Top Three Seminaries

An extensive study of Baptist and Evangelical seminaries has been conducted over the last 54 years. This study has been conducted by none other than David R. Brumbelow of Gulf Coast Pastor. He speaks for himself and probably a half dozen other pastors out there. I would argue, however, that my results would be affirmed by a sizable number of believers, Southern Baptist and otherwise.

There are many good, solid seminaries out there. And many poor seminaries. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I would be happy to recommend to anyone the seminaries listed below.

1. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 22000, Fort Worth, Texas USA 76122. 800/SWBTS-01; 817/923-1921. swbts.edu
Extension campuses in Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; Shawnee, Oklahoma; etc.

I’m a graduate of SWBTS, but please don’t hold that against them. Southwestern is one of the largest and most influential seminaries in the world. It’s graduates serve, and have served throughout America and the world. Founded by the famous B. H. Carroll in 1908, it was the first seminary to include a Chair of Evangelism, also called the Chair of Fire. This Evangelism Chair was begun by pastor and evangelist L. R. Scarborough, who became the second president of SWBTS.

Today it is led by president Paige Patterson, a scholar, writer, and evangelist. Dr. Patterson is one of the well-known leaders of the Conservative Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention, the movement that brought the SBC back to its commitment to the inerrancy of the Bible.

Each year SWBTS students go throughout the United States conducting Revivals and winning folks to the Lord. Recently they have led over 200 to the Lord in the area right around the Fort Worth campus. SWBTS is accredited, conservative, scholarly, and evangelistic. Whether you want to study evangelism, music, missions, Bible, theology, religious education, biblical languages, archaeology, history, pastoral ministry, this is a great place to enroll.

2. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70126. 800/662-8701; 504/282-4455. nobts.edu

Even back in the moderate days of the SBC (pre 1979), NOBTS, along with SWBTS and GGBTS, was known as one of the more conservative SBC seminaries. It’s graduates have included Jerry Vines, Adrian Rogers, and Paige Patterson. It is led by Dr. Chuck Kelley, who has served as a vocational evangelist. Kelley is a graduate of Baylor and NOBTS. Prior to being elected as president, Dr. Kelley served NOBTS for 13 years as evangelism professor.

NOBTS was founded in 1917 by the Southern Baptist Convention. It has extensions in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida. They subscribe to the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. Most all of what was said about SWBTS can also be said about NOBTS. It’s a great seminary.

3. Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary, 2095 Appling Road, Cordova, Tennessee 38016, United States. 901/751-8453; 800/968-4508. mabts.edu

Founded in 1971, MABTS states, “We believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, wholly without error as originally given by God, and is sufficient as our only infallible rule of faith and practice. We deny that other books are inspired by God in the same way as the Bible.” 

MABTS also says,
“Every faculty member accepts the plenary verbal inspiration of the Bible.
Every faculty member is a faithful witness for Jesus Christ.
Every faculty member is an active member of a cooperating Southern Baptist church.
Every faculty member in the theological and educational field holds an earned doctorate.
Every faculty member is available for counseling with students.”

Dr. Michael R. Spradlin serves as president and teaches in Evangelism. The seminary’s founder and first president was Dr. Gray Allison. Mid America now meets on 35 acres of land given to them by Bellevue Baptist Church. Adrian Rogers was a strong supporter of MABTS. It is an “independent” Southern Baptist seminary and supportive of the SBC. It does not receive Cooperative Program funds, but supports the CP. Mid America was a conservative influential school during the SBC Conservative Resurgence. They have an extension in Schenectady, New York.

All three of these schools are accredited, conservative, scholarly, evangelistic, and believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. They uphold the fundamental, basic doctrines of our Christian faith. So if you've been called to the ministry and are looking for a seminary, these are three that I would strongly recommend.

Note: These three seminaries are listed / linked in the margin to the right under Sites I Mainly Agree With.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 5, AD 2011.

Edith Beaugh

For anyone needing information about my aunt, Mrs. Edith Beaugh (Edith Counts Beaugh; Edith Galyean Beagh) of Lake Jackson, TX, contact:
David R. Brumbelow, P.O. Box 300, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566.

(Edith Beaugh is deceased, the Post Office would not forward her address)

Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists: Calvinism, Revivals, Evangelism, Tracts

PHOENIX (BP)--The need for renewed evangelism, concerns about Calvinism and comments regarding North American Mission Board budget cuts were voiced during the annual evangelists-sponsored worship service prior to the SBC annual meeting.

The Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists' gathering June 12, with the theme "Ageless Urgency," featured three preachers: Eric Fuller, Harold Hunter and Brian Fossett.

"If there was ever a time that evangelism needed to be at the forefront, now is that time," COSBE president's, Braxton Hunter, told the assembly. "There is little concern for evangelism in our convention."…

Calvinism is "a big problem today in our country, and among Christians," [Eric] Fuller said.

"If you are a Calvinist in this place this morning, stop trying to convert Christians to Calvinism and begin sharing the Gospel with lost people so that the Lord can convert them to Christianity," Fuller said. "If you are a non-Calvinist this morning, stop talking about sharing the Gospel and get out there and actually do it.

Brian Fossett, a former COSBE president and member of Liberty Baptist Church in Dalton, Ga., preached from Ephesians 4:11, encouraging attendees to get back to "the three T's" of evangelism -- "tracts, training and testimonies" -- that he said would "revolutionize our churches."

Harold Hunter, president of Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Ind., and the father of Braxton Hunter, said in his message he is "burdened about the direction of our Southern Baptist Convention," noting that Southern Baptists baptized 17,416 fewer people in 2010 than in 2009, representing the lowest number of annual baptisms in 60 years.

"Evidently this new wave of trying to be relevant to the people in the bars on Friday night is not really working," Harold Hunter said. "Either what you do at your church and what this convention does is supernatural or it's superficial."…

"I hear those of Reformed theology say, 'Well, the founders of our great convention -- all of them were basically Calvinists,'" Hunter said, adding that for every Calvinistic founder of the SBC he could name three who were not.

"Let me tell you something: It was not the giants, be they Calvinists or not, who made the Southern Baptist Convention great," Hunter said. "It was the great host of people whose names are never mentioned: the evangelists, the missionaries, the small church pastors, the laymen, and the women, bless God."

Noting he wanted to "clearly preach about the ethics of those who aspire to leadership in our convention," Hunter said: "There is scarcely a week goes by that in my office I hear of some church fallen into disrepair because some man who was a Calvinist -- limited atonement -- and didn't tell the pulpit committee or the deacons until he became pastor, and then it split the church. I believe you ought to be honest. If that's what you are, then tell them that's what you are."
-bpnews.net, June 21, 2011, by Norm Miller and Art Toalston.


Read the entire Baptist Press article: COSBE Lifts Evangelism, Laments Funding Cuts

Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists (COSBE) 
http://www.sbcevangelist.org/

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 27, AD 2011.

