Adrian Rogers was pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, Tennessee and elected three times as president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He was the first president elected, and a leader in, the SBC Conservative Resurgence. His messages are still widely distributed through TV, radio, and literature. He is the favorite preacher of multitudes of Southern Baptists.
Below are a few of Adrian Rogers thoughts on predestination and Calvinism:
“Did God predestine some people for Heaven and predestine some people for Hell? Are humans just pawns on the chessboard of fate? Absolutely not!”
“There are some who…say that God has chosen some before they are born to go the Hell and others He has chosen to go to Heaven - and there’s absolutely nothing they can do about it. I don’t accept this for a moment…”
“God hardened Pharaoh’s heart because Pharaoh first hardened his own heart.”
“All God did was to crystallize the sin that was already in him [Pharaoh]. God did not take a little tender child and say, “I’m going to harden your heart and then I’m going to cast you into Hell.”
Pharaoh “had blasphemed the God of Heaven, and God had warned him. God has sent His messenger to him, but this man stubbornly and arrogantly said “no” to God. It was then that God further hardened the heart of this man whose heart was already hardened. But don’t get the idea that God just raised up Pharaoh to send him to Hell. God warned Pharaoh, but he wouldn’t heed the warning.”
On Romans 9 and Jacob and Esau; “God is not talking about two little babies, one born for Heaven and one born for Hell. That’s not what He is saying at all. This is national, not personal.” Later, “God was not talking about salvation. He was simply saying that Israel is going to be His choice, and the descendants of Jacob are going to be His spiritual leaders in the world…Nothing is said here about one twin going to Heaven and the other twin going to Hell.”
On the Scripture, “The vessels of wrath fitted to destruction.” “Well, how did they get ripe for destruction? In his word study, Vincent reminds us that this is the middle voice, which means simply that they fitted themselves for destruction. It is not the potter than fits them for destruction. It is the potter who is long-suffering. It is the vessels of wrath who fit themselves for destruction. God never made anybody to go to Hell. God wants people saved. He wants you saved. First Timothy 2:4 speaks of ‘God who will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.’”
“The following Scriptures show God’s universal love for all and His promise to all who will trust in Christ.” Rogers then quotes John 3:16-17; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 8:32; 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 4:14; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 22:17; Romans 9:33.
After quoting 1 John 2:2 Adrian Rogers says, “In this classic passage Jesus is spoken of as the propitiation or the satisfaction, not only for the sins of those who are already saved, but for the sins of the whole world.”
“If you want to be saved, to be one of the elect, then just come to Jesus.”
“I invite you to pray like this,
‘Dear God, I know that You love me. I know that You want to save me. I am a sinner and my sin deserves judgment, but I need mercy and I want mercy. I am not going to harden my heart against You, God. I open my heart. Come into my heart and into my life right now. Forgive all my sin, save me, Lord Jesus.’
Friend, pray that from your heart, ask Jesus to save you, trust Him to do it, and He will!”
These quotes are from the sermon booklet, Predestined for Hell? Absolutely Not!, by Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding, P.O. Box 38800, Memphis, TN 38183-0300, (lwf.org); 1999; 2010. 901/382-7900.
Order the booklet today; it just costs $2. Order extra for those who have questions about this subject.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 29, AD 2011.
Related Articles:
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Unlimited Atonement, Jesus Died For All
Adrian Rogers on "Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow"
Paige Patterson on Calvinism
B. H. Carroll on Hyper-Calvinism
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad
Ancient Wine Production and the Bible
Roy Fish on Calvinism; part 1 of 2
Other articles found in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
Monday, August 29, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Book Review - Coach John Wooden, by R. L. Sumner
It’s hard to find good, extensive book reviews today. One of the few who still does it is Dr. R. L. Sumner, evangelist and editor of The Biblical Evangelist.
The website only lists some of the Reviews and features of each print issue of The Biblical Evangelist. Currently it is carrying Sumner’s review of:
COACH WOODEN by Pat Williams with Jim Denny; Revell, a Division of the Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, MI; 8 Chapters, 186 Pages; $17.99
Sumner quotes Wooden as giving the following advice for his players:
* Talent is God-given: be humble.
* Fame is man-given: be thankful.
* Conceit is self-given: be careful.
Not bad advice for preachers as well. Of course there is much more than this to the Book Review.
Other Reviews this issue:
CREATION OR EVOLUTION? By E. Norbert Smith; 15 Chapters, 309 Pages (large size, 8”x10”); CreateSpace, Scotts Valley, CA
IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL by Robin Caroll; B&H Books, Nashville, TN; 39 Chapters, 371 Pages; $14.99, Paper
EVIDENCE FOR GOD, Edited by William A. Dembski & Michael R. Licona; Baker Books, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, MI; Four Sections, 50 Chapters; $19.99, Paper
Check it out at biblicalevangelist.org and Click “Book Reviews.” Then subscribe to the print copy, and send a generous donation.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 24, AD 2011.
The website only lists some of the Reviews and features of each print issue of The Biblical Evangelist. Currently it is carrying Sumner’s review of:
COACH WOODEN by Pat Williams with Jim Denny; Revell, a Division of the Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, MI; 8 Chapters, 186 Pages; $17.99
Sumner quotes Wooden as giving the following advice for his players:
* Talent is God-given: be humble.
* Fame is man-given: be thankful.
* Conceit is self-given: be careful.
Not bad advice for preachers as well. Of course there is much more than this to the Book Review.
Other Reviews this issue:
CREATION OR EVOLUTION? By E. Norbert Smith; 15 Chapters, 309 Pages (large size, 8”x10”); CreateSpace, Scotts Valley, CA
IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL by Robin Caroll; B&H Books, Nashville, TN; 39 Chapters, 371 Pages; $14.99, Paper
EVIDENCE FOR GOD, Edited by William A. Dembski & Michael R. Licona; Baker Books, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, MI; Four Sections, 50 Chapters; $19.99, Paper
Check it out at biblicalevangelist.org and Click “Book Reviews.” Then subscribe to the print copy, and send a generous donation.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 24, AD 2011.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household. -Deuteronomy 14:26 (KJV).
You may spend the money on anything you want: cattle, sheep, wine, beer, or anything you desire. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your family. -Deuteronomy 14:26 (HCSB)
Christians who favor drinking seem to ignore plain Scriptures that speak directly against alcohol (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; etc.), while glorying in Deuteronomy 14:26, an obscure verse that only mentions wine and strong drink in passing. This has become a favorite verse of those seeking to justify Christians’ drinking.
It may seem strange that God would forbid His Old Testament priests to drink while engaging in worship, yet tell the people they were welcome to drink during worship without regard to age or amount. It sounds strange because it is a contradiction, and because it never happened.
The word in Deuteronomy 14:26 translated "strong drink" or even "beer" (CSB) by some translations, is the Hebrew word "shekar."
Many authorities theorize that shekar always means an alcoholic drink. But significant authorities disagree. They believe shekar, like the biblical words for wine, could refer either to an alcoholic, or a nonalcoholic drink, but made from fruit other than grapes.
A few of those authorities:
The New King James Version (NKJV) translates shekar in Deuteronomy 14:26 as “similar drink.” Elsewhere, when it is obvious shekar is referring to an alcoholic drink, it uses the term, “strong drink.”
And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. -Deuteronomy 14:26 (NKJV).
“It is tolerably clear that the general words ‘wine [yayin; oinos]’ and ‘strong drink [shekar]’ do not necessarily imply fermented liquors, the former signifying only a production of the vine, the latter the produce of other fruits than the grape.” -Dr. Lyman Abbott, A Dictionary of Religious Knowledge,
Shekar - “Sweet drink (what satiates or intoxicates).” -Dr. Robert Young, Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, Eerdmans, 1970.
“Not only the word yayin, but also shekar can refer to grape juice as well as to wine (cf. Deuteronomy 29:6; Numbers 28:7; Exodus 29:40).” -Dr. Robert P. Teachout in his doctoral dissertation on The Use of Wine in the Old Testament, 1979, Dallas Theological Seminary.
It is also interesting that we get our English words sugar, saccharine, cider from the Hebrew word shekar. These words allude to a root meaning of sweet, rather than alcoholic. Also, cider can mean alcoholic, or nonalcoholic apple juice, just like the original word shekar.
Next time a drinker waves Deuteronomy 14:26 in your face, let everyone know that many authorities say shekar, the word for strong drink, can also refer to a nonalcoholic beverage.
Finally, in that day they could more easily make and preserve nonalcoholic wine and shekar, than the alcoholic kind. Nonalcoholic drinks were common in their day, just as they are in ours.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 22, AD 2011.
Note: Much more information on Shekar and Deuteronomy 14:26 is in the book Ancient Wine and the Bible by David R. Brumbelow.
Related articles:
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Alabama Baptist Review of "Ancient Wine and the Bible"
Dr. Brad Reynolds' Book Recommendations on Alcohol
Alcohol Condemned in the Bible
Biblical Principles Condemn Alcohol
Other related articles can be found in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
You may spend the money on anything you want: cattle, sheep, wine, beer, or anything you desire. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your family. -Deuteronomy 14:26 (HCSB)
Christians who favor drinking seem to ignore plain Scriptures that speak directly against alcohol (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; etc.), while glorying in Deuteronomy 14:26, an obscure verse that only mentions wine and strong drink in passing. This has become a favorite verse of those seeking to justify Christians’ drinking.
It may seem strange that God would forbid His Old Testament priests to drink while engaging in worship, yet tell the people they were welcome to drink during worship without regard to age or amount. It sounds strange because it is a contradiction, and because it never happened.
The word in Deuteronomy 14:26 translated "strong drink" or even "beer" (CSB) by some translations, is the Hebrew word "shekar."
Many authorities theorize that shekar always means an alcoholic drink. But significant authorities disagree. They believe shekar, like the biblical words for wine, could refer either to an alcoholic, or a nonalcoholic drink, but made from fruit other than grapes.
