Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Sunday (aka Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Sunday) is the third week of each March. This year March 16, 2014. Of course you can observe this day on another Sunday if it better fits your schedule.
Thoughts on observing this special day:
1. Preach a sermon on Christians and Alcohol. Many church members have never heard a sermon against drug abuse. They need to.
2. Emphasize this day in Sunday School (SS). This can be done in the SS department or class or both. A brief testimony can be presented, or facts and figures can be presented.
3. Pass out a leaflet on this subject in Sunday School or church.
4. Have a note in the church bulletin or a bulletin insert.
5. If not a sermon, have preventing drug abuse as a point in the sermon.
6. This special day gives you a great excuse to speak to this issue.
7. When a concern is not dealt with in church, often people will conclude the issue must not be important and they can do as they please. If a family member or friend gets addicted, they may wonder why the church never warned about addiction and abuse.
8. Have someone give a testimony concerning drug abuse prevention.
9. Have a speaker on this issue from ACAP, etc.
10. Present a ministry that deals with drug abuse such as ACAP. On this day some churches receive an offering for such ministries.
11. Place good books on the dangers of drug abuse in your church library and community libraries. Books like: Ancient Wine and the Bible by Brumbelow; Alcohol Today by Lumpkins; Wine, the Biblical Imperative: Total Abstinence by Teachout; Oinos: A Discussion of the Bible Wine Question by Fields; The Bible and Its Wines by Ewing…
Sources of information for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Sunday:
1. Print the 2006 SBC Resolution On Alcohol Use In America on a half sheet of paper and use it as a Sunday bulletin insert or handout.
2. Get resources from the American Council on Addiction & Alcohol Abuse (ACAAP).
3. The book, Ancient Wine and the Bible: The Case for Abstinence is filled with resource material and illustrations that can be used for bulletins, flyers, sermons, or Bible Studies.
4. There are a number of resources at this site. You are welcome to reprint the articles: Ancient Wine Production and the Bible; Biblical Principles Condemn Alcohol; etc, and use them as a handout. Check the lower right hand column under Labels/Articles. There is no charge, just give credit to gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com.
5. Handout index card copies of the Church Covenant, available from LifeWay. It contains a statement against alcohol and drug use.
The bottom line is, please observe this day. Don’t leave your church thinking that drug abuse doesn’t really matter to the pastor.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, March 4, AD 2014.
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
Why Marijuana Should Remain Illegal
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Judges 9:13 and Alcohol
But the vine said to them, ‘Should I cease my new wine, which cheers both God and men, and go to sway over trees?’ -Judges 9:13
Judges 9:13 is often brought up with the contention that it shows God is pleased with alcohol, that alcohol is intended by God to cheer the heart of God and man.
A closer look reveals a number of problems with this view.
1. In the Bible, as much as some wish and assume, wine is not synonymous with alcohol. Sometimes wine refers to an alcoholic drink, sometimes it does not. In Bible times they had no word for “alcohol,” so they described it by its effects. For example, Proverbs 23:29-35 (Significantly, after describing this kind of alcoholic wine, it then says not to even look at it!).
Judges 9:13 is talking about wine, it is not necessarily talking about alcohol.
2. The word for wine used in this verse is the Hebrew word tirosh. Tirosh usually means new wine, just pressed wine, unfermented wine, nonalcoholic wine.
Some even contend tirosh always meant unfermented wine. Two Jewish Encyclopedias take this position. For example, The Jewish Encyclopedia states,
“‘Tirosh’ includes all kinds of sweet juices and must, and does not include fermented wine (Tosef., Ned. iv. 3).”
By the way, this also shows the ancient Jews knew much more than they are often given credit about making and preserving all kinds of nonalcoholic drinks.
3. Notice in this verse the vine says, “My wine.”
What kind of wine does a vine possess? Wine in the grapes, the pure blood of the grape, unfermented wine, nonalcoholic wine, or grape juice.
This is reminiscent of Isaiah 65:8, another clear biblical reference to nonalcoholic wine.
As the new wine is found in the cluster. -Isaiah 65:8 (Notice the English translations that use the word “wine” for this obviously nonalcoholic grape cluster.)
4. “which cheers both God and men.” A number of Christian social drinkers have claimed this has to be alcohol, since it “cheers” both God and man. Some have actually claimed this shows even God enjoys getting a little tipsy.
There are several problems with this view.
1. God condemns drunkenness and it is unlikely He is saying it’s alright to get a little drunk. As Jerry Vines has said, “Moderate drinking is moderate intoxication.” God would not violate His own commandments.
There are now government TV commercials warning, “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”
2. Isn’t it possible to have a drug-free cheerfulness? My heart has often been glad (cheered), without drugs being involved.
3. The harvest, and the huge amount of work that went into saving the harvest, when completed gave great cause to be cheerful, to rejoice.
4. They craved sweet things, and a good glass of sweet wine would bring joy. They had no cane sugar; their only sources of sweetness were from fruit and honey. I’ve had Pinot Noir unfermented wine; it cheers my heart every time.
5. It is sacrilegious to present God as getting even a little drunk.
6. If God ever did get a little drunk, can you imagine the trouble we would be in?
Rather than commending alcohol, Judges 9:13 does just the opposite. It shows a great example of one of the many Bible verses that speak of nonalcoholic wine.
(More on this issue in Ancient Wine and the Bible.)
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, February 18, AD 2014.
Ancient Wine Production and the Bible
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
More Articles in lower right margin.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Valentines Day - The Bible on Love
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. -1 John 3:17-18 NKJV
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. -1 John 4:9
1. Different kinds of love in the Greek language
Eros - erotic / sensual kind of love
Phileo - friendship kind of love
Agape - highest form of love
2. Another way of distinguishing love
1. I love you if…
2. I love you because…
3. I love you period.
3. Love is spelled COMMITMENT.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. -John 15:13
4. True love between a married couple allows no one or no thing to come between them.
Your spouse is the most important person in the world to you.
More important than parents, relatives, friends. More important than your children. Doesn’t mean neglect children, but love your spouse. Most important thing a man can do for his kids is to love their mother. See what Jesus said about marriage - Mark 10:6-9.
5. We are to love God will all our hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves. Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:34; Philippians 1:9
More info at: FocusOnTheFamily.com
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, February 12, AD 2014.
More Articles in lower right margin.
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. -1 John 4:9
1. Different kinds of love in the Greek language
Eros - erotic / sensual kind of love
Phileo - friendship kind of love
Agape - highest form of love
2. Another way of distinguishing love
1. I love you if…
2. I love you because…
3. I love you period.
3. Love is spelled COMMITMENT.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. -John 15:13
4. True love between a married couple allows no one or no thing to come between them.
Your spouse is the most important person in the world to you.
More important than parents, relatives, friends. More important than your children. Doesn’t mean neglect children, but love your spouse. Most important thing a man can do for his kids is to love their mother. See what Jesus said about marriage - Mark 10:6-9.
5. We are to love God will all our hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves. Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:34; Philippians 1:9
More info at: FocusOnTheFamily.com
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, February 12, AD 2014.
More Articles in lower right margin.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Obituary - Pastor Frank Biles
Dr. Franklin McCoy Biles was born August 24, 1940 in Fort Pierce, Florida, to John Lindsey and Mattie Lou Jordan Biles. He passed away January 29, 2014.
He served in the US Army National Guard, US Navy, and USAF Reserve Chaplain, LT. COL. for a total of 36 years. Dr. Biles received his Bachelor of Science from University of Houston in 1968, Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1971 and Doctorate in Ministry from Biola Talbot Seminary in 1988. He was a pastor for 49 years, serving 9 churches in Texas and retired after serving 20 years at Eastside Baptist Church in Baytown.
Dr. Biles is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra Kay Schmidt Biles (Sandy); his sons and daughters-in-law: Daniel Franklin and Mandy Morrison Biles of Corpus Christi, TX, Andrew (Andy) Coy and Kathryn McLean Biles of Channelview, TX, and Stephen Paul and Jamie Chitwood Biles of Victoria, TX; eight grandchildren, Christopher Biles, Britny Biles, Tyler Biles, Bethany Biles, Jonathan (JD) Biles, Jacob Biles, Benjamin Biles and Grant Biles; three brothers, John L Biles, James E Biles and R Tommy Biles and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betsy Hamilton.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Samaritan's Purse in Frank's name at PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or www.samaritanspurse.org and go to tab “Support.”
Frank Biles’ funeral service was at Navarre Funeral Home, Baytown, TX on February 4, 2014 led by Pastor Bill Yowell. Burial at Houston National V. A. Cemetery, 10410 Veteran’s Memorial Dr., Houston TX. Among the songs sung at the funeral were God Hath Not Promised, At The Cross, and Victory In Jesus. A number of preachers attended the service.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, February 10, AD 2014.
Other Articles in lower right margin.
He served in the US Army National Guard, US Navy, and USAF Reserve Chaplain, LT. COL. for a total of 36 years. Dr. Biles received his Bachelor of Science from University of Houston in 1968, Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1971 and Doctorate in Ministry from Biola Talbot Seminary in 1988. He was a pastor for 49 years, serving 9 churches in Texas and retired after serving 20 years at Eastside Baptist Church in Baytown.
Dr. Biles is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra Kay Schmidt Biles (Sandy); his sons and daughters-in-law: Daniel Franklin and Mandy Morrison Biles of Corpus Christi, TX, Andrew (Andy) Coy and Kathryn McLean Biles of Channelview, TX, and Stephen Paul and Jamie Chitwood Biles of Victoria, TX; eight grandchildren, Christopher Biles, Britny Biles, Tyler Biles, Bethany Biles, Jonathan (JD) Biles, Jacob Biles, Benjamin Biles and Grant Biles; three brothers, John L Biles, James E Biles and R Tommy Biles and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betsy Hamilton.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Samaritan's Purse in Frank's name at PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or www.samaritanspurse.org and go to tab “Support.”
Frank Biles’ funeral service was at Navarre Funeral Home, Baytown, TX on February 4, 2014 led by Pastor Bill Yowell. Burial at Houston National V. A. Cemetery, 10410 Veteran’s Memorial Dr., Houston TX. Among the songs sung at the funeral were God Hath Not Promised, At The Cross, and Victory In Jesus. A number of preachers attended the service.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, February 10, AD 2014.
Other Articles in lower right margin.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
It's So Cold...
It’s so cold -
The politicians have their hands in their own pockets.
The Global Warming Research Scientists’ ship got stuck in ice in Antarctica, in the Summer.
People are wishing Global Warming really was true.
It’s freezing the horns off the billygoats.
Lobsters, on their own, are jumping into boiling pots.
Two beagles with jumper cables were trying to get a rabbit started.
Hitchhikers are holding up pictures of thumbs.
Richard Simmons is wearing pants.
Frosty the Snowman got frostbite.
My shadow froze to the ground.
An prison escapee turned himself back in, just to get warm.
Sheep are demanding their wool back.
A house caught fire and firemen couldn’t convince the occupants to get out.
Polar Bears are showing up in Hawaii.
Milk cows are giving ice cream.
Teenagers are pulling their pants up.
A 32nd degree Mason was down to 15 degrees.
A cop yelled, “Freeze,” and the criminal did.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 29, AD 2014.
The politicians have their hands in their own pockets.
The Global Warming Research Scientists’ ship got stuck in ice in Antarctica, in the Summer.
People are wishing Global Warming really was true.
It’s freezing the horns off the billygoats.
Lobsters, on their own, are jumping into boiling pots.
Two beagles with jumper cables were trying to get a rabbit started.
Hitchhikers are holding up pictures of thumbs.
Richard Simmons is wearing pants.
Frosty the Snowman got frostbite.
My shadow froze to the ground.
An prison escapee turned himself back in, just to get warm.
Sheep are demanding their wool back.
A house caught fire and firemen couldn’t convince the occupants to get out.
Polar Bears are showing up in Hawaii.
Milk cows are giving ice cream.
Teenagers are pulling their pants up.
A 32nd degree Mason was down to 15 degrees.
A cop yelled, “Freeze,” and the criminal did.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 29, AD 2014.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Christians and Alcohol: An Abstinent View, Mark Creech
The Christian Post has just published an article, Christians and Alcohol: An Abstinent View, by Mark H. Creech. It is well worth your time. Please read it, and share it with others.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-and-alcohol-an-abstinent-view-113253/
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 27, AD 2014.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-and-alcohol-an-abstinent-view-113253/
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 27, AD 2014.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Peter Lumpkins New Communications VP at Brewton-Parker College
Ergun Caner taps Peter Lumpkins as Communications VP
Baptist Press, January 22, 2014 | by Staff
MOUNT VERNON, Ga. (Brewton-Parker College) -- Ergun Caner, who assumed Brewton-Parker College’s presidency Jan. 1, has named Peter Lumpkins as vice president of communications.
Caner, in a Jan. 22 news release from the Baptist-affiliated college, described Lumpkins of the SBC Tomorrow blog site as “one of the most well-known and respected writers in the Southern Baptist Convention.”
“One of the most important roles of a college,” Caner said in the news release, “is consistently ‘tell its story’ to alumni, churches and constituents. Peter Lumpkins is singularly qualified for such a monumental task. A graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Peter has written three books, runs a successful publishing company and is one of the most popular voices in the new social media. … Peter has served in Georgia churches for the past seventeen years. We welcome Peter and his wife Kathy Lynn to the BPC family.”