Other articles of interest:
Patriotism and Christian Worship
Unlimited Atonement, Jesus Died for All
Acts 29, Alcohol, and the Southern Baptist Convention
See more under Gulf Coat Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right margin. 

B. H. Carroll on Pastors and Alcohol

A question has recently been asked about B. H. Carroll and what he believed about drinking. B. H. Carroll (AD 1843-1914) was the famous founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas (swbts.edu). He has been very influential in Southern Baptist history. George W. Truett, L. R. Scarborough and many other leaders looked to Carroll with great admiration.

The brief quote below pretty well sums up Carroll‘s view on drinking.

“No man should be made the pastor of a church who drinks intoxicating liquors as a beverage.” -B. H. Carroll, Interpretation of the English Bible.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 21, AD 2011.

Note: Just before the quote above, Carroll said he was not going to raise the issue of “total abstinence.” Some have been confused then by his following statement. The answer is simple. While most today would use “total abstinence” to refer to not using alcohol as a beverage, Carroll was using the term to refer to no use of alcohol period, even as a medicine. Alcohol was viewed back then as an important medicine; it is not viewed that way today. For those wanting more evidence, they should also be aware that Carroll was a strong advocate for Prohibition. But he, like most abstainers today, would recognize a possible legitimate use of alcohol for medicinal reasons.

Related Articles:
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book (includes more quotes by B. H. Carroll)
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
Acts 29, Alcohol, and the Southern Baptist Convention
B. H. Carroll on Hyper-Calvinism
Other related articles in Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand column.

Southwestern Centennial Classics; B. H. Carroll, L. R. Scarborough, T. B. Maston...

The Centennial Classics are a set of books reprinted in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas (SWBTS; swbts.edu). All of these books were written by presidents and professors of SWBTS.

The Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics are:

Inspiration of the Bible by B.H. Carroll
With Christ after the Lost by L.R. Scarborough
Recruits for World Conquests by L.R. Scarborough
Lee Rutland Scarborough : a life of service by H.E. Dana
The Blossoming Desert : a Concise History of Texas Baptists by Robert Baker
The Bible and Race by T.B. Maston
Jesus the Teacher by J.M. Price
The Work of the Holy Spirit by W.T. Conner
A Manual of Church History (2 Volumes) by A.H. Newman

B. H. Carroll's book was influential in the SBC Conservative Resurgence.  Scarborough's book, With Christ After the Lost, was for many years an evangelism textbook, and influenced many Baptists for evangelism. 

Purchase them for yourself and your church library. They also make a great gift for your pastor or for a young preacher. Give him the entire set, or just give him one book a year for Christmas; there, you have your gifts taken care of for the next decade :-).

Original cost was $100. Now they can be purchased for $60 plus $6.50 postage.

This entire set of Centennial Classics can be ordered from SWBTS, P. O. Box 22500, Fort Worth, Texas 76122.

For more information call 817/923-1921, extension 4848.

That’s ten hardcover books for just $6 each. I have the set of books and highly recommend them.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 20, AD 2011.

Acts 29, Alcohol, and the Southern Baptist Convention

Acts 29 keeps coming up in discussions of the SBC, alcohol, and Calvinism. As a general rule, it seems that those who favor social drinking and ending Southern Baptist’s long standing opposition to beverage alcohol are those who are connected with Calvinism, the Acts 29 organization, or both.

Let me also add that many Calvinists believe the Bible teaches abstinence from alcohol. I assume there are also those in Acts 29 who believe the same. I pray many more will come to this conviction. (For example, Charles H. Spurgeon was a Calvinist who was very opposed to alcohol. See Gulf Coast Pastor article on Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol).

In case you missed it, four years ago Baptist Press had a fascinating article about this issue. A controversy developed among Missouri Baptists over The Journey Church that was apparently promoting beverage alcohol consumption and had a part of the church meeting at a brewery.

Many a church has started in a bar, but with the alcohol bar closed during the service. This brewery, however, was serving beer to participants during the Bible Study. The Journey was a part of the SBC, Acts 29, and Missouri Baptists. A few quotes from the BP article are in bold print below.

"Last December, The Journey’s website included an invitation to 'grab a brew, share your view' when attending the Theology at the Bottleworks meeting. A picture of people raising glasses of beer in an apparent toast appeared adjacent to an essay by [Pastor Darrin] Patrick on the church’s website. Patrick attributed the content to a secular website design company hired by the church. He told Baptist Press he had the alcohol-related verbiage and picture removed as soon as they came to his attention because 'it does not reflect the values of our church.'

Still, the church’s unconventional means of reaching the lost might be shaping its internal culture as much as the church is shaping others. The bio of The Journey’s mission pastor, Jonathan MacIntosh, mentions that he enjoys drinks with his wife 'at the almost secret bar beneath Brennan's in the Central West End.'

Patrick, who is vice president of Acts 29, an association of emergent churches, conceded that as a group, Acts 29 holds a 'much more liberal view' of alcohol use than The Journey.

Some website material seems to support his conclusion.

The pastor of an Acts 29 church in San Diego (non-SBC), for example, claims on the Internet: 'Beer is one of our core values. We enjoy it and like to drink it.' Although the statement appears meant for humor, it seems to show a casualness of attitude about alcohol consumption.

Another Acts 29 church (also non-SBC) -- the Seattle-area Damascus Road Church -- sponsors a men’s poker night for which gamblers are encouraged to bring beer. The website also states: 'There is just something about having food on your plate and a drink in your hand that makes fellowship that much easier. Whether the food is healthy or fattening, or the drink is coffee or beer, we desire to follow Christ's example.'

The alcohol issue goes straight to the top at Acts 29, whose president, Mark Driscoll -- who is pastor of the Seattle-area Mars Hill Church -- wrote in his book, 'Radical Reformission,' that abstinence from alcohol is a sin. In a chapter titled 'The Sin of Light Beer,' Driscoll explains that he came to this conclusion while preparing a sermon on the Lord’s miracle at Cana where Jesus turned water into wine. *

According to information published on the church’s website, Mars Hill sponsored a New Year’s Eve party that included a champagne bar. Mars Hill’s website also advertises 'beer-brewing lessons ... whenever a large group of (Mars Hill) men get together.'

Driscoll is controversial also for once having the reputation of the 'cussing pastor.' However, as he recounted on his blog, he finally listened to a friend who helped him realize he was becoming known for 'good theology, a bad temper, and a foul mouth,' and he repented, starting with a public apology."  -bpnews.net

Read the entire Baptist Press article at the following link:

Alcohol, Acts 29 and the SBC

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 7, AD 2011.

Related Articles:
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Dr. Robert Wring on Baptists and Elder Rule
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; Update
The Problem With Drunk Preachers
See Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin, on such topics as Alcohol; Alcohol Today; etc.

