Evangelist Bailey Smith (AD 1939-2019)

Excerpts from Christian Index article by Gerald Harris: 

"Most Baptists have known Bailey Smith as both a successful pastor and an effective evangelist for more than six decades and his death has left a significant spiritual void in the 21st century church that seems to be struggling to keep evangelism a priority.

The book The Sacred Trust by Emir and Ergun Caner avows, “Without a doubt (Bailey) Smith is the ideal personification of a Christian who has an unwavering, single-minded commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission.

It was during his tenure as pastor of the Oklahoma church that he became the youngest man ever to serve as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Smith authored the best seller Real Evangelism and has several books to his credit, including Taking Back the Gospel, Real Christianity, Real Christian Excellence, and The Grace Escape. He was working on his biography at the time of his death.

Bailey’s greatest asset on earth for the past 55 years has been his wife, Sandy Elliff Smith. The Smiths have three sons: Bailey Scott , Steven Wayne, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, and James Joshua, who is pastor of Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Bogart. Smith is not only survived by his wife and sons, but by eight grandchildren."

More information at: 

https://christianindex.org/bailey-smith-home-heaven/

Evangelist Bailey Smith was one of my heroes.  He was the second SBC president of the SBC Conservative Resurgence.  I remember voting for him at the Southern Baptist Convention.  I was just out of college (ETBU) and will always be grateful to my parents for helping me with the expense of attending those conventions. 

Bailey proudly stood for evangelism and the inerrancy of the Bible.  To the young preachers out there – get his books and listen to his preaching.  You don’t have to preach like him, or anyone else, but you can certainly learn and profit from him. 

Updates: 

“I believe Jonah was a literal person swallowed by a literal fish, spit out of a literal stomach, and in a literal mess,”  -Bailey Smith, upon his presidential election, during the height of the Conservative Resurgence. 

"Bailey Smith, having transferred his permanent address to a golden strand in the presence of the Lord, leaves behind a legacy of men and women led to Christ.  And though that was not all that he did, who can leave a more noble legacy?...

As pastor of one of the greatest SBC churches, First Southern Del City, Oklahoma, a graduate of Southwestern Seminary, twice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and forever a supporter of the biblical role of the evangelist, Bailey was simply remarkable.  His Real Evangelism conferences were an encouragement to tens of thousands.  His encouragement on a personal level was the deep work of God’s Spirit in his soul…"

-Paige Patterson 
https://www.paigepatterson.org/blog/a-tribute-to-dr-bailey-smith

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 15, AD 2019. 

Other Articles: 

Brief History of the SBC Conservative Resurgence

Q&A on the SBC CONSERVATIVE RESURGENCE; part 1

Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

More Articles in lower right margin. 

Paige Patterson Issues Statement Addressing Recent Events

Former Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson released a statement in late November addressing a statement from Kevin Ueckert, chairman of Southwestern’s board. 

“While I do not have any interest in continued dialogue related to Southwestern’s Trustees or officials, I do always want the whole story to be told,” Patterson wrote.  “As Chairman Ueckert indicated in his recent letter to Southwestern’s donors, I am deeply appreciative for anything that the trustees did to recognize my 42 years of training preachers and missionaries in the denomination, including 15 years at Southwestern Seminary. 

“I was unable,” Patterson continued, “to accept the Executive Committee’s proposed settlement agreements because all contained a strict nondisclosure clause.  I have launched no campaign against Southwestern and do not intend to do so.  But neither will I sign a statement that commits my family and me to positions that we cannot guarantee.  One wonders what I have done to generate such a request.  I would have thought the trustees would know me well enough after 42 years to know that I would never sign such an agreement.  Nevertheless, for this reason, I was unable to accept the proposed settlement agreements.” 

-article in Southern Baptist Texan, January, 2019, print copy, p. 13.  

http://texanonline.net/

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 7, AD 2019. 

Update:

Paige Patterson Responds to Houston Chronicle

https://www.paigepatterson.org/blog/letter-to-the-editor

Mohler, Akin apologize for backing accused leader

http://bpnews.net/52428/mohler-akin-apologize-for-backing-accused-leader

Articles:

Baptists and Eternal Security, or Once Saved Always Saved; Part 1 of 3

Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 1

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

LGBT and Suicide

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

LGBT and Suicide

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

Youth who identify as homosexual, bisexual, and transgender have a significantly higher risk of suicide and life-threatening behavior compared with heterosexual youth, according to an extensive study published in JAMA Pediatrics, 2018.  Biblical morality is better, safer, and should be widely taught.  We are to love everyone, but it is not loving to affirm sinful, self-destructive behavior. 

