XXIV, #2 March, April 2003
UNDERSTANDING
by
June
W. Godbehere
TEXT: John 13:7, “Jesus answered
and said unto him, what I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know
hereafter.”
These words were spoken
by our Lord to Peter when Peter expressed great concern that the Lord should
want to wash his feet. It is not so much the context expressed in relation to
the washing of feet but the statement of our Lord, “but thou shalt know
hereafter.”
Life consists of many things.
Some are good, and some are bad. There are times in life that we do not
understand why we are passing through these experiences. Those experiences that
are joyful do not disturb us, but those where there is pain, both physical and
mental, we do not always understand. Why is this?
When our faith is tested, is
it not true that it will often falter and waver? Have we not asked,
perhaps inwardly, “Why has this happened to me?” It is so easy to
become embittered, and we go around creating waves in the family and in the
church. We are all out of sorts! Have you not heard this statement, “Why is
this happening to me?” We have witnessed with our eyes and have heard
with our ears the tragedy of our space shuttle, and the question is asked,
“Why?” If we are not careful, we can come to the conclusion that it must be
because we have departed from God, and God no longer loves us, as a people. Does
God still love us? Does he still care about us?
When I was a young man in the
school at Marlow, Oklahoma, OMBI, we were taught that one of the rules of
journalism is to ask several questions about the subject. That is what I would
like to do at this time.
The first question is what.
The Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus where he was converted asked this
question, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” He was saying, “What
is your purpose with my life? As a Christian, what is the direction you would
have me to go?” You see, God has our attention, so let me interpret this event
in such a manner as to bring glory to the Lord.
Then we might consider the
question where. In what direction shall I go? Is there a move to be considered?
When I was in school at the university between Fort Worth and Dallas, at
Arlington, Texas, I was seeking direction toward the engineering trades.
Following the war in the Pacific, I turned the direction of my schooling toward
Pre-law. When I was saved, God moved me toward the preaching of the gospel. What
is the direction of life for you?
Another question is how? We
always need the guidance of the Lord. How am I going to make such a change in my
life? When a person is saved by the grace of God, it will result in major
changes. How am I going to move out of my old habits and move into the new
habits of the new creature which I have become in the new birth? Am I too
old, or am I too young?
When the time comes, we will
understand as the Lord works in our lives to accomplish His purpose. Looking
back, I see that the Lord has used many experiences that I did not at the time
understand. However, now I see the purpose more clearly.
It is good to ask questions
about these experience where there might be doubt. I will close with the
exhortation of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:12-14, “Put on therefore, as
the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of
mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one
another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so
also do ye. Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness.” This is the perfect man. So when you have a question of doubt to
arise, one day you will surely understand what it is all about.
DAVID’S LORD IS STILL WAITING TO COME!
PSALM 110 – A SONG OF DAVID
Tom McElmurry, Th.D.
Soon Christ will come, and all
of His enemies will be placed in subjection beneath His feet. To our way
of thinking, He has been waiting a very long time, but to Him it is only a
couple of days. Peter attests to this idea as he writes in II Peter 3:8, 9,
“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the
Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not
slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering
to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance.”
[1] The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit
thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. (PSALM
110:1) This is, of course, quoted in Acts 2:32-34, “This Jesus hath God
raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. [33] Therefore being by the right
hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy
Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. [34] For David
is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my
Lord, Sit thou on my right hand.” And His rise to the present position is
described in Philippians 2:8-11, “And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
[9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is
above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of
things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the
Father.” He was born about 4 B.C., then crucified and resurrected in
about A.D. 30. He will soon have been waiting for 2,000 years to return
and have his enemies subdued at his feet. I am persuaded that His return
is near, and soon He will be the rod of the strength of Israel out of Zion for a
rule of 1,000 years.
