Text: Nehemiah 13:11, "Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place."

Nehemiah had come at a time when there was a forsaking of the house of God. Obviously, God was not the first thing that came to the mind of the populace. The result was a neglecting of the holy things of God. It seems that God was not the number one subject in the homes. Since the day of worship was neglected, His Word and His commands were disregarded.

How could this have happened to a people who had seen the power of God demonstrated again and again for their benefit? When I look back in my own personal life and see a gradual turning away from those things that should be most important, I see a parallel. You go into almost any community looking for a place to worship, and you can find a building that was in the past used for a church. At one time it was an ideal location for a church. People had come there to worship God. Children had been raised in that church, had married, and in turn raised their children, but now it was empty. What has happened?

In Nehemiah’s day a small dedicated group met and sought to worship the Lord, but the vast majority of Israelites did not. I suppose a historian in tracking back to the beginning would conclude this is probably true, and even as I write this article it seems to be true. It seems to me in the 51 years that I have sought to serve the Lord that this has always been true. A vast majority of people do not want to, nor plan on serving the Lord as is indicated in the Word of God. I cannot help but ask myself, Why?

Specifically, in the text they had taken the vessels of God out of the service of God. They had changed God’s plan to provide for the ministers of God. They had brought the world into the sanctuary of God through Tobiah in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. They had cut off the portion of the Levites; thus, they had to go to the field to survive.

While we surely do see in the services of God a quickening by the Spirit, souls being saved, and people added to the church, it is more than obvious that there is a falling away from the things of God. Peter states in II Peter 2:1, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon them- selves swift destruction."

Why? Let me suggest a thought: The house of God is forsaken because of the spiritual depravity of the unregenerated human. The key being unregenerated. Why is it that 0people do not seek after God? It is the old natural man that is carnal. The apostle Paul describes it this way: "There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way; they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no not one. " The next six verses continue with an accurate description of the carnal man. You get a few people like this in the house of God and you will see a gradual changing of the purpose for which God called us.

When I first began to minister to the people of God, all I needed was the Word of God and the Spirit to guide me. Today if you do not have the right program or programs you are antiquated. The carnal man does not desire the things of God; they want the programs. The programs will guarantee that you will get the people (Tobiah) in, but it will also shut out the God who bought us and redeemed us.

When you run out of the program, you exhaust it of its drawing power. You see, there is no continuity to programs. Nehemiah called them back to God’s program which is the Word of God and to the house of God. That points to the Spirit of God which is the power that prevails and gives the victory.

The truth seems to be that unsaved people want to identify with a church that keeps them excited and challenged. This can be and is accomplished by the working of the flesh. The sad truth is they do not want the spiritual things that come from God. This is not only sad, but in the end it will be tragic for those who follow that pathway.

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Director of Meeting Arrangements

A crowd of more than 500 met for a reception in the Plaza Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Monday evening June 17^th. The reception was hosted by Pastor Paul Vance, Hillcrest Baptist Church in Acworth, Georgia, and Pastor H. L. Wilkinson, Mayfield Baptist Church in Smyrna, Tennessee, along with area churches of Tennessee and Georgia. Also meeting on Monday night were the Missionary Share Time, attended by over 500, and the ABA Schools Meeting.

Beginning Tuesday morning there were a number of pre-session meetings, among which were the Baptist Sunday School Committee, Missionary Committee, the Music Leaders’ Workshop, History and Archives Committee, ABA Camp Workshop, MBSF Workshop, ABA Officers Luncheon, World Missions and Evangelism Conference, and the National Youth Meeting. During the afternoon 257 young people and adults took a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX theater for the annual Youth Tour.

The National Women’s Auxiliary met in the Plaza Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel for a delightful morning workshop entitled A Jewel in the King’s Crown, under the direction of Lisa Keeling (CA).

At 1:30 p.m. the ladies began their annual meeting with singing and prayer followed by the President’s Address, Diamonds in the Rough, presented by Susan Vance. President Susan Vance (GA) presided at the business session, which followed. Mary Francis Johnson (OK) was elected president for 2003.