My heart goes out to anyone who considers, or commits suicide.  Please see “13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide,” linked below. 

Suicide affects all groups and categories of people.  Yet, when one group has a significantly higher rate of suicide and life-threatening behavior, it should give us pause.  It should cause sincere concern. 

Some will contend the higher rate is because of the general population not accepting their lifestyles.  But LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender) lifestyles have more acceptance today than ever.  Furthermore, these higher rates of self-destructive behaviors are also seen in even more accepting cultures such as Sweden. 

Excerpts from Christian Post article:

Dr. Michelle Cretella, executive director of the American College of Pediatricians, told The Christian Post that the study "confirms what no one disputes: Namely, that youth who identify as LGBQT have higher rates of mental illness leading to a greater risk of life-threatening behaviors."

Sweden is among the most LGBT affirming nations in the world, yet, LGBT mental illness and suicide rates in Sweden are just as dramatically elevated relative to the general population.

A September study conducted by Russell B. Toomey, Ph.D., of the University of Arizona-Tucson, found that more than half of all teenagers who identify as female to male transgender have attempted suicide.

For more information:

https://www.christianpost.com/news/gay-transgender-youth-at-significantly-higher-risk-of-suicide-than-heterosexual-peers-study.html

Love everyone.  Treat everyone with respect.  All are made in the image of God.  But also, lovingly point to the truth. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 2, AD 2019. 

Update: 

Therapy bans and reports of trans regret grow

“Former transgender activist Walt Heyer, 78, had sex change surgery in 1983 and lived as a woman for eight years before he became a Christian and accepted his biological sex. He released ‘Trans Life Survivors’ in October, a book of stories from dozens of individuals who regret their decision to undergo sex change surgery. The book tells 30 stories, but Heyer said hundreds contacted him and said they wished they hadn't identified as transgender.”  -Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/52234/therapy-bans-and-reports-of-trans-regret-grow 

Articles:

13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide

10 Reasons to Avoid Pornography

The Roman Road of Salvation

Southern Baptists On Natural Marriage; Same-Sex Marriage

Jesus Christ on Same-Sex Marriage

Christian Apologetics: A Reasoned Defense of Christianity

 Other Articles in lower right margin.  Check them out. 

John Allen Chau - Missionary, Martyr

“You guys might think I’m crazy in all this but I think it’s worth it to declare Jesus to these people.  Please do not be angry at them or at God if I get killed.”  

- John Allen Chau, 26 year old missionary who gave his life trying to reach a primitive tribe with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

John Allen Chau was a missionary to several countries.  He recently went to a remote Indian island to tell a primitive tribe that he loved them, and so did Jesus.  The tribe apparently killed him and buried him in the sand. 

Many have since criticized Chau.  I beg to differ. 

Do not expect the secular media to understand or appreciate the concept of Christian Missions.  They usually don’t.  But in this case, even many Christians have condemned Chau. 

We do not know what was in this missionary’s heart.  But I’m inclined to believe the best, not the worst. 

Some may have considered Jonah a self-appointed missionary to Nineveh.  Or maybe a thrill seeker.  And he could have easily been tortured and killed.  Yet he was following God’s will. 

Virtually every one of Jesus’ 12 disciples eventually died as a result of their missionary work.  A missionary dying does not necessarily mean failure. 

Perhaps God calls some to go and die.  We should be careful to judge. 

Sometimes we are to hide from danger, or protect ourselves from danger; sometimes not. 

When a people are in danger of going to Hell, some are willing to take heroic measures to save them.  Reminds me of - Jesus. 

~

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  -John 12:24-25 NKJV

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  -Romans 5:8

For More Information:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2018/november/missionary-killed-north-sentinel-isolated-island-tribe-chau.html

https://www.foxnews.com/world/american-missionary-wrote-god-i-dont-want-to-die-before-being-killed-by-remote-tribe-on-indian-island

Update:

Despite the need for effective entry methods to a people group, Eitel said, sometimes a missionary may be called to attempt bold evangelistic campaigns that imperil their lives.

"If you can't contact anybody" in the group you're trying to reach, Eitel said, "then try to only venture in when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that even if it costs you your life, that this is what God wants you to do."

