023-01-21T12:18:30.950-08:00Genesis 1:27<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So
God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created
him; male and female He created them.
-Genesis 1:27 </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">NKJV </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created mankind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a special creation of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Man did not come about by random chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man is made in the image of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">That means every human being, every man,
woman, child has great worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Later,
the Bible tells of God sending His only begotten Son to die on the cross of
Calvary, to save mankind from their sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus rose from the dead, and is the Living Savior to all who receive
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans
6:23.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">God created humans as male and female.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">They
compliment, complete one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Male
and female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No other genders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No other choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No fluid genders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No changing from one to the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
woman is inferior to a man, at being a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
man is inferior to a woman, at being a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">If
you’re a woman, you should be proud you are a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">If
you’re a man, you should be proud you are a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Children
should be taught this at home, at church, at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Many
have regretted going against God and nature by trying to change their sex from
a man to a woman, or from a woman to a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For more information see the book, <i>Trans Life Survivors</i> by Walt
Heyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children’s books: <i>Elephants are
not Birds</i> by Ashley St. Clair, Brave Books; <i>Johnny the Walrus</i> by Matt Walsh, DW
Books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Does
this mean we are to hate others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to be tactful, and
loving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to speak the truth in
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created marriage as one man plus one
woman, united for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Therefore
a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
and they shall become one flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Genesis 2:24<span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Also:
Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9; Ephesians 5:31-33.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, January 21, AD 2023. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/07/when-you-resign-or-retire-as-pastor.html">When You Resign or Retire as Pastor</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/02/judge-righteously.html">Judge Righteously</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2014/01/why-marijuana-should-remain-illegal.html">Why
Marijuana Should Remain Illegal</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/09/can-christian-save-others-yes.html">Can A Christian "Save" Others? Yes</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-abortion-is-wrong.html">Why
Abortion Is Wrong</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">More
<b>Articles</b> in lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-15970686819044822802022-12-28T08:25:00.001-08:002022-12-28T08:31:31.453-08:00Merry Christmas! <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Christmas is really the
greatest story ever told.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God so loved the
world that He sent His only begotten Son to be born of the Virgin Mary in
Bethlehem.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God the Son, Jesus, left
Heaven to come to earth.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus lived a
sinless life.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He worked miracles, healed
the sick, taught the things of God.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then
He died on the cross, not for His sins, but for yours and mine.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He literally rose again, and offers His
forgiveness and salvation to all who repent and believe.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God’s Word says:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But when the fullness of the
time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the
law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the
adoption as sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Galatians 4:4-5</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Behold, the virgin shall be
with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which
is translated, “God with us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Matthew
1:23</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And the Word became flesh and
dwelt among us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-John 1:14</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And she will bring forth a
Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from
their sins.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Matthew 1:21</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Son of Man has come to
seek and to save that which was lost.”
-Luke 19:9 (also Mark 10:45)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should
not perish but have everlasting life.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
-John 3:16</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">NKJV</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year!</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christmas Story</b> is found in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">-David R. Brumbelow, Baptist
Student Ministry, Lee College, Baytown, TX.
12-18-AD 2018.
sanjacintobaptist.com; bpnews.net; biblegateway.com</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">*******</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When an Article is labeled “Handout,” it is
a short article I used in church and/or in the Baptist Student Ministry / Baptist
Student Union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I served as pastor for 37
years and as BSM Director at Lee College, Baytown, TX from 1992-2020 (with a
couple years hiatus around the year 2000).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Handout was usually printed on a half sheet of paper. This is a
little late, I’ve been busy, but I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and will
have a Happy New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David R. Brumbelow</i>,
gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, December 28, AD 2022. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Articles: </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2009/12/10-commandments-for-christmas.html">10 Commandments for Christmas</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2009/12/that-night-christmas-poem.html">That Night, A Christmas Poem</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2009/11/alcohol-and-holidays.html">Alcohol and the Holidays</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-wrong-with-communism.html">What's Wrong With Communism?</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">More <b>Articles / Labels</b> in
lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-65382517716727924882022-12-02T09:35:00.004-08:002022-12-28T08:28:54.760-08:00Obituary - Domingo Castillo<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Domingo H. Castillo</b> was born on September 26, 1931 in Eagle Lake, Texas. Because of his trust in Jesus Christ as Savior, he entered Heaven on November 16, AD 2022. He was preceded
in death by his loving wife Rose Castillo (AD 1933-2022), grandson Michael
Gutierrez, parents Baudelio and Manuela Castillo, brothers Julian, Juan and
Luis Castillo, and sisters Anita Contreras and Fidencia Morales. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Domingo
was a devoted husband and father to his four children. It was through his wife
that he came to saving faith in Jesus, and together they loved and served the
Lord, their family and community. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
1955, Domingo attended a church revival that changed the course of his life and
family tree. It was there that he decided to follow Jesus in faith. Shortly
thereafter, he was baptized and then preached the first of many sermons.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Word of God was his most cherished possession. He daily read his Bible and
lived out of it, studying every word and putting into practice all that he knew
to be true of the Lord. His teaching was centered around the letters of his
Father as “la escritura dice”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Domingo
not only served his church family spiritually but also physically as he worked
on the construction team to build the church in Crosby where he pastored for
many years. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
a bivocational pastor, he held jobs in the community, most notably in hospital
maintenance, fulfilling his calling to share the gospel not only in the church,
but to those whom he interacted with in his day-to-day mission field.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Until
his last day, Domingo shared his love of Jesus with anyone he could. His life’s
mission was the Father’s will — that everyone would believe in the Lord and be
saved. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">He
is survived by his children, Rebecca Contreras (Tony) of Mont Belvieu, TX,
Micaela Gutierrez (Eloy) of Eagle Lake, TX, Domingo Castillo, Jr. (LaDonna) of
Lawton, OK, Delia Teague (Terry) of Huntersville, NC. He also had 8
grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">He
is also survived by his brother Ignacio Castillo (Eloisa) from Eagle Lake,
Texas, numerous nieces and nephews. Lastly, he is survived by his beloved
family in faith Bernalda Aguilar, Mireya Soto, Yadira Moctezuma, Emanuel
Jaimez, Yobani Jaimez and Mayra Whitworth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Visitation
will begin at 5 pm at Eagle Lake Funeral Home on Friday, November 18, 2022.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 am Saturday at First Baptist Church in Eagle
Lake with burial to follow at Nativity Cemetery.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pallbearers:
Eloy Gutierrez, Allen Morales, Daniel Contreras, Yobani Jaimez, Ryan Gutierrez,
Jacob Patterson<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">******* </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Funeral Service was led by:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rev. Ruben
Mesa, Randi Freeman, Rev. Rogelio Rodriguez.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Music: Old Rugged Cross, What a Day That Will Be, Rondalla “Choir of
Guitars,” and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One song said, “You
know nothing, until you know the love of God.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">From
the <b>San Jacinto Baptist Association</b>, Baytown, TX: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“We
have received word that Domingo Castillo, former pastor of Iglesia Bautista
Comunidad in Crosby, has gone to be with the Lord. Domingo also led the Spanish
speaking service at Northside Baptist Church in Highlands from 2016-2020.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
attended the funeral service of Domingo Castillo on November 19, 2022 at First
Baptist Church, Eagle Lake, TX.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
attended the funeral of Rose Castillo on April 6, 2022, also at First Baptist
Church, Eagle Lake, TX.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Domingo
and Rose were members of the church I pastored, Northside Baptist Church, Highlands,
TX from about 2016 to 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
both a great asset to me and the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were the kind of pastor and pastor’s wife I looked up to and
admired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent many times in good
fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joked and laughed a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes a retired pastor can be a problem
to a pastor and church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was never
the case with Domingo and Rose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
easy to depend on them, and trust them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During that time Domingo began teaching a Sunday School Class and Sunday
morning Worship service in Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
went to a LifeWay store and found some good Christian Spanish books he
used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Domingo especially liked the books by Dr. Daniel Sanchez of SWBTS and a parallel NKJV/Spanish Bible. </span>He also had much of the material
he used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Domingo
also did some much needed carpenter work at Northside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
tried to get Domingo to preach in our regular Worship Services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he said he was not comfortable preaching
in English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke good English as
well as Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would call on him to
lead in prayer in church, and enjoyed hearing him pray in Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rose
told me of sitting under a tree, then, for some reason getting up and walking a
few steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just then a large branch of
the tree fell right where she had been sitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Domingo
told me of several times when the Lord had really spoken to him in dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, he never strayed from his
confidence in the inerrancy of the Bible, God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And these dreams never in any way contradicted
God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
short, Domingo and Rose impressed me as a great example of what a pastor and
wife ought to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk501007983"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Most assuredly, I say to you, he who
hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall
not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. -Jesus; John 5:24 </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">NKJV</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from
the body and to be present with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-2 Corinthians 5:8</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then
I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the
dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may
rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Revelation 14:13</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, December 2, AD 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/07/when-you-resign-or-retire-as-pastor.html">When You Resign or Retire as Pastor</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/04/baptists-and-eternal-security-or-once.html">Baptists and Eternal Security, or Once Saved Always Saved; Part 1 of 3</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2009/09/wit-and-wisdom-of-my-dad.html">Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-wrong-with-communism.html">What's
Wrong With Communism?</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-we-dont-use-alcohol-for-lords.html">Why
We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
Articles in lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-85109120494281691492022-11-03T08:44:00.003-07:002022-11-08T08:21:42.543-08:00Is It Worldly?<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Teaching
us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Titus 2:12 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NKJV</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does the Bible speak directly against
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do biblical principles teach against it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it give the devil a foothold in my
life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it lead me or others into sin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it diminish my Christian life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it support that which is evil?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it awkward to thank God for it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there reasonable doubts about it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it reasonable to stay away from it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it help or hurt my Christian
witness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Examples:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drinking alcohol, marijuana, smoking, dancing
/ some forms of dancing, night clubs, questionable places or parties, gambling,
cards, dice, immodest dress, some kinds of music, pornography, crude language
and joking…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">No,
not all Christians will agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that
is no reason to not take these principles seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian liberty should not be abused to
justify everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">See
<b>11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
deals with some of these general principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/04/11-reasons-to-not-drink-alcohol.html">http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/04/11-reasons-to-not-drink-alcohol.html</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">But,
you can certainly laugh, joke, and have a good time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a matter of fact, you can have more fun
when you avoid the things that tear you down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Discipline in the Christian life can bring great joy and freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture
to consider: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do
not love the world or the things in the world. If
anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-1 John 2:15</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">And
do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Romans 12:2</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Teaching
us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Titus 2:12</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has
departed for Thessalonica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-2 Timothy
4:10</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">But
beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to
those who are weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-1 Corinthians 8:9</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants
of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-1 Peter 2:16</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Worldly</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> – a practice that
directly or indirectly contradicts God’s Word.
