103– April 13 – This Day in Baptist History Past

He stood by the Word
1785 – Spencer H. Cone was born on this day at Princeton, N.J. to dedicated Baptist parents who were also members of the Hopewell Baptist Church.  His mother prayed for him, while on her breast, and received the assurance that he would be a preacher of the gospel.  At the age of 12 he entered Princeton College, but his father developed mental illness and he was forced, at age 14, to support the family.  He worked as a bookkeeper, newspaper publisher, and an actor.  He was devoted to the politics of Jefferson and Madison.  He discovered the works of John Newton in a bookstore and came under deep conviction over his sinful condition, and that Christ alone could save him.  Cone fought bravely in the War of 1812 as captain of artillery in several prominent battles.  Shortly he began preaching in Washington, D.C. and became so popular that he was elected chaplain of the U.S. Congress.  He then was pastor of a church in Alexandria, Virginia, and then became pastor of the First Baptist Church in NY, City. For nearly forty years he was a leader in home and foreign missions and in the great modern movement for a purely translated Bible.  He fought the pedobaptists over the issue of baptizo meaning immerse.  In his prime it was said that he was the most popular clergyman in America.  Though he valued education, he was mostly concerned with the purity of the Word that men might truly know the mind of Christ in the Scriptures, translated faithfully into the languages of all men.
Dr. Greg J. Dixon, from: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins/Thompson /, p. 150.
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Lost, Found, and Delivered

By a preach friend. Very well done.

By Joseph Caples
Lost, Found, and Delivered
Ephesians 2:1-10

When I was seven years old, my brother and I went on a trip with my parents to the Red Wood National Forest in California. I remember the trip quite well. While we were there, I remember my dad cautioning us about staying close to them. He told us there were a lot of wild and very dangerous animals living in the forest. But it’s always been said that boys will be boys. My brother and I could not resist the urge to explore. The forest was very beautiful. We soon found ourselves wandering down a small trail. Our parents were no where in sight. At first we were not afraid and were not aware that we were lost. But soon it began to get dark, ans we began to hear strange noises. We called out for our dad to come get us but we were so far away, he just couldn’t hear us. We began to run while screaming and crying. We were sure some wild animal would get us. By this time we knew we were lost and in desperate need of being rescued. Finally, we just gave up and sat down. We were terribly afraid. Before long, we heard a familiar voice calling out from among the trees. We listened carefully and heard the voice again calling out to us. It was our dad. He found us, and we realized we were safe. We knew we were going home.

The Bible tells us that those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior are lost. They wander aimlessly through a darkened world of sin. Some of them don’t know they are lost. For those who do realize it, unless they are given proper direction, they may give up in total dispair.

Have you ever had the feeling that every thing is hopeless? That no matter which way you turn you just can’t seem to find direction and purpose?

In the above passage of Scripture, Paul explains to us three different conditions of our souls and shows us that there is indeed a way out of the forest of sin.

1. What We Were
A. We were dead in sins v1
B. We were walking in sin v2
C. We were by nature children of sin v3
1. Without hope (Romans 3:10, 23)
2. Without Christ (Ephesians 2:12)

2. What we are now
A. We have mercy v4
B. We have life v5
C. We have grace v8
D. We have salvation v8

3. What We Shall Be
A. We shall be like Jesus (1 John 3:2)
B. We shall be with Jesus (John 14:3)
C. We shall be given a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4)

Conclusion

When we accept Christ as our Savior, Jesus shows us the way to be free from a life of sin. We can then walk with confidence away from that great dark forest of sin full of wild beasts and never worry about being lost again. Are you in that forest? Have you discovered that you are lost and are wandering aimlessly through a world of sin? “Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost,” to safely guide them out of the forest, that they might not be afraid, and be assured they are going home!

