Discipline - A Trip to the Drive-In Store

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  -1 Corinthians 9:25 NKJV

A while back I was driving through Houston, TX and stopped at a Drive-In Store (Convenience Store).  You know, the kind that has just about everything.  I was alone, and no one there knew me. 

As I walked in, I began thinking of the things there I could not have. 

They had beer and all kinds of alcohol.  But I could not have that. 

They had dirty magazines.  I stay away from that. 

They had tobacco, but I don’t smoke or chew. 

Lottery tickets, but I don’t gamble. 

They had all manner of candy (Snickers, Milky Way, Reese’s, Butterfinger, 5^th Avenue…).  I’m diabetic so I could have none of that.  That included kettle cooked jalapeno potato chips, pretzels.  They say bread and chips just turn to sugar; it’s not fair.  Sadly, I could have no Little Debbie Cake Rolls. 

I could not even get an icee (frozen drink) or a regular soft drink; too much sugar.  I just can’t win! 

So, I kind of laughed at myself, bought a Diet Dr. Pepper (sugar-free soft drink) and left.  And hey, I did save a lot of money. 

Some may argue that’s legalism.  No, it’s just being prudent and wise  (Proverbs 22:3; Romans 16:19).  Self-destructive behavior is, well, self-destructive.  We are to be temperate in all things. 

The Sunday School Helper of 1896 wisely quoted, “Temperance is the moderate use of all things helpful and total abstinence from all things harmful.” 

So, as I raise an ice-cold Diet Dr. Pepper, here’s to you.  May you live a wise, prudent, productive life. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, November 5, AD 2019. 

PS – I will admit my eating habits are not perfect, but I’m sincerely striving to do better.  I do eat my fruits and vegetables and drink V8 (vegetable juice).  It seems all life is a discipline. 

Articles: 

Church Covenants, Doctrinal Statements, and Alcohol

What Legalism Really Means

The True Meaning Of Gluttony

The Roman Road of Salvation

10 Reasons to Avoid Pornography

Many more Articles in lower right margin. 

Mildred McWhorter and the Rotten Watermelons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on Miss Mildred McWhorter

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

Articles:

Can A Christian "Save" Others? Yes

Adrian Rogers on Predestination, Calvinism

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

 Alcohol Condemned in the Bible

Alcohol and the Holidays

 Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Robert G. Lee; What He Was Made

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  -2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

This year the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution “On The Necessity Of Penal Substitutionary Atonement.”  It was passed in part because some of the more theologically liberal and progressive folks deny and denigrate this biblical doctrine. 

A discussion of Penal Substitutionary Atonement always includes 2 Corinthians 5:21.  It reminded me of Robert G. Lee’s famous sermon, “What He Was Made.”

R. G. Lee’s outline: 

What He Was Made

1.  Made Flesh  (John 1:14)

2.  Made a Curse  (Galatians 3:13)

3.  Made Sin  (2 Corinthians 5:21)

4.  Made Alive  (Acts 1:3)

A portion of Robert G. Lee’s message on 2 Corinthians 5:21 follows:

“Terrible the fact that He [Jesus, God the Son], the sinless One, was ‘made sin’ in view of God’s hatred of sin. 

Behold this picture:  It is night time.  A little child, wearied with much play, falls asleep.  The father and mother, the light of love beaming in their eyes, the tone of love in their whispering voices, the inexhaustible wonder of parental sacrifice burning in their hearts, put their darling into the trundle bed.  With deft and tender hands the mother smooths the pillow and spreads the coverlets, the father taking in every detail of the scene with admiring eyes.  Child of phenomenal beauty that, its voice sweeter to their ears than chiming bells, its eyes bluer than violets dew-wet, it luxuriant curls golden like sunshine, its face on the pillow dainty like a pink rose in a snow bank, its soft sleep-breathings like faint whispers of a harp touched by angel fingers.  What a mighty hold those baby hands, wee and dimpled, have upon human hearts!  They kneel, those parents, a minute beside the trundle bed, pure thoughts holding high and holy carnival in their minds.  Then, before they go to seek for themselves rest and sleep, they pray that God will give them wisdom to rear that child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

And then, in the night, while they sleep, a rattlesnake with stupid audacity and vile intrusion, crawls in through an open window and into the bed of the child.  The hideous reptile coils itself into a circular pile and lies there apparently in a stupor until, at the movement of a dimpled hand or a turn of the curly head, the rattler, his buttons buzzing with diabolic effrontery, strikes out madly.  And the poisonous fangs are buried in the cheek of the child.  In awful agony it died – while the parents sleep.  The next morning they awake.  They go to the bed and find their approach challenged by the rattler whose head sways ominously while his buttons sing with raucous warning.  They see their child swollen, dead, its little face bearing the evidence of its frightful death agonies. 

