“One of the effective uses of the press is found in the publication and circulation of tracts.
They are valuable for soul-winning, soul-building, indoctrination, and for teaching the truths of God’s Word.
Brief, pointed, and well-printed tracts will often attract attention and carry the Christian message home to the heart in a way nothing else will.
Churches with their Sunday school and Training Union forces could be made centers for the distribution of tracts.
Pastors, missionaries, and evangelists should keep a supply of well-selected tracts on hand at all time.
They can be mailed out, handed out in making visits, given to passers-by on the streets, and distributed at church doors as congregations gather and disperse.
The tract given should be chosen to suit the need of the one receiving it and should be handed out with a prayer for God’s blessing on the message.
It is often good to follow up the tract with a conference, another tract, or a personal letter.”
-L. R. Scarborough, With Christ After the Lost, revised by E. D. Head, Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics; 1942, 2008.
L. R. Scarborough (AD 1870-1945) was a pastor, evangelist, author, founded and taught the first seminary “Chair of Evangelism,” and was the second president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas (swbts.edu). Scarborough also served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 30, AD 2011.
Related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
Sources of Gospel Tracts
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
"A Really Tough Weekend," -Harold Camping
"It has been a really tough weekend."
"I'm looking for answers."
-Harold Camping, 89 year old radio preacher who predicted the Rapture (or Return of Christ) would occur, along with massive earthquakes, on May 21, 2011. His words above were spoken on May 22, 2011. (Quotes from sfgate.com) This is not the first time Camping has tried his hand at predicting the time of the Second Coming. He previously predicted it would likely occur in 1994.
Camping said he is looking for answers. The answers are found in Matthew 24 and 25.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. -Matthew 24:36
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. -Matthew 24:42
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. -Matthew 24:44
The master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of. -Matthew 24:50
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. -Matthew 25:13
Camping has also said all churches are corrupt. Except his, of course. Anytime you hear someone saying they are the only one and you are only to listen to them, be suspicious. Be very suspicious. That is one of the signs of a cult.
Jesus is coming again (Matthew 24:27; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15: 51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The Rapture could occur today, tomorrow, next week, or 100 years from today. It is imminent, meaning it can occur at any time. Only God knows when it will happen. Therefore, we are to plan and prepare as though He may not come for a hundred years, but we are to live as though He will return tomorrow.
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. -Titus 2:13
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 23, AD 2011.
Related articles found under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
Also see Baptist Press article: Harold Camping's Mulligan
"I'm looking for answers."
-Harold Camping, 89 year old radio preacher who predicted the Rapture (or Return of Christ) would occur, along with massive earthquakes, on May 21, 2011. His words above were spoken on May 22, 2011. (Quotes from sfgate.com) This is not the first time Camping has tried his hand at predicting the time of the Second Coming. He previously predicted it would likely occur in 1994.
Camping said he is looking for answers. The answers are found in Matthew 24 and 25.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. -Matthew 24:36
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. -Matthew 24:42
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. -Matthew 24:44
The master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of. -Matthew 24:50
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. -Matthew 25:13
Camping has also said all churches are corrupt. Except his, of course. Anytime you hear someone saying they are the only one and you are only to listen to them, be suspicious. Be very suspicious. That is one of the signs of a cult.
Jesus is coming again (Matthew 24:27; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15: 51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The Rapture could occur today, tomorrow, next week, or 100 years from today. It is imminent, meaning it can occur at any time. Only God knows when it will happen. Therefore, we are to plan and prepare as though He may not come for a hundred years, but we are to live as though He will return tomorrow.
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. -Titus 2:13
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 23, AD 2011.
Related articles found under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
Also see Baptist Press article: Harold Camping's Mulligan
Monday, May 16, 2011
B. H. Carroll on Hyper-Calvinism
In 1900 B. H. Carroll preached a sermon on Baptists 100 Years Ago. It was a historical message telling of Baptist leaders and work in the era around 1800. Carroll (AD 1843-1914), was founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Following are a couple of his comments about some Calvinists of those days who went to the extreme.
“It was a time of strong doctrine, and many Baptists were hyper-Calvinists in their view. But Leland himself tells us how, one day while preaching, ‘his soul got into the gospel trade-winds,’ which so filled his spiritual sails that he forgot about election and reprobation and so preached Christ to sinners that many accepted him as their Saviour and Lord. And oh, I would to God that the preachers of this generation, like old John Leland of long ago, would now get into the gospel trade-winds and bear away with flaming canvas the everlasting gospel to earth's remotest bounds!”
-B. H. Carroll, Baptists 100 Years Ago.
“And here is another lad who will stir up things mightily later on. He will come from the frontiers of Georgia, without education, small in person, slovenly in dress, unprepossessing in appearance, with shriveled features and small piercing eyes. So J. M. Peck describes him.