77 – March – 18 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST

Edward Payson Scott
The Power of Gospel music
1913 – Dr. Edward W. Clark passed away on this memorable day.  He and his wife were the ones that followed Edward Payson Scott to the music loving head-hunting Naga’s in Assam, India.  Payson went with a Bible and a violin in 1869, and the first twelve Naga’s that approached him changed their fierce attitude to joy as they heard him play, “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?”  However, it wasn’t a spear that killed him but the cholera, just a year later.  The Clark’s not only gained entry to the Naga’s but penetrated further South into an even more vicious head-hunting tribe, the Ao-Nagas and spent forty-two years in that land with only two furloughs.  Clark had been born in New York on Feb. 25, 1830.  Receiving Christ early in life as a farm boy, he looked forward to Christian service as he graduated from Brown University and then from seminary in Rochester, N.Y.  He married Mary Mead and served a short pastorate in Logansport, Indiana and became the editor of a Christian publication when he was asked to take charge of a mission printing press in Sibsagor, the ancient capital of Assam, India.  The accomplishments of Dr. and Mrs. Clark surely deserve to rank among those of the great missionary pioneers.  It was sometime before they could settle at Molung among fierce savages.  Clark found time to do a great deal of literary work.  He reduced their language to writing, translated some of the gospels, and printed many books for use in their schools.  His last work was the Ao-Naga-English Dictionary, upon which he worked the last seven years of his life.  He was honored with three honorary doctorates but considered his greatest honor to simply be called a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dr. Greg J. Dixon, from: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins/Thompson /, pp. 110.
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His Resurrection and Ours

 

Romans 8:11

 

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you,” Romans 8:11.

 

 

 

The glorious reality of a believer is that after death, he will rise again. The believer’s resurrection is twofold; resurrection from sin to new life and resurrection from death.

 

The fact is that the Bible describes an unbeliever as being dead in trespasses and sins. “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). When a person accepts the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ his sins are forgiven and the Holy Spirit moves in and gives life to the lifeless. “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (Col. 2:13). After salvation a person is quickened by the Holy Spirit and comes to life as a new creature in Christ.

 

On the third day, God raised Jesus from the dead as predicted by the prophets and preached by Jesus. And one day, that beautiful day, when the trumpet shall sound then all the dead in Christ rise from their graves, no matter where they are and come forth. The grave could not hold Jesus and it shall not hold the children of God.

 

 

 

REFLECTION

 

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10).

 

Beverly Barnett

 

 

 

WHO YOU KNOW

He Gave Himself for Us

 

Galatians 1:3, 4

 

“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father,” Galatians 1:4.

 

Jesus gave His life for us! The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus combined is the fundamental doctrine of the Christian religion and declared it throughout the Bible. Furthermore, it is the reason we do not have to wait until Heaven to enjoy the blessings of being believers! The beautiful reality of the sacrifice of Jesus is that He gave His life for us so that we can give our lives to Him. It is a win-win situation. (Gal. 2:20)

 

Salvation is so much more than escaping hell. It is having victory over Satan through Jesus while we live on earth (Rom. 8:38, 39). Satan cannot defeat Jesus. He has tried multiple times and failed; he will never win. But Satan can defeat us if we do not let Jesus fight with us. We are not watching the battle from the sideline; we are soldiers in the Lord’s army. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:10, 11). Jesus gave His life so that we can be more than conquerors with Him (Rom. 8:37).

 

 

REFLECTION

 

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31).

 

Beverly Barnett

 

 

Hebrew – Marriage (1)

 

bā‘al, lāqach, yāḇam, ‘’iššāh

 

Several Hebrew words are translated “married,” “marry,” or “marriage,” each of which provides insight into what this relationship should be biblically. One is bā‘al (H1166), which means “to marry, have dominion, or to rule over.” It is used, for example, to demonstrate political dominion (1Ch_4:22) as well as God’s dominion over His people (Isa_26:13), which in turn is pictured as a marriage (Jer_3:14). This does not mean a husband rules like a little Napoleon over his wife, rather that he leads in a godly way and cherishes her as his own body (Eph_5:25-29). It is used also in the contexts of both virginity (Isa_62:5) and adultery (Deu_22:22), the latter of which was punishable by death. These demonstrate that purity should be part of both the foundation and continuing structure of marriage.

 

Another word is lāqach (H3947), which is used more than one thousand times in a variety of ways. With the basic meaning “to take, to grasp, to take hold of,” it is used for Noah taking hold of the dove to bring it back into the ark (Gen_8:9), taking vengeance (Isa_47:3), or even figuratively for “taking on” commands, a metaphor for obedience (Pro_10:8). It is, therefore, easy to see the significance of taking a wife (Gen_25:1), as this word also includes the idea of keeping what one takes (Gen_14:21).

 

Another word is yāḇam (H2992), which specifically addresses the custom in the Mosaic Law called “levirate marriage” (Latin levir, “brother-in-law”), which required that upon his brother’s death, if there was not already a male heir, a man was to marry his brother’s wife so the family name could be passed on (Deu_25:5-10). Obviously, we have no such custom today, but it does at least illustrate the importance of having children.