The 77^th messenger meeting of the churches of the American Baptist Association began at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the beautiful facilities of the new Chattanooga Convention Center in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Susan Vance (GA) and Sandra Cloud (AR) played prelude music on the piano and organ. A five-minute video of the messengers arriving in Chattanooga was presented by Jerry Smith of American Baptist Association Video Ministries. The session began with congregational singing led by Pat Callahan (AR), followed by scripture and prayer.

Edgar Sutton (AR), Director of Meeting Arrangements, welcomed the messengers to the national meeting. Brother Sutton asked Veterans of different branches of the military service to stand. Veterans of the

U. S. Army, the U. S. Navy, The U. S. Air Force, the U. S. Coast Guard, and the U. S. Marines stood as their anthem was played. The Cherokee High School Honor Guard of Acworth, Georgia, presented the colors. Brother Sutton led in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed with the singing of the National Anthem. Brother Sutton introduced former Navy Chaplain, John Saunders, who led the standing assembly in prayer.

Brother Sutton introduced Sandra Love, Director of Multicultural of Development of the Chattanooga Convention Center, who welcomed the assembly to Chattanooga. Pastors H. L. Wilkinson (TN) and Paul Vance (GA) extended the welcome to the State of Tennessee.

President George Raley (AR) called the 77^th Anniversary session of the American Baptist Association to order. The messengers adopted the proposed agenda. Bro. Freddie Holmes (AR) introduced our moderator, George Raley, for the President’s Address, entitled Touching Tomorrow Today. .One Heart (Acts 4:31).

A quartet made up of Doug Curtis, Mike Paulk, Bill Crouse, and Pat Callahan sang One Heart.

Pastor David Butimore (CA) introduced Arthur Richardson (CA) for the annual sermon, entitled Heavenly Treasure in Earthen Vessels (II Cor. 4: 1-7).

Prior to the message, Billie Richardson (CA) sang The Greatest Love Story.

At the conclusion of the message, Brother Callahan led the congregation in singing the invitation I Surrender All.

Committees to serve throughout the session were appointed by the president, and necessary business was conducted.

Brother Sutton presented the invitations for 2006. They were from Daytona Beach, Florida,. Cincinnati, Ohio, and Charleston West Virginia..

Robert Meyers (MD) read Philippians 1:9-11, and led in the dismissal prayer.

The Wednesday morning session began with a musical prelude featuring Sandra Cloud (AR) at the organ, and James Bull (AR) at the piano. A string instrumental group played and sang When the Roll is Called up Yonder. Brother Callahan (AR) led the standing assembly in singing Jesus Saves. Brother David Bennett, missionary to Vanuatu, led in a devotional and prayer.

The report of the Missionary Committee by Chairman James Calhoun (AR) was the business of the morning. Randy Cloud, Secretary-Treasurer of Missions (AR) gave his report of the year’s mission work. Billy Shepard (VA) read the clerk’s report. Randy Cloud was re-elected as Secretary-Treasurer of Missions by a standing vote of appreciation, without opposition. A motion carried to increase the salaries of the missionaries by 5% and allow $10,000.00 to be spent to update the computer equipment in the Secretary-Treasurer’s office. A total of 145 missionaries were recommended for salary and designated funds.

Michael Schmitt (MI) was elected to serve on the Missionary Committee.

All missionaries were invited to the altar for a special prayer. There were 92 missionaries in the altar for special prayer. The two Lanier Children from Westwood MBC, Winter Haven Florida, sang It’s Still the Blood that Saves from Sin." The four children of the Missionary to Romania, Doug Wiersema, sang a song in the Romanian language.

After the discussion concerning the Mission Policy, an amendment was passed that read, "The work of a missionary helper will be to assist churches, missions, and/or missionaries in their mission work. A missionary helper will only be recommended to receive designated funds."

Bro. Walt Lanier (FL) read Matthew 16:18 and dismissed the assembly in prayer.

The Wednesday afternoon session began with the congregation singing I Know Whom I have Believed, directed by Bro. Bill Crouse (FL), accompanied by Sandra Cloud (AR) and James Bull (AR). Bro. Jim Philamlee (MS) read Romans 15:7-12, and led in prayer. Thomas Steele (LA) sang Symphony of Praise.

Vice-President Neal Clark (TX) moderated the meeting at this time.