If God called Chau to make such a sacrifice, Eitel said, his death may inspire other missionaries to reach the Sentinelese and other uncontacted UUPGs for years to come.

http://www.bpnews.net/52019/crazy-or-called--missionarys-death-debated

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, November 26, AD 2018. 

Can A Christian "Save" Others? Yes

"A Loving God Wouldn't Send Anyone To Hell"

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Mildred McWhorter and the Rotten Watermelons

In the early1970s I had the opportunity to serve two summers as a summer missionary (aka volunteer, critter) at the Baptist Mission Centers in Houston, Texas.  The Director was Mildred McWhorter (AD 1930-2018).  My dad, Joe Brumbelow, was pastor of Doverside Baptist Church, 619 Berry Road in Houston.  Joe and Bonnie Brumbelow had a long friendship with Mildred McWhorter and their churches had occasionally provided meals for the summer missionaries, often around 30 or more. 

I began preaching in my teen years and Miss McWhorter inquired whether I would be interested in serving as a summer missionary.  She mentioned she usually did not allow summer missionaries to serve until they were out of high school, but because she personally knew me and my parents, she thought it might work out.  I felt the Lord leading and agreed.  I would live at home and just commute back and forth.  I was paid the whopping sum of $45 a week the first summer, and because of decreased available funds, $35 a week the next summer.  This was while I was a sophomore and junior at Sam Houston High School.  I learned a tremendous amount from Miss McWhorter, the other summer missionaries, and the ministry there. 

I heard of the time some classy ladies from an affluent church arrived and wanted to help for the day.  Dressed in their best, Miss McWhorter directed them to a large, overflowing closet that needed emptied, cleaned, and organized.  It was dirty, tough work.  It did not take them long to feel a calling elsewhere and to announce they could not stay any longer. 

Though there was mutual respect between my parents and Miss McWhorter, she did not go easy on me.  I don’t think she went easy on anyone.  It did not take her long to find out if a summer missionary was going to work out.  But she didn’t ask anyone to do work she was not willing to do herself. 

My very first day Miss McWhorter took me to a large garbage bin.  Not the kind we have that are picked up and emptied by a truck.  This large bin was made out of plywood.  She explained that a truckload of watermelons had been donated to the Fletcher Street Mission.  They had a watermelon party a week or two before and had thrown all the watermelon rinds in this outdoor garbage bin.  They were now rotten, mushy, and smelled terrible.  The garbage truck would not pick them up unless they were put in garbage bags.  She handed me a box of garbage bags.  A lot of garbage bags.  My first job as a missionary was to put the rotten watermelon rinds in garbage bags, tie them, and place them on the sidewalk for pickup.  No one else to help me, just me and the garbage bags.  Oh, and I had no gloves, though later I did get to wash my hands. 

It took a long, long while, but I bagged the rotten watermelon rinds without objection; my parents had raised me right.  After that first day, I think Miss McWhorter decided I would work out just fine. 

I later got to do other things, dirty and otherwise.  I got to teach, preach a little, and do all types of ministry.  On one occasion I was put in charge of teaching a group of about 55 or 60 kids in a two-week Vacation Bible School at the Mission Centers.  In all the work we did, we shared the gospel of Jesus Christ.  But I’ll always remember my first day and the rotten watermelons.  She had probably saved them a couple of weeks just for me. 

Compared to what Jesus did for us, rotten watermelon rinds are nothing.  If Jesus washed the disciples feet, if He died for the world, then no job should be beneath us. 

By the way, others called her Miss Mac.  I didn’t.  I was too scared.  I always called her Miss McWhorter. 

More on Miss Mildred McWhorter

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, November 19, AD 2018. 

Articles:

Can A Christian "Save" Others? Yes

Adrian Rogers on Predestination, Calvinism

Adrian Rogers on "Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow"

 Alcohol Condemned in the Bible

Alcohol and the Holidays

 Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Obituary: Mildred McWhorter

Mildred McWhorter (AD 1930-2018) died June 17 in Franklin, Georgia at age 87.  A native of Georgia, she came to Texas in 1958 to do mission work in Port Arthur.  She then moved to Houston, TX in 1963.  She led the Baptist Mission Centers in Houston from 1963-1992.  The Baptist Mission Centers were a ministry of local Baptists as well as the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board (now North American Mission Board). 

At Centralhatchee Baptist Church, Centralhatchee, GA, Mildred was saved at 13 after learning John 3:16 and realizing the “whosoever” meant her.  She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Berry College, Rome, GA and studied at the Carver School of missions and Social Word at Louisville, KY.  Turned down by the Foreign Mission Board (IMB), she began work with the Home Mission Board. 

