Matzah for the Lord's Supper

For years my church used matzah (aka matza; matzo…) as the bread for the Lord’s Supper.  I originally got the idea from my pastor dad, Joe Brumbelow.  I think he began using matzah after he invited Chosen People Ministries to share “Christ in the Passover” in his church. 

I’ve never really liked the little square pieces of unleavened bread used by many churches and sold in Christian bookstores.  Some churches have a church member bake a loaf of bread.  That is fine, except usually it is leavened and has sugar and other ingredients added to it.  To me, not very biblical.  The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus given for us on Calvary; it is not meant to be a wonderful culinary item. 

Matzah is the bread used by Jews for Passover and throughout the year.  For the Christian, the stripes and piercing in the matzah remind them of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ. 

Matzah comes in a large, unsalted flat square.  Often the pastor will keep one large piece.  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.  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. 

Matzah can be purchased at larger grocery stores in the Kosher (or International) section.  Or, it can be ordered over the internet.  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. 

Manischewitz (the w is pronounced like our v) is one of the Jewish brands making matzo (matzah).  Other brands include Streit’s, Yehuda, etc. 

The matzah box may say in small print, “Not for Passover.”  The specific rules for Kosher and Passover are a little complicated.  But it is perfect for the Lord’s Supper. 

You may also be interested in the following article by Chosen People Ministries, Matzah and the Messiah: 

https://www.chosenpeople.com/matzah-points-to-jesus/

Try unsalted matzah for your next Lord’s Supper. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfoastpastor.blogspot.com, July 19, AD 2023. 

Articles: 

Why We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper

Lord's Supper, Questions & Answers           

                                                                                     

Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; update

Baptism and a Gait Belt

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Baptism and a Gait Belt

Recently a man in his 80s desired to be baptized.  Baptists believe the Bible teaches “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion.”  The man was not in the best of health and used a walker.  The baptism was to be in a six-foot water trough.  The trough was filled with cold water, then topped off with some boiling water to at least take the chill off the cold water.  Water from a hot water heater will often make the water look cloudy and dirty.  A fine screen pool-net can also help in cleaning the baptistry water. 

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 Articles at this site on Baptism).  Some believers cannot be immersed because of serious health issues.  They will go to Heaven just as sure as the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43).  But baptism is the first command to a new Christian.  If you can, you should be obedient and follow the Lord in baptism. 

This man knew he had been saved and made right with God.  Even though he knew it would be a struggle, he still wanted to be baptized.  The pastor did some planning and went over details with some men in the church, and with the candidate for baptism. 

A Gait Belt proved to be very helpful.  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.  It gives an assistant something to grab onto to help support the person.  Hospital and nursing home caregivers often use gait belts.  A gait belt should not be used, however, if the person has recently had back or abdominal surgery. 

Remember, the person being baptized will be wet and slippery.  Three men assisted the pastor in the baptism, and it went very well, and safe.  The gait belt was a big help in giving them a secure way to hold onto and support him.  The belt helped them during the baptism and also in assisting him to the dressing room.  It also seemed to reassure his daughter that the church was taking good care of him. 

So, you might consider purchasing a gait belt or two for your baptism equipment.  You may go months without needing one, but when you do, it can be a crucial help.  As the old saying goes, “It’s better to have one and not need it, than to need it and not have it.  A gait belt can be purchased at a Medical Supply Store or on the internet.  If you end up needing one quickly, you might check with a hospital or nursing home.  Better yet, get one ahead of time before you need it.  A gait belt costs from $8 to $50.  Make sure between baptisms the belt is clean and dry. 

One final thought.  Why do Baptists (and some other Christian groups) go to all that trouble when others just sprinkle a little water for baptism?  The reason is the Bible clearly teaches “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion.”  It is worth the time, trouble, and effort to do things according to biblical teaching. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, July 12, AD 2023. 

Other Articles: 

Quotes on Acts 2:38, Baptism, Salvation

What the Bible Teaches About Baptism

The Roman Road of Salvation

Why We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Children's Programs and LGBTQ

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!  -Isaiah 5:20

Children’s Programing and Family Entertainment used to mean something.  It meant you could count on the programing to be free of sex, including heterosexual and homosexual sex.  No sexual immorality or inuendo.  It meant Christian folks could sit down with their kids and enjoy some safe entertainment. 

Sadly, that is no more. 