That which can lead me or others astray.
A practice that fits into the culture of this present unredeemed world,
but does not fit well in the culture of the Kingdom of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, November 3, AD 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2019/11/discipline-trip-to-drive-in-store.html">Discipline
- A Trip to the Drive-In Store</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2018/01/10-reasons-to-avoid-pornography.html">10 Reasons to Avoid Pornography</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/05/13-reasons-why-not-to-commit-suicide.html">13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/02/wine-for-your-stomachs-sake-1-timothy.html">Wine
for Your Stomach's Sake; 1 Timothy 5:23</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-wrong-with-communism.html">What's
Wrong With Communism?</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
<b>Articles </b>in lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-49114496729301602462022-09-22T09:13:00.002-07:002022-09-22T09:26:57.452-07:00No Climate Emergency<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“While
the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer,
and day and night shall not cease.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Genesis 8:22 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NKJV</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Good
news!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The earth is just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can relax and enjoy life and the
incredible creation God has given us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, we should support reasonable measures to fight pollution, encourage
wildlife, and wisely use our natural resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But there is no climate emergency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, when problems arise, we can adapt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There
is no climate emergency, according to over 1,100 scientists and professionals
worldwide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Climate Intelligence</b>
(CLINTEL) issued a summary of this view on June 27, 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Quotes
from the World Climate Declaration (WCD):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Climate
science should be less political, while climate policies should be more
scientific. In particular, scientists should emphasize that their modeling
output is not the result of magic: computer models are human-made.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Climate
science has degenerated into a discussion based on beliefs, not on sound
self-critical science.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There
is no climate emergency</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scientists
should openly address uncertainties and exaggerations in their predictions of
global warming, while politicians should dispassionately count the real costs
as well as the imagined benefits of their policy measures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Natural
as well as anthropogenic factors cause warming</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
geological archive reveals that Earth’s climate has varied as long as the
planet has existed, with natural cold and warm phases.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Warming
is far slower than predicted</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
world has warmed significantly less than predicted by IPCC on the basis of
modeled anthropogenic forcing. The gap between the real world and the modeled
world tells us that we are far from understanding climate change.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Climate
policy relies on inadequate models</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">CO2 is
not a pollutant. It is essential to all life on Earth. Photosynthesis is a
blessing. More CO2 is beneficial for nature, greening the Earth:
additional CO2 in the air has promoted growth in global plant biomass. It
is also good for agriculture, increasing the yields of crops worldwide.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Global
warming has not increased natural disasters</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Climate
policy must respect scientific and economic realities</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
aim of global policy should be ‘prosperity for all’ by providing reliable and
affordable energy at all times. In a prosperous society men and women are well
educated, birthrates are low and people care about their environment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
is not the number of experts but the quality of arguments that counts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(End quotes.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
more information: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://clintel.org/world-climate-declaration/">https://clintel.org/world-climate-declaration/</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://cornwallalliance.org/2022/08/no-climate-emergency-cornwall-alliance/">https://cornwallalliance.org/2022/08/no-climate-emergency-cornwall-alliance/</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.ntd.com/no-climate-emergency-cornwall-alliance_833037.html">https://www.ntd.com/no-climate-emergency-cornwall-alliance_833037.html</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">So,
enjoy life and nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plant a garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plant a tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Visit wildlife refuges and national parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learn more about the natural world, and walk
humbly before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, September 22, AD 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/08/help-my-citrus-trees-are-dying-salt.html">Help! My Citrus Trees are Dying; The Salt Factor</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2021/10/columbus-day-quotes.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Columbus Day; Quotes</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/08/cecil-lion-and-big-game-hunting.html">Cecil The Lion and Big Game Hunting</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/02/wine-for-your-stomachs-sake-1-timothy.html">Wine
for Your Stomach's Sake; 1 Timothy 5:23</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> in lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-57287758928095026172022-08-26T08:24:00.000-07:002022-08-26T08:24:21.628-07:00Help! My Citrus Trees are Dying; The Salt Factor<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Previously
I grew great citrus trees.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Satsuma,
Kumquat, Bloomsweet & Golden Grapefruit, Pong Koa, Katmandarin, Meyer Lemon.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I retired and moved to the Wild Peach area
outside Brazoria, Texas.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I planted about a
dozen citrus trees and brought a couple dozen seedlings.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unlike
before, my citrus trees began to slowly die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I replanted and they died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
planted them right, did everything else right; they died anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same was happening with some trees I
planted at my church (Grace Baptist Church of Wild Peach, Brazoria, TX).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
finally figured out why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my memory,
this was never discussed in fruit tree growing classes and books I had
read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A friend, John Panzarella, pointed
me in the right direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem
was high salt content in my, and my church’s, well water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most water wells in Brazoria County, whether
shallow or deep, have a high salt content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While some plants tolerate a certain amount of salt, citrus trees do
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
solution is twofold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">First</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, Pelletized
Gypsum can counteract the salt in the soil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also helps to break up clay soil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Broadcast it liberally around your citrus trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the next rain soak it in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeat if needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Second</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, only water your
citrus trees with rainwater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
start with a couple five-gallon buckets under your roof’s dripline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be aware of a drowning hazard for little
children; you may want to put a screen on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Buy empty cattle syrup half-barrels at feed stores, or a full-sized
barrel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spend more and get a special
made rain-barrel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember
to plant a citrus tree in a well-drained, sunny location (or make a raised bed).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plant it a couple inches higher than it was
growing in the pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water it every day
for the first two or three weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never,
never touch them with a mower or string-trimmer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Damage the bark, you seriously damage the
tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add undyed, hardwood mulch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pelletized
gypsum and rain-water can revolutionize your citrus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-by
David R. Brumbelow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David is a retired
pastor and lives in the Wild Peach area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is author of <i>Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow</i>, & <i>Ancient
Wine and the Bible</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Above
article published in the <b>West Brazos Weekly</b>, Wednesday, July 27,
2022. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, August 26, AD 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Articles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-time-to-laugh.html">A Time to Laugh</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-we-dont-use-alcohol-for-lords.html">Why
We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2018/11/mildred-mcwhorter-and-rotten-watermelons.html">Mildred McWhorter and the Rotten Watermelons</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Other
Articles in lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-76754151340206617662022-08-15T09:23:00.000-07:002022-08-15T09:23:22.856-07:00Southern Baptists and Sexual Abuse<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
few thoughts related to the Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF) and
Guidepost Report.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sexual abuse should be reported to the
police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a shame when abuse is
alleged, but the accuser is unwilling to file charges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are truly guilty of sexual abuse,
don’t expect me to excuse it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us need to be vigilant to avoid any
type of sexual abuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The SATF and Guidepost seemed a little
one-sided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not hear from more than
one side?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not a more diverse
committee?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times it seems like a
trial with only the Prosecution allowed to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The accuser needs to be heard; but, so does
the accused.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is good, needed information in the Guidepost report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are instances, however, where one side
of the story is not told, even though it is in public records.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other times when one side of the story is
minimized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, on this issue only one side is allowed
to be heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least one website is
very quick to delete any comments on this subject that do not fit their
narrative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opposing side may have
some valid perspectives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without allowing
the other side to be considered, you may be left with groupthink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The issue seems to be overhyped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sexual abuse is horrible and without excuse,
but its overall numbers are low compared to the entire Southern Baptist
Convention (SBC).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is some amount of difference between
outright sexual abuse and consensual immoral relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also a difference between illegal
relationships and legal, but immoral relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both are wrong, but there’s a
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a sexual abuse situation is criminally
prosecuted and the offender punished, it is now a matter of public record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What more are Southern Baptists supposed to
do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SBC churches today are encouraged to
do background checks on leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
should reveal any such legal issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also,
check references.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you need help,
check with your Association or State Convention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a big, big difference between a
sexual abuser, and someone you feel did not properly handle a sexual abuse
situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet some who never committed
sexual abuse are treated like those who did, or even worse; because the accuser
thinks they should have handled a situation differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This issue at times seems to be a way for
some to handle old grievances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They use
it to condemn their enemies, while condoning their friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Social media can be vicious and evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the SBC Executive Committee’s “secret
list” was simply a compilation, over the years, of newspaper reports about
sexual abuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was already public,
nothing secret or sinister about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
it was made to look that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It often seems the same group who is quick to
accept divorce, will never, never forgive certain situations of immorality or
abuse, or even a poor choice of words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much
of this seems kind of arbitrary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
making a point about divorce; just that some of the condemnation seems uneven,
and perhaps too “woke,” “me too,” and “virtue signaling.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It strains credulity that a grown,
intelligent woman who had a years-long sexual relationship with a married man
(not married to her), be proclaimed completely innocent and a survivor of
sexual assault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The married man involved
is most guilty, but there is guilt on both sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing wrong with SBC lawyers
advising their client on how to avoid liability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a lawyer’s job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the accusations could have been
handled better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing like
having the ability to look back and see what you should have done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of those situations were later
corrected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
