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. 

When You Resign or Retire as Pastor

When you are anticipating your soon resignation or retirement as pastor, you may get a bitter urge for revenge.  Some pastors begin adding up all the slights and unjust things they have suffered during their pastorate.  People, even Christian ones, can be mean, critical, unthoughtful, unfair. 

These thoughts may even be absolutely true.  Though you may have magnified them a bit.  When a person is hurt or upset or struggling, the pastor is sometimes the one on which they unload their frustrations.  You’ve taken a lot.  And you’ve not been compensated for it. 

So, now is the time to get them back.  “On my last worship service, I’ll tell them just what I think about them.  I’m going to get even.  I may even get ahead!  Now is my chance to tell them how sorry they’ve treated me and my family.  I’m going to tell them what lowlifes they really are.  They don’t pay me enough to put up with this.  After all, what can they do?  This will be my last Sunday at this poor excuse for a church.”    

You may want to write it down.  Make an official handwritten record of all the junk you’ve suffered and put up with in this church.  Take some time to document it on paper.  Name names. Use bold print, underline, and add exclamation points. 

Then, take this official document, this masterpiece, and shred it.  Then burn the shredding. 

Why?  

1.  Yes, you’ve taken a lot, but the ministry was never meant to be easy.  Of course, some is easy, some is joyful, some is not. 

2.  The church members, and God, called you to pastor this church to help them, not hurt or destroy them. 

3.  You, of all people, should want to make the ministry of the next pastor as fruitful and joyful as possible. 

4.  If you start listing all the faults of the church, they may start listing all the faults of you as their pastor. 

5.  When Jesus was reviled, He reviled not again. 

“Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”  -1 Peter 2:23

6.  Commit these things to the Lord.  If you really believe in the One whom you preach, will He not eventually make things right in the end? 

7.  Don’t end some of the wonderful past and long-term relationships you’ve made at that church.  Even though you may not be seeing them often, there are still good, solid friendships that should continue. 

8.  Wouldn’t you prefer the church folks think of you fondly, and with respect, instead of with hurt and disappointment? 

9.  Not everyone at the church offended you.  If you leave on an angry note, some good, loving, young believers may be harmed.  They may be seriously hindered in their spiritual lives. 

10.  Set a good example for your church, and your family. 

11.  Some things need to roll off of you like water on a duck’s back.  Don’t become too sensitive.  A thick skin can be a great virtue. 

“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.”  -Psalm 119:165  NKJV (KJV “nothing shall offend them.”)  This verse was a favorite of my mother, Bonnie Galyean Brumbelow, an outstanding pastor’s wife. 

12.  You’ve preached about being spiritually mature.  Now is the time for you to practice it. 

13.  It could be some of your perceptions were wrong. 

14.  In spite of it all, why not leave on a good note?  Love the ones who deserve your love.  And even learn to love the unlovely. 

15.  You may have deserved a better church, but then, they may have deserved a better pastor. 

16.  Some of those church problems just may have had something to do with the pastor. 

17.  Some of those disgruntled church members may have been placed there by the Lord to help knock off some of your rough edges. 

18.  Get over it.  There is a time to feel sorry for yourself, and a time to get over it. 

19.  Time will ease some of the hurt and anger you feel today.  So just resign on a good note, and give yourself time to heal. 

20.  Make the church sorry to see you go. 

21.  Putting up with critics and some foolishness through the years has also allowed you to continue preaching the gospel and ministering to others.  It has allowed you to continue leading boys and girls, men and women to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Graciously resigning may better allow you to continue doing so. 

I understand there are extraordinary circumstances.  But I’m talking about the 95-99% of situations where you should resign with graciousness. 

I’ve had the opportunity to pastor three fine churches.  I’ve not been the perfect pastor.  Every pastor has his strengths and weaknesses.  But I am proud to say I’ve left each church on a positive note.  And each church has later invited me back to speak. 

So pastor, if at all possible, leave on a positive note.  It’s good for you.  It’s good for them.  It’s good for your family.  It’s good for the cause of Jesus Christ. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastastor.blogspot.com, July 11, AD 2022. 

Note: This and other articles here may be used with attribution. 