The Campground Trustees report was given and adopted. Marion Reed (TX) and Mike Raines (OK) were elected as new trustees. Gene C. Smith honored Catherine Lierly and her daughter, Pat, by giving them a plaque in remembrance of Vernon Lierly, who served as a Campground Trustee for 38 years, 34 years serving as Chairman.

Doug Curtis (AR) announced that the first Spanish Language Camp would be the weekend of August 3rd. He moved that the trustees be allowed to purchase a small cabin with 5 acres from Gerald Trouzer, and to sell 8 currently owned plus 4.5 acres of the new purchase to Mr. Frank Walker. After a second, the motion carried.

Richard Merritt (AR) made a motion that the speakers at the A.B.A. youth encampments only be A. B. A. speakers. After discussion, the motion carried by a large margin.

Richard Crawford (OK) made a motion to have the trustees check into the trend of the effect of damage done by campers expressing themselves by clapping, bouncing chairs up and down, standing up in the chairs and bending them, and to find a solution to present to the messengers. The motion was seconded and carried. The messengers stood in appreciation and acknowledgement of the many years Luther Crawford gave serving on the Campground Trustee Committee.

The Chaplaincy Commission was elected. Herbert Kitchens was elected to replace I. K Cross on this committee.

The report of the History and Archives Committee was read and adopted. The History and Archives Committee was elected.

David Burdick from Redlands, CA sang I Know Your Grace is So Amazing.

The report of the Enrollment and Finance Committee was read and adopted. There were 1,022 churches reported with 1,145 messengers present. The report also reflected that $8,587,928 was given to missions by A.B.A. churches.

The Memorials Committee Report was read and adopted by unanimous standing vote of the messengers. Wayne Sewell (AR) offered prayer on behalf of the bereaved families and churches.

Wilton Wager (LA) read Isaiah 26:3 and led in the dismissal prayer.

Prior to the Wednesday evening session, Jerry Smith (AR) presented a video presentation of the meetings thus far. Roy Hawthorne, a true Navajo Code-Talker, who was recently honored with the Silver Star for his heroic service in the U. S. Marine Corps during World War II, was introduced. Brother Hawthorne was a missionary to the Navajo Nation for many years.

Bill Crouse (FL) led the congregation in singing Amazing Grace, accompanied by Nancy Kemp (GA) and Susan Vance (GA). Doney Blackerby (AR) read Colossians 3:15-17, and led in prayer. A program of special music was presented. Among the numbers presented were We are Marching to the Glorious City of God and One Holy Lamb! (By the Music Director’s Choir directed by Pat Callahan);I Will Live To Tell (The Steve Phillips Family from Texas) God of Our Fathers (Trumpet trio by Pat, Patrick and Sam Callahan from White Hall, AR); I Will Sing of Thy Great Love and Everybody Needs the Lord (by the Hillcrest Baptist Church Choir from Acworth, Georgia, directed by Paul Vance). Bro Bill Crouse led the standing assembly in singing Blessed Assurance.

Following the special music, James Calhoun introduced the Missionary Committee presentation. As the missionaries were presented, the Hillcrest Choir sang Such a Time as This. Secretary/Treasurer of Missions, Randy Cloud, led the standing congregation in prayer. As the congregation remained standing, the flag procession marched out.

An offering in the amount of $7,616.00 was received for missions.

James C. pack (CA) introduced Missionary Gene Gabrielson (McAllen, TX) for the evening Missionary Sermon. Barbara McAlister (FL) sang Common Garments prior to the sermon, God’s Tools" (2 Timothy 4:13). At the conclusion of the sermon, Bill Crouse (FL) led the congregation in an invitation to Where He Leads Me I Will Follow.

Edgar N. Sutton presented invitations for the meeting of 2006, and they were Datona Beach, Florida, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia. The messengers chose Daytona Beach, Florida, overwhelmingly for the 2006 meeting place.

Based on the number of seats in the meeting hall, the clerks estimated the attendance at this time to be 2,900.

Neal Clark informed the assembly that Edgar N. Sutton celebrated 50 years in the ministry this month. Brother Clark asked all preachers who had been in the ministry 50 years or longer to stand, and eight other men stood around the assembly. Glen Ray Griffith (TX) led in a prayer of thanksgiving for these great preachers and leaders.