Caner said Lumpkins is “a perfect fit for us, as he provides a much-needed voice for traditional and grassroots Southern Baptists. He is a bold preacher, a personal soul winner, a local churchman and a fearless writer. I consider his book ‘Alcohol Today: Abstinence in an Age of Indulgence’ to be one of the best books on the subject. His blog, SBC Tomorrow, is one of the most-read religious blogs in the SBC, averaging over 64,000 hits a month since its launch in 2006.”
Lumpkins will begin his duties Feb. 1 at the Mount Vernon, Ga., campus and will serve as a member of the president’s cabinet. The news release said Lumpkins will “oversee every venue of writing and marketing on the campus, including alumni newsletters, web content, social media and academic publishing.”
Caner was unanimously elected as Brewton-Parker president Dec. 2 by the 30-member board of trustees of the four-year 600-student college affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention, succeeding Mike Simoneaux. Caner had served at Arlington Baptist College in Arlington, Texas, as provost and academic dean since 2011.
*******
I add my congratulations to Peter Lumpkins and Brewton-Parker College. Expect to hear more good things about BPC in the days ahead.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 23, AD 2014.
Baptist Press, January 22, 2014 | by Staff
MOUNT VERNON, Ga. (Brewton-Parker College) -- Ergun Caner, who assumed Brewton-Parker College’s presidency Jan. 1, has named Peter Lumpkins as vice president of communications.
Caner, in a Jan. 22 news release from the Baptist-affiliated college, described Lumpkins of the SBC Tomorrow blog site as “one of the most well-known and respected writers in the Southern Baptist Convention.”
“One of the most important roles of a college,” Caner said in the news release, “is consistently ‘tell its story’ to alumni, churches and constituents. Peter Lumpkins is singularly qualified for such a monumental task. A graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Peter has written three books, runs a successful publishing company and is one of the most popular voices in the new social media. … Peter has served in Georgia churches for the past seventeen years. We welcome Peter and his wife Kathy Lynn to the BPC family.”
Caner said Lumpkins is “a perfect fit for us, as he provides a much-needed voice for traditional and grassroots Southern Baptists. He is a bold preacher, a personal soul winner, a local churchman and a fearless writer. I consider his book ‘Alcohol Today: Abstinence in an Age of Indulgence’ to be one of the best books on the subject. His blog, SBC Tomorrow, is one of the most-read religious blogs in the SBC, averaging over 64,000 hits a month since its launch in 2006.”
Lumpkins will begin his duties Feb. 1 at the Mount Vernon, Ga., campus and will serve as a member of the president’s cabinet. The news release said Lumpkins will “oversee every venue of writing and marketing on the campus, including alumni newsletters, web content, social media and academic publishing.”
Caner was unanimously elected as Brewton-Parker president Dec. 2 by the 30-member board of trustees of the four-year 600-student college affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention, succeeding Mike Simoneaux. Caner had served at Arlington Baptist College in Arlington, Texas, as provost and academic dean since 2011.
*******
I add my congratulations to Peter Lumpkins and Brewton-Parker College. Expect to hear more good things about BPC in the days ahead.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 23, AD 2014.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Gleanings on Damaging Effects of Marijuana
For those seeking reference material about marijuana, following are gleanings from several articles on marijuana, mostly from Baptist Press (bpnews.net):
Gateway Drug
Our country has outlawed marijuana use for good reason. Marijuana is a multiple gateways drug. For starters, it is a gateway to addiction and other drug abuse. There are many pathways to addiction, and marijuana is one of them. Users can become addicted to marijuana itself, more often psychologically, but physical addiction also can occur. For others, marijuana is a gateway to harder drugs. Some will decide to experiment with harder drugs as they chase stronger highs. Peer pressure also is a significant problem. Marijuana introduces users to a subculture where drug abuse is common. The pressure to participate more fully in this culture is simply irresistible for some. Addiction is sure to follow for many. -Barrett Duke, ERLC, BP; 9-4-2012
Marijuana and Crime
“In a 2002 Department of Justice survey of convicted inmates in jail, 29 percent reported using illegal drugs at the time of their offense. Marijuana was used most commonly, more than cocaine/crack (14 percent to 11 percent). Crimes of robbery and theft were committed most often to obtain money for drugs. Clearly, not all marijuana users will commit other crimes, but the relationship between drug use (including marijuana) and crime is undeniable.” -Barrett Duke, BP; 9-4-2012
Penalties
“But by keeping marijuana illegal, we can better develop ways to discourage its use. A system of increasing fines, penalties and requirements, like substance-abuse counseling, can be developed. Penalties even could include the loss of one's driver's license. Jail could be a last resort for habitual offenders.” -Barrett Duke, BP; Sep 4, 2012
Drop in I.Q.
“Individuals who use marijuana during their teenage years have an average drop in I.Q. of eight points and are vulnerable to mental health problems, according to a study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) released in August…
Eight points lowers a person from an average I.Q. rate of 100 to 92, dropping him from the 50th percentile to the 29th percentile of intelligence… Users who quit smoking marijuana cannot fully reverse the neurological damage, according to the study.” -BP; 10-22-2012
Legal Marijuana and Driving
“Drivers in Washington and Colorado now not only have to be aware of drunk drivers, but they also have to be concerned about drivers who are stoned. States don't need more impaired drivers behind the wheel.” -Kelly Boggs, editor of Baptist Message BP; 12-7,-2012
Effects of Marijuana
"Impaired memory for recent events, difficulty concentrating, dreamlike states, impaired motor coordination, impaired driving and other psychomotor skills, slowed reaction time, impaired goal-directed mental activity, and altered peripheral vision are common associated effects." -A Fact Sheet of the Effects of Marijuana, Partnership for a Drug Free America, Kelly Boggs, BP; 12-7-2012
Acutely Impair Driving Skills
"Cannabis [marijuana] and alcohol acutely impair several driving-related skills...." -from a 2009 study by Veterans Administration Healthcare/Yale University School of Medicine, Kelly Boggs, BP; 12-7-2012
Medical Marijuana
“Don't be taken in. Marijuana is a dangerous drug with countless negative effects. The rush to decriminalization in the name of pain control or mental health cannot be justified.
Most people who use marijuana to relieve severe pain combine it with stronger pain relievers because marijuana is not effective enough by itself. Furthermore, marijuana's pain-relieving ingredient has been available by prescription for years. A person can purchase Marinol -- right now -- with a doctor's prescription…
“The plain fact of the matter is that there are better and safer drugs [for pain]. Marijuana is not the solution. It merely adds more problems.” -Barrett Duke, BP; 8-6-2012
Toxic Chemicals
“Marijuana introduces multiple toxic chemicals into the systems of people…”
“Medical marijuana puts the user at higher risk for cancer, psychosis, strokes, respiratory damage and heart attack.” -Barrett Duke, BP; 8-6-2012
Trojan Horse
“Part of the reason we have not had more success ending rampant illicit drug abuse in our nation is the fact that so many states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. Such counterproductive policies are the equivalent of drilling holes in the bottom of your boat while you are frantically trying to bail water.
In fact, if you take a closer look, you will see that most states currently debating legalizing the use of marijuana for recreation first legalized it for medicinal use. Medical marijuana is the Trojan horse of recreational marijuana.” -Barrett Duke, BP; 8-6-2012
Parents & Teens
“The National Institute on Drug Abuse says about one in 10 people who try marijuana get addicted and younger users are more vulnerable. To help parents guide their teenagers away from the drug, USA Today offered this advice:
- Talk to teenagers early and often about the risks of drugs, including addiction, learning problems and impaired driving.
- Stop smoking marijuana or doing drugs in order to be a proper role model for teenagers.
- Get over the feeling that because you used drugs you can't tell your teenager not to use them.
"Have an honest conversation about decisions you made then, why you think your teen should make different ones, and how today's marijuana is far stronger and more addictive," USA Today said.
- Acknowledge the urge to experiment but underscore that trying marijuana even once can lead to trouble.
- Watch teenagers closely enough to know if they have access to marijuana, and make clear that drinking and drugs at parties are unacceptable.
- Communicate with teenagers, staying informed of the happenings in their lives and making sure they can talk to you about problems.
- Ensure that teenagers are busy with after school activities that help them feel successful and supported.
- Intervene quickly if you learn your teenager has started using drugs.”
-BP, 11-4-2011
Drivers and Drugs
“Drivers who test positive for marijuana within three hours of using the drug are more than twice as likely as other drivers to be involved in crashes, according to a report from Columbia University…
The analysis found that 28 percent of people killed in accidents and more than 11 percent of the general driver population tested positive for non-alcohol drugs, with marijuana being the most commonly detected substance, the newspaper said.” -BP, 11-4-2011
Trouble in Amsterdam
“Acknowledging that marijuana decriminalization has led to an increase in crime and societal problems, the new Netherlands conservative-leaning government wants to crack down on drug tourism by limiting marijuana sales in so-called ‘coffee shops’ to Dutch residents.” -BP, 11-19-2010
Disagrees With President
“I adamantly disagree with the President. According to a 2012 Drug Use and Health survey, marijuana is the number one drug that citizens over the age of 12 are addicted to or abuse. The negative effects of marijuana use on a developing brain can be permanent, and our President is recklessly giving what amounts to parental permission to our most impressionable citizens to break the law. Marijuana is creating deadly situations right here in Harris County. I welcome the President to come to Houston to review the same Capital Murder cases I did just last week that were the result of marijuana drug deals. Maybe then he will see that the most effective way to keep our law-abiding citizens safe is to obey all laws that our legislators put on the books at our State Capitol.”
-Harris County, Texas District Attorney Devon Anderson, in reply to presidential comments about marijuana; KHOU.com; January 20, 2014
Freedom
Those who use their freedom to engage in self-destructive behaviors are letting themselves down, depriving society of their very best contribution to its well-being, and dishonoring the God who made them. Rather than encouraging such negative consequences by legalizing marijuana, we should be helping people to focus on the best of what they can be.
-Barrett Duke, ERLC, BP, 9-4-2012
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor; January 21, AD 2014.
Why Marijuana Should Remain Illegal
Gateway Drug
Our country has outlawed marijuana use for good reason. Marijuana is a multiple gateways drug. For starters, it is a gateway to addiction and other drug abuse. There are many pathways to addiction, and marijuana is one of them. Users can become addicted to marijuana itself, more often psychologically, but physical addiction also can occur. For others, marijuana is a gateway to harder drugs. Some will decide to experiment with harder drugs as they chase stronger highs. Peer pressure also is a significant problem. Marijuana introduces users to a subculture where drug abuse is common. The pressure to participate more fully in this culture is simply irresistible for some. Addiction is sure to follow for many. -Barrett Duke, ERLC, BP; 9-4-2012
Marijuana and Crime
“In a 2002 Department of Justice survey of convicted inmates in jail, 29 percent reported using illegal drugs at the time of their offense. Marijuana was used most commonly, more than cocaine/crack (14 percent to 11 percent). Crimes of robbery and theft were committed most often to obtain money for drugs. Clearly, not all marijuana users will commit other crimes, but the relationship between drug use (including marijuana) and crime is undeniable.” -Barrett Duke, BP; 9-4-2012
Penalties
“But by keeping marijuana illegal, we can better develop ways to discourage its use. A system of increasing fines, penalties and requirements, like substance-abuse counseling, can be developed. Penalties even could include the loss of one's driver's license. Jail could be a last resort for habitual offenders.” -Barrett Duke, BP; Sep 4, 2012
Drop in I.Q.
“Individuals who use marijuana during their teenage years have an average drop in I.Q. of eight points and are vulnerable to mental health problems, according to a study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) released in August…
Eight points lowers a person from an average I.Q. rate of 100 to 92, dropping him from the 50th percentile to the 29th percentile of intelligence… Users who quit smoking marijuana cannot fully reverse the neurological damage, according to the study.” -BP; 10-22-2012
Legal Marijuana and Driving
“Drivers in Washington and Colorado now not only have to be aware of drunk drivers, but they also have to be concerned about drivers who are stoned. States don't need more impaired drivers behind the wheel.” -Kelly Boggs, editor of Baptist Message BP; 12-7,-2012
Effects of Marijuana
"Impaired memory for recent events, difficulty concentrating, dreamlike states, impaired motor coordination, impaired driving and other psychomotor skills, slowed reaction time, impaired goal-directed mental activity, and altered peripheral vision are common associated effects." -A Fact Sheet of the Effects of Marijuana, Partnership for a Drug Free America, Kelly Boggs, BP; 12-7-2012
Acutely Impair Driving Skills
"Cannabis [marijuana] and alcohol acutely impair several driving-related skills...." -from a 2009 study by Veterans Administration Healthcare/Yale University School of Medicine, Kelly Boggs, BP; 12-7-2012
Medical Marijuana
“Don't be taken in. Marijuana is a dangerous drug with countless negative effects. The rush to decriminalization in the name of pain control or mental health cannot be justified.