Now – if you will magnify the attitude and the hatred for that vile rattler by that father and mother a million times you will have a faint conception of how God Almighty looks toward sins and upon sin.  You will know in some slight measure His perpetual attitude toward sin, His eternal hatred of sin.  Yet it is said that our holy God ‘made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him!” 

Made sin.  What does it mean?  What do they mean, these two words, ‘made sin,’ that stagger under a weight of agony? 

It means that God dealt with Him as He must deal with sin – in severe and unrelenting judgment! 

It means that God sentenced sin, ordered sin to execution in the person and death of His Son.  Jesus has made up before God for all we failed to do and be.  Jesus takes all our sin and sins upon Himself and bestows all His righteousness upon us.  Jesus took sin’s place on the Cross!  Took the guilty culprit’s place there!  Took my place there!  It means that He, the perfectly righteous One, was made sin that we, the unrighteous ones, might be made righteous.  For God meted out to Jesus the full measure of punishment sin deserves. 

It means – He stood before God with all our sin upon Him that we, through faith, might stand before God with none of our sin on us. 

He who was righteous was judged before God as unrighteous that we who are unrighteous should be judged before God as righteous! 

He was made for us all that God must judge and we are made in Him by faith all that God cannot judge. 

And this could not be through physical suffering alone!  By the bloody drops of sweat in Gethsemane, by the dirty sputum, contempt materialized in a liquid, by the rough hands that plucked off His beard, by the merciless steel fingers of Pilate’s  scourge, by the thorns that punctured His brown veins, by the nails that pinned Him to the tree, by His mouth hot like and oven, I know, you know, all of us know, He suffered physically on the Cross. 

But!  To speak of Jesus’ suffering as intense physical torture only is a species of spiritual stupidity and intellectual clownishness.  Because of the depths and vastness of sin’s malignant nature, which caused the feet of Deity to draw back with trembling, terms like bravery, courage, martyrdom, physical agony have no place because they contain no meaning big enough to fit His experience, when He ‘made His soul an offering for sin’ – when he died a spiritual death as well as a physical death.  He founded our joy in the deep bitterness of His own soul. 

The pangs of hell got hold upon Him!  God turned Him into the slime pits of hell!  The thirst of hell was upon Him!  The lightest of His sufferings were physical!  The tortures of the damned were upon Him.  The soul of His suffering was the suffering of His soul.  He bore the burdens of sin on His sinless soul.  And He did this for all – all!...

The death of Christ was for us.  Therefore Christ was condemned to death instead of us.  To condemn us now after we have put our faith in Christ and surrendered personally to Him, would be to say that the death of Christ was not sufficient and that there was no justice with God, for He would get two payments for one debt, two payments for one offense.  But, thank God, the death of Christ is sufficient and God is not possessed of the injustice that demands two payments for one debt – and we can truly say, ‘There is now therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.’ 

We can find no knowledge in the world better than this: that man hath sinned and God hath suffered; that God in Christ made Himself the sin of men; that men are made the righteousness of God! 

In view of this let us ask:  Is any distance too great to go – for Him – who went to the Cross for us?  Is any burden too heavy to bear – for Him – who bore the heavy weight of the world’s sins on His heart?  Is any sacrifice too severe to make – for Him – who was ‘made a curse’ for us?  Is any obligation too heavy to assume – for Him – who was ‘made sin’ in our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him?  Is any service too great to render – for Him – who was made for us all that God must judge and punish?  Is it not time that we say: ‘I count all things but loss…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering’?” 

-Robert G. Lee (AD 1886-1978), pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee, SBC president, author. 

Excerpt from his sermon, “What He Was Made,” in the book,

From Feet to Fathoms, Robert G. Lee, Broadman, Zondervan; 1926. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 3, AD 2017. 

R.G. Lee on Calvinism

Alcohol and the Holidays

Patriotism and Christian Worship

 Other articles listed in lower right margin.  

Proper Use of the Public Invitation

“A theology student from England was sent by a professor to hear a noted preacher on the weekend.  He came back with a kind of sophisticated disgust and said to his professor, ‘Why, that man didn’t do anything but say, ‘Come to Jesus.’ 

‘And did they come?’ his professor gently inquired. 

‘Well, yes they did,’ the student grudgingly replied.

The professor then said, ‘I want you to go back and listen to that man preach again and again until you can say, ‘Come to Jesus’ as he did and people respond.’”  

-Roy J. Fish, Coming to Jesus: Giving a Good Invitation; 2015. 