does need to be understood though, that some views about this subject have
changed in recent years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get up to
date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In more than one instance, some have said we
need to change our practices or pass this motion, so no one is ever abused
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t that be grand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But sin is always present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can work to prevent it, speak against it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But abuse, crime, greed, murder, drug abuse, immorality
will always be among every group of human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">17.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never accept, “Believe all women.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women lie, just like men, and any other
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why we investigate and
attempt to hear all sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be so
quick to dismiss the example of Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
do take accusations seriously, and if it involves illegal activity, report it
to police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Treat all sides with respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See <i>Judge Righteously</i> article
below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a church has a sexual abuser, and they
properly and legally deal with it, they are often put in the same category as a
church who accepts or hides abuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is obviously unfair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
those of you who viscerally disagree with me, according to God’s Word you still
have to love me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">*******
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Megan
Basham</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
previously wrote for WORLD magazine and now writes for Daily Wire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has written a very thoughtful, investigative
article (Southern Baptists’ #MeToo Moment).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read it, as well as the Guidepost Report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives a needed balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple quotes are published below, and the
link to the article is given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“a
total of 409 accused abusers were found over the course of 21 years in
approximately 47,000 SBC churches.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“six
different SBC pastors pointed out to me that very little in the Guidepost
report was actually new information. In many of the cases, flagrant mishandling
of allegations had already been addressed and the men involved removed from
office. And the highly publicized list the executive committee was keeping of
abusers was, in fact, culled from newspaper reports. Every accusation it
contained was already in the public domain.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-Southern
Baptists’ #MeToo Moment </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">by <b>Megan Basham</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/southern-baptists-metoo-moment">https://www.dailywire.com/news/southern-baptists-metoo-moment</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Also:
<a href="https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/former-ec-vice-president-counters-guidepost-characterization-of-abusers-list/">https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/former-ec-vice-president-counters-guidepost-characterization-of-abusers-list/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, August 15, AD 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Articles:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/02/judge-righteously.html">Judge Righteously</a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Note</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I referred to this article at a site and
provided a link.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My comment and link
were deleted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
an earlier occasion, I referred to several Bible passages mentioned in this
article.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The website informed me these
verses had no relevance to sexual abuse in the SBC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could they not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read the article and decide for
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/04/basic-baptist-doctrines-beliefs.html">Basic Baptist Doctrines / Beliefs</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2011/09/baptists-on-tithing.html">Baptists on Tithing</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Other <b>Articles</b> in
lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-2587464846772460352022-07-11T08:40:00.000-07:002022-07-11T08:40:03.436-07:00When You Resign or Retire as Pastor<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When
you are anticipating your soon resignation or retirement as pastor, you may get
a bitter urge for revenge.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some pastors
begin adding up all the slights and unjust things they have suffered during
their pastorate.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">People, even Christian
ones, can be mean, critical, unthoughtful, unfair.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">These
thoughts may even be absolutely true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though you may have magnified them a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a person is hurt or upset or struggling,
the pastor is sometimes the one on which they unload their frustrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve taken a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you’ve not been compensated for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So,
now is the time to get them back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On my
last worship service, I’ll tell them just what I think about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to get even.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may even get ahead!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now is my chance to tell them how sorry
they’ve treated me and my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
going to tell them what lowlifes they really are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t pay me enough to put up with
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, what can they do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be my last Sunday at this poor
excuse for a church.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
may want to write it down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make an
official handwritten record of all the junk you’ve suffered and put up with in
this church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take some time to document
it on paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Name names. Use bold print,
underline, and add exclamation points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then,
take this official document, this masterpiece, and shred it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then burn the shredding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you’ve taken a lot, but the ministry was
never meant to be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, some
is easy, some is joyful, some is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church members, and God, called you to
pastor this church to help them, not hurt or destroy them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, of all people, should want to make the
ministry of the next pastor as fruitful and joyful as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you start listing all the faults of the
church, they may start listing all the faults of you as their pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Jesus was reviled, He reviled not
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Who,
when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He
suffered, He did not threaten, but
committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-1 Peter 2:23</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commit these things to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you really believe in the One whom you
preach, will He not eventually make things right in the end?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t end some of the wonderful past and long-term
relationships you’ve made at that church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though you may not be seeing them often, there are still good,
solid friendships that should continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t you prefer the church folks think of
you fondly, and with respect, instead of with hurt and disappointment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not everyone at the church offended you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you leave on an angry note, some good,
loving, young believers may be harmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They may be seriously hindered in their spiritual lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set a good example for your church, and your
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things need to roll off of you like
water on a duck’s back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t become too
sensitive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A thick skin can be a great
virtue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Great peace have
those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Psalm 119:165<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NKJV (KJV “nothing shall offend them.”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This verse was a favorite of my mother,
Bonnie Galyean Brumbelow, an outstanding pastor’s wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve preached about being spiritually
mature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now is the time for you to
practice it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be some of your perceptions were
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In spite of it all, why not leave on a good
note?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love the ones who deserve your
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even learn to love the
unlovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have deserved a better church, but
then, they may have deserved a better pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of those church problems just may have
had something to do with the pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">17.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of those disgruntled church members may
have been placed there by the Lord to help knock off some of your rough
edges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a time to feel sorry for yourself, and a time to get over
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time will ease some of the hurt and anger you
feel today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So just resign on a good
note, and give yourself time to heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make the church sorry to see you go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">21.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting up with critics and some foolishness
through the years has also allowed you to continue preaching the gospel and
ministering to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has allowed
you to continue leading boys and girls, men and women to a saving knowledge of
Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Graciously resigning may
better allow you to continue doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
understand there are extraordinary circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m talking about the 95-99% of
situations where you should resign with graciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve
had the opportunity to pastor three fine churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve not been the perfect pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every pastor has his strengths and
weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am proud to say I’ve
left each church on a positive note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
each church has later invited me back to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So
pastor, if at all possible, leave on a positive note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good for your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good for the cause of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastastor.blogspot.com, July 11, AD 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note:
This and other articles here may be used with attribution. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Articles:
</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2009/10/random-advice-to-pastors-part-1.html">Random Advice to Pastors, Part 1</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-keep-your-pastor.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">How To Keep Your Pastor</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2010/10/girl-who-saved-his-ministry.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Girl Who Saved His Ministry</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2021/07/quotes-on-1-peter-321-baptism-saves-us.html">Quotes
on 1 Peter 3:21; Baptism Saves Us</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/08/saving-for-retirement.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saving for Retirement</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2009/06/flee-immorality.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Flee Immorality</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
Articles in lower right margin, </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Web Version</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-17179740457930695762022-06-28T08:28:00.000-07:002022-06-28T08:28:48.107-07:00Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Unborn Babies <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">June
24, AD 2022 the United State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the unborn.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Your state will no longer be forced to allow
abortion.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The state can now make that
decision on their own.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">After almost 50
years, now a state can choose to not kill unborn babies.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They can limit all or most abortions.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is a great day for America.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A day for which many have been praying for 50
years.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
ruling (Dobbs v. Jackson) acknowledges there never was a right to abortion in
the US Constitution.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This ruling also means
countless lives will be saved.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is
always a good day when Planned Parenthood is packing up and leaving town.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps it will cause some to think a little
more soberly before they engage in immoral behavior.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Don’t risk pregnancy, children, until you are
married.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps more will consider life
and adoption.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
those involved in the abortion industry, there is always hope and forgiveness
through faith in Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">See Abby Johnson and </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unplanned</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, the movie, linked below.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
ruling also reveals that voting really does matter.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">For years I’ve heard it argued that it
doesn’t matter if you vote Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal /
progressive.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Because we still have
abortion and Roe v. Wade.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Well, while it
took some time, that argument never was, and is no longer, valid.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Specifically
in this case, those who voted for George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Donald J.