Most people who use marijuana to relieve severe pain combine it with stronger pain relievers because marijuana is not effective enough by itself. Furthermore, marijuana's pain-relieving ingredient has been available by prescription for years. A person can purchase Marinol -- right now -- with a doctor's prescription…
“The plain fact of the matter is that there are better and safer drugs [for pain]. Marijuana is not the solution. It merely adds more problems.” -Barrett Duke, BP; 8-6-2012
Toxic Chemicals
“Marijuana introduces multiple toxic chemicals into the systems of people…”
“Medical marijuana puts the user at higher risk for cancer, psychosis, strokes, respiratory damage and heart attack.” -Barrett Duke, BP; 8-6-2012
Trojan Horse
“Part of the reason we have not had more success ending rampant illicit drug abuse in our nation is the fact that so many states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. Such counterproductive policies are the equivalent of drilling holes in the bottom of your boat while you are frantically trying to bail water.
In fact, if you take a closer look, you will see that most states currently debating legalizing the use of marijuana for recreation first legalized it for medicinal use. Medical marijuana is the Trojan horse of recreational marijuana.” -Barrett Duke, BP; 8-6-2012
Parents & Teens
“The National Institute on Drug Abuse says about one in 10 people who try marijuana get addicted and younger users are more vulnerable. To help parents guide their teenagers away from the drug, USA Today offered this advice:
- Talk to teenagers early and often about the risks of drugs, including addiction, learning problems and impaired driving.
- Stop smoking marijuana or doing drugs in order to be a proper role model for teenagers.
- Get over the feeling that because you used drugs you can't tell your teenager not to use them.
"Have an honest conversation about decisions you made then, why you think your teen should make different ones, and how today's marijuana is far stronger and more addictive," USA Today said.
- Acknowledge the urge to experiment but underscore that trying marijuana even once can lead to trouble.
- Watch teenagers closely enough to know if they have access to marijuana, and make clear that drinking and drugs at parties are unacceptable.
- Communicate with teenagers, staying informed of the happenings in their lives and making sure they can talk to you about problems.
- Ensure that teenagers are busy with after school activities that help them feel successful and supported.
- Intervene quickly if you learn your teenager has started using drugs.”
-BP, 11-4-2011
Drivers and Drugs
“Drivers who test positive for marijuana within three hours of using the drug are more than twice as likely as other drivers to be involved in crashes, according to a report from Columbia University…
The analysis found that 28 percent of people killed in accidents and more than 11 percent of the general driver population tested positive for non-alcohol drugs, with marijuana being the most commonly detected substance, the newspaper said.” -BP, 11-4-2011
Trouble in Amsterdam
“Acknowledging that marijuana decriminalization has led to an increase in crime and societal problems, the new Netherlands conservative-leaning government wants to crack down on drug tourism by limiting marijuana sales in so-called ‘coffee shops’ to Dutch residents.” -BP, 11-19-2010
Disagrees With President
“I adamantly disagree with the President. According to a 2012 Drug Use and Health survey, marijuana is the number one drug that citizens over the age of 12 are addicted to or abuse. The negative effects of marijuana use on a developing brain can be permanent, and our President is recklessly giving what amounts to parental permission to our most impressionable citizens to break the law. Marijuana is creating deadly situations right here in Harris County. I welcome the President to come to Houston to review the same Capital Murder cases I did just last week that were the result of marijuana drug deals. Maybe then he will see that the most effective way to keep our law-abiding citizens safe is to obey all laws that our legislators put on the books at our State Capitol.”
-Harris County, Texas District Attorney Devon Anderson, in reply to presidential comments about marijuana; KHOU.com; January 20, 2014
Freedom
Those who use their freedom to engage in self-destructive behaviors are letting themselves down, depriving society of their very best contribution to its well-being, and dishonoring the God who made them. Rather than encouraging such negative consequences by legalizing marijuana, we should be helping people to focus on the best of what they can be.
-Barrett Duke, ERLC, BP, 9-4-2012
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor; January 21, AD 2014.
Why Marijuana Should Remain Illegal
Monday, January 20, 2014
Why Marijuana Should Remain Illegal
Arguments and Answers to legalizing marijuana:
1. Marijuana is no more harmful than alcohol, and alcohol is legal.
Alcohol is America’s number one drug problem. Why should we now unleash another harmful drug on America? When marijuana has been legalized, it has led to an increase in crime and societal problems
Alcohol and marijuana have been recognized as “gateway drugs.” In other words, many began their downhill slide with one or both. Then this leads them to other drugs. We already have one gateway drug, alcohol, that is legal, accepted by many, and causing havoc across our country. Do we now want to legalize another such devastating drug that will cause further destruction?
2. We have not won the war against drugs, including marijuana. So why not legalize it?
We haven’t won the war against murder either. Should we therefore legalize murder? Should we just tax murder? Of course not.
Passing a law against a harmful practice does not eliminate the practice. But it does limit it, stigmatize it, and punish the abusers.
Legalize marijuana, and you will get more users of marijuana. People who have never smoked it before, will try it, simply because it is now legal.
3. Medical marijuana should be legalized.
The argument for medical marijuana seems to just be a way of opening the door to the recreational use of marijuana. We already have better, legal, prescription drugs to fight pain.
For the Christian, we should even be concerned with the proper, limited use of prescription drugs. They are dangerous and should be used cautiously with the advice of a good, reliable medical doctor. Even otherwise helpful drugs can be addictive and misused.
4. People have a right to smoke marijuana if they choose.
Our rights must sometimes end when a practice or substance becomes too harmful to ourselves and others. I know there is a fine line that sometimes has to be drawn, but dangerous drugs that harm the user and innocent others should be severely limited.
Marijuana has been shown to cause many traffic accidents, and harm the health and mental ability of users. Isn’t it strange that just as society is turning against smoking tobacco, it is now moving toward sanctioning smoking marijuana?
5. We can get taxes from the legal sales of marijuana.
We could also get taxes from legalizing other harmful practices. Invariably, when we allow and tax a practice that is harmful to society, we end up paying more to control it and deal with its consequences, than we receive in taxes.
Government would do better to get their taxes up front and honestly, not by legalizing destructive behavior. On the other hand, frankly for the destructive behaviors already legalized, if there is no other alternative, let’s do limit them with “sin taxes,” and raise those taxes every chance we get.
6. You can’t legislate morality.
Yes you can. Our laws against murder legislate morality. Laws against theft legislate morality. Some things need to be criminalized, limited, and stigmatized.
7. Penalties for marijuana should change
Perhaps this is true. Barrett Duke has suggested, “A system of increasing fines, penalties and requirements, like substance-abuse counseling, can be developed. Penalties even could include the loss of one's driver's license. Jail could be a last resort for habitual offenders” (bpnews.net; 8-6-2012).
8. Marijuana is not that bad.
Rather, when marijuana has been legalized, it has led to an increase in crime, health, and societal problems. It magnifies an existing problem.
Marijuana has multiple toxic chemicals and gives a higher risk for cancer, psychosis, strokes, respiratory damage and heart attack. It causes impaired memory, difficulty concentrating, impairs driving and reaction time. It lowers the I.Q. of teenage smokers.
Acceptance of another mind-altering recreational drug always changes things for the worse.
Biblical Reasons to Oppose Marijuana
Every biblical injunction against alcohol is also a condemnation of marijuana and other recreational drugs.
1. Scripture describes in detail the dangerous effects of alcoholic wine and says not to even look at it (Proverbs 23:29-35). It’s not much of a leap to take the same low view of other dangerous drugs.
2. Scripture directly says wine is a mocker (Proverbs 20:1).
3. Scripture commands us to be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 1 Peter 5:8; etc.).
4. Kings are commanded not to drink wine lest they pervert justice (Proverbs 31:4-5). Believers are called kings and priests (Revelation 1:6; 5:10) and neither should we take drugs that would cause us to do things we’d never do in our right minds.
5. A Christian is to honor God with his mind and body (Matthew 22:37; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Both are adversely affected by alcohol and other drugs.
6. Drinking hurts your Christian influence and leads others astray (1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23).
One very big problem Christian social drinkers have is if they are justified in taking one mind-altering recreational drug (alcohol), then they have no legitimate argument against another legal mind-altering recreational drug (marijuana). The wise thing for Christians is to have nothing to do with either drug.
It should also be remembered that legal and moral are not synonymous. Whether alcohol, marijuana, or other harmful drugs are legal, a Christian answers to a higher standard.
Let’s not legalize another destructive drug.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 20, AD 2014.
Gleanings on Damaging Effects of Marijuana
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; update
1. Marijuana is no more harmful than alcohol, and alcohol is legal.
Alcohol is America’s number one drug problem. Why should we now unleash another harmful drug on America? When marijuana has been legalized, it has led to an increase in crime and societal problems
Alcohol and marijuana have been recognized as “gateway drugs.” In other words, many began their downhill slide with one or both. Then this leads them to other drugs. We already have one gateway drug, alcohol, that is legal, accepted by many, and causing havoc across our country. Do we now want to legalize another such devastating drug that will cause further destruction?
2. We have not won the war against drugs, including marijuana. So why not legalize it?
We haven’t won the war against murder either. Should we therefore legalize murder? Should we just tax murder? Of course not.
Passing a law against a harmful practice does not eliminate the practice. But it does limit it, stigmatize it, and punish the abusers.
Legalize marijuana, and you will get more users of marijuana. People who have never smoked it before, will try it, simply because it is now legal.
3. Medical marijuana should be legalized.
The argument for medical marijuana seems to just be a way of opening the door to the recreational use of marijuana. We already have better, legal, prescription drugs to fight pain.
For the Christian, we should even be concerned with the proper, limited use of prescription drugs. They are dangerous and should be used cautiously with the advice of a good, reliable medical doctor. Even otherwise helpful drugs can be addictive and misused.
4. People have a right to smoke marijuana if they choose.
Our rights must sometimes end when a practice or substance becomes too harmful to ourselves and others. I know there is a fine line that sometimes has to be drawn, but dangerous drugs that harm the user and innocent others should be severely limited.
Marijuana has been shown to cause many traffic accidents, and harm the health and mental ability of users. Isn’t it strange that just as society is turning against smoking tobacco, it is now moving toward sanctioning smoking marijuana?
5. We can get taxes from the legal sales of marijuana.
We could also get taxes from legalizing other harmful practices. Invariably, when we allow and tax a practice that is harmful to society, we end up paying more to control it and deal with its consequences, than we receive in taxes.
Government would do better to get their taxes up front and honestly, not by legalizing destructive behavior. On the other hand, frankly for the destructive behaviors already legalized, if there is no other alternative, let’s do limit them with “sin taxes,” and raise those taxes every chance we get.
6. You can’t legislate morality.
Yes you can. Our laws against murder legislate morality. Laws against theft legislate morality. Some things need to be criminalized, limited, and stigmatized.
7. Penalties for marijuana should change
Perhaps this is true. Barrett Duke has suggested, “A system of increasing fines, penalties and requirements, like substance-abuse counseling, can be developed. Penalties even could include the loss of one's driver's license. Jail could be a last resort for habitual offenders” (bpnews.net; 8-6-2012).
8. Marijuana is not that bad.
Rather, when marijuana has been legalized, it has led to an increase in crime, health, and societal problems. It magnifies an existing problem.
Marijuana has multiple toxic chemicals and gives a higher risk for cancer, psychosis, strokes, respiratory damage and heart attack. It causes impaired memory, difficulty concentrating, impairs driving and reaction time. It lowers the I.Q. of teenage smokers.
Acceptance of another mind-altering recreational drug always changes things for the worse.
Biblical Reasons to Oppose Marijuana
Every biblical injunction against alcohol is also a condemnation of marijuana and other recreational drugs.
1. Scripture describes in detail the dangerous effects of alcoholic wine and says not to even look at it (Proverbs 23:29-35). It’s not much of a leap to take the same low view of other dangerous drugs.
2. Scripture directly says wine is a mocker (Proverbs 20:1).
3. Scripture commands us to be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 1 Peter 5:8; etc.).
4. Kings are commanded not to drink wine lest they pervert justice (Proverbs 31:4-5). Believers are called kings and priests (Revelation 1:6; 5:10) and neither should we take drugs that would cause us to do things we’d never do in our right minds.
5. A Christian is to honor God with his mind and body (Matthew 22:37; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Both are adversely affected by alcohol and other drugs.
6. Drinking hurts your Christian influence and leads others astray (1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23).
One very big problem Christian social drinkers have is if they are justified in taking one mind-altering recreational drug (alcohol), then they have no legitimate argument against another legal mind-altering recreational drug (marijuana). The wise thing for Christians is to have nothing to do with either drug.
It should also be remembered that legal and moral are not synonymous. Whether alcohol, marijuana, or other harmful drugs are legal, a Christian answers to a higher standard.
Let’s not legalize another destructive drug.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 20, AD 2014.
Gleanings on Damaging Effects of Marijuana
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; update
Friday, December 20, 2013
Duck Dynasty, Wine, and Homosexuality
Duck Dynasty has become a huge success story on TV.
Some of the reasons for Duck Dynasty’s success:
Even though they get a little edgy, they are still a refreshing change from the filth and immorality regularly shown on TV.
They emphasize Faith, Family, Fun, Facial Hair.
They often show men acting like men, and women acting like women. Of course, they play to an audience and act a little crazy. Some of the rest of us on occasion do so in real life.
They’re like a lot of country folk I grew up with. Take away the money, the beards, and the wine, and they’re like some of my family, myself included.
Some appreciate educated, intelligent people that do not necessarily have to “act like” they are important, educated, or intelligent.
Again, while we will disagree with some of their theology and practices, it sure is nice to see their emphasis on faith, family, and a Christian sense of morality.