Lonnie Wiggins (CA) announced that the Discovery Mission Trip planned for the winners of the Discovery program is under- funded, and needs special offerings.

Bro. Paul Roberts (AR) read 2 Timothy 1:8-13 and dismissed the service in prayer.

Thursday morning Mike Paulk (AR) led a congregational hymn, followed by a devotional and prayer by Scott Bourland (IN). Beth and Clarie Dees (MO) sang I Do Believe.

The MBSF report was read and approved.

M. D. Keeling (CA) presented a plaque to James Madison (FL) in recognition of 13 years of faithful service to the A.B.A. on the Baptist Sunday School Committee.

A plaque commemorating Patrick Murphy’s (OK) 38 years of faithful service to the A.B. A. on the Baptist Sunday School Committee was presented to Brother Murphy’s widow, Rose Lee Murphy.

Mike Yoho (SC) read the report of the Sunday School Committee which was adopted.

A recommendation was adopted to pay the travel expenses of the wives of the Business Manager & Editor-in-Chief when they travel with their husbands. A recommendation was adopted to give the elected officials a $200 per month increase in salary.

Wayne Sewell gave the report of the Business Manager. The report was adopted. Wayne Sewell was re-elected as Business Manager by acclamation with a standing vote.

Editor-in-Chief Bill Johnson’s report was given and adopted. Bill Johnson was re-elected Editor-in- Chief.

Vernon McNully (AR) read Hebrews 13:1-8 and dismissed in prayer.

Thursday afternoon Mike Paulk (AR) led the congregation in singing When The Roll is Called Up Yonder.

Lavern Clark (TN) read Philippians 4:4-9 and led in prayer.

Vice President, David Butimore, moderated the meeting at this time. The order of business was the election of the Baptist Sunday School Committee. The present Sunday School Committee was elected, with David Butimore (CA) elected in the place of Patrick Murphy.

The New Missionary Committee Report, National Women’s Auxiliary Report, and Fellowship of Music Directors reports were read and adopted.

Maxine Dean (MD) was recognized for 45 years of faithful service to the National Women’s Auxiliary Work, and received a standing ovation in appreciation for her devotion.

A motion was made and carried that the Camp Ground Trustees be instructed to keep Gene Hoover on as an employee until he retires in about one year.

Clyde Duncan was chosen to deliver the Annual Message at the 2002 meeting of the ABA. Brother Ray Brooks(TX) was chosen as the alternate.

Scott Bourland was chosen to deliver the annual Missionary Sermon. Harold Williams was chosen as the alternate.

The following officers were elected:

President -David Butimore (CA); Vice President- Neal Clark (TX); Vice-President-John Owen (AR); Vice President- Don Price(AR)

Recording Secretaries: Larry Clements (AR); Lonnie Wiggins (CA)

Parliamentarian: David Robinson (AR), Assistant- Albert Garner (FL)

Music Directors: Pat Callahan (AR). Bill Crouse (FL); James Bull (AR)

Director of Meeting Arrangements: Edgar N. (Eddie) Sutton

A motion was approved to pay the clerks $2,800 per year for their work. The salary of the Director of Meeting Arrangements was set at $10,000 per year. Also, a salary of $1,500 each was approved for Brother Sutton’s two assistants.

A standing vote of appreciation was given George Raley for the great job he did moderating the meeting. Brother Raley then turned over the gavel to the newly elected President, David Butimore.

All the newly elected officers spoke words of appreciation for the privilege of serving God’s people in the American Baptist Association.

Brother Butimore called on Marlin Gipson (FL) to close the 2002 meeting of the American Baptist Association in prayer.

This was truly one of the most outstanding sessions of the American Baptist Association.

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PROPHECY FULFILLED & UNFULFILLED

A Series by Tom McElmurry

The Fifth Chapter

of the Book of

Micah

Part #1

We begin this series with a prophecy written more than seven hundred years before Christ fulfilled it. Micah 5:1, "Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek."

"NOW GATHER THYSELF IN TROOPS, O DAUGHTER OF TROOPS."