She became legendary in her work in lower income areas of inner-city Houston.  She loved the people and loved Jesus.  In meeting needs of food and clothing, she always shared the love and salvation found in Jesus Christ.  She ministered to drug addicts, prostitutes, gang members, and regular low-income folks.  Not all appreciated her ministry, she estimated the tires on her car had been slashed well over 100 times.  She coordinated the work of hundreds of volunteers, often college and seminary students.  David R. Brumbelow had the privilege of being one of her volunteers (Critters) for two summers while he was in High School (more about that in a future article). 

Miss McWhorter (Miss Mac) never married and felt she could not have accomplished what she did with the responsibilities of a husband and children.  She did adopt three boys after their mother died, Carl Guevara, Lloyd Lane, Terry Lane. 

She never lost her love of Georgia.  She would occasionally speak of going to the Holy Land.  Some thought she was taking a trip to Israel; she was speaking of Georgia.  Upon retirement, she returned to the Holy Land, Centralhatchee, Georgia. 

My parents, Joe and Bonnie Brumbelow, knew her well and thought the world of Miss McWhorter.  I remember in the late 1960s my church provided a meal for the critters at the Baptist Mission Centers.  Miss McWhorter told mom and dad (my dad was the pastor) she always looked forward to a meal from their church because they always did a first-class job.  By the way, when your church provides such a meal, make sure you do your best cooking and provide plenty of it; it can be a huge blessing. 

Miss McWhorter had a tremendous influence on the volunteers, as well as thousands in the communities of the Fletcher and Joy Mission Centers. 

For more about Mildred McWhorter:

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Mildred-McWhorter-Houston-s-Mother-13015785.php

Always a Friend: The Story of Mildred McWhorter, by Jan Turrentine; 1988. 

New Houston mission center named for Mildred McWhorter

Mildred McWhorter and the Rotten Watermelons

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, November 14, AD 2018. 

Small Texas Church Takes on a God-Sized Goal; Christmas Shoeboxes

13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide

The Girl Who Saved His Ministry

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Baptists and Eternal Security, or Once Saved Always Saved; Part 1 of 3

Paige Patterson Speaks; Janet Mefferd Live

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Paige Patterson Speaks; Janet Mefferd Live

Hear Dr. Paige Patterson speak on the events of the last six months. 

Janet Mefferd Live

Dr. Paige Patterson and the #MeToo Movement

https://afr.net/podcasts/janet-mefferd-live/2018/october/dr-paige-patterson-and-the-metoo-movement/

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, October 25, AD 2018. 

Candi Finch confirms termination by SWBTS

 Executive Committee Should Rescind Paige Patterson's Firing

Letter to Southern Baptists from Paige Patterson

 Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?

Adrian Rogers on "Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow"

Gosnell, and Other Pro-Life Movies

Other Articles (Labels) in lower right margin. 

Gosnell, and Other Pro-Life Movies

There are several pro-life movies you may find interesting.  The most current one is Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer (rated PG-13). 

The national media, who claim to be balanced and unbiased, really show their one-sidedness on the issue of abortion.  When a pro-life issue like Gosnell comes along, they usually ignore it.  They also find it very difficult to say the word, “pro-life.”  Yet they have no problem using the preferred word, “pro-choice,” of those who are pro-abortion like Planned Parenthood.  When the subject of abortion comes up, the media usually asks tough questions of the pro-life side; almost never do they ask tough questions of the pro-choice side.  Hollywood is usually the same. 

During Gosnell’s trial, the media for the most part ignored it.  Now that the movie is out, Facebook and NPR (National Public Radio) have refused to run paid advertising for the movie Gosnell.  Kind of shows which side they are on. 

Pro-Life Movies

Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer. 

Bella, the story of a young woman who decides against abortion through a friend's intervention

October Baby, the story of a young adult who learns she survived a failed abortion attempt as an infant. 

Crescendo, a short movie that tells how Beethoven nearly was aborted.  (see more at bpnews)

A couple of quotes by Cal Thomas and Baptist Press: 

“While not nearly as gruesome as the death camps Eisenhower saw, the film "Gosnell" forces viewers to confront what has been done to 60 million (so far) babies and women in America since abortion became legal in 1973. It's worth seeing with someone on the fence about abortion and even a pro-choice person who is honest enough to consider the counterargument affirming life at all stages.