[2] The Lord shall send the rod of thy
strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. (PSALM 110:2)
He will sit as King of kings on the throne of David, and His people will be very
willing to serve him in the day of his power. Luke 1:32,33, “He shall be
great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give
unto him the throne of his father David: [33] And he shall reign over the house
of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
[3] Thy people shall be willing in the day
of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou
hast the dew of thy youth. (PSALM 110:3) Messiah’s presence among
them will make Israel appear like the glistening of the sun’s rays in the
morning drops of dew on a great field surrounded by Gentile trees. Just as the
pure crystal, holy-like, purity of dew seems to be born overnight from the womb
of God’s earth, and has its youth in the morning, so will restored Israel
begin its new found youth and reign under its returned Messiah. This is an
unconditional promise of God. His Messiah will reign as both King of kings
and as High Priest forever.
[4] “The Lord hath sworn, and will not
repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” (PSALM
110:4) This is referred to in the sixth and seventh chapters of Hebrews.
Hebrew 6:19,20, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and
stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; [20] Whither the
forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the
order of Melchisedec.” And because Christ has entered, and torn asunder
the veil that separated man from God, He is now, as an eternal High Priest, able
to save us to the uttermost. Hebrews 7:24,25, “But this man,
because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. [25] Wherefore he
is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he
ever liveth to make intercession for them.” In the day of God’s wrath,
Messiah shall strike through kings.
[5] “The Lord at thy right hand shall
strike through kings in the day of his wrath.” (PSALM 110:5) The terror
of this wrath is described vividly in Revelation 6:15,16, “And the kings
of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and
the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the
dens and in the rocks of the mountains; [16] And said to the mountains and
rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne,
and from the wrath of the Lamb:” At His Second Advent, during Armageddon, the
full judgment of His wrath will be poured out upon the spiritually desolate of
this age. [6] “He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the
places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.”
(PSALM 110:6) The place of His maximum wrath is foretold in Revelation
16:16, “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew
tongue Armageddon.” And the gory details of it are graphically described
in Revelation 19:16-21, “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name
written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. [19] And I saw the beast, and the
kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him
that sat on the horse, and against his army. [20] And the beast was taken, and
with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he
deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped
his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with
brimstone. [21] And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon
the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled
with their flesh.”
BRAILLE MINISTRY
TAKES QUANTUM LEAP
by
Marvin Prevost
We have very exciting news!
The timetable for having the Baptist Sunday School Committee literature
available in Braille has moved forward dramatically. Sunday School and BTC
literature at all levels will be available in Braille, starting in March, 2003,
beginning with the spring quarter. We continue to have gospel tracts in
English and Spanish for distribution in outreach to the blind. The
Discipleship book, Trail of Blood, The Golden Key, and The Glorious Church will
all be ready to mail out by June, 2003.
We are learning as we go and,
as a result, we now find that we will need an additional piece of equipment.
It will be necessary for us to obtain a 40-cell Braille terminal for editing.
This will greatly increase our efficiency and significantly reduce the time
needed for editing and formatting. We hope to be able to purchase one that
has been reconditioned and still on warranty, but even that will cost $2,500.00.
The many hours required for embossing, assembling, binding, and packaging
for mailing has forced us to constantly look for ways to improve our efficiency.
The time factor will become more and more crucial as the volume of production
increases.
We are so blessed and
encouraged by the excitement and joy expressed by those who hear about the
availability of the Braille literature and their anticipation of receiving it so
soon. All of this activity is wonderful, but with it comes many challenges
and need for greater financial help to meet the increasing expenses. We
ask that you continue to pray for us and to partner with us in the Desktop
Braille Publishing ministry. But above all, please inform us of blind
people you know who can benefit from the Braille material. We can be
reached by mail at First MBC, Fresno, 1195 E. Shepherd, Fresno, CA 93720;
telephone: (559) 435-3555 or e-mail mprevost@cvip.net.
—
Marvin Prevost
California
by
Mission
Builder
Richard
Wharton
It’s been a very productive month,
mostly because I’ve been able to work with a great group of men. Most of the
month was spent in Martinez working on the addition and preparing for the
Macedonian project April 5- 12. We will be building their new sanctuary.