Today Children’s Programing is filled with direct and indirect attacks on Christian morality and traditional marriage and values.  Today Children’s Programing pushes same-sex marriage, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) indoctrination. Two girls kissing, two boys or men kissing.  Gone are the innocent days of youth.  Schools and libraries are filled with LGBTQ propaganda.  There are now drag shows for kids, and the military.  Gender Transition is praised and supported.  If you want to be a hero, just become LGBTQ. 

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), paid for with your tax dollars, strongly endorses these lifestyles to adults, and children. 

For example, foxnews.com carried an article about Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, R., axing a bill to fund PBS in Oklahoma.  Following are some quotes: 

"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. 

The governor’s office provided examples of OETA content that it considers objectionable, 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. 

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." 

"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."

"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 press release Thursday.

Last week, Stitt also banned all sex reassignment procedures for minors in the state, including irreversible gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies, joining at least 15 other states with similar laws.

"We believe in traditional family values. We're not going to let biological males participate in girls’ sports," he [Stitt] said.  (End quotes)

https://www.foxnews.com/media/oklahoma-governor-stitt-defends-decision-axe-pbs-funding-over-really-problematic-lgbtq-content

Thank God for Governor Stitt, Governor DeSantis, Governor Abbott and others willing to stand for the traditional values most Americans have believed.  The values that have made our country strong. 

What can be done about this problem? 

1.  Get informed.

2.  Support those who take the right stands. 

3.  Vote your convictions.  Encourage others to vote. 

4.  Seriously pray for Revival, Spiritual Awakening in our land.

5.  Support your church and missions as never before.  

6.  When appropriate, speak out with tact and love.  

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, May 10, AD 2023. 

For more information: Trans Life Survivors by Walt Heyer.  Children’s books: Elephants are not Birds by Ashley St. Clair, Brave Books; Johnny the Walrus by Matt Walsh, DW Books. 

Articles: 

Jesus Christ on Same-Sex Marriage

LGBT and Suicide

Genesis 1:27

What the Bible Says About Homosexuality

News Media's Unbalanced Reporting of Same-Sex Marriage

What's Wrong With Communism?

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Asbury Revival and Cynicism

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.

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.

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.

“On what basis are we calling this a revival?”

“Emotionalism, singing and flag waving are not revival!”

“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.”

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.

Jonathan Edwards, in The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, lays out the marks of a genuine revival (based on 1 John 4):

Jesus is exalted.

The Holy Spirit acts against the influence of Satan’s kingdom by preaching sin and repentance.

The Bible is exalted and held in high regard.

The Spirit of understanding and truth opposes spirits of falsehood.

Love to God and man is promoted.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

-David Prince, February 14, AD 2023, Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-asbury-revival-and-christian-cynicism/

*******

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.  -2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?  -Psalm 85:6

Please join me in praying for revival at Asbury University, in America, and around the world.  May God forgive our sin, and heal our land. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, February 18, AD 2023. 

 

Articles: 

Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; update

What's Wrong With Communism?

Proper Use of the Public Invitation

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Genesis 1:27

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  NKJV 

1.  God created mankind.  He is a special creation of God.  

Man did not come about by random chance.  He has a Creator. 

2.  Man is made in the image of God.  

That means every human being, every man, woman, child has great worth. 

Later, the Bible tells of God sending His only begotten Son to die on the cross of Calvary, to save mankind from their sins.  Jesus rose from the dead, and is the Living Savior to all who receive Him.  John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 6:23. 

3.  God created humans as male and female.   

They compliment, complete one another. 

Male and female.  No other genders.  No other choices.  No fluid genders.  No changing from one to the other. 

A woman is inferior to a man, at being a man. 

A man is inferior to a woman, at being a woman. 

If you’re a woman, you should be proud you are a woman. 

If you’re a man, you should be proud you are a man. 

Children should be taught this at home, at church, at school. 

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.  For more information see the book, Trans Life Survivors by Walt Heyer.  Children’s books: Elephants are not Birds by Ashley St. Clair, Brave Books; Johnny the Walrus by Matt Walsh, DW Books. 

Does this mean we are to hate others?  Of course not.  We are to be tactful, and loving.  We are to speak the truth in love. 

4.  God created marriage as one man plus one woman, united for life. 

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  -Genesis 2:24 Also: Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9; Ephesians 5:31-33. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, January 21, AD 2023.  