According to the Pew Research Center, opinions on abortion between 1995 and 2017 have remained fairly stable with "57 percent say(ing) abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 40 percent say it should be illegal in all or most cases."

"Gosnell" could move those numbers in a pro-life direction.”

-Cal Tomas

https://townhall.com/columnists/calthomas/2018/10/11/gosnell-the-movie-n2527184

“Facebook and NPR have refused to run paid advertising for Gosnell, and crowdsourcing website Kickstarter banned Gosnell's producers from using the platform to raise money, according to media reports.”

http://www.bpnews.net/51744/gosnell-helps-uncover-horrors-of-abortion

Many theaters are refusing to show Gosnell.  You may have to do a little research to find a place to see it.  If you can, support it and thank the theater for showing it. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, October 22, AD 2018. 

Why Abortion Is Wrong

The Killing of Infants

13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide

10 Reasons to Avoid Pornography

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

How to Get a Life When Ministry Drains it Out of You

Other Articles (Labels) in lower right margin. 

Inspiration of the Bible

There are a number of different views of the inspiration of the Bible.  In simple language, some of them are:

1.  Dictation

2.  Verbal, Plenary

3.  Dynamic

4.  Classical

Let me explain. 

1.  Dictation.  Sometimes called Mechanical Dictation.  God dictated His message, word for word, to the human authors.  Much like a boss would dictate a letter to a secretary. 

God definitely used this method on some occasions.  For example, when He directly told a prophet what to say (Exodus 34:27; Isaiah 38:4-5; etc.).  But I do not believe He used this method throughout the Bible. 

2.  Verbal, Plenary.  Verbal means word for word.  In other words, every word of the Bible is inspired by God.  Plenary means all.  Not just some words, but every word in all 66 books of the Bible are God’s inspired words.  This view is sometimes shortened to just, Verbal Inspiration. 

This view does not mean, as some falsely charge, that the entire Bible is mechanically dictated (that God simply dictated His words to the human writers).  Rather, God worked through the human writers and used their personalities.  The final product was truly the words of the human author, as well as the words of God.  And, the final product was word for word, the inspired, unerring word of God. 

If you believe in Verbal, Plenary Inspiration, you believe in the Inerrancy of the Bible. 

3.  Dynamic Inspiration.  The thoughts of the Bible are inspired by God.  But, it is not necessarily inspired word for word.  Like those who hold to Verbal Inspiration, they believe God worked through the personalities of the human writers. 

Those who hold to Verbal Inspiration sometimes counter, we don’t think in thoughts, but in words.  We don’t communicate in thoughts, but in words. 

Those who believe Dynamic Inspiration may, or may not, believe in the Inerrancy of the Bible. 

4.  Classical Inspiration.  The Bible is divinely inspired, just as other great works of literature and art are inspired. 

This is a theologically liberal or progressive view.  This view would hold that therefore, there are obviously human errors, as well as divine splendor, in the Bible.  They also get to pick and choose what is truth and what is error.  Instead of God’s Word judging them, they make themselves judges of Scripture. 

The Classical Inspiration view clearly does not hold to the Inerrancy of the Bible. 

It should be pointed out the first three views can be held by those who believe in Inerrancy.  Some also point out the important thing is not a theory of inspiration, but belief in the inerrancy of the Bible.  I certainly agree that inerrancy is crucial to correct biblical doctrine. 

I believe in the Verbal, Plenary Inspiration of the Bible.  The Inerrancy of the Bible is of vital importance, and Verbal Inspiration holds firmly to this view.  Verbal Inspiration also fits well with what the Bible says about its own inspiration. 

Scripture on Inspiration: 

For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.  -Matthew 5:18

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  -2 Timothy 3:16

For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth.  -Psalm 33:4

The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.  -Psalm 119:160

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.  -John 17:17

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  -Hebrews 4:12

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.  -2 Peter 1:20-21

Baptist Faith and Message, 2000

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39;16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 is the official doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. 

Quotes:

“It has always been a matter of profound surprise to me that anybody should ever question the verbal inspiration of the Bible."  -B. H. Carroll (AD 1843-1914), Inspiration of the Bible.  Carroll was the founding president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Let me say further that only the original text of the books of the Bible is inspired, not the copy or the translation.”  -B. H. Carroll (AD 1843-1914). 