Articles:

Random Advice to Pastors, Part 1

How To Keep Your Pastor

The Girl Who Saved His Ministry

Quotes on 1 Peter 3:21; Baptism Saves Us

Saving for Retirement

Flee Immorality

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Unborn Babies

June 24, AD 2022 the United State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the unborn.  Your state will no longer be forced to allow abortion.  The state can now make that decision on their own.  After almost 50 years, now a state can choose to not kill unborn babies.  They can limit all or most abortions.  This is a great day for America.  A day for which many have been praying for 50 years. 

This ruling (Dobbs v. Jackson) acknowledges there never was a right to abortion in the US Constitution.  This ruling also means countless lives will be saved.  It is always a good day when Planned Parenthood is packing up and leaving town.  Perhaps it will cause some to think a little more soberly before they engage in immoral behavior.  Don’t risk pregnancy, children, until you are married.  Perhaps more will consider life and adoption. 

For those involved in the abortion industry, there is always hope and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9).  See Abby Johnson and Unplanned, the movie, linked below. 

This ruling also reveals that voting really does matter.  For years I’ve heard it argued that it doesn’t matter if you vote Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal / progressive.  Because we still have abortion and Roe v. Wade.  Well, while it took some time, that argument never was, and is no longer, valid. 

Specifically in this case, those who voted for George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Donald J. Trump, made a huge difference.  They were the presidents who nominated the Supreme Court justices who have now voted to overturn Roe v. Wade.  Also, voting for conservative senators (including Leader Mitch McConnell) made a huge difference for the Pro-Life position.  Senators are the ones who vote to confirm a president’s Supreme Court nominations.  To sum up, a big thank you to those who voted for Bush I, Bush II, Trump, and those who consistently vote conservative and Pro-Life.  Please continue to do so. 

 Strangely, the mainstream media are referring to this decision as polarizing.  Why is it polarizing now, but not for the last 50 years? 

I realize some states will remain Pro-Abortion.  Some will have no restrictions on abortion, right up till just before birth.  But many states will now be permitted to choose to be Pro-Life.  And, we can pray and vote for more states to recognize the value of human life, including the unborn. 

Have you noticed the euphemisms so often used by those who are for abortion, including most media?  According to the dictionary, a euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

Instead of killing unborn babies – Abortion. 

Instead of Abortionist – Abortion Provider

Instead of Baby / Unborn Baby – Fetus or Tissue. 

Instead of Abortion Pill – Abortion Medicine; Women’s Health. 

Instead of Pro-Abortion – Pro-Choice; Abortion Rights. 

Instead of Abortion Mill – Women’s Health Clinic. 

On the other hand, Liberals and the Media refer to the Pro-Life side in harsh terms. 

Instead of Pro-Life, they use Anti-Abortion or Anti-Choice, or Anti- Abortion Rights.  I’ve sometimes wondered if reporters or journalists can even say, “Pro-Life.”

The media (ABC; CBS; NBC; CNN…) and liberals also commonly ask the tough questions to the Pro-Life cause and Crises Pregnancy Centers, and ask softball questions to the Pro-Choice / Pro-Abortion side.  They speak of Choice yet never consider the lives of babies and their lack of Choice. 

 To get both sides of this issue, watch the mainstream media, but also watch / read foxnews.com; NTD news; theepochtimes.com; newsmax; baptistpress.com; etc.  Consider supporting the Pro-Life Crisis Pregnancy Center near you. 

 This is a great time for America.  This is the beginning of Spiritual Awaking in America.  Pray for Revival.  Pray for God’s blessings upon us. 

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

“The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide abortion regime Friday (June 24, AD 2022) that lasted nearly half a century and resulted in the deaths of more than 60 million preborn children.”

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/supreme-court-overturns-roe-abortion-decision/

 Articles: 

Why Abortion Is Wrong

Unplanned, the Movie

13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide

10 Reasons to Avoid Pornography

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web Version. 

Juneteenth

Juneteenth refers to June 19, AD 1865.  That is the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced to the slaves that they were now free.  At the time, there were about 250,000 slaves in Texas.  So Juneteenth, while a federal holiday, began as a uniquely Texas celebration.  It has been officially recognized in Texas since 1980, but celebrated there long before.  It began as an official federal holiday in 2021. 

 Part of the cost of ending slavery in the United States was the loss of around 620,000 men in the Civil War, about 2% of the population of the 1860s. 