A few of those authorities:
The New King James Version (NKJV) translates shekar in Deuteronomy 14:26 as “similar drink.” Elsewhere, when it is obvious shekar is referring to an alcoholic drink, it uses the term, “strong drink.”
And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. -Deuteronomy 14:26 (NKJV).
“It is tolerably clear that the general words ‘wine [yayin; oinos]’ and ‘strong drink [shekar]’ do not necessarily imply fermented liquors, the former signifying only a production of the vine, the latter the produce of other fruits than the grape.” -Dr. Lyman Abbott, A Dictionary of Religious Knowledge,
Shekar - “Sweet drink (what satiates or intoxicates).” -Dr. Robert Young, Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, Eerdmans, 1970.
“Not only the word yayin, but also shekar can refer to grape juice as well as to wine (cf. Deuteronomy 29:6; Numbers 28:7; Exodus 29:40).” -Dr. Robert P. Teachout in his doctoral dissertation on The Use of Wine in the Old Testament, 1979, Dallas Theological Seminary.
It is also interesting that we get our English words sugar, saccharine, cider from the Hebrew word shekar. These words allude to a root meaning of sweet, rather than alcoholic. Also, cider can mean alcoholic, or nonalcoholic apple juice, just like the original word shekar.
Next time a drinker waves Deuteronomy 14:26 in your face, let everyone know that many authorities say shekar, the word for strong drink, can also refer to a nonalcoholic beverage.
Finally, in that day they could more easily make and preserve nonalcoholic wine and shekar, than the alcoholic kind. Nonalcoholic drinks were common in their day, just as they are in ours.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 22, AD 2011.
Note: Much more information on Shekar and Deuteronomy 14:26 is in the book Ancient Wine and the Bible by David R. Brumbelow.
Related articles:
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Alabama Baptist Review of "Ancient Wine and the Bible"
Dr. Brad Reynolds' Book Recommendations on Alcohol
Alcohol Condemned in the Bible
Biblical Principles Condemn Alcohol
Other related articles can be found in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Of Jesse Mercer, L. R. Scarborough, Georgia and Texas
“Dr. Jesse Mercer, of Georgia, in 1838 gave $2,500 to the Home Mission Society of Northern Baptists to send two Baptist preachers to evangelize Texas.” -L. R. Scarborough, With Christ After the Lost, Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics, revised by E. D. Head; 1942, 2008.
These were “foreign” missionaries. In 1838 Texas had won its independence only two years earlier and was its own country, the Republic of Texas. It would join the United States of America in 1845.
In 2010, 172 years later, there are (Southern Baptists of Texas Convention statistics):
* 2332 Baptist churches in the SBTC.
* An average of 237,313 in worship each Sunday.
* 16,988 Baptisms each year.
* $37,700,000 given to the Cooperative Program, International Mission Board, North American Mission Board and other missions through the SBTC.
* Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the largest seminaries in the world, is in Fort Worth, Texas.
And this does not even come close to counting all the other Baptists and Baptist institutions in the state of Texas.
Thank you Jesse Mercer, and Georgia Baptists. Thank you Northern Baptists. Thank you for giving to the Lord, and giving to Texas.
Note: L. R. Scarborough, then president of SWBTS, went on to give Texas Baptist statistics for about 1940. I updated them with recent SBTC statistics. Thanks to Lane Rice for help with the SBTC statistics.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 18, AD 2011.
These were “foreign” missionaries. In 1838 Texas had won its independence only two years earlier and was its own country, the Republic of Texas. It would join the United States of America in 1845.
In 2010, 172 years later, there are (Southern Baptists of Texas Convention statistics):
* 2332 Baptist churches in the SBTC.
* An average of 237,313 in worship each Sunday.
* 16,988 Baptisms each year.
* $37,700,000 given to the Cooperative Program, International Mission Board, North American Mission Board and other missions through the SBTC.
* Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the largest seminaries in the world, is in Fort Worth, Texas.
And this does not even come close to counting all the other Baptists and Baptist institutions in the state of Texas.
Thank you Jesse Mercer, and Georgia Baptists. Thank you Northern Baptists. Thank you for giving to the Lord, and giving to Texas.
Note: L. R. Scarborough, then president of SWBTS, went on to give Texas Baptist statistics for about 1940. I updated them with recent SBTC statistics. Thanks to Lane Rice for help with the SBTC statistics.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 18, AD 2011.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Paige Patterson on Calvinism
Several years ago Dr. Paige Patterson spoke on Calvinism at the SBC Pastor’s Conference. An excerpt from Baptist Press follows:
PATTERSON: PEOPLE ARE ‘TOTALLY FREE’
Patterson began his segment by saying, to laughter, “The real question we are here to discuss today is whether or not you are here on your own free will."
He listed six areas in which he and Calvinists agree –- areas for which he said he has great appreciation. Calvinists, Patterson said: “usually lead very pious lives”; believe theology is important; generally are “very clear about the dangers involved in the charismatic movement; “understand the purpose of everything is to glorify God”; “never question the inerrancy of Scripture or the substitutionary atonement of Christ”; and “are crystal clear about the fact that salvation is by grace alone.”
But Patterson also said there are several areas of concern he has with “some Calvinists”:
-- the notion that if “you are not a Calvinist then you must be an Arminian.” He said he is neither.
-- the argument that “if you are not a Calvinist then you do not accept the doctrines of grace.” Patterson said, “I believe that salvation is by grace alone, and I'm not a Calvinist.”
-- the assertion that those who are not Calvinists don’t believe in the sovereignty of God. “I just happen to believe that God is sovereign enough that He can make a man totally free if He wishes to do so,” Patterson said.
-- “antinomian tendencies” present “in some Calvinists,” particularly on the subject of drinking alcohol. Antinomianism tends to overemphasize grace in relation to law.
-- a failure of Reformed pastors to be “completely forthright” with pulpit committees during interviews. “This is a concern not only about Calvinists,” Patterson said. “It is a concern about people who happen to be dispensationalists, like me. It's a concern about any position which you hold." There should be “full disclosure of what you believe and what you plan to do once you become the pastor of that church."
-- the “compassionlessness” for a lost world seen in “some Calvinists.” Patterson said what he “appreciate[s] so much about Dr. Mohler and many of my other Calvinist friends is that that emphatically is not true of them."
Patterson said he views the doctrine of election through the "foreknowledge of God." He also said he sees no biblical evidence for “irresistible grace” –- one of the tenets of Calvinism.
“If, in fact, men cannot resist the will of the Holy Spirit … then in fact salvation is coercive and a person does not have a choice about what he is going to do,” he said. "… I believe it is God's will that every human being be saved. I don't believe all of them will be saved -- narrow is the way, and straight is the gate.”
Patterson read two quotes he attributed to Presbyterian pastor R.C. Sproul: "God desired man to fall into sin. God created sin"; and "It is [God's] desire to make His wrath known. He needed, then, something on which to be wrathful. He needed to have sinful creatures."
“It is impossible to find justice in that by any biblical definition of justice," Patterson said. “… This makes God, in some sense, the author of sin.”
He listed several scriptural passages -- 1 Timothy 2:3-6, 2 Peter 3:9, Hebrews 2:9, 1 John 2:2 -- that he said support general atonement instead of the Calvinist tenant of limited (or particular) atonement. *
"To me, the references to the universality of the atonement are absolutely overwhelming in the New Testament," Patterson said. “… The Calvinist must fall back on the idea of two wills of God –- a revealed will and a secret will. The problem with the secret will, of course, is that it is secret and we cannot know about [it] at all. Not only that, [but] it pits the secret will in juxtaposition and over against His revealed will.”
Patterson challenged those in attendance, "My fervent prayer is that whatever your beliefs are about the sovereignty of God … you will join me in taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.”
-from Baptist Press, June 13, 2006 by Michael Foust.
Dr. Paige Patterson is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Th.M. and Ph.D.), he is the author of a number of books, and was twice elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He was one of the key leaders in the Conservative Resurgence that brought Southern Baptists back to their historic commitment to the inerrancy of the Bible. Patterson serves as president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas (swbts.edu).
One additional quote:
“The current trend in Southern Baptist life to imitate the Reformed movement is a major step backwards and must be resisted.” -Dr. Paige Patterson, at SWBTS Anabaptist Conference, 2012.
[The Reformers fought against Believer's Baptism by Immersion and actually persecuted, tortured, and executed Anabapists and Baptists in the 1500s and 1600s.]
* The Calvinist doctrine of Limited Atonement says Jesus died only for the elect. Non-Calvinists (or at least non-5-point Calvinists) believe in General or Unlimited Atonement. Unlimited Atonement means Jesus died for the sins of all humanity; of course, only those who believe are saved.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 8, AD 2011.
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Adrian Rogers on Predestination, Calvinism
See Related Articles by clicking any of the "Labels" in this post, or by going to the lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
PATTERSON: PEOPLE ARE ‘TOTALLY FREE’
Patterson began his segment by saying, to laughter, “The real question we are here to discuss today is whether or not you are here on your own free will."
He listed six areas in which he and Calvinists agree –- areas for which he said he has great appreciation. Calvinists, Patterson said: “usually lead very pious lives”; believe theology is important; generally are “very clear about the dangers involved in the charismatic movement; “understand the purpose of everything is to glorify God”; “never question the inerrancy of Scripture or the substitutionary atonement of Christ”; and “are crystal clear about the fact that salvation is by grace alone.”
But Patterson also said there are several areas of concern he has with “some Calvinists”:
-- the notion that if “you are not a Calvinist then you must be an Arminian.” He said he is neither.
-- the argument that “if you are not a Calvinist then you do not accept the doctrines of grace.” Patterson said, “I believe that salvation is by grace alone, and I'm not a Calvinist.”
-- the assertion that those who are not Calvinists don’t believe in the sovereignty of God. “I just happen to believe that God is sovereign enough that He can make a man totally free if He wishes to do so,” Patterson said.