Brethren Ray Baker, Bob, and Hobie Henderson were a big help this month. They
all went to North Highlands with me to work on the roof. With their help we took
a three day job of putting shingles on down to one day. Because of the help of
these men and others on work days at the church, the addition is in great shape.
Some still do not realize what Chapel Builders is all about. I
suppose that because of the name “Chapel Builders,” people think that a
group of men will get out of the truck with me when I arrive. Maybe some day
this will be true, but for now I am the only full-time Mission Builder working
with Chapel Builders. Therefore the “S” in Builders is “U” the
volunteers who come to help put up a building for God. A lot can be accomplished
by working together, and thousands of dollars can be saved. Too. as an inviting
church that asks for help, you should realize that you will be expected to have
people there to help. If you do not have members who can help, please let me
know. Also, if you can let other sister churches in the area know about your
project, that will help too. If you know of a sister church that is having a
work day, please take the time to go and help. You will be a blessing to them,
but you’ll probably go away with the biggest blessing. (This is not a
gripe. I just think that some do not understand.)
Upcoming projects:
Oakhurst is in the final planning stages
for a new fellowship hall.
Clovis is building a multipurpose building
and is close to getting permits.
Salem, Oregon framing possibly this Summer.
Keyes Church I will be helping with
some remodeling.
Romania was postponed, but will be
rescheduled as soon as they are ready.
Currently:
We will be working in Martinez, getting it
ready for the Macedonian builders who are coming April 5th. We will be setting
the glue lambs the first week in March. Also, the first of February I’ll be in
Oroville, helping the Perdue’s install new siding on the parsonage.
I’ll be in Red Bluff a few days, installing sky lights so they can begin sheet
rocking.
Macedonian Projects:
Landmark, MBC, Martinez, Ca. April 5- 12, 2003. Happy Valley MBC, Whitefish, Montana, June 21-28, 2003. Central Baptist Mission, Troy, Illinois, July 19, 2003.
WOMAN’S
AUXILIARY
Mission
Goal Nominations
It is time to begin preparing
our hearts for the upcoming nominations of the 2004 National Women’s Auxiliary
Mission Goal. Please keep in mind these guidelines as you prayerfully submit
information and nominations.
1. The Mission Goal must be for land,
property and/or equipment for a mission, sponsored by a church fellowshipping
with the American Baptist Association.
2. The nomination of a Mission Goal must be
made by a member of the women’s Auxiliary of the sponsoring church.
3. Information such as a summary of the
mission work, pictures, and any other available information should be sent to
the Publicity Director by April 1st so that nominations can be publicized
prior to our national meeting.
4. Pictures and information about the
mission work should be displayed in the meeting area at the session where
nomination is to be made.
Please submit mission information to
the Publicity Director, Mary Candler, PO Box 796, Wellston, OK 74881 or email
the information to mcandler@okccc.edu.
And
Messenger
Body Meetings
by Dr. Dave Butimore
Over the years,
messenger body meetings have largely been marked by harmonious proceedings.
In the main, this is due to the spirit of Christian unity and cooperation.
There have been a few times, however, that the continued use of a helpful
parliamentary authority has been available to ensure the rights of messengers,
small minorities, the majorities, and large majorities. The structure and
implementation of the parliamentary authority, as a guide, is a very useful tool
to both expedite business and also ensure the rights of the messenger body.
There are those who would argue that parliamentary authorities, if followed too
closely, would hinder the messengers from their rights, especially the right of
“free speech.” I am a very strong advocate of the “free speech”
language of the Articles of Agreement of both the California Cooperative
Association and the American Baptist Association. However, while the need
for the rights of individual members should be ensured, there are times when
they must give way to the rights of the majority and especially a “super”
majority (2/3) when applicable.
In 1990, the
messengers of the churches assembled in Columbus, Ohio, and deliberated over a
motion regarding parliamentary authorities brought by Bro. I. K. Cross
concerning the changing of the parliamentary authority of our messenger body
meetings from Robert’s Rules of Order to Parliamentary Law
by
F. H. Kerfoot. In its discussion,
Bro. Cross pointed out that Kerfoot was easier to follow and, in his opinion,
was more suited to Baptist meetings. Several others discussed the
substance of the main motion, after which Bro. Hoyt Chastain moved that the
matter be placed in the hands of a committee of the parliamentarians and
moderators for review and recommendation for consideration in the 1991 messenger
meeting in Dallas, Texas. The motion to commit was adopted.