There are few cities on this planet that can compare with the old city of Jerusalem on the number of times it has been conquered time and time again in its long history, and with the number of foreign troops that have repeatedly trodden its streets. Truly, it has earned the title of "daughter of troops." This verse speaks of a particular time in her long history, a day during the Feast of Passover, a day when three sets of troops were in the city. The Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, who ruled from the city of Caesarea had, in order to put down any rebellion that might arise at this great feast, brought his Roman troops to Jerusalem, and had quartered them in th Fortress Antonia, which was attached to the northwestern corner of the Temple Mount, and from which troops could overlook all the Temple courtyards at its highest level. The King of Israel, Herod, had his troops with him in his fortress palace on the western side of Jerusalem. The High Priest was also allowed to have a small troop contingency to protect him from harm, and to arrest religious offenders.

"THEY SHALL SMITE THE JUDGE OF ISRAEL WITH A ROD UPON THE CHEEK"

This prophecy of Micah was fulfilled during the last Passover Jesus attended. It was fulfilled from the time the first troops arrested him to take him to the High Priest until he was placed on the cross. During this time Jesus was exchanged back and forth between the troops of the High Priest, Pontius Pilate, and Herod. On these occasions he was beaten above the neck many times with rods (reeds), and struck over and over again by the hands of the troops. You will find all this recorded in the latter chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus was sent to be "the judge of Israel," but they rejected him as their judge, and judged him instead, finding him guilty of the false charge of blasphemy against God. The middle portion of verse one gives God the Father’s reaction to their rejection of His only begotten Son.

"HE HATH LAID SIEGE AGAINST US"

Micah was an Israelite. So the "us" refers primarily to Israel. God has laid "siege" (judgment) against Israel for some two thousand years because they rejected the One He sent to judge them. There has never been a race descended from one man (Jacob) that has passed through such persecution, unbelievable horror, and terrifying torture, as has been experienced by the nation of ‘Israel, the most horrifying of all being experienced at the hands of the Nazi SS in World War II. Their current siege is the constant threat of terrorism by Hisbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Fatah splinter groups. And Israel still has a final "siege" of terror to endure for some 1,260 days for rejecting her Judge, Jesus Christ. After experiencing what appears to be an end of her suffering, when what appears to be peace comes to her land, she will suddenly be viciously attacked from the north in a lightning Jihad by ten Islamic nations. This will be her final travail before her Messiah, Jesus Christ, returns to reign over her. The Apostle Paul makes it clear in Romans that God considers Israel in unbelief. Paul had a deep burden for his people and, while verse three below can be used to apply to all who are in unbelief, it is Israel that Paul had in mind.

I Thessalonians 5: 3, 4

3: "For when they shall say, peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4: But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

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SECRETARY-TREASURER

Dr. Randy Cloud

American Baptist Association

Report of the Secretary-Treasurer of

Missions, Fiscal Year 2001-2002

In a year marked by terrorist attacks on America, a financial recession and world crises, the churches of the American Baptist Association remained faithful in their support of dedicated missionaries who are boldly preaching the Word of God. By the inspiration of God, Missionary Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" (Philippians 1: 3). On behalf of the missionaries and their sponsoring churches, I thank the people of God for your prayers and mission offerings.

It is very important that the people of God continue to pray for the missionaries and their families. May we never forget the importance of prayer in the work of God. Missionary Paul urged the church at Rome concerning prayers for him, "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me." ( Romans 15: 30).

Concerning the mission giving of the church at Philippi, Paul wrote, "For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." (Philippians 4: 16-17). For the sixth consecutive calendar year, the Lord blessed with another record year in mission giving through the office of Secretary-Treasurer of Missions. For the calendar year 2001, the mission offerings totaled $1,963,059.82. Praise God for the mission giving of His churches and people!

Thank the Lord for the special Thanksgiving Mission Offering that totaled $125,129.98. This is a record Thanksgiving Mission Offering. Thanks be to God for the cooperation and participation of churches and individuals.

