(The New Fellowship Is Complete)
By Bob Jackson
Preparation for this New Fellowship
A few years ago there was a split in the Baptist Bible Fellowship revolving around the move of the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College to Oklahoma City, and the affiliation of this school, under the new name of Heartland Baptist College, with the Southwest Baptist Church there.
There were a number of churches and preachers who heralded this school in its new location and under its new name as a truly independent Baptist Bible college, under the authority of that church in Oklahoma City. The word was that there would not be an organized fellowship associated with this school, only independent Baptist churches and preachers who wanted to be part of this type of school. This idea appealed to many churches and preachers, some that had been part of the Baptist Bible Fellowship, and some that had not had any previous association with that group.
Some preachers and churches who had left the Baptist Bible Fellowship a number of years earlier over the Bible version issue, among other things, had begun to fellowship with and identify themselves as unaffiliated Baptists. As a preacher who returned from the mission field to again enjoy fellowship among unaffiliated Baptists, it was a real blessing and encouragement to meet and fellowship with a good number of preachers who had left the BBF and had begun to fellowship among us. When the Heartland Baptist College began in Oklahoma City, some of these preachers were drawn into fellowship with the group of churches and preachers who sprang up around the support of and promotion of that school.
A New Fellowship Is Formed
Of course, it was not all that long until there was a group of churches and preachers organized into the Global Independent Baptist Fellowship, which was there to support and promote the Heartland Baptist College. It would seem that those who truly held an unaffiliated Baptist position would no longer want to be part of an organized fellowship, knowing that there is really no basis in the Scripture for any such organization. (Yes, I am aware of the idea that what occurred in Acts chapter 15 was the basis for an organized fellowship, but I do not believe that idea is actually supported in Scripture.) Some, no doubt, felt more at home in an organized fellowship than they did just being an unaffiliated Baptist, because their background had been in that type of organization. This means that those who have now gone back into an organized fellowship probably never truly held the conviction that anything beyond the church is extra-scriptural, and therefore unscriptural. In reality those who have gone back into an organized fellowship were never really unaffiliated; they were just temporarily unattached.
A Mission Board Is Established
Another thing that was said when the Heartland Baptist College came into existence was that there would not be a mission board formed to be associated with the school. I recently met a missionary on deputation who gave me one of his prayer cards. Of course, I wanted to see exactly how this missionary was being sent to the field. On the reverse side of this card, the name of the sending church was given as well as the name of the “MISSIONS AGENCY.” The “missions agency” that was listed was Global Independent Baptist Missions. Now this group of churches and preachers has come full circle. Many of them came out of the Baptist Bible Fellowship, where there is a mission board along with Bible colleges. Now there is a new organized fellowship and a new mission board to authorize and send their group’s missionaries.
The Contrast Is Complete
When Heartland Baptist College came into being with all of the statements made about not having an organized fellowship and not having a mission board, some unaffiliated Baptist preachers knew it would not stay that way. It was obvious that it would only be a matter of time until this group of churches and preachers would come full circle into another organized fellowship with its own mission board. Men seem to always continue to go the same direction and repeat the same ideas. Thank God for truly UNAFFILIATED BAPTIST churches and preachers. What a joy it is to fellowship around the truths of the word of God and to support missionaries sent out of scriptural, New Testament Baptist churches. We still believe that there should be nothing, but God Himself, above a church as far as authority to do God’s work and fellowship in God’s work. Scriptural church authority comes from God alone, and a scriptural church is the Lord’s body to do His work in this world.
By E. L. Bynum
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” (Rom. 8:16)
The above passage of Scripture has become a favorite target of the critics of the KJV. It is often quoted by them, seemingly to provide a knockout blow against those who still hold to the KJV. They usually tell us that the KJV calls the Holy Spirit “it” and that this is a grievous error, because the Holy Spirit is a person. We have often heard good fundamental brethren in their teaching of this passage make the same correction of the KJV. What are the facts in the case? Have the translators of the KJV made an intentional or unintentional error in Rom. 8:16 and 26? If they have indeed blundered, then why not inform God’s people of their mistake. In listening to sermons and lessons on this text we have not heard any real evidence to show that the KJV is wrong.
Most of the new translations do indeed change “itself” to “Himself,” but this is not proof within itself. These translations include the New King James N.T., King James II, and the New Scofield Bible. Of course the ASV, NIV, and most of the rest go along with this. Many of the differences in the KJV and the newer translations can be explained by the fact that the KJV is based upon the Textus Receptus and most of the rest use a text that is derived from Westcott and Hort. However, this is not the case in the Scripture under discussion for both texts have the same word. The Greek word is “autos,” and is so found in all the texts we have seen on Rom. 8:16.