I obviously disagree with some of their theology and their vineyard. Not that I have a problem with a vineyard. I just have a problem taking the fresh, un-intoxicating fruit of the vine, and turning it into a dangerous, addictive drug. Maybe they could check out Draper Valley Vineyard, a vineyard that produces nonalcoholic wine/ grape juice from wine grapes (their Pinot Noir is outstanding).
While I enjoy Duck Dynasty, I agree with the stand Free Will Baptists recently took against the Robertson’s promotion of alcohol. They were right that it would send a mixed message to the kids in their Children’s Home. For a good article on this see:
http://www.brnow.org/Opinions/Guest-Columns/November-2013/Free-Will-Baptists-cancel-Duck-Dynasty-event
While I criticize them on the issue of alcohol, I agree with them on the issue of homosexuality. I would not have put the issue quite as crudely, but Phil Robertson was biblically correct in this opinion. We are to love all people, but God makes it perfectly clear that a homosexual lifestyle is sinful.
Hollywood and the Media one day will have a stark surprise at how a holy God views their creative work:
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. -Romans 1:26-27
While a little less crude, Holy Scripture bears a striking resemblance to Phil Robertson’s words.
For more on this most recent issue, see Baptist Press:
http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=41702
This is not just an issue of Free Speech. It is also an issue of Religious Liberty. Do America and our Media now only have room for one view? Just this morning national news labeled Phil Robertson’s view against homosexual acts as “homophobic.” Yet this is what the Bible and Christianity have taught for 2,000 years.
We also note their hypocrisy in ignoring these issues when it involves one of their own.
May America continue to be the land of the free. May Christians continue to have the freedom to speak the truth of the Bible. And may we strive to “speak the truth in love.”
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 20, AD 2013.
News Media's Unbalanced Reporting of Same-Sex Marriage
Jesus Christ on Same-Sex Marriage
That Night, A Christmas Poem
Some of the reasons for Duck Dynasty’s success:
Even though they get a little edgy, they are still a refreshing change from the filth and immorality regularly shown on TV.
They emphasize Faith, Family, Fun, Facial Hair.
They often show men acting like men, and women acting like women. Of course, they play to an audience and act a little crazy. Some of the rest of us on occasion do so in real life.
They’re like a lot of country folk I grew up with. Take away the money, the beards, and the wine, and they’re like some of my family, myself included.
Some appreciate educated, intelligent people that do not necessarily have to “act like” they are important, educated, or intelligent.
Again, while we will disagree with some of their theology and practices, it sure is nice to see their emphasis on faith, family, and a Christian sense of morality.
I obviously disagree with some of their theology and their vineyard. Not that I have a problem with a vineyard. I just have a problem taking the fresh, un-intoxicating fruit of the vine, and turning it into a dangerous, addictive drug. Maybe they could check out Draper Valley Vineyard, a vineyard that produces nonalcoholic wine/ grape juice from wine grapes (their Pinot Noir is outstanding).
While I enjoy Duck Dynasty, I agree with the stand Free Will Baptists recently took against the Robertson’s promotion of alcohol. They were right that it would send a mixed message to the kids in their Children’s Home. For a good article on this see:
http://www.brnow.org/Opinions/Guest-Columns/November-2013/Free-Will-Baptists-cancel-Duck-Dynasty-event
While I criticize them on the issue of alcohol, I agree with them on the issue of homosexuality. I would not have put the issue quite as crudely, but Phil Robertson was biblically correct in this opinion. We are to love all people, but God makes it perfectly clear that a homosexual lifestyle is sinful.
Hollywood and the Media one day will have a stark surprise at how a holy God views their creative work:
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. -Romans 1:26-27
While a little less crude, Holy Scripture bears a striking resemblance to Phil Robertson’s words.
For more on this most recent issue, see Baptist Press:
http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=41702
This is not just an issue of Free Speech. It is also an issue of Religious Liberty. Do America and our Media now only have room for one view? Just this morning national news labeled Phil Robertson’s view against homosexual acts as “homophobic.” Yet this is what the Bible and Christianity have taught for 2,000 years.
We also note their hypocrisy in ignoring these issues when it involves one of their own.
May America continue to be the land of the free. May Christians continue to have the freedom to speak the truth of the Bible. And may we strive to “speak the truth in love.”
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 20, AD 2013.
News Media's Unbalanced Reporting of Same-Sex Marriage
Jesus Christ on Same-Sex Marriage
That Night, A Christmas Poem
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Conservative United Methodists
Those who know me and have read much of Gulf Coast Pastor know that I am a Christian and a conservative Southern Baptist. I have strong Baptist convictions.
I have great respect, however, for those who stand for the fundamental or basic Christian doctrines, whether they are Baptist or not. I know there are many godly, Bible believing Christians of other denominations.
Some of the great preachers of the last 300 years or so have been of the Methodist persuasion. The United Methodists of today, though, are engaged in a struggle over the basics of the Christian faith. This has been seen recently in a Methodist Church trial concerning a minister who officiated in a homosexual wedding.
Many do not know there is an active, conservative Methodist organization that is making a heroic stand against theological liberalism. That group is the Good News Fellowship. If you are interested in what is going on in the Methodist Church, check out the following website and subscribe to their Good News Magazine:
http://goodnewsmag.org/
If you know any Methodists, let them know about this magazine and this conservative Methodist organization. They deserve more support.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 11, AD 2013.
I have great respect, however, for those who stand for the fundamental or basic Christian doctrines, whether they are Baptist or not. I know there are many godly, Bible believing Christians of other denominations.
Some of the great preachers of the last 300 years or so have been of the Methodist persuasion. The United Methodists of today, though, are engaged in a struggle over the basics of the Christian faith. This has been seen recently in a Methodist Church trial concerning a minister who officiated in a homosexual wedding.
Many do not know there is an active, conservative Methodist organization that is making a heroic stand against theological liberalism. That group is the Good News Fellowship. If you are interested in what is going on in the Methodist Church, check out the following website and subscribe to their Good News Magazine:
http://goodnewsmag.org/
If you know any Methodists, let them know about this magazine and this conservative Methodist organization. They deserve more support.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 11, AD 2013.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Nelson Mandela Quotes; and Comments About Mandela
Nelson Mandela (AD 1918-2013) was an outstanding South African and world leader. I’m sure I would not agree with him on every detail of religion and politics, but there is no doubt he accomplished great things.
A few significant quotes by and about Mandela:
"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
-Nelson Mandela. Spoken in 1964, he lived out the truth of this statement.
Baptist Press noted Mandela rarely discussed religion outside the arena of religious freedom, but gave this quote of Mandela from a 2000 Christian Science Monitor interview:
"Religion has had a tremendous influence on my own life. You must remember that during our time - right from Grade 1 up to university - our education was provided by religious institutions. I was in [Christian] missionary schools. The government [of the day] had no interest whatsoever in our education and, therefore, religion became a force which was responsible for our development.
I appreciate the importance of religion. You have to have been in a South African jail under apartheid where you could see the cruelty of human beings to each other in its naked form. Again, religious institutions and their leaders gave us hope that one day we would return.”
Comments on Mandela from Gordon Fort:
"While tackling the daunting task of dismantling institutionalized racism, poverty and inequality, [Mandela] gave a clarion call to national unity and religious freedom. This atmosphere led to a season of opportunity for the church and its missionary representatives to advance the Gospel, engage new people groups, and play a part in the healing of the deep rifts within the nation.
President Mandela was among the first to invite and welcome the role of the church in the new nation he was seeking to build. After retirement from the presidency, he continued to provide leadership and an example of statesmanship that allowed the church to flourish.”
-Gordon Fort, SBC International Mission Board Senior Vice-President, and former IMB missionary in Africa.
Adeniya Ojutiku on Mandela:
Nelson Mandela was “an epitome of forgiveness, kindness and love" who had "a dogged resolve for the pursuit of peace and justice."
"His extraordinary life story, witty sense of humor and lack of bitterness toward his former oppressors has ensured global appeal for his type of charismatic leadership.
Mandela has no antecedence, parallel or equal in the contemporary history of harmonious race relations.
He rekindled hope in the humaneness and greatness of the black, colored and white races, as he soared above the petty confines of party politics and prejudice.”
-Nigeria native Adeniya Ojutiku, a Southern Baptist in the U.S. who fights for Christians and their livelihood in his homeland; from Baptist Press.
“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” -Nelson Mandela
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” -Nelson Mandela
“Appearances matter - and remember to smile.” -Nelson Mandela
“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” -Nelson Mandela
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 7, AD 2013.
10 Commandments For Christmas
More Articles (Labels) in lower right margin.
A few significant quotes by and about Mandela:
"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
-Nelson Mandela. Spoken in 1964, he lived out the truth of this statement.
Baptist Press noted Mandela rarely discussed religion outside the arena of religious freedom, but gave this quote of Mandela from a 2000 Christian Science Monitor interview:
"Religion has had a tremendous influence on my own life. You must remember that during our time - right from Grade 1 up to university - our education was provided by religious institutions. I was in [Christian] missionary schools. The government [of the day] had no interest whatsoever in our education and, therefore, religion became a force which was responsible for our development.
I appreciate the importance of religion. You have to have been in a South African jail under apartheid where you could see the cruelty of human beings to each other in its naked form. Again, religious institutions and their leaders gave us hope that one day we would return.”
Comments on Mandela from Gordon Fort:
"While tackling the daunting task of dismantling institutionalized racism, poverty and inequality, [Mandela] gave a clarion call to national unity and religious freedom. This atmosphere led to a season of opportunity for the church and its missionary representatives to advance the Gospel, engage new people groups, and play a part in the healing of the deep rifts within the nation.
President Mandela was among the first to invite and welcome the role of the church in the new nation he was seeking to build. After retirement from the presidency, he continued to provide leadership and an example of statesmanship that allowed the church to flourish.”
-Gordon Fort, SBC International Mission Board Senior Vice-President, and former IMB missionary in Africa.
Adeniya Ojutiku on Mandela:
Nelson Mandela was “an epitome of forgiveness, kindness and love" who had "a dogged resolve for the pursuit of peace and justice."
"His extraordinary life story, witty sense of humor and lack of bitterness toward his former oppressors has ensured global appeal for his type of charismatic leadership.
Mandela has no antecedence, parallel or equal in the contemporary history of harmonious race relations.
He rekindled hope in the humaneness and greatness of the black, colored and white races, as he soared above the petty confines of party politics and prejudice.”
-Nigeria native Adeniya Ojutiku, a Southern Baptist in the U.S. who fights for Christians and their livelihood in his homeland; from Baptist Press.
“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” -Nelson Mandela
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” -Nelson Mandela
“Appearances matter - and remember to smile.” -Nelson Mandela
“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” -Nelson Mandela
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 7, AD 2013.
10 Commandments For Christmas
More Articles (Labels) in lower right margin.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Obituary - Pastor O. O. Ervin
O. O. Ervin (April 6, 1924 - September 2, 2013) was born in Briggs, Texas and pastored churches in Corpus Christi, Bynum, Mount Calm, New London, Kingsville, South Padre Island, and Lewisville, TX. He graduated from the University of Corpus Christi and attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX. He retired to Wimberly, later to Lewisville. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Kitty Gant; son, Mackey; sister, Jean Dudley; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
My dad, Joe Brumbelow, attended UCC with Ervin, and they and their wives were lifelong friends. A number of times through the years Joe would preach revivals for him, and O. O. would preach revivals for Joe. O. O. Ervin was an outstanding soul-winner and preacher of the Word of God. He would tell others about Jesus as a part of his regular lifestyle.
On one occasion Joe Brumbelow said O. O. Ervin taught him more about soul-winning than anyone else. On another occasion, O. O. Ervin said the same about Joe Brumbelow. They both loved pointing the lost to Jesus Christ.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, November 12, AD 2013.
My dad, Joe Brumbelow, attended UCC with Ervin, and they and their wives were lifelong friends. A number of times through the years Joe would preach revivals for him, and O. O. would preach revivals for Joe. O. O. Ervin was an outstanding soul-winner and preacher of the Word of God. He would tell others about Jesus as a part of his regular lifestyle.
On one occasion Joe Brumbelow said O. O. Ervin taught him more about soul-winning than anyone else. On another occasion, O. O. Ervin said the same about Joe Brumbelow. They both loved pointing the lost to Jesus Christ.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, November 12, AD 2013.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Moody Bible Institute's Weakening Stand on Alcohol
I was amazed and disappointed to hear that Moody Bible Institute (founded by Evangelist D. L. Moody in 1886), has dropped their long-held ban against its professors using alcohol.
All my life I’ve heard good things about the conservative, biblical stand of Moody Bible Institute. I’ve recommended them through the years; as my dad did before me.
Evangelist D. L. Moody himself opposed alcohol. But now his school has dropped that biblical conviction.
Now, according to WORLD magazine, the Moody Bible Institute Board Chairman is involved in gambling and poker. This “comes after the board of trustees he chairs established, in August, a new Moody employee policy that permits gambling, tobacco use, and the consumption of alcohol while off duty.” -WORLD, 11-2-2013. See the article at:
http://www.worldmag.com/2013/10/no_bluffing
In the future, any recommendation of Moody needs a disclaimer concerning their weak stand on alcohol.
As Judge Pressler, one of the leaders in the SBC Conservative Resurgence says,
“The upcoming generations need to know the havoc brought on our society and upon individuals by the use of alcohol. If we use it ourselves, we recommend its use to others. A Christian should not exercise his freedom to put himself and others at such a risk.”