 

Articles:

When You Resign or Retire as Pastor

Judge Righteously

Why Marijuana Should Remain Illegal

Can A Christian "Save" Others? Yes

Why Abortion Is Wrong

More Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is really the greatest story ever told.  God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to be born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem.  God the Son, Jesus, left Heaven to come to earth.  Jesus lived a sinless life.  He worked miracles, healed the sick, taught the things of God.  Then He died on the cross, not for His sins, but for yours and mine.  He literally rose again, and offers His forgiveness and salvation to all who repent and believe. 

God’s Word says:

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.  -Galatians 4:4-5

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  -Matthew 1:23

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  -John 1:14

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”  -Matthew 1:21

The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  -Luke 19:9 (also Mark 10:45)

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.  -John 3:16  NKJV

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Christmas Story is found in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Baptist Student Ministry, Lee College, Baytown, TX.  12-18-AD 2018.  sanjacintobaptist.com; bpnews.net; biblegateway.com

*******

Note:  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.  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).  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. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, December 28, AD 2022.  

 

Articles:

10 Commandments for Christmas

That Night, A Christmas Poem

Alcohol and the Holidays

What's Wrong With Communism?

More Articles / Labels in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Obituary - Domingo Castillo

Domingo H. Castillo 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. 

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. 

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.

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”.

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.  

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Pallbearers: Eloy Gutierrez, Allen Morales, Daniel Contreras, Yobani Jaimez, Ryan Gutierrez, Jacob Patterson

******* 

The Funeral Service was led by:  Rev. Ruben Mesa, Randi Freeman, Rev. Rogelio Rodriguez.  Music: Old Rugged Cross, What a Day That Will Be, Rondalla “Choir of Guitars,” and others.   One song said, “You know nothing, until you know the love of God.”

From the San Jacinto Baptist Association, Baytown, TX:

“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.”

I attended the funeral service of Domingo Castillo on November 19, 2022 at First Baptist Church, Eagle Lake, TX.  I also attended the funeral of Rose Castillo on April 6, 2022, also at First Baptist Church, Eagle Lake, TX. 

Domingo and Rose were members of the church I pastored, Northside Baptist Church, Highlands, TX from about 2016 to 2020.  They were both a great asset to me and the church.  They were the kind of pastor and pastor’s wife I looked up to and admired.  We spent many times in good fellowship.  We joked and laughed a lot.  Sometimes a retired pastor can be a problem to a pastor and church.  This was never the case with Domingo and Rose.  It was easy to depend on them, and trust them.  During that time Domingo began teaching a Sunday School Class and Sunday morning Worship service in Spanish.  I went to a LifeWay store and found some good Christian Spanish books he used.  Domingo especially liked the books by Dr. Daniel Sanchez of SWBTS and a parallel NKJV/Spanish Bible.  He also had much of the material he used. 

Domingo also did some much needed carpenter work at Northside. 

I tried to get Domingo to preach in our regular Worship Services.  But he said he was not comfortable preaching in English.  He spoke good English as well as Spanish.  I would call on him to lead in prayer in church, and enjoyed hearing him pray in Spanish. 

Rose told me of sitting under a tree, then, for some reason getting up and walking a few steps.  Just then a large branch of the tree fell right where she had been sitting. 

Domingo told me of several times when the Lord had really spoken to him in dreams.  Of course, he never strayed from his confidence in the inerrancy of the Bible, God’s Word.  And these dreams never in any way contradicted God’s Word. 

In short, Domingo and Rose impressed me as a great example of what a pastor and wife ought to be. 

 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  NKJV

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.  -2 Corinthians 5:8

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.”  -Revelation 14:13

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, December 2, AD 2022. 

Articles:

When You Resign or Retire as Pastor

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

Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad

What's Wrong With Communism?

Why We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Is It Worldly?

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.  -Titus 2:12 NKJV

1.  Does the Bible speak directly against it? 

2.  Do biblical principles teach against it? 

3.  Will it give the devil a foothold in my life? 

4.  Will it lead me or others into sin? 

5.  Will it diminish my Christian life? 

6.  Does it support that which is evil? 

7.  Is it awkward to thank God for it? 

8.  Are there reasonable doubts about it? 

9.  Is it reasonable to stay away from it? 

10.  Will it help or hurt my Christian witness? 

Examples:  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… 

No, not all Christians will agree.  But that is no reason to not take these principles seriously.  Christian liberty should not be abused to justify everything. 

See 11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol.  It deals with some of these general principles. 

http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2017/04/11-reasons-to-not-drink-alcohol.html

But, you can certainly laugh, joke, and have a good time.  As a matter of fact, you can have more fun when you avoid the things that tear you down.  Discipline in the Christian life can bring great joy and freedom. 