The Public Invitation, or the Altar Call, is under attack by many Young, Restless, Reformed preachers today.  Most of the criticism, however, seems to be of the improper, rather than proper use of the Invitation. 

I grew up thinking everyone used a Public Invitation.  I was saved during a Public Invitation, and have seen many others come to Christ in this part of the Worship Service.  I strongly favor the use of the Invitation in every Sunday morning Worship Service, and where appropriate, in other services, especially when lost folks are present. 

The Public Invitation is effective, biblical, even psychologically sound.  Pastor, do you want to be a more effective evangelist?  Do you want your church to be more evangelistic?  Do you want to reach more people for Christ?  One way to accomplish this is to learn the reasons for using the Invitation.  Also, learn the proper use of the Invitation. 

How do you learn how to give a good Public Invitation?  Go hear and read good pastors and evangelists and see how they do it. 

Also, read books that defend and explain the use of the Public Invitation. 

Below are some excellent books on the Invitation or the Altar Call.  Every young preacher should read at least one of these books.  They will also serve as a great refresher course for seasoned pastors and evangelists.  They will put a revival fire in your soul. 

The EffectiveInvitation by R. Alan Streett

Coming to Jesus: Givinga Good Invitation by Roy Fish

Drawing the Net by O. S. Hawkins

R. Alan Streett is professor of evangelism at Criswell College and editor of the Criswell Theological Review.  

Roy Fish was a long-time professor of evangelism at Southwestern BaptistTheological Seminary. 

O. S. Hawkins is the former pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas and First Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  He is now the president of GuideStone Financial Resources. 

Come to think of it, why not get all three books on the Invitation?  They're worth every penney. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, March 6, AD 2017. 

Random Advice to Pastors, Part 1

Young Preachers - Finding a Place to Preach; Part 1

W.A. Criswell on Calvinism, Predestination

Evangelist Billy Graham on Charles G. Finney

Other Articles in lower right margin.  

Evangelist T. T. Martin: The Banker and the Preacher

Evangelist T. T. Martin (AD 1862-1939) was a professor, pastor, evangelist.  Born in Mississippi, he was a graduate of Mississippi College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He entered full-time evangelism in 1900 and was known for his effectiveness in bringing conviction and pointing men to the Savior.  He often used large tents for his revival meetings.  He was also known for his opposition to evolution. Thomas Theodore Martin was buried in Gloster, Mississippi and his grave has references to the three texts he viewed as the core of his ministry: John 3:16; Acts 16:31; John 5:24. 

In his 1912 sermon, Rewards – Degrees in Heaven, Evangelist Martin told the story: 

A rich banker in the West a few weeks before Christmas sent a check for three hundred and fifty dollars to his brother in the East, a poor country preacher, telling him to come and bring all of his family and spend Christmas with him.  They had not seen each other since boyhood. 

The preacher and family arrived Christmas eve morning.  That afternoon in carriages the two families drove over the banker’s beautiful farm of a thousand acres of rich land.  Coming in late in the afternoon, they came by the pasture and saw the beautiful herd of blooded cattle.  After a sumptuous supper the banker’s daughters gave them some splendid music and the two families went upstairs to sleep. 

The two white-haired brothers, the banker and the poor country preacher remained downstairs, and for hours talked of boyhood days in the old country home in the East.  At last the conversation, like the fire in the fireplace, had about died out. 

Finally the banker turned and said, “Brother John, may I say something to you and you not get angry?”  Said the preacher, “Why, brother James, you can say anything you wish to me and I will not get angry.” 

Said the banker, “Brother John, you and I were poor boys back in the old country home in the East and we agreed to be partners for life.  One day you came to me and told me that you were called to preach.  I told you then that you were a fool.  What a fool you have been!  Do you remember that rich farm of a thousand acres you saw this afternoon?  Paid for with honest money, John.  This comfortable home for my old age, paid for with honest money, John.  The fifty thousand dollars I have in the bank in the city where I am president of the bank, every dollar of it honest money, John. 

“John, you could have had as much as I have.  What a fool you have been!  Why, I had to send you the three hundred and fifty dollars to bring you and your family that I might see them before I die.  And look at your daughters; they are dressed in such a shabby way that I am ashamed for my neighbors to see my children’s cousins.  And look at you with your old seedy, worn suit and your patched shoes; I am ashamed to take you to town day after tomorrow and introduce you to my business associates. 

What a fool you have been!  Now, John, I am not saying this to wound your feelings; for I love you, John.  But I don’t want you to let any of your boys be such fools as you have been.  You know you have been a fool, John.”   

Then there was silence for some time.  The tears were trickling down the cheeks of the old country preacher. 