-- “antinomian tendencies” present “in some Calvinists,” particularly on the subject of drinking alcohol. Antinomianism tends to overemphasize grace in relation to law.
-- a failure of Reformed pastors to be “completely forthright” with pulpit committees during interviews. “This is a concern not only about Calvinists,” Patterson said. “It is a concern about people who happen to be dispensationalists, like me. It's a concern about any position which you hold." There should be “full disclosure of what you believe and what you plan to do once you become the pastor of that church."
-- the “compassionlessness” for a lost world seen in “some Calvinists.” Patterson said what he “appreciate[s] so much about Dr. Mohler and many of my other Calvinist friends is that that emphatically is not true of them."
Patterson said he views the doctrine of election through the "foreknowledge of God." He also said he sees no biblical evidence for “irresistible grace” –- one of the tenets of Calvinism.
“If, in fact, men cannot resist the will of the Holy Spirit … then in fact salvation is coercive and a person does not have a choice about what he is going to do,” he said. "… I believe it is God's will that every human being be saved. I don't believe all of them will be saved -- narrow is the way, and straight is the gate.”
Patterson read two quotes he attributed to Presbyterian pastor R.C. Sproul: "God desired man to fall into sin. God created sin"; and "It is [God's] desire to make His wrath known. He needed, then, something on which to be wrathful. He needed to have sinful creatures."
“It is impossible to find justice in that by any biblical definition of justice," Patterson said. “… This makes God, in some sense, the author of sin.”
He listed several scriptural passages -- 1 Timothy 2:3-6, 2 Peter 3:9, Hebrews 2:9, 1 John 2:2 -- that he said support general atonement instead of the Calvinist tenant of limited (or particular) atonement. *
"To me, the references to the universality of the atonement are absolutely overwhelming in the New Testament," Patterson said. “… The Calvinist must fall back on the idea of two wills of God –- a revealed will and a secret will. The problem with the secret will, of course, is that it is secret and we cannot know about [it] at all. Not only that, [but] it pits the secret will in juxtaposition and over against His revealed will.”
Patterson challenged those in attendance, "My fervent prayer is that whatever your beliefs are about the sovereignty of God … you will join me in taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.”
-from Baptist Press, June 13, 2006 by Michael Foust.
Dr. Paige Patterson is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Th.M. and Ph.D.), he is the author of a number of books, and was twice elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He was one of the key leaders in the Conservative Resurgence that brought Southern Baptists back to their historic commitment to the inerrancy of the Bible. Patterson serves as president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas (swbts.edu).
One additional quote:
“The current trend in Southern Baptist life to imitate the Reformed movement is a major step backwards and must be resisted.” -Dr. Paige Patterson, at SWBTS Anabaptist Conference, 2012.
[The Reformers fought against Believer's Baptism by Immersion and actually persecuted, tortured, and executed Anabapists and Baptists in the 1500s and 1600s.]
* The Calvinist doctrine of Limited Atonement says Jesus died only for the elect. Non-Calvinists (or at least non-5-point Calvinists) believe in General or Unlimited Atonement. Unlimited Atonement means Jesus died for the sins of all humanity; of course, only those who believe are saved.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 8, AD 2011.
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Adrian Rogers on Predestination, Calvinism
See Related Articles by clicking any of the "Labels" in this post, or by going to the lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
How to Get a Life When Ministry Drains it Out of You
HIGHLANDS, Texas (BP)--Years ago my dad and I, both pastors, attended an associational meeting. The speaker lamented a survey revealing that something like 75 percent of all pastors had considered leaving the ministry. Dad -- Joe Brumbelow, who in his lifetime was pastor of several churches in South Texas -- commented, “The results worry me, too. I’m concerned that 25 percent of the preachers lied.”
Most every pastor has considered quitting. Stress, burdens and heartache are common among professional clergy. As a young preacher I learned much from my dad about how to "get a life" while in the ministry:
-- Laughter is a good medicine (Proverbs 15:13; 17:22). It can cure what ails you or at least make life a little more bearable. Laughter takes the edge off difficulties. Laugh often. Joke, when appropriate, with your church members and your family. If you are a believer, you have ample good reasons to smile. Humor also enhances and illustrates your Bible teaching. Through humor a pastor can reveal the joy of the Lord.
-- Find humor in practically every situation. Joe Brumbelow certainly did. Even a serious circumstance sometimes brought a smile or humorous comment. "Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying," he surmised. "Brother Joe", as most everyone called him, enjoyed biblical humor such as Job's telling his questionable friends, "No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you" (Job 12:2, KJV). Funny situations abound; recognize and enjoy them.
-- Be serious about your ministry but not too serious about yourself. You may be an outstanding minister, but God can get along fine without you. The world does not hang on your shoulders. Dad ended a lot of stress when he prayed one day, "Lord, this is Your church, not mine. I’ve done all I know to do. If You want it to die, then let it die." He recognized that God ultimately was in control. That day he took his burdens to the Lord and left them there.
When you make a mess of things, don’t try to hide it; just admit it and have a good laugh at yourself. As my old college friends once said, "Lighten up."
-- Use humor that is appropriate. Humor can cut as well as heal. Be careful of misunderstandings. Sometimes humor is better understood in person than in writing (or in e-mail.) Don’t use off-color humor at all. Limit some humor only to family or your closest friends. Keep some thoughts to yourself!
-- Everyone needs a diversion. Vance Havner quoted Jesus' telling His disciples, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Havner said, "If you don’t come apart and rest, you will just come apart."
With Dad, relaxation meant fishing. He’d go wade-fishing and forget the world's cares. He complained that live shrimp (which he used for speckled-trout fishing) were way too expensive. He then concluded with a smile, "But it’s cheaper than paying $60 an hour for a psychologist." Fishing was his "stress therapy." Gardening also relaxed him. He could bring something good out of the worst of soils. A diversion is not a waste of time; it’s something you need. Being spiritual when you are physically tired is difficult. Get enough rest. Joe Brumbelow joked, "Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to take a nap."
-- Fellowship with fellow ministers. The old spiritual says, "Nobody knows the trouble I’ve known, nobody knows but Jesus." But those in ministry often know, understand and care. Don’t just seek out persons of the same age. Make friends with ministers that are older and younger than you. Late in his ministry, Brother Joe considered being friends with the younger ministers on the staff at First Baptist Church in Lake Jackson, Texas (where he served at the time of his passing in August 2002) to be an honor. Dad instructed young preachers to attend associational, state and national conventions. Sometimes these get boring and tedious. But you need the instruction; you especially need the fellowship. Laugh, cry and pray with other preachers.
-- Lean on your family and closest friends for your deepest emotional needs. Brother Joe said, "I would rather be known as a great husband and dad than to be known as a great preacher." Make your home a fine place to retreat. My mother played a vital role in this area. A church can be a loving family. But don’t expect members to meet needs that only a close family or the closest of friends can meet.
-- Most of all, lean on Jesus. Nurture your personal relationship to the Lord. More than anyone else, Jesus understands the trouble you’ve known.
--30--
David R. Brumbelow is pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Highlands, TX and author of a book about his dad, "The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow: Favorite illustrations, personal stories, humor, history, folklore, and lessons learned from over 50 years in the ministry." The book is available in bookstores and also through the publisher at http://www.hannibalbooks.com/.
Originally published at Baptist Press October 19, 2005. The article was later published in a couple of state Baptist papers. bpnews.net
Related Post: The Girl Who Saved His Ministry
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 2, AD 2011.
Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad (Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, the book)
Other articles in lower right hand margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
Most every pastor has considered quitting. Stress, burdens and heartache are common among professional clergy. As a young preacher I learned much from my dad about how to "get a life" while in the ministry:
-- Laughter is a good medicine (Proverbs 15:13; 17:22). It can cure what ails you or at least make life a little more bearable. Laughter takes the edge off difficulties. Laugh often. Joke, when appropriate, with your church members and your family. If you are a believer, you have ample good reasons to smile. Humor also enhances and illustrates your Bible teaching. Through humor a pastor can reveal the joy of the Lord.
-- Find humor in practically every situation. Joe Brumbelow certainly did. Even a serious circumstance sometimes brought a smile or humorous comment. "Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying," he surmised. "Brother Joe", as most everyone called him, enjoyed biblical humor such as Job's telling his questionable friends, "No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you" (Job 12:2, KJV). Funny situations abound; recognize and enjoy them.
-- Be serious about your ministry but not too serious about yourself. You may be an outstanding minister, but God can get along fine without you. The world does not hang on your shoulders. Dad ended a lot of stress when he prayed one day, "Lord, this is Your church, not mine. I’ve done all I know to do. If You want it to die, then let it die." He recognized that God ultimately was in control. That day he took his burdens to the Lord and left them there.
When you make a mess of things, don’t try to hide it; just admit it and have a good laugh at yourself. As my old college friends once said, "Lighten up."
-- Use humor that is appropriate. Humor can cut as well as heal. Be careful of misunderstandings. Sometimes humor is better understood in person than in writing (or in e-mail.) Don’t use off-color humor at all. Limit some humor only to family or your closest friends. Keep some thoughts to yourself!
-- Everyone needs a diversion. Vance Havner quoted Jesus' telling His disciples, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Havner said, "If you don’t come apart and rest, you will just come apart."
With Dad, relaxation meant fishing. He’d go wade-fishing and forget the world's cares. He complained that live shrimp (which he used for speckled-trout fishing) were way too expensive. He then concluded with a smile, "But it’s cheaper than paying $60 an hour for a psychologist." Fishing was his "stress therapy." Gardening also relaxed him. He could bring something good out of the worst of soils. A diversion is not a waste of time; it’s something you need. Being spiritual when you are physically tired is difficult. Get enough rest. Joe Brumbelow joked, "Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to take a nap."