I am indeed thankful to the Lord for the privilege to serve Him in behalf of the missionaries and the sponsoring churches. Since the messenger meeting last year, I have been given the opportunity to preach one hundred one times, attended one hundred forty nine worship services and numerous local and state associational meetings as well as various youth camps. For the past year, Sandra and I traveled 56,963 miles. From my visits with the churches this past year in behalf of the missionaries, I received $105,710.45 for the mission treasury. In the six years that I have been honored to serve as Secretary-Treasurer of Mission, I have traveled 363,887 miles and preached in the following places: Arkansas, Florida, New York, Canada, Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi Louisiana, Mexico, Peru, Kentucy, Hawaii, Philippines, Nevada, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, California, Georgia, Washington, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alabama, Missouri, Michigan, New Mexico, Iowa, Australia, New Zealand, Colorado, Wyoming and Indiana. Thank you pastors and churches for giving to me the honor to visit and preach in the worship services. I appreciate very much the brethren who serve on the standing Missionary Committee; for their words of encouragement and prayers.

For the past five years, Mrs. Julia Bull has served with dedication and devotion as office secretary. I am very grateful to her for all the work that she does to help the missionaries and the churches. She is a great asset in the missions office. My dear wife, Sandra, continues to help in the office on a part-time basis. I thank God for her and her desire to help me in the work of the Lord.

At the messenger meeting of the churches this year in Chattanooga, one hundred forty-six missionaries and missionary helpers will be recommended for financial support through the office of Secretary-Treasurer of Missions. These missionaries are serving the Lord in Twenty-six states and twenty-two foreign countries. Twenty-five of the recommendations are newly recommended missionaries, and fourteen of these are recommended for salary. If all of the interstate, Foreign and National missionaries are approved as recommended, the monthly payout will increase 9% or $13,000.00. This does not include any raises for the missionaries. A vote for the missionaries is a vote to support the missionaries. In order for the missionaries to be paid, the churches will need to increase their mission offering each month. If a 3% raise is given, the monthly payout will increase 11% or $16,000.00. If a 5% raise is given, the monthly payout will increase 13% or $18,000.00. For the past year, the average monthly payout was approximately $150, 000.00. The balance in the mission treasury at the end of May, 2002, was $453,414.88.

May the words of our Lord Jesus Christ challenge our hearts, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20) For the past year, the missionaries have reported 12,314 professions of faith. Let us praise God for the precious souls that have been saved by His amazing grace. Churches have been organized this past year in Vermont, Maryland, Philippines, Romania, Africa and Mexico. Missionaries and sponsoring churches are encouraged to establish self-supporting churches obedient to the Great Commission.

May we continue to earnestly pray for more men to answer the call of God to preach the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and for more churches to sponsor and support missionaries. Until Jesus comes, let us be faithful to preach the gospel to every person in the world. (Mark 16:15)

Respectively submitted

Randy Cloud

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FMBI

SCHOOL OPENING

Tuesday, August 27^th, at 10:00 A.M. Fresno Missionary Baptist Institute & Seminary will open the doors to begin 25 years of full-time seminary instruction.

Brother Larry Wooley, Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, Bakersfield, has been selected to be the Opening Day Speaker with Brother Mike Olson, Pastor of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, South Gate, as alternate.

We are anticipating a great 2002-2003 school year. Several new students will be enrolling, and last year’s students are eager to get started again. Brother Butimore, President, and the entire teaching staff are busy with preparations for the new school year.

The ladies of the First Missionary Baptist Church, Fresno, will be serving another of their delicious meals for the occasion following the morning opening day services.

A meeting of the Alumni Association is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. that afternoon, August 27^th. All alumni are encouraged to attend.

We cordially invite our brethren to be with us for this special day. Mark your calendars and plan to be with us that day!

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What is a "conviction"? Webster says it is a fixed or firm belief.

Jude 1:3, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."

As Baptists, we would all conclude that we are full of conviction! Fixed, firm beliefs. On subjects like the new birth, security of the believer, baptism, church authority and perpetuity, the Lord’s Supper, and many like doctrines we would fight to the death to defend our convictions. Our convictions in doctrine are the very grounds that establish our fellowship together. We are proud to be Baptists and for the convictions that have established our heritage!