At last he broke the silence, “Brother James, may I say something to you and you not get angry?”  “Why, certainly, John, I did not say what I did you make you angry, but to keep you from letting any of your boys be such fools as you have been, for you know you have been a fool, John.” 

“I know,” replied the old preacher, “that it looks like I have been a fool from this end of the line, brother James.  But, brother James, we are both old men and we must soon go.  Don’t be angry with me, brother James, but what have you got up yonder?” 

Again there was silence, which was suddenly broken by the banker sobbing, “Oh, John, I am a pauper at the judgment bar of God.” 

“So is he that layeth up treasures for himself and is not rich toward God.”  They are dying all over the world, men who are redeemed, going to Heaven, but paupers. 

-Evangelist T. T. Martin, God’s Plan With Men; 1912.  Reprinted by Loizeaux Brothers, New York; c. 1950 (no date given). 

This Loizeaux Brothers book is from my dad’s, Joe E. Brumbelow’s, library.  As a boy, I remember him using this illustration in his preaching.  And, I believe my dad’s life was another example of a preacher of the gospel laying up treasure in Heaven. 

There is nothing wrong with being rich, if you can do so while honoring God.  But, whether rich or poor, have you been laying up treasure in Heaven? 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, September 14, AD 2016. 

Articles:

Wealthy Contributors; Neglected Ministries

Small Texas Church Takes on a God-Sized Goal

Baptists on Tithing

Because You Gave

Deuteronomy14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?

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

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

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

Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. -Jesus Christ; Matthew 25:41
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

Occasionally someone would say to Joe, “A loving God would not send anyone to Hell.” Joe Brumbelow would sometimes respond with this illustration:

Suppose your medical doctor told you that you were dying and there was no hope - and you replied, “Isn’t there any hope? Doctor, you can’t just let me die.” Suppose you begged and pleaded with the doctor until he said, “There is just one hope. There is a very rare and expensive medicine, but I know you could never afford it.” You replied, “Doctor, please let me live. You’ve got to get me that medicine.”

Suppose the doctor took pity on you and determined he was going to obtain that medicine, no matter the cost. The doctor sold his house, sold his car and anything else he had of value. Then he borrowed all the money he could, even though it would put him in debt for the rest of his life. Finally he scraped the money together and gave it all to buy you that vial of costly medicine.

The doctor comes to you with the medicine and tells you how much it cost him. “My wife and children will be in poverty from now on, but we couldn’t let you die,” he tells you. He then carefully hands you the precious vial of medicine.

Suppose you looked at that vial of medicine in disdain, and then threw it to the floor. The doctor watches in horror as the vial that cost him everything breaks and the medicine runs into the floor.

Then suppose you had the audacity to say, “Doctor, you’re not just going to let me die are you? I thought you loved me more than that.”

You were a sinner headed for Hell. But God loved you and gave His only begotten Son, the most precious thing He had. Jesus went to the cross for you. He shed His royal blood, gave His life for you and then rose again. Because of the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for you on Calvary, you can simply accept Him as Lord and Saviour and be forgiven and escape Hell. But you reject the most precious gift that has ever been given; then have the audacity to say, “How could a loving God send someone like me to Hell?" 
-from The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, Hannibal Books.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, September 3, AD 2012.

Other Articles:
The Girl Who Saved His Ministry
Adrian Rogers on "Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow"
 How to Get a Life When Ministry Drains it Out of You
Other articles in lower right margin.

Of Jesse Mercer, L. R. Scarborough, Georgia and Texas

“Dr. Jesse Mercer, of Georgia, in 1838 gave $2,500 to the Home Mission Society of Northern Baptists to send two Baptist preachers to evangelize Texas.” -L. R. Scarborough, With Christ After the Lost, Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics, revised by E. D. Head; 1942, 2008.

These were “foreign” missionaries. In 1838 Texas had won its independence only two years earlier and was its own country, the Republic of Texas. It would join the United States of America in 1845.

In 2010, 172 years later, there are (Southern Baptists of Texas Convention statistics):

*  2332 Baptist churches in the SBTC.
*  An average of 237,313 in worship each Sunday.
*  16,988 Baptisms each year.
*  $37,700,000 given to the Cooperative Program, International Mission Board, North American Mission Board and other missions through the SBTC.
*  Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the largest seminaries in the world, is in Fort Worth, Texas.

And this does not even come close to counting all the other Baptists and Baptist institutions in the state of Texas.

Thank you Jesse Mercer, and Georgia Baptists. Thank you Northern Baptists. Thank you for giving to the Lord, and giving to Texas.