“I believe the Bible to be the infallible, inspired word of God written by men of old and new through the leadership of God’s power and Spirit.”  -Evangelist Dan Vestal (AD 1918-1980), Golden Hours in the Bible. 

“If there be any mistakes in the Bible, there may well be a thousand.  If there be one falsehood in that book, it did not come from the God of truth.”  -John Wesley (AD 1703-1791), Journal. 

(More quotes may be added.)

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 25, AD 2018. 

Articles:

B. H. Carroll on Inspiration of Bible

The Girl Who Saved His Ministry

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message

Executive Committee Should Rescind Paige Patterson's Firing

 More Articles in lower right margin. 

Executive Committee Should Rescind Paige Patterson's Firing

A Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) trustee has finally revealed (at the SBC, Dallas) why the Executive Committee (EC) rescinded the action of the full body of trustees and voted to fire Dr. Paige Patterson.  It is alleged he failed to attend some meetings, worked against a trustee, and Patterson’s lawyer questioned the previous decision of the trustees.  While grateful for the explanation, serious concerns remain. 

1.  The EC acted in haste.  Many such decisions take weeks or months.  Patience and slow deliberation is often wise. 

2.  They made this decision when Paige Patterson was out of the country preaching, and gave him no chance to defend himself.  We should always be willing to hear the other side (Proverbs 18:17; Matthew 18). 

3.  This decision to fire Patterson appears to be an angry reaction to what they consider his provocation. 

4.  All trustees are not in agreement with this verdict, and likely, more trustees will come to regret this hasty, harsh ruling. 

5.  The 12-member EC rescinded the decision of the full body of 40 trustees.  A decision made only one week before. 

6.  Some feel this gives the appearance that since the full body of trustees would not fire Patterson, the EC met later to do so. 

7.  This decision sets a terrible precedent.  Firing an entity leader should be an absolute last resort.  Also, should a precedent be set that an EC can nullify a decision of the full board? 

8.  The complaints of the EC are pretty well nonexistent if Dr. Patterson is President Emeritus rather than President.  The alleged charge that he missed trustee meetings, no longer matters.  Why not let past disagreements remain in the past? 

9.  Patterson’s attorney questioning the decision of the Trustees may have simply been for the sake of clarification.  Regardless, the Trustees can pretty well do what they want, as long as they follow their guidelines.  They do not have to be concerned with questions from a lawyer; just be transparent, answer the concerns, and move on. 

10.  There is the danger of appearing to bow to more extreme elements of the MeToo movement and social media.  Whatever their intentions, in the final analysis, the EC did exactly what the more extreme elements of the MeToo movement called for.  Despite the social media accusations, evidence now shows Paige Patterson followed proper procedure in dealing with sexual assault. 

11.  This action of the EC seems to have been done with malice and no grace.  Some have said the secular world treats their employees better.  Please allow Paige and Dorothy Patterson to retire with dignity. 

12.  Southwestern should keep the promises made to Paige and Dorothy Patterson in the previous, full trustee meeting. 

Paige Patterson is a preacher, pastor, evangelist, scholar, author, educator.  He and Dorothy have lived exemplary moral lives.  At great sacrifice, he was one of the leaders in the fight for inerrancy of Scripture in the SBC Conservative Resurgence.  He is not perfect, he can rub people the wrong way, but he certainly deserves better than being unceremoniously kicked out of SWBTS where he has faithfully served 15 years. 

Paige Patterson and his family have been devastated.  He has apologized for improper statements.  He has been humbled.  Perhaps it is now time for some trustees to humble themselves, and rescind the rushed decision of the SWBTS Executive Committee. 

PS – In my humble opinion, more people should be publicly speaking up for Paige Patterson. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor; June 28, AD 2018. 

Updates:

SWBTS donors request investigative committee re: Patterson termination; suggest executive committee actions imperil academic accreditation
http://sbctoday.wpengine.com/swbts-donors-request-investigative-committee-re-patterson-termination-suggest-executive-committee-actions-imperil-academic-accreditation/

Donor Letter to SWBTS Trustees

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4568645-Southwestern-Letter.html

Conservative Resurgence archives find home in Fort Worth

SWBTS’s Baptist Heritage Library will house historical documents and provide presidential apartment.

http://texanonline.net/archives/5920/

Articles:

Trustees Unfair Treatment of Dr. Paige Patterson

Letter to Southern Baptists from Paige Patterson

Brief History of the SBC Conservative Resurgence

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 1

Other Articles in lower right margin.