* For a clear answer on Jesus turning water to wine see the book, Alcohol Today by Peter Lumpkins, Hannibal Books.  Available at your local bookstore or amazon.com.
Also see Ancient Wine and the Bible by David R. Brumbelow. 

Missionary Kids - Free Tuition at Criswell College

Criswell College was founded by W. A. Criswell and First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas. Dr. Paige Patterson, now at SWBTS, was president at Criswell. For several years now Jerry A. Johnson has done a great job as president. Criswell College was crucial on the conservative side in the SBC Conservative Resurgence. It is one of the few colleges that publicly takes a stand in favor of the inerrancy of the Bible.

Criswell College has announced full-tuition scholarships for the kids of Southern Baptist missionaries serving with the International Mission Board. See the details below.

Criswell College announces full-tuition scholarships for children of IMB missionaries

Check out Criswell College, Dallas, Texas at criswell.edu

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 2, AD 2011.

Sources of Gospel Tracts; Tract Racks

Tracts (or pamphlets, brief, printed Christian fliers or messages), have been used for many years to point people to Jesus Christ. They are an important means of presenting the Gospel. This post tells you a few places to purchase tracts and tract racks.

Sources of Tracts

American Tract Society
P. O. Box 462008
Garland, Texas 75046-2008
atstracts.org
800/548-7228
ATS has excellent tracts including salvation, patriotic, sports, Spanish, etc.

North American Mission Board (NAMB)
4200 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, Georgia 30022-4176
770/410-6000; 800/634-2462
namb.net

LifeWay
LifeWay.com (do a search for “tracts,” or “Choice Creation”) 
Also check at LifeWay Stores. 

State Baptist Conventions
Southern Baptists of Texas Convention
sbtexas.com

Southern Baptist Convention
sbc.net

Check also with your local Baptist Association 

Tract League
2627 Elmridge Drive
Grand Rapids, MI 49534-1329
616/453-7695
tractleague.com

Good News Tracts
goodnewstracts.org

Individual Tracts and Pamphlets
Church Covenant

Church Covenant Hymnal Insert

Baptist Faith & Message 2000

Welcome to God’s Family (for new believers)

NAMB has a good tract (Hope in Crises) used by Disaster Relief. I could not find it, however, on their website; give them a call.

Other Possibilities
Write your own tracts and get them published. Check them for grammar and spelling. Always include a full address so they can contact you or order more.

A church can print a small half page flyer telling the Christmas Story or Easter Story and distribute them during those holidays. Include your church's full name and address. 

Tract Rack
Years ago our church ordered a tract rack from ATS. It can be hung from a wall or set on a table. It has 20 pockets for tracts. We've used this type tract rack in collegiate ministry as well.

Tract wall hangers usually have one or two pockets and can easily be placed on a wall.

Use tracts to advertise your church. Get a rubber stamp or mailing labels. Place the name and full address of your church on the back of each tract.

Hope these sources are helpful. Purchase some tracts yourself, or check with your church about purchasing them and having a tract ministry. Share the Good News with a world in need of hope.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 1, AD 2011.

See related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
L. R. Scarborough on Tracts
Church Buildings - Dos and Don'ts #1
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
The Roman Road of Salvation
Church Buildings - Dos and Don'ts #1
Church Covenant

L. R. Scarborough on Tracts

“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

"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

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. 

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

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.

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

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 2, AD 2011

Why Use Tracts?

(Flyers, pamphlets that present a Christian message.)

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth: It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. -Isaiah 55:11

1. They can plainly present Scripture, the Gospel, the love of Jesus Christ.
2. Can be left anywhere and shared with anyone.
3. There are tracts for all different kinds of needs.
4. Can be used to help you as you verbally present the plan of salvation.
5. After you have witnessed to someone, a tract can be left with the person to back up what you have just presented.
6. Can be taken home, reread, or passed along to others.
7. When they are labeled (rubber stamp or address label with church name and address) they can help advertise your church.
8. Tracts are inexpensive and can be easily used.
9. A tract has the potential to go on witnessing to someone long after you are gone.
10. Even if the person cannot read or does not know the language, he can get someone else to read or translate it to him.

* Will everyone be won to Christ with a tract? No, of course not. But some will! Or, it may be one of a number of things that brings the person to Christ. This is not the only effective means of witnessing, but it is one of them.
* You can keep tracts handy and in good shape by storing them in a zip lock plastic bag in your car, purse, etc.
* A friendly, personal word to the person to whom you give the tract, usually makes them more likely to read it.
* Always be on your best behavior when using tracts; otherwise you hinder rather than help the cause of Christ.
* Always pray for those receiving the tracts.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 25, AD 2011.

Patriotism and Christian Worship

Can we be patriotic in our July 4th Worship Service? Can we sing patriotic songs and have the American, Texas, and Christian flags in our sanctuary? Yes, of course we can.

It seems rather strange that practices I grew up with, seen in church all my life, seen the great majority of churches use, are now vehemently challenged. Some seem to feel they are the first generation in 2,000 years to finally get Christianity right. They have no appreciation or respect for those generations of believers on whose shoulders they stand.

I heard of a young new pastor in a large church in another state who banned the flag in church and refused to do anything patriotic or recognize veterans. The church was seriously hurt and the pastor, perhaps wiser, soon moved on. A new pastor should consider the wisdom of going to a 50 or 100 year old church and self-righteously telling them they have it all wrong and he is going to straighten them out. It just could be that newly hatched pastor needs to learn a few things.

Some have fretted over a patriotic service causing confusion over our allegiance to Christ and to our country. Frankly, I’ve never had someone come to me with such confusion. Usually this issue is pretty clear. Jesus said, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

Some have worried a patriotic service leads to idolatry. Far from idolatry, come July 4th we commonly thank God (that’s a mighty Christian thing to do) for the good things about our country, and speak out against the moral failings of our country. We do not blindly follow our country, right or wrong. We are grateful however, for God’s blessings on America, including the incredible gift of religious liberty.

It seems that like the Public Invitation and using the Sinner’s Prayer, most criticism of having a patriotic worship service is more a criticism of the abuse, rather than the proper use of them. Of course we should not abuse them. But properly used, they are greatly used of God.

Some criticize a patriotic worship service because it is not explicitly found in Scripture. So are a long list of other practices the critics use on a regular basis. No, God Bless America is not found in the Psalms; but the concept is there, and there is nothing anti-biblical about using a patriotic service to tell folks about Jesus.

What about international students being in a patriotic worship service? Well, they can learn that Americans love God and love their country. They can see believers praying for their country. They can see believers striving to better their country. International students may just be inspired to go home to their own country and do likewise.

I spoke to a Baptist Student Ministry college group about the American history of Thanksgiving. An international student later thanked me and told how she enjoyed the message. She said she had always wondered about Thanksgiving since her country did not have such a holiday. It is not difficult to use an American cultural theme to teach Christian concepts.