 

One other word is ’iššāh (woman or “wife,” H802, February 5). It underscores that the woman is part of the man. God has instituted marriage to make two people into one person (Gen_2:24; Mar_10:6-8; Eph_5:31; 1Co_6:16) so they can function to the fullest. While God leads and empowers some Christians never to marry so they can more fully devote themselves to the Lord’s work (Mat_19:11-12; 1Co_7:7-9), the general rule is marriage. Let us each cherish the one-person relationship God has given us.

 

Scriptures for Study: There was much Scripture mentioned in today’s study. Read those verses that particularly interest you, and consider the critical importance of marriage.

 

 

 

He Is Coming!

 

Revelation 1:7

 

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen,” Revelation 1:7.

 

 

One, hot, August day Joe sat on the porch looking down the dusty road—waiting. His dad had gone on a business trip but was due home any moment. Joe did not act very nicely while his dad was away. He disrespected his mother, terrified his sister and his mom had warned him many times to behave politely—he did not listen to the warnings and now he knew the consequences that faced him. Suddenly, he saw a cloud of dust rising from the road—daddy is coming home.

 

Many people are like Joe. The gospel has been preached, and they have turned a deaf ear. The Bible is made available in every form possible and yet, they do not read it. A witness of His salvation has told them personally but they mock and laugh. They must face the consequences of their choice. The clouds are gathering—Jesus is coming.

 

My friend, do not be like Joe. This is your warning—Jesus is coming again. Do not turn away from the message of salvation. Do not spend your Sundays, leisurely, as you please. Come to Jesus as He pleads. Do not laugh or mock when family, friends, or even strangers tell you about the only begotten Son. Believe. He is coming again, and that day will not be a happy day if you do not heed the warning.

 

 

Reflection

 

Jesus is coming in the clouds on that day. It will be a sad, sad day for many people when their loved ones are gone and they alone remain.

 

Beverly Barnett

 

 

02 – January 02 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST

 

Johann Gerhard Oncken

Baptists go to Germany

1884 – Johann Gerhard Oncken, the “Apostle of the German Baptists,” finished his course, and went home to be with His Lord. As a young Lutheran he had left his native Germany for England to serve an apprenticeship under a devout Presbyterian tradesman. He treasured his Bible, but it was only after a serious accident, and a near death encounter, that brought him to salvation in Christ after hearing a rousing sermon in a Methodist church. Immediately he desired to be a missionary and from that day he became a witness for Christ. He was sent to Germany by the British Continental Society. He united with the English Reformed Church and set out for Hamburg, Germany, but the German State Church for bid him to preach. He became an agent of the Edinburg Bible Society. During his lifetime he distributed over two million copies of the scriptures. Upon the arrival of his first child he began to question infant baptism and after studying His Bible, he longed to be immersed himself, but had to wait five years before he could. In time he found the Rev. Barnas Sears, an American studying in Germany. On April 22, 1834, seven believers were immersed at night in the river Elbe near Hamburg. This became the First Baptist Church in modern Germany, and Oncken became their pastor. Within four years churches were begun in Berlin, Oldenburg, and Stuttgart. In May of 1840, he was arrested and cast into prison, for the first, of what was to become numerous imprisonments. But the opposition merely caused spiritual advancement by the Baptists. Oncken’s work spread into Denmark, the Netherland’s, as well as Lithuania, Switzerland, Poland, and Russia. In 1860, Germany passed a law granting religious freedom. The Hamburg church seated 1400 people.
Dr. Greg J. Dixon, Adapted from: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins Thompson /, pp. 02-03

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No Stumbling Block

 

Romans 14:13

 

“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way,” Romans 14:13.

 

 

Paul joins the idea of judging a brother to putting a stumbling block in one’s way. Paul was writing to people aware of the arguments over holy days and eating meat offered to idols which could be bought cheaper in the market place.

 

If we cannot do something without worrying about it, it’s best not to do it. If we violate our conscience, that is sin. Often the things that make us feel guilty have nothing to do with morals, but are merely preferences foisted upon us by the culture that raised us. “Stumblingblock” comes from the Greek word scandalon from which we get scandal.

 

Jesus taught that if the Bible doesn’t clearly forbid something, and it is not harmful, illegal or immoral, don’t make a big deal out of it. “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you” (1 Cor. 11:15-19).

 

When people go to church to find fault and squabble with worshipers, God does not take it lightly.

 

 

Just Saying

 

When the king is coming to town and you come across stumbling stones in the road, cast them to the side and straighten up the place …that you may be found in love at His appearing.

 

Robert Brock