In the broad band of each of our belief structures lies another realm of cognitive substance that might be described as our conviction or "preference." It is in this realm that we often taught our strong feelings concerning issues that we like or prefer, but issues that are not necessarily based on fixed or firm belief established by scripture. It is in this arena that we sometimes walk on their feelings or preferences by boldly condemning the practices or views of others. I have been guilty of this on different occasions, and it concerns me when I find that I have offended or discouraged others not by my "Convictions," based on scripture, but based primarily on my preferences. I believe it is important to us as we labor together to recognize that our preferences should not be issues that divide us. The work is too important to let our feelings hinder God’s work.

I have been very verbal at times to make known my feelings concerning clapping in the worship services. Even though I feel very strongly about this issue, I also realize that others have different opinions on the subject. It would be difficult to present this issue in the realm of doctrinal conviction. As a preference, I would make strong arguments to defend my feelings as would those who conclude that clapping is a means of worshiping their God. I have strong feelings concerning the music that we use to worship the Lord, as well. I have been very verbal on this issue, as well, at different times. Why does some music offend my ears and to others the same music moves them to feel they have drawn closer to God? Surely we have moved to this area called "preference." Age, heritage, environment, upbringing, and all of the things that make each of us distinctly different must have something to do with how moved we are by music. In churches over the years I have met people who love classical music, country music, big band music, rock music, and many other variations, and each seemed to enjoy worship music that had the particular kind of secular music that they preferred as the type that presented the sacred words.

What I am trying to encourage in this article is that each of us would examine whether it is a "Preference" or a "Conviction" that motivates our speech, lessons, or our preaching when in the presence of our brethren. Our knowledge that we can get a "Big Amen" out of those who have our same preference and "gig" those who do not agree should never motive our comments in our fellowship gatherings.

It ought to be our desire to love those who are younger, those with different ideas, and those with the courage to reach out with new ideas that God’s work would be exalted. Romans 12:10, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another."

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David Butimore, Sr.

In our on-going introductory series of lessons on parliamentary procedure, we’ve given basic definitions and uses for the main motion, subsidiary motions, and privileged motions. In this issue, we’ll give basic defination and uses for the incidental motions (part 1). They related, in different ways, to the pending business or to business otherwise at hand. As a class, they deal with questions of procedure arising out of: 1) commonly, another pending motion; but also 2) sometimes, another motion or item of business a) that it is desired to introduce, b) that has been made but has not yet been stated by the chair, or c) that has just been pending. An incidental motion is said to be incidental to the other motion or matter out of which it arises. With but few exceptions, incidental motions are related to the main question in such a way that they must be disposed of immediately, before business can proceed. Most incidental motions are undebatable. Each of the incidental motions is applicable only in its own type of special circumstance. The order in which the incidental motions are listed has no relation to what other motions they may take precedence over or yield to.

Although the presiding officer has the responsibility of enforcing the rules, any member who believes he has noticed a case where the chair is failing to do so can, at the time the breach occurs, call attention to it by making a Point of Order; the effect is to require the chair to make a ruling on the question involved. It takes precedence over any pending question out of which if may arise. It yields to all privileged motions and the subsidiary motion to Lay on the Table when it adheres to pending questions. It does not yield to any other subsidiary motion or the main motion. Consequently, under normal procedure, if a point of order which adheres to any one of the six lower-ranking subsidiary motions is immediately pending, no other subsidiary motion except Lay on the Table can be made until the point of order is disposed of; but in such a case, Lay on the Table or any privileged motion can be moved and must be considered before the point or order is ruled upon. If a point of order which does not adhere to pending questions is raised while any subsidiary motion is immediately pending, no subsidiary motion can be made until the point of order is disposed of, but any privileged motion can be moved and must be considered first. With reference to the above cases, on the other hand, if a motion to Lay on the Table or a privileged motion is pending and a point of order arises out of the parliamentary situation existing then, the point of order is disposed of first, although it can be interrupted by a still higher-ranking privileged motion.