Note: L. R. Scarborough, then president of SWBTS, went on to give Texas Baptist statistics for about 1940. I updated them with recent SBTC statistics. Thanks to Lane Rice for help with the SBTC statistics. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 18, AD 2011.

Standing Where the Fire Has Been - H. A. Ironside

"Who loved me and gave himself for me. -Galatians 2:20

One of the first Gospel illustrations that ever made a real impression upon my young heart was a simple story which I heard a preacher tell when I was less than nine years old.

It was of pioneers who were making their way across one of the central states to a distant place that had been opened up for homesteading. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by oxen, and progress was necessarily slow.

One day they were horrified to note a long line of smoke in the west, stretching for miles across the prairie, and soon it was evident that the dried grass was burning fiercely and coming toward them rapidly. They had crossed a river the day before but it would be impossible to go back to that before the flames would be upon them.

One man only seemed to have understanding as to what should be done. He gave the command to set fire to the grass behind them. Then when a space was burned over, the whole company moved back upon it.

As the flames roared on toward them from the west, a little girl cried out in terror, “Are you sure we shall not all be burned up?” The leader replied, “My child, the flames cannot reach us here, for we are standing where the fire has been!”

What a picture of the believer, who is safe in Christ!

'On Him Almighty vengeance fell,
Which would have sunk a world to Hell.
He bore it for a chosen race,
And thus becomes our Hiding Place.'

The fires of God’s judgment burned themselves out on Him, and all who are in Christ are safe forever, for they are now standing where the fire has been."

-Harry A. Ironside, Illustrations of Bible Truth, Moody Press; 1945.
Ironside (1876-1951) was a preacher, author of a number of expository commentaries, and pastor of Moody Memorial Church, Chicago, Illinois. During the last century his commentaries have been among the most popular.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 15, AD 2011.

Botswana Lady Meets Jesus in Cowpen - Gordon Fort, IMB

Gordon Fort tells the story of an outreach to a particular tribe in Botswana. During the outreach they were camping in the bush. He and Benjamin were walking through the bush to see the tribal chief. Benjamin was of this tribe and had met Christ as his Savior in the city. He was returning to tell his tribe about Jesus.

As they walked they saw a lady over to the left about 40 yards milking a cow in a cowpen. Gordon felt the Lord leading him to speak to her. Benjamin advised against it saying the woman would be afraid if two strange men walked over to where she was working alone. “Let’s just go see the chief.”

They went a little further and Gordon felt the same conviction to speak to her. He and Benjamin talked it over again.

A few steps further and the Lord spoke again. Gordon said they must go speak with her.

She saw them walking toward her and stood up behind the cow. Benjamin called out a greeting in her native language and that seemed to put her at ease. They got to the edge of the pen. Gordon asked Benjamin to ask her if she would mind if they told her their story. She nodded yes.

Gordon was speaking one African language and Benjamin was translating to the native language of the local tribe. Through the interpreter Gordon told her the simple Gospel message. Why Jesus came. How He died on the cross. And what it means to be a sinner - one who has disobeyed God and owned the responsibility - a powerful concept to the African people.

The lady’s heart began to open to the truth of the Gospel message. Gordon knew she was under conviction. He told Benjamin to ask her if she would like to ask Jesus into her heart today. Benjamin talked to her and she nodded yes.

Standing at the cow pen, she invited Christ to become the Lord of her life.

When she was finished, she turned from looking at Benjamin, looked at Gordon Fort and began to speak fluent English.

Gordon’s first thought was, “It’s a miracle! This is what all missionaries are looking for.”

She went on to say, “I know you don’t know who I am. I have a Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma. I’m the Chief Instructor at the Teacher’s Training College in the capital city. I happened to come home this weekend to help my parents with the chores.”

“I knew when you saw me in this pen, you’d think that I was just an ignorant peasant woman. I decided in my heart if what you have to say is so important that you would turn aside to share it with me, that it must be the truth.”

Gordon concluded, “That lady became a leading worker in our Baptist work in Botswana.”

You never know what God might do when you share the Gospel with one for whom Christ died.

-from story told by Gordon Fort. Gordon is Vice President of the SBC International Mission Board. He told this story in his President’s Luncheon message at the 2010 annual convention of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention in Corpus Christi. Byron McWilliams is SBTC president.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 6, AD 2011.

Christmas Quotes

“Last month was our giving thanks holiday, and Christmas is God’s way of saying, ‘You’re welcome.’” -Dennis the Menace to his friend Joey

“My nomination for history’s most profound event is the incarnation of God in Christ.” -Ralph Bailey

“Our main job is not to cry, ‘Look what the world has come to,’ but, ‘Look Who has come to the world.’” - Kermit L. Long

“God walked down the stairs of Heaven with a Baby in His arms.” -Paul Scherer

"Christ was born in the first century, yet He belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries.” -George W. Truett

“In BC we know God is. In AD we know who God is.” -author unknown *

But when the fullness of 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

* Note: BC means “Before Christ.” AD is an abbreviation of a Latin term meaning, “In The Year Of Our Lord.”