Some have expressed concern that a patriotic service may turn into a partisan political rally. Certainly that could happen, but it can also be easily avoided. We’ve never done that in a church I’ve pastored. There is nothing partisan and out of line in singing some patriotic songs and expressing your love and godly concern for country.

Are there some tensions and conflicts between God and country? Yes. That is why Christians discuss the issue of a just war. That is why just because a man dies fighting valiantly for his country - that does not earn him a ticket to Heaven; only faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ does that. But a patriotic worship service can give us the perfect venue to preach that very truth!

Recently I preached on being ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador learns the customs of his adopted country, while integrating and teaching them the customs of his home country. A Christian ambassador learns the customs of the country in which he resides, while teaching them the customs and beliefs of his home country of Heaven. Our church had an Easter Egg Hunt. We took a custom of our country of America (Easter Egg Hunt) and used it to teach the values and beliefs of Heaven, the Sacrificial Death and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

July 4th (Independence Day) our church will celebrate the good things of America, pray about the bad things concerning America, all the while pointing folks to Jesus. We will hold our 2008 LifeWay Baptist Hymnals, turn to a patriotic song or two, and sing with gusto. Despite what some critics are saying, you can too!

Note: the Baptist Hymnal (or Broadman Hymnal) has included patriotic songs since at least the 1940 Broadman Hymnal. Other Christian hymnals have done the same. Baptists, without apology, have expressed their patriotism going back to at least the Revolutionary War of the 1700s; they have also criticized their country when they believed it wrong.
The 2008 Baptist Hymnal includes the song, O Canada. I have no problem with believers in other countries being patriotic. If I were worshipping in Canada, I would gladly sing O Canada right along with them.

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

Related Articles:   
Saved by the Sinner’s Prayer
SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America

Obituary - Pastor David Elliot (AD 1931-2011)

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. -1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Reverend Berl David Elliot passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Born September 3, 1931, he was known as “Sonny” to family, “David” to friends, and “Preacher” to generations of people in communities across East and South Texas. He devoted his life to supporting his family, church members, and community.

Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church, Highlands, Texas March 18, 2011 at 10 am. Deacons in the church served as pallbearers. Burial was at Sterling-White Cemetery, Highlands, TX.

Brother Elliot grew up on farms and ranches and did ranch work as a young man. He owned and rode horses most of his life. He loved his family, watched sports, enjoyed telling stories and country music. His favorite was Johnny Cash.

Rev. Elliot was a graduate of the University of Corpus Christi, TX and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX. He pastored churches in South and East Texas, including Second Baptist Church, Highlands. He was a leader in the San Jacinto Baptist Association.

He is survived by his wife Betty Ruth Elliot; brothers Bob and Bill; children David Elliot, Warren Elliot, Jeanene Ickes, and son-in-law Jerry Ickes; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

David Elliot’s obituary was in the March 17, 2011 Baytown Sun.

Brother David had a clear mind right to the end. On the last day of his life, his wife Betty related how David Elliot said, “I get to talk to God today.”

Update:  David Elliot's obituary was also listed in the May 2, 2011 issue of the Southern Baptist Texan. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 11, AD 2011.

2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America

Some have alleged Southern Baptists have not spoken to the alcohol issue because it is not mentioned in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. While alcohol is not mentioned in our doctrinal statement, it has often been dealt with by the Southern Baptist Convention.

Southern Baptists have spoken with a clear voice against alcohol for well over 100 years. The most recent resolution was overwhelmingly passed in 2006. It is listed below. Many other SBC resolutions on alcohol can be found at sbc.net (under Faith & Facts). As a matter of fact, 59 resolutions against alcohol have been passed by the SBC since 1886.


On Alcohol Use In America
June 2006

WHEREAS, Years of research confirm biblical warnings that alcohol use leads to physical, mental, and emotional damage (e.g., Proverbs 23:29-35); and

WHEREAS, Alcohol use has led to countless injuries and deaths on our nation's highways; and

WHEREAS, The breakup of families and homes can be directly and indirectly attributed to alcohol use by one or more members of a family; and

WHEREAS, The use of alcohol as a recreational beverage has been shown to lead individuals down a path of addiction to alcohol and toward the use of other kinds of drugs, both legal and illegal; and

WHEREAS, There are some religious leaders who are now advocating the consumption of alcoholic beverages based on a misinterpretation of the doctrine of "our freedom in Christ"; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, June 13-14, 2006, express our total opposition to the manufacturing, advertising, distributing, and consuming of alcoholic beverages; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge that no one be elected to serve as a trustee or member of any entity or committee of the Southern Baptist Convention that is a user of alcoholic beverages.

RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptists to take an active role in supporting legislation that is intended to curb alcohol use in our communities and nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptists to be actively involved in educating students and adults concerning the destructive nature of alcoholic beverages; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we commend organizations and ministries that treat alcohol-related problems from a biblical perspective and promote abstinence and encourage local churches to begin and/or support such biblically-based ministries.
-SBC, Greensboro, NC

Related articles:
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol
Alcohol Condemned in the Bible 

Biblical Principles Condemn Alcohol
Evidence for the Two-Wine Theory
See other related articles in right hand margin toward the bottom under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).  

New book: Ancient Wine and the Bible: The Case for Abstinence by David R. Brumbelow.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 4, AD 2011. 

Young Preachers - Finding a Place to Preach; Part 2 of 2

Now you are actively involved in your church. You’re sincerely living the Christian life. You’re getting acquainted with Southern Baptists and great preaching.

But how do I get opportunities to preach?

1. Ask your pastor if he has any opportunities where you could have a chance to preach. Let him know you would like to begin preaching. Tell him you would love to bring a short devotional to the youth, or other church classes. If there are time limits, honor them. As one of my professors said, “Men, there is no such thing as a bad short sermon.” Better to leave them wanting more, than leave them wanting less.

2. See if there are opportunities to preach or bring a devotion in a Nursing or Rehab Home. Mrs. Osea Voelkle led church services in an Assisted Living Home when I was a teenager. This was before I had my driver's license.  She asked, and was delighted that I was willing to go with them and preach a sermon. I learned much through those experiences. Do the same at Youth Camps, etc.

3. After your pastor has had a chance to hear you preach a time or two, ask him if he would be willing to contact neighboring pastors and let them know you are available to Supply Preach. Supply preaching is filling in for a pastor when he is sick or on vacation. Many pastors would love to have someone like you to call on at the last minute. If your pastor is willing to write a letter recommending you, offer to do the work of addressing letters and paying the postage to mail them. Send a copy to your local, and neighboring Baptist Association offices as well.

If you have preached in other churches, you might want to include the names and numbers of other pastors who would also recommend you. Ask your pastor for his advise along these lines.

