10-7-2023; Pray for Israel

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!  -Jeremiah 9:1

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.”  -Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18

Deliver us from the evil one.  -Matthew 6:13

“Pray for Israel” is on our church sign this week.  October 7, AD 2023 more Jews were murdered (over 1300) than since the Holocaust.  Hamas terrorists, supported by the militant leaders in Iran, crossed from Gaza and sadistically assaulted Israel.  In their hatred of Jews, Hamas terrorists are the modern-day equivalent of Nazis and Fascists of a century ago. 

Hamas assaulted Jewish Kibbutz (villages) lying just outside Gaza.  Imagine heavily armed terrorists going through your neighborhood: murdering, brutally raping, torturing, kidnapping, mutilating, beheading.  They attacked a music concert and murdered over 260 people.  Over 120 were kidnapped and taken back to Gaza and brutalized.  The murdered include men, women, grandparents, teenagers, children.  The atrocities are unspeakable.  There is no justification for this violence, period. 

For those who say, “What about the children in Gaza?”  Israel is now responding to this brutal, unprovoked attack.  But unlike terrorists, Israel warns civilians and their children to flee a certain area before bombs are dropped.  But Hamas builds its military sites under and in the midst of children and civilians.  They place them under hospitals and in mosques.  They urge their civilians and children not to leave.  They want dead civilians and children so as to help them in the propaganda war.  So even when there are Gazan civilian casualties, they are caused and encouraged by the terrorists.  And, the Gazan people are the ones who voted the Hamas terrorists into power.  Hamas started this war and the blood of Gazan civilian casualities are on their hands. 

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. 

There is a fascinating story of a 25 year old Israeli woman, Inbar Lieberman, in charge of defending her village.  She noticed gunfire and explosions that did not sound like the normal rockets Gaza would fire into the area.  She opened the armory and called the dozen defenders of the village.  Through strategy, ambush, bravery, they killed the 25 Hamas terrorists that attacked their village, saving many innocent lives.  This heroic lady personally killed five of the terrorists.  A good reason for upright citizens to be armed. 

https://nypost.com/2023/10/10/israeli-woman-25-hailed-as-hero-for-killing-terrorists-leading-security-team-at-kibbutz/

The Jews, God’s chosen people, have been the most hated people in world history.  I believe the devil himself is a part of this hatred.  Look at a globe or a map of the Middle East.  The state of Israel is a tiny sliver of land compared the large multitude of Arab and Islamic countries.  Yet the above militants want to destroy even that. 

Ben Shapiro is a conservative, Jewish, radio commentator.  This week (October 9-13, 2023) he has done an above average job explaining this assault on Israel.  He has an understanding many do not.  On this issue he is well worth listening to.  Brian Kilmeade is another good resource. 

Some people do not think like normal, civilized people.  Some perceive kindness as weakness, and the time to attack.  Some see atrocities, murder, rape, as pleasing to God / Allah.  These type people only respond to overwhelming military might. 

Christians are to love all people.  But there comes a time to defend the oppressed and oppose evil. 

What can we do?

1. Pray for Israel. 

2.  Oppose evil, including antisemitism. 

3.  Speak out on these issues.  Speak against those who support

terrorists and hatred of Jews. 

4.  Affirm America’s support of Israel. 

5.  Vote your convictions on this matter in every election. 

6.  Continue to listen to left leaning news like NBC, CBS, ABC, but also listen to FOX, foxnews.com, townhall.com, etc.  Get both sides.  Baptist Press (baptistpress.com) is also a good source.

One of the reasons God has blessed America is because of our friendship and support of Israel and the Jewish people. 

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.  -Genesis 12:3 NKJV

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, October 13, AD 2023. 

 

PS – Please pray for Revival / Spiritual Awakening in America, and around the world. 

Articles:

What's Wrong With Communism?

Columbus Day; Quotes

How To Keep Your Pastor

Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?

Other Articles in lower right margin (Web Version).

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

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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.