Trump, made a huge difference.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They were
the presidents who nominated the Supreme Court justices who have now voted to
overturn Roe v. Wade.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Also, voting for
conservative senators (including Leader Mitch McConnell) made a huge difference
for the Pro-Life position.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Senators are
the ones who vote to confirm a president’s Supreme Court nominations.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">To sum up, a big thank you to those who voted
for Bush I, Bush II, Trump, and those who consistently vote conservative and
Pro-Life.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please continue to do so.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Strangely,
the mainstream media are referring to this decision as polarizing.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Why is it polarizing now, but not for the
last 50 years?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
realize some states will remain Pro-Abortion.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some will have no restrictions on abortion, right up till just before
birth.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But many states will now be
permitted to choose to be Pro-Life.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And,
we can pray and vote for more states to recognize the value of human life,
including the unborn.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Have
you noticed the euphemisms so often used by those who are for abortion,
including most media?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to the
dictionary, a euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted
for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something
unpleasant or embarrassing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead
of killing unborn babies – Abortion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead
of Abortionist – Abortion Provider <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead
of Baby / Unborn Baby – Fetus or Tissue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead
of Abortion Pill – Abortion Medicine; Women’s Health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead
of Pro-Abortion – Pro-Choice; Abortion Rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead
of Abortion Mill – Women’s Health Clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On
the other hand, Liberals and the Media refer to the Pro-Life side in harsh
terms.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead
of Pro-Life, they use Anti-Abortion or Anti-Choice, or Anti- Abortion
Rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve sometimes wondered if
reporters or journalists can even say, “Pro-Life.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
media (ABC; CBS; NBC; CNN…) and liberals also commonly ask the tough questions
to the Pro-Life cause and Crises Pregnancy Centers, and ask softball questions
to the Pro-Choice / Pro-Abortion side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
speak of Choice yet never consider the lives of babies and their lack of
Choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">To
get both sides of this issue, watch the mainstream media, but also watch / read
foxnews.com; NTD news; theepochtimes.com; newsmax; baptistpress.com; etc.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Consider supporting the Pro-Life Crisis
Pregnancy Center near you.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
is a great time for America.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is the
beginning of Spiritual Awaking in America.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pray for Revival.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pray for God’s
blessings upon us.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">David
R. Brumbelow</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, June 28, AD 2022.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“The
U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide abortion regime Friday (June 24, AD
2022) that lasted nearly half a century and resulted in the deaths of more than
60 million preborn children.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/supreme-court-overturns-roe-abortion-decision/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/supreme-court-overturns-roe-abortion-decision/</span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Articles: </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-abortion-is-wrong.html">Why Abortion Is Wrong</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2019/04/unplanned-movie.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unplanned, the Movie</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/05/13-reasons-why-not-to-commit-suicide.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2018/01/10-reasons-to-avoid-pornography.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">10 Reasons to Avoid Pornography</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> in lower right margin, </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Web Version</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-15916297708762804722022-06-20T11:26:00.002-07:002022-06-20T11:34:50.417-07:00Juneteenth <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Juneteenth
refers to June 19, AD 1865.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">That is the
day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced to the slaves that
they were now free.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">At the time, there
were about 250,000 slaves in Texas.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">So
Juneteenth, while a federal holiday, began as a uniquely Texas celebration.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It has been officially recognized in Texas since
1980, but celebrated there long before.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
began as an official federal holiday in 2021.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Part
of the cost of ending slavery in the United States was the loss of around 620,000
men in the Civil War, about 2% of the population of the 1860s.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Union
General Gordon Granger issued General Order Number 3, which read, “The people
of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the
Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute
equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and
slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that
between employer and hired labor. The freed are advised to remain at their
present homes, and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be
allowed to collect at military posts; and that they will not be supported in
idleness either there or elsewhere.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Read
more about Juneteenth:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/juneteenth">https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/juneteenth</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Note;
The Bible and Slavery:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slavery was
part of the world’s culture in Bible days, and for centuries thereafter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That included slaves of many races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible tolerated slavery and urged slaves
be treated well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when viewed as a
whole, the Bible definitely points toward liberty for all and treating others
as you would want to be treated (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 7:12; Philemon 1:16; etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two great Bible themes:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hebrews escaping slavery in Egypt (Exodus);
All of us escaping the slavery of our sins through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans
6:6; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1; etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">May everyone have a Happy Juneteenth! </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">David
R. Brumbelow</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, June 20, AD 2022.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles: </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/12/quotes-by-thomas-sowell.html">Quotes by Thomas Sowell</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/01/quotes-by-martin-luther-king-jr.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Quotes by Martin Luther King, Jr.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/08/saving-for-retirement.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saving for Retirement</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2010/04/charles-h-spurgeon-on-alcohol.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
<b>Articles </b>in lower right margin, <b>Web</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>
Version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-86623051413757163702022-05-31T06:24:00.001-07:002022-05-31T06:24:50.208-07:00Uvalde, TX School Murder; 4 Suggestions <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
all grieve the incredible loss of life in the school shooting and murder
(5-24-2022).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I would like to offer four suggestions.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every School Police Officer should be equipped
with not only a pistol, but two other weapons.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">First,
an AR 15 or equivalent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, a high
caliber rifle such as a .300 magnum or a .375 H&H.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">An
AR 15 will put the police officer on much the same level as the active
shooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A rifle will allow him or her
to shoot farther and more accurately, with a high-capacity magazine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
addition of a high caliber rifle (more powerful than an AR 15 with .223 ammo)
with a scope would allow the officer to shoot through body armor, or at least
provide enough blunt force trauma when it hits the active shooter, to put him
out of commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be used for
close or long-range shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
rifles can be kept in an easily accessible secured locker (the locker should
also contain breach tools like a large crowbar, battering ram, body armor, shield,
etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times, though, the officer
might choose to carry the AR 15; it might be good for students to get used to
occasionally seeing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
School Police Officer would be the first responder, and should have these
options immediately available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thereby,
the officer can instantly and aggressively respond to the danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A school shooting is no time to simply secure
the perimeter and sit around waiting for a SWAT team to arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
the way, regular police officers should also have such firepower available to
them in the trunk of their police vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>School Teachers and Staff, who are
comfortable doing so, should be allowed, and encouraged, to legally carry a
concealed gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
students are hiding in a classroom and an active shooter enters or breaks in,
most parents would be very happy if the teacher had a concealed weapon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may not have an AR 15, but any gun is
better than nothing against an armed murderer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do
citizens with a concealed gun permit ever stop crime?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, on a regular basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is seldom reported in national news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day after the Uvalde shooting, a
convicted felon began shooting at a crowd of people in Charleston, WV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was using an AR 15 style rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman lawfully carrying a pistol shot and
killed the man, probably saving a number of lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Concealed carry often makes a positive
difference!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/west-virginia-woman-shoots-kills-man-fired-party?cmpid=prn_newsstand">https://www.foxnews.com/us/west-virginia-woman-shoots-kills-man-fired-party?cmpid=prn_newsstand</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/shootings-legal-gun-owners-safety-life-threatening-crimes" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://www.foxnews.com/us/shootings-legal-gun-owners-safety-life-threatening-crimes</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spiritual life of our nation must
improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
young man with no moral compass may view murder as a valid pursuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A strong moral compass develops by
respectfully looking to God, the Bible, church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you want to measure the strength and stability of our country, one
way is to check the health of our churches and other places of worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strengthen yourself and your family by
attending and participating in church every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for a Revival, a Spiritual Awakening in
America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has happened before, it can
happen again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Churches
seldom make headlines, they erase headlines!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Our
Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly
inadequate to the government of any other.” -John Adams (AD 1735-1826), second American president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family life must improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Parents
who love each other and stay together improve the moral life of their children
and the nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t have children
until you are married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents, love
each other and love your children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spend
time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad, be a real man and
show your kids, through the years, how a man loves, provides for, leads, and
protects his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Will
we still have school shootings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Probably, but they will be reduced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are other possibilities, but these suggestions can make a
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">May God bless and protect
America.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, May 31, AD 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">More
<b>Articles</b> in lower right margin, <b>Web Version</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-72641185543924548982022-05-26T14:34:00.002-07:002022-05-26T14:39:22.001-07:00Letter on State Farm's Kids Gender Identity Project <p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Letter