4. If possible attend your local Baptist Association meeting (usually monthly or quarterly) with your pastor. Hopefully your pastor or Director of Missions would be willing to introduce you and let the others know of your availability to preach. Have a card or flyer to give to interested pastors. Attend these meetings every chance you have.

5. Attend all types of Baptist meetings. State conventions, evangelism conferences, the annual Southern Baptist Convention. Get to know the preachers. Make yourself available. Prayer should be a large part of all this. But remember that pastors call on people they know. Make sure they know you.

6. Ask if someone will recommend you to fill the pulpit for an area pastorless church. You may not be ready to pastor, but often they are looking for someone to just supply preach a Sunday or two until they get an interim or permanent pastor.

7. Never turn down an opportunity to preach, without good reason. If you have a good reason, explain it to them and let them know you would love to preach for them in the future. I once asked a preacher to supply for me. He declined and never gave any reason for doing so. I assumed he was not interested and never called on him again.

8. No church should be too big or too small. Count it an honor to go to any church to preach the Word of God. Never cancel out one preaching appointment to go to a bigger church to preach. Once you make a commitment to preach, keep it.

If you are asked to preach at a small church, count it a great honor and treat it like you’ve been asked to preach at Bellevue Baptist Church, Tennessee. I have always admired preachers that were just as honored and gracious to preach in a small church as a large church.

9. You may be able to send a short note to your state Baptist paper:
Benajah H. Carroll has been called to preach. He is a member of Sandy Creek Baptist Church, Big Spring and his available to supply preach. Benajah can be reached at 281/BR-549.

Check such news notes in your state paper and see how you might use them. For example, an interim may send in a note saying he has just completed and interim at a certain church, and is now available for supply preaching and interims. Always include complete contact information.

I you are scheduled to preach a revival, always send it in early enough so your paper can publish it.  This gives publicity to the church and revival, and to you as a preacher. 

10. Don’t worry about getting paid; that will work out later. Some places will not pay you at all, some will pay you very little, some very well, some not at all. Some will mail you a check. Right now just jump at every opportunity to preach and count it a bonus if they give you a check.
(By the way, if you are a pastor, see that the supply preacher is paid as well as your church is able to pay him; and see that he gets the check before the leaves your church.)

As more pastors get to know you, assuming you can preach, they will recommend you to others.

When you preach, realize you are there to help, not hurt the church. Be respectful of them. Preach the Word of God with conviction and power, but don’t be obnoxious. Don’t be arrogant and condescending to the people. Be gracious and friendly. If it were not for them, you would not have a place to preach in the first place. Preach in such a way they will want to hear you again.

Note: If you are a newly called preacher of the Gospel, write me a note and send me your mailing address. Write me at P.O. Box 300, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, March 30, AD 2011.

Flee Immorality
Young Preachers - Finding a Place to Preach; Part 1
Other articles in lower right margin

Young Preachers - Finding a Place to Preach; Part 1

When I attended college, I was surprised to meet young preachers who had never preached. They had felt God’s call to preach. They had surrendered their lives to the ministry. They were being educated to follow that call. Yet they had never had the opportunity to preach. Others I met had only had the chance to preach once or twice.

Part of the blame goes to their home pastors. Pastor, if you have a young man who surrenders his life to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ - give him the opportunity to preach. Let him bring a devotional in a Sunday School Class or department. Have him preach on Wednesday night or Sunday night. Help him in preparing a sermon or two. It is inexcusable for a pastor to have young preachers in his church and never give them the opportunity to preach.

Now to the young man who has surrendered to preach. What do you do now? Let me mention some basics, then I’ll specifically mention how to get opportunities to preach.

First, be the best member your pastor has. Be in church every week Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night. How can you claim to want to be a preacher and not even attend the regular services of your own church? Are you only going to regularly attend church when they pay you to do so?

A young man showed up at my church one Sunday night and sat on the front row. That will impress any pastor. Later he told me he was a preacher and wanted me to be his mentor. That’ll also impress a pastor. He let me know he was ready to preach for me anytime. But he attended sporadically and never showed up on Sunday mornings. I found out the reason; he just couldn’t wake up early enough to make it to Sunday morning Worship, much less Sunday School. I spoke to him of the importance of a preacher being faithful to all church services. He never attended on Sunday morning, I never asked him to preach, and he soon disappeared.

Second, study God’s Word and study good preachers. Learn how to put a sermon together. I’ll get in trouble for this, but steal a good sermon from a good preacher (but don’t try to publish that sermon in your name!). Herschel Ford used to say in his sermon books that his sermons were now yours and to feel free to preach them. Soon you will be putting together your own sermons. But feel free to start out heavily using the sermons of others.

R. G. Lee (pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis and SBC president) told of a country preacher he met. The preacher thanked Lee for his ministry and said, “I take your sermons and improve on them.” Take some good sermons and “improve” on them.

Good examples to follow: Adrian Rogers, Jerry Vines, Paige Patterson, David Jeremiah… The list goes on, but get their books and DVDs of their sermons. Don’t mimic them; preach in your own style. But learn from them.

Also, find an older pastor that you respect, and get to know him well. Ask questions. Go to him often for advice.

Prepare two or three good sermons and be ready to preach at any time. Keep your notes in your Bible. You never know when you may get an unexpected opportunity to preach.

When I was a teenager, my family drove across Houston to hear Evangelist Dan Vestal in Revival. We arrived a little late, walked in during the song service, and sat toward the back. Vestal was sitting on the platform. He saw us and walked back. I thought it was a little unusual, but figured he wanted to greet dad; they were great friends. He leaned over them and spoke to me. “David, I have a sore throat and I need you to preach for me tonight.” I was terrified. I had a grand total of about three or four sermons under my belt. I had no sermon notes with me. He refused to take no for an answer. I had a couple more songs to prepare my sermon. I got up and preached. God blessed, I think in spite of me, and several folks were saved. Always be ready!

Subscribe to a good paper or two that deals with Baptist life, theology and preaching. Subscribe to your state Southern Baptist paper. Mine is the Southern Baptist Texan and I highly recommend it. It will keep you up on Baptists, ministry, preachers and preaching. You may benefit from subscribing to your own state paper, and another good state Baptist paper. Subscribe to the Biblical Evangelist. It is filled with sermons, Bible studies, and illustrations. Both of these papers are listed in the right hand margin of Gulf Coast Pastor. Click the link, then click Subscribe at their site, and send them your mailing address. Also see links at GCP for Adrian Rogers, Jerry Vines, David Jeremiah and others.

Go to neighboring churches (when your church is not having their regular services) and hear other preachers. Attend conventions and revivals. You will both learn from them and get to know other preachers.

Next: Young Preachers - Finding a Place to Preach; Part 2
You may also be interested in Commentaries and Bible Study.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, March 21, AD 2011.