Merry Christmas!
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 12, AD 2010.

Saint Patrick of Ireland

“I share in the work of those whom He called and predestinated to preach the Gospel among grave persecutions to the end of the earth.” -Saint Patrick

St. Patrick and his holiday are filled with legends. St. Patrick did not drive snakes out of Ireland. He was not a Roman Catholic emissary to Ireland. He wasn’t even Irish, rather, British. Yes, he was a saint, but according to the Bible, all believers are saints (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; etc.).

St. Patrick was born into a Christian home in Britain. There are a number of interesting facts about the British church of Patrick's day. They had bishops, but they were pastors, overseers, of local churches. In the Bible the terms bishop, pastor, elder, are used synonymously to refer to the office of the leader in a local church (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:1-3). Their bishops married and had families (1 Timothy 3:2). They looked to the Bible as their supreme authority. They referred to monasteries, but a little investigation reveals a monastery was just their version of a Bible school or seminary. They had monks, but many monks were married, had children and preached throughout the countryside. A monk was simply a seminary student. They spoke of baptism by immersion. These are some of the reasons the great preacher, W. A. Criswell, preached his 1958 sermon, St. Patrick was a Baptist preacher (see W. A. Criswell in this blog’s right sidebar).

Whatever happened to these ancient British followers of Christ? The Romans withdrew their legions from Britain in the middle AD 400s. The British had not learned warfare and had no ability to protect their country. With the Romans gone, thousands of these British Christians were killed by invaders in the late AD 400s and 500s.

Patrick was born about AD 360 into a Christian home in Britain. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a pastor. He, however, had not yet accepted Christ. In this day, the Celtic tribes of Ireland were uncivilized barbarians. During one of their raids on Britain, 16 year old Patrick was taken captive.

For six long years Patrick was a slave in Ireland. During his slavery, Patrick accepted Christ and his faith was strengthened. He wrote in his Confessions, “I would pray constantly during the daylight hours…the love of God…surrounded me more and more.”

God spoke to Patrick in a dream, “Your hungers are rewarded. You are going home. Look, your ship is ready.” As a fugitive slave, he walked over 100 miles to the Irish coast where he escaped on a ship and returned to Britain.

Back in Britain he entered into Christian ministry and in time became a bishop (pastor). Patrick developed a love for the pagan people of Ireland and sensed a call to take the Gospel to them. So years after he returned home, he voluntarily went back to Ireland as a missionary from Britain.

Patrick lived among the Irish, learned their culture, and gradually began to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Results were slow, but he was patient and faithful. Over time, thousands came to know Christ as their Saviour. He preached the Gospel throughout Ireland and established churches and monasteries (seminaries). Later Irish Christians followed Patrick’s example and spread the Gospel in Scotland, Britain, and Europe.

St. Patrick is one of the heroes of the Christian faith. He shows how growing up in a Christian family does not automatically mean you are a Christian, it must come by personal faith. He is an example of adversity strengthening personal faith. He reveals much about love for the lost, cross-cultural evangelism, and self sacrifice.

A few things to consider next week on St. Patrick’s Day.

Read more about it: St. Patrick was a Baptist Preacher, by W. A. Criswell, wacriswell.com; several Baptist Press articles on St. Patrick, bpnews.net; The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter III.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, March 11, AD 2010.