on State Farm’s Kids Gender Identity Project</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">May
24, 2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">To
State Farm,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have been a customer of State Farm for a
large number of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">years. I was surprised, disappointed by yesterday’s
article on State Farm at foxnews.com. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">(<b>State
Farm accused of pushing LGBTQ+ books on kids, Consumers’ Research launches
‘Like a Creepy Neighbor’</b>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">https://www.foxnews.com/media/state-farm-consumers-research-neighbor </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Is
State Farm now really promoting transgenderism to children ages five and
up?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Does State Farm believe in giving
young children transgender, life-altering, drugs and surgery?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If so, this information concerning State Farm
should be shared widely with SF customers, parents, churches…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And I will be glad to do so.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
am very, very interested in hearing State Farm’s official reply to these
allegations.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I hope that it will not be
a letter that sounds good, but means little.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I hope it will not be a, “non-apology.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I look forward to a clear, unambiguous answer to these charges.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If
you would like to investigate the other side of this issue, please see the
following books:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Trans
Life Survivors</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">
by Walt Heyer, Bowker. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Children’s
books:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elephants
are not Birds</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">
by Ashley St. Clair, Brave Books;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Johnny
the Walrus</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
by Matt Walsh, DW Books. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Many
more such books and information available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did
you know doctors are not at all agreed on promoting transgenderism, especially
among children?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did you know transgenders
have a significantly higher rate of suicide, even when their lifestyle is
accepted by others?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did you know many
transgenders have later regrets?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Consider
getting back to providing good insurance.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please leave our 5+ kids alone on this issue!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They will have plenty of time, in later
years, to choose if they want to consider both sides of transgenderism.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sincerely,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">David
R. Brumbelow<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Update</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">: State Farm ends kids gender identity
project. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/state-farm-scraps-gender-identity-project-neighbor"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://www.foxnews.com/media/state-farm-scraps-gender-identity-project-neighbor</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conservatives
need to speak up more about these issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Get the books I mention above, and be informed on the questions of the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“So
God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created
him; male and female He created them.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Genesis 1:27 NKJV</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">David
R. Brumbelow</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, May 26, AD 2022.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">More
<b>Articles</b> in lower right margin (Web Version).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-31996244183333181842022-02-28T11:08:00.002-08:002022-03-21T11:03:46.097-07:00Judge Righteously <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do
not judge according to appearance,
but judge with righteous judgment.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-John 7:24 </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
see a lot of unfair judging these days.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even many in the Christian world are unfair and condemning.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">All the while thinking they are doing God a
favor in their unfair assaults on others, and justifying the guilty.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few general rules: </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wait
a reasonable amount of time for the truth to come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes this means waiting for the
conclusion of a trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame
to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Proverbs 18:13<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be cautious about accusing others of
lying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
lie is a deliberate telling of something false.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
someone disagrees with you, that is not a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
someone tells something they sincerely believe to be true, it is not a
lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
someone says what they believe to be true, but it turns out to be false – that
is not a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was incorrect
information, but not an intentional lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
lose credibility, and it is downright crude and inaccurate to constantly accuse
others of lying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes
you may need to give your opponent the benefit of the doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
when you are convinced the other person is lying, there are times when you
would do best to not call them a liar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just stick with the facts and reasonable arguments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
all means feel free to disagree with what you believe to be untrue; just be
careful about resorting to name-calling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Calling
someone a liar is also very personal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How about sticking to the issues, rather than attacking the person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Calling
someone a liar should be rare to non-existent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t call someone a liar unless there is clear evidence of such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stick with the issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get personal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t make personal attacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be willing to sincerely hear both sides, and
all sides, of the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Scripture
points out, often an issue seems open and shut, until you hear the other side
of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first one to plead his cause seems right,
until his neighbor comes and examines him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Proverbs 18:17 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be fair in allowing the other side to present
their evidence. Allow both sides to explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor
honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you
shall judge your neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Leviticus 19:15<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
one who justifies the wicked and the one who condemns the righteous are both
alike an abomination to Yahweh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Proverbs 17:15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the internet, do not go back and delete
your incriminating comments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
your comment turns out to be wrong, leave it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But also admit you were wrong and
apologize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be mature and own up to
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen some make false or foolish
statements; when they were proven wrong, they just quietly deleted their
previous statements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They never admitted
they were wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They never apologized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a general rule: Private sins should be
confessed privately; Public sins should be confessed publicly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
the internet, some have openly and very publicly (for all the world to see)
falsely accused someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when the
accuser found out they were wrong, they privately confessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is better than nothing, but certainly
not enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And certainly not fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Newspapers
have sometimes been guilty of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their front page above the fold headline falsely accuses, then they
later admit the error in tiny print on page 18, or at the end of a lengthy
article.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you falsely accuse publicly, then you should admit it and apologize
publicly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Scripture says, do not follow a crowd to
do evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
easy to jump on the bandwagon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy
to go along with your friends, family, or a mob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some do evil in a mob, they would never do
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your job is to do what’s right,
whether or not it’s popular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify
in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Exodus 23:2 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember the written word can sound much
harsher than a word spoken in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
also has more far-reaching effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
the internet, it can help to imagine you are saying the words directly to the
person, and in the presence of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
can help if you assume everyone, including your family and close friends, will
be reading your comments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victim shaming is sometimes just a way of
saying you should consider only one side of the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victim shaming should not happen, but both
sides should be fairly considered, and both sides should be questioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes tough questions need to be asked and
answered, on all sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carefully evaluate whether the witness is
giving valid evidence and information, or just blowing smoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it relate to the issue at hand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know the difference between hard evidence,
convincing evidence, weak evidence, hearsay, opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes you need to consult the law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it involves illegal activity, you
certainly need to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow the laws
of the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frankly, often our legal
system can do a better job than you or I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes you need to carefully listen to a
good prosecutor, defense lawyer, judge, investigator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes you need to get a second
opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a Christian, it goes without saying, you
should pray, follow the Lord’s leadership, and use the Bible as your final rule
of faith and practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is safety in a multitude of
counselors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But choose your counselors prudently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get good, godly advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Where there
is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of
counselors there is safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Proverbs 11:14 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of
counselors there is safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Proverbs 24:6 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be aware that some people flat out lie about
any number of issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many have been
falsely accused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An accuser may be
telling the truth, partial truth, or a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is true whether it be a man, woman, child, or any ethnic or
religious group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why you need to
be discerning and carefully weigh the evidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still, be sparing in calling someone a liar, but be aware people do lie
and/or inaccurately testify.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Proverbs 14:15 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">17.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there ulterior motives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some truths do not need to be told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it needful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is it just meant to hurt someone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is a God of truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is pleased when we are kind, fair,
honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to be people of
integrity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
Scripture on judgement to wisely consider:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">You shall not bear false witness against your
neighbor.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Exodus 20:16 NKJV</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify
in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Exodus 23:2</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You shall do no injustice in judgment. You
shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty.