Young Preachers - Finding a Place to Preach; Part 2 of 2

How to Give to Japan Disaster Relief

In light of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, many wonder about the best way to give to help with disaster relief. For those who would like to give through a Christian organization, there is no better way than to give through the Southern Baptist International Mission Board.

Southern Baptists have had missionaries in Japan all along. They are already there helping with disaster relief. They are there to give in the name of Jesus Christ and to lovingly share the Gospel.

You can give through your Southern Baptist church. Even if you are not a member, you can find an SBC church and ask them if you can give a gift through them for SBC Disaster Relief. I’ve let our church know they can write a check to our church and designate it for SBC Disaster Relief. We will send 100% of the offering through our state convention (SBTC) who will forward it (100%) to the International Mission Board.

An individual or church can also send their gift directly to the Office of Finance, International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, Va. 23230. Designate it for Disaster Relief or Japan Response Fund.

‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ -Jesus Christ; Matthew 25:39-40

For more information: texanonline.net; bpnews.net; imb.org. Or just click the links (Southern Baptist Texan; Baptist Press) in the right hand margin of Gulf Coast Pastor.

PS - Remember this Sunday, March 20, 2011 is Substance Abuse Prevention Sunday in the SBC. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, March 14, AD 2011.

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

Adrian Rogers was one of the most loved and respected pastors of the Southern Baptist Convention. His preaching blessed the lives of many thousands. Not only those he pastored at Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, Tennessee, but also the TV and radio audience of Love Worth Finding (see right margin) and Southern Baptists who heard him preach at conventions. Many, including my dad, called him the greatest living preacher.

Part of my advice to young preachers would be to study, emulate, and learn from the preaching, practice, and theology of Adrian Rogers. It’s not bad advice for older preachers as well. Get Adrian’s sermons and books. He is a great model for preaching and pastoral ministry.

Rogers was a leader in the Conservative Resurgence of the Southern Baptist Convention. The year it all began, 1979, was the year Southern Baptists elected Rogers president of the SBC. This began the process of bringing our convention back to its historic belief in the inerrancy of the Bible. Adrian was elected three times as SBC president.

The times I was around Adrian Rogers I was impressed with him acting like a regular preacher, not someone special. He had a very personal, gracious way about him.

When I wrote The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow about my preacher dad, I decided to write Adrian Rogers to see if he would consider writing an endorsement for the book. I was advised not to do to, since Adrian was such a highly visible leader; he would have no time to bother with such a request. Regardless, I sent him a letter and a rough copy of the book. He had known dad and my family through the days of the Conservative Resurgence. Adrian soon sent a very gracious reply and endorsement for the book. It was used on the back cover.

When the book was published, I sent a couple of copies to Adrian Rogers and thanked him again for his help. Later I would find these were his last days on this earth. He was battling cancer and no doubt did not feel like responding to my letter.

I had not asked for a reply, just wanted him to have the final copy of the book and to thank him again. Nevertheless I received an even more gracious letter concerning the book. The letter said:

Dear David,

Thank you, my friend, for the finished product - The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow.

I spent much time this morning reading, smiling, amening, and just nodding my head. It is a beautiful book, easy to read, and full of genuine spiritual wisdom.

God is love. Jesus is wonderful.

In His Dear Name.
Adrian Rogers
Memphis, TN.
June 21, 2005

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, March 1, AD 2011.

Note - The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow can be ordered at:

Your local bookstore, or
Hannibal Books, 800/747-0738
Amazon.com
Signed copy directly from the author:
David R. Brumbelow, P.O. Box 300, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 USA. $12.95 postpaid.

Cotton Picking; When He Comes

Cotton farming is still big in parts of the South. My dad did a little cotton picking for extra money when he was a kid. Cotton farming was, and still is, important around his hometown of Damon, Texas.
Damon is about 30 miles off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The 1932 Hurricane blew the Brumbelow house off the blocks and gently set it down a few yards away. A kerosene lantern never overturned, nor was it extinguished. My dad, Joe Brumbelow, at two years old, was asleep, and never awakened when the house blew off the foundation. (Some of this covered in The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow.)

After that experience, grandpa, E. P. Brumbelow, never stayed for another hurricane. When one was coming, grandpa would pack up his family and head inland for 50 miles or so. They would sleep with others in the halls of the courthouse in Bellville or Brenham or that general area. One year when they evacuated, a rich man, at least to them, invited them to stay at his house. Though he missed the excitement of the courthouse, Joe marveled at the mansion. Grandpa lectured his kids on being well behaved and not touching anything, in such a wealthy man’s home.

Dad told of some friends of his in Damon that were about his age. The Sims had ten boys, and their dad owned a cotton trailer. When a hurricane was bearing down on Damon, their dad would hitch up a cotton trailer, throw cotton in it, and head further inland. The partially filled cotton trailer gave them a perfectly comfortable place to sleep. Joe told of how he envied their setup.

Some have spoken disparagingly of those who worked the cotton fields. Those picking cotton, however, always had my deepest respect. You had to be tough to farm, hoe, and pick cotton. Before mechanical cotton harvesting, an older generation used to jokingly refer to someone as an old cotton picker; usually done in a friendly manner. Call someone a cotton picker, and to me that is a compliment.

I’m just old enough to remember cotton picking. On a trip from the North Side of Houston down to Damon, we would pass through Sugar Land. This would have been the early 1960s. I looked out the car window onto a vast cotton field. Mostly, maybe all, black folks were scattered out along the rows picking cotton, with their long cotton sacks trailing behind. I couldn’t see the end of the rows; they seemed to go on forever. It looked to me an endless job. Ever since I’ve been glad I came along a little too late to have to pick cotton.

But to that older generation, cotton picking brings back bitter-sweet memories. Maybe you have to have been involved in cotton farming to fully appreciate the following poem. But I’m not the only one who likes it; W. A. Criswell did too. He grew up in the cotton country of the Texas Panhandle. The poem reminds me of an humble believer, maybe a slave, in a field of cotton, raising his eyes to the heavens, and thinking of the return of Jesus Christ, his King.

When He Comes

There’s a King and Captain high,
Who’ll be coming by and by;
And He’ll find me hoein’ cotton when He comes.
You will hear His legions charging
In the thunders of the sky,
And He’ll find me hoein’ cotton when He comes.

When He comes, when He comes,
All the dead will rise in answer to His drums.
While the fires of His encampment
Stir the firmament on high
And the heavens are rolled asunder when he comes.

He was hated and rejected,
He was scourged and crucified,
But He’ll find me hoein’ cotton when He comes.

When He comes, when He comes,
He’ll be ringed with saints and angels when He comes.
They’ll be shoutin’ out hosannas
To the Man that men denied,
And I’ll kneel among my cotton when He comes.
-unknown. Quoted by W. A. Criswell in Look Up Brother, Broadman; 1970.