-Judge Paul Pressler, quoted in Ancient Wine and the Bible.
Mark Creech of the American Council on Addiction & Alcohol Problems (ACAAP) has written an article on this issue:
http://sapacap.com/?p=294
We desperately need more pastors, youth ministers, seminary professors, and laymen willing to speak out on these issues. We need more individuals and churches willing to give to organizations like ACAP. May we stop this backward slide of Christians using drugs for recreational purposes.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, October 21, AD 2013.
What About Halloween?
All my life I’ve heard good things about the conservative, biblical stand of Moody Bible Institute. I’ve recommended them through the years; as my dad did before me.
Evangelist D. L. Moody himself opposed alcohol. But now his school has dropped that biblical conviction.
Now, according to WORLD magazine, the Moody Bible Institute Board Chairman is involved in gambling and poker. This “comes after the board of trustees he chairs established, in August, a new Moody employee policy that permits gambling, tobacco use, and the consumption of alcohol while off duty.” -WORLD, 11-2-2013. See the article at:
http://www.worldmag.com/2013/10/no_bluffing
In the future, any recommendation of Moody needs a disclaimer concerning their weak stand on alcohol.
As Judge Pressler, one of the leaders in the SBC Conservative Resurgence says,
“The upcoming generations need to know the havoc brought on our society and upon individuals by the use of alcohol. If we use it ourselves, we recommend its use to others. A Christian should not exercise his freedom to put himself and others at such a risk.”
-Judge Paul Pressler, quoted in Ancient Wine and the Bible.
Mark Creech of the American Council on Addiction & Alcohol Problems (ACAAP) has written an article on this issue:
http://sapacap.com/?p=294
We desperately need more pastors, youth ministers, seminary professors, and laymen willing to speak out on these issues. We need more individuals and churches willing to give to organizations like ACAP. May we stop this backward slide of Christians using drugs for recreational purposes.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, October 21, AD 2013.
What About Halloween?
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Obituary - Bonnie Brumbelow
Joe and Bonnie Brumbelow; November, AD 2001
Mrs. Joe (Bonnie Galyean) Brumbelow was born November 26, 1933 in Old Ocean, TX. She passed away October 4, 2013. Her parents, who had moved from NE Mississippi to Texas, were Thomas Jefferson Galyean & Maude (Mincy) Galyean. She graduated from a one room schoolhouse, San Bernard School (out of Old Ocean), and West Columbia High School in 1950. She married a Baptist preacher, Joe E. Brumbelow, in 1951. Brother Joe was a graduate of Damon High School, University of Corpus Christi, and pastored churches in Old Ocean, Houston, Corpus Christi, Cypress, and Dawson, TX.
Bonnie and Joe had a very close, loving marriage. Bonnie was known for her singing, Sunday School teaching, general work in the church, cooking, and serving as an excellent mother and pastor’s wife. Through the years many came to her for counsel. She raised three boys who now all serve as SBC pastors. She left her family an incredible legacy.
Bonnie wrote a Cookbook, Masterpieces From Our Kitchen, in 2004; it has gone through two printings of 1,000. A number of folks have said they reach for her Cookbook first when looking for a good recipe. She wrote a chapter in the book, The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow (Foreword by John Hatch and endorsed by Adrian Rogers, Paige Patterson, Franklin Atkinson, and others). She was also influential in her son’s book, Ancient Wine and the Bible: The Case for Abstinence. In 2011 she wrote an unpublished autobiography, Lest I Forget, that was given to a few family and friends. A later addition to this book included a number of family photos.
Mrs. Brumbelow loved gardening; especially her antique roses and fruit trees. Some of her favorite roses: Cadenza, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Maggie, Duchesse de Brabant, Kronprincessin Viktoria, Sombueuil, Dame de Coeur, Cramoisi Superieur…
Through the years she ministered with her husband, and more recently taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church, Lake Jackson, TX.
Because of her personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, she is now absent from the body, but present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Bonnie is preceded in death by Husband Joe Brumbelow and still-born Daughter Donna Marie Brumbelow. Sisters: Maryland Richardson, Ruth Hobbins, Edith Beaugh. Brothers: Jeff & John Galyean.
Bonnie is survived by 3 Sons: Steve and his wife Nelda of Willis, TX. David of Highlands, TX. Mark and his wife Cherry of Brazoria, TX.
Grandchildren: Amy and her husband Jim Wall of Kurten, TX.
Lori and her husband Brett Mosser of Cypress, TX. Daniel Brumbelow and his wife Amy of Sweeny, TX. Micah Brumbelow and his wife Sarah of Sweeny, TX. Jeremiah Brumbelow of Brazoria, TX.
Great Grandchildren: Courtney, Ashley, & Andrew Wall of Kurten. Taylor, Tori, & Trenna Mosser of Cypress. Hannah, & Abigail Brumbelow of Sweeny.
Sisters: Ruby Mickey, Delphia Jackson, Stella Kubecka.
“Adopted” Sons: Mike McReynolds of Wortham, TX; Benny Lau of Markham, Ontario, Canada.
Pallbearers: Daniel Brumbelow, Micah Brumbelow, Jeremiah Brumbelow, Brett Mosser, Gary Lee, Greg Lee.
Visitation at Lakewood Funeral Home, Clute, TX October 7, 2013 from 6-8pm.
Funeral Service at First Baptist Church, 401 Yaupon Street, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 October 8, 2013 at 10am.
Ministers: Chad Alexander, D. O. Foster.
Singers: Kyle B. Gulledge, Daniel Jennings.
Burial at Yelderman Cemetery, Damon, Texas.
Family may be contacted at P.O. Box 300, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to FBC, Lake Jackson (address above).
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” -John 11:25
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. -Proverbs 31:28
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, October 5, AD 2013.
nsbc77562@LWOL.com
281/705-3433
Note: A photo may be added later. Check back for updates or tributes.
Tributes:
“Bonnie Brumbelow is one of the greatest women I've ever known. Aside from my beloved mother and my precious wife, no woman has made a greater impact on my life. Some of the sweetest fellowship I have ever experienced has been in her home, sitting at her dinner table, eating her delicious food, visiting with her and her family. She is a woman of profound wisdom, Godly character, strong convictions, high morals, and courageous faith. Alice and I will always been indebted to Bonnie for the love and support she showed us during our years at FBC Lake Jackson. We had no greater supporter. No greater cheerleader. No greater advocate than Bonnie. We will miss her dearly.” -Dr. John A. Hatch, Director of Missions, Gregg Baptist Association, Longview, TX.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Annual Meeting: American Council on Alcohol Problems
The annual meeting of the American Council on Alcohol Problems (ACAP) will be September 23-24, 2013 at the Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama.
More people need to be aware of this organization and it’s resources. More pastors and churches should be involved in the work of ACAP. I hope to see some of you there.
Find out more at:
http://sapacap.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Annual-Meeting-Agenda-2013.pdf
and,
http://sapacap.com/
New Address: American Council on Addiction and Alcohol Problems (ACAAP.us).
Or call Cheryl Corley at 205-989-8177 for assistance in registering.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, September 4, AD 2013.
Or call Cheryl Corley at 205-989-8177 for assistance in registering.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, September 4, AD 2013.
Monday, August 5, 2013
SBC Resolution on Alcohol, 1988
Previously I’ve published the 2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol. A link to it is listed below.
But I thought it might be informative to publish another of the many Baptist resolutions against alcohol. I was present at the San Antonio SBC where the following Resolution was adopted. This was in the height of the SBC Conservative Resurgence and the convention in which Jerry Vines was elected president.
RESOLUTION ON ALCOHOL
June, 1988
WHEREAS, Previous Southern Baptist Conventions have passed resolutions on many occasions about the destructive effects of beverage alcohol consumption; and
WHEREAS, Beverage alcohol consumption is responsible for untold thousands of accidents, deaths, illness, and dysfunctional families; and
WHEREAS, We acknowledge that alcohol use is a problem that affects some members of Southern Baptist churches.
Be it therefore, RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting June 14-16, 1988, in San Antonio, Texas, express our total opposition to the advertising, manufacturing, distribution, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we support stringent laws which will both deter drinking and driving, and also ensure swift prosecution of those who are accused of such; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptists to work toward making these views known through secular and spiritual organizations, including local, state, and national governments; and
Be it finally RESOLVED, That we commend organizations which treat alcohol related problems as well as those organizations which promote prevention, using scripturally based principles.
-San Antonio, Texas
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 4, AD 2013.
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Ancient Wine Production and the Bible
Biblical Principles Condemn Alcohol
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
Other articles in lower right margin.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Back To Bethel Bible Conference, 2013
Back To Bethel Bible Conference
25th Annual Conference
July 15-18, 2013
Red River Valley Bible Camp
Paris, Texas USA
Preaching:
Clark Bosher
Paul Boughan
Malcom Ellis
Phil Hoskins
Singers:
Kasey Boughan
The Calvary Singers
Mackey Willis Family
Bible Conference Leader:
Kyle B. Gulledge
Others will also be singing and preaching.
No charges or fees to attend. Meals are free. This Conference operates on a love offering basis. You may stay at the Camp or in town. Child Care available.
For more information:
www.rrvbcparis.org
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 9, AD 2013.
More articles in lower right margin.
25th Annual Conference
July 15-18, 2013
Red River Valley Bible Camp
Paris, Texas USA
Preaching:
Clark Bosher
Paul Boughan
Malcom Ellis
Phil Hoskins
Singers:
Kasey Boughan
The Calvary Singers
Mackey Willis Family
Bible Conference Leader:
Kyle B. Gulledge
Others will also be singing and preaching.
No charges or fees to attend. Meals are free. This Conference operates on a love offering basis. You may stay at the Camp or in town. Child Care available.
For more information:
www.rrvbcparis.org
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 9, AD 2013.
More articles in lower right margin.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
News Media's Unbalanced Reporting of Same-Sex Marriage
Ever suspect the national news media may be biased against Conservative Christian values? Below is one of many confirmations of their prejudice.
Pew: Media's Gay Marriage Support Evident
by Erin Roach
WASHINGTON (BP) -- The mainstream media's focus on support of same-sex marriage outnumbered news stories opposing it by roughly 5-to-1, according to a new Pew Research study showing the influence such coverage could have on the American public.
Nearly half of the stories studied in the two months marked by Supreme Court deliberations on the subject, mid-March through mid-May, focused on support of gay marriage and only 9 percent focused on opposition.
Pew said in its study, released June 17, 44 percent of the news stories included an even mix of support and opposition or were objective. Pew defined support or opposition by mandating that statements expressing that position had to outnumber the opposite view by at least 2-to-1.
All three of the major cable networks, Pew said, had more stories with significantly more supportive statements than opposing, including Fox News.
William Proctor, an evangelical commentator and author of "The Gospel According to The New York Times," told Baptist Press the research shows the mainstream news media continues to demonstrate a "significant bias against biblical values on social and other issues."
"But second, and even more important, through a process I've called 'culture creep,' the values espoused by the media inexorably draw the public away from traditional biblical values and toward moral and social standards that are antithetical to those affirmed by historic Christianity," Proctor, a two-time Harvard graduate, said.
Proctor pointed to polls by Angus Reid Public Opinion that found as news reports have increased in support of gay marriage, Americans' opinions have shifted dramatically as well. In 2010, he said, only 36 percent of Americans affirmed same-sex marriage; in 2011 the figure had risen to 46 percent; and now a Gallup poll shows support at 51 percent or higher.
Same-sex marriage supporters in the news coverage had a more consistent message than those arguing against it, Pew found, with supporters focusing on gay marriage as an issue of equality in nearly half of the news stories studied.
Opponents argued that same-sex marriage would hurt society and traditional marriage, but Pew said that argument only appeared in 18 percent of the stories and other arguments included the idea that homosexuality is immoral (10 percent).
"A powerful mechanism through which culture creep operates involves the identification of the wishes of certain interest groups, such as the gay community, with minority 'rights,'" Proctor said. "As the Pew report noted, 'the central argument among proponents of same-sex marriage was one of civil rights.'
"Such an argument is especially potent in our society because many Americans have a great difficulty denying anyone's claim to a special rights status, no matter how far-fetched that claim may be," Proctor said.
Amy Mitchell, acting director of Pew's Project for Excellence in Journalism, said the study shows how same-sex marriage supporters had a clear message and succeeded in getting that message across in all sectors of mainstream media.
"In addition," Mitchell said, "many of the events during the period studied, such as announcements by politicians and state legislation, reflect movement toward same-sex marriage."
One bright spot for gay marriage opponents, according to the Pew study, is that an analysis of Twitter conversation found that despite the nation's shift toward acceptance of same-sex marriage, significant opposition remains. Statements on Twitter were closely split between those who supported and those that opposed, Pew reported.
Read the entire BP story at:
http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=40606
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 2, AD 2013.
Is America A Christian Nation?
More articles in lower right margin.
Pew: Media's Gay Marriage Support Evident
by Erin Roach
WASHINGTON (BP) -- The mainstream media's focus on support of same-sex marriage outnumbered news stories opposing it by roughly 5-to-1, according to a new Pew Research study showing the influence such coverage could have on the American public.
Nearly half of the stories studied in the two months marked by Supreme Court deliberations on the subject, mid-March through mid-May, focused on support of gay marriage and only 9 percent focused on opposition.