In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Leviticus 19:15</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Where there
is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of
counselors there is safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Proverbs 11:14</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Proverbs 14:15</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
one who justifies the wicked and the one who condemns the righteous are both
alike an abomination to Yahweh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Proverbs 17:15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame
to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Proverbs 18:13</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first one to plead his cause seems right,
until his neighbor comes and examines him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Proverbs 18:17 NKJV</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A prudent man foresees
evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Proverbs 22:3; 27:12</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of
counselors there is safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Proverbs 24:6</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Woe
to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put
darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet
for bitter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Isaiah 5:20</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and
to walk humbly with your God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Micah 6:8</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do
not judge according to appearance,
but judge with righteous judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-John 7:24</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
you free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-John 8:32</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, February 28, AD 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray for, and support <b>Ukraine</b>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for peace, strength, freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for Revival, Spiritual Awakening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Articles:
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-wrong-with-communism.html">What's
Wrong With Communism?</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/02/wine-for-your-stomachs-sake-1-timothy.html">Wine
for Your Stomach's Sake; 1 Timothy 5:23</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-get-life-when-ministry-drains-it.html">How
to Get a Life When Ministry Drains it Out of You</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Other
<b>Articles</b> in lower right margin, Web Version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-17552043182280894072022-02-14T08:02:00.011-08:002022-02-22T13:17:34.580-08:00What's Wrong With Communism?<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. Communism takes away freedom. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
includes the loss of Freedom of Speech, Religious Liberty, Freedom of the Press,
Personal Freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“If
the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like
sheep to the slaughter.” -<b>George Washington</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Man
is not free unless government is limited.” -<b>Ronald Reagan</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Freedom
prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is
acknowledged.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Ronald Reagan</b><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Communism has always been and will
always be incompatible with liberty, prosperity, and the dignity of life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is murderous and oppressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">When
Communism arrives, you see lies and deception, oppression of rich and poor, loss
of hope and freedom, persecution, taking of private property, division of
people by class and race, loss of culture, false accusations and unfair trials,
many executions, religious persecution, forced Atheism, , murder, torture, concentration
camps, brutal imprisonments, famine and using food as a weapon, dependency on
the government, government control of the means of production and most
everything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communism seeks to
destroy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
is estimated Communism killed approximately 100 million people in the 20th
century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Collectively,
Communist states killed as many as 100 million people, more than all other
repressive regimes combined during the same period [1917-2017].”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Ilya Somin</b>, <b>Washington Post</b>,
11-7-AD 2017 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Between
1917-1991, over 100 million people died as a direct result of communist ideas
and actions.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Victims of Communism
Memorial Foundation</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Communist
regimes produced the greatest ideological carnage in human history, killing
more than a hundred million people in the last century.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>James Bovard, USA Today</b>, 5-5-2018.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communism is just another name for Naziism,
Fascism, and Tyranny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Extremism
on the Right or the Left soon becomes the same tyranny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Left-wingers
and right-wingers come together when they become extreme enough. The Nazi Party
was called National Socialism, very similar to Stalin's Communism, with the
addition of ‘the Fatherland.’” -<b>Orson Bean</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is built on false hope, false promises,
deceit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once
communism takes control, those hopes and promises disappear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“How
do you tell a Communist? Well, it’s someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how
do you tell an anti-Communist? It’s someone who understands Marx and Lenin.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>President Ronald Reagan</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beware of Socialism, it is
Communism-Lite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The
goal of socialism is communism.” -<b>Vladimir Lenin</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “The
main difference between capitalism and socialism is this: Capitalism
works.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Mark J. Perry</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communism sounds great, but it does not
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“From
each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Karl Marx</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">At
first glance that statement may sound like a fine idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But because of human nature, and a hundred
other reasons, it just does not work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Communism and Socialism have failed over and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Socialism
and Communism are extremely attractive to a superficial observer. It is not
until you get into the details, or actually experience it, that it becomes
apparent that it does not work.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Thomas
Peterffy</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Everyone
should read <b>Animal Farm</b> by <b>George Orwell</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a brief, but revealing, look at tyrannical
communism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communism rejects the idea of, and
confiscates, private property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The
theory of Communism may be summed up in one sentence: Abolish all private
property.” -<b>Karl Marx</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Communists
take everything.” -<b>Wanda Vos Lorenc</b>, Polish Victim of Communism</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has often brought poverty and famine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Communism
has caused millions to die of starvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Starvation is usually more of a political problem, than an agricultural
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“All
of the world's worst famines during the 20th century were in communist
countries: China (twice!), the Soviet Union, and North Korea.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>John Walters</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looks at the state / nation as being all
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Human beings are
expendable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basic human rights
disappear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I
grew up in a family that despised not only communism but collectivism,
socialism, and any 'ism' that deprived the individual of his or her natural
rights.” -<b>Senator Rand Paul</b><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short, Communism is evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Communism
is a hateful thing, and a menace to peace and organized government.” -<b>President
Grover Cleveland</b><br />
“I see in Communism the focus of the concentrated evil of our time.” -<b>Whittaker
Chambers</b><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Communism is a religion that is
inspired, directed and motivated by the Devil himself who has declared war
against Almighty God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Evangelist Billy
Graham</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
American way with our God-given rights, Democracy, Capitalism, our Legal
System, our Freedom, Checks and Balances, is not perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be improved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is miles ahead of Communism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Capitalism
is at least tolerable, which cannot be said of Socialism or Communism.” -<b>Benjamin
Tucker</b><br />
“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The
inherent virtue of Socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Winston Churchill</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Capitalism
- for the record - has lifted more people out of poverty than any other
economic system in the world.” -<b>Trish Regan</b> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
More Information:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Victims
of Communism Memorial Foundation (<a href="http://victimsofcommunism.org">victimsofcommunism.org</a>); Animal Farm by George Orwell. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Children’s
Book: The Island of Free Ice Cream by
Jack Posobiec, Brave Books. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Media: foxnews.com; NTD News; Epoch Times. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com; February 14, AD 2022 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Note</b>: This article may be reproduced with
attribution. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2019/02/links-you-may-find-helpful.html">Links You May Find Helpful</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/07/before-rosa-parks-there-was-ida-b-wells.html">Before Rosa Parks There Was Ida B. Wells</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2018/04/defense-of-resurrection.html">Defense of the Resurrection</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/04/11-reasons-to-not-drink-alcohol.html">11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2014/10/scripture-index-for-ancient-wine-and.html ">SCRIPTUREINDEX for Ancient Wine and the Bible</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> in lower right margin, Web Version.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-34103183806971150592022-02-08T11:38:00.001-08:002022-02-08T11:38:41.938-08:00Problems With Masks<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They are ugly.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They make you look ugly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Masks are unclean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put on a new mask and in five minutes it is
damp, dirty, warm, and a great place to breed all sorts of bacteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Masks also cause you to re-breath your
exhaled air. They inhibit your breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Masks don’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They leak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Coronavirus goes through and around the mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s kind of like saying my chain-link fence will
keep out mosquitoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
don’t condone smoking, but you may want to ask a smoker or vaper to do a
test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask them to inhale, put on their
mask, then exhale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That shows how
valuable masks are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">People
wearing masks rub their face, nose, eyes, mouth with their hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thereby circumventing any supposed mask
protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
rates of Covid (CCP Virus) are about the same in areas of mask mandates, and
those without mask mandates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you want to follow the science, see the book, <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unmasked-Global-Failure-COVID-Mandates/dp/1637583761/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1BOOAMXOK1HPE&keywords=Unmasked%2C+Ian+Miller&qid=1644348364&sprefix=unmasked%2C+ian+miller%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-2">Unmasked by Ian Miller</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are cruel to kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately at a family gathering, no one was wearing
masks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among the group were kids and a
couple of infants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all survived, and
had a great time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
just imagine if all were wearing masks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The kids could not have seen or read the faces of adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one could have seen expressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The infants would have been confused and felt
like they were in a twilight zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
mother told of how her child came home from school and showed a drawing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The child’s picture showed people with no
mouths or noses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Masks can contribute to
all types of psychological problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Masks interfere with communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To some extent we all read lips and expressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine the difficulty of the deaf when
everyone is wearing a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Masks make things more difficult in
courtrooms. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is interesting that in the Pandemic, TV shows had their stars wearing masks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, inexplicably they would sometimes wear
masks, and the next scene not wear them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then they stopped altogether.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps because it’s hard to
act while wearing a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Masks
seriously detract from a performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Criminals,
however, seem to love masks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Studies have shown masks make little to no
difference in this Pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some doctors have emphasized masks protect
the wearer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you agree, then wear a
mask, regardless of what others are doing, and you will be protected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way others are free to live their lives
according to their choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don’t
bully others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The CDC has been changing, confusing, and
unreliable, concerning masks and Covid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
censor alternate viewpoints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
a reminder of how doctors and scientists can refuse to listen to the science,
refuse to consider the evidence – read up on <b>Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis</b> of the
1840s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a real hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, what happened to Dr. Semmelweis, still
happens today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Liberal hypocrisy has been monumental concerning
the wearing of masks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most every politician
in the country that promoted mask mandates, has been caught not wearing a mask
in crowds of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rules for thee,
but not for me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they really believed
wearing a mask is a life-or-death issue, they would take their own mask wearing
more seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do news broadcasters say mask wearing is
following the science, and the other side is being political and not following
the science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is an unfair, biased
attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are good doctors and
scientists on both sides of the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
not hear both sides?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why censor one
side?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not get back to free
speech?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve
seen one person driving a car, dutifully wearing a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone walking alone down a road with no one
around, wearing a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People wearing
masks pulled down under their nose (which is the same a not wearing a mask).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many
have been back to normal for a year or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some never wore masks at all, except in stores or transportation where
they were required to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
time to get back to normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We face challenges
and dangers every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, drink
plenty of water, get some sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wash
your hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
don’t force children or anyone to wear a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unless you’re performing surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s