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! -Revelation 22:20

Note: Wording varies. Some refer to this as an old Black Spiritual Song. The words above are from Criswell’s book. If Dr. Criswell said it, it must be right :-).

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, February10, AD 2011.

Common Wine in the Bible #2

Recently a brother asked the question whether a strong case can be made that the most common wine in Bible days was nonalcoholic.

Some of my thoughts:
All agree they had alcoholic wine in the Bible; this is unmistakably the case where folks got drunk, like Noah and Lot. They also plainly had nonalcoholic wine in the Bible, and it was called wine. A few clear examples are Proverbs 3:10; Isaiah 16:10; 65:8; Joel 2:24. These passages are clearly nonalcoholic wine because just pressed grapes do not produce fermented, but unfermented wine or grape juice. Notice how many English translations translate this nonalcoholic grape juice as “wine.”

There are many passages in the Bible, however, that mention wine with no clear immediate evidence to demonstrate it as alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Most modern day readers immediately assume these passages must be speaking of alcoholic wine, as we know alcoholic wine today. Can we not just as easily assume, or even more easily assume, these references are speaking to common, nonalcoholic wine of their day?

A modern day myth is that they could not keep or preserve unfermented wine or grape juice until pasteurization and Welches. That myth is partially answered in the GCP artilce, Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times. Not only could they prepare and preserve unfermented wine, it was easier to do than preserving fermented wine. On top of all this, unfermented wine was simpler to keep, easier to transport, was nutritious, sweet, and had no harmful side effects.

Scripture often refers to new wine and sweet wine. The most obvious and natural meaning of these terms would refer to unfermented wine. New wine and sweet wine always, or almost always, referred to nonalcoholic wine. Scripture also often refers to wine right along with grain, oil, milk, bread. In other words, wine was considered a food like these other substances, not a hard drug.

A few Scriptural considerations:
Grain shall make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women. -Zechariah 9:17
Imagine a preacher today telling young women if they want to thrive, drink alcohol.  That is ludicrus.  Alcoholic wine does not make young women thrive, it does just the opposite. Nonalcoholic wine, however, will make young women thrive.

The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink. -2 Samuel 16:2
Sweet nonalcoholic wine is much better for the faint than intoxicating wine.
“Nevertheless, to speak generally and broadly, sweet flavours and those of that order are more nutritive than the rest and more natural.” -Theophrastus, De Causis Plantarum; c. 280 BC.

And you drank wine, the blood of the grapes. -Deuteronomy 32:14
Press a grape and it bleeds unfermented, not fermented wine.

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.” -Proverbs 9:4-5
The worst thing you could do to the simple is tell them to drink intoxicating wine. Wisdom, however, personified as a woman, bids the simple to drink the common, sweet, un-intoxicating wine so common in that day.

Because the children and the infants faint in the streets of the city. They say to their mothers, “Where is grain and wine?” -Lamentations 2:11-12
The ancients knew intoxicating wine was inappropriate for children. This Scripture would be comparable today to infants crying out for a juice box.

Genesis 40:11 tells of a common method of preparing wine on the spot; and fresh grapes were kept throughout the year.

In ancient times sweet wine was unfermented wine; fermentation took the sweetness away. Aristotle, Hippocrates, Athenaeus and others testified that sweet wine did not intoxicate. (I know we have sweet intoxicating wine today. We are not speaking of modern day wine, but ancient wine. There is a big difference.) Scripture often speaks of sweet, new wine. Nehemiah (8:10) even instructed his people to drink the sweet wine. Most translations just say, drink the sweet. The ESV says, “sweet wine.” Intoxicating sweet wine in ancient times, was the exception, not the rule.

At the wedding at Cana (John 2) great quantities of wine was consumed. After they ran out, Jesus made over 120 gallons more wine. Yet there is not a hint that there were any problems with drunkenness or unruly behavior. Added to this evidence is that the holy, sinless Jesus was unlikely to have made great quantities of a hard drug. Can you imagine Him creating a bale of marijuana today? If you argue but marijuana is illegal - can you imagine Jesus making a bale of marijuana in a country were it is legal today? I can’t.

But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom. -Matthew 26:29
The most natural meaning of “fruit of the vine” is unfermented wine, not that which has been manipulated and processed by man. Jesus is an abstainer now (even of grape juice), but in the future kingdom He will drink wine with us that is new and un-intoxicating.

I could keep going. There is much, much more evidence. But that is what my new book is for, due out later this year.

Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, February 5, AD 2011.

Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
Common Wine in the Bible
Other articles in lower right hand margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).

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.

Baptists & Alcohol in North Carolina

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--A motion to "study a policy of the social use of alcohol" passed by an overwhelming margin on a show-of-hands vote from messengers attending the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina's Nov. 8-10 annual meeting in Greensboro.
Presented by Tim Rogers, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Indian Trails, the motion reads:

"I move the convention direct the Board of Directors to study a policy concerning the social use of alcohol as it relates to the funding of church plants, employment of personnel, and the nomination of persons serving on committees and boards of the Baptist State Convention of N.C. Inc. and report back to the 2011 annual convention."

Observers told Baptist Press that there were very few votes against the motion. Rogers said he noted only a "smattering of hands, maybe 10" from his vantage point.

"This motion was conceived in my quiet times alone with God, where I cried out to Him, asking for an avenue and the wisdom to place it before my fellow pastors and colleagues of the BSCNC," Rogers said.

With only three minutes to speak to his motion at the annual meeting, Rogers wasn't able to relate all of his talking points. He later told Baptist Press one such point is modern culture: "Today's culture reveals that many Southern Baptist pastors have no problem drinking a glass of wine with their dinner or having a cold beer after a hard day and thinking that's OK."

Rogers believes that attitude will, within a generation, introduce wine for communion services in Southern Baptist churches.

Rogers cited other motivations for his motion.

One motive was his recent reading of the book "Alcohol Today" by Peter Lumpkins, which Rogers said "presents a clear biblical position for abstinence and points out the weaknesses of many positions other than abstinence."

Another motive for his motion, Rogers said, was a question raised during a presidential forum at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary wherein seminary President Daniel L. Akin responded to several questions from students regarding alcohol consumption. Garnering particular attention and a rebuke from Akin was a question that asked whether students who signed the seminary's alcohol abstinence covenant should be allowed to drink between semesters since they believed they weren't technically students during those times.

Akin told students he was "dumbfounded" and "gravely disappointed" that some would raise such a question in search of a "loophole," and that he was "stunned" to receive such questions.

"Your problem is not your view of alcohol; your problem is your integrity," said Akin, who explained that, until a student either graduates or officially withdraws from the seminary, he/she is still considered a student.

"The bottom line is that Southeastern Seminary maintains a position of abstinence when it comes to alcohol.... That's not going to change as long as I'm president, here," said Akin, who also has publicly declared a personal policy of abstinence based on biblical wisdom and his Christian witness.