Commentators Against the KJV
Some commentators come down rather hard on the KJV in regard to this passage. For instance Kenneth S. Wuest in “Wuest’s Word Studies” on the book of Romans, has this to say on page 135. “The AN. (KJV), translation, ‘the Spirit itself’ is explained as follows: The Greek word ‘spirit’ (pneuma), is neuter in gender; the personal pronoun according to the rules of Greek grammar must agree with its antecedent in gender, therefore, the translation ‘itself.’ The translators followed a slavish, idiomatic method of translation here instead of translating according to sense. The Holy Spirit is a Person. The pronoun should be rendered ‘Himself.’” Even though Wuest says that it should be rendered “Himself,” he admits that the rules of Greek grammar have to be broken in order to do so. It is interesting to find that as Wuest continues to give the meaning of Rom. 8:16, that on the very same page he quotes Denney and Alford favorably, and they both use “itself,” as quoted by Wuest. Let it be fairly said that Wuest is not discussing how it should be translated at this point, but is merely quoting these men in regard to other facts revealed in the text. But if it is such a crime to speak of the Holy Spirit as “it,” why are these two recognized scholars using “itself” in their statements. We quote from Wuest’s book as follows: “Denney says; ‘The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit. Our own spirit tells us we are God’s children, but the voice with which it speaks is, as we know, prompted and inspired by the divine Spirit itself.’” Wuest further says, “Alford’s note is helpful: ‘What is the witness of the Spirit itself?’… “So it appears that Wuest’s argument against “itself” is not conclusive and certainly furnishes some evidence to the contrary.
Another commentary that takes issue with the KJV on this passage is the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary. We find this comment in Vol. III, page 241, “The Spirit itself-it should be ‘Himself.’ It is unfortunate that our English version here and elsewhere follows the Greek construction, which requires the pronoun to be in the neuter gender, to agree with the noun which in that language is neuter.” So even in this critical commentary we find that they disagree with the KJV, but admit that the KJV does follow the rules of Greek grammar.
Remember that we are not discussing the personality of the Spirit, because all evangelical and fundamental Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is a person. Anyone who denies the personality of the Spirit would be openly at odds with Christians who believe the Bible.
The Silence of Commentators
We have been amazed how many commentators actually ignore “itself” in Rom. 8:16. This includes Vincent’s Word Studies, Haldanes monumental book on Romans, Ellicott’s Commentary, and the famous Matthew Henry Commentary. Matthew Henry was a Greek scholar, yet he quotes “the Spirit itself” and expounds the passage, without one mention of “itself” being an error. Apparently he did not see it as an error at all, at least if he did, he was careful not to mention it.
Evidence From The Interlinears
It is most interesting to find that various interlinear Bibles do not give a clear testimony against the KJV on Rom. 8:16. We have “The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament” published by Zondervan. It is based on the “Nestle Greek Text” and the “Literal English Translation” was done by Alfred Marshall, D.Litt. In Rom. 8:16 and 26, he has rendered “autos” as “it(him)self.” Please note that he has placed “(him)” in parenthesis with no spacing before or after the parenthesis. Also note that he did not use a capital “H” when spelling “him.” Just what does the translator mean when inserting “him” in the text as “it(him)self”? To find the answer to that question we need only refer to the translator’s “Introduction” on page xxix. There he says, “Where some word other than the strictly literal one seems to be needed in the translation, the former is printed in parentheses immediately after the latter; e.g., Matthew ch. 10, v. 17, ‘beware from(of) men.’” So there you have it from the translator, the “(him)” is not in the text and must be supplied.
When we refer to “The Interlinear Literal Translation Of The Greek New Testament” which was translated by George Ricker Berry, Ph.D., we find ample evidence for holding to the KJV on Rom. 8:16. This interlinear is based on the Textus Receptus, and was done by a recognized scholar of another day, who taught in the Department of Semitic Languages at the University of Chicago and Colgate University. He renders “autos” as “itself” in Rom. 8:16, 26, just as does the KJV. He follows the Greek order of words, as do all interlinears, and translates v. 16 as follows, “Itself the Spirit bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God.”
A Significant Statement on this Subject
T. J. McCrossan, B.A., B.D., was for eighteen years examiner in languages for the Presbytery of Minneapolis, and formerly instructor in Greek in the Manitoba University. While we would not endorse all of the theology of this man, yet we find a significant statement on this subject from his writings. We believe that it is worthy of publication. His instruction certainly clears the air in regard to “itself” in Rom. 8:16, 26. We are quoting from his book entitled “Christ’s Paralized Church X-Rayed,” pages 11 and 12.
“If the Holy Spirit is really a person and very God, why is He so frequently called “it” in the Bible? Rom. 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, etc.” Rom. 8:26, ‘…but the Spirit itself maketh intercession, etc.” Yes, the Spirit, a divine person, is called “it” in the Bible, and this troubles many people, even preachers. What is the explanation?
“When our loving heavenly Father desired to find one word which would correctly express to man a true conception of the personality of the Holy Ghost, and so explain to us how the Holy Spirit could be one person, and yet be everywhere at once, the one and only word was ‘pneuma’ — air or wind. The air is here, and in China at the very same time. We cannot see the air, or feel it (except when in motion), and yet we all live by breathing it into our lungs; and, apart from the air, every living creature would die.