Pew said in its study, released June 17, 44 percent of the news stories included an even mix of support and opposition or were objective. Pew defined support or opposition by mandating that statements expressing that position had to outnumber the opposite view by at least 2-to-1.
All three of the major cable networks, Pew said, had more stories with significantly more supportive statements than opposing, including Fox News.
William Proctor, an evangelical commentator and author of "The Gospel According to The New York Times," told Baptist Press the research shows the mainstream news media continues to demonstrate a "significant bias against biblical values on social and other issues."
"But second, and even more important, through a process I've called 'culture creep,' the values espoused by the media inexorably draw the public away from traditional biblical values and toward moral and social standards that are antithetical to those affirmed by historic Christianity," Proctor, a two-time Harvard graduate, said.
Proctor pointed to polls by Angus Reid Public Opinion that found as news reports have increased in support of gay marriage, Americans' opinions have shifted dramatically as well. In 2010, he said, only 36 percent of Americans affirmed same-sex marriage; in 2011 the figure had risen to 46 percent; and now a Gallup poll shows support at 51 percent or higher.
Same-sex marriage supporters in the news coverage had a more consistent message than those arguing against it, Pew found, with supporters focusing on gay marriage as an issue of equality in nearly half of the news stories studied.
Opponents argued that same-sex marriage would hurt society and traditional marriage, but Pew said that argument only appeared in 18 percent of the stories and other arguments included the idea that homosexuality is immoral (10 percent).
"A powerful mechanism through which culture creep operates involves the identification of the wishes of certain interest groups, such as the gay community, with minority 'rights,'" Proctor said. "As the Pew report noted, 'the central argument among proponents of same-sex marriage was one of civil rights.'
"Such an argument is especially potent in our society because many Americans have a great difficulty denying anyone's claim to a special rights status, no matter how far-fetched that claim may be," Proctor said.
Amy Mitchell, acting director of Pew's Project for Excellence in Journalism, said the study shows how same-sex marriage supporters had a clear message and succeeded in getting that message across in all sectors of mainstream media.
"In addition," Mitchell said, "many of the events during the period studied, such as announcements by politicians and state legislation, reflect movement toward same-sex marriage."
One bright spot for gay marriage opponents, according to the Pew study, is that an analysis of Twitter conversation found that despite the nation's shift toward acceptance of same-sex marriage, significant opposition remains. Statements on Twitter were closely split between those who supported and those that opposed, Pew reported.
Read the entire BP story at:
http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=40606
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 2, AD 2013.
Is America A Christian Nation?
More articles in lower right margin.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
B. H. Carroll on the Gift of Tongues
Benajah Harvey Carroll (AD 1843-1914) was born in Mississippi, a veteran of the Civil War, and was pastor of First Baptist Church, Waco, Texas.
B. H. Carroll was the founding president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas (swbts.edu). His sermons and writings have been influential in the Christian world.
Following are some of Carroll’s quotes on the Gift of Tongues:
The next question: Was the gift of tongues a power to speak in other languages, or a mere ecstasy, unintelligible to other people, and that the man himself oftentimes did not understand?,,,
Now, was it the power to speak in other languages? Certainly it was, or I have to take back what I said about Pentecost reversing the incident at Babel. Let the record answer whether this was a mere ecstasy, or actual power to speak in different languages:
"Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? And how hear we, every man in our own language wherein we were born?" (Acts 2:5).
That does not describe mere ecstasy, but the power to speak in the different languages; and the record goes on to specify the nations from which they came:
"Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and Proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God."
While they were all Jews, yet Jews of the dispersion, who had ceased speaking the Hebrew tongue, they spoke the languages of the country where they lived, and what amazed them – the thing that startled them – was to see these ignorant Galileans, having a corrupted dialect of Aramaic, speaking better than they could these words in their own languages, to which they were born.
-B. H. Carroll, Interpretation of the English Bible, Acts 2.
Let me show that this speaking in tongues meant to speak in a language that a man had not acquired, and had not studied. Turn to Acts 2, where this gift is first manifested and commence at verse 6:
"When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? And how hear we, every man in our own tongue wherein we were born? Parthiana and Medes and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God."
A man must have more brass on his face than was ever in the brazen gates of Babylon to assume that that doesn't refer to speaking in different languages.
Here came a man from Cyrene over in Africa; there came a Roman; here a Cretan; there an Arabian; and they heard these men under the influence of the Holy Spirit speaking in the tongues in which they were born.
My second argument is based on 1 Corinthians 14:14: "If I pray in a tongue . . . my understanding is unfruitful." I don't know what the words mean, but if it was an ecstasy that language would not be so applicable. I have no doubt that when God gave power to Balaam's beast to speak audibly, his language was not understood by him. He spoke in a language that he himself didn't understand….
Let us advance again in the argument in this issue. Paul says, "If I speak in an unknown tongue which the people cannot understand, what good will it do unless I translate?" That shows that it was an unknown language. If we send a missionary to a foreign country and he does not know their speech and they don't know his speech, and a particular man knows both theirs and his, that man is asked to be an interpreter. The missionary says a few words, and then the interpreter speaks these words in the language of the people addressed. He understands. "Now," says Paul, "what good does it do to speak in unknown tongues unless you interpret?"
He shows again that this is the thought. He says, "If you give thanks in an unknown tongue, how shall he that is unlearned say, 'Amen,' to your giving thanks, since he does not understand what you say?" And how powerfully the reformers quoted that against the Roman Catholics whose public services were conducted in Latin whether anybody understood Latin or not. The reformers quote this passage and say, "How is that going to help the people? Speak it if you want to, but tell them what the Latin means.”…
I used to be a soldier, and every morning there was a certain bugle-sound called "reveille," which means "get up quick"; then a certain other sound of the trumpet meant, "saddle up," and a certain other sound meant, "mount," another very lively one meant, "Forward march." "Now," said Paul, "if a man just gets up and blows a noise out of a trumpet that doesn't signify anything, how can anybody prepare himself for battle?" Therefore he says, "I would rather speak five words to the church with my understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."
-B. H. Carroll, Interpretation of the English Bible, 1 Corinthians 14.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 25, AD 2013.
B. H. Carroll on Inspiration of Bible
B. H. Carroll on Pastors and Alcohol
L. R. Scarborough on Soul-Winning
Ancient Wine Production and the Bible
Other articles in lower right margin.
B. H. Carroll was the founding president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas (swbts.edu). His sermons and writings have been influential in the Christian world.
Following are some of Carroll’s quotes on the Gift of Tongues:
The next question: Was the gift of tongues a power to speak in other languages, or a mere ecstasy, unintelligible to other people, and that the man himself oftentimes did not understand?,,,
Now, was it the power to speak in other languages? Certainly it was, or I have to take back what I said about Pentecost reversing the incident at Babel. Let the record answer whether this was a mere ecstasy, or actual power to speak in different languages:
"Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? And how hear we, every man in our own language wherein we were born?" (Acts 2:5).
That does not describe mere ecstasy, but the power to speak in the different languages; and the record goes on to specify the nations from which they came:
"Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and Proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God."
While they were all Jews, yet Jews of the dispersion, who had ceased speaking the Hebrew tongue, they spoke the languages of the country where they lived, and what amazed them – the thing that startled them – was to see these ignorant Galileans, having a corrupted dialect of Aramaic, speaking better than they could these words in their own languages, to which they were born.
-B. H. Carroll, Interpretation of the English Bible, Acts 2.
Let me show that this speaking in tongues meant to speak in a language that a man had not acquired, and had not studied. Turn to Acts 2, where this gift is first manifested and commence at verse 6:
"When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? And how hear we, every man in our own tongue wherein we were born? Parthiana and Medes and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God."
A man must have more brass on his face than was ever in the brazen gates of Babylon to assume that that doesn't refer to speaking in different languages.
Here came a man from Cyrene over in Africa; there came a Roman; here a Cretan; there an Arabian; and they heard these men under the influence of the Holy Spirit speaking in the tongues in which they were born.
My second argument is based on 1 Corinthians 14:14: "If I pray in a tongue . . . my understanding is unfruitful." I don't know what the words mean, but if it was an ecstasy that language would not be so applicable. I have no doubt that when God gave power to Balaam's beast to speak audibly, his language was not understood by him. He spoke in a language that he himself didn't understand….
Let us advance again in the argument in this issue. Paul says, "If I speak in an unknown tongue which the people cannot understand, what good will it do unless I translate?" That shows that it was an unknown language. If we send a missionary to a foreign country and he does not know their speech and they don't know his speech, and a particular man knows both theirs and his, that man is asked to be an interpreter. The missionary says a few words, and then the interpreter speaks these words in the language of the people addressed. He understands. "Now," says Paul, "what good does it do to speak in unknown tongues unless you interpret?"
He shows again that this is the thought. He says, "If you give thanks in an unknown tongue, how shall he that is unlearned say, 'Amen,' to your giving thanks, since he does not understand what you say?" And how powerfully the reformers quoted that against the Roman Catholics whose public services were conducted in Latin whether anybody understood Latin or not. The reformers quote this passage and say, "How is that going to help the people? Speak it if you want to, but tell them what the Latin means.”…
I used to be a soldier, and every morning there was a certain bugle-sound called "reveille," which means "get up quick"; then a certain other sound of the trumpet meant, "saddle up," and a certain other sound meant, "mount," another very lively one meant, "Forward march." "Now," said Paul, "if a man just gets up and blows a noise out of a trumpet that doesn't signify anything, how can anybody prepare himself for battle?" Therefore he says, "I would rather speak five words to the church with my understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."
-B. H. Carroll, Interpretation of the English Bible, 1 Corinthians 14.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 25, AD 2013.
B. H. Carroll on Inspiration of Bible
B. H. Carroll on Pastors and Alcohol
L. R. Scarborough on Soul-Winning
Ancient Wine Production and the Bible
Other articles in lower right margin.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Is America A Christian Nation?
No, and yes. Let me explain.
No.
America is a secular government that practices freedom of religion. My church has freedom to worship and evangelize, but is not favored by the government over those of other denominations or faiths. There is no religious test for a politician other than what the public perceives. With enough votes a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc. can be elected to office. Non Christian nations should not fear that America as a government is trying to spread or force religion on others. They do not force religion on their own people. Therefore, do not expect our government to bring Revival to America. That is up to God, and God’s people.
The American government, however, should do more to strongly promote religious liberty in countries around the world. Thank God for the cases in which they do.
By the way, Muslims are free to build their mosques in America and worship in safety. Why aren’t Christians free to build their churches in Saudi Arabia? And worship and evangelize in safety?
Americans are free to convert from one faith to another; why aren’t those in predominately Muslim countries free to do the same?
No.
The majority of Americans have not placed their personal faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And the majority of Americans certainly don’t live like followers of Jesus Christ.
Yes.
America was founded on Christian principles by Christian people. That does not mean all the founders were perfect Christian people. But they had a profound respect and reliance on the Bible and Judeo-Christian beliefs. Their early writings often referred to God and the Bible. Our earlier monuments are filled with biblical references.
Why can’t we still make biblical references on governmental monuments today?
By the way, if Scripture on governmental property is not allowed today, perhaps churches and individuals should place Scripture on monuments and markers outside the churches, and on private property. Place them by sidewalks where they can be seen by the public.
Yes.
In the broadest definition of Christian, the big majority of USA citizens claim Christianity as their religion as opposed to Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.
Yes.
True Christians are a strong moral influence in America. Thousands of Christian churches throughout the land proclaim the Word of God. Christianity and the Bible have had, and continue to have, a profound influence on the culture, morals, and government of the USA.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. -Psalm 33:12
May God bring Revival to America.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 24, AD 2013.
Patriotism and Christian Worship
Why Should I Vote?
Other articles in lower right margin.
No.
America is a secular government that practices freedom of religion. My church has freedom to worship and evangelize, but is not favored by the government over those of other denominations or faiths. There is no religious test for a politician other than what the public perceives. With enough votes a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc. can be elected to office. Non Christian nations should not fear that America as a government is trying to spread or force religion on others. They do not force religion on their own people. Therefore, do not expect our government to bring Revival to America. That is up to God, and God’s people.
The American government, however, should do more to strongly promote religious liberty in countries around the world. Thank God for the cases in which they do.
By the way, Muslims are free to build their mosques in America and worship in safety. Why aren’t Christians free to build their churches in Saudi Arabia? And worship and evangelize in safety?
Americans are free to convert from one faith to another; why aren’t those in predominately Muslim countries free to do the same?
No.
The majority of Americans have not placed their personal faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And the majority of Americans certainly don’t live like followers of Jesus Christ.
Yes.
America was founded on Christian principles by Christian people. That does not mean all the founders were perfect Christian people. But they had a profound respect and reliance on the Bible and Judeo-Christian beliefs. Their early writings often referred to God and the Bible. Our earlier monuments are filled with biblical references.
Why can’t we still make biblical references on governmental monuments today?
By the way, if Scripture on governmental property is not allowed today, perhaps churches and individuals should place Scripture on monuments and markers outside the churches, and on private property. Place them by sidewalks where they can be seen by the public.
Yes.
In the broadest definition of Christian, the big majority of USA citizens claim Christianity as their religion as opposed to Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.
Yes.
True Christians are a strong moral influence in America. Thousands of Christian churches throughout the land proclaim the Word of God. Christianity and the Bible have had, and continue to have, a profound influence on the culture, morals, and government of the USA.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. -Psalm 33:12
May God bring Revival to America.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 24, AD 2013.