I Knew You Would Come

In ancient days there lived a great nobleman. His only child was a daughter who was of age to be married. So the nobleman decided to throw a great celebration in his castle that would last for days. He would invite all the young noblemen of the entire area to participate in this grand festival. Surely during this time a suitable husband could be found for his daughter. The appointed day came and the guests began to arrive. Eligible young men began to enjoy the merriment and the great feasts. They did the things young men do to impress a young woman. A beggar in an old cloak appeared at the door of the castle and began to knock. At first they paid him no mind. He persisted so someone threw him a few crumbs of bread. Still he would not go away. Someone cried, “Throw him a few coins. That will get rid of him for sure.” This was done to no effect. The beggar kept knocking. “Go away,” they threatened, “or we’ll unleash the dogs on you.” But he continued to knock with his crutches. They opened the door and asked, “What is it you want?” “Is this not the day for guests to come to seek the nobleman’s daughter? I have come to ask for her hand.” The beggar edged into the courtyard as word spread throughout the castle. Guests gathered to mock and laugh at this poor deluded vagrant. The daughter soon heard the talk and the laughter and asked what the commotion was all about. “It’s just a poor, crippled beggar who wants to marry you.” “I’ll go and see him,” she said. The young woman approached the beggar, “What is it you want?” “I’ve seen you while I myself was unnoticed. I love you deeply and want to marry you.” She paused, looked into his face, and, barely heard above the laughter she replied, “Yes, I will marry you.” “When,” he asked. “In a year and a day.” “Very good, I will return for you,” and he limped away. “You are smarter than we thought,” her friends said. “You sure knew how to get rid of him.” She quietly insisted, “But I meant what I said.” Knowing she could not be serious, the crowd continued their laughter and celebration. The festival resumed but the young woman gave them no encouragement. It finally came to an end on a note of gloom. The nobleman was a good man but greatly disappointed. He counseled his daughter to no avail. He explained how all his money spent for the party had now been a waste. “My wonderful daughter marry a beggar? You know he will never return for you.” A long, cruel year ensued. There was much derision. The daughter would only smile and say, “I’ve made my choice and he will return.” The year slowly passed. The next day arrived uneventful. But at noon something happened. Peals of music and trumpets were heard in the distance. An imperial messenger rode with fury to the castle gate announcing the arrival of the king’s son, the royal prince. There was no time to prepare. The nobleman, with his daughter, barely had time to reach the castle gate. What a sight they saw. As far as the eye could see were rows of knights and servants of the king. The great prince rode a majestic white horse, and was dressed in the finest clothing and armor. His face shined like the sun. The prince stepped down from the horse, “My love, I’ve come back for you just as I promised.” Through tears she whispered, “I knew you would come.” The prince took his bride to his kingdom in a far country. As they left, one of her maids barely had time to ask, “How did you ever know that the beggar was a prince in disguise?” The bride replied, “I looked deeply into his eyes. There was something special in his voice. Deep within, I knew he was the son of the king.” Many of you have been the laughing stock of the world. Some feel sympathy for you in your delusion. How could you give your heart to One who came in humility and was despised by men? You are mocked and misunderstood. But there was something in His eyes, His words, His deeds. Your heart was strangely warmed. You knew He was the Prince of Peace. One day soon, Jesus will return for you, His bride. Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” -1 Peter 2:7 Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! -Revelation 19:9 

Note: Adapted from story by Thomas Lambie.  

 -David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, March 2, AD 2010.

The God of the Second Chance

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” -Jonah 3:1-2

The fateful day was September 14, 1986. Third baseman Bob Brenly was about to experience one of the worst days of his life. The San Francisco Giant tied a major league record by committing four errors in one inning.

First, Bob let an easy ground ball bounce off his glove. Second, he bobbled another easy catch. Third, he actually caught the ball, but threw it twenty feet over the catcher’s head.

Fourth, another ground ball came Brenly’s way. A reporter, relating that ball to a live grenade, said, “Should Brenly throw himself on it and save his teammates, thereby salvaging a measure of honor in death, or turn and run? Courageously , he stood his ground, and the ball kicked off his glove.”

The opposing Atlanta Braves scored four unearned runs because of Brenly’s errors.

The next day Bob told reporters of his despair, humiliation, after error number four. “You know how you hear the old saying, ‘If you make an error you want the next ball‘? After the fourth one, I never wanted to see the ball again.”

After that inning he hid in a tunnel trying to pull himself together. Ever had a day like that?

But Bob Brenly did not give up. In the same ball game, in his next two at bats he hit a home run and a single.

In the bottom of the ninth inning Bob came to bat again. The Giants had two outs and the score was tied. With a full count of three balls, two strikes, a miracle happened. He hit the next pitch for a home run to win the game.

About his four errors in one inning, Bob said, “It’s easy to laugh now, but I was ready to commit suicide. If I could’ve found something sharp, I would’ve slashed my wrists.” Because he did not quit, he heard boos turn to cheers.

Fifteen years later Brenly was the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. In games four and five of the World Series against the New York Yankees, the Diamonbacks were just one out from a win. Each time the Yankees came from behind and won the game. After those two crushing defeats, in the seventh and final game, the Diamondbacks came from behind in the bottom of the ninth and won 3-2. Perhaps part of that was because Manager Brenly understood that you never give up, and sometimes you get a second chance.

Did you foul up in 2009? Have you failed? Christianity is a faith of grace, mercy, forgiveness. Jesus, God the Son, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and miraculously rose again. He gives us the gift of salvation, forgiveness, eternal life when we turn our lives over to Him. Even after we accept Him as Savior, we continue to sin, we sometimes fail. Yet Jesus loves us still and comes to us again. Jesus Christ offers His mercy and forgiveness, if we will simply confess our sins to Him, and get back in the ballgame. God is a God of the second chance. So whatever your failures, make your life count in the Year of our Lord, 2010.