“Now, in His personality, the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit (the very same word — ‘pneuma,’ air) is just like the air, for He fills all space. We cannot see Him, or feel Him by our touch; and yet, what the air is, in sustaining our physical life, the Holy Ghost is in sustaining our spiritual life. He is here, and in China, and all over the world at the same moment — just like the air; and, apart from Him, we would all die spiritually.
“Now this word ‘spirit’ (pnuema — air) is a neuter noun; and there is a hard and fast law in Greek grammar which says: Every pronoun must agree with the noun it takes the place of in gender and number (not in case). Then when you read in Rom. 8:16, ‘The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, etc,’ the neuter form of the pronoun, ‘autos’ (himself), viz., ‘auto’ (itself) must be used, so as to agree in gender with the neuter noun, ‘pneuma’ (spirit or air). But when Christ calls the Spirit, the ‘Comforter’ (Parakletos), He gives this noun masculine gender, and so proves to us that the Spirit is truly a person. Remember God had to use the word ‘air’ (pneuma) to explain to us the tremendous fact that the Holy Spirit had a personality that filled all space, just like the air; and this neuter noun ‘pneuma’ (air) was the only word that even God could find to clearly express this fact to man.” (End of quotation).
Our Position on the KJV
It is our steadfast belief that God has preserved His Word. Although there may be problems with the KJV in some places, we see no reason to change or revise. By a problem, we do not mean an error, but most likely the problem is in our lack of understanding rather than with the Word of God itself. We believe that all the verses and words in the KJV belong there, and we do not want to have anything to do with a Bible in which anything has been changed. We spend our time preaching and teaching the Bible, and not in criticizing or correcting it. Many today are sitting in judgment on the Word of God, instead of letting the Word of God judge them. We believe that the Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. We also believe that any subject that the Bible speaks on, that the Bible is infallible and without error. We cannot imagine any version being acceptable for English speaking people, other than the King James Version. No one on earth has ever seen the original manuscripts, in this age or any other age. If the King James Version is not the Word of God, then we are confident that we will never have the Word of God! We feel no obligation to answer all the ridiculous arguments made by the critics, but from time to time we shall continue to publish articles that will be of interest to God’s people, concerning some of the alleged mistakes in the KJV. Concerned Christians have a right to know that there are correct answers that clarify some of the textual problems that are continually brought by the critics of the KJV.
By Jerry Jackson
As Christians, we are to study the Word of God and follow its teachings. Down through the years, Baptists have been called “The People of the Book” because of our tenacity in adhering to the Word of God. We cannot allow this tenacity to change in these last days of compromise. Instead, we need to become stronger in our stand for the truth of God’s Word. We must look to the Source of the truth that we stand for, and be certain that this Source is indeed God and His Word. We cannot base our faith or practice on what other preachers believe or do. Yet, there are many preachers and believers who do just that. They gauge right and wrong, not by stated Scripture, but by the actions or teaching of some other preacher. That is certainly a poor foundation on which to build our life or our church. Certainly, this practice cannot have a blessed outcome, but a tragic one. This reminds me of the parable of the man who built his house upon the rock, while the other man built his house upon the sand. Those who build their life and faith upon the Word of God will have stability in time of trouble, while those who build their life and faith upon “thus saith the preacher” will have nothing but trouble when testing comes.
One example of this is a call I received recently from a pastor in another part of the country. He had a question about when a Christian becomes a church member, but he had no scripture on which to base his opinion. Instead, he based his opinion on the word and practice of two big-name preachers. This is dangerous ground for anyone to stand on, and it is not what God intends for us. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers (Titus 1:9).” “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).”
The Necessity of Church Membership
Sadly, there are many who feel that it is possible to be a good Christian without becoming a member of one of the Lord’s churches. Of course, this is not what the Lord teaches in His Word, nor is it how we should practice our faith in Christ. The Bible shows us several reasons why it is necessary for each believer to become a part of a New Testament Baptist Church.
First, we need the time of assembly. The church at Jerusalem assembled together on resurrection Sunday, partly out of fear, and partly out of a need to be with people who had the same mind concerning Christ. In this assembly, they were able to meet with the resurrected Christ, which could never have happened if they had not assembled together with the church (John 20:19-23). After the day of Pentecost, we find that the members of this church met daily for fellowship, prayer, teaching and witnessing (Acts 2:42-47). But, beyond these examples that we have in Scripture, we also have a direct command to meet together. Hebrews 10:25 tells us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” This commandment is not less restrictive as we go along, but more so. We are to be more and more faithful to the House of God as we draw closer to the Second Coming of Christ.
Second, we need a place of activity. While out knocking doors, I have run across many who say that they do not need church membership in order to be right with God, but I have never had one of these people knocking on my door to tell me about the glorious Gospel of Christ. It just doesn’t happen that way. The active Christian is one who is a member of one of the Lord’s churches. This is partly due to the fact that he has assembled together with his brothers and sisters in Christ and heard preaching and teaching about his responsibility as a child of God. This is also due to the fact that he has other brothers and sisters to work together with, in order to complete the task of world evangelism. “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ (Acts 5:42).”