support freedom when it comes to masks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re free to wear a mask, and you’re free to not wear a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, February 8, AD 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>Articles:</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/04/11-reasons-to-not-drink-alcohol.html">11 Reasons to Not Drink alcohol</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/05/13-reasons-why-not-to-commit-suicide.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">13 Reason Why Not to Commit Suicide</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
<b>Articles</b> in lower right margin, Web Version.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-56299775155155514072021-11-30T08:56:00.000-08:002021-11-30T08:56:00.175-08:00Church, an Essential Service<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Churches
provide essential spiritual, physical, emotional, psychological support.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They minister to the sick.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They strengthen our communities and our
nation.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Religious Liberty is in our
United States Bill of Rights.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As some
have pointed out, bars and grocery stores are not mentioned in the Bill of
Rights, the church is.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pandemic
or not, the government has no right or authority to place undue burdens on
churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has no right to close them
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The internet is a poor substitute
for a church’s in-person gathering, worship, fellowship, encouragement,
support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m
grateful to live in Texas, a state that in no way infringed on Religious
Liberty and the right of people to gather and worship according to the dictates
of their consciences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the
Covid-19 (called by <a href="https://www.ntd.com/">NTD News</a>, the Chinese Communist Party Virus; CCP Virus)
pandemic of 2020-2021, in Texas, it was up to the churches what measures they
carried out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were still free to
worship <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">To
ensure this Religious Liberty continues, Governor Gregg Abbott (R, TX) said, "I
just signed a law that prohibits any government agency or public official from
issuing an order that closes places of worship,"</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Governor Greg Abbott, TX</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">6-15-2021</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/abbott-bans-orders-closing-houses-of-worship">https://www.foxnews.com/politics/abbott-bans-orders-closing-houses-of-worship</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">November
2, 2021 an amendment to the Texas Constitution was presented for a vote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ammendment, Proposition 3, stated, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The
constitutional amendment to prohibit this state or a political subdivision of
this state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious
organizations.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One of the bill’s original co-authors and
supporters was Scott Sanford, a Republican representative who also serves as an
executive pastor with Cottonwood Creek Church, a Southern Baptist congregation
in Allen, Texas…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s simply that the community is held together
by a lot of different institutions and none are more critical than places of
worship and the ministries they provide. When you need us the most is sometimes
when outsiders may think it would be a good time to close them.” [-Sanford]</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/texans-vote-to-prohibit-government-from-limiting-religious-services/">https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/texans-vote-to-prohibit-government-from-limiting-religious-services/</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
amendment passed with 62.42% of the vote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad to have voted for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hopefully
other states will take similar measures to ensure Religious Liberty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank God for Religious Liberty, Freedom of
Speech, and the general freedom we enjoy in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God keep us free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God bring revival / spiritual awakening
to America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, November 30, AD 2021.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Other
Articles / Labels:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-brief-word-on-atheism-and-unbelief.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A Brief Word On Atheism And Unbelief</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2010/01/church-discipline.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Church Discipline</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/07/before-rosa-parks-there-was-ida-b-wells.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Before Rosa Parks There Was Ida B. Wells</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
Articles in lower right margin (web version).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-41296051261637016932021-10-11T11:45:00.003-07:002021-10-11T11:51:08.107-07:00Columbus Day; Quotes<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Each
year the USA observes the holiday, Columbus Day.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is not, however, as popular as years
past.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Was Christopher Columbus (AD
1451-1506) perfect?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of course not.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did he have the political correctness of our
times?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">No.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">At points I would disagree with him in
practice and theology.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But was he a
great leader?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of course he was.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">May we enjoy Columbus Day, celebrate his successes,
learn from his faults.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">After all, he
discovered America in 1492 (yes, I know the American Indians already knew about
America) and opened up the New World to European exploration (both good and
bad).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is obvious he had faith in God.
Columbus is pivotal in the history of North and South America.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A few of his quotes:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I
should not proceed by land to the East, as is customary, but by a Westerly
route, in which direction we have hitherto no certain evidence that any one has
gone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Christopher Columbus <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“It
was the Lord who put into my mind that fact that it would be possible to sail
from here to the Indies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All who heard
of my project rejected it with laughter, ridiculing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no question that the inspiration was
from the Holy Spirit, because He comforted me with rays of marvelous inspiration
from the Holy Scriptures.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Christopher
Columbus <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I
am a most noteworthy sinner, but I have cried out to the Lord for grace and
mercy, and they have covered me completely. I have found the sweetest
consolation since I made it my whole purpose to enjoy His marvelous Presence.” -Christopher
Columbus</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“No
one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just
and if the intention is purely for His holy service.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Christopher Columbus</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“There
are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have their several fruits; and I feel
the most unhappy man in the world not to know them, for I am well assured that
they are all valuable. I bring home specimens of them, and also of the land.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Christopher Columbus</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I
believe that there are many herbs and many trees that are worth much in Europe
for dyes and for medicines; but I do not know, and this causes me great sorrow.
Arriving at this cape, I found the smell of the trees and flowers so delicious
that it seemed the pleasantest thing in the world.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Christopher Columbus</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Riches
don’t make a man rich, they only make him busier.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Christopher Columbus</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“And
I say that Your Highnesses ought not to consent that any foreigner does
business or sets foot here, except Christian Catholics since this was the end
and the beginning of the enterprise, that it should be for the enhancement and
glory of the Christian religion, nor should anyone who is not a good Christian
come to these parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here may be found
the first suggestion of the exclusive colonial policy that Spain and other
nations followed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Christopher Columbus
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Thank
God for our American Religious Liberty, a liberty Baptists have championed.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“It
is easy to discover what another has discovered before.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Christopher Columbus</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nothing
that results in human progress is achieved with unanimous consent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those that are enlightened before the others
are condemned to pursue that light in spite of the others.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Christopher Columbus</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Happy
Columbus Day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, October 11, AD 2021.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/05/13-reasons-why-not-to-commit-suicide.html">13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/04/11-reasons-to-not-drink-alcohol.html">11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/09/john-calvin-killing-servetus.html">John Calvin Killing Servetus</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2016/12/quotes-by-thomas-sowell.html">Quotes by Thomas Sowell</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-doctrine-of-trinity.html">The Doctrine Of The Trinity</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
<b>Articles </b>in lower right margin (<b>web version</b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-37591797111939566292021-07-12T09:58:00.001-07:002021-07-12T10:02:08.508-07:00Quotes on 1 Peter 3:21; Baptism Saves Us<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">1
Peter 3:21</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There
is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of
the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God),
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>NKJV <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paige
Patterson <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“A
first reading of the verse appears to suggest that baptism either saves men or
at least contributes to their salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus the verse has been cited for generations as a proof text by the
various advocates of baptismal regeneration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the verse in no sense advocated any saving significance for
baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Baptism
is called a figure (antitupos).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word
means literally ‘type’ or ‘antitype.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
a key is struck on a typewriter, it leaves a letter, such as ‘z,’ on the
page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, actually the letter ‘z’ is
still on the metal or plastic element which struck the page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is on the page is a type or antitype
which corresponds almost identically to the ‘z’ on the metal or plastic
element.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the same fashion, baptism
saves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not salvation, but it is
a figure, an antitype, a picture of that salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptism is the public demonstration in which
on pictures the spiritual transformation that has already occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Peter
continues by explaining precisely what he intended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptism never cleanses the filth of the
flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, since Christ commanded
it, baptism must be accepted as the answer of a good conscience toward
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That good or cleansed conscience
has come about as a result of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, anyone who has
been saved, receiving a good conscience toward God, will answer by submitting
to baptism as Jesus mandated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
baptism does not save, it is unthinkable that one who has been saved would
reject baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do so is to reject
the command of Christ.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Paige
Patterson</b>, A Pilgrim Priesthood: An Exposition of First Peter, Thomas
Nelson Publishers; 1982.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patterson has
served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, pastor, evangelist,
educator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Robert
L. Sumner <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“In
this passage in 1 Peter 3, there are three important observations to note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, baptism is a figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The record says, ‘the like figure whereunto
baptism doth also now save us.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">When
I was baptized, my baptism was a figure – a picture, if you please – of the
death, burial and resurrection of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was my testimony of my faith in His death, His burial and His
resurrection for my eternal salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Baptism is a figure of what saves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Second
– and this is what those who teach salvation by water baptism like to omit –
‘Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, baptism does not put away our
sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, no!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It cannot do that, the Bible says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ‘filth of the flesh’ is not washed away
in or by any baptismal water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then,
third, note that baptism is described as ‘the answer of a good conscience
toward God.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptism is the answer of a
good conscience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way a man can
have a good conscience is to be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hebrews 9:14 tells us that a conscience is purged from dead works by
‘the blood of Christ.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a man has a
good conscience, it is only because he has been cleansed from his sin by the
blood of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First Peter 3:21
is simply saying that if one has been saved by the blood of Christ, he ought to
be baptized, setting forth in a figure the ground of his salvation: the death,
burial and resurrection of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>Robert
L. Sumner</b>, <i>Does the Bible Teach That Water Baptism Is a Necessary
Requirement for Salvation?</i>, Biblical Evangelism Press; 1970.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is also in a chapter in <i>Biblical
Essays</i> by Robert L. Sumner, Biblical Evangelism; 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">John
R. Rice <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“All
difficulty about this passage disappears when you take the first plain
statement in the verse that this is a ‘figure.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ark was a figure and picture of salvation, and the ark was certainly
a type of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptism is a ‘like
figure’; and Romans 6:5 states that it is a ‘likeness’ of the death and a
‘likeness’ of the resurrection of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peter then continues that baptism does not put away the filth of the
flesh and says that it is ‘the answer of a good conscience toward God.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptism, then, is only a picture, or figure,
of salvation; and the man who is baptized should already have a ‘good
conscience.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Hebrews 9:14 we are told
how the conscience is to be purged by the blood of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, after that conscience is purged ‘from
dead works to serve the living God’ and one has a ‘good conscience,’ he has a
right to be baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">One
who is baptized professes to have a good conscience toward God, with his sins
forgiven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that is not true, he has no
right to be baptized, and baptism is a lie and an empty pretense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptism is only for saved people, the answer
of a conscience cleansed and forgiven.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-<b>John R. Rice</b>, <i>Bible Baptism</i>, Sword of the Lord; 1943,
1971.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Warren
W. Wiersbe <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“When
Peter wrote that Noah and his family were ‘saved by water,’ he was careful to
explain that this illustration does not imply salvation by baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptism is a ‘figure’ of that which does save
us, namely, ‘the resurrection of Jesus Christ’ (1 Peter 3:21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water on the body, or the body placed in
water, cannot remove the stains of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only the blood of Jesus Christ can do that (1 John 1:7-2:2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, baptism does save us from one thing:
a bad conscience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter had already told
his readers that a good conscience was important to a successful witness (see 1
Peter 3:16), and a part of that ‘good conscience’ is being faithful to our
commitment to Christ as expressed in baptism.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<b>Warren
W. Wiersbe</b>, <i>The Wiersbe Bible Commentary</i>, David C. Cook; 2003,
2007.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">B.