Although the duty of ruling on all questions or parliamentary procedure affecting the assembly’s proceedings rests with the chair, any two members, by moving and seconding an Appeal immediately after the chair has made such a ruling, can require him to submit the matter to a vote of the assembly. It takes precedence over any question pending at the time the chair makes a ruling from which the appeal is made. It yields to all privileged motions and to incidental motions arising out of itself. It is debatable, unless it: a) relates indecorum or a transgression of the rules of speaking; b) relates to the priority of business; or c) is made while the immediately pending question is undebatable. If it is debatable, it also yields to the subsidiary motions to Limit or Extend Limits of Debate and for the Previous Question, and yields to the motions to Commit, to Postpone to a Certain Time, and to Lay on the Table, provided that they are in order at the time according to the order of precedence of motions. If it is undebatable and adheres to pending questions, it does not yield to any subsidiary motion except to Lay on the Table; and if it is undebatable and does not adhere to pending questions, it yields to no subsidiary motion. It can be applied to any ruling by the presiding officer except that: a) if a point of order is raised while an appeal is pending, there is not appeal from the chair’s decision on that point of order, although the correctness of the ruling can be brought up later by a motion covering the case; and b) when the chair rules on a question about which there cannot possibly be two reasonable opinions, an appeal would be dilatory and is not allowed. It is not amendable. A majority or tie vote sustains the decision of the chair on the principle that the chair’s decision stands until reversed by a majority. If the presiding officer is a member of the assembly, he can vote to create a tie and thus sustain his decision. It can be reconsidered.

When it is desired that the assembly take up a question or do something that would be in violation of a specific rule that applies, it can be proposed in some cases to Suspend the Rules to permit accomplishment of the desired purpose, provided that the proposal is not in conflict with the organization’s constitution (Doctrinal Statement), bylaws (Articles of Agreement), with local, state, or national law prescribing procedural rules applicable to the organization or assembly, or with a fundamental principle of parliamentary law. It can be made at any time when no question is pending. Suspend the Rules takes precedence over any motion if is for a purpose connected with that motion. It yields to the motion to Lay on the Table and to all privileged motions except that if it relates to the priority of business, it does not yield to a Call for the Orders of the Day. It also yields to incidental motions arising out of itself. It can be applied to any rule of the assembly except bylaws (Articles of Agreement). No subsidiary motion can be applied to Suspend the Rules. It is out of order when another has the floor, must be seconded, is not debatable, is not amendable, usually requires a _ vote, and cannot be reconsidered. An ordinary standing rule is a rule that does not relate to parliamentary procedure as such and refers, for example, to such matters as the hour for beginning meetings and, therefore, can be suspended by a majority vote. All other qualifying rules that can be suspended require the necessary _ to pass.

If an original main motion has been made and a member believes that it would do harm for the motion even to be discussed at the meeting, he can raise an Objection to the Consideration of the Question, provided he does so before debate has begun or an subsidiary motion has been stated. It takes precedence over original main motions and over an unstated subsidiary motion, except Lay on the Table, but the objection can be raised only before there has been any debate or any subsidiary motion has been stated by the chair; thereafter, consideration of the main question has begun and it is too late to object. It yields to the motion to Lay on the Table, to all privileged motions, and to incidental motions arising out of itself. It is in order when another has the floor, until consideration of the question has begun. It does not require a second, is not debatable, is not amendable, and a _ vote in the negative is required to sustain the objection. A negative vote ^_____ that is, a vote sustaining the objection ^_____ can be reconsidered, but not an affirmative vote.

When a motion relating to a single subject contains several parts, each of which is capable of standing as a complete proposition if the others are removed, the parts can be separated to be considered and voted on as if they were distinct questions by adoption of the motion for Division of a Question. It takes precedence over the main motion and over the subsidiary motion to Postpone Indefinitely. If applied to an amendment, it also takes precedence over that amendment; but a motion to divide the main question cannot be made while an amendment to the main question is pending. It yields to all subsidiary motions except Postpone Indefinitely, Amend, and Limit or Extend Limits of Debate; to all privileged motions; and to all applicable incidental motions. It can be applied to main motions and their amendments, if they are susceptible to division. No subsidiary motion can be applied to it alone except Amend and the Previous Question. While it is pending, the main question can be committed, postponed, or laid on the table. It is out of order when another has the floor, must be seconded, is not debatable, is amendable, requires a majority vote, and cannot be reconsidered. Next issue: Incidental motions (part 2)