He is an Antinomian of Antinomians, assuming to speak from immediate inspiration. He will uproot the tender missionary gardens like a wild boar. He will oppose missions, education, Bible and temperance societies, prayer meetings, Sunday-schools and all other evangelizing agencies with indescribable fury.
He will take advantage of the prejudices of ignorance and the prevalent hyper- Calvinism and push his war into all the Southwest until in many associations of Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee the late-blossoming gardens of missionary work shall be as if a cold, chilling frost of death had been breathed upon them. Who is this man? His name is Daniel Parker.
In 1826-7 he will publish his notorious ‘two seed’ pamphlets, that will become his winding sheet and cause his memory to rot.”
-B. H. Carroll, Baptists 100 Years Ago.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 16, AD 2011.
See related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
“It was a time of strong doctrine, and many Baptists were hyper-Calvinists in their view. But Leland himself tells us how, one day while preaching, ‘his soul got into the gospel trade-winds,’ which so filled his spiritual sails that he forgot about election and reprobation and so preached Christ to sinners that many accepted him as their Saviour and Lord. And oh, I would to God that the preachers of this generation, like old John Leland of long ago, would now get into the gospel trade-winds and bear away with flaming canvas the everlasting gospel to earth's remotest bounds!”
-B. H. Carroll, Baptists 100 Years Ago.
“And here is another lad who will stir up things mightily later on. He will come from the frontiers of Georgia, without education, small in person, slovenly in dress, unprepossessing in appearance, with shriveled features and small piercing eyes. So J. M. Peck describes him.
He is an Antinomian of Antinomians, assuming to speak from immediate inspiration. He will uproot the tender missionary gardens like a wild boar. He will oppose missions, education, Bible and temperance societies, prayer meetings, Sunday-schools and all other evangelizing agencies with indescribable fury.
He will take advantage of the prejudices of ignorance and the prevalent hyper- Calvinism and push his war into all the Southwest until in many associations of Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee the late-blossoming gardens of missionary work shall be as if a cold, chilling frost of death had been breathed upon them. Who is this man? His name is Daniel Parker.
In 1826-7 he will publish his notorious ‘two seed’ pamphlets, that will become his winding sheet and cause his memory to rot.”
-B. H. Carroll, Baptists 100 Years Ago.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 16, AD 2011.
See related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
R. L. Sumner Review of "Alcohol Today" found here
Dr. R. L. Sumner's review of the book, "Alcohol Today: Abstinence in an Age of Indulgence" can be found at the link below:
Book Review of "Alcohol Today" by R. L. Sumner
-David R. Brumbelow, May 10, AD 2011
Book Review of "Alcohol Today" by R. L. Sumner
-David R. Brumbelow, May 10, AD 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Osama Bin Laden and Rejoicing in Victory Over Evil
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. -Romans 13:3-4
Sometimes there is a difference in how we respond as a government and as patriotic citizens, and how we are to respond as individual Christians to personal situations. For example, turning the other cheek may not be the wisest thing for a government at war to do.
Today I am proud to be an American. I am grateful to President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush. I’m grateful to our military and the other nations who have joined forces with us to fight terrorism.
I am glad that a terrorist leader and mass murderer has been stopped. Dr. Richard Land of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission said it well: “"If anyone ever deserved the forfeiture of his life for crimes against humanity, it was Osama bin Laden.”
“Once again, our magnificent military performed with tremendous bravery and skill. We should all thank God for them and that they are standing on the ramparts protecting our liberty.” (Quoted in Baptist Press.)
Some are saying a Christian should never rejoice over the death of an evil man, or any man. I am well aware of instruction about loving our enemies and not rejoicing when our enemy falls (Ezekiel 33:11; Proverbs 24:17; etc.). We are always to be humble before Almighty God.
These Scriptures, however, should be tempered with such Scripture as listed below. I’m not dancing on anyone’s grave, but rejoicing that justice has been done. And I am rejoicing that God has blessed and protected America.
He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name. -Psalm 18:48-49
But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever. Selah. -Psalm 44:7-8
It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. -Proverbs 24:17
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. -Proverbs 29:2
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. -Proverbs 11:10
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 4, AD 2011.
Sometimes there is a difference in how we respond as a government and as patriotic citizens, and how we are to respond as individual Christians to personal situations. For example, turning the other cheek may not be the wisest thing for a government at war to do.
Today I am proud to be an American. I am grateful to President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush. I’m grateful to our military and the other nations who have joined forces with us to fight terrorism.
I am glad that a terrorist leader and mass murderer has been stopped. Dr. Richard Land of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission said it well: “"If anyone ever deserved the forfeiture of his life for crimes against humanity, it was Osama bin Laden.”
“Once again, our magnificent military performed with tremendous bravery and skill. We should all thank God for them and that they are standing on the ramparts protecting our liberty.” (Quoted in Baptist Press.)