Scripture to consider:

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.  -1 John 2:15

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.  -Romans 12:2

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.  -Titus 2:12

For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica.  -2 Timothy 4:10

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.  -1 Corinthians 8:9

As free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.  -1 Peter 2:16

Worldly – 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.  

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, November 3, AD 2022. 

 

Articles: 

Discipline - A Trip to the Drive-In Store

10 Reasons to Avoid Pornography

13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide

Wine for Your Stomach's Sake; 1 Timothy 5:23

What's Wrong With Communism?

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

No Climate Emergency

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”  -Genesis 8:22 NKJV

Good news!  The earth is just fine.  You can relax and enjoy life and the incredible creation God has given us.  Yes, we should support reasonable measures to fight pollution, encourage wildlife, and wisely use our natural resources.  But there is no climate emergency.  And, when problems arise, we can adapt. 

There is no climate emergency, according to over 1,100 scientists and professionals worldwide.  Climate Intelligence (CLINTEL) issued a summary of this view on June 27, 2022. 

Quotes from the World Climate Declaration (WCD): 

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.

Climate science has degenerated into a discussion based on beliefs, not on sound self-critical science.

There is no climate emergency

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.

Natural as well as anthropogenic factors cause warming

The geological archive reveals that Earth’s climate has varied as long as the planet has existed, with natural cold and warm phases.

Warming is far slower than predicted

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.

Climate policy relies on inadequate models

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.

Global warming has not increased natural disasters

Climate policy must respect scientific and economic realities

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.

It is not the number of experts but the quality of arguments that counts.  (End quotes.) 

For more information:

https://clintel.org/world-climate-declaration/

https://cornwallalliance.org/2022/08/no-climate-emergency-cornwall-alliance/

https://www.ntd.com/no-climate-emergency-cornwall-alliance_833037.html

So, enjoy life and nature.  Plant a garden.  Plant a tree.  Visit wildlife refuges and national parks.  Learn more about the natural world, and walk humbly before God. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, September 22, AD 2022. 

 

Articles: 

Help! My Citrus Trees are Dying; The Salt Factor

Columbus Day; Quotes

Cecil The Lion and Big Game Hunting

Wine for Your Stomach's Sake; 1 Timothy 5:23

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Help! My Citrus Trees are Dying; The Salt Factor

Previously I grew great citrus trees.  Satsuma, Kumquat, Bloomsweet & Golden Grapefruit, Pong Koa, Katmandarin, Meyer Lemon.  I retired and moved to the Wild Peach area outside Brazoria, Texas.  I planted about a dozen citrus trees and brought a couple dozen seedlings. 

Unlike before, my citrus trees began to slowly die.  I replanted and they died.  I planted them right, did everything else right; they died anyway.  The same was happening with some trees I planted at my church (Grace Baptist Church of Wild Peach, Brazoria, TX). 

I finally figured out why.  To my memory, this was never discussed in fruit tree growing classes and books I had read.  A friend, John Panzarella, pointed me in the right direction.  The problem was high salt content in my, and my church’s, well water.  Most water wells in Brazoria County, whether shallow or deep, have a high salt content.  While some plants tolerate a certain amount of salt, citrus trees do not. 

The solution is twofold. 

First, Pelletized Gypsum can counteract the salt in the soil.  It also helps to break up clay soil.  Broadcast it liberally around your citrus trees.  Let the next rain soak it in.  Repeat if needed. 

Second, only water your citrus trees with rainwater.  You can start with a couple five-gallon buckets under your roof’s dripline.  Be aware of a drowning hazard for little children; you may want to put a screen on top.  Buy empty cattle syrup half-barrels at feed stores, or a full-sized barrel.  Spend more and get a special made rain-barrel. 

Remember to plant a citrus tree in a well-drained, sunny location (or make a raised bed).  Plant it a couple inches higher than it was growing in the pot.  Water it every day for the first two or three weeks.  Never, never touch them with a mower or string-trimmer!  Damage the bark, you seriously damage the tree.  Add undyed, hardwood mulch. 

Pelletized gypsum and rain-water can revolutionize your citrus. 

-by David R. Brumbelow.  David is a retired pastor and lives in the Wild Peach area.  He is author of Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, & Ancient Wine and the Bible. 