-- Fellowship with fellow ministers. The old spiritual says, "Nobody knows the trouble I’ve known, nobody knows but Jesus." But those in ministry often know, understand and care. Don’t just seek out persons of the same age. Make friends with ministers that are older and younger than you. Late in his ministry, Brother Joe considered being friends with the younger ministers on the staff at First Baptist Church in Lake Jackson, Texas (where he served at the time of his passing in August 2002) to be an honor. Dad instructed young preachers to attend associational, state and national conventions. Sometimes these get boring and tedious. But you need the instruction; you especially need the fellowship. Laugh, cry and pray with other preachers.
-- Lean on your family and closest friends for your deepest emotional needs. Brother Joe said, "I would rather be known as a great husband and dad than to be known as a great preacher." Make your home a fine place to retreat. My mother played a vital role in this area. A church can be a loving family. But don’t expect members to meet needs that only a close family or the closest of friends can meet.
-- Most of all, lean on Jesus. Nurture your personal relationship to the Lord. More than anyone else, Jesus understands the trouble you’ve known.
--30--
David R. Brumbelow is pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Highlands, TX and author of a book about his dad, "The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow: Favorite illustrations, personal stories, humor, history, folklore, and lessons learned from over 50 years in the ministry." The book is available in bookstores and also through the publisher at http://www.hannibalbooks.com/.
Originally published at Baptist Press October 19, 2005. The article was later published in a couple of state Baptist papers. bpnews.net
Related Post: The Girl Who Saved His Ministry
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 2, AD 2011.
Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad (Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, the book)
Other articles in lower right hand margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
B. H. Carroll on Inspiration of Bible
Following are quotes from B. H. Carroll on biblical inspiration from his book, Inspiration of the Bible, Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics, 1930, 2008.
“It has always been a matter of profound surprise to me that anybody should ever question the verbal inspiration of the Bible."
"The whole thing had to be written in words. Words are signs of ideas, and if the words are not inspired, then there is no way of getting at anything in connection with inspiration. If I am free to pick up the Bible and read something and say, ‘That is not inspired,’ and someone else does not agree with me as to which is and which is not inspired, it leaves the whole thing unsettled as to whether any of it is inspired."
"What is the object of inspiration? It is to put accurately, in human words, ideas from God. If the words are not inspired, how am I to know how much to reject, and how to find out whether anything is from God? When you hear the silly talk that the Bible ‘contains’ the word of God and is not the word of God, you hear a fool’s talk. I don’t care if he is a Doctor of Divinity, a President of a University covered with medals from universities of Europe and the United States, it is fool-talk. There can be no inspiration of the book without the inspiration of the words of the book.”
“The inspired word is irrefragable, infallible; that all the powers of the world cannot break one ‘thus saith the Lord.’”
“Let me say further that only the original text of the books of the Bible is inspired, not the copy or the translation.”
“The inspiration means that the record of what is said and done is correct. It does not mean that everything that God did and said is recorded. It does not mean that everything recorded is of equal importance, but every part of it is necessary to the purpose of the record, and no part is unimportant. One part is no more inspired than any other part.”
“It is perfectly foolish to talk about degrees of inspiration. What Jesus said in the flesh, as we find it in the four Gospels, is no more His word than what the inspired prophet or apostle said.”
“What Jesus said after He ascended to heaven, through Paul or any other apostle, is just as much Jesus’ word as anything He said in the flesh.”
“Here are some objections: First, ‘only the originals are inspired, and we have only copies.’ The answer to that is that God would not inspire a book and take no care of the book. His providence has preserved the Bible in a way that no other book has been preserved.”
“We do not find that verbal inspiration stereotypes the style, even in the case of a single man. It is nothing mechanical like that, nor does it in the least destroy the individuality of the inspired man. When Paul writes, he writes in Paul’s style; when Peter writes, he writes in Peter’s style.”
“The Holy Spirit inspires the penman and not the pen, and we must not be disturbed when we find Paul’s style, when he is writing spiritual things in spiritual words, or Peter’s style in his writings. We should accept that fact as we go along.” -B. H. Carroll, Inspiration of the Bible, Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics, 1930, 2008.
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 founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. His book, Inspiration of the Bible, has been influential among Baptists. It was reprinted and promoted during the SBC Conservative Resurgence and was reprinted again in 2008 in a set of books commemorating the Centennial of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Note: Plenary Verbal Inspiration means every word of all 66 books of the Bible is inspired by God and is therefore the inerrant, living, authoritative, sufficient Word of God.
Plenary - all
Verbal - every word
Inspiration - God breathed. Divinely inspired in such a way that no other book is inspired by God.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 12, AD 2011.
Related Articles:
Southwestern Centennial Classics; B. H. Carroll, L. R. Scarborough, T. B. Maston...
B. H. Carroll on Hyper-Calvinism
B. H. Carroll on Pastors and Alcohol
See other articles in lower right margin.
“It has always been a matter of profound surprise to me that anybody should ever question the verbal inspiration of the Bible."
"The whole thing had to be written in words. Words are signs of ideas, and if the words are not inspired, then there is no way of getting at anything in connection with inspiration. If I am free to pick up the Bible and read something and say, ‘That is not inspired,’ and someone else does not agree with me as to which is and which is not inspired, it leaves the whole thing unsettled as to whether any of it is inspired."
"What is the object of inspiration? It is to put accurately, in human words, ideas from God. If the words are not inspired, how am I to know how much to reject, and how to find out whether anything is from God? When you hear the silly talk that the Bible ‘contains’ the word of God and is not the word of God, you hear a fool’s talk. I don’t care if he is a Doctor of Divinity, a President of a University covered with medals from universities of Europe and the United States, it is fool-talk. There can be no inspiration of the book without the inspiration of the words of the book.”
“The inspired word is irrefragable, infallible; that all the powers of the world cannot break one ‘thus saith the Lord.’”
“Let me say further that only the original text of the books of the Bible is inspired, not the copy or the translation.”
“The inspiration means that the record of what is said and done is correct. It does not mean that everything that God did and said is recorded. It does not mean that everything recorded is of equal importance, but every part of it is necessary to the purpose of the record, and no part is unimportant. One part is no more inspired than any other part.”
“It is perfectly foolish to talk about degrees of inspiration. What Jesus said in the flesh, as we find it in the four Gospels, is no more His word than what the inspired prophet or apostle said.”
“What Jesus said after He ascended to heaven, through Paul or any other apostle, is just as much Jesus’ word as anything He said in the flesh.”
“Here are some objections: First, ‘only the originals are inspired, and we have only copies.’ The answer to that is that God would not inspire a book and take no care of the book. His providence has preserved the Bible in a way that no other book has been preserved.”
“We do not find that verbal inspiration stereotypes the style, even in the case of a single man. It is nothing mechanical like that, nor does it in the least destroy the individuality of the inspired man. When Paul writes, he writes in Paul’s style; when Peter writes, he writes in Peter’s style.”
“The Holy Spirit inspires the penman and not the pen, and we must not be disturbed when we find Paul’s style, when he is writing spiritual things in spiritual words, or Peter’s style in his writings. We should accept that fact as we go along.” -B. H. Carroll, Inspiration of the Bible, Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics, 1930, 2008.
"The
modern cry: 'Less creed and more liberty,' is a degeneration from the
vertebrate to the jellyfish, and means less unity and less morality, and it
means more heresy. Definitive truth does not create heresy - it only exposes
and corrects. Shut off the creed and the Christian world would fill up with
heresy unsuspected and uncorrected, but none the less deadly."
-B. H. Carroll, An Interpretation
of the English Bible, Ephesians 4. 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 founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. His book, Inspiration of the Bible, has been influential among Baptists. It was reprinted and promoted during the SBC Conservative Resurgence and was reprinted again in 2008 in a set of books commemorating the Centennial of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Note: Plenary Verbal Inspiration means every word of all 66 books of the Bible is inspired by God and is therefore the inerrant, living, authoritative, sufficient Word of God.
Plenary - all
Verbal - every word
Inspiration - God breathed. Divinely inspired in such a way that no other book is inspired by God.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 12, AD 2011.
Related Articles:
Southwestern Centennial Classics; B. H. Carroll, L. R. Scarborough, T. B. Maston...
B. H. Carroll on Hyper-Calvinism
B. H. Carroll on Pastors and Alcohol
See other articles in lower right margin.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Top Three Seminaries
An extensive study of Baptist and Evangelical seminaries has been conducted over the last 54 years. This study has been conducted by none other than David R. Brumbelow of Gulf Coast Pastor. He speaks for himself and probably a half dozen other pastors out there. I would argue, however, that my results would be affirmed by a sizable number of believers, Southern Baptist and otherwise.
There are many good, solid seminaries out there. And many poor seminaries. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I would be happy to recommend to anyone the seminaries listed below.
1. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 22000, Fort Worth, Texas USA 76122. 800/SWBTS-01; 817/923-1921. swbts.edu
Extension campuses in Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; Shawnee, Oklahoma; etc.
I’m a graduate of SWBTS, but please don’t hold that against them. Southwestern is one of the largest and most influential seminaries in the world. It’s graduates serve, and have served throughout America and the world. Founded by the famous B. H. Carroll in 1908, it was the first seminary to include a Chair of Evangelism, also called the Chair of Fire. This Evangelism Chair was begun by pastor and evangelist L. R. Scarborough, who became the second president of SWBTS.
Today it is led by president Paige Patterson, a scholar, writer, and evangelist. Dr. Patterson is one of the well-known leaders of the Conservative Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention, the movement that brought the SBC back to its commitment to the inerrancy of the Bible.
Each year SWBTS students go throughout the United States conducting Revivals and winning folks to the Lord. Recently they have led over 200 to the Lord in the area right around the Fort Worth campus. SWBTS is accredited, conservative, scholarly, and evangelistic. Whether you want to study evangelism, music, missions, Bible, theology, religious education, biblical languages, archaeology, history, pastoral ministry, this is a great place to enroll.
2. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70126. 800/662-8701; 504/282-4455. nobts.edu
Even back in the moderate days of the SBC (pre 1979), NOBTS, along with SWBTS and GGBTS, was known as one of the more conservative SBC seminaries. It’s graduates have included Jerry Vines, Adrian Rogers, and Paige Patterson. It is led by Dr. Chuck Kelley, who has served as a vocational evangelist. Kelley is a graduate of Baylor and NOBTS. Prior to being elected as president, Dr. Kelley served NOBTS for 13 years as evangelism professor.
NOBTS was founded in 1917 by the Southern Baptist Convention. It has extensions in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida. They subscribe to the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. Most all of what was said about SWBTS can also be said about NOBTS. It’s a great seminary.
3. Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary, 2095 Appling Road, Cordova, Tennessee 38016, United States. 901/751-8453; 800/968-4508. mabts.edu
Founded in 1971, MABTS states, “We believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, wholly without error as originally given by God, and is sufficient as our only infallible rule of faith and practice. We deny that other books are inspired by God in the same way as the Bible.”
MABTS also says,
“Every faculty member accepts the plenary verbal inspiration of the Bible.
Every faculty member is a faithful witness for Jesus Christ.
Every faculty member is an active member of a cooperating Southern Baptist church.
Every faculty member in the theological and educational field holds an earned doctorate.
Every faculty member is available for counseling with students.”
Dr. Michael R. Spradlin serves as president and teaches in Evangelism. The seminary’s founder and first president was Dr. Gray Allison. Mid America now meets on 35 acres of land given to them by Bellevue Baptist Church. Adrian Rogers was a strong supporter of MABTS. It is an “independent” Southern Baptist seminary and supportive of the SBC. It does not receive Cooperative Program funds, but supports the CP. Mid America was a conservative influential school during the SBC Conservative Resurgence. They have an extension in Schenectady, New York.
All three of these schools are accredited, conservative, scholarly, evangelistic, and believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. They uphold the fundamental, basic doctrines of our Christian faith. So if you've been called to the ministry and are looking for a seminary, these are three that I would strongly recommend.
Note: These three seminaries are listed / linked in the margin to the right under Sites I Mainly Agree With.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 5, AD 2011.
There are many good, solid seminaries out there. And many poor seminaries. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I would be happy to recommend to anyone the seminaries listed below.
1. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 22000, Fort Worth, Texas USA 76122. 800/SWBTS-01; 817/923-1921. swbts.edu
Extension campuses in Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; Shawnee, Oklahoma; etc.
I’m a graduate of SWBTS, but please don’t hold that against them. Southwestern is one of the largest and most influential seminaries in the world. It’s graduates serve, and have served throughout America and the world. Founded by the famous B. H. Carroll in 1908, it was the first seminary to include a Chair of Evangelism, also called the Chair of Fire. This Evangelism Chair was begun by pastor and evangelist L. R. Scarborough, who became the second president of SWBTS.
Today it is led by president Paige Patterson, a scholar, writer, and evangelist. Dr. Patterson is one of the well-known leaders of the Conservative Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention, the movement that brought the SBC back to its commitment to the inerrancy of the Bible.
Each year SWBTS students go throughout the United States conducting Revivals and winning folks to the Lord. Recently they have led over 200 to the Lord in the area right around the Fort Worth campus. SWBTS is accredited, conservative, scholarly, and evangelistic. Whether you want to study evangelism, music, missions, Bible, theology, religious education, biblical languages, archaeology, history, pastoral ministry, this is a great place to enroll.
2. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70126. 800/662-8701; 504/282-4455. nobts.edu
Even back in the moderate days of the SBC (pre 1979), NOBTS, along with SWBTS and GGBTS, was known as one of the more conservative SBC seminaries. It’s graduates have included Jerry Vines, Adrian Rogers, and Paige Patterson. It is led by Dr. Chuck Kelley, who has served as a vocational evangelist. Kelley is a graduate of Baylor and NOBTS. Prior to being elected as president, Dr. Kelley served NOBTS for 13 years as evangelism professor.
NOBTS was founded in 1917 by the Southern Baptist Convention. It has extensions in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida. They subscribe to the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. Most all of what was said about SWBTS can also be said about NOBTS. It’s a great seminary.
3. Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary, 2095 Appling Road, Cordova, Tennessee 38016, United States. 901/751-8453; 800/968-4508. mabts.edu
Founded in 1971, MABTS states, “We believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, wholly without error as originally given by God, and is sufficient as our only infallible rule of faith and practice. We deny that other books are inspired by God in the same way as the Bible.”
MABTS also says,
“Every faculty member accepts the plenary verbal inspiration of the Bible.
Every faculty member is a faithful witness for Jesus Christ.
Every faculty member is an active member of a cooperating Southern Baptist church.
Every faculty member in the theological and educational field holds an earned doctorate.
Every faculty member is available for counseling with students.”
Dr. Michael R. Spradlin serves as president and teaches in Evangelism. The seminary’s founder and first president was Dr. Gray Allison. Mid America now meets on 35 acres of land given to them by Bellevue Baptist Church. Adrian Rogers was a strong supporter of MABTS. It is an “independent” Southern Baptist seminary and supportive of the SBC. It does not receive Cooperative Program funds, but supports the CP. Mid America was a conservative influential school during the SBC Conservative Resurgence. They have an extension in Schenectady, New York.
All three of these schools are accredited, conservative, scholarly, evangelistic, and believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. They uphold the fundamental, basic doctrines of our Christian faith. So if you've been called to the ministry and are looking for a seminary, these are three that I would strongly recommend.
Note: These three seminaries are listed / linked in the margin to the right under Sites I Mainly Agree With.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 5, AD 2011.
Edith Beaugh
For anyone needing information about my aunt, Mrs. Edith Beaugh (Edith Counts Beaugh; Edith Galyean Beagh) of Lake Jackson, TX, contact:
David R. Brumbelow, P.O. Box 300, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566.
(Edith Beaugh is deceased, the Post Office would not forward her address)
David R. Brumbelow, P.O. Box 300, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566.
(Edith Beaugh is deceased, the Post Office would not forward her address)
Monday, June 27, 2011
Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists: Calvinism, Revivals, Evangelism, Tracts
PHOENIX (BP)--The need for renewed evangelism, concerns about Calvinism and comments regarding North American Mission Board budget cuts were voiced during the annual evangelists-sponsored worship service prior to the SBC annual meeting.
The Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists' gathering June 12, with the theme "Ageless Urgency," featured three preachers: Eric Fuller, Harold Hunter and Brian Fossett.
"If there was ever a time that evangelism needed to be at the forefront, now is that time," COSBE president's, Braxton Hunter, told the assembly. "There is little concern for evangelism in our convention."…
Calvinism is "a big problem today in our country, and among Christians," [Eric] Fuller said.
"If you are a Calvinist in this place this morning, stop trying to convert Christians to Calvinism and begin sharing the Gospel with lost people so that the Lord can convert them to Christianity," Fuller said. "If you are a non-Calvinist this morning, stop talking about sharing the Gospel and get out there and actually do it.
Brian Fossett, a former COSBE president and member of Liberty Baptist Church in Dalton, Ga., preached from Ephesians 4:11, encouraging attendees to get back to "the three T's" of evangelism -- "tracts, training and testimonies" -- that he said would "revolutionize our churches."
Harold Hunter, president of Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Ind., and the father of Braxton Hunter, said in his message he is "burdened about the direction of our Southern Baptist Convention," noting that Southern Baptists baptized 17,416 fewer people in 2010 than in 2009, representing the lowest number of annual baptisms in 60 years.
"Evidently this new wave of trying to be relevant to the people in the bars on Friday night is not really working," Harold Hunter said. "Either what you do at your church and what this convention does is supernatural or it's superficial."…
"I hear those of Reformed theology say, 'Well, the founders of our great convention -- all of them were basically Calvinists,'" Hunter said, adding that for every Calvinistic founder of the SBC he could name three who were not.
"Let me tell you something: It was not the giants, be they Calvinists or not, who made the Southern Baptist Convention great," Hunter said. "It was the great host of people whose names are never mentioned: the evangelists, the missionaries, the small church pastors, the laymen, and the women, bless God."
Noting he wanted to "clearly preach about the ethics of those who aspire to leadership in our convention," Hunter said: "There is scarcely a week goes by that in my office I hear of some church fallen into disrepair because some man who was a Calvinist -- limited atonement -- and didn't tell the pulpit committee or the deacons until he became pastor, and then it split the church. I believe you ought to be honest. If that's what you are, then tell them that's what you are."
-bpnews.net, June 21, 2011, by Norm Miller and Art Toalston.
Read the entire Baptist Press article: COSBE Lifts Evangelism, Laments Funding Cuts
Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists (COSBE)
http://www.sbcevangelist.org/
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 27, AD 2011.
Other articles of interest:
Patriotism and Christian Worship
Unlimited Atonement, Jesus Died for All
Acts 29, Alcohol, and the Southern Baptist Convention
See more under Gulf Coat Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right margin.
The Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists' gathering June 12, with the theme "Ageless Urgency," featured three preachers: Eric Fuller, Harold Hunter and Brian Fossett.
"If there was ever a time that evangelism needed to be at the forefront, now is that time," COSBE president's, Braxton Hunter, told the assembly. "There is little concern for evangelism in our convention."…
Calvinism is "a big problem today in our country, and among Christians," [Eric] Fuller said.
"If you are a Calvinist in this place this morning, stop trying to convert Christians to Calvinism and begin sharing the Gospel with lost people so that the Lord can convert them to Christianity," Fuller said. "If you are a non-Calvinist this morning, stop talking about sharing the Gospel and get out there and actually do it.
Brian Fossett, a former COSBE president and member of Liberty Baptist Church in Dalton, Ga., preached from Ephesians 4:11, encouraging attendees to get back to "the three T's" of evangelism -- "tracts, training and testimonies" -- that he said would "revolutionize our churches."
