The Bible, God’s word, is the most wonder, beautiful, trusted book in the world. If Christians had no Bible, they would be helpless, and faith would be in vain. But we have a Bible. Read it often; memorize it; hide its words in your heart that you might not sin against God (Psalm 119:11). Preserved properly in the King James Version, we use it in all the teachings and devotions at First Baptist Church.
At this point in history, America is at a crossroads of religion. America, as all of us know, was established upon, not only Biblical principles, but more specifically upon Christian principles. This is not to say that Biblical and Christian principles are at variance, but it is to be noted that many people who are not Christians believe the Bible. America has not falsely been called a Christian nation.
The crossroads seem to be upon religious grounds, and it is a charge of controversy against many of the axioms of the Koran. It seems that the Koran has taken the place of the Bible in many educational institutions and in other areas of American life.
We all know that God has a Son named Jesus and that He is the “only begotten” Son of God, that he was given in death and resurrection for our sins, and that he saves anyone who will come to him in repentance and faith. The Koran denies this in several passages: “… Jesus, the son of Mary, was no more than God’s apostle … God is but one God. God forbid that he should have a son.” (4:171). “Praise be to God, who has never begotten a son; who has no partner in his Kingdom (17:111).
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Compare Hosea 11:1 with Matt. 2:15.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
In Memory
By Pastor Ronnie Wolfe - 5/27/2010
A nation built by death and tears
Has come to lax throughout the years
And, cumbered with so many things,
Listens not as the sparrow sings.
She dances in the dark of night,
Entertains her friends till light,
Sleeps till noon in light of day,
And throws her memories far away.
Remembers not the battle cry,
The swords, the planes in the warrior sky,
Nor thinks of men who gave their lives,
The wounds on which this country thrives.
Look back again, my country fair
At noble men out there somewhere,
Who gave it all for thee to live,
For younger ones their lives to give.
Now sits a country tilting free
Upon the fulcrum all can see.
Which way to turn to set us free?
Forget not “sea to shining sea.”
Monday, May 17, 2010
Muslim Wins Religion Prize
A man by the name of Eboo Patel has won the Grawemeyer religion prize from the University of Louisville and the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Mr. Patel is an adviser to the White House's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Mr. Patel's organization, Interfaith Youth Core, is now active in 75 college campuses "for exposing young people to pluralism to help counteract the influence of religious radicals." [The Christian Century, December 29, 2009, pg. 17].
Mr. Patel was named one of "America's Best Leaders 2009" by U. S. News & World Report. Everyone should watch this man and others like him, because his intention may not be the most honest one. His intention may be a deceitful acquiescence to the faith of Islam. The article in The Christian Century ends with a citation from Harvard's Kennedy School Review "as one of the 'five future policy leaders to watch.'"
Take that for what it is worth, and it is worth taking a look and watching the coming events from these organizations and Mr. Patel.
Mr. Patel's organization, Interfaith Youth Core, is now active in 75 college campuses "for exposing young people to pluralism to help counteract the influence of religious radicals." [The Christian Century, December 29, 2009, pg. 17].
Mr. Patel was named one of "America's Best Leaders 2009" by U. S. News & World Report. Everyone should watch this man and others like him, because his intention may not be the most honest one. His intention may be a deceitful acquiescence to the faith of Islam. The article in The Christian Century ends with a citation from Harvard's Kennedy School Review "as one of the 'five future policy leaders to watch.'"
Take that for what it is worth, and it is worth taking a look and watching the coming events from these organizations and Mr. Patel.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Oh Death!
By Pastor Dr. Ronnie Wolfe – May 5, 2010
Oh death, that ceaseless wonder
That grasps the very depths of comprehension,
That awesome, capturing wonder,
That captures all its prey with stark attention:
How weak the cumbrous provisions
Made by men in useless preparation
For that fateful day of death,
When no one in himself meets else but desperation
Your grasp and grip are strong;
Your hold more strong than all imagination;
Retreat from your cold clutch
Seems now a gross exaggeration
Hold fast, oh death, your duty;
Grip your prey with one eternal chord.
Ne’er loose, oh death, your order,
Lest prey arise from grave, your solemn word.
As there you held our Savior,
But let him slip that one remembered day;
Ne’er loose the dead now sleeping
Lest by one promise the chosen slip away.
How ignorant you, oh death,
That you should think yourself so vast, eternal.
Your strength in human sin,
The power of grace superior and supernal.
The sting of death has victory,
Swallowed up by sovereign grace divine.
Your horrid blanket o’er my body
Brings no fear: your putred stench not mine.
For there waits blessed victory
My soul redeemed from death and human sin.
God’s blood cleansed my transgressions,
His life was giv’n my fallen soul to win.
