HOW DO PEOPLE START ATTENDING CHURCH?

 
 
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 A friend Invited Me – 86%
 Organized Visitation – 6%
 Invited by the Pastor – 6%
 Advertising – 2% 

NEEDED: B’NAI HASSEPHER

William Andrew Dillard

HEBREW HONEYCOMB
NEEDED: B’NAI HASSEPHER

B’NAI HASSEPHER: these are Hebrew words that translate “Sons of the Book.” The need of such is underscored as the world races pell-mell to a grand finale, and as pressure increases in churches, and among pastors to be politically correct, non-offensive, and heavily involved in religious social activities. Could it be described as a dumbing down of the churches in general? Little attention beyond a spiritual salvation emphasis is given to folks from the book. Think about it!
It is lamentable that such an obvious gap exists between modern ministers and those of a generation or two gone by. The former ones were B’NAI HASSEPHER, “Sons of the Book,” much more concerned with the unity, harmony, and symmetry of the Holy Book being set forth than a psychology lesson on how to win friends and influence people to enhance a religiously social group. While it is laudable that the basic tenants of the gospel are still oft presented in most of our churches, it may also be heard in any number of others churches that would be regarded heretical otherwise. One may attend any number of worship services nowadays and leave wondering what he may have heard that he would not have heard in several denominational churches. It is comparable to one excitedly hogging all the milk possible, but never having access to meat.
In a large number of preachers (about 500) I heard a young college graduate extol in psychological terms how pastors should benefit from increased membership in their churches. After so long a time, an older minister arose and loudly asked, “Is the Bible not still our rule of faith and practice?” Upon hearing that affirmed, he went on to reply, “Well, then, isn’t all of this just a bunch of foolishness?” It was! But there are too few who understand that today, and fewer who dare to stand up strongly to it.
A number of years ago, a fellow pastor of a fairly large church confided in me that he was going to leave the ministry. Somewhat shocked, I asked why. He replied that he had preached all the sermons he could find in the book, and was tired of repeating himself. Incredible! His inability, or unwillingness to study THE BOOK and believe what he found, then prepare it for a scrumptious meal for his congregation led him to the inevitable sickness produced by formal rituals and stale tables.
In times such as these, there is a crying need for true spiritual refreshment and nourishment that can come only from hearts submitted to God, and minds studied up on His Word! Let social religion be for modernists. I appeal to all who take the name of our Lord unto themselves to labor to actually become B’NAI HASSEPHER, SONS OF THE BOOK! Let it be underscored that when it is time to cross the bar from which no traveler returns, the only thing one can take with him is what he believes. One cannot believe what he does not know. Thus, the pursuit, and sharing, of spiritual knowledge should be the prime directive of us all.

Elder James S. Coleman

Source: Elder James S. Coleman

Late Night Musings:

September 8, 2015    Dose of Reality    by Joseph Harris       Number 322    

                                                            

Comments on Current Events in Government, Religion, Culture, and the Family, from a Conservative Biblical Perspective

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 The glamor boy in the average pulpit of today will always be adored, promoted and emulated for the fluff and flattery that continually falls from his lips. The modern day prophet, however(and there are few) better get used to disappointment, if he sticks with “Thus saith the Lord.” He will be misused, misunderstood and misquoted by the masses in today’s church of Laodicea. Loneliness and rejection will be his lot as he eats the bread of misery and frustration. Ask Jeremiah.

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Dose of Reality is written by Joseph Harris and the content sometimes contains sarcasm and humor for emphasis of truth.

All material in Dose of Reality (including writings and quotes from Brother Ritechus N. Dignation) is original, unless otherwise indicated. Original material may be republished and quoted without prior permission, but only verbatim and with Joseph Harris andwww.josephharrismagic.com/rnd included for credit.