Harold Hunter, president of Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Ind., and the father of Braxton Hunter, said in his message he is "burdened about the direction of our Southern Baptist Convention," noting that Southern Baptists baptized 17,416 fewer people in 2010 than in 2009, representing the lowest number of annual baptisms in 60 years.
"Evidently this new wave of trying to be relevant to the people in the bars on Friday night is not really working," Harold Hunter said. "Either what you do at your church and what this convention does is supernatural or it's superficial."…
"I hear those of Reformed theology say, 'Well, the founders of our great convention -- all of them were basically Calvinists,'" Hunter said, adding that for every Calvinistic founder of the SBC he could name three who were not.
"Let me tell you something: It was not the giants, be they Calvinists or not, who made the Southern Baptist Convention great," Hunter said. "It was the great host of people whose names are never mentioned: the evangelists, the missionaries, the small church pastors, the laymen, and the women, bless God."
Noting he wanted to "clearly preach about the ethics of those who aspire to leadership in our convention," Hunter said: "There is scarcely a week goes by that in my office I hear of some church fallen into disrepair because some man who was a Calvinist -- limited atonement -- and didn't tell the pulpit committee or the deacons until he became pastor, and then it split the church. I believe you ought to be honest. If that's what you are, then tell them that's what you are."
-bpnews.net, June 21, 2011, by Norm Miller and Art Toalston.
Read the entire Baptist Press article: COSBE Lifts Evangelism, Laments Funding Cuts
Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists (COSBE)
http://www.sbcevangelist.org/
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 27, AD 2011.
Other articles of interest:
Patriotism and Christian Worship
Unlimited Atonement, Jesus Died for All
Acts 29, Alcohol, and the Southern Baptist Convention
See more under Gulf Coat Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right margin.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
B. H. Carroll on Pastors and Alcohol
The brief quote below pretty well sums up Carroll‘s view on drinking.
“No man should be made the pastor of a church who drinks intoxicating liquors as a beverage.” -B. H. Carroll, Interpretation of the English Bible.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 21, AD 2011.
Note: Just before the quote above, Carroll said he was not going to raise the issue of “total abstinence.” Some have been confused then by his following statement. The answer is simple. While most today would use “total abstinence” to refer to not using alcohol as a beverage, Carroll was using the term to refer to no use of alcohol period, even as a medicine. Alcohol was viewed back then as an important medicine; it is not viewed that way today. For those wanting more evidence, they should also be aware that Carroll was a strong advocate for Prohibition. But he, like most abstainers today, would recognize a possible legitimate use of alcohol for medicinal reasons.
Related Articles:
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book (includes more quotes by B. H. Carroll)
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
Acts 29, Alcohol, and the Southern Baptist Convention
B. H. Carroll on Hyper-Calvinism
Other related articles in Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand column.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Southwestern Centennial Classics; B. H. Carroll, L. R. Scarborough, T. B. Maston...
The Centennial Classics are a set of books reprinted in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas (SWBTS; swbts.edu). All of these books were written by presidents and professors of SWBTS.
The Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics are:
Inspiration of the Bible by B.H. Carroll
With Christ after the Lost by L.R. Scarborough
Recruits for World Conquests by L.R. Scarborough
Lee Rutland Scarborough : a life of service by H.E. Dana
The Blossoming Desert : a Concise History of Texas Baptists by Robert Baker
The Bible and Race by T.B. Maston
Jesus the Teacher by J.M. Price
The Work of the Holy Spirit by W.T. Conner
A Manual of Church History (2 Volumes) by A.H. Newman
B. H. Carroll's book was influential in the SBC Conservative Resurgence. Scarborough's book, With Christ After the Lost, was for many years an evangelism textbook, and influenced many Baptists for evangelism.
Purchase them for yourself and your church library. They also make a great gift for your pastor or for a young preacher. Give him the entire set, or just give him one book a year for Christmas; there, you have your gifts taken care of for the next decade :-).
Original cost was $100. Now they can be purchased for $60 plus $6.50 postage.
This entire set of Centennial Classics can be ordered from SWBTS, P. O. Box 22500, Fort Worth, Texas 76122.
For more information call 817/923-1921, extension 4848.
That’s ten hardcover books for just $6 each. I have the set of books and highly recommend them.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 20, AD 2011.
The Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics are:
Inspiration of the Bible by B.H. Carroll
With Christ after the Lost by L.R. Scarborough
Recruits for World Conquests by L.R. Scarborough
Lee Rutland Scarborough : a life of service by H.E. Dana
The Blossoming Desert : a Concise History of Texas Baptists by Robert Baker
The Bible and Race by T.B. Maston
Jesus the Teacher by J.M. Price
The Work of the Holy Spirit by W.T. Conner
A Manual of Church History (2 Volumes) by A.H. Newman
B. H. Carroll's book was influential in the SBC Conservative Resurgence. Scarborough's book, With Christ After the Lost, was for many years an evangelism textbook, and influenced many Baptists for evangelism.
Purchase them for yourself and your church library. They also make a great gift for your pastor or for a young preacher. Give him the entire set, or just give him one book a year for Christmas; there, you have your gifts taken care of for the next decade :-).
Original cost was $100. Now they can be purchased for $60 plus $6.50 postage.
This entire set of Centennial Classics can be ordered from SWBTS, P. O. Box 22500, Fort Worth, Texas 76122.
For more information call 817/923-1921, extension 4848.
That’s ten hardcover books for just $6 each. I have the set of books and highly recommend them.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 20, AD 2011.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Acts 29, Alcohol, and the Southern Baptist Convention
Acts 29 keeps coming up in discussions of the SBC, alcohol, and Calvinism. As a general rule, it seems that those who favor social drinking and ending Southern Baptist’s long standing opposition to beverage alcohol are those who are connected with Calvinism, the Acts 29 organization, or both.
Let me also add that many Calvinists believe the Bible teaches abstinence from alcohol. I assume there are also those in Acts 29 who believe the same. I pray many more will come to this conviction. (For example, Charles H. Spurgeon was a Calvinist who was very opposed to alcohol. See Gulf Coast Pastor article on Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol).
In case you missed it, four years ago Baptist Press had a fascinating article about this issue. A controversy developed among Missouri Baptists over The Journey Church that was apparently promoting beverage alcohol consumption and had a part of the church meeting at a brewery.
Many a church has started in a bar, but with the alcohol bar closed during the service. This brewery, however, was serving beer to participants during the Bible Study. The Journey was a part of the SBC, Acts 29, and Missouri Baptists. A few quotes from the BP article are in bold print below.
"Last December, The Journey’s website included an invitation to 'grab a brew, share your view' when attending the Theology at the Bottleworks meeting. A picture of people raising glasses of beer in an apparent toast appeared adjacent to an essay by [Pastor Darrin] Patrick on the church’s website. Patrick attributed the content to a secular website design company hired by the church. He told Baptist Press he had the alcohol-related verbiage and picture removed as soon as they came to his attention because 'it does not reflect the values of our church.'
Still, the church’s unconventional means of reaching the lost might be shaping its internal culture as much as the church is shaping others. The bio of The Journey’s mission pastor, Jonathan MacIntosh, mentions that he enjoys drinks with his wife 'at the almost secret bar beneath Brennan's in the Central West End.'
Patrick, who is vice president of Acts 29, an association of emergent churches, conceded that as a group, Acts 29 holds a 'much more liberal view' of alcohol use than The Journey.
Some website material seems to support his conclusion.
The pastor of an Acts 29 church in San Diego (non-SBC), for example, claims on the Internet: 'Beer is one of our core values. We enjoy it and like to drink it.' Although the statement appears meant for humor, it seems to show a casualness of attitude about alcohol consumption.
Another Acts 29 church (also non-SBC) -- the Seattle-area Damascus Road Church -- sponsors a men’s poker night for which gamblers are encouraged to bring beer. The website also states: 'There is just something about having food on your plate and a drink in your hand that makes fellowship that much easier. Whether the food is healthy or fattening, or the drink is coffee or beer, we desire to follow Christ's example.'
The alcohol issue goes straight to the top at Acts 29, whose president, Mark Driscoll -- who is pastor of the Seattle-area Mars Hill Church -- wrote in his book, 'Radical Reformission,' that abstinence from alcohol is a sin. In a chapter titled 'The Sin of Light Beer,' Driscoll explains that he came to this conclusion while preparing a sermon on the Lord’s miracle at Cana where Jesus turned water into wine. *
According to information published on the church’s website, Mars Hill sponsored a New Year’s Eve party that included a champagne bar. Mars Hill’s website also advertises 'beer-brewing lessons ... whenever a large group of (Mars Hill) men get together.'
Driscoll is controversial also for once having the reputation of the 'cussing pastor.' However, as he recounted on his blog, he finally listened to a friend who helped him realize he was becoming known for 'good theology, a bad temper, and a foul mouth,' and he repented, starting with a public apology." -bpnews.net
Read the entire Baptist Press article at the following link:
Alcohol, Acts 29 and the SBC
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 7, AD 2011.
Related Articles:
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Dr. Robert Wring on Baptists and Elder Rule
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; Update
The Problem With Drunk Preachers
See Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin, on such topics as Alcohol; Alcohol Today; etc.
* For a clear answer on Jesus turning water to wine see the book, Alcohol Today by Peter Lumpkins, Hannibal Books. Available at your local bookstore or amazon.com.
Also see Ancient Wine and the Bible by David R. Brumbelow.
Let me also add that many Calvinists believe the Bible teaches abstinence from alcohol. I assume there are also those in Acts 29 who believe the same. I pray many more will come to this conviction. (For example, Charles H. Spurgeon was a Calvinist who was very opposed to alcohol. See Gulf Coast Pastor article on Charles H. Spurgeon on Alcohol).
In case you missed it, four years ago Baptist Press had a fascinating article about this issue. A controversy developed among Missouri Baptists over The Journey Church that was apparently promoting beverage alcohol consumption and had a part of the church meeting at a brewery.