Additionally, by request, the book Parliamentary Law by Kerfoot was to be made
available by the Baptist Sunday School Committee. In the 1991 messenger
body meeting in Dallas, the committee elected/appointed to serve in Columbus
brought back a recommendation to change from Robert to Kerfoot, and the motion
was adopted. Because two different messenger bodies considered the matter,
then it’s obvious that the intent of Bro. Cross and both messenger bodies were
for the action to have continuing effect. It remains in that condition to
this day. However, if any particular messenger body desires to lay the
parliamentary authority aside for that particular session, they may do so.
With respect to
the rights of the messengers, there needs to be, in my opinion, a change to help
ensure those rights. Robert’s Rules of Order requires that the Call for
the Question (Previous Question) and other related motions require a second and
a 2/3 vote for adoption. Robert’s reason for that follows fair and
proper parliamentary practice because of one fundamental consideration: anything
that causes the rights of individuals or small minorities to yield to large
majorities should require more than one person to enact and a 2/3 vote for
adoption. F. H. Kerfoot, who disagreed with Robert and others, required a
majority vote on such matters without the need for a second. So, it would
be to a great advantage if there would be the introduction of a special rule of
order to change any motion that alters the rights of individuals and small
minorities in favor of large majorities to require a second and a 2/3 vote for
adoption. For those who argue against depriving any member of their
rights, no matter what the reason, consider that there have been a few occasions
in the past when the vast majority of messengers have had to yield to the whims
of one or two people. Simply stated, 2/3 of any body should be able to
reasonably exercise proper parliamentary procedures for its will to prevail.
The basic axiom of parliamentary practice is: rules of order ensure the rights
of the minority, while also ensuring the will of the majority. A word of
caution is in order. The use of such motions (Call for the Question, Close
Nominations, etc.) should not be made early in deliberations. They should
be used as a final resort in the unique event that a single messenger or a small
minority is discussing a matter at great length with no additional substance
being given to the matter before the messengers. So, the use of such
motions should be used seldom, if ever, and only when necessary for the good of
the assembly. If such is employed with that kind of spirit and careful
use, then the “free speech” concern will not be violated in the least.
The proper use of
a parliamentary authority will never thwart the rights of any messenger.
But in order for the authority to be exercised to its maximum potential, then a
thorough knowledge of its basic principles is required. Otherwise, the
false perception will continue to be fostered that a parliamentary authority
hinders a body from doing what it wants to do. Both Robert and Kerfoot
have built-in procedures to have their individual tenets set aside. Also,
if any messenger believes that a particular ruling from the chair is wrong or
unfair, then he may move to appeal from a decision of the chair. The
messenger body always retains the right to have its will prevail, even in the
case of a ruling by the chair. Should any rule of order in Robert or
Kerfoot not meet the desires of a messenger body, then particular rules or the
entire authority can be set aside by that body through the motion to Suspend the
Rules. I freely encourage every messenger to let the procedures and rules
work for a body and not have the erroneous idea that they are in conflict with
our overall purposes. It has been alleged that the use of a parliamentary
authority comes in conflict with Article V of the Articles of Agreement
regarding free speech. I respectfully disagree. With that being
said, should any messenger body see the matter differently, they may seek to
alter the rules, by using the rules, in order to provide the body a different
course, if it so chooses.
Our
Rule of Faith & Practice
by
Dr. Les Miller
Introduction: it is with great anticipation
and pleasure to be able to share with you concerning what we believe about the
Bible. God’s Holy Word. Article two of our doctrinal statement states that
“we believe in the infallible, verbal inspiration of th whole Bible and that
the Bible is the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice.” For the sake of
clarity, let us analyze this statement by explaining each element that it
contains.