Third, we need a place of adoration. Without being a member of a scriptural New Testament church, we cannot give glory to God, as He desires. “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen (Ephesians 3:21).” There are many so-called ministries and evangelistic associations that try to do the work of God, but they only succeed in robbing God of His glory. If you take the time to read their literature, you will see what they have done, how many souls they have won, or how many workers they have in the field. How is God supposed to get the glory from this, when these groups, ministries, and evangelistic associations are claiming any results as if they were personally responsible for them? God cannot be pleased when these groups try to honor themselves.
Fourth, we need a place of accountability. Without a good church, that teaches, preaches, and practices the Word of God, we could do pretty much as we please. The Lord never intended for us to be without accountability, just as He never intended for a child to be without accountability (Proverbs 29:15). Our old man has no problem justifying what the flesh desires to do, but if we are members of a church, it is more difficult to justify what the flesh desires to do. It is hard to go into outright sin if you know that the pastor will be at your door, to try to restore you. The church at Corinth had to deal with a man who had given himself over to the will of the flesh (1 Corinthians 5:1-13). Had this man never become a member of the church at Corinth, where would he be accountable for his sin and ungodliness? Of course, the answer to that question is obvious. He would not have been held accountable anywhere else, and he would never have repented of his ungodly behavior.
The Method of Gaining Church Membership
Now that we have looked at the need for each born again believer to be a member of a New Testament Baptist church, we need to consider how we become a member of one of these churches. There are several ideas as to how someone can become a church member. Some have the idea that church membership is similar to Sunday School membership. They believe that if a person attends the services of a church faithfully for a period of time, that person automatically becomes a church member. This requires nothing on this person’s part, except attendance. Others believe that following baptism, the believer must come forward and present himself for church membership. Neither one of these plans seems to be borne out in Scripture. Therefore, we cannot accept them as right, no matter who teaches them to be the right way.
I think that it is obvious that a person must first be a Christian before he may become a member of a Christian church. In other words, a person must first be saved before church membership can be discussed. Acts 2:38-41 makes this very clear when it says, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Before being baptized and added to the church, these men and women received Peter’s word. His word was that they must repent. This must be the case in each instance before considering anyone for church membership.
Also, a person must be baptized in order to become a church member. Baptism has been called the door to the church, and so it is. Following salvation, baptism is all that is required for church membership. Of course, I am talking about immersion in water, under the authority of a New Testament Baptist church. Acts 2:41 says, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” The process is clear: they received the Word that was preached unto them, they were baptized, and they were added to the church. There was no need for these folks to go forward following the next service in order to gain membership in the church at Jerusalem.
The Legitimacy of Baptism
But, how do we know for sure that it is baptism that brings a believer into church membership? As we have mentioned, there are some who believe that following baptism a believer must come to the altar again to present himself for church membership. To some this may seem unimportant, but it does make a difference in your doctrine, and that is important.
First, we believe baptism to be one of the two ordinances of the church, along with the Lord’s Supper. If baptism does not bring a believer into church membership, then baptism is not a church ordinance, but a Christian ordinance. Anyone could baptize anyone else at any time, in any place. The authority for baptism could not rest with the church alone, if it is merely an act that does not bring the believer into church membership. But, another thought comes to mind: what about the Lord’s Supper? If this believer has been baptized, but is not a church member, is he then permitted to partake of the Lord’s Supper? If he is permitted to partake of the Lord’s Supper, then that church is practicing open or close communion, according to their belief concerning church membership. If he is not permitted to partake, then that church is placing more restrictions on the Lord’s Table than the Word of God does. Therefore, if baptism is an ordinance of the church, it must bring the believer into church membership.
Second, we believe that baptism is the door of the church because of the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Jesus is speaking to the church that He established during His earthly ministry. He commands them to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and then teach them all things that Jesus had commanded. What Jesus has given us is the Biblical pattern for missions: evangelize, baptize, and train. We know this to be the pattern for starting and building churches, but there is no mention of anything that could bring about church membership outside of baptism.
Third, let us look at the Scripture and find the direct answer to this question. Once again, we turn to Acts 2:41. Here we are told that those who received Peter’s word and were baptized were “added unto them.” There are only a few ways in which we can consider the meaning of this passage of Scripture. We could say that this verse is telling us that these people were counted as true believers upon their baptism, but that would make baptism a requirement for salvation. There are just too many things in Scripture that contradict this idea. We could say that this baptism placed these people into some sort of universal body (I have never heard anyone claim to believe this, but it is possible that someone might follow this line of thinking), but there is no scriptural basis for this belief, either. The only other alternative is that these baptized believers were placed among the number of the believers that made up the membership of the church at Jerusalem (Acts 1:15). Not only that, but we find added clarification in Acts 2:47. This paragraph starts out by talking about the activities of those 3,000 who had been baptized and “added unto them,” and ends by talking about the Lord adding to the church daily (Acts 2:42-47). It seems very clear that these 3,000 were added to the membership of the Jerusalem church.