Many a church has started in a bar, but with the alcohol bar closed during the service. This brewery, however, was serving beer to participants during the Bible Study. The Journey was a part of the SBC, Acts 29, and Missouri Baptists. A few quotes from the BP article are in bold print below.
"Last December, The Journey’s website included an invitation to 'grab a brew, share your view' when attending the Theology at the Bottleworks meeting. A picture of people raising glasses of beer in an apparent toast appeared adjacent to an essay by [Pastor Darrin] Patrick on the church’s website. Patrick attributed the content to a secular website design company hired by the church. He told Baptist Press he had the alcohol-related verbiage and picture removed as soon as they came to his attention because 'it does not reflect the values of our church.'
Still, the church’s unconventional means of reaching the lost might be shaping its internal culture as much as the church is shaping others. The bio of The Journey’s mission pastor, Jonathan MacIntosh, mentions that he enjoys drinks with his wife 'at the almost secret bar beneath Brennan's in the Central West End.'
Patrick, who is vice president of Acts 29, an association of emergent churches, conceded that as a group, Acts 29 holds a 'much more liberal view' of alcohol use than The Journey.
Some website material seems to support his conclusion.
The pastor of an Acts 29 church in San Diego (non-SBC), for example, claims on the Internet: 'Beer is one of our core values. We enjoy it and like to drink it.' Although the statement appears meant for humor, it seems to show a casualness of attitude about alcohol consumption.
Another Acts 29 church (also non-SBC) -- the Seattle-area Damascus Road Church -- sponsors a men’s poker night for which gamblers are encouraged to bring beer. The website also states: 'There is just something about having food on your plate and a drink in your hand that makes fellowship that much easier. Whether the food is healthy or fattening, or the drink is coffee or beer, we desire to follow Christ's example.'
The alcohol issue goes straight to the top at Acts 29, whose president, Mark Driscoll -- who is pastor of the Seattle-area Mars Hill Church -- wrote in his book, 'Radical Reformission,' that abstinence from alcohol is a sin. In a chapter titled 'The Sin of Light Beer,' Driscoll explains that he came to this conclusion while preparing a sermon on the Lord’s miracle at Cana where Jesus turned water into wine. *
According to information published on the church’s website, Mars Hill sponsored a New Year’s Eve party that included a champagne bar. Mars Hill’s website also advertises 'beer-brewing lessons ... whenever a large group of (Mars Hill) men get together.'
Driscoll is controversial also for once having the reputation of the 'cussing pastor.' However, as he recounted on his blog, he finally listened to a friend who helped him realize he was becoming known for 'good theology, a bad temper, and a foul mouth,' and he repented, starting with a public apology." -bpnews.net
Read the entire Baptist Press article at the following link:
Alcohol, Acts 29 and the SBC
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 7, AD 2011.
Related Articles:
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Dr. Robert Wring on Baptists and Elder Rule
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; Update
The Problem With Drunk Preachers
See Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin, on such topics as Alcohol; Alcohol Today; etc.
* For a clear answer on Jesus turning water to wine see the book, Alcohol Today by Peter Lumpkins, Hannibal Books. Available at your local bookstore or amazon.com.
Also see Ancient Wine and the Bible by David R. Brumbelow.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Missionary Kids - Free Tuition at Criswell College
Criswell College was founded by W. A. Criswell and First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas. Dr. Paige Patterson, now at SWBTS, was president at Criswell. For several years now Jerry A. Johnson has done a great job as president. Criswell College was crucial on the conservative side in the SBC Conservative Resurgence. It is one of the few colleges that publicly takes a stand in favor of the inerrancy of the Bible.
Criswell College has announced full-tuition scholarships for the kids of Southern Baptist missionaries serving with the International Mission Board. See the details below.
Criswell College announces full-tuition scholarships for children of IMB missionaries
Check out Criswell College, Dallas, Texas at criswell.edu
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 2, AD 2011.
Criswell College has announced full-tuition scholarships for the kids of Southern Baptist missionaries serving with the International Mission Board. See the details below.
Criswell College announces full-tuition scholarships for children of IMB missionaries
Check out Criswell College, Dallas, Texas at criswell.edu
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 2, AD 2011.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sources of Gospel Tracts; Tract Racks
Tracts (or pamphlets, brief, printed Christian fliers or messages), have been used for many years to point people to Jesus Christ. They are an important means of presenting the Gospel. This post tells you a few places to purchase tracts and tract racks.
Sources of Tracts
American Tract Society
P. O. Box 462008
Garland, Texas 75046-2008
atstracts.org
800/548-7228
ATS has excellent tracts including salvation, patriotic, sports, Spanish, etc.
North American Mission Board (NAMB)
4200 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, Georgia 30022-4176
770/410-6000; 800/634-2462
namb.net
LifeWay
LifeWay.com (do a search for “tracts,” or “Choice Creation”)
Also check at LifeWay Stores.
State Baptist Conventions
Southern Baptists of Texas Convention
sbtexas.com
Southern Baptist Convention
sbc.net
Check also with your local Baptist Association
Tract League
2627 Elmridge Drive
Grand Rapids, MI 49534-1329
616/453-7695
tractleague.com
Good News Tracts
goodnewstracts.org
Individual Tracts and Pamphlets
Church Covenant
Church Covenant Hymnal Insert
Baptist Faith & Message 2000
Welcome to God’s Family (for new believers)
NAMB has a good tract (Hope in Crises) used by Disaster Relief. I could not find it, however, on their website; give them a call.
Other Possibilities
Write your own tracts and get them published. Check them for grammar and spelling. Always include a full address so they can contact you or order more.
A church can print a small half page flyer telling the Christmas Story or Easter Story and distribute them during those holidays. Include your church's full name and address.
Tract Rack
Years ago our church ordered a tract rack from ATS. It can be hung from a wall or set on a table. It has 20 pockets for tracts. We've used this type tract rack in collegiate ministry as well.
Tract wall hangers usually have one or two pockets and can easily be placed on a wall.
Use tracts to advertise your church. Get a rubber stamp or mailing labels. Place the name and full address of your church on the back of each tract.
Hope these sources are helpful. Purchase some tracts yourself, or check with your church about purchasing them and having a tract ministry. Share the Good News with a world in need of hope.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 1, AD 2011.
See related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
L. R. Scarborough on Tracts
Church Buildings - Dos and Don'ts #1
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
The Roman Road of Salvation
Church Buildings - Dos and Don'ts #1
Church Covenant
Sources of Tracts
American Tract Society
P. O. Box 462008
Garland, Texas 75046-2008
atstracts.org
800/548-7228
ATS has excellent tracts including salvation, patriotic, sports, Spanish, etc.
North American Mission Board (NAMB)
4200 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, Georgia 30022-4176
770/410-6000; 800/634-2462
namb.net
LifeWay
LifeWay.com (do a search for “tracts,” or “Choice Creation”)
Also check at LifeWay Stores.
State Baptist Conventions
Southern Baptists of Texas Convention
sbtexas.com
Southern Baptist Convention
sbc.net
Check also with your local Baptist Association
Tract League
2627 Elmridge Drive
Grand Rapids, MI 49534-1329
616/453-7695
tractleague.com
Good News Tracts
goodnewstracts.org
Individual Tracts and Pamphlets
Church Covenant
Church Covenant Hymnal Insert
Baptist Faith & Message 2000
Welcome to God’s Family (for new believers)
NAMB has a good tract (Hope in Crises) used by Disaster Relief. I could not find it, however, on their website; give them a call.
Other Possibilities
Write your own tracts and get them published. Check them for grammar and spelling. Always include a full address so they can contact you or order more.
A church can print a small half page flyer telling the Christmas Story or Easter Story and distribute them during those holidays. Include your church's full name and address.
Tract Rack
Years ago our church ordered a tract rack from ATS. It can be hung from a wall or set on a table. It has 20 pockets for tracts. We've used this type tract rack in collegiate ministry as well.
Tract wall hangers usually have one or two pockets and can easily be placed on a wall.
Use tracts to advertise your church. Get a rubber stamp or mailing labels. Place the name and full address of your church on the back of each tract.
Hope these sources are helpful. Purchase some tracts yourself, or check with your church about purchasing them and having a tract ministry. Share the Good News with a world in need of hope.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 1, AD 2011.
See related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
L. R. Scarborough on Tracts
Church Buildings - Dos and Don'ts #1
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
The Roman Road of Salvation
Church Buildings - Dos and Don'ts #1
Church Covenant
Monday, May 30, 2011
L. R. Scarborough on Tracts
“One of the effective uses of the press is found in the publication and circulation of tracts.
They are valuable for soul-winning, soul-building, indoctrination, and for teaching the truths of God’s Word.
Brief, pointed, and well-printed tracts will often attract attention and carry the Christian message home to the heart in a way nothing else will.
Churches with their Sunday school and Training Union forces could be made centers for the distribution of tracts.
Pastors, missionaries, and evangelists should keep a supply of well-selected tracts on hand at all time.
They can be mailed out, handed out in making visits, given to passers-by on the streets, and distributed at church doors as congregations gather and disperse.
The tract given should be chosen to suit the need of the one receiving it and should be handed out with a prayer for God’s blessing on the message.
It is often good to follow up the tract with a conference, another tract, or a personal letter.”
-L. R. Scarborough, With Christ After the Lost, revised by E. D. Head, Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics; 1942, 2008.
L. R. Scarborough (AD 1870-1945) was a pastor, evangelist, author, founded and taught the first seminary “Chair of Evangelism,” and was the second president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas (swbts.edu). Scarborough also served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 30, AD 2011.
Related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
Sources of Gospel Tracts
They are valuable for soul-winning, soul-building, indoctrination, and for teaching the truths of God’s Word.
Brief, pointed, and well-printed tracts will often attract attention and carry the Christian message home to the heart in a way nothing else will.
Churches with their Sunday school and Training Union forces could be made centers for the distribution of tracts.