 Union General Gordon Granger issued General Order Number 3, which read, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freed are advised to remain at their present homes, and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”  

 Read more about Juneteenth:

https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/juneteenth

 

Note; The Bible and Slavery:  Slavery was part of the world’s culture in Bible days, and for centuries thereafter.  That included slaves of many races.  The Bible tolerated slavery and urged slaves be treated well.  But when viewed as a whole, the Bible definitely points toward liberty for all and treating others as you would want to be treated (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 7:12; Philemon 1:16; etc.).  Two great Bible themes:  The Hebrews escaping slavery in Egypt (Exodus); All of us escaping the slavery of our sins through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1; etc.). 

May everyone have a Happy Juneteenth! 

 -David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, June 20, AD 2022. 

 Articles: 

Quotes by Thomas Sowell

Quotes by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Saving for Retirement

Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol

Other Articles in lower right margin, Web

Version. 

Uvalde, TX School Murder; 4 Suggestions

We all grieve the incredible loss of life in the school shooting and murder (5-24-2022).  I would like to offer four suggestions. 

1.  Every School Police Officer should be equipped with not only a pistol, but two other weapons. 

First, an AR 15 or equivalent.  Second, a high caliber rifle such as a .300 magnum or a .375 H&H. 

Why? 

An AR 15 will put the police officer on much the same level as the active shooter.  A rifle will allow him or her to shoot farther and more accurately, with a high-capacity magazine. 

The addition of a high caliber rifle (more powerful than an AR 15 with .223 ammo) with a scope would allow the officer to shoot through body armor, or at least provide enough blunt force trauma when it hits the active shooter, to put him out of commission.  It could be used for close or long-range shooting. 

The rifles can be kept in an easily accessible secured locker (the locker should also contain breach tools like a large crowbar, battering ram, body armor, shield, etc.).  At times, though, the officer might choose to carry the AR 15; it might be good for students to get used to occasionally seeing it. 

The School Police Officer would be the first responder, and should have these options immediately available.  Thereby, the officer can instantly and aggressively respond to the danger.  A school shooting is no time to simply secure the perimeter and sit around waiting for a SWAT team to arrive. 

By the way, regular police officers should also have such firepower available to them in the trunk of their police vehicles. 

2.  School Teachers and Staff, who are comfortable doing so, should be allowed, and encouraged, to legally carry a concealed gun. 

If students are hiding in a classroom and an active shooter enters or breaks in, most parents would be very happy if the teacher had a concealed weapon.  They may not have an AR 15, but any gun is better than nothing against an armed murderer. 

Do citizens with a concealed gun permit ever stop crime?  Yes, on a regular basis.  But it is seldom reported in national news.  The day after the Uvalde shooting, a convicted felon began shooting at a crowd of people in Charleston, WV.  He was using an AR 15 style rifle.  A woman lawfully carrying a pistol shot and killed the man, probably saving a number of lives.  Concealed carry often makes a positive difference! 

https://www.foxnews.com/us/west-virginia-woman-shoots-kills-man-fired-party?cmpid=prn_newsstand

https://www.foxnews.com/us/shootings-legal-gun-owners-safety-life-threatening-crimes

3.  The spiritual life of our nation must improve. 

A young man with no moral compass may view murder as a valid pursuit.  A strong moral compass develops by respectfully looking to God, the Bible, church.  If you want to measure the strength and stability of our country, one way is to check the health of our churches and other places of worship.  Strengthen yourself and your family by attending and participating in church every week.  Pray for a Revival, a Spiritual Awakening in America.  It has happened before, it can happen again. 

Churches seldom make headlines, they erase headlines! 

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”  -John Adams (AD 1735-1826), second American president. 

4.  Family life must improve. 

Parents who love each other and stay together improve the moral life of their children and the nation.  Don’t have children until you are married.  Parents, love each other and love your children.  Spend time with them.  Dad, be a real man and show your kids, through the years, how a man loves, provides for, leads, and protects his family. 

Will we still have school shootings?  Probably, but they will be reduced.  There are other possibilities, but these suggestions can make a difference.  May God bless and protect America.   

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, May 31, AD 2022. 

 

More Articles in lower right margin, Web Version.