May you all have a Happy New Year.

Reference: WORLD magazine, Marvin Olasky, November 17, 2001.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 30, AD 2009.

R. L. Sumner and the Biblical Evangelist

Where can I find some great old time sermons? How about some pastoral help or help starting a church? Where can I get some good sermon illustrations? What about good, honest book reviews?

A great source is the Biblical Evangelist edited by Evangelist Robert L. Sumner. Sumner has been pastor, evangelist, author for many years. He is an old time, independent Baptist fundamentalist. Sumner served as associate editor of the independent Baptist Sword of the Lord with John R. Rice.

R. L. Sumner has known virtually every fundamentalist leader of the last century. He is author of over 30 books. Included are commentaries on Ephesians, Hebrews, and James. They are filled with sermon illustrations. Other books include: Hell Is No Joke, Fundamentalist Foibles, Does the Bible Teach That Water Baptism is a Necessary Requirement for Salvation?, Powerhouse, and many others.

Wait a minute. Are you trying to get us Southern Baptists to leave the SBC and become independent Baptists? No. Dr. Sumner is not out to fight or destroy the SBC. He will sharply oppose what he thinks is wrong, whether it be SBC, independent Baptist, or whatever. But he often refers favorably to Southern Baptists and Baptist Press.

A couple of years ago I had some extra copies of the Biblical Evangelist that I passed out in our Baptist Association. To explain it I said I was not trying to start an independent movement. But if you read Sumner’s material and Rick Warren’s writings and mix them up, you’ll be a perfectly balanced Southern Baptist :-).

Adrian Rogers was a subscriber and contributor to the ministry of the Biblical Evangelist. Those endorsing Sumner’s books have included John R. Rice, Adrian Rogers, Lee Roberson, O. S. Hawkins, Warren Wiersbe, Bruce M. Metzger, Hyman Appelman, Theodore H. Epp, Elmer L. Towns, Tom Malone, Charles U. Wagner.

His books are available at: Biblical Evangelism, 5717 Pine Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606-8947. E-mail: kjsher@msn.com Sumner’s commentary on James is $12., Hebrews is $20, postpaid.

Adrian Rogers wrote, “This work of Robert Sumner on the Book of Hebrews represents the wisdom and experience God has built into him through years of fruitful ministry… Doubtless, much of this work will find its way into my own preaching. I commend it joyfully and fully.”

Subscribe to the print copy of Biblical Evangelist today. Just click the icon under “Sites I Mainly Agree With” at the bottom right of this blog, then click “subscribe” and fill out the form The website just features a few articles, so subscribe to the print copy. A subscription is free; a letter asking for a donation to this ministry is mailed once a year. (Send them a good donation.) Or, you can send your mailing address and request a subscription at the address above.

R. L. Sumner is an interesting writer. You may lose some sleep when you get your issue of Biblical Evangelist; it is difficult to put down. No, you will not agree with everything. Sumner is sure to make you angry about something, but you‘ll get over it. In the process, you’ll be encouraged in doctrine, preaching, history, evangelism.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor; June 29, AD 2009.

Happy Father's Day!

A Little Fellow Follows Me

A careful man I ought to be,
A little fellow follows me.
I do not dare to go astray,
For fear he’ll go the self-same way.

I cannot once escape his eyes,
What’er he sees me do he tries.
Like me some day he’s going to be,
That little chap who follows me.

I must remember as I go,
Through summer’s sun and winter’s snow,
I’m building for the years to be,
Cause a little fellow follows me.
-Unknown

Write a Letter
Write a letter to your son / daughter on their 12th birthday.
Tell them how proud you are of them. Be specific.
Tell them about the most important things in life.
Date it (month, day, full year) and sign it.
Keep a copy or two, just in case they get mad at you in their teen years and throw it away!
It may or may not mean a lot to them today.
It will probably mean the world to them in 30 or 40 years.

Don’t know the source of “Write a Letter” but it is great advice. It can be used at other ages as well.

It has been said, “A dad is someone who has photos in his wallet where he used to have money.” My dad used to say, “I invested all my money in three boys.” Investing your money, time, love in your family - that is about the best investment out there.

To all dads, Happy Father’s Day!

A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. -Isaiah 32:2

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 17, AD 2009.

PS - To those traveling to the SBC, hope to see some of you there. Leave a few Gospel tracts along the way, and tell somebody in Louisville about Jesus.