A third motivation for the motion was a statement in an article posted on the website of J.D. Greear, wherein the pastor of the 4,000-member Summit Church in Raleigh, states, in part:

"At this point, I still choose not to drink, personally, to be on the safe side ... unless I am in a situation where I feel like not drinking would hurt the cause of the Gospel. If my not drinking would be a stumbling block for an unbeliever, I drink. But, to be honest, I would still rather have a culture of non-drinking around our church than one of drinking."

Rogers takes exception to Greear's statement, saying such "an absurdity is being placed before us under the banner of freedom in Christ." He also deems Greear's comment a "false argument" that drinking could somehow advance the cause of the Gospel.

Illustrating his point, Rogers recalled a mission trip to Romania in cooperation with an evangelical group from Germany, whose team members imbibed daily and publicly at a bar in the campground where they were ministering. Rogers said he and his mission team from the U.S. found the Romanians far more receptive to the ministry of abstaining American Christians as compared to the "German Christians who had beer breath."

Saved at 29, Rogers said he "acquired a taste for alcohol" as a non-Christian. "And I was real good at it, too." During that season of his life, he had a conversation in a bar with a Baptist deacon, who told him that drinking was permissible. "I thought that was crazy," said Rogers, noting the negative impact that imbibing church-going people can have on the unchurched.

On the Biblical Recorder's website, editor Norman Jameson called Rogers' motion "simply unnecessary and extra-biblical" and said, "early Baptists in Kentucky sometimes paid their preachers in bourbon."

Noting that such payment was wrong on both sides, Rogers said, "The problem with Brother Norman's analysis has to do with an ethical ploy to win a debate. One tries to kill an absolute by using an extreme position in order to overcome the absolute."

Other talking points Rogers used in presenting his motion noted the BSCNC's opposition to Wake Forest University's efforts to serve beer for profit on campus; a Wall Street Journal article revealing that alcohol is more addictive than crack cocaine, heroin and other street drugs; and a 2006 Southern Baptist Convention resolution adopted in Greensboro stating, in part, "That we urge that no one be elected to serve as a trustee or member of any entity or committee of the Southern Baptist Convention that is a user of alcoholic beverages."

"The resolution passed by a majority vote," Rogers said, "but not until the shocking picture was etched, in the minds of Southern Baptists, of pastors standing in opposition to a resolution on alcohol."

Rogers also expressed concerns to Baptist Press regarding some pastors among the Acts 29 church planting organization who not only practice social drinking, but also use it as a tool to reach people.

"Whatever the position of a church -- that's their business," Rogers said. "But the motion I made merely directs a policy to be implemented that states to the world that the Southern Baptists who make up the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina oppose the moderate use of beverage alcohol and that we will not employ anyone who advances its use."
-Norm Miller is a writer based in Richmond, Va. (Full article posted at Baptist Press 11-22, 2010.)

Notes:
A related article by ABP can be found at: Baptists debate social drinking
Find further information on alcohol under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in Right Margin.
A new book by Brumbelow, Ancient Wine and the Bible: The Case For Abstinence due out in 2011.

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 28, AD 2010.

Christmas Greetings, a poem

The first holiday after the death of a loved one is always a tough time. But for believers in Jesus Christ, we know there are better days ahead. We know one day we’ll meet again. The following poem may be an encouragement to some. I came across the poem sometime ago in one of O. S. Hawkin’s books.

Christmas Greetings

I’ve had my first Christmas in Heaven:
A glorious and wonderful day!
I stood with the saints of the ages,
Who found Christ the Truth and the Way.

I sang with the Heavenly choir:
Just think! I, who longed so to sing!
And oh, what celestial music
We brought to our Saviour and King!

We sang the glad songs of redemption.
How Jesus to Bethlehem came,
And how they called His name Jesus,
That all might be saved through His Name.

We sang once again with the angels,
The song that they sang that blest morn,
When shepherds first heard that glad story
That Jesus, the Saviour, was born.

O, how I wish you had been there:
No Christmas on earth could compare
With all the rapture and glory
We witnessed in Heaven so fair.

You know how I always loved Christmas;
It seemed such a wonderful day,
With all of my loved ones around me,
The children so happy and gay.

Yes, now I can see why I loved it;
And oh, what joy it will be
When you and my loved ones are with me,
To share in the glories I see.

So Dear Ones on earth, here’s my greeting:
Look up till the day dawn appears,
And oh, what a Christmas awaits us,
Beyond all our partings and tears!
-Dr. Albert Simpson Reitz

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 19, AD 2010.

Duties of the Houswife in 155 BC

What were the duties of a housewife in about 155 BC? Enter a foreign Roman world over a century before the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. On some issues the people were surprisingly well educated. They knew agricultural practices and food preservation techniques almost unknown today. Slavery was common and accepted. Slaves were of any race. Slaves were made up of those who had lost in wars against Rome, or had simply been born into slavery. Greek and Roman gods were worshipped.

Cato was a Roman military leader, statesman, farmer, writer. He wrote On Agriculture, a farmer’s notebook. It reveals fascinating details of farm life and agricultural practices in the second century BC. Many of these practices were common through the centuries until the mid 1900s.

Following is some of Cato’s advice about the housekeeper:

“See that the housekeeper performs all her duties. If the master has given her to you as wife, keep yourself only to her. Make her stand in awe of you. Restrain her from extravagance. She must visit the neighbouring and other women very seldom, and not have them either in the house or in her part of it. She must not go out to meals, or be a gadabout.

She must not engage in religious worship herself or get others to engage in it for her without the orders of the master or the mistress; let her remember that the master attends to the devotions for the whole household. She must be neat herself, and keep the farmstead neat and clean. She must clean and tidy the hearth every night before she goes to bed. On the Kalends, Ides, and Nones, and whenever a holy day comes, she must hang a garland over the hearth, and on those days pray to the household gods as opportunity offers.

She must keep a supply of cooked food on hand for you and the servants. She must keep many hens and have plenty of eggs. She must have a large store of dried pears, sorbs, figs, raisins, sorbs in must, preserved pears and grapes and quinces. She must also keep preserved grapes in grape-pulp and in pots buried in the ground, as well as fresh Praenestine nuts kept in the same way, and Scantian quinces in jars, and other fruits that are usually preserved, as well as wild fruits. All these she must store away diligently every year. She must also know how to make good flour and to grind spelt fine.” -Cato, c. 155 BC.

What similarities do you see with housewives today?
What similarities do you see with women’s work up until about 60 years ago?
Would your grandmother or great-grandmother relate to any of this?
What differences do you see with the work of women today?
Have you ever preserved your own food?
What do you know about producing and preserving meat, grain, vegetables, fruit?
Have you ever told your children, or written about, your early experiences and jobs?
Do we have it better than in Cato’s day?
What differences do you see with your faith in Jesus Christ today?

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 14, AD 2010.