Above article published in the West Brazos Weekly, Wednesday, July 27, 2022. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, August 26, AD 2022. 

Articles: 

A Time to Laugh

Why We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper

Mildred McWhorter and the Rotten Watermelons

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Southern Baptists and Sexual Abuse

A few thoughts related to the Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF) and Guidepost Report. 

1.  Sexual abuse should be reported to the police.  It is a shame when abuse is alleged, but the accuser is unwilling to file charges. 

2.  If you are truly guilty of sexual abuse, don’t expect me to excuse it. 

3.  All of us need to be vigilant to avoid any type of sexual abuse. 

4.  The SATF and Guidepost seemed a little one-sided.  Why not hear from more than one side?  Why not a more diverse committee?  At times it seems like a trial with only the Prosecution allowed to speak.  The accuser needs to be heard; but, so does the accused.

There is good, needed information in the Guidepost report.  There are instances, however, where one side of the story is not told, even though it is in public records.  Other times when one side of the story is minimized. 

5.  Often, on this issue only one side is allowed to be heard.  At least one website is very quick to delete any comments on this subject that do not fit their narrative.  The opposing side may have some valid perspectives.  Without allowing the other side to be considered, you may be left with groupthink. 

6.  The issue seems to be overhyped.  Sexual abuse is horrible and without excuse, but its overall numbers are low compared to the entire Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). 

7.  There is some amount of difference between outright sexual abuse and consensual immoral relationships.  There is also a difference between illegal relationships and legal, but immoral relationships.  Both are wrong, but there’s a difference. 

8.  If a sexual abuse situation is criminally prosecuted and the offender punished, it is now a matter of public record.  What more are Southern Baptists supposed to do?  SBC churches today are encouraged to do background checks on leaders.  This should reveal any such legal issues.  Also, check references.  If you need help, check with your Association or State Convention. 

9.  There is a big, big difference between a sexual abuser, and someone you feel did not properly handle a sexual abuse situation.  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. 

10.  This issue at times seems to be a way for some to handle old grievances.  They use it to condemn their enemies, while condoning their friends.  Social media can be vicious and evil. 

11.  Most of the SBC Executive Committee’s “secret list” was simply a compilation, over the years, of newspaper reports about sexual abuse.  It was already public, nothing secret or sinister about it.  But it was made to look that way. 

12.  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.  Much of this seems kind of arbitrary.  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.”   

13.  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.  The married man involved is most guilty, but there is guilt on both sides. 

14.  There is nothing wrong with SBC lawyers advising their client on how to avoid liability.  That’s a lawyer’s job. 

15.  Some of the accusations could have been handled better.  There is nothing like having the ability to look back and see what you should have done.  Many of those situations were later corrected. 

It does need to be understood though, that some views about this subject have changed in recent years.  Get up to date. 

16.  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.  Wouldn’t that be grand?  But sin is always present.  We can work to prevent it, speak against it.  But abuse, crime, greed, murder, drug abuse, immorality will always be among every group of human beings. 

17.  Never accept, “Believe all women.”  Women lie, just like men, and any other group.  That’s why we investigate and attempt to hear all sides.  Don’t be so quick to dismiss the example of Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39). 

But do take accusations seriously, and if it involves illegal activity, report it to police.  Treat all sides with respect.  See Judge Righteously article below. 

18.  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.  That is obviously unfair. 

To those of you who viscerally disagree with me, according to God’s Word you still have to love me! 

*******

Megan Basham previously wrote for WORLD magazine and now writes for Daily Wire.  She has written a very thoughtful, investigative article (Southern Baptists’ #MeToo Moment).  Read it, as well as the Guidepost Report.  It gives a needed balance.  A couple quotes are published below, and the link to the article is given. 

“a total of 409 accused abusers were found over the course of 21 years in approximately 47,000 SBC churches.”

“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.”

-Southern Baptists’ #MeToo Moment by Megan Basham

https://www.dailywire.com/news/southern-baptists-metoo-moment

 

Also: https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/former-ec-vice-president-counters-guidepost-characterization-of-abusers-list/

 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, August 15, AD 2022. 

Articles:

Judge Righteously

Note:  I referred to this article at a site and provided a link.  My comment and link were deleted. 

On an earlier occasion, I referred to several Bible passages mentioned in this article.  The website informed me these verses had no relevance to sexual abuse in the SBC.  How could they not?  Read the article and decide for yourself. 

Basic Baptist Doctrines / Beliefs

Baptists on Tithing

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version.