There is yet another verse of Scripture that makes the answer to this question very clear. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” By comparing this verse with Ephesians 4:5, which tells us that there is only one baptism, we understand that the Apostle Paul is not speaking of Spirit baptism, but water baptism. By comparing this verse with Ephesians 1:22-23, which tells us that the body of Christ is the church, we understand that the Apostle Paul is speaking of baptism into a local, visible church. When we put all of this together, we cannot come to any other conclusion except that baptism places the believer into the membership of the church which has authorized his baptism.
Some might object by calling attention to the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8:38. “Where,” they ask, “did this eunuch become a member upon his baptism?” The answer is simple. He became a member of the church that authorized his baptism. Since Philip was a deacon of the Jerusalem church, it seems obvious that this eunuch was baptized into that church’s membership.
A Christian becomes a church member upon his baptism under the authority of a New Testament Baptist church. This is not only the pattern we find in Scripture, it is also the direct teaching of Scripture. It really doesn’t matter what Pastor So-and-so or Dr. What’s-his-name think, teach, believe, or practice. We must stick with what is clearly laid out before us in the Word of God. In the end, we will answer to God for how we practice in this, or any other, area, not to other preachers. So, let us strive to do what is right, according to His Word.
By E. L. Bynum
Our calendars give the dates of many holidays that are celebrated in the United States. In fact, November has two holidays that are widely celebrated each year.
Halloween Is Pagan to the Core
The first one is pagan and should be avoided by Christians and the second one is scriptural and should be celebrated enthusiastically by Christians. Halloween is a part of a pagan holiday that stretches from October 31 through November 1st and 2nd. This is a three-part holiday with roots in mysticism, witchcraft, and superstition. It features witches, ghosts, goblins, and other pagan beliefs. There is nothing Christian about it, even though apostate religion has tried vainly to make the connection.
Roman Catholicism has had a perpetual tendency to take pagan holidays being celebrated by the heathen, and then turn them into Christian holidays. This is just as unthinkable as making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. On Halloween, ghosts and goblins are supposed to appear. This is on the last day of October, and November 1st is All Saints Day, followed by Day of the Dead on the 2nd. In Roman Catholic countries, at night they take food to the cemeteries to feed the dead who were supposed to come out of the grave hungry.
This was derived from the ancient Celtic pagans. One only needs to read the Encyclopedia Britannica to learn that these holidays are completely pagan and unchristian. Even the face carved in the pumpkin is that of a demon. Time and space forbids me to say more at this time.
Thanksgiving is Scriptural
At least a hundred times thanks and thanksgiving are mentioned in God’s word. Over and over we are admonished to give thanks to the Lord. “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:7) “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.” (Psalms 92:1) “O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.” (Psalms 105:1)
Thanksgiving, as a day of celebration, began with the pilgrims in 1621. Thanksgiving, as a celebration, is certainly religious as can be shown by the first written proclamation on June 20, 1676. The first presidential proclamation of a national day of thanksgiving was made by George Washington in 1789.
We believe that it is right and proper that Christians should take advantage of the opportunity to pause and take a day to offer thanksgiving to God. We have so much to be thankful for that it seems useless to even begin in this short article to enumerate many of them. I fear that we have made this celebration far too secular by simply making it a day of feasting. Don’t get me wrong, I want my share of the turkey, but we need to understand unless we make thanks to God a part of the day we have missed the point. Families should take time to read the Scriptures about the giving of thanks together and take time to testify about some of the things that we as individuals give thanks for.
First of all we should give thanks for our salvation. “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:12-14) If you do not know Christ as your saviour, that is something you should do today. Without His salvation, you have very little to be thankful for. A redeemed people should have no trouble in thinking of many other things to be thankful to God for.
Below we are printing George Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving proclamation. Notice the various ways that he brings the blessings of God in the proclamation. Also notice that he was proclaiming “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” All too often we leave out prayer in our celebration.
George Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789. (signed) G. Washington
From Spark’s Washington, Vol. XII, p. 119
Shortly after the Thanksgiving Proclamation was written it was lost for over a hundred years. It was apparently misplaced or attached to some private papers in the process of moving official records from one city to another when the capital was changed. However, it happened the original manuscript was not in the official archives until 1921 when Dr. J. C. Fitzpatrick, then assistant chief of the manuscripts division of the Library of Congress “found” the proclamation. It was at an auction sale being held at an art gallery in New York. It was written in long hand by Wm. Jackson, secretary to President Washington and was signed by George Washington. Dr. Fitzpatrick purchased the document for $300.00 for the Library of Congress, where it now resides. It the first presidential proclamation ever issued in the United States.
At what was supposed to be his last evangelistic crusade [although being questioned about it, he responded by saying, “Never say never”], Billy Graham made a shocking statement.
During the service, ex-president and presidential aspirant, Bill and Hillary Clinton were sitting nearby. One news source stated that they had been to a gay pride situation prior to being in Graham’s crusade.
Billy Graham turned and looked at the Clintons and said that Bill Clinton should be an evangelist, that he possessed all the gifts for that calling and that Hillary should run the country. I suppose he meant that she should be president.
What a sad commentary from the man that the press called the “Nation’s Pastor,” considering the sordid history of the Clintons — a history of moral, financial and political corruption. A history that the whole world knows about and completely overlooks.
I have heard that some folks walked out and I don’t blame them. I sat in the first crusade held by Billy Graham in Madison Square Garden about five decades ago. Sitting on the platform with Dr. Graham was Norman Peale, John Bonnell, Ralph Sockman and Phillip Potter, all rank modernists. As a young preacher, I said to myself, “How can this be?”
It has been a long history of compromise cooperative evangelism. (APD) — From the Maranatha Baptist Watchman, July 2005
By E. L. Bynum, Editor
We have received many letters and emails from our readers. Most of them are affirming and encourage us very much, for which we are appreciative. We are very much in need of your help, if we are to continue to keep publishing and be effective. Let me suggest some ways that you can be very helpful.
1. You can pray for us that God will give wisdom which will enable us to write and publish the articles that are need in this hour. Never underestimate the value of prayer.
2. You can keep your subscription paid up. We have never solicited the tithes and offerings of God’s people. We believe that these belong in your sound Scriptural Church where your membership is. If there is no sound Church in your area you need to consider moving to a place where such a Church exists. $5.00 per year is not very much for a subscription, and I assure you that we do not make money at this price. The postage eats up a large portion of the subscription price.
3. You can send gift subscriptions to people that you know, who might profit spiritually from the Plains Baptist Challenger. You can do a good deed for them and at the same time help us to reach more people.
4. If you are a pastor, you can order bundles of papers to be put out on a table at your Church. This way you can look at each issue of the Challenger, before putting it out for others. Some prefer to have the paper mailed to your individual members. Church members need to know what is going on in the religious world, and I know that a pastor has a difficult time preaching and teaching the Word of God, and at the same time having enough time with the people to keep them informed.
5. Non-paying pastors should pay for their subscription if you are able. We have many Independent Baptist pastors that never pay. If you cannot afford it, we still want you to have it, but if you can pay, please do so.
6. Something all can do. Send us clippings from newspapers and magazines that you think would be helpful. Please enclose the name of the publication and the date that it was published, and what city it was published in. We cannot quote from articles if we do not have this information.
7. Send us an encouraging letter or email. We always like to receive feedback from our readers. Email E. L. Bynum
Mr. Bynum, my name is Shane Haynie, 25, and I live in Big Spring, TX. The reason I am writing you is to say THANK YOU for posting the study lessons in Learning to Live by the Bible on the internet. Recently I started “teaching” the young adult class at my church, and we have all really enjoyed the topical approach. Each lesson applies to our daily life and we are all learning something in each class. This has been a wonderful tool and I am grateful that it is available for everyone. Thanks Again and God Bless, Shane Haynie
Dear Brother Bynum, It was good to hear the news that the Challenger will continue. On the mission field we do not have the time to read all the papers that come our way but the Challenger is one we can trust. May the Lord richly bless you as you continue writing, preaching and teaching! Warm regards, Dr. Frank Tottingham, PhD. Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Australia
Thanks for the Plains Baptist Challenger. I have sent for the mailing of this news letter. Is there any way we can use section of it for personal use off the Internet? I pastor a small church and this material is simply great. God Bless, Pastor cr jones (Sure, go ahead and use it. We are interested in getting the message out and if you help us do that may God bless you. E. L. Bynum)
By U.S. Mail
E. L. Bynum, Editor, Christian Greetings! I am happy that you are going to keep on publishing the Baptist Challenger! I believe I’ve been getting for at least 30 years, and have subscribed for it for several others. I don’t know how many still subscribe to it. It is much needed. In Christ. Ethel Miller.
Dear Pastor Bynum, I heard over the radio that you have retired as Pastor. I am praying for you and your family as you adjust. Sarah Johns, Florida. Enclosed a 2 year subscription.
Edited by E. L. Bynum
(Editor’s Note: In our News & Views column we quote from many different sources. Please understand that this does not necessarily mean that we approve of all of the publications from which we quote.)
Marijuana Comeback — Police have no doubt that the resurgence of marijuana is one of the reasons serious reported crime in the city has increased 7.5 percent compared with this time last year. Many gangs, some of whom don’t hesitate to use guns to settle turf issues, now sell marijuana instead of other drugs. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 9/4/05) The article reported 90% of the drug comes from Mexico. Two dealers admitted to police that they had brought 10,000 pounds a year into Minneapolis before their arrest. That not only amounts to 5 tons each, it amounts to countless souls taken by Satan at his will. (2 Tim. 2:26) Pray for their recovery through Jesus Christ. —WWM (WWM hereafter)
The Bible a Text Book — In a recent Pew Research Center poll, 64 percent say they believe creationism should be taught alongside evolution. (LifeSiteNews, 9/2/05) A physicist/author called intelligent design (ID) proponents a bad name. He said, “There are all sorts of beliefs out there: flat-earthers, fairies & philosophy class might be appropriate.” This physicist/author should enroll in the ID class. He already fits in the other group. All he would need for a textbook would be a KJV Bible. (Prov. 1:7) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” —WWM
Liberals Have Long Dominated Schools — Nearly three-quarters of faculty members of U.S. colleges and universities describe themselves as liberals, and at elite schools, the proportion is 87 percent (7/05 Baptist Watchman ). Harvard professor Doris Kearns Goodwin in her biography of LBJ quotes him as saying (p316): “(T)he communists control our three TV networks and the 40 major communication outlets…: It’s all in the FBI reports. They prove everything. Not just about the reporters but about the professors too.” FBI director J. Edgar Hoover had earlier said the liberal press has been infiltrated by communists. Business Week in 1981 said over 10,000 Marxist profs were teaching in U.S. colleges and universities. Communism is an evil, anti-God system that Christians must oppose and expose. Calvary Contender, 9/05
Abortion or Murder? — “The staggering Chinese abortion rate of over 6.3 million per year or more than 17,000 per day, along with the government sponsored dehumanization of unborn children leads to this kind of horrific display. When children are considered no better than animals then they can be made objects.” (LSN, 8/12/05) This number is over twice the population of Oklahoma. If these deaths had been the result of a tsunami or hurricane the entire world would come to their aid. But when it is defenseless babies still in the womb hardly anyone raises an eyebrow. No one is even blamed for a slow response because no one has responded. Jesus responds in this manner: “…for of such are the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 19:14) —WWM
Panda Baby/Human Fetus — San Diego — A 13-year-old giant panda gave birth to a cub at San Diego Zoo, but a second baby died in the womb, officials said Wednesday. (NBCSanDiego, 8/3/05) A panda bear still in the womb is a ‘baby.’ But, to be politically correct a human is only a ‘fetus’ until it is completely out of the mother’s body. A human baby can be legally murdered in America without any earth bound repercussions. It other places in this announcement the unborn panda is referred to as a fetus. However, the headline above from NBC clearly reveals the affection for the dwindling population of the panda. There is a God in heaven that clearly knows the difference from the animal kingdom and humanity. It was a baby that leaped in Elisabeth’s womb when the mother of her Lord announced His coming birth to her. (Luke1:41-43) —WWM
God Clears The Water — “I think we’re going to live in the murky middle of struggling to understand the will of God.” This is the last quotation taken from an article published 8/3/05, revealing the dilemma Lutherans have in regard to dealing with gay issues. It is unclear who made the statement, yet it followed quotations from others at this Lutheran meeting that ranged from pro to undecided to against. There is certainly no reason for anyone to live in the “murky middle” of understanding the will of God concerning homosexuality. The first chapter of Romans clears the murky waters on this issue. Neither were the Old Testament saints left in a dither on this matter. (Lev. 20:13) —WWM
Count This Judge Wrong — A federal judge in Calif. Wednesday ruled that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is unconstitutional. The case was brought by two families represented by Michael Newdow, an atheist whose case before the U.S. Supreme Court was thrown out because it was brought on his daughter’s behalf and he did not have custody of her. (GOPUSA, 9/15/05) It is impossible to miss Satan’s cohorts in crime, and their activity. Step by step liberal judges are whittling away at deleting God’s name from the mind of America’s children. The Judge of all the earth is more than slightly offended at this. (Matt. 18:6) “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” It would be best for such judges to learn more about swimming than ruling. —WWM
What About Separation of Church & State? — Churches and governments must pursue partnerships to eradicate extreme poverty, if the Millennium Declaration of 2000 is to meet its 2015 deadline, concludes faith leaders who met at a two-day summit at Washington National Cathedral. Religious leaders from a wide range of denominations crafted the communique outlining steps for governments and churches to take in building a global movement to help the poor. The document will be presented to officials at the United Nations on the eve of its 60th anniversary by a delegation representing the creators of the communique. (Crosswalk, 9/15/05) The end time amalgamation of one world and one religion is shaping up. The outcome is going to be decidedly different than this Robinson Crusoe group is planning. They may think they have a deadline to meet, however, it is God who has set the ultimate deadline. (Luke 12:40) “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” —WWM
It’s On The Way — “Former US President Bill Clinton has long dreamed of power in international affairs. He has long been rumoured to be the next to be tapped for UN Secretary General, and is a key player in the international movement that seeks to unite the worlds nations under a single, all-encompassing state governed by the UNs favoured class of leftist elites.” (LSN, 9/16/05) A three day conference of international leaders was held in NY. These were drawn to NY by the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The inferred goals of this meeting “include finding solutions to global poverty, religious conflict, government corruption and global warming. …CGIs goal is an integrated global community of shared benefits, responsibilities, and values.” (James 3:11) “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” —WWM
Governor’s Gamblin’ Gremlins — Oklahoma’s Gov. Henry ran, and was elected, on the premise that if OK would vote in a state operated lottery, and they did, it would solve all financial woes. Instead it brings in other problems not here-to-fore mentioned. As always those nasty mischievous obstacles to sin’s wealth began to appear. Okla. had already earmarked 7 cents per capita on gambling addiction treatment. This was the result of gambling at the Indian Nation casinos and adjoining state’s lotteries. That comes to a total exceeding $200,000. One state representative, who opposed the lottery vote, pointed out that the expense would more than triple once the state’s lottery is in operation. The speaker of OK’s House of Rep. promised to make gambling treatment a “top issue during the 2006 (Altus Times, 9/23/05)” legislative session. He also said more “faith-based” counseling may be pursued. If the “faith-based” pastors had preached to their “faith-based”members against gambling, we likely would not have this problem. (Heb. 3:13) “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Gambling is NOT just another game, it is sin! —WWM
Radical Islam or Realistic Icon? — A Christian Freedom International fact-finding mission to Indonesia reveals alarming and growing evidence of religious persecution against minority Christians….At least 35 churches in Bandung and neighboring regions have had been closed by Islamic mobs during the past 12 months alone. (Religion Today, 10/5/05) Jim Jacobson, Christian Freedom International president, reports that a radical Islamic group known as AGAP has the mission to eradicate Christianity in Indonesia. When the AGAP title is translated to English it meas Anti-Apostasy Alliance Movement. So much for the Christian help during the tsunami disaster. —WWM
Animal Rights Religion — An animal “rights” group plans to file a class-action lawsuit against Safeway, Nestle and other dairy retailers for failing to warn consumers that milk can cause serious digestive problems. …PCRM said the lawsuit is being filed on behalf of everyone who lives in the District of Columbia. The group wants all milk cartons to carry labels warning consumers about lactose intolerance — the inability to digest a milk enzyme that can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms that may come on gradually. (CNSNews. 10/6/05) Only in DC. All this time our parents thought our stomachs were hurting because we didn’t want to hoe or pull cotton or help milk the cows. Suppose the Israelites were animal rights activists? They turned down a land that flowed with milk and honey only to die in a desert. This story is found in the book Exodus…not from CNS. —WWM
One Nation Under Which God? — Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist veterans are allowed to have their religious symbols engraved on military headstones. So a Seattle-area Navy veteran thinks he should be allowed to have the symbol of his Wiccan faith on his marker when he goes. But the Defense Department does not allow the pentacle, a five-pointed star in a circle, on markers in national cemeteries. The Defense Department recognized Wiccans in 1996, but the National Cemetery Association of the Veterans Affairs Department has not authorized the symbol. A spokeswoman says the VA would add the words “Wiccan” or “pentacle” to a headstone but not the symbol. She says policies are being updated and Wiccans will be able to suggest changes. (Agape Press, via RT, 10/6/05) God will not allow any suggestions from the Wicca crowd. His distaste for this wicked religion is seen in Exo. 22:18 & Deut. 18:10. —WWM
Schuller’s Recipe For Disaster — Dr. Robert Schuller was honored by the recent NAE meeting in Colo. Springs. He said, “To be born again means that we must be changed from a negative to a positive self-image.......” He said, “There are some things in the Bible I cannot swallow, but you get saved, not by the Book but by the blood.” (CC,9/05) Faith in the saving power of Jesus is found in the BOOK. (Rom. 10:17) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Also 1 Pet. 1:23.) Schuller is partner in mega-church building with Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, etc. They are indeed walking together in more ways than big church building. The drawing power for revival has gradually shifted from Holy Spirit inspired evangelization to a Hollywood springboard of entertainment. In an early Oct. Luis Palau ‘festival’ in DC, movie stars, athletes, famous CCM artists, and a host of other celebrities enlarged the attendance. What happened to the drawing power of Holy Spirit preaching? (John 6:44) —WWM
Getting Use To The Dark — CAMBRIDGE, Mass, October 11, 2005 (LSN ) “A Harvard study has concluded that the sexual content of modern movies has become far more explicit than even 13 years ago to the degree that a movie rated PG-13 today would have garnered an R-rating in 1992.” This is no surprise to those who are not asleep. (1 Cor. 15:34) Loving the enticements of the world is the sure plight for any who forget the directives of God. (Gen. 3) We are assured that “….evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Tim. 3:13) When the Word of God ceases being guide to moral correctness, human activities tend to be void of scruples or restraints. —WWM
Beheading Is Counter-productive — Iraqi based terrorists have been urged by Osama bin Laden’s deputy to stop beheading foreign hostages and shoot them instead — not because decapitation is wrong but because it may be counterproductive in the battle for Muslims’ “hearts and minds.” (GOPUSA, 10/13/05) This is a directive from the ‘peace loving’(?) Islam religion. Likely their compassion for shooting in the head is less painful than decapitation. This could be the strong delusion of believing a lie that Paul writes about, but not likely. It is nothing more than the true nature of a false, God-hating religion. —WWM
The Cost Of Christianity — “Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is reporting that cases of attacks by militant Hindus against Christians are on the rise in India. Recently a group of Hindu fundamentalists attacked a Christian missionary compound, severely injuring several people.” (More on this cost for young people.) “A Christian law firm has intervened on behalf of a 15-year-old Virginia high school student who was suspended for three days for passing out a Christian tract at school. Now that firm is helping the school ensure that its policies on literature handouts do not interfere with students’ religious freedom in the future.” (AgapePress, 10/12 – 13/05)