PASTOR, PASTORS, POPES, AND DEACONS

William Andrew Dillard

HEBREW HONEYCOMB
PASTOR, PASTORS, POPES, AND DEACONS
Much that is made in history over strict orthodoxy in the church both in practice and in names seems to be falling by the wayside in the modern dumbing down of churches through what seems to be endless expansion of definition of terms. I reference primarily the term “pastor.” Are you ready to think with me? Please do!
An illustration of the subject matter at hand is the recent abandonment of the office of Pope by the head of the Catholic Church. According to them, he is the vicar of Christ, successor, of the apostle Peter. That title designates a single authoritative individual succeeding the previous one at death. . . . until now. So, the Pope decided for whatever reason, he did not want to be Pope any longer. A new one must be elected, but the former one is still alive and so designated as that successor. Now there are two living popes. Confusing? Rather! But this is an illustration. On the other hand, what is going on in the Lord’s churches?
A New Testament church has two divinely created offices: pastor and deacon. God calls men into the gospel ministry qualifying them to be the pastor of one of His churches. Churches select men (deacons) to serve them in various capacities as they have need. This has been the biblical and time honored status for the past two thousand years, but things appear to be changing in many churches.
Nowadays, some churches, large or small, have weakened the meaning and exclusiveness of “pastor” by designating others not having a life calling of God to that office as a youth pastor, a seniors’ pastor, a worship pastor (song leader), perhaps a nursery pastor, as well as a senior pastor who usually is the God-called minister and spiritual leader, but not always senior in age. The stripping or expanding of the strict definition of a church pastor to include most any and everything surely lends much deterioration to the meaning and respect of the office and office holder. This usually emanates from a desire to exceed Bible elevation of those who serve in various ministries of the church or else from a desire to lessen the exclusiveness of the God-called leader or both, and it is not good (strange as it seems, this practice makes some unseasoned pastors feel important). Soon every Sunday School Teacher will be known as a “Class Pastor” which leaves only the folks in the pews. Surely they will become known as “Pew Pastors.” If a title must be bestowed on those who serve the church who are not the God-called, spiritual leader, then what is wrong with “deacon?” It is a good, biblical word and it literally means “servant.” It would be so much more fitting and honorable to them who are not called of God into a separate life of spiritual leadership as is a God-called pastor, but are so selected by the church that they serve which may define the description and duration of their duties. But then, what is the real purpose in any action such as this multi-pastor title in the first place? Doubtless, every extra-scriptural action consistently yields increased, undesirable, and possibly unscriptural results. Chalk this writer up as a voice of old-school Baptists.

278 – Oct. 05 – This Day in Baptist History Past

278 – Oct. 05 – This Day in Baptist History Past

America owes a great debt to these men

Elisha Rich was ordained to preach the gospel and take the pastoral care of the Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Baptist church on October 05, 1774. He used his skills as a blacksmith, gunsmith, farmer, and bookkeeper to sustain his family. Persecution was to be expected, and he suffered “no little rough opposition.  His livestock was injured and the pulpit in the meetinghouse was set to fall when he ascended it, and he was otherwise harassed; but those hearty souls persevered, and the work of God expanded. By the nineteenth century the overt opposition had all but ended, but the same determination was revealed in the lives of Baptist pastors. The population had increased, and now many of the men of God found themselves responsible for overseeing the ministries of three or four scattered congregations. They continued to support their families, but now their ministerial responsibilities were multiplied. Such a man was Christopher Columbus Metcalf, born on March 10, 1855, and ministered the Word faithfully for 52 years. C.C. Metcalf served as a circuit-riding pastor in the hills of Kentucky and had the care of four churches. He farmed during the week and on Saturday at noon he mounted his horse and rode to his first church. Most of the churches had services Saturdaynight and Sunday as well, for they had services on only one Sunday. The pastor would prepare lessons for a deacon to teach the other three Sundays. The next Saturday he would go in a different direction until each church had been visited each month. America owes a great debt to these men who invested their lives in this manner.

Dr. Greg J. Dixon: From: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins/Thompson, pp. 413-14.

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277 – Oct. 04 – This Day in Baptist History Past

A barren wilderness produces a fruitful preacher

John Peck’s youngest son Linus Peck died on October 04, 1847 having given himself to the care of an ailing brother in the faith, but contracting the disease, he joined his dear mother who had gone to be with the Lord shortly before. It was some of the many trials that Peck had to endure through a long and successful ministry.  John Peck was born on Oct. 31, 1789, in Stanford, New   York as the fifth son and eighth child of John and Sarah Peck. When he was 15 his father moved into a part of the state that was almost an unbroken wilderness. These primitive conditions demanded constant hard labor of John and his brothers and deprived him of an early education. His mother was a Baptist who taught him to pray and inspired him with a love of the Bible and an eager desire for knowledge. Upon attaining adulthood he purchased a small farm and continued to invest a portion of his time in labor and a systematic course of study. After making a profession of faith, Peck was baptizedAugust 25. 1798, and became a member of the newly found Baptist church at Norwich,N.Y. at 18 years of age.  Shortly he began to preach as a licentiate and was married to Sarah Ferris, a daughter of Deacon Israel Ferris and sister to Elder Jonathan Ferris of the Baptist Church at Norwich. In 1804 John became pastor of the Baptist church at Cazenovia, N.Y., where he saw great revivals and in gatherings of large numbers of converts.  From 1839 to 1847, he reported that he had traveled 26,840 miles, received support for the society (Baptist Home Missions Society), assisted pastors and preached revivals. He was truly conformed to the image of His Savior.