Pastors, missionaries, and evangelists should keep a supply of well-selected tracts on hand at all time.
They can be mailed out, handed out in making visits, given to passers-by on the streets, and distributed at church doors as congregations gather and disperse.
The tract given should be chosen to suit the need of the one receiving it and should be handed out with a prayer for God’s blessing on the message.
It is often good to follow up the tract with a conference, another tract, or a personal letter.”
-L. R. Scarborough, With Christ After the Lost, revised by E. D. Head, Southwestern Library of Centennial Classics; 1942, 2008.
L. R. Scarborough (AD 1870-1945) was a pastor, evangelist, author, founded and taught the first seminary “Chair of Evangelism,” and was the second president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas (swbts.edu). Scarborough also served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 30, AD 2011.
Related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
Sources of Gospel Tracts
Monday, May 23, 2011
"A Really Tough Weekend," -Harold Camping
"It has been a really tough weekend."
"I'm looking for answers."
-Harold Camping, 89 year old radio preacher who predicted the Rapture (or Return of Christ) would occur, along with massive earthquakes, on May 21, 2011. His words above were spoken on May 22, 2011. (Quotes from sfgate.com) This is not the first time Camping has tried his hand at predicting the time of the Second Coming. He previously predicted it would likely occur in 1994.
Camping said he is looking for answers. The answers are found in Matthew 24 and 25.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. -Matthew 24:36
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. -Matthew 24:42
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. -Matthew 24:44
The master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of. -Matthew 24:50
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. -Matthew 25:13
Camping has also said all churches are corrupt. Except his, of course. Anytime you hear someone saying they are the only one and you are only to listen to them, be suspicious. Be very suspicious. That is one of the signs of a cult.
Jesus is coming again (Matthew 24:27; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15: 51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The Rapture could occur today, tomorrow, next week, or 100 years from today. It is imminent, meaning it can occur at any time. Only God knows when it will happen. Therefore, we are to plan and prepare as though He may not come for a hundred years, but we are to live as though He will return tomorrow.
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. -Titus 2:13
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 23, AD 2011.
Related articles found under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
Also see Baptist Press article: Harold Camping's Mulligan
"I'm looking for answers."
-Harold Camping, 89 year old radio preacher who predicted the Rapture (or Return of Christ) would occur, along with massive earthquakes, on May 21, 2011. His words above were spoken on May 22, 2011. (Quotes from sfgate.com) This is not the first time Camping has tried his hand at predicting the time of the Second Coming. He previously predicted it would likely occur in 1994.
Camping said he is looking for answers. The answers are found in Matthew 24 and 25.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. -Matthew 24:36
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. -Matthew 24:42
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. -Matthew 24:44
The master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of. -Matthew 24:50
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. -Matthew 25:13
Camping has also said all churches are corrupt. Except his, of course. Anytime you hear someone saying they are the only one and you are only to listen to them, be suspicious. Be very suspicious. That is one of the signs of a cult.
Jesus is coming again (Matthew 24:27; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15: 51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The Rapture could occur today, tomorrow, next week, or 100 years from today. It is imminent, meaning it can occur at any time. Only God knows when it will happen. Therefore, we are to plan and prepare as though He may not come for a hundred years, but we are to live as though He will return tomorrow.
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. -Titus 2:13
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 23, AD 2011.
Related articles found under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
Also see Baptist Press article: Harold Camping's Mulligan
Monday, May 16, 2011
B. H. Carroll on Hyper-Calvinism
In 1900 B. H. Carroll preached a sermon on Baptists 100 Years Ago. It was a historical message telling of Baptist leaders and work in the era around 1800. Carroll (AD 1843-1914), was founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Following are a couple of his comments about some Calvinists of those days who went to the extreme.
“It was a time of strong doctrine, and many Baptists were hyper-Calvinists in their view. But Leland himself tells us how, one day while preaching, ‘his soul got into the gospel trade-winds,’ which so filled his spiritual sails that he forgot about election and reprobation and so preached Christ to sinners that many accepted him as their Saviour and Lord. And oh, I would to God that the preachers of this generation, like old John Leland of long ago, would now get into the gospel trade-winds and bear away with flaming canvas the everlasting gospel to earth's remotest bounds!”
-B. H. Carroll, Baptists 100 Years Ago.
“And here is another lad who will stir up things mightily later on. He will come from the frontiers of Georgia, without education, small in person, slovenly in dress, unprepossessing in appearance, with shriveled features and small piercing eyes. So J. M. Peck describes him.
He is an Antinomian of Antinomians, assuming to speak from immediate inspiration. He will uproot the tender missionary gardens like a wild boar. He will oppose missions, education, Bible and temperance societies, prayer meetings, Sunday-schools and all other evangelizing agencies with indescribable fury.
He will take advantage of the prejudices of ignorance and the prevalent hyper- Calvinism and push his war into all the Southwest until in many associations of Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee the late-blossoming gardens of missionary work shall be as if a cold, chilling frost of death had been breathed upon them. Who is this man? His name is Daniel Parker.
In 1826-7 he will publish his notorious ‘two seed’ pamphlets, that will become his winding sheet and cause his memory to rot.”
-B. H. Carroll, Baptists 100 Years Ago.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 16, AD 2011.
See related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
“It was a time of strong doctrine, and many Baptists were hyper-Calvinists in their view. But Leland himself tells us how, one day while preaching, ‘his soul got into the gospel trade-winds,’ which so filled his spiritual sails that he forgot about election and reprobation and so preached Christ to sinners that many accepted him as their Saviour and Lord. And oh, I would to God that the preachers of this generation, like old John Leland of long ago, would now get into the gospel trade-winds and bear away with flaming canvas the everlasting gospel to earth's remotest bounds!”
-B. H. Carroll, Baptists 100 Years Ago.
“And here is another lad who will stir up things mightily later on. He will come from the frontiers of Georgia, without education, small in person, slovenly in dress, unprepossessing in appearance, with shriveled features and small piercing eyes. So J. M. Peck describes him.
He is an Antinomian of Antinomians, assuming to speak from immediate inspiration. He will uproot the tender missionary gardens like a wild boar. He will oppose missions, education, Bible and temperance societies, prayer meetings, Sunday-schools and all other evangelizing agencies with indescribable fury.
He will take advantage of the prejudices of ignorance and the prevalent hyper- Calvinism and push his war into all the Southwest until in many associations of Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee the late-blossoming gardens of missionary work shall be as if a cold, chilling frost of death had been breathed upon them. Who is this man? His name is Daniel Parker.
In 1826-7 he will publish his notorious ‘two seed’ pamphlets, that will become his winding sheet and cause his memory to rot.”
-B. H. Carroll, Baptists 100 Years Ago.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 16, AD 2011.
See related articles under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right hand margin.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
R. L. Sumner Review of "Alcohol Today" found here
Dr. R. L. Sumner's review of the book, "Alcohol Today: Abstinence in an Age of Indulgence" can be found at the link below:
Book Review of "Alcohol Today" by R. L. Sumner
-David R. Brumbelow, May 10, AD 2011
Book Review of "Alcohol Today" by R. L. Sumner
-David R. Brumbelow, May 10, AD 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Osama Bin Laden and Rejoicing in Victory Over Evil
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. -Romans 13:3-4
Sometimes there is a difference in how we respond as a government and as patriotic citizens, and how we are to respond as individual Christians to personal situations. For example, turning the other cheek may not be the wisest thing for a government at war to do.
Today I am proud to be an American. I am grateful to President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush. I’m grateful to our military and the other nations who have joined forces with us to fight terrorism.
I am glad that a terrorist leader and mass murderer has been stopped. Dr. Richard Land of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission said it well: “"If anyone ever deserved the forfeiture of his life for crimes against humanity, it was Osama bin Laden.”
“Once again, our magnificent military performed with tremendous bravery and skill. We should all thank God for them and that they are standing on the ramparts protecting our liberty.” (Quoted in Baptist Press.)
Some are saying a Christian should never rejoice over the death of an evil man, or any man. I am well aware of instruction about loving our enemies and not rejoicing when our enemy falls (Ezekiel 33:11; Proverbs 24:17; etc.). We are always to be humble before Almighty God.
These Scriptures, however, should be tempered with such Scripture as listed below. I’m not dancing on anyone’s grave, but rejoicing that justice has been done. And I am rejoicing that God has blessed and protected America.
He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name. -Psalm 18:48-49
But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever. Selah. -Psalm 44:7-8
It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. -Proverbs 24:17
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. -Proverbs 29:2
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. -Proverbs 11:10
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 4, AD 2011.
Sometimes there is a difference in how we respond as a government and as patriotic citizens, and how we are to respond as individual Christians to personal situations. For example, turning the other cheek may not be the wisest thing for a government at war to do.
Today I am proud to be an American. I am grateful to President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush. I’m grateful to our military and the other nations who have joined forces with us to fight terrorism.
I am glad that a terrorist leader and mass murderer has been stopped. Dr. Richard Land of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission said it well: “"If anyone ever deserved the forfeiture of his life for crimes against humanity, it was Osama bin Laden.”
“Once again, our magnificent military performed with tremendous bravery and skill. We should all thank God for them and that they are standing on the ramparts protecting our liberty.” (Quoted in Baptist Press.)
Some are saying a Christian should never rejoice over the death of an evil man, or any man. I am well aware of instruction about loving our enemies and not rejoicing when our enemy falls (Ezekiel 33:11; Proverbs 24:17; etc.). We are always to be humble before Almighty God.
These Scriptures, however, should be tempered with such Scripture as listed below. I’m not dancing on anyone’s grave, but rejoicing that justice has been done. And I am rejoicing that God has blessed and protected America.
He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name. -Psalm 18:48-49
But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever. Selah. -Psalm 44:7-8
It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. -Proverbs 24:17
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. -Proverbs 29:2
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. -Proverbs 11:10
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 4, AD 2011.
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