Patriotism and Christian Worship
Why Should I Vote?
Other articles in lower right margin.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Thoughts on the Houston SBC, 2013
As usual, I enjoyed the fellowship with friends and preachers I had not seen in a year or more. Heard some gracious, encouraging comments on my two books and my mother’s Cookbook. Did so much walking and standing, my feet and legs paid for it for several days. Had an SBC hangover!
Also enjoyed the Pre-SBC Bible Conference held at Southview Baptist Church, Rosharon, TX. Heard some great preaching and singing, and was pleasantly surprised at the SBC messengers from around the country who showed up.
SBC President Fred Luter seems to be doing a great job. He was reelected by acclamation. Glad to see Bart Barber elected as SBC First Vice-President.
The Calvinism Report seems to be generally well received. Two points in their report deserve note.
First, they affirm both Calvinists and non-Calvinists (aka Moderate Calvinists, Traditionalists) have been a part of the SBC since it’s beginning in 1845.
"We affirm that, from the very beginning of our denominational life, Calvinists and non-Calvinists have cooperated together.” -Calvinism Committee; 2013.
This affirmation is important because some of the New Calvinists have argued only strict Calvinists comprised the SBC for about its first 100 years.
Second, the statement said those who believe infants inherit Adam’s guilt, and those who believe infants do not inherit Adam’s guilt (both sides agree we inherit a sinful nature because of Adam) both fit within Southern Baptist orthodoxy.
“We agree that everyone has inherited Adam's hopelessly fallen sin nature, but we differ as to whether we also inherit his guilt. We agree that men and women are sinners, but we differ about the effects of sin on the mind and the will. We recognize the differences among us between those who believe that sin nullifies freedom to respond to the Gospel and those who believe that freedom to respond to the Gospel is marred but not nullified.”
-Calvinism Committee; 2013.
This is important because some have accused Traditionalists or non-Calvinists of being heretics or leaning toward heresy.
The Calvinist Statement will do some good, but both sides will continue to do what they’ve been doing. Perhaps it will quiet down the more extreme on both sides.
There seemed to be confusion by some that the SBC Pastor’s Conference was going to be all panel discussion, with no preaching. Some of the early schedules seemed to indicate that. I hope we continue to have revival type, and expository preaching at the Pastor’s Conference. Hope we continue to get great older, and younger preachers; traditional as well as contemporary preachers of the Gospel. I’d also like to see an evangelist or two preach each year at the Pastor’s Conference. Our evangelists have been too often neglected.
As always, there was good singing and preaching at the SBC. The Resolutions Committee presented some good resolutions. You can see the resolutions at sbc.net.
The display areas are always interesting to me. Calvinists had at least a couple of booths; non-Calvinists need to get a little more involved and have a booth or two as well. They also had some good hot dogs in the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Attendance was low this year, 5,103. I was present at the SBC that had a record 45,000 messengers. That was at the height of the SBC Conservative Resurgence. When there’s an incumbent President and no huge controversy, attendance is usually low.
But I believe more pastors and others need to commit to attend the annual SBC. And those who do, need to commit to be present when important business is taking place. We need to be more committed to voting for the President, First Vice-President, Second Vice President. We need to be ready to vote on Resolutions and motions.
During the 1960s and 1970s conservative pastors got in the habit of attending the SBC Pastor’s Conference, enjoying the preaching and fellowsip, and skipping the SBC business sessions; and the moderates took over. Dr. Williams, an HBU professor, told our class years ago that conservatives study their Bibles, and liberals study parliamentary procedure; and the liberals win every time. That changed in the Conservative Resurgence. But now many are regressing back to the old ways. Come to the SBC and vote your convictions! We need you.
Next year the SBC will be in Baltimore, Maryland. We will be electing a new president. It will be an important convention and conservatives need to start making plans to attend. It will be a sacrifice for you to attend, but one that needs to be made.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 18, AD 2013.
SBC Resolution on Tithing
Southern Baptist Convention, Houston, 2013 - Interesting Details
Other articles in lower right margin.
Also enjoyed the Pre-SBC Bible Conference held at Southview Baptist Church, Rosharon, TX. Heard some great preaching and singing, and was pleasantly surprised at the SBC messengers from around the country who showed up.
SBC President Fred Luter seems to be doing a great job. He was reelected by acclamation. Glad to see Bart Barber elected as SBC First Vice-President.
The Calvinism Report seems to be generally well received. Two points in their report deserve note.
First, they affirm both Calvinists and non-Calvinists (aka Moderate Calvinists, Traditionalists) have been a part of the SBC since it’s beginning in 1845.
"We affirm that, from the very beginning of our denominational life, Calvinists and non-Calvinists have cooperated together.” -Calvinism Committee; 2013.
This affirmation is important because some of the New Calvinists have argued only strict Calvinists comprised the SBC for about its first 100 years.
Second, the statement said those who believe infants inherit Adam’s guilt, and those who believe infants do not inherit Adam’s guilt (both sides agree we inherit a sinful nature because of Adam) both fit within Southern Baptist orthodoxy.
“We agree that everyone has inherited Adam's hopelessly fallen sin nature, but we differ as to whether we also inherit his guilt. We agree that men and women are sinners, but we differ about the effects of sin on the mind and the will. We recognize the differences among us between those who believe that sin nullifies freedom to respond to the Gospel and those who believe that freedom to respond to the Gospel is marred but not nullified.”
-Calvinism Committee; 2013.
This is important because some have accused Traditionalists or non-Calvinists of being heretics or leaning toward heresy.
The Calvinist Statement will do some good, but both sides will continue to do what they’ve been doing. Perhaps it will quiet down the more extreme on both sides.
There seemed to be confusion by some that the SBC Pastor’s Conference was going to be all panel discussion, with no preaching. Some of the early schedules seemed to indicate that. I hope we continue to have revival type, and expository preaching at the Pastor’s Conference. Hope we continue to get great older, and younger preachers; traditional as well as contemporary preachers of the Gospel. I’d also like to see an evangelist or two preach each year at the Pastor’s Conference. Our evangelists have been too often neglected.
As always, there was good singing and preaching at the SBC. The Resolutions Committee presented some good resolutions. You can see the resolutions at sbc.net.
The display areas are always interesting to me. Calvinists had at least a couple of booths; non-Calvinists need to get a little more involved and have a booth or two as well. They also had some good hot dogs in the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Attendance was low this year, 5,103. I was present at the SBC that had a record 45,000 messengers. That was at the height of the SBC Conservative Resurgence. When there’s an incumbent President and no huge controversy, attendance is usually low.
But I believe more pastors and others need to commit to attend the annual SBC. And those who do, need to commit to be present when important business is taking place. We need to be more committed to voting for the President, First Vice-President, Second Vice President. We need to be ready to vote on Resolutions and motions.
During the 1960s and 1970s conservative pastors got in the habit of attending the SBC Pastor’s Conference, enjoying the preaching and fellowsip, and skipping the SBC business sessions; and the moderates took over. Dr. Williams, an HBU professor, told our class years ago that conservatives study their Bibles, and liberals study parliamentary procedure; and the liberals win every time. That changed in the Conservative Resurgence. But now many are regressing back to the old ways. Come to the SBC and vote your convictions! We need you.
Next year the SBC will be in Baltimore, Maryland. We will be electing a new president. It will be an important convention and conservatives need to start making plans to attend. It will be a sacrifice for you to attend, but one that needs to be made.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 18, AD 2013.
SBC Resolution on Tithing
Southern Baptist Convention, Houston, 2013 - Interesting Details
Other articles in lower right margin.
Monday, June 17, 2013
SBC Resolution on Tithing
ON TITHING, STEWARDSHIP, AND THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
June, 2013
WHEREAS, Biblical stewardship is a generous response of loving obedience that constitutes an essential part of our worship of God (2 Corinthians 9:6–7); and
WHEREAS, Tithing predates the Law of Moses (Genesis 14:20; 28:22; Hebrews 7:2) and is affirmed in the Old Testament (Numbers 18: 21–24) as well as in the New Testament (Luke 11:42); and
WHEREAS, The Scripture equates failure to tithe with robbing God (Malachi 3:8); and
WHEREAS, Christ affirmed the tithe (Matthew 23:23); and
WHEREAS, Proportional giving of at least a tithe is expected by God throughout Scripture (Numbers 18:21–24; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2; Hebrews 7:2); and
WHEREAS, Tithing is essential for Kingdom work through the local church and ministries around the world (1 Corinthians 9:13–14); and
WHEREAS, According to the Great Commission Task Force Report, Southern Baptists give just 2.5 percent of their annual income to the local church, demonstrating the need for Southern Baptists to teach and faithfully obey the biblical command to tithe; and
WHEREAS, The current economic climate and other factors have resulted in financial challenges for many of our churches and mission entities; and
WHEREAS, Faithful stewardship is a privilege and an honor for all Christians; and
WHEREAS, The Cooperative Program is funded solely by tithes, offerings, and gifts through the churches; and
WHEREAS, Cooperative Program giving from the churches has declined significantly from $548 million in 2007–2008 to $488 million in 2010–2011, reducing our support of missions and ministries by $60 million; and
WHEREAS, Frank S. Page, president of the SBC Executive Committee, has challenged Southern Baptist churches to increase their Cooperative Program giving by at least 1 percent; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Houston, Texas, June 11–12, 2013, exhort all Southern Baptists to tithe cheerfully and give sacrificially as good stewards of God’s blessings to their local churches; and be it further
RESOLVED, That Southern Baptists and Southern Baptist churches evaluate the faithfulness of their stewardship to financially support missionaries and ministries at home and abroad through the Cooperative Program and Great Commission Giving; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we commend those who tithe faithfully in loving obedience to God.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 17, 2013.
Articles:
Baptists on Tithing
Other articles in lower right margin.
June, 2013
WHEREAS, Biblical stewardship is a generous response of loving obedience that constitutes an essential part of our worship of God (2 Corinthians 9:6–7); and
WHEREAS, Tithing predates the Law of Moses (Genesis 14:20; 28:22; Hebrews 7:2) and is affirmed in the Old Testament (Numbers 18: 21–24) as well as in the New Testament (Luke 11:42); and
WHEREAS, The Scripture equates failure to tithe with robbing God (Malachi 3:8); and
WHEREAS, Christ affirmed the tithe (Matthew 23:23); and
WHEREAS, Proportional giving of at least a tithe is expected by God throughout Scripture (Numbers 18:21–24; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2; Hebrews 7:2); and
WHEREAS, Tithing is essential for Kingdom work through the local church and ministries around the world (1 Corinthians 9:13–14); and
WHEREAS, According to the Great Commission Task Force Report, Southern Baptists give just 2.5 percent of their annual income to the local church, demonstrating the need for Southern Baptists to teach and faithfully obey the biblical command to tithe; and
WHEREAS, The current economic climate and other factors have resulted in financial challenges for many of our churches and mission entities; and
WHEREAS, Faithful stewardship is a privilege and an honor for all Christians; and
WHEREAS, The Cooperative Program is funded solely by tithes, offerings, and gifts through the churches; and
WHEREAS, Cooperative Program giving from the churches has declined significantly from $548 million in 2007–2008 to $488 million in 2010–2011, reducing our support of missions and ministries by $60 million; and
WHEREAS, Frank S. Page, president of the SBC Executive Committee, has challenged Southern Baptist churches to increase their Cooperative Program giving by at least 1 percent; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Houston, Texas, June 11–12, 2013, exhort all Southern Baptists to tithe cheerfully and give sacrificially as good stewards of God’s blessings to their local churches; and be it further
RESOLVED, That Southern Baptists and Southern Baptist churches evaluate the faithfulness of their stewardship to financially support missionaries and ministries at home and abroad through the Cooperative Program and Great Commission Giving; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we commend those who tithe faithfully in loving obedience to God.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 17, 2013.
Articles:
Baptists on Tithing
Other articles in lower right margin.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Southern Baptist Convention, Houston, 2013 - Interesting Details
Sam Houston, 1861I hope you’re attending the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting this year at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas. It will be a great time of fellowship, learning more about the ministries of the SBC, some important votes, and hearing some great singing and preaching.
You may not know that Houston, TX is named after a Baptist, a Southern Baptist. It is named for Sam Houston.
Sam Houston (AD 1793-1863) is the only man who served two states as Governor, Tennessee and Texas. For a time he lived among the Cherokee Indians and had great respect for American Indians when few others did. Previous to his arrival in Texas he served in battle with General Andrew Jackson and they remained lifelong friends. Houston served in Texas as General, President (before Texas became a state of the USA), Senator, and Governor. He opposed the Civil War and Texas succeeding from the Union, and was deposed as Governor. Often drunk before his conversion, he later became a temperance speaker.
Influenced for Christ by his wife, and Baptist preachers George W. Samson and R. C. Burleson, he accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized in a creek at Independence, TX in 1854. He became a very dedicated Baptist layman.
While in Houston, be sure to visit the San Jacinto Battlegrounds where Texas won it’s independence from Mexico under the leadership of General Sam Houston in 1836. It also includes the Battleship Texas.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/san-jacinto-battleground
You might also be interested in eating at the Monument Inn, by the San Jacinto Monument and Park:
http://www.monumentinn.com/romantic-waterfront-dining-at-houston-seafood-restaurant.html
The Monument Inn is right next to the Houston Ship Channel and the Lynchburg Ferry. Be sure to go across the Ship Channel on the Ferry; the kids will enjoy it. The Lynchburg Ferry begin in 1820, but its boats have been updated a little since then. And, it is free!