Some are saying a Christian should never rejoice over the death of an evil man, or any man. I am well aware of instruction about loving our enemies and not rejoicing when our enemy falls (Ezekiel 33:11; Proverbs 24:17; etc.). We are always to be humble before Almighty God.
These Scriptures, however, should be tempered with such Scripture as listed below. I’m not dancing on anyone’s grave, but rejoicing that justice has been done. And I am rejoicing that God has blessed and protected America.
He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name. -Psalm 18:48-49
But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever. Selah. -Psalm 44:7-8
It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. -Proverbs 24:17
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. -Proverbs 29:2
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. -Proverbs 11:10
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 4, AD 2011.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Others May, You Cannot
Years ago I came across a tract that really spoke to my heart. Spoke to me in ways I can’t fully explain. It convicted me as a young teenager, and continues to do so today. We usually think of Gospel tracts being for unbelievers and presenting the plan of salvation. But, Others May, You Cannot, is a brief message to the believer in Jesus Christ. It will resonate with some, not so much with others.
The Tract League has published this tract for over 40 years. The author is unknown. It is printed below with permission.
Others May, You Cannot
If God has called you to be really like Jesus He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility. God’s call will put such demands of obedience on you that you will not be able to follow other people, or measure yourself by other Christians. At times, He will let other people do things which He will not let you do.
Other Christians who seem very religious will push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans. You cannot, and if you attempt it, you will meet with failure and rebuke from the Lord.
Others may boast of themselves, of their work, of their successes, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you to despise yourself and all your good works.
Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, or may have a legacy left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor. God wants you to have something far better than gold, namely, a helpless dependence upon Him, that He may demonstrate His faithful love for you in supplying your needs day by day.
God may let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hidden in obscurity in order to produce some fragrant fruit for His coming glory which can only be produced in the shade. He may let others be great, but keep you small. He may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it now. The reward for your work is held in the hands of Jesus and you will not see it until He comes.
The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you with a jealous love. He will rebuke you for the little words and feelings or for wasting your time. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own. He does not owe you an explanation of these mysteries. But if you give yourself to be His child, He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and give you the precious blessings for those who belong, heart and soul, to Him.
Settle it forever, then, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit. It is His option to tie your tongue, or chain your hand, or close your eyes in ways that He does not seem to use with others. And when you are so possessed by the living God that your heart delights over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of Heaven.
***
What is your only comfort in life and death?
That I am not my own, but belong, body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and He has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.
He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven. In fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him.
–Heidelberg Catechism
Scripture used in margins of the tract:
I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. -Philippians 3:8
You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalm 16:11
But whoever loses his life for me will save it. -Luke 9:24
-from Tract League (formerly Faith, Prayer and Tract League), 2627 Elmridge Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49534-1329; 616/453-7695; tractleague.com
No. 76 - Christian Living; Pricing: $1.00/doz $6.00/100; Bible version used: NIV
Others May, You Cannot
The Tract League has published this tract for over 40 years. The author is unknown. It is printed below with permission.
Others May, You Cannot
If God has called you to be really like Jesus He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility. God’s call will put such demands of obedience on you that you will not be able to follow other people, or measure yourself by other Christians. At times, He will let other people do things which He will not let you do.
Other Christians who seem very religious will push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans. You cannot, and if you attempt it, you will meet with failure and rebuke from the Lord.
Others may boast of themselves, of their work, of their successes, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you to despise yourself and all your good works.
Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, or may have a legacy left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor. God wants you to have something far better than gold, namely, a helpless dependence upon Him, that He may demonstrate His faithful love for you in supplying your needs day by day.
God may let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hidden in obscurity in order to produce some fragrant fruit for His coming glory which can only be produced in the shade. He may let others be great, but keep you small. He may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it now. The reward for your work is held in the hands of Jesus and you will not see it until He comes.
The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you with a jealous love. He will rebuke you for the little words and feelings or for wasting your time. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own. He does not owe you an explanation of these mysteries. But if you give yourself to be His child, He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and give you the precious blessings for those who belong, heart and soul, to Him.
Settle it forever, then, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit. It is His option to tie your tongue, or chain your hand, or close your eyes in ways that He does not seem to use with others. And when you are so possessed by the living God that your heart delights over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of Heaven.
***
What is your only comfort in life and death?
That I am not my own, but belong, body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and He has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.
He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven. In fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him.
–Heidelberg Catechism
***
Scripture used in margins of the tract:
I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. -Philippians 3:8
You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalm 16:11
But whoever loses his life for me will save it. -Luke 9:24
-from Tract League (formerly Faith, Prayer and Tract League), 2627 Elmridge Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49534-1329; 616/453-7695; tractleague.com
No. 76 - Christian Living; Pricing: $1.00/doz $6.00/100; Bible version used: NIV
Others May, You Cannot
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 2, AD 2011
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