Dr. Greg J. Dixon: From: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins/Thompson, pp. 411-12.

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265 – Sept. 22 – This Day in Baptist History Past

 

The pastor had, perhaps, plunged a thousand in the creek

 Elder Devin, the Pastor of the Grassy Creek Baptist Church of Granville County, N.C. baptized fifty ‘happy’ converts on Sept. 22, 1850 in that noble stream, by the same name, that flows by the church. The church historian claimed that the pastor had, perhaps, plunged a thousand in the creek in the same manner. Grassy Creek church had spawned many other churches and itself had existed in its purity for more than a century since its inception by Shubael Stearns and Daniel Marshall in 1757 shortly after they arrived from New England. Grassy Creek planted small groups for Bible study throughout a forty-mile area that ultimately grew into churches. They also believed in “protracted” or lengthy meetings. One such meeting in 1775 garnered eighteen souls by membership through baptism. Large crowds would gather to see these baptismal services which were great testimonies to the grace of God in themselves. Grassy Creek church also maintained a great interest in missions at home and abroad. And the congregation was never lured away by entertainment more than involvement, having “itching ears.” [Robert I. Devin, A History of Grassy Creek Baptist Church (Raleigh, N. C.: Edwards, Broughton & Co., 1880), p, 70.

Dr. Greg J. Dixon: From: This Day in Baptist History II: Cummins and Thompson,   pp. 519-21.

 

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241 – August 29 – This Day in Baptist History Past

 

The first Baptist missions society in America

Dr. Thomas Baldwin on August 29, 1802, co-authored the call for the establishment of the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society. In 1803 he became editor of the “Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Magazine” and served until his death. Dr. Baldwin received a letter from Adoniram Judson in February, 1813 in which he wrote, “Should there be formed a Baptist Society for the support of missions in these parts, I shall be ready to consider myself their missionary!” Baldwin immediately invited several leading pastors from Mass. to meet and confer on the matter. The result was the organization of a temporary society to assist the Judson’s until such time the Baptists nationally could rally forces for the undertaking. Ultimately, with the formation of “The General Missionary Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the U.S. for Foreign Missions,” Dr. Baldwin served as secretary. Thomas Baldwin was born on Dec. 23, 1753, in Bozrah, CT. When he was 17, he received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and soon declared in favor of Baptist doctrine. He severed ties with his denomination in which he had been raised and therefore many of his friends severed ties with him. Upon moving to Canaan, NH, Baldwin, though young was chosen to represent his village as a legislator in the General Court of the State. However in due time he surrendered for the ministry and on June 11, 1783, Baldwin was ordained and for seven years pastored the Baptist church in Canaan, CT. In 1790 he was installed as pastor of the 2nd Baptist Church of Boston, Mass. A great revival broke out under his leadership with 212 added in 1803.

Dr. Greg J. Dixon: From: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins/Thompson, pp. 356-57.

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240 – August 28 – This Day in Baptist History Past

 

He served over seventy years in the ministry

Anderson Moffett was born in Fauquier County, Virginia on August 28, 1746. David Thomas who had come to Virginia originally from the old Philadelphia Baptist Association had planted the Broad Run Church in that County when Moffett was but a youth. Many of the Regular Baptists of Northern Virginia had caught their fire from Thomas who they often referred to as Old Father Thomas.” He fired their souls while establishing them in sound doctrine without quenching their evangelistic zeal. Moffett was converted at an early age and began to preach when he was 17. His age is not known when he was imprisoned in Culpeper. There is only verbal evidence that this happened because all of Anderson’s records were destroyed by fire when he was an aged man, and too weak to rewrite them. His nephew Judge W.W. Moffett gave testimony that his father told him personally of the account of his uncle Anderson Moffett’s jailing for not taking a license to preach, and gave the date as the latter half of 1885 or the first part of 1886. He gave this testimony on Dec. 21, 1923. His father showed him where the Culpeper jail stood. The Culpeper Baptist Church moved to a new location and still stood as of 1993. Moffett was imprisoned along with many other young preachers in that jail. He was there when someone attempted to suffocate them by burning an Indian pepper plant under the jail floor. This incident evidently did not affect his health. God gave Moffett over seventy years of ministry, ending in his 89th year after he had served Smith’s Creek Regular Baptist Church for over fifty years.

Dr. Greg J. Dixon: From: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins/Thompson, pp. 355-56.

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