If you are arriving early for the SBC, you may want to attend the Southview Bible Conference June 7-9.
Preaching: Paige Patterson, Phil Hoskins, Jeff Schreve, Malcolm Ellis, Jerry Vines, Bill Harrell.
http://www.sview.org/ministries/conference/
Your kids might also like driving through the Washburn Tunnel, the only one in Texas. It goes under the Houston Ship Channel. Take Federal Road south off of Interstate 10 on the east side of Houston:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washburn_Tunnel
One final note. Some feel they have to be an official, elected messenger from their church in order to attend the SBC or Pastor’s Conference. That is not true. Anyone is welcome to attend, whether or not you are a messenger. If you live in the area, go to one or two of the sessions. Check out the Display Area with displays and booths from a number of our SBC seminaries, mission boards, and agencies. It can be a real education. Go to sbc.net for more details on the convention, or look for them in your state Baptist paper.
Hope you have a great trip to Houston this year. While you’re here, tell someone about Jesus. Give them a good tip and a Gospel tract. Pray that God will do great things in Houston, the SBC, and our nation.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 14, AD 2013.
Note: More information on Sam Houston is found in The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow. Click book cover in right margin.
Other articles in lower right margin.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
John Kitto on Wine in Bible Times, and Isaiah 25:6
John Kitto (AD 1804-1854) was an outstanding Bible scholar. His work was highly praised by Charles H. Spurgeon. A keen observer of physical detail, while living in the Middle East he gained detailed knowledge of the land and the people; people who lived much as they did in Bible times. Kitto’s Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature (1852) was a standard for decades.
John Kitto has the following to say about wine in Bible times:
“WINE. No fewer that thirteen distinct Hebrew and Greek terms are rendered in our common version by the word ‘wine.’ Besides the pure juice of the grape, frequent mention is made in Scripture of a kind of boiled wine or syrup, the thickness of which rendered it necessary to mingle water with it previously to drinking (Proverbs 9:2, 5), and also of a mixed wine, made strong and inebriating by the addition of drugs, such as myrrh, mandragora, and opiates (Proverbs 23:30; Isaiah 5:22). This custom has prevailed from the earliest ages, and is still extant in the East.
We are not, however, to conclude that all mixed wine was pernicious or improper. There were two very opposite purposes sought by the mixture of drinks. While the wicked sought out a drugged mixture, and was ‘mighty to mingle strong drink,’ Wisdom, on the contrary, mingled her wine with water or with milk (Proverbs 9:2, 5) merely to dilute it and make it properly drinkable. Of the latter mixture Wisdom invites the people to drink freely, but on the use of the former an emphatic woe is pronounced.
In Isaiah 25:6, mention is made of ‘wines on the lees.’ The original signifies ‘preserves’ or ‘jellies,’ and is supposed to refer to the wine cakes which are esteemed a great delicacy in the East.”
-John Kitto, The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature; 1852.
Note: This boiled down, thick, strong wine was not alcoholic and would not spoil or ferment. It would be mixed with water to drink. I have some, kept at room temperature, that is in perfect condition after several years. See much more on wine in Bible times, and on Isaiah 25:6 in the book, Ancient Wine and the Bible.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 11, AD 2013.
Articles:
When I'm An Old Lady
Ancient Wine Production and the Bible
Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol
Alabama Baptist Review of "Ancient Wine and the Bible"
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
Other articles in lower right margin.
John Kitto has the following to say about wine in Bible times:
“WINE. No fewer that thirteen distinct Hebrew and Greek terms are rendered in our common version by the word ‘wine.’ Besides the pure juice of the grape, frequent mention is made in Scripture of a kind of boiled wine or syrup, the thickness of which rendered it necessary to mingle water with it previously to drinking (Proverbs 9:2, 5), and also of a mixed wine, made strong and inebriating by the addition of drugs, such as myrrh, mandragora, and opiates (Proverbs 23:30; Isaiah 5:22). This custom has prevailed from the earliest ages, and is still extant in the East.
We are not, however, to conclude that all mixed wine was pernicious or improper. There were two very opposite purposes sought by the mixture of drinks. While the wicked sought out a drugged mixture, and was ‘mighty to mingle strong drink,’ Wisdom, on the contrary, mingled her wine with water or with milk (Proverbs 9:2, 5) merely to dilute it and make it properly drinkable. Of the latter mixture Wisdom invites the people to drink freely, but on the use of the former an emphatic woe is pronounced.
In Isaiah 25:6, mention is made of ‘wines on the lees.’ The original signifies ‘preserves’ or ‘jellies,’ and is supposed to refer to the wine cakes which are esteemed a great delicacy in the East.”
-John Kitto, The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature; 1852.
Note: This boiled down, thick, strong wine was not alcoholic and would not spoil or ferment. It would be mixed with water to drink. I have some, kept at room temperature, that is in perfect condition after several years. See much more on wine in Bible times, and on Isaiah 25:6 in the book, Ancient Wine and the Bible.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 11, AD 2013.
Articles:
When I'm An Old Lady
Ancient Wine Production and the Bible
Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol
Alabama Baptist Review of "Ancient Wine and the Bible"
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
Other articles in lower right margin.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Pre-SBC Bible Conference, Southview Baptist Church
Southview Baptist Church will hold an outstanding Bible Conference just prior to the annual Southern Baptist Convention meeting this year in Houston, Texas. If you arrive early, be sure to attend.
Southview Bible Conference, 2013
June 7-9, 2013
Preaching:
Paige Patterson
Jerry Vines
Phil Hoskins
Bill Harrell
Jeff Schreve
Malcolm Ellis
Southview Baptist Church is pastored by Steve Brumbelow and Kyle Gulledge.
Southview Baptist Church, Rosharon, TX is located on Hwy 288 south of Houston, and one mile south of Hwy 6.
For more information:
http://www.sview.org/ministries/conference/
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 7, AD 2013.
More articles in lower right margin.
Southview Bible Conference, 2013
June 7-9, 2013
Preaching:
Paige Patterson
Jerry Vines
Phil Hoskins
Bill Harrell
Jeff Schreve
Malcolm Ellis
Southview Baptist Church is pastored by Steve Brumbelow and Kyle Gulledge.
Southview Baptist Church, Rosharon, TX is located on Hwy 288 south of Houston, and one mile south of Hwy 6.
For more information:
http://www.sview.org/ministries/conference/
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 7, AD 2013.
More articles in lower right margin.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
John R. Rice and KJV Only
KJV Only is the relatively modern belief that the King James Version of the Bible is the only one that should be used by English speaking people. There are different versions, if you will, of this view. Some believe the KJV itself is inspired, perfect, and inerrant. Others would simply say it is by far the best and other English translations are in error, liberal, leave out the Word of God, or they are even of the devil.
Many have wondered what Dr. John R. Rice (AD 1895-1980), a well-known independent Baptist preacher, author, and founding editor of the Sword of the Lord, had to say about KJV Only. Some have wrongly assumed he was KJV Only.
Rice did use the KJV in the pulpit. It was obviously his favorite translation. And it should be remembered he was writing in 1969 when the KJV was by far the most popular and a number of the modern versions of today had not yet been translated. But Dr. Rice was far from KJV Only. In addition to the quotes below, during his leadership, Rice had others such as Robert L. Sumner write articles in the Sword of the Lord against KJV Only.
The quotes below are from -
Our God-Breathed Book The Bible
by John R. Rice, Sword of the Lord Publishers, Murfreesboro, TN; 1969.
“When we say that the Bible is inspired, we do not refer to the translations or copies but to the original autographs, written down under God’s direction.”
“We think now not of translations and copies but of the original autographs. Of them we are told that “…every word…proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew4:4). So all must be true. If the Scriptures are God-breathed, theopneustos, as II Timothy 3:16 says, then God did not breathe out errors and mistakes.”
“We are not now discussing the translations. Translators are not inspired, and there can be mistakes in translation although these mistakes are largely overcome by having translations checked and double checked by numerous godly scholars. There may be mistakes in copying, though such mistakes can usually be found by comparing manuscripts with manuscripts since there are hundreds of manuscripts of the New Testament available and many of the Old Testament. But when we speak of inspiration, we speak of the original autographs written down in the Old Testament in Hebrew, except for a small part of the book of Daniel which is in Chaldaic, and the New Testament, which is in koine Greek.”
“Well, there are many, many translations. The differences in the translations are so minor, so insignificant, that we can be sure not a single doctrine, not a single statement of fact, not a single command or exhortation, has been missed in our translations. And where the Word of God is not perfectly translated in one instance, it is corrected in another translation. And if the Word of God is not perfectly portrayed in one translation, it is portrayed, surely, in the winnowed sum of them all. And besides, one can go back to the original Greek and Hebrew texts to check for himself the translations. Or those who do not know Hebrew and Greek may use Young’s Analytical Concordance. There you will find in every single case the original Greek or Hebrew word, find how it is used, and thus can check the translations.”
“A perfect translation of the Bible is humanly impossible. The words in one language do not have exactly the same color and meaning as the opposite words in another language, and human frailty and imperfection enter in. So, let us say, there are no perfect translations. God does not inspire particular translations, although He may illuminate and give spiritual wisdom to the translator.”
“The translators of the American Standard Version had the advantage of having access to the three oldest manuscripts with which we are familiar - the Vatican, the Alexandrian, and the Sinaitic manuscripts.”
“The scholar and the preacher would do well to have the American Standard Version at hand and to consult it when necessary, but generally would do well, we think, to use the King James Version in the pulpit, in memory work, and in class teaching, since it is actually the translation of the mass of people. And the beauty of its language is not equaled in other translations, we think.”
-John R. Rice, Our God-Breathed Book The Bible, Sword of the Lord Publishers, Murfreesboro, TN; 1969.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 1, AD 2013.
John R. Rice and the Sword of the Lord; Part 1
B. H. Carroll on Inspiration of Bible
The Girl Who Saved His Ministry
Other articles in lower right margin.
Many have wondered what Dr. John R. Rice (AD 1895-1980), a well-known independent Baptist preacher, author, and founding editor of the Sword of the Lord, had to say about KJV Only. Some have wrongly assumed he was KJV Only.
Rice did use the KJV in the pulpit. It was obviously his favorite translation. And it should be remembered he was writing in 1969 when the KJV was by far the most popular and a number of the modern versions of today had not yet been translated. But Dr. Rice was far from KJV Only. In addition to the quotes below, during his leadership, Rice had others such as Robert L. Sumner write articles in the Sword of the Lord against KJV Only.
The quotes below are from -
Our God-Breathed Book The Bible
by John R. Rice, Sword of the Lord Publishers, Murfreesboro, TN; 1969.
“When we say that the Bible is inspired, we do not refer to the translations or copies but to the original autographs, written down under God’s direction.”
“We think now not of translations and copies but of the original autographs. Of them we are told that “…every word…proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew4:4). So all must be true. If the Scriptures are God-breathed, theopneustos, as II Timothy 3:16 says, then God did not breathe out errors and mistakes.”
“We are not now discussing the translations. Translators are not inspired, and there can be mistakes in translation although these mistakes are largely overcome by having translations checked and double checked by numerous godly scholars. There may be mistakes in copying, though such mistakes can usually be found by comparing manuscripts with manuscripts since there are hundreds of manuscripts of the New Testament available and many of the Old Testament. But when we speak of inspiration, we speak of the original autographs written down in the Old Testament in Hebrew, except for a small part of the book of Daniel which is in Chaldaic, and the New Testament, which is in koine Greek.”
“Well, there are many, many translations. The differences in the translations are so minor, so insignificant, that we can be sure not a single doctrine, not a single statement of fact, not a single command or exhortation, has been missed in our translations. And where the Word of God is not perfectly translated in one instance, it is corrected in another translation. And if the Word of God is not perfectly portrayed in one translation, it is portrayed, surely, in the winnowed sum of them all. And besides, one can go back to the original Greek and Hebrew texts to check for himself the translations. Or those who do not know Hebrew and Greek may use Young’s Analytical Concordance. There you will find in every single case the original Greek or Hebrew word, find how it is used, and thus can check the translations.”
“A perfect translation of the Bible is humanly impossible. The words in one language do not have exactly the same color and meaning as the opposite words in another language, and human frailty and imperfection enter in. So, let us say, there are no perfect translations. God does not inspire particular translations, although He may illuminate and give spiritual wisdom to the translator.”
“The translators of the American Standard Version had the advantage of having access to the three oldest manuscripts with which we are familiar - the Vatican, the Alexandrian, and the Sinaitic manuscripts.”
“The scholar and the preacher would do well to have the American Standard Version at hand and to consult it when necessary, but generally would do well, we think, to use the King James Version in the pulpit, in memory work, and in class teaching, since it is actually the translation of the mass of people. And the beauty of its language is not equaled in other translations, we think.”
-John R. Rice, Our God-Breathed Book The Bible, Sword of the Lord Publishers, Murfreesboro, TN; 1969.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 1, AD 2013.
John R. Rice and the Sword of the Lord; Part 1
B. H. Carroll on Inspiration of Bible
The Girl Who Saved His Ministry
Other articles in lower right margin.
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