H. Carroll <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“On
I Peter 3:21 I make this point on the picture of baptism: "Baptism doth
now save us." Baptism doth now save us in a figure; baptism doth now save
us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. That is the figure,
but baptism does not put away the impurity of the carnal nature – does not put
away the filth of the flesh. These are the four points: (1) Baptism saves us in
a figure. (2) That figure is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
(3) Paul says, "You have been planted in the likeness of his death, so ye
shall be in the likeness of his resurrection." Wherever you see a baptism
you see a burial and a resurrection. This is not a real salvation, but a
pictorial one – a figure of salvation, and baptism does save us that way, and
nobody will deny it. (4) The injury of a good conscience toward God. And the
force of this last is: (a) The conscience is bad before it is cleansed, (b) How
made good? Hebrew 9:14: "By the blood of Christ." (c) The place of a
good conscience – 1Timothy 1:5 explains.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-<b>B. H. Carroll </b>(AD 1843-1914), <i>An Interpretation of the
English Bible</i>, Broadman Press; 1948.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">J.
B. Jeter <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“In
the same [symbolic] sense in which the broken loaf in the Lord’s Supper is a
sign of the crucified body of Jesus, is the water of baptism a sign of the
cleansing efficacy of the blood, or atonement of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In like manner as we eat the body of Christ
in the supper, do we wash away our sins in baptism.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<b>J. B. Jeter</b>, <i>Campbellism Examined</i>,
Sheldon, Lamport, & Blakeman; 1855.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jeter (AD 1802-1880) was a Baptist Pastor, author, and editor of the <i>Religious
Herald</i>, Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Faith
alone, in Christ alone, is what truly saves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Baptism is a picture of that salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Never forget or neglect the many, many Bible passages that teach us to
repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">To
Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him
will receive remission of sins. -Peter; Acts 10:43 NKJV<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-<i>David
R. Brumbelow</i>, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, June 12, AD 2021.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2020/07/mark-1616-newspaper-ad.html">Mark 16:16; Newspaper Ad</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2021/04/acts-2216-quotes-on-baptism-and.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 22:16 - Quotes on Baptism and Salvation</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2019/08/quotes-on-acts-238-baptism-salvation.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Quotes on Acts 2:38, Baptism, Salvation</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/10/baptismal-regeneration-is-baptism.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 1</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2019/11/does-baptism-save-no.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Does Baptism Save? No</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2009/09/wit-and-wisdom-of-my-dad.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2019/05/warren-wiersbe-on-calvinism-unlimited.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Warren Wiersbe on Calvinism, Unlimited Atonement</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Other Labels/Articles in lower right margin (web version). </p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-36690847723529299392021-06-07T17:17:00.003-07:002021-06-07T17:27:09.927-07:00Pastor Mike Stone to be Nominated SBC President<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://conservativebaptistnetwork.com/">Conservative Baptist Network</a></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> has endorsed three men for office at the
June, 2021 Southern Baptist Convention.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mike
Stone for SBC President</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. Mike is pastor
of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Blackshear, Georgia. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lee
Brand Jr. for SBC First Vice-President</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. Lee
is Vice President, Dean, and teaches at, Mid-America Baptist Theological
Seminary, Cordova, Tennessee. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Javier
Chavez for SBC Second Vice-President</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.
Javier is a church planter and pastor of Iglesia Bautista Amistad
Cristiana International, Gainesville, Georgia.
He also teaches Global Missions at Truett-McConnell University in Cleveland,
Georgia. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Each
strongly affirms the inerrancy of God’s Word, the Bible.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
more information: </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://conservativebaptistnetwork.com/statement-conservative-baptist-network-endorsement-dr-lee-brand-1st-vp-and-javier-chavez-2nd-vp/">https://conservativebaptistnetwork.com/statement-conservative-baptist-network-endorsement-dr-lee-brand-1st-vp-and-javier-chavez-2nd-vp/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Also
find more information at <a href="http://bpnews.net">bpnews.net</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Southern Baptist Convention will be June 15-16, 2021</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> in Nashville,
Tennessee.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pray for our Convention!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">David
R. Brumbelow</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, June 7, AD 2021.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2011/03/adrian-rogers-on-wit-wisdom-of-pastor.html">Adrian
Rogers on "Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow"</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2015/01/on-small-and-large-churches.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On Small And Large Churches</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">More
<b>Articles </b>in lower right margin (web version).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4168338580325083648.post-7185579920052702862021-05-31T10:16:00.001-07:002021-06-07T17:30:28.172-07:00Alcohol Equals Brain Damage <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
years abstainers have warned beverage alcohol kills brain cells.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now there is more evidence of alcohol causing
damage to the brain.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">From
a May 20, 2021 foxnews.com article:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Any
amount of alcohol can cause damage to the brain, and more so than
previously realized, according to a study in what researchers call one of the
largest of its kind to date</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
preliminary findings from Oxford University were recently posted to medRxiv
ahead of peer review, drawing on clinical data and imaging samples from over
25,000 adults in the U.K. Biobank study. Subjects were aged 40 to 69 years when
they were first recruited from 2006 to 2010.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">‘No
safe dose of alcohol for the brain was found. Moderate consumption is
associated with more widespread adverse effects on the brain than previously recognized,’
the study reads. ‘Individuals who binge drink or with high blood pressure and
BMI may be more susceptible. Detrimental effects of drinking appear to be
greater than other modifiable factors. Current ‘low risk’ drinking guidelines
should be revisited to take account of brain effects.’”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Read
entire news article: </span><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/health/alcohol-harm-brain-health" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://www.foxnews.com/health/alcohol-harm-brain-health</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
attitude of many who don’t drink is they cannot afford to lose any brain
matter.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I agree.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stay away from alcohol.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">You will find many more reasons at this site
(gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com) to avoid recreational drugs of all kinds.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">No
wonder God’s Word says: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wine is a
mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is
not wise.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Proverbs 20:1 NKJV</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be
sober.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-1 Peter 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:6</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">-</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">David
R. Brumbelow</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, May 31, AD 2021.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">May
you all have a great Memorial Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember, <b>Freedom is Not Free</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Articles:
</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-we-dont-use-alcohol-for-lords.html">Why
We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2010/04/charles-h-spurgeon-on-alcohol.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2013/03/ancient-wine-production-and-bible.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ancient Wine Production and the Bible</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other
Articles in lower right margin (web version).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>David R. Brumbelowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08926980202240271362noreply@blogger.com0