Oh death, be calmly quiet;
Your days are numbered like human bones decay.
For then the day death dies
Brings victory, flesh and soul, in glorious day.
Oh death, that ceaseless wonder
That grasps the very depths of comprehension,
That awesome, capturing wonder,
That captures all its prey with stark attention:
How weak the cumbrous provisions
Made by men in useless preparation
For that fateful day of death,
When no one in himself meets else but desperation
Your grasp and grip are strong;
Your hold more strong than all imagination;
Retreat from your cold clutch
Seems now a gross exaggeration
Hold fast, oh death, your duty;
Grip your prey with one eternal chord.
Ne’er loose, oh death, your order,
Lest prey arise from grave, your solemn word.
As there you held our Savior,
But let him slip that one remembered day;
Ne’er loose the dead now sleeping
Lest by one promise the chosen slip away.
How ignorant you, oh death,
That you should think yourself so vast, eternal.
Your strength in human sin,
The power of grace superior and supernal.
The sting of death has victory,
Swallowed up by sovereign grace divine.
Your horrid blanket o’er my body
Brings no fear: your putred stench not mine.
For there waits blessed victory
My soul redeemed from death and human sin.
God’s blood cleansed my transgressions,
His life was giv’n my fallen soul to win.
Oh death, be calmly quiet;
Your days are numbered like human bones decay.
For then the day death dies
Brings victory, flesh and soul, in glorious day.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Simple Faith
We hear much about simple faith, and we as Baptists do believe in only faith for salvation. But we need to be careful about using the phrase “simple faith.” This subject has been a topic of great controversy among Baptists in the past.
During the early days of Baptists in America, these churches had to contend with many controversies. One was that of the anti-mission Baptists; another was the controversy over baptismal regeneration; and a third was the doctrine of Sademanianism. The Baptist theologian of the 19th century, Andrew Fuller, named this doctrine in 1812 in a book with twelve letters entitled “Strictures On Sandemanianism.” He says in this book that he calls this doctrine by this name, because no one has used any other name; so Mr. Fuller named it after its originator, Robert Sandeman.
This doctrine states that a person can make a simply “intellectual assent” to the truth of the Bible and be regenerated in that way. This is what many call “simple faith.” We do believe in “faith alone,” but not in a simple intellectual faith. I fear that too many people who call themselves Christians have a simple intellectual faith in Jesus Christ. But true faith in Jesus Christ involves both our emotions and our minds. Before I tasted honey, I did not like it; but after I tasted it, I wanted more and more honey. The same is true with Jesus Christ. Peter said in 1 Peter 2:2-3 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Faith is a taste of eternal things that directs our minds and hearts toward Jesus Christ, and we love him and serve him with a true heart. I have never lost my taste for honey.
Look for an article in The Baptist Defence on this in the next issue.
During the early days of Baptists in America, these churches had to contend with many controversies. One was that of the anti-mission Baptists; another was the controversy over baptismal regeneration; and a third was the doctrine of Sademanianism. The Baptist theologian of the 19th century, Andrew Fuller, named this doctrine in 1812 in a book with twelve letters entitled “Strictures On Sandemanianism.” He says in this book that he calls this doctrine by this name, because no one has used any other name; so Mr. Fuller named it after its originator, Robert Sandeman.
This doctrine states that a person can make a simply “intellectual assent” to the truth of the Bible and be regenerated in that way. This is what many call “simple faith.” We do believe in “faith alone,” but not in a simple intellectual faith. I fear that too many people who call themselves Christians have a simple intellectual faith in Jesus Christ. But true faith in Jesus Christ involves both our emotions and our minds. Before I tasted honey, I did not like it; but after I tasted it, I wanted more and more honey. The same is true with Jesus Christ. Peter said in 1 Peter 2:2-3 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Faith is a taste of eternal things that directs our minds and hearts toward Jesus Christ, and we love him and serve him with a true heart. I have never lost my taste for honey.
Look for an article in The Baptist Defence on this in the next issue.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Newness In Resurrection
Rev. 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
A New Life — 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Jesus’ resurrection brought new life with assurance to believers. It guarantees that this new life will be sustained by the Spirit of God, and his promises will be fulfilled completely unto our eternal abode with Jesus Christ.
A New Day — The new day of worship, Sunday, was practiced in New Testament days because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new day depicts the wonder of Jesus’ resurrection and celebrates the new life, the new beginning, in every new believer. It is to be observed as the Lord’s day, and it is not to be forsaken. Heb. 10:25 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.
A New Covenant — Jer. 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: — Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel. — Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Friday, March 26, 2010
Keeping The Foundations
Psalm 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
Three of the foundations that we should not allow to be destroyed are (1) the Bible, (2) the church, and (3) the family. These have been found in scripture and in society to be the building blocks of a righteous society. Without these solid foundations any nation is doomed to the rule of the wicked. Prov. 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
The Bible As A Foundation
When I speak of the Bible, I speak of the lineage of manuscripts upon which the King James Version of the Bible was translated. The Tyndale Bible, the Geneva Bible (which our founding fathers used), and several other editions came from the same good manuscripts, a line that has been preserved down through the centuries. In the mid to late 1800's new manuscripts were found, and new versions of the Bible have been produced from these discarded manuscripts. The King James Version was translated and published in 1611, and it brought many revivals and spiritual growth for over 270 years until a version came out in 1880, which was based upon the newly found Greek manuscripts. Many of the people who use the new versions of the Bible develop a disrespect and even a hatred for the King James Version. Show me the revivals and the spiritual growth that has come from these new versions. God has preserved his word, and it is the same word that was written by the prophets of old (2 Peter 1:21), the same scriptures that were being written in Timothy's day (2 Tim. 3:16), the same scriptures that were to have a completeness (1 Cor. 13:10), and the same scriptures that are not to be appended (Rev. 22:18).
The Church
Christ's kind of church is a local assemble of baptized believers in Christ who are covenanted to a dedication of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). The writer of Hebrews says that we are not to forsake assembling in that local church (Heb. 10:25). Jesus Christ receives glory in his churches (Eph. 3:21), and the church of Jesus Christ is the pillar and ground (foundation) of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15).
The Family
God instituted the family in the Garden of Eden, bringing together one man and one woman to be one flesh. They were later commanded to replenish (fill) the earth with their offspring (Gen. 1:28; 9:1). The importance of the family is taught all through the scriptures. The Bible teaches us that we are to train up our children in the way of the Lord (Deut. 6:7; Eph. 6:4). Our children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They are as arrows (Psalm 127:4-5), and the quiver should be full (remember, some quivers are larger than others).
If these foundations be kept up and supported, we can live in righteousness. These foundations crumble with age, and they are fragile to many opposing blows; and that is the reason that we need to constantly keep them repaired. Once they have been damaged, it is very difficult to repair them.
Prayer, scripture reading, church attendance, righteous living, and witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ are things that will help keep these foundations in repair; for, if the foundations be destroyed, what will the righteous do? We have nowhere else to turn.
Three of the foundations that we should not allow to be destroyed are (1) the Bible, (2) the church, and (3) the family. These have been found in scripture and in society to be the building blocks of a righteous society. Without these solid foundations any nation is doomed to the rule of the wicked. Prov. 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
The Bible As A Foundation
When I speak of the Bible, I speak of the lineage of manuscripts upon which the King James Version of the Bible was translated. The Tyndale Bible, the Geneva Bible (which our founding fathers used), and several other editions came from the same good manuscripts, a line that has been preserved down through the centuries. In the mid to late 1800's new manuscripts were found, and new versions of the Bible have been produced from these discarded manuscripts. The King James Version was translated and published in 1611, and it brought many revivals and spiritual growth for over 270 years until a version came out in 1880, which was based upon the newly found Greek manuscripts. Many of the people who use the new versions of the Bible develop a disrespect and even a hatred for the King James Version. Show me the revivals and the spiritual growth that has come from these new versions. God has preserved his word, and it is the same word that was written by the prophets of old (2 Peter 1:21), the same scriptures that were being written in Timothy's day (2 Tim. 3:16), the same scriptures that were to have a completeness (1 Cor. 13:10), and the same scriptures that are not to be appended (Rev. 22:18).
The Church
Christ's kind of church is a local assemble of baptized believers in Christ who are covenanted to a dedication of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). The writer of Hebrews says that we are not to forsake assembling in that local church (Heb. 10:25). Jesus Christ receives glory in his churches (Eph. 3:21), and the church of Jesus Christ is the pillar and ground (foundation) of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15).
The Family
God instituted the family in the Garden of Eden, bringing together one man and one woman to be one flesh. They were later commanded to replenish (fill) the earth with their offspring (Gen. 1:28; 9:1). The importance of the family is taught all through the scriptures. The Bible teaches us that we are to train up our children in the way of the Lord (Deut. 6:7; Eph. 6:4). Our children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They are as arrows (Psalm 127:4-5), and the quiver should be full (remember, some quivers are larger than others).
If these foundations be kept up and supported, we can live in righteousness. These foundations crumble with age, and they are fragile to many opposing blows; and that is the reason that we need to constantly keep them repaired. Once they have been damaged, it is very difficult to repair them.
Prayer, scripture reading, church attendance, righteous living, and witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ are things that will help keep these foundations in repair; for, if the foundations be destroyed, what will the righteous